April 30th, 2012
John Cedars has published the first post of a four-part series that closely examines the Watchtower Society’s claim to be “God’s Spirit Directed Organization” on earth.
Cedars is most noted for his “Global Survey of Jehovah’s Witnesses” – hosted and maintained at JWSurvey.org. Along with his “Global Surveys” (and occasional “Mini-Surveys”) that ask for opinions on Jehovah’s Witnesses’ beliefs and practices, Cedars also presents his own thoughts and commentary on a broader range of issues in his “Cedars’ Blog.”
His most recent posting, “Under the microscope – the Watchtower’s claims to divine direction (part 1),” analyzes the Watchtower’s assertion that it is the only religious organization on earth that receives special treatment and direct guidance from Jehovah God. The first article examines the claim that Jehovah’s Witnesses can prove their blessed situation because of their continued annual membership growth throughout the world. Cedars checks the facts to verify that the Watchtower’s teaching is not only correct, but credible. Considering the hours that Jehovah’s Witnesses claim to spend in the worldwide preaching work, do actual performance results prove they have a special gift from God?
In future articles, Cedars will check the Watchtower’s other major claims “proving their unique selection” by God to be his earthly organization.
(Continue Reading…)
April 10th, 2012
This is the last segment of this series of articles about the Kingdom Hall takeover scandal in Menlo Park, California.
Two different court documents form the basis of Jason Cobb’s testimony covered in this article. Both are long and detailed, but always engaging. Many active and former Jehovah’s Witnesses will be shocked as they read about the events that have taken place in the once peaceful little Kingdom Hall located halfway between San Jose and San Francisco.
Amazingly, after two years this case is still in the courts and the players on both sides are still in the game. This battle could go on for many years.
I leave it to our readers to judge for themselves as to who wears the “black hats” in this case. Was the Watchtower Society behind a scheme to grab ownership of a valuable piece of real estate worth an estimated $2.5 million? What was behind the assignments of Paul Koehler and Steve Misterfield to that circuit? Who was it that generated the publisher transfer request for a sister who did not want to move from Menlo Park (where she lived) to Santa Rosa (where she worked) – in direct violation of the Watchtower’s own guidance?
Ex-JW.com will continue to report on this amazing story for as long as it lasts. No matter who wins or loses, the facts and details of this story will continue to reveal new information about what the Watchtower Society is willing to do to extend its control over its followers.
As editor, all I can say is “follow the money.” Who stands to make millions of dollars when the dust settles? Who has the most to lose?
(Continue Reading…)
April 6th, 2012
By Rory Sullivan
Editor’s Introduction:
Even though this letter has appeared on other websites by now, Mr. Sullivan was kind enough to let me to publish and share his excellent thought-provoking “open letter” with our readers. He brings up issues that should concern all Jehovah’s Witnesses, but especially those honest-hearted Jehovah’s Witnesses who must carry the burden of serving as elders in their local Kingdom Hall.
(Continue Reading…)
