Posts by Nicholaus Kopernicus

30

JW Broadcasting reeks of desperation

by oldskool in

again, i'm a decade removed from the faith.

i'm catching up now, and can't believe what i'm seeing.. i get that jw leadership faced a dilemma.

there is no intellectual apparatus within the faith.

Nicholaus Kopernicus

Thank you Oldskool. Found your blog helpful. I cannot bring myself to watch any of the videos. I find the GB to be quite odious fellows and "bad associates" which I just avoid. However, your appraisal of their functioning is quite insightful. Of the GB, their videos etc, I am reminded of the following...

"It is better to keep your mouth shut and appear stupid than open it and remove all doubt." Mark Twain

That's the only advice I have for the GB!

32

Are Witnesses really "Bible Students"?

by stuckinarut2 in

we were always told that as witnesses we were "sincere bible students".... carefully examining the scriptures.. yes, we were indeed taught much about the content of the bible, it's history, prophecies etc..... but it was always from one perspective....that of the society.

when the society changed its interpretations, we had to do the same..... so were we really "bible students", or "society students"?.

just a thought.....

Nicholaus Kopernicus

JW's are students of Watchtower literature - as I was. Now I am a Bible student but without the vignette of WT publications. I spend much more time on the teachings of Christ - something minimised by JW's as their focus is on WT publications.

28

My JW Articles

by Salutaris in

hey there, .

i have an apologetics website, and i've recently posted three articles on jw doctrine.

i was wondering if you all could make suggestions to improve them, or for new content.

Nicholaus Kopernicus

WT bought the sole rights to the Emphatic Diaglott. I guess this is due to several occasions in the text where Kyrios is translated as Jehovah.

Got my copy via cong lit desk. It's also downloadable to the JW App.

42

What Are the Top JW Issues That Just Burn Your Buns the Most?

by Wild_Thing in

jw
friends

which ones make you the maddest?

covering up of abuse, shunning, failed end of world predictions?.

my list is long and heavy, but the top 3 that set me off the most are:.

Nicholaus Kopernicus

The systemic and breath taking arrogance which permeates the organisation so thoroughly.

The organisation excells in its arrogance and controlling strategies so well that they have a marketable service and don't realise it. For example, the WTBTS / GBoJW could enter into a contract with the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to provide an enhanced level of training to their Saudi Muttawa (spiritual police). After all, BoE's function as Saudi Muttawa - they're just better at it!

28

My JW Articles

by Salutaris in

hey there, .

i have an apologetics website, and i've recently posted three articles on jw doctrine.

i was wondering if you all could make suggestions to improve them, or for new content.

Nicholaus Kopernicus

Very nice and stimulating read Salutaris. Like the way you reason using the NWT and the KIT. Being able to refer to your articles (I have bookmarked them) and discuss, reflect upon them is a good example of being free as a Christian should be. Why not consider incorporating references using the Emphatic Diaglott too?

5

CLAM & MWB - July 2016

by Nicholaus Kopernicus in

following cited on page six: of ps 75:4, 5, 10—what is signified by the term “horn”?

the horns of an animal are a powerful weapon.

hence, the term “horn” figuratively denotes power, or strength.

Nicholaus Kopernicus

Good observation Designer Stubble. I was discussing the graphic icons at the foot of page 5 with my wife - especially the 2n icon derived from Psalm 72:12. The icon states that "The poor will be rescued". For examples of such presently, I had to refer to the Church of England (food banks) and the Salvation Army (soup kitchens, day centres, homeless persons' hostels). However, neither of us could cite examples of WT works in imitation of Jesus (feeding odf thousands for exxample). No not one example. So again, your observation(s) are spot on!

5

CLAM & MWB - July 2016

by Nicholaus Kopernicus in

following cited on page six: of ps 75:4, 5, 10—what is signified by the term “horn”?

the horns of an animal are a powerful weapon.

hence, the term “horn” figuratively denotes power, or strength.

Nicholaus Kopernicus

Following cited on page six: of Ps 75:4, 5, 10—What is signified by the term “horn”? The horns of an animal are a powerful weapon. Hence, the term “horn” figuratively denotes power, or strength. Jehovah raises up the horns of his people, causing them to be exalted, whereas he ‘cuts down the horns of the wicked ones.’ We are warned against ‘exalting our horn on high’ in that we should not take on a proud or arrogant attitude. Since Jehovah does the exalting, assignments of responsibility in the congregation are to be viewed as coming from him.—Psalm 75:7.
WT 7/15 11 para 2 (in MWB 7/16 page 6)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 For exaltation does not come
From the east or the west or the south.
7 For God is Judge.
He puts one man down and exalts another.
Psalm 75:6,7

Appointed men in the congregation – We should be submissive to those whom Jehovah appoints to take the lead.
(7/16 MWB page 6)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Change of emphasis in reinforcing/protecting BoE. Hitherto, we have been saturated with the Hebrews 13:17obey dogma and repeatedly been told that elders are appointed by the Holy Spirit. Now the language is getting more direct in that the July MWB on page 6 says that “Jehovah’s works include appointing humble men to care for his congregation” and “We should be submissive to those whom Jehovah appoints to take the lead.”

This has the duality of reinforcing the status of the GB in that they are the ones who draft the policies and protocols regarding the appointment of elders. Increasingly, I am beginning to see the writing committee’s use of Almighty God’s name as nom de plume for the GB. I would opine that they are actually abusing God’s name rather than keeping it “hallowed” as Jesus exemplified (Matt 6:9). It is also using God’s name to legitimize JW’s being unwitting men pleasers (Eph 6:6; Col 3:22)

How can one be a JW elder who is appointed by Jehovah if that same elder holds WT teaching in primacy rather than making sure he is “holding firmly to the faithful word as respects his [art of] teaching....”? (Titus 1:9)

Truly, the GB and it’s writing/teaching committee are making it very difficult to attend the midweek meetings. Helps me understand why there has always tended to be a trough in the midweek meeting attendance compared with the weekend meetings. Whilst there are almost certainly other issues (work & tiredness), yet the appalling quality of MWB penmanship is such that it may be making a bad situation worse. So I think I’ll be giving the July midweek meetings a miss! MWB contents not at all motivating. Not something I want to listen to nor watch. Video's are ghastly. So little time is given to the Bible at JW meetings nowadays! Time would be better spent at home with only God’s Word in front of me.

9

CLAM - 24th March 2016 (Video Vignette)

by Nicholaus Kopernicus in

video - "use insight when comforting others"this was a wt contrived video of a sister who was widowed a year ago, and turns to members of the boe after a meeting in the kingdom hall in a distraught emotional state accompanied by suicidal thoughts.

two members of the boe saw her in her own home later that day.she conveyed that she wanted her life back - that her heart had been ripped out.

the elder acknowledges that "you and dan had a wonderful relationship".

Nicholaus Kopernicus

Good evening millie210

You mention overworked and stresssed out elders. A good point. For an individual to be able to help another such as the sister in the video vignette, that elder would need to be aware of the magnitude of the role he is about to engage in. That elder also needs to be self-aware. If he is overworked and stressed out he is at risk of polluting the interface with the sister by inadvertently off loading his own problems, or by missing vital cues. Even although the elders in the vignette did not look at all overworked or stressed out, nevertheless they did not attend to some of the issues the sister raised. But, they're not mental health professionals and on the one hand they might be excused for their omission. On the other hand they might not be excused as they're supposed to be models of modesty, which also includes knowing their limitations! If elders don't know their limitations, then it would be good if congregation members came to be aware of same and avoided approaching the elders if possible. One last point is that health professionals are bound to confidentiality codes which elders are not! I personally would share nothing with BoEs!

9

CLAM - 24th March 2016 (Video Vignette)

by Nicholaus Kopernicus in

video - "use insight when comforting others"this was a wt contrived video of a sister who was widowed a year ago, and turns to members of the boe after a meeting in the kingdom hall in a distraught emotional state accompanied by suicidal thoughts.

two members of the boe saw her in her own home later that day.she conveyed that she wanted her life back - that her heart had been ripped out.

the elder acknowledges that "you and dan had a wonderful relationship".

Nicholaus Kopernicus

Good evening LostGeneration:

I read your link to your OP. I was quite surprised (but I know I shouldn't have been) to see that the advice to BoEs in cases of suicide/threatened/attempted is to make contact with their legal desk. Such advice is the hallmark of a cold fish. This further augments my opinion that it is best for distressed individuals to obtain help from other than BoEs. As you say - they just don't get it. Both then at the time of your OP, and now! They are not learning anything!

9

CLAM - 24th March 2016 (Video Vignette)

by Nicholaus Kopernicus in

video - "use insight when comforting others"this was a wt contrived video of a sister who was widowed a year ago, and turns to members of the boe after a meeting in the kingdom hall in a distraught emotional state accompanied by suicidal thoughts.

two members of the boe saw her in her own home later that day.she conveyed that she wanted her life back - that her heart had been ripped out.

the elder acknowledges that "you and dan had a wonderful relationship".

Nicholaus Kopernicus

Video - "Use Insight When Comforting Others"

This was a WT contrived video of a sister who was widowed a year ago, and turns to members of the BoE after a meeting in the kingdom hall in a distraught emotional state accompanied by suicidal thoughts. Two members of the BoE saw her in her own home later that day.

She conveyed that she wanted her life back - that her heart had been ripped out. The elder acknowledges that "You and Dan had a wonderful relationship". The elder went on to describe how Joseph's father continued weeping for his son. He then added that Jehovah would ocntinue to support the sister, and one way this support is manifest is by means of the BoE! For the purpose of this video vignette, the elder was named Bro Shephard! The video showed two of the BoE seeking verses and a magazine preparatory to the home visit, to strengthen the distraught sister to be an integrity keeper.

When meeting at the sister's home, she disclosed that she had troubles with the house, and that she didn't want to go on any more. She stated that she was minded to turn on the car ignition in the garage and end it all. The elder briefly acknowledged her depression and related how Job was a target of Satan. The sister stated that Job was not as messed up as I am. The elder then read Job 6:2,3. He highlighted Job's "wild talk". Elder comparing this "wild talk" to the sister's disclosure of self harm via the car in the garage. The elder stated that an integrity keeper doesn't give in to "wild thoughts". He appealed to the sister to treat such a pattern as an immoral thought. He advised the sister to repeatedly recite that she is an integrity keeper.

The elder then moved on to sciptural verses for grief, and referred to Jeremiah 29:11,12. He stressed that the focus should be on future hopes and not calamity. He gave the sister an asignment to memorise and repeat the two verses out loud. The sister then rose up to get cookies to accompany the elders' coffee.

OPINION:
The CLAM brochure under the heading "Living as Christians" gave the following instructions... "...invite comments on how the two brothers were good examples of how to give encouragement when someone expresses anguish over the death of a loved one." The purpose of the video vignette therefore seems to be another in the example of the GBoJW endeavouring to augment the hegemony of BoE's with the implicit message of distressed individuals approaching the BoE solely. In the brochure, and in the video, there is no mention whatever of what point a distressed individual may need to arrive at in then obtaining professional help. No guidance for BoE about the application of modesty on their part and thus offering the sister practical help in approaching professional services, rather than seeking to manage the situation themselves. The visiting elders did not explore with the sister, her disclosure of wanting her life back and that her heart had been ripped out. No catharsis whatever! A significant omission.

The sister in the vignette, not only had suicidal thoughts, but also a plan to carry out the thought (indication of intent). That the BoE then respond in the realm of morality only serves to magnify any feelings of guilt held by the sister and could enhance risk rather than mitigate it. The sister briefly mentioned problems with her house - this was not responded to at all. Another omission. The elders entering into the realms of morality is an act of judgementalism and cruelty. This sister is living on her own, lost her husband a year previously and is in a situation where her mental state is deteriorating due to issues not being assuaged or otherwise being in receipt of help. The approach of the two elders was a missed opportunity. That the video does not contextualise the risk (distress, loss, isolation) to show that the risk of self harm is significant, is an indication of incompetence to put it mildly.

Were the sister to have been encouraged and supported to obtain professional help, she would have been offered a thorough assessment, crisis support, counselling, treatment, social support with the house difficulties alluded to, and bereavement counselling. She would have been in receipt of frequent and supportive visits by knowledgeable and trained persons. A plan would have been agreed to assuage her isolation. She may even have been offered several days supportive respite care by an organisation specialising in helping individuals in a state of suicidal crisis.

That the GBoJW has hitherto shown this video at the elders "school" as a template for adequate response is deeply worrying to all professionals who are mental health / psychiatric professionals. It mirrors the unspoken disdain which the GBoJW seems to have for public health and welfare services in that a victim of child abuse is never advised to seek help from child welfare departments. This vignette of a suicidal sister similarly seems to reinforce the idea that such crises be managed "in house" so to speak.

The vignette also assumes competence on the part of the BoE to deal with such a complex, traumatic, and risky situation. It assumes that the behavioural profile of the BoE is one in which individuals would have the confidence and trust to approach them in a distraught state. This is far far removed from my experience. It would be the course of wisdom for elders to acknowledge their limitiations and support individuals in gaining professional help rather than abandoning modesty and seeking to resolve issues themselves. After all, elders are not trained mental health / psychiatric professionals as a WT put it some years ago!

Lastly, when comments from the audience were invited at my congregation, I noted the paucity of hands and the brevity of those who did answer. Perhaps a statement of sorts was being made!