En Elder deler sine ærlige udtalelser
2 August 2009
Ved "Shadow ældste"
Før jeg udtrykke min mening for læserne og bidragydere til denne hjemmeside ( www.ex-jw.com ), vil jeg gerne forklare, hvem jeg er og til at præsentere mine god tro som en person kvalificeret til at kommentere på denne hjemmeside og Jehovas Vidner generelt .
Først og fremmest er jeg en aktiv Jehovas Vidne bor lige uden for New York City. At være en stor metropol, 
New York har mange Kingdom Halls placeret i byen og flere i omkringliggende kommuner, amter og forstæder. Dette sætter mig lige ved siden af Brooklyn Betel hovedkvarter, i et område, hvor Jehovas Vidner er ganske aktive og godt repræsenteret i den lokale befolkning. Hvis du ønsker at vide, hvad gennemsnittet Jehovas Vidner tænker, vil New York og New England være et godt sted at starte.
Jeg er i mine tidlige 50'erne, gift, med fire voksne sønner. Min kone og jeg ejer vores hjem, og jeg kører en ældre fire-dørs japansk sedan - en perfekt bil til brug for field service. Jeg arbejder som manager for et nationalt selskab forbundet til fødevareindustrien servicesektoren. Jeg tjener en anstændig løn, men vi er langt fra at være rig. Vi får ved, men det kan være meget dyrt, der bor i en storby, selv når dine behov er beskedent.
Jeg har været et Jehovas Vidne for det meste af mit liv. Mine forældre var Jehovas Vidner og forblev trofast i Sandheden, indtil de døde for nogle år siden. Min far foregav at være af den salvede klassen - min mor gjorde det ikke. Jeg er blevet valgt som en ældre og har holdt ministerielle tjenestepiger og overvåger stillinger på flere Kingdom Halls.
Nu hvor jeg har forklaret, hvem jeg er, vil jeg gerne dele nogle af mine observationer og udtalelser, ikke kun om dette websted og andre, men også om de holdninger mange nuværende og tidligere Jehovas Vidner.
Jeg tror, at læserne af denne artikel, bør overveje, at det er en "komme til Jesus øjeblik" for os alle. Forhåbentlig når jeg er færdig med at vi alle se lyset, erkender de fejl af vores veje, og tage en ny tilgang til at hoppe ind på de igangværende debatter i løbet af de lære og livsstil af Jehovas Vidner.
Debat på Vagttårnet lære
Jeg er klar som en ældre, at jeg taler imod selve opbygningen jeg prøver at trofast repræsentere, men jeg synes personligt, at det styrende organ er forkert ved at lære, at kun, hvad de lærer os, som trykt i Vagttårnet publikationer, bør anses for at være "sandheden." De har gjort udtryk for personlige meninger eller gruppe debatter over deres officielle versioner af bibelske sandheder genstand for disciplinære sanktioner - som ofte fører til nogen bliver udstødt.
Det er derfor, jeg føler, at jeg skal holde min egen identitet lidt anonym. Jeg føler ikke, at løse problemer i organisationen bør straffes, så længe det sker med gode hensigter og et ærligt hjerte, men det er den måde, tingene er på dette tidspunkt. Indtil Jehova ændrer hjerter og forståelse i det styrende organ gennem hans Hellige Ånd og kærlighed til hans Vidner på Jorden, vil jeg ikke min familie til at lide, fordi jeg ønsker at tale ud. Jeg er ikke klar til det. Jeg er ikke sikker på at jeg nogensinde vil være parat til at forlade sandheden.
At være en trofast vidne for Jehova, ifølge bestyrelsen, skal du acceptere, hvad de underviser uden tvivl og uden debat. Jeg personligt kender flere gode og ellers trofaste brødre og søstre, som har forladt organisationen eller er blevet udstødt, fordi de ærligt spørgsmålstegn blot nogle få detaljer i Vagttårnet har doktrinære lære.
Jeg personligt er uenig med flere af de nuværende lære af Vagttårnet. Min faste overbevisning er, at mens vi forsøger at sprede den gode nyhed om Jehovas rige og forsøger at leve et eksemplarisk kristen livsstil, ikke alt i Vagttårnet er helt korrekt. Mit valg, i hvert fald på dette tidspunkt, er at holde mine meninger for mig selv ved tilstedeværelse af andre Jehovas Vidner og håber, at Helligånden rydder op, hvad fejl, vi kan være undervisning som yngre, mere eftertænksom og kærlig mændene tage lederskab af Jehovas jordiske organisation. Når det er sagt, har jeg nogle alvorlige problemer med troværdigheden af den nuværende ledelse af Vagttårnsselskabet.
Jehovas Vidner - Proclaimers af Guds rige Bogen beskriver processen med at opnå fuld forståelse af sandheden, som ind i et mørkt rum og lade lyset skinne klarere gradvist, indtil rummet er helt oplyst. Samtidig skrev de, "... Sandheden er fortsat sandheden. Jehovas vilje og formål, som beskrevet i Bibelen, forbliver fast ... Men deres [WT organisationens] forståelse af disse sandheder bliver gradvist klarere 'på det rigtige tidspunkt, "Jehovas rettidigt."
Det giver ingen mening, at ærlig debat om sandheden af visse overbevisninger kan behandles som en synd mod Helligånden, mens den endelige version af "sandheden" er stadig at blive fintunet. Efter alt om, hvad styrelsesorganet STEMMEVÆGTNINGEN nye lære vil blive offentliggjort eller præsenteres på vores forsamlinger. Betyder det, at deres debatter og afstemninger er også en synd mod Helligånden? Hvis det styrende organ, handler under inspiration af Helligånden, skal ikke alle deres stemmer være enstemmige? Er dem, der stemte imod flertallet bliver påvirket af Satan? Efter afstemningen er taget, hvorfor skulle den pågældende undervisning nogensinde blive ændret på grund af "nyt lys"? Er det ikke Helligånden ved, hvad der er sandt og hvad er ikke? Eller Helligånden inspirere styrelsesråd til med vilje at offentliggøre urigtige oplysninger fra tid til anden - bare for at holde os off-kilter? Hele konceptet af det styrende organ bliver vejledt af Helligånden, er ærligt talt latterligt og utænkeligt.
Jeg føler, at Vagttårnsselskabet er helt forkert ved at holde denne understøttet position. Efter alt, er meget få af de lære Russell og Rutherford stadig anses for at være "sandheden." Hvor var det Helligånden, inden Rutherford død i 1942, tilbage, når næsten alle Vidne blev anset for at være medlem af den salvede rest? Hvem blev styrende ledelse af Vagttårnsselskabet dengang?
Jeg føler, at den eneste ærlige holdning, der skal træffes, er, at Vagttårnsselskabet er stadig, ligesom resten af os, at studere Bibelen og forsøger at finde den virkelige sandhed om Guds Ord. Indtil endelig er blevet opnået, hvis det nogensinde skulle komme til at passere, burde ærlig debat og personligt studium af Bibelen skal fremmes - ikke behandles som en handling, der fortjener straf og forvisning fra resten af Jehovas folk.
Understøttelse af Vagttårnet lære af den nuværende Jehovas Vidner
Som jeg læser de kommentarer afsnittene om dette og andre såkaldte "frafaldne" hjemmesider, ser jeg mange reaktioner, der er blevet forelagt af dem, der studerer eller anser sig selv for at være tro Jehovas Vidner. Min kommentar til dem er, at de kan gøre mere skade end gavn på den måde, de reagerer. Lad mig forklare:
Lær at skrive! Hvordan kan du støtte Vagttårnets standpunkt, at få en videregående uddannelse er spild af tid - tid bedre brugt i Kingdom service - hvis du ikke kan stave, punktformet, og udvikle en velovervejet tanke? For Jehovas skyld - lære at bruge din stavekontrol. Selv Yahoo og Google mail har indbygget stavekontrol. Før du sender din kommentar, skrive den i et tekstbehandlingsprogram eller som et udkast til en e-mail - så stavekontrol og grammatik tjekke det. Dine kommentarer behøver ikke at være perfekt, men at skrive som en uvidende 8-årige hillbilly ikke giver Jehova den gode repræsentation han fortjener. (Hvis du er enten en 8-årig eller en hillbilly, bedes du acceptere min undskyldning.)
Mange vidner vil benægte de faktiske omstændigheder i en historie, der er blevet udskrevet og derefter fremsætte erklæringer, der præsenteres oplysninger var usande, eller at artiklen forfatter løj. Tag begravelser for eksempel: Der har været mange beskrivelser af vidner begravelser på dette website og andre, især forbundet til Michael Jackson historier. Jeg må være ærlig med dig - de ganske præcist beskriver, hvad der sker på JW begravelse. Forfatteren på denne hjemmeside selv givet et link til en begravelse snak dispositionen som dokumentation. Hans beskrivelser, jeg er ked af at sige, var lige på mærket.
Jeg har givet begravelse foredrag, og har brugt en skitse, der er meget tæt på en vist på linket. Jeg har rådgivet familier, før snakken begyndte at du kontrollere sig selv og til at holde deres følelser, indtil et mere passende tidspunkt, helst i privatlivets fred i deres eget hjem. Hvis der var tildelt betjentene, fik de at vide at høfligt tys eller escort ud af enhver, der kan synes at miste kontrollen og forårsage en forstyrrelse.
Mest præcist beskrevet, blev det faktum, at højttaleren er meget begrænset, hvor meget han kan sige om den afdøde. Hvis familien insisterer på, så vi beder om, at de har yderligere mindesmærke præsentationer til efter snak er ovre, og de sørgende har undskyldt. Vi foreslår, at de håndtere disse erindringer i receptionen, eller i deres eget hjem senere, men ikke under begravelsen programmet.
Familien vil ofte bede om at spille en yndlingssang af den afdøde før eller efter snak. Hvis det er fra Kongeriget Song Book, så kunne vi lade det blive spillet. Hvis det var en verdslig sang eller instrumentale da jeg skulle til at afvise deres anmodning. Hvilke mulige skader på nogen kunne være resultatet af afspilningen af et smukt verdslig klassisk stykke eller film tema musik? Når søn af en afdød familiemedlem, en professionel musiker, bedt om at spille en sang af sin egen for sin fars begravelse - hans anmodning blev afvist. Jeg føler, at Vagttårnsselskabet gør sine medlemmer en alvorlig bjørnetjeneste ved ikke at tillade en trofast vidne til korrekt husket og sørgede.
Til et vidnesbyrd for adgang til denne, eller enhver anden hjemmeside, og derefter forsøge at benægte sandheden om hvad der virkelig sker i løbet af et vidne begravelse, en Vagttårnet undersøgelse en forsamling eller en konvention, eller hvad vi egentlig gør i løbet af field service - er i sig selv fremme en løgn. Hvad sker der, når nye folk rent faktisk kommer til rigssalen eller gå til en Witness begravelse og indse, at hvad der blev skrevet på en "frafalden" hjemmeside var virkelig sandheden - og at kommentarerne fra Jehovas Vidner var løgne?
Hvad med spørgsmålet om "skyr?" Som Jehovas Vidner vi alle ved, hvad samfundets regler handler om behandlingen af udstødt og distancerede tidligere medlemmer. For at få på en af disse hjemmesider og derefter nægter at vi skye nogen, især familie, er klart forvanske kendsgerningerne. Hvornår er målrettet fejlbogført af fakta ikke er en løgn?
Hvad med de faktiske omstændigheder den fejlslagne profeti fra 1975? At sige, at Vagttårnet "aldrig sagt, at Armageddon ville komme i 1975" er også en uærlig og vildledende udsagn. Der er udskrevet bevis, YouTube-videoer, og publicerede artikler i de store aviser og foreningens egne publikationer, som viser, at 1975 var det centrale tema i næsten hver eneste bog, et blad og offentlige taler fra 1968 til 1975. Jeg var meget aktiv på det tidspunkt, og jeg kender sandheden. Hvad opnår du ved at benægte det og sige, at det aldrig er sket?
Så vær ærlig overfor dig selv. Er du virkelig gøre det rigtige ved at fornægte sandheden? Hvilket indtryk gør, at efterlader med dem, der er på hegnet omkring slutter sig til os i forkyndte den gode nyhed? Er det ikke bedre at tie end at fornægte sandheden? Har Jehova virkelig har brug for eller ønsker du at lyve for at beskytte hans jordiske organisation? Kan vi ikke erkende sandheden af vore tidligere fejltagelser og bare komme videre?
Kritikere af Vagttårnet - Er du være ærlig omkring dine motiver?
På et eller andet tidspunkt har jeg nok set de fleste af de såkaldte "frafaldne" hjemmesider. Jeg må sige, at langt de fleste af dem er junk - dårligt skrevet, vred, og latterlige. Mange hjemmesider er dårligt lagt ud, svær at læse, og out-of-date. Har du nogensinde prøver at læse en sætning i 10-punkts typen, der går klart hen over hele siden på en wide-screen skærm? Mange ex-Vidner tilsyneladende følt behov for at komme online og offentliggøre deres vrede tirader i et forsøg på at skade Vagttårnet og gøre Jehovas Vidner ligne fjolser. Efter et stykke tid mistet interessen og aldrig opdateres eller moderniseret deres hjemmesider. Mit forslag til disse personer er bare at tage dem ned - de er kun forringe din besked og såre omdømme andre alvorlige og godt designet kritiske hjemmesider.
Ligeledes, jeg må indrømme, at der er mange pænt præsenteret og velskrevet hjemmesider. Udover at præsentere deres argumenter i velskrevne formater og i et klart sprog, indeholder flere af dem en masse god dokumentation, der ikke længere er tilgængelig fra enhver anden kilde - nogle endda acceptabelt til brug ved aktiv Jehovas Vidner - såsom gamle vagttårne og den tidlige skrifter af Pastor Russell. Jeg har set nogle meget imponerende frafaldne videoer, der viser op på YouTube, der har professionelle grafik og speak, der er sammenlignelige med de produktioner af større tv-og online nyhedsmedier.
Desværre har alt for mange af de frafaldne steder blevet oprettet for at fremme og støtte de lære en anden religiøs organisation, kirke eller personlig tjeneste. Jeg har set flere, der er klart evangelisk eller mainstream protestantisk i tone og i lære. Tro mig, når jeg sige, at der er nok negativer om Vagttårnsselskabet og Jehovas Vidner, der skal drøftes på din hjemmeside uden at forsøge at overbevise dine læsere til igen at tro på læren om Treenigheden, Himmel og Helvede, eller en anden fabel af kristenheden. Jeg er ked af, men du spilder din tid og din hjemmeside vil ikke drage nogen reel interesse fra Jehovas Vidner, hvis du angriber deres kerneoverbevisninger og samtidig støtte de arkaiske og rehashed ortodokse lære af den romersk-katolske kirke og de store protestantiske trosretninger.
Jeg foreslår, at hvis du ønsker at køre en vellykket anti-Vagttårnet hjemmeside kan du bruge de eksempler på denne ene ( www.Ex-JW.com ) eller Randall Watters " www.FreeMinds.org . Koncentrer dine retfærdige og sandfærdige argumenter imod den historie, kultur og lære af Jehovas Vidner på en hjemmeside. Derefter linke til en anden hjemmeside, hvor du kan præsentere dine egne personlige religiøse overbevisning - uanset hvad de måtte være. Hold dine hjemmesider fokuseret på deres primære formål og efterlader de doktrinære debatter til en anden tid og et andet websted.
Rådgivning til Bloggere og frafaldne webredaktører
Til kritikere og frafaldne, der skaber og offentliggøre blogs og hjemmesider, tilbyder jeg følgende råd med alle alvor:
Stoppe med at være dum og amatøragtig, medmindre du er professionel komiker, du er ikke sjovt. Hold dig væk fra satire eller parodi, hvis du ikke forstår at præsentere dem ordentligt. Undlad at oprette videoer eller skrive på din blog, når du lige har afsluttet fra en six-pack eller en samling. Slippe af dumme baseball cap og barbering, hvis du vil vises i dine egne videoer. Tal og skriv tydeligt i acceptabel engelsk, mister slang og blasfemi. Du behøver ikke hjælpe din sag ved at blive en anstødssten for netop de mennesker, du forsøger at nå på grund af din utiltalende brug af sprog og dårlig opførsel.
Det er alt jeg har at sige for nu. Jeg takker redaktør af Ex-JW.com for at lade mig at præsentere mine argumenter, selvom han og jeg holder meget forskellige meninger om den sandhed, som forkyndt af Jehovas Vidner. Måske jeg en dag vil endda sende ham en anden artikel.
Redaktionel note: Denne artikel blev oprindeligt sendt til mig via e-mail. Forfatteren var ikke sikker på, om dette bør være en kommentar til en eksisterende artikel, eller sendes separat. Jeg bad ham tilladelse til at udgive det som en medvirkende artikel. Han var enig, så længe han kunne skjule sin identitet lidt for at undgå eventuelle problemer for ham og hans familie, da han er i øjeblikket en ældste i hans menighed. Han tillod mig at redigere artiklen til læsbarhed og organisation, men de ord og tanker er hele hans. Jeg tror, at hans præsentation er retfærdig og afbalanceret og kan repræsentere den tænkning mange aktive Jehovas Vidner. Jeg opfordrer andre vidner, der ønsker at bidrage med deres personlige historier eller udtalelser til at indsende dem til mig. Kontakt mig via e-mail eller ved hjælp af kontaktformularen placeret et andet sted på denne hjemmeside.
Relaterede Stillinger:
Kategorier: JW undervisningsmaterialet , udtalelse
Er det ikke mærkeligt, at forfatteren hævder at være et af Jehovas Vidner, de fleste af hans liv, men han synes at være uvidende om, at ordet 'Jehova' er et egennavn? Derfor var han "en af 'Jehovas Vidner, eller' er 'som tilfældet kan være. Måske fremmed er, at han følger senere med:
Lær at skrive! Hvordan kan du støtte Vagttårnets standpunkt, at få en videregående uddannelse er spild af tid - tid bedre brugt i Kingdom service - hvis du ikke kan stave, punktformet, og udvikle en velovervejet tanke? For Jehovas skyld - lære at bruge din stavekontrol. Selv Yahoo og Google mail har indbygget stavekontrol. Før du sender din kommentar, skrive den i et tekstbehandlingsprogram eller som et udkast til en e-mail - så stavekontrol og grammatik tjekke det. Dine kommentarer behøver ikke at være perfekt, men at skrive som en uvidende 8-årige hillbilly ikke giver Jehova den gode repræsentation han fortjener.
Kevin,
Som redaktør af denne artikel vil jeg tage til efterretning dit problem med ordlyden af og tage det fulde ansvar for eventuelle grammatiske fejl, der gør det i den endelige version, men jeg kan ikke afgøre, hvilken specifik sætning du refererer til. Selvfølgelig "Jehova" er et egennavn, men jeg er ikke sikker på, hvor navnet eller titlen blev misbrugt.
Jeg har læst min redigeret version af artiklen, og hans oprindelige e-mail udkast, og jeg kan ikke se hvor du læser noget, der kunne tyde hans troværdighed at være tvivlsom. Jeg vil gerne vide, hvordan du fastslået, at i dit eget sind. Du er velkommen til at svare her eller sende mig en mail.
Af den måde, har du en ekstra komma mellem "vidner" og "det meste af sit liv ..."
Kevin,
De er off-base. Støt din påstand mere specifikt.
Wow! Hvad et stærkt udtryk du netop har lavet. Og alt hvad du har gjort, er klart sige sandheden, som du kender det at være. Men ak, jeg er ikke sikker på, at de mennesker, der skulle læse dette indlæg, og handle i overensstemmelse hermed vil gøre det eller vil være i stand til at gøre noget ved det. Det vil kun være din hemmelighed. Men det er nu derude, og vi vil se, hvad vi vil se.
Da jeg var i Betel, lærte jeg, at mange af de mangeårige medlemmer var ikke troende, men de troede også, at det var for sent for dem at forlade. Heldigvis for mig i en alder af 20, besluttede jeg, at jeg ikke længere kunne leve mit liv på denne måde. Jeg var nødt til at være tro mod mig selv, så jeg forlod organisationen. Og 40-fem år senere, har jeg absolut ikke fortrudt.
Dette er ikke noget nyt. Som en ex Jehovas Vidne, har jeg personligt oplevet ikke bare nogle få, men hundredvis af mennesker forlader organisationen efter det mislykkede profeti fra 1975. Jeg var en af dem. Bibelen er meget klar over folk, der siger de er profeter og lave falske profetier. Der er også en advarsel i Bibelen, som siger, at komme ud af hende mine folk, taler om falsk religion. Jesus fortalte også Pilot, at hans rige ikke var en del af denne verden. I denne erklæring Jesus viser, at hans rige, er ikke en del af denne verden, og han lærte, at i rette tid hans rige ville herske på jorden. Så hvis, hvad Jesus sagde, er sandt. Så er der ingen organisation på jorden fra det tidspunkt, hvor Jesus til denne dag, som er en del af Guds rige. Den gode nyhed eller evangelium handler om Gud bringe sit rige ned på jorden med sin Kristus som konge. Først da vil jorden have et kongerige, der er en del af Guds himmelske organisation.
Jeg spørgsmålstegn ved, hvorfor Jehovas Vidner Bibelen har forskellige oversættelser end alle de gængse kristne bibler. For eksempel i Lukas, da englen Gabriel gør hans meddelelse til Maria svarer hun: "Se, Jehovas slavepige". Tværtimod, de andre oversættelser refererer til hende som tjenerinde. Det latinske ord er ancilla hvorfra vi udleder ordet accessorisk eller hjælper eller støtte person. Hvis hun er Jehovas slave pige, det gør Gud synes som en tyran, der ville bare bruge en kvinde som et skib og i den proces, hun har ingen fri vilje. Gud ikke bede os om at være "slaver", men fri ansatte. Efter alt, var hun at bære Jesus i hendes skød, næppe en opgave, som en "slave" ville gøre.
Jeg personligt nød "Shadow Elders" e-mail, ikke kun fordi det var interessant og underholdende, men jeg er glad for, at han også kan se, at GB er kun mænd, ikke mere "inspireret" end resten af vidner eller andre troende i Kristus stræber efter at søge sandheden i Skriften.
Jeg troede, at han var lige på! Helt korrekt om mange af hans observationer med hans råd til både JW og tidligere JW.
Jeg ønsker at sige det selv: Hvis han venter på, at GB til at ændre deres sind angående 1914 doktrin, jeg håber, at han ikke holder hans ånde! Og Gud kommer ikke til at få dem til at ændre mening. De er nødt til at ændre dem på egen hånd ligesom ledere gjorde de andre "gamle lys", som Gud ikke give dem, da det ikke var lys i første omgang overhovedet, men fejl.
Jeg er glad for i det mindste at se, at han nu har sine øjne åbnet om GB, og at ikke alle deres lære er korrekte. Tak for at dele hans e-mail
Sheila Rae
PS Han har en masse foran ham nu. Når en person får øjnene op for det WT Society, er der ingen vej tilbage til den måde en persons sind var før.
@ Anchor - Åh, ja, en anden ting. Da alle de "salvede" har til opgave at "fodre fårene på det rigtige tidspunkt", så hvorfor, under alle de tidligere Vagttårnet år (og endda indtil nu) var alle de bøger og litteratur primært skrevet af blot et par "salvede" mænd? : CT Russell (under hans formandskab) og "dommer" Rutherford under hans formandskab. Freddy Franz bøger og skrifter under Bro Knorrs formandskab og en håndfuld mænd, efter det? Da der er tusindvis af "salvede" stadig i live så hvorfor er der ikke "salvede", skriver i skriftligt afdelingen? Alle skrifter skal redigeres af GB?
Hvad er de andre tusinder af andre "salvede" at gøre? Tager ordrer? Hvorfor ikke også skrive bøger, og hvorfor ikke også "fodre fårene"? Hvorfor ikke GB stedet en "salvede" i hver menighed (hvis der ikke er en) og lad dem også, at udføre deres provision af "fodre fårene"? Synes ligesom de fleste af de "salvede" har været enten slackers eller WT Society er blevet overtaget af nogle få mænd, og de andre "salvede" er bange for at tale op af frygt for også disfellowshiped til afhøring GB lære og givet BOOT?
Er GB (12 mænd) bange for, at de andre ikke har nok Helligånden til også at overvåge og "foder" menighederne? Hvorfor er de så tavse?
Det er spørgsmål, alle Jehovas Vidner skulle spørge. Noget er bare alt for fishy her med denne scene. Som jeg sagde, har de fleste af bøgerne er skrevet af hovedsagelig en håndfuld af "salvede" siden begyndelsen af denne Vagttårnsselskabet og Vagttårnet begyndte at det er udskrivning. Hvorfor ikke resten også fodre får og skrive bøger? Første CT Russell, og alle hans "Studier i Skriften" og andre bøger og litteratur, så Rutherford og alle hans "regnbue bogserie" og mere (som du kan se i Forkynder bog) derefter Knorr, som hovedsagelig lad Freddy Franz gøre en masse at skrive, og de få mænd, der gør det i dag. Igen, hvorfor tavshed fra de andre tusinder af "salvede"?
Sheila Rae
Anchor,
Jeg troede, at "Shadow ældste" lavet et glimrende punkt vedrørende rest af "salvede" klasse. Vi lærte, at de 144.000 himmelske bundne dem ville regere sammen med Jesus og lede sit folk på jorden. I virkeligheden aldrig mange af dem, der oprindeligt var inkluderet som værende blandt de "salvede", havde nogen indflydelse på, hvad der blev undervist i Vagttårnet eller af det styrende organ. Med 9.000 "salvede delagtige i de emblemer" stadig til rådighed, hvorfor er så mange i høje stillinger i Betel anses for at være medlemmer af den "store skare."
"Ældres" punkt om alle ændringer i doktrin og politik siden 1920'erne og 1930'erne er meget stærk og bør gives stor hensyntagen. Hvordan kan Vagttårnsselskabet, da det blev befolket næsten udelukkende af medlemmer af den "salvede klasse" få tingene så galt - og alligevel nu, hvor de fleste af disse mennesker er døde og borte, er WT angiveligt komme tættere på sandheden, når det meste "andre får" kører showet?
The elders who are among you I exhort, I who am a fellow elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that will be revealed; Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; not as being lords over those entrusted to you but being examples of the flock; and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will recieve the crown of glory that does not fade away. 1 Peter 5: 1-4.
John 21: 15-17, Jesus told Peter 3 things, Feed My lambs, Tend My sheep and Feed My sheep. This is the call or responsibility of the earthly shepereds, ie elders and ministers, an awesome responsibilty. This means lives!
And finally, For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of sound mind. 2 Tim. 1:7
If you are in doubt, then why not be the example that you are to be and state your concerns to the GB. Who knows, you may have been raised up for such a time as this.
At the end of the day, who cares how a website looks or if there are errors in spelling. The fact of the matter is, the JW's have replaced the use of God's Word with the WT. By accepting the unauthorized earthly GB, they have also replaced the gospel of the risen Savior, Jesus Christ, Who is the Head of the Body (church or congregation) and Who sits at the right hand of Adonai (Jehovah).
I also have a youtube channel – http://www.youtube.com/hebrews413
I am not a JW or an ex-JW. I just wanted to say that I appreciate the “shadow elder's” article. I have been studying with some JW's and have questioned some things, I have been lied to and facts from the past have been deemed “irrelevant” by those I have been studying with. If all JW's had the same mentality as this elder, maybe they wouldn't be so “brainwashed” as to defend the Watchtower at all costs. If that was the case, then we could actually go to the Bible, and the Bible alone, to see what is the truth using critical thinking rather than whatever some man (or group of men) has told us what the Bible says. Either you, sir, are the most rational and independent JW I have ever heard (in this case read of), or you are well on your way to leave that cult. Good for you.
@William –
It didn't show up, but my website is http://www.springhillcoc.webs.com
@William – William – thank you for your comment. If you leave a website when you register to post a comment then it will show up when someone clicks on your name if the color is blue. If the color is black, then that means that the person who wrote the comment did not include a website address. Try it out! It's all automatic.
Mike,
Please keep your comments to the subject at hand rather than attacking others personally. You don't know what knowledge Hannah has about Jehovah's Witnesses and their teachings. I won't judge your own personal level of understanding, but so far all I've seen you do is paraphrase Watchtower publications. Try appealing to the logic and facts of an issue, rather than attacking others or simply quoting from JW literature. You'll gain no converts here by being either a hawk or a parrot for the old men in Brooklyn.
Editor's Note: Please note that since I submitted the above reply, this poster has been permanently banned from Ex-JW.com for plagiarism. See my comments below.-JH
There are members of the anointed that are doing exactly as Jesus instructed. “Feed My Sheep”. Those that are mourning and sighing over the detestable things are finding the web-sites. Take care my brothers
I was born and raised as a JW and my father is an elder. I'm nearly 40 (so that puts my birth a few years before the 1975 fiasco) and this organization has become more unreasonable and ridiculous even since I've been alive.
More and more emphasis is put on the GB being the FINAL word on anything and how they're NOT to be questioned less Jehovah's wrath be incurred.
THAT, my friends, is one hallmark of a cult. A charismatic leader who is not to be questioned. Granted the GB is not one person but 9 old men who essentially functions as “the leader.”
They are mentioned in talks, assemblies, and publications more than ever. When I was a child, you didn't hear all this constant praise and “thank you Jehovah for providing the GB” during prayers.
That's leader WORSHIP, my friends.
I would not be surprised if soon the witnesses will be praying to Jehovah THROUGH the GB rather than Jesus.
The organization is also getting more and more controlling over witnesses. Most witnesses are led to believe that it's for their own good, but that is yet another hallmark of a cult.
I lost all faith (which I consider to be a good thing) in my late teens/early twenties. The first thing I was surprised to learn was that not every so-called “apostate” was evil, vengeful, or hateful or trying to start their own religion. Many are people who have been hurt terribly.
Here's something interesting about apostates. Being labeled an apostate can be time specific. One year you're a faithful servant of Jehovah, the next year you're an apostate if you don't accept what the GB publishes.
Really what finished off my faith was finding out how the GB operates (Franz' Crisis of Conscience).
VOTING?! Especially on doctrines that affect each and every witness' understanding of scripture and in some cases, lives (blood policy).
Time was, you abstained from blood, and that mean everything. Now there's fractions and componenets that are acceptable. How many people have died over the blood issue? Too many. What do you say to the people who lost a loved one when the blood issue was more strict (no blood or fractions at all) when an accepted (now) fractioned would have saved them?
Blood guilt to be sure.
When does a ham sandwich cease being a ham sandwich? Answer that and then explain the blood fractions.
And what about the WT's status as an NGO in the UN? Hypocritical considering the vitriol spewed in the Revelation book towards that particular organization.
If you believe the WTBTS and the JWs to have the truth, fine. But quite frankly, the GB (and subsequently JWs as well) has destroyed their credibility as the only ones with the truth.
Thank you for the article.
well, interesting reading, but may I clear up one point.
I believe it's only if the funeral is held at the kingdom hall that kingdom songs rather than secular music is preferred. My dad was an elder and we had his favourite jazz track playing at the end of the service, but it was held at the crematorium, likewise with another friend, his favourite classical piece, again, at the crem..
Jeg må sige, at jeg finder kritik af Vidners grammatik at være temmelig billigt og lidt mere end en form for offer-skyde skylden. Der er en klassisk dikotomi i hver menighed, at enhver ex-JW kan bevidne - de uddannede, overklassens eliter og de uuddannede og lavere klasse tilhængere. De lavere klasse Vidner - de mere tilbøjelige til at lide af socioøkonomiske problemer, fysiske og følelsesmæssige handicap, og den generelle modløshed forårsaget af organisationen - bliver rutinemæssigt sat ned fra de øverste klasse eliter som en form for social kontrol gennem etablering af intellektuel, religiøse og økonomiske dominans. Enhver dreng med et semester af Introduktion til Soc under deres bælte kunne spotte den samme taktik, uanset om bevidst eller ej, i dette indlæg fra en sømil væk, især fordi hele post er struktureret med etableringen af højere end fra Deres legitimationsoplysninger, der fører ind autoritære opfattelser af, hvad er og ikke er acceptabelt. Det er et forsøg på at nedgøre andre Vidner, for ikke at være på samme niveau som dig. Du er en ældre, indbegrebet af gudsfrygt i øjnene på de fleste lav-niveau Vidner, og du ringer ud flokken for ikke at være god nok. Hvordan du ikke se problemet med det?
At kritisere Vidner og bebrejde dem for deres manglende uddannelse er at ignorere hele strukturen i organisationen. Da selv denne meget blog har bemærket, er de fleste Jehovas Vidner i dag kæmper for at få nogen form for uddannelse eller samfundsøkonomisk avancement. Hjemmeundervisning er udbredt, er de videregående uddannelser forbundet med at gå ind i en grav af ild, og de eneste "Litteratur" Vidner er meningen at læse er skrevet på et niveau på 2-3 på læsefærdigheder skalaen. Vidner drøftet forhindret i at opnå højere færdigheder, især læseforståelse. Og som vi alle kender, den eneste måde at udvikle gode skrivefærdigheder er først at udvikle gode læsefærdigheder. Til gengæld er de holdes nede økonomisk, hvilket dumps dem til at "hillbilly" kategori, du håne. Hvordan kan vi bede folk om at opretholde et højt niveau af læsefærdigheder, når de er stadig arbejder på at opnå en blot funktionelle niveau? Vær forsigtig med den måde, du vælger at kritisere, hvad du være med til at håndhæve.
Jeg bifalder ethvert Witness, nuværende og tidligere, der er så meget som forsøger at gøre en indsats for at kommunikere. De bør ikke behøver at skamme sig over, hvem de er, og hvordan de skriver på et tidspunkt, hvor de beskæftiger sig med meget mere væsentlige spørgsmål. Opkald folk ud for deres grammatik - eller deres "lav-class" skæg, kasketter og øl - er den intellektuelle svarer til fisk i en tønde. I betragtning af at du allerede udøver betydelig social kontrol over andres opførsel i din flok, du ikke føler behov for at søge det on-line så godt. Medmindre, selvfølgelig, også du ikke ønsker, at dine argumenter for at blive taget alvorligt. And please, check your own privilege when trying to “guide” us in the right direction.
Ashley,
Tak for dine kommentarer til artiklen af "Shadow ældste." I en nylig email til mig, han kommenterede på den kritik, han har modtaget om sine bemærkninger om kvaliteten af skriftligt af begge de nuværende JWS og tidligere JWS, der enten svarer til blogs eller at oprette deres egne hjemmesider. Han skrev, "Jeg var nok for hård på nogle mennesker og alt for blød over for andre. Jeg ønsker ikke at løbet kritisere eller vurdere oprigtigheden af enhver, der føler behov for at skrive om deres JW tro - eller mangel på samme. Det, jeg forsøgte at gøre var, at deres egen mangel på skrivefærdigheder kunne snuble udenforstående læsere, der er interesseret i at læse forskellige synspunkter. Det meste af min kritik var virkelig rettet til ex-JWS, der forsøger at overbevise deres læsere, at Jehovas Vidner er mindre end hæderlige kristne, mens de præsentere sig selv i deres blogs eller på YouTube som værende ubehagelig og usammenhængende "stoners." Tror de virkelig, at handle på den måde giver dem nogen troværdighed? Jeg tror, det skader deres sag. "
"Shadow Ældste" kunne komme ud som en elitær JW siden han har nogle myndighed over den flok af hans rige Hall. Jeg føler, at hans største problemer med Vagttårnsselskabet ikke er med den gennemsnitlige JW, der forsøger hårdt på at være en god kristen, så de kan komme igennem denne verden og overleve Harmagedon. Hans problem er med det styrende organ og andre på WT hovedkvarter, der er fuldstændig ligeglade med om deres "stor skare" af tilhængere. Som de fleste store religiøse organisationer bliver mere moderne og liberale i mange af deres synspunkter, virker det som om ledelsen af Vagttårnsselskabet bliver mere hårde linje, mere kontrollerende, og langt mindre liberal om deres lære. De hævder, at de begge er ledet af Helligånden, men har ikke nogen særlig inspiration eller profetiske evner. De sammenligner sig til de fordums profeter, men de hævder, at der ikke engle eller spiritus faktisk vejlede dem. De påstår ikke at være ufejlbarlig, og indrømme at gøre fejl, og ikke fuldt ud forstår alle Bibelens sandheder, men de tillader ikke nogen forslag, kommentarer eller afvigelse fra deres tilhængere. Hvor er logikken i det?
Ashley, jeg er også enig med din holdning, at alle JW og tidligere JW, der føler behov for at kommunikere bør være i stand til og ikke lade os afskrække af noget, herunder deres egen mangel på skrift eller kommunikationsevner. Enhver, der ønsker at indsende en artikel til Ex-JW.com er velkommen til at gøre det, vi vil være glade for at redigere det for dem at rette grammatiske og stavefejl, såvel som forsøger at gøre deres artikel mere læsbar. Det er, hvad jeg gjorde med Shadow Ældres artiklen indsendelse og han var OK med de endelige resultater. Vi beder ikke om perfekte skrivefærdigheder - hvad vi ønsker er gode og ærlige ideer og kommentarer, der vil interessere vores læsere og få folk til at tænke over deres egne holdninger og overbevisninger.
How is it that among the supposed 144,000 anointed class, there are women – and men with wives and children? The Bible – and this is in your Jehovah's Witness Bible, true believers! – says in Revelations 14:4 that the 144,000 are all “men who have never laid with n or touched a woman”. The words are not simply “pure” or even “virgin”. “Men who have never laid with nor touched a woman” is very specific, very clear and down-to-earth language.
I went to the Memorial in 2009 (Easter for Witnesses, basically.). The scripture read was Revelations 7 to about 15 or so. They read each and every line aloud until they came to that wonderfully precise, obvious, clear line about how the 144,00 were all “men who have never laid with or touched a woman”. And what happened when they reached that line? The leader/speaker skipped smoothly over it – not reading ONLY that ONE line – and the congregation did the same. Why did they skip over just that single line? It seems obvious that someone in charge realized how it could take down the faith in a heartbeat. There isn't just the false prophesies and “old light/new light”: now any reasonable person can see that most of their “anointed” brethren were not anointed, after all. Unless they are male virgins or gay males, perhaps? “Men who have never laid with or touched a woman” – you can't twist this sentence to make it include women and “family men”. And the leader of the reading KNEW that….that's why he skipped that line and only that line.
@Bettie Weinberg – These are excellent points, Bettie, and some that Jehovah's Witnesses should consider. There are so many issues with the Watchtower's interpretation of Revelations. Much of what they teach actually is in direct opposition to what Revelations is quite clear about. For instance, how can they claim that Jesus return as King to rule over all of the world in 1914 was “invisible,” when Revelation 1:7 states quite emphatically that “Behold, he comes with clouds; and EVERY EYE shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen!”
Thanks, Bettie, for taking an interest in Ex-JW.com and offering so many well-considered comments.
you guys are so ignorant, wait till the end comes, you all will be crying and shouting to the heavans so that God could spare your lives… apostates….
I understand why you feel that way. I have read WT publications too long years until stomach got full and now ready to throw up all of it. All it need is honestly in the heart, open EYES, and open MINDS to see the truth and error. The counterfeit closely resembles the original. The only way to test what is right is to bring it and test them in the Bible. The Bible is our only safe guide to eternal life. but Watchtower teaching contradicts the teaching of the Bible. It needs prayerful and careful examination of Scripture.
There going to be surprises at the end. You will be surprised who was apostates !! The Bible appropriately apply the symbolic word :Babylon to “apostate (fallen spiritual world. The false teachings are symbolized as “wine of Babylon”. Many are drunk of the false teaching and need to come out of it to see God's truth. Rvelation14 & Rev.18 chapters illustrate well).
Alle gode kommentarer. Depending what one knows, and poine of view established through WT experiences and considering the publications of WT doctrine through the GB since it was establilshed.
As to who is an apostate. I believe the Bible considers an apostate “one who brings teachings other than what Jesus taught as received or learned from our God and Father, the law and the prophets. So where conscienciously can the the GB enforce their “Apostate”
practice to the harm of so many families, individuals?
Just one point. How can they say that Jehovah is the God of the Bible, since it was not framed until 1270 according to the Aid Book and Insight Book references. So who and what is Jehovah? Not Yaweh, as Jewish scolars prefer but an adaptation of the Latin Jehova to Jehovah? So who and what are the Jehovah's Witnesses and what do they witness to since no end as predicted as come since late 1800s or throughout all of the 1900s? Thank You for listening. former, quit witness.
Elmay
@Editor – Here you go:
1. Paragraph 2 – First of all, I am an active Jehovah's Witness living just outside of New York City. (This should be “I am an active Witness of Jehovah…”)
2. Paragraph 4 – I have been a Jehovah's Witness for most of my life. (This should be “I have been an active Witness of Jehovah for most of my life…”
This misuse of the term is one of the most common misunderstandings outside the 'organization', in every country I've been to or lived in around the world. That's why I found it highly suspicious that an Elder would make that mistake, twice.
@Hannah – I'm not off-base, actually. See my reply to the Editor. I've quoted the errors.
Kevin,
I'm not sure what you are hoping to accomplish with your nitpicking about his use of the name “Jehovah's Witnesses.”
He does use that term in his article when he writes, “To be a faithful Witness of Jehovah, according to the Governing Body…”
I can assure you that “Shadow Elder” was, and still is, an active Witness of Jehovah. I was a Jehovah's Witness for many years and I still have family who are Witnesses. While many JWs do identify themselves as “Witnesses of Jehovah” in more formal settings such as funerals and weddings, and even in field service, among each other they just use “Jehovah's Witnesses” when chatting or communicating. That's why they still refer to themselves as “JWs,” not “WoJs.”
Communications between me and “Shadow Elder” were by email. After I received his submission, I edited his story for readability and for the style used by Ex-JW.com. I can't remember specifically what edits I made because so much time has passed, but he might have used the WoJ title at some other point in the article that I edited back to JW.
In any case, I challenge your assertion that somehow the name “Jehovah's Witnesses” is no longer in use. In 1931, Joseph Rutherford officially renamed the International Bible Students, announcing the new name as “Jehovah's Witnesses.” I have an official handout (copyright 2009) given to me by a Jehovah's Witness that came to my door. In every case, this handout refers to “Jehovah's Witnesses,” not Witnesses of Jehovah. The Proclaimers book (p. 151-154) lists the official name in English as “Jehovah's Witnesses.”
For many years, the Watchtower has tried to extend the name “Jehovah's Witnesses” back to early Christian times to somehow give modern JWs more credibility. In recent years they have begun calling the apostles and disciples “early Christian witnesses of Jehovah.” I know that some modern JWs have begun calling themselves “Christian Witnesses of Jehovah,” but as far as I know that name has no official standing and it sounds rather formal to me.
The official media site of the Watchtower Society states the following: “Jehovah's Witnesses are members of a worldwide Christian religion who actively share with others information about God, whose name is Jehovah, and about his Son, Jesus Christ.”
I'm sorry, but if the Watchtower Society states that the official name of their followers is “Jehovah's Witnesses,” then I think that “Shadow Elder” should be able to use that term in his article without criticism.
Remember, “Shadow Elder” was writing to current and former JWs, not directly to outsiders. I see no reason for him to use a more formal term in a post intended for JWs.
Kevin, why don't you address “Shadow Elder's” other comments that really need some review. What about the use of voting by the Governing Body, supposedly under the influence of the Holy Spirit?
You are always welcome to comment, but you could make better use of your time and space on this website by addressing the more meaningful issues brought up by “Shadow Elder.”
Interesting article…
I am a former Jehovah's Witness. I was raised as a JW, and made the unfortunate mistake of getting baptized one day before my tenth birthday. When I was 18, I was disfellowshipped. Several years have passed. My relatives, including my mother do not accept me. I have a cousin that was also raised in a Jehovah's Witness household. She is a theft and a drug user. Since she was never baptized she is welcomed by everyone in our family. It is ridiculous and absurd that I am still being punished for a misinformed decision that I made as a child.
I could go on about the mental and physical abuse I experienced in the name of “Jehovah”. Nevertheless, I do not want to present myself as a whinny victim. Perhaps at another time I will elaborate on my experiences and viewpoints. I believe that most Jehovah's Witnesses are well meaning people. However just like all religions, their beliefs are dangerous.
I meant that my cousin is a “thief”.
I live in the US. Here, we have the legal right to believe whatever “truths” we want, whether others think them strange or not. If Jehovah's Witnesses believe that only 144,000 will go to heaven, or that Armageddon is just around the corner, that is their right.
What frightens me, and what no active “Witness of Jehovah” is disputing, is that their Governing Body demands 100% adherence to everything published in the Watchtower & their many books and brochures. As was stated by Shadow Elder, questioning is just not allowed. Anyone doing so is labeled “apostate”. They state this is done to keep the congregation pure, but what really occurs is a containment of the threat to their self-assumed absolute power. This is a textbook cult maneuver. Jehovah's Witnesses are kept so afraid of the idea of apostasy, that just invoking the word is usually sufficient to deter one of their members from investigating the history of the Society or experiences of those who decided to leave. Really, all an apostate is, is “a person who forsakes his religion, cause, party, etc. ” (dictionary.com) By going door-to-door, Jehovah's Witnesses regularly encourage other people to become “apostates” to whatever faith they currently hold to, in order to join them in “serving Jehovah”.
Any group, religious, political, business or otherwise that seeks to control Behavior, Information, Thought, and Emotion is immediately suspect. I've posted the information in another topic here already, but anyone wondering what exactly qualifies a group as a cult can find the information they need here: http://www.freedomofmind.com/resourcecenter/articles/BITE.htm
@anonymys – “you guys are so ignorant, wait till the end comes, you all will be crying and shouting to the heavans so that God could spare your lives… apostates…. "
Thank you for this wonderful example. If one is an “apostate”, or former Jehovah's Witness, one cannot be “ignorant” of the fate predicted for them: destruction at Armageddon. But why be glad at the thoughts of anyone being destroyed? Doesn't the New World Translation say at 2 Peter 3:9, “he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance”?
My question to you is: What happens if the end doesn't come? If you are content to continue to live a life completely controlled by the faith you have, then that is your choice. I have no desire to become a murderer, drug user, or whatever evil is assumed of those who choose not to become one of Jehovah's Witnesses. I choose to spend what precious few years I may have on this earth being happy & hopefully bringing happiness to others. If it turns out that there is a God, perhaps he will choose to have mercy on me, as it is supposed to be one of his main qualities. If it turns out Jehovah's Witnesses are correct, then at worst I simply cease to exist, just like I did for thousands of years before now. Or maybe he will read my heart and determine I'm not such a bad guy after all. Then I can go play with lions & cobras.
We must obey the Governing Body & submit our lives to them otherwise we will not have God's blessings.
Doctrines & practices we must accept are:
1. The truth of the Bible doesn't matter. What matters is that you accept what the Governing Body says is truth even if you read otherwise in the Bible. You will be destroyed by God is you foolishly think you can have his approval by the Bible alone & even applying it in your lives.
2. Only 144,000 have a personal relationship with God and Jesus as they are called his sons. Jesus in not your mediator. You cannot have Jesus or God in your life if you reject the Governing Body's authority.
3. The fact that we have predicted the end of the world several times in 1914, 1915, 1918, 1925 & 1975 does not make us false prophets even though our publications state that everything we publish is guided by God's Spirit.
Only other religions predicting the end is a false prophet but not us. Those that are to be blamed for those expectations are the brothers themselves & not us. The apology given for the expectations aroused by the Society for 1975 in the 9/15 1980 watchtower was really written by an apostate not the real governing body.
4. Unity is more important than standing up for truth & justice. (Walsh trial 1954).
5. When the Bible speaks of Christian freedom (Galatians) it really refers to the freedom given by what the Watchtower Society says you can & cannot do. Otherwise you will be labeled an apostate full of pride running ahead of God's only channel of communication. So please be humble & don't you try to understand the Bible by yourself.
6. The fact that we specifically prohibited vaccinations, organ transplants, blood fractions in the past does not mean we are responsable for the death of thousands that dies as a result. Those people decided by their own free will to do that not the fear of being disfellowshipped. We now allow those matters as personal matters so that proves we don't control peoples minds as you apostates claim we do.
Please stop saying all these lies about us!
Anonymous Elder #2
@Bettie Weinberg –
Hi I just looked up that text of Revelation 14:4 in the NWT and it says these are the ones that did not defile thenselves with women, in fact, they are virgins”…and if you read that whole paragraph it doesn't say waht sex they are but you suppose they are men if the could have laid with women (as obviously they cannot be gay, according to Scripture standards). Just thought I would check if it said “men” but no. It makes you wonder if laying with women would be a metaphor for any sort of uncleanness….as usual, its up anyone's interpretation…..
Jehovah's Witnesses are not just interested in arousing interest in the Kingdom message and placing Bible literature, they made 130,177,724 return visits and conducted 1,257,084 home Bible studies. Their aim in this is to make disciples by teaching responsive people 'all the things that Christ commanded.' (Matt. 28:19, 20) All such diligent efforts contributed toward giving a thorough witness to the most distant part of the earth.—Acts 1:8.
It is indeed a cause for rejoicing that we have again had over five million attend the Memorial of Christ's death. Actually 5,095,831 were present and 9,762 partook of the emblems when this most important event was observed on March 23, 1978. How clearly this indicates that we have much to do in helping millions of righthearted persons to become regularly associated with the 42,255 congregations throughout the world!
[Remaining text deleted by Editor]
“me(:”
I'm not sure what you were trying to prove by posting an old Yearbook report from 1979. If you'd go to your Kingdom Hall, you can get a new 2011 Yearbook with the final numbers from 2010. There has been a lot of growth in the Watchtower organization in the past 32 years, but the trends are not necessarily favorable for them.
Growth in the USA has leveled off at about 2% per year. Many Kingdom Halls can not find enough brothers to fill their elder and ministerial servant positions. An estimated 85% of all JW youth leave the organization by the age of 22. Many Kingdom Halls are being merged because their meeting attendance has dwindled.
Each year, more rank and file JWs are declaring themselves as “anointed ones,” partaking of the emblems at the Memorial meetings. This has effectively proven the “generation of 1914 will not pass” teaching to be a false prophecy, creating a doctrinal dilemma for the Watchtower's writing department.
Next time you want to make a comment, make it your own. Don't copy text from an old Watchtower or Yearbook to try to make your point. That is simple plagiarism – and no one is impressed or influenced when you do that. It can also get you banned from this site.
I had grown up being a JW all my life. I never questioned it did everything that I was suppose to do.I enjoyed the family events like rollerskating, baseball, park and going to the movies on christmas day. People ask me was it hard not having holidays? I don't know, when you growup with never having them you don't know what you are missing. When I was a kid the kindom halls were all small. As I became a teenager the halls were growing in the 90′s. We had three meetings in one hall, waiting for one to be built. Now as a adult halls are everywhere and they keep knocking at my door. When I would go to Cal Expo and the whole buliding would be full, it was a neat and exciting thing to see everyone standing singing one song together. My grandparents grew up as JW and still are. Many of the JW hurt me because my dad was not an elder. No matter how hard I try to fit in I was always labeled the girl that doesn't have a dad for an elder. There are a lot of good things that come from the JW. They work together and help each other out BUT they are very click organization. If you had money it seemed you had more friends in the kindom hall. An Elder tried to rape me and no one believe me, and thats when I had enough. I wander what if I stayed in it and raised my kids in it, would they be happy? So many people that are now JW is it the real “truth”. Everyone says the world is comming to a end I would hope since I am a good person and still believe in god will I go to pardise? Just because there are so many JW that does not mean they are all going to be in the pardise. There was a elder son that was sleeping with all the girls in the kindom hall is he going? There are alot of JW and it makes me wander. I miss my old congergation and the families I grew up with. I found some on facebook and they were nice to me still. But I'm now consider bad association. It seems the public is hush hush about the JW, but they are everywhere growing strong. I just wished as a kid I was able to be friends with others besides the JW. That rule made it hard for me at school and playing in the community. A lot of times I played by myself because there were no JW around. I remember as a kid sitting still in the chairs unable to draw, looking up the scriptures, not understand a word that was going on. I would wish for a playground and wander why did my parents pick a place that had no playground. Its unbelieveable that all those children sit there, for a all day assembly. I was taught get married have babies, and pioneer. Now my family is barely getting by with money, because I have no education. I went to a JW school and was taught out of the bible, not through school books. I have too many questions and not sure anyone can answer any of them. I know for sure there are alot of stories like mine, and the pain from JW will never go away. I will keep feeling as if I'm doing something wrong and I will die.
Tak.
Just my opinion.
Revelation 14:4,5 speaks about “men who have never laid with or touched a woman.” Some translations say “they have kept themselves as pure as virgins, they follow the Lamb wherever he goes, they have told no lies.
Here's my opinion on these scriptures. The Book of Revelation is written in symbolic language, this is stated up front in the very first chapter, so it's assumed that everything written thereafter has a symbolic meaning.
The statement that “they haven't laid with women” seems to indicate they haven't defiled themselves or committed fornication with Babylon The Great by telling lies about YHWH or Jesus in order receive some sort of worship for themselves from Christians. Being an NGO of the United Nations and telling outright spiritual falsehoods (misleading people and then claiming it's “New Light” from God instead of taking the responsibility for their own words is a prime example), not treating the followers of Christ with love and mercy when it comes to judicial matters. The 144,00 are said to not tell lies unlike those ones in Bethel who set themselves up as a Governing Body claiming only they alone can interpret the scriptures while also admitting they aren't inspired at all. They use threats of disfellowshipping and intimidation to get what they want, namely worship and money. The Governing Body in my opinion is the False Prophet mentioned directly in the Book of Revelation. The history of failed prophecies uttered by them has clearly borne this out. The Bible points us toward the person of Jesus Christ as the only means of salvation. With the aid of the Holy Scripture any meek and humble person can get a grasp on the real truth of God's word and come to know that which they need in order to be acceptable to him. Jesus never said the 144,000 would lord their “authority” over others. They are referred to as “slaves”, which when understood in the Biblical sense imparts the understanding that this is a willing servitude and something not to be taken lightly. There is a huge responsibility upon their shoulders to make sure the Word of God is handled correctly and that they are not the interpreters of the Bible, the Holy Spirit does that. They need only point others to the Bible and let the Holy Spirit do the rest. This is why there was no Governing Body in the 1st century, despite claims of the GB to the contrary. If there had been one, then letters addressed to Paul would have been addressed to the GB instead. Also Jesus would have mentioned them in revelation when he rebuked or commended the congregations in Asia. The fact that he did not, seems a clear indication that none existed for there was no need. As long as people listen to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and read what is written (and not go beyond it) everything will be fine. One last point. The scriptures merely say in Matthew that “this Good News of the kingdom will be preached for a witness to all the nations and then the end will come.” The scripture never says nor implies that there would be an organization that directed the work. YHWH's Holy Spirit is more than capable of doing the job on it's own.
May You have Peace,
(I apologize if some of my grammar is wrong.)
“Being an NGO of the United Nations and telling outright spiritual falsehoods”
Please help me to clarify this. I did not know what an NGO was so checked it out. Turns out is means Being an NGO is a non-governmental organization associated with the United nations.
This is big, Are they really? They would be really be being dishonest if this were true.
So I need some help. I downloaded the list of NGO's and could not find them under Jehovah's Witnesses or Watchtower organisation. Are they under another trading name?
Excuse my ignorance but I really would appreciate someone answering this question please.
Thank you all for helping me in my search for truth.
Tessa
Good question. There is much information about the Watchtower joining the United Nations as an NGO, supposedly to allow them access to the UN's library in New York. Yes, it is true, and although the Watchtower at first denied it, the evidence was overwhelming – and they finally admitted to their NGO status. I believe they eventually cancelled their library cards and resigned from the UN due to so many questions about their hypocritical position and dishonest explanation of the facts.
Here is a link to an more extensive and documented discussion of this event:
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/12842/1/JW-Response-to-NGO-UN-info
Thank you for clearing that up. I am shocked and disgusted at what I have discovered.
If anyone else is interested in this, here is the link for a letter from the the United Nations regarding all the enquiries they had about it.
http://www.un.org/dpi/ngosection/pdfs/watchtower.pdf
God bless you all, and again, thank you for helping me on my search for truth.
Tessa
Tessa,
Thank you for sharing that correspondence from the United Nations. I think it pretty much wraps up the subject and settles any arguments about whether or not the Watchtower applied for and was granted NGO status. I urge anyone who has any doubts to click on that link you've provided and see the letter for themselves.
And thank you again for taking the time to fully research this question for yourself and sharing the truth you found with our readers.
Hi there,
I just went to have a look at the UN link I posted a while ago only to find that it no longer works. So just to let anyone know that may want to see this letter you can still view it at
http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/united-nations-association.php
This site is also very interesting in that it gives a lot of other information and copies of documents.
God bless
Tessa
Dear all
I was born and bred a JW and was a regular auxiliary pioneer often topping the 90 hour mark per month but did not want to apply for regular pioneering in case any particular month I could not do the full 90 hours.
Please do the best thing you have ever done for God and yourselves and become born again (which merely means having the Holy Spirit dwelling in you which many scriptures state Christians have), saved Christians.
In my studies when I started to have doubts of the GB's flip-flopping teachings (I do not mean to be disrespectful here, but it is true) I gathered many translations around me and compared them with the NWT and the differences were staggering to say the least. All of the other translations stated the same thing, but the NWT was different from them all on a number of issues.
Please go to Randy Watters Freeminds.org and read his experiences as a Bethel lad and a few of the things going on in Bethel which should not.
I know it is not easy and I was cut off from my family but God says if we lose family for His sake, he will more than compensate and I now have a wonderful Christian church family and fantastic friends.
Revelation states that the great crowd are in heaven before the throne of God. The 144,000 is not a literal number, it is a multiple of 12 (which stands for perfect totality) which means that it is the entire church of God that will be in heaven.
The Bible's words are for you and I personally and not some mystical 144,000.
I am praying you will all become saved and true Christians and that I have the pleasure of meeting you all in heaven and in eternity.
I hope you all go to a local Bible teaching church and flourish.
God bless and keep you. Get out and make a real and tangible relationship with God and Jesus plus the future of living in heaven the reality for you it really is!
read john 3:16-to all JW's.. Also John 17:2.. I do hope and pray that you will realize that Jesus is the way,the truth and life..Accept Jesus now and LIVE LIKE HIM for HE is coming..WAKE UP! WAKE UP!! Read your BIBLE,not the WT and you will find the truth..
I am not surprised at all to learn that the NWT doesn't stand up to other Bibles.
http://www.freeminds.org/doctrine/publications/the-new-world-translation-and-its-critics.html
http://www.wordfamine.com/NewWorldTranslation.html
All this is rather eye-opening when not bound by the baseless fears inculcated into every JW by the Governing Body. Jesus told his followers to keep knocking and it would be opened. To his opponents (Pharisees/Governing Body) he said “you shut the kingdom of the heavens up before men. Neither do you yourselves go in, nor do you allow anyone else to go in. Hypocrites!”
Dear Morgan
Thank you for the wordfamine link.
Sadly this does not surprise me and quite explains the insecurities of the governing body that renders them opposed to any other witness gaining an education for themselves. As quite rightly say, hypocrites who are indeed closing the heavenly kingdom's doors on their adherents.
God bless you for sharing this information/link.
I was a JW for many years, living with an abusive “head of household”. My husband embraced this concept because in his mind it justified the mistreatment of his family. Elders reproved me for divorcing him but he was never reproved or counseled. It seems to me that women are at the bottom of the totem pole when it comes to being taken seriously. There are no women on the Governing Body which doesn't really make sense to me because women are allowed to be of the heavenly class.
I, like the elder who wrote this article, keep my thoughts and feelings to myself. Why you may ask? It is because I have a grown son who is active in the religion with his wife and children. If I speak out publicly he would most likely be told to disassociate himself from me. So I say nothing and I get to keep my relationship with my son.
One day, I pray that my son can be released from this religion by the powers of his own mind.
I was raised one of Jehovahs Witnesses and though I havent been practicing for about 6 years now, I only recently was announced at my former kingdom hall as no longer a JW. My mother has been bearing gossip and persecution for me no longer being involved, and she of course is heart broken that I am no longer involve. Its horrific to me, that my mother who I am so close to, needs love and sympathy and instead is dealing with the cliques. Shes decided to change halls, and I'm glad. Ours was particularly bad. And Im sure its common, but any time someone would talk to an elder, he would tell his wife and she would gossip and everything would get spread around and skewed without love for the person in trouble. It tore me to my core to lose my faith in a religion that Ive always seen as pure truth. To realize that Ive been lied to, and that the people I love are being lied to. If that wasnt bad enough, to lose the people that Ive loved and respected.
Growing up an 'apostate' was the angry guy jumping around in a devil suit outside the convention hall. I never thought that label would be attributed to me. It is the worst insult a JW could lay on someone, and now that's me. Never mind that I do my best to serve God, that I am moral and in a loving committed marriage… I am less, and more skummy than the JW girl I grew up with who is posing half naked in front of playboy paraphernalia in all her Facebook photos. Its heart breaking knowing that my mother is lieing to her elders so that she can still have a strong relationship with me. Though I am grateful that she has chosen to keep me in her life. I am still torn up from the loss that I've experienced, I don't think that's something that any of us, even after healing or finding new and true faith will completely forget. I see a lot of true love for God in that religion, you have to have it to endure everything a JW does for their belief in 'truth'. And I am grateful that they instilled in me a passionate love for God and the bible, despite what ever 'damage' I may have endured. I also see how in some of the more ideal situations they can be an example of how a true Christian community should be, giving without a price tag. I am also SO glad that being a JW as a kid kept me from getting into as much trouble as I probably would have. But above all right now…
I am angry. I am angry at being lied to my whole life. Finding out they intentionally mistranslate their bibles to suit their beliefs. That they are false prophets and keep truth from people who genuinely want to be close to God. That you are punished for wanting honesty. I could go into specific personal issues Ive experienced in that religion but ultimately, people are imperfect. I cant expect anything more, especially from people who don't know what they are doing or truly believe they are doing what is right. I am devout Catholic now. And it was a difficult transition but with a lot of doctrinal research I am in love.
I am not looking to convert anybody to Catholicism, but there is this really great site that I'm linking
http://www.towerwatch.com/Witnessing/101_questions.htm
that goes into specific issues regarding JW beliefs and how they contradict the bible and even their own teachings. I found it to be exactly what I needed, it covered a lot of bases and answered a lot of my questions (for the most part its strictly about JW, not Catholicism, so don't be afraid haha). Maybe it will help someone else out there if you haven't seen it already. It can be used with the NWT because its specifically set up as a confrontation tool. Though I have no intention of using it in the same way, it still helped me, and maybe when the time is right I can use the information to get my mom out of their trap (as it is she thinks I'm nuts).
I send my love to the people that are enduring what we've been through, and the loss of loved ones. JW have a way of burrowing into your brain till you obstinately don't want to see truth. I want to vomit the lies they have fed me.
Thank You for your toughts. I'm dyslexic and will never be able to spell well so I'll keep my thoughts short. I've been on many “apostate” sites and have found EX-JW's just trying to heal. Anger is a stage that most move on from. I hope some day you too will be able to experiance freedom from the cult. May God Bless YOU
@Ashley – Exactly..that was the best thing I've read tonight. I have a college degree, but I have a disability as well… put down no one, we all have different gifts.
I Would Like To Know Where The Information Is Stored Of Ones That Have Been Disfellowshipped. With The Elders Or The Society Headquarters
Why don't you call your local Kingdom Hall or the Watchtower's headquarters in Patterson, NY and ask them. We know they have that information but will refuse to ever reveal it. The way we know? Ask a person who has tried to rejoin a Kingdom Hall in another city after being disfellowshipped or disassociated and hiding that fact. Within a few weeks he or she will be exposed and tossed out of the new congregation. We also know that they have a huge list of convicted and accused JW pedophiles (including some who are still active and others who serve as elders). Ask them for that list too while you're at it. Of course, we know what their answer will be: “No such lists exist…”
Who knows what the one right religion is????
Funny how in the posts of “anti-witness” haters, The validity of the only true and living God, JEHOVAH was never mentioned. Nor did any of you supposedly faithful Servants give him ALL the glory. Remember Satan sought glory for himself above Jehovah and was able to turn even angels away from JEHOVAHS glory. What happened to Korah? Jah does not change and I also notice how you haters never used Satans name either. Hvorfor? Because he Is transforming himself into an angel of light. As the post stated early on Apostates will receive their reward just keep living. Peace be onto you!
@Justice – “Justice,”
Why is it that you feel the need to call anyone who objects to the way the Watchtower conducts its business “anti-Witness haters.” Who gives you the right to describe anyone to be a “hater.” Is that a Christian approach to honest debate, name calling? You do the Watchtower and Jehovah's Witnesses no favors by spewing such disgusting commentary. If you take issue with what has been written, use logic and facts to present your side of the debate, not simplistic name calling. All you are doing is presenting the worst side of what has become the Watchtower's rebuttals to its critics – calling them names like “mentally diseased persons.” Justice – if you want to continue to comment on articles on this website, I strongly suggest that you do it in a civilized and mature manner and not resort to school yard rhetoric.
My comment is to Justice, I am also an ex-witness..but not a hater. I think that most of the comments posted on this site is to try to get the real truth out there because we are concerned for those who are still brainwashed by that organazation. I was trumatized and won't even try to go into everything that I and members of my family went through while attending the Kingdom Hall. They hide their false teachings and wrong doings within a man made religion that is definitely not from Jehovah God! It's an organzation that has preached lie after lie through the years and destroyed the lives of many. The rules and regulations are akin to dictatorship that keeps everyone in line with the threat of disassociation or disfellowshipment and completely cut off from family members. Don't you know that if they weren't afraid their members would find out the truth about their beliefs that they would encourage them to search for themselves! Instead they threaten you and convince you that those of us that have been brave enough to go against them are apostates! No, I am not a hater, I am one who is truly concerned about those who have been taught to fear a loving God. God is love, Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life. A religion ruled by a group of men claiming to receive new light from the angels is false religion!
I spelled ” organization ” wrong…twice
I am in the same situation as it seems a lot of people are. I'm not even sure where to begin, but it's very difficult choosing between your family and loved ones, and doing what you really feel is right. Its very upsetting to see 8-12 year olds getting baptized without knowing the consequences they will face should they later feel this religion is not right. I'm in that boat. I wish I knew how to bring about change. It's not that I'm against anyone who chooses to believe in the organization, I disagree that it is next to impossible to leave with good intentions. There is so much beauty if we choose to see it, in other people, in life. I would only like to have the ability to worship the God i love out of love, not fear, freely.
@ Freedom 1,,,I understand completely how you feel about young children being baptized at such a young age, I was made by my family to be baptized at 13 against my will. It completely tears you apart to feel trapped when you realize that something is just not right and you want to be free to live your life and believe the way you want to. I even raised my son as a witness and always encouraged him not to be baptized and thankfully he wasn't. I have a brother that was never baptized as well…he lived a life of drugs and was in prison for some of his acts, but they always welcomed him with open arms. I have never done some of the things he did but have been shunned and now considered an apostate for leaving that organization. I have no regrets of leaving, I finally feel loved by God, My son helped convince me that something just didn't seem right there and I thank him for being the strong one to help open my eyes to what the Bible really says. To all that are confused, that lost many years of their lives that could have been spent in freedom, I say search the scriptures yourself, secretly if you have to, without their NWT Bible and publications, pray for God to lead you to him through his Son Jesus Christ. You will find happiness and freedom, you will look back and see how controlling the GB is. Jehovah God gives us free will to make the right choices. You will not be sorry once you take that leap of faith to leave a terrible misrepresentation of the only true religion.
It's interesting that in one of last years articles it mentioned things that “false religion” practiced, and one of them was baptizing babies. At the end of the same watchtower if had another article that was about how getting baptized at a young age can serve as a protection. I'm sorry for what you have had to go through, but it's comforting to know that I'm not the only one. I personally know more folks who are facing the same struggle, but choose not to leave because of the consequences. The survey is a great way to Bring awareness to the issue – but what else could we do? So many faced similar circumstances back then, though you would feel it was left back in the old ages. The catholic church carried out the same kind of control and even though physical torture is not used, the mental anguish is just as painful. Jesus himself was killed because of the religious leaders fear of him. Nicodemous had to come to Jesus in secret, because even though he belived, he feared being kicked out of the synogog. What would really happen if we all had the strength to leave? Do you think any major changes will come in our lifetime? My whole family and immediate family are JWs. I don't know if I can do this yet. They are already encouraging and asking my little brother if baptism is a goal for him – thankfully no at this point.
@ Freedom 1..I can certainly empathize with your situation, leaving is not an easy choice to make if you are close with your family members who are JWs. My family was dysfunctional and the way it turned out we all drifted apart and went our own ways. My mother and one of my brothers are still JW's, they of course consider me an apostate but there was so little love in our family that they don't have a close relationship with each other. I always felt intimidated by the congregation as most of the elders were family. I always felt beneath them all and made to feel that I could never measure up because I had been disfellowshipped ( for smoking ). I think in regards to your question if I think there will be major changes in the future, in my opinion as far as the GB goes, I don't think they will ever admit that they are in control or teach false doctrines. I do think that more and more witnesses will leave, especially the younger ones when they reach adolescent. I will keep you in my prayers that you can cope with your mixed emotions. You are certainly doing the right thing in expressing your thoughts and doubts with others, even if you do have to do it secretly. Take care and don't give up!
Tak! I will keep you in my prayers to!
Thank you:)
Can you contact me directly. I'm dating an ex JW and I'm
Hitting a wall. @James Gordon -
I have bible studies at my house with a Jehovah witness,what should I do?