A summer regional convention that was all about loyalty to Jehovah and the Organization. During the same period, a series of Watchtower articles hammering on the same theme. And now the August 2016 Broadcast on tv.jw.org delivers one of the strongest messages yet about being loyal to the leaders of the organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Why so much emphasis on this? Is there a Bible basis for this message? Does it show the end is near? Will our salvation depend on our loyalty to the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses and the local body of elders? Or is something else becoming manifest?
The real theme of the Broadcast becomes evident around the 3:30 minute mark when Ronald Curzan, a Helper to the Teaching Committee, speaks about David’s attitude toward Saul by reading from 1 Samuel.
“He said to his men: “It is unthinkable from Jehovah’s standpoint that I should do such a thing to my lord, the anointed of Jehovah, by lifting my hand against him, for he is the anointed of Jehovah.”” (1Sa 24:6)
Ronald says that David humbly put aside his personal feelings concerning Saul and chose to wait patiently for Jehovah to act. Most Witnesses will understand the message to be that even if one has doubts about the direction the leadership of the Organization is taking, no one should lift up their hand against it, but wait on Jehovah.
This is as far as the Organization would want us to take this example. If we ask, “Who is Saul in the modern scenario?” the answer is obviously, the Governing Body. But Saul was a good king turned bad. Does that fit? Also, while David didn’t kill Saul when he had the chance, neither did he follow Saul nor obey him. David withdrew from Saul for his own welfare. Finally, Saul was actually appointed by a prophet of God, but who appointed the Governing Body?
Ronald next says: “We’ll soon be facing life changing events foretold in the Bible that will test our loyalty to Jehovah and his organization.” Presumably, Ronald says this because the doctrine of the overlapping generations proves that the end is very near. But could it be that we are already facing circumstances that test our loyalty to Jehovah?
Ronald next explains three areas wherein our loyalty is tested.
Loyally Defend Jehovah
Using the example of Elihu who came to Jehovah’s defence in the time of Job’s trials, Ronald speaks about being loyal when Jehovah’s name comes under attack. Who of us would not agree with this?
Now if you were preparing this part, what would logically be your second point? Who would come right after Jehovah when speaking of someone we must loyally defend when he comes under attack?
While I’m sure you are thinking of Jesus for the number two spot, the Governing Body has put themselves there.
Be Loyal to the Faithful Slave
Ronald says: “Second, we could be loyal to Jehovah by being loyal to “the faithful and discreet slave—the Governing Body.” So it is now very clear that in the mind of all in the Organization, “the faithful and discreet slave” is the Governing Body and the Governing Body is “the faithful and discreet slave”. They are one and the same.
I prefer to use the Governing Body, or GB for short, over “the faithful and discreet slave” when referring to the seven men at headquarters because they are definitely the body that governs Jehovah’s Witnesses. As to being a slave of Jesus that is faithful and discreet, we will let the facts speak for themselves.
Ronald tells us that “Jehovah and Jesus are using the [Governing Body] to feed us spiritual food, so we owe our loyalty to that [Body]….There is no perfect person nor organization on the globe, but as a long-time faithful brother used to say, ‘This is the best imperfect organization on earth’.” The validity of that brother’s assessment aside, expecting us to be loyal to an organization because it is the least bad of many choices is hardly a recipe for salvation. Saying it is the only true faith while all others are false is a binary choice, but being the lesser of many evils hardly qualifies as an endorsement from God.
Nevertheless, there would be no problem with this but for the fact that we are being asked for unconditional loyalty to this organization. Make no mistake. Loyalty here is a synonym for obedience and support.
Ronald continues: “The way we listen to and obey the [GB] has a direct bearing on the strength of our friendship with God. In fact, it means our very life.”
Ronald would have us believe that to be saved, we must be loyal and obedient to the Governing Body. He doesn’t see the contradiction in this. He acknowledges that they are imperfect and make mistakes, yet our salvation depends on our listening to and obeying their every word.
How can we be loyal to the Christ and to men as the same time? Inevitably, men will let us down. Men will misguide us. Men will tell us to do things that are wrong. That’s what comes of imperfection. This has already happened more times than we can count in the 100-year history of the Governing Body and it will happen again. In fact, it is happening right now in this broadcast.
The Governing Body Equals Jesus
Ronald asks: “But what if the Governing Body serves some spiritual food that is not to our liking. Or what if we do not fully understand or agree with a clarification of a belief?” To show how we should respond he refers to the book of John:
“60When they heard this, many of his disciples said: “This speech is shocking; who can listen to it?…66Because of this, many of his disciples went off to the things behind and would no longer walk with him….68Simon Peter answered him: “Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life.” (Joh 6:60, 66, 68)
He then says that, “Peter’s loyalty was based on solid evidence that Jesus was the Messiah. His loyalty was evidence of his faith. That is the kind of loyalty we want to imitate today.”
The problem with this is that in the context of his talk, he is using this as an example of the kind of loyalty we want to display for the Governing Body. So he is equating the Governing Body with Jesus. If Peter’s loyalty was based on evidence that Jesus was the Messiah or anointed one, what evidence do we have that the Governing Body anointed as the faithful slave? We have only their word to go by. They are self-appointed.
Peter’s words work for us today, because Jesus is not dead. He is very much alive and he still has sayings of everlasting life. However, the Governing Body would have us replace Jesus and turn to them as those who now have sayings of everlasting life. If they say something that shocks us or that we might disagree with, no matter. We should be like Peter was with Jesus and say—as this passage is often misquoted—“Where else would we go. This Organization has sayings of everlasting life.”
Loyal to the Elders
Ronald tells us about the importance of loyalty to the local elders by saying, “Why then is it so important for us to strengthen our loyalty to our hardworking, loving shepherds?…As the great tribulation nears, our survival will depend on our readiness to respond to their direction as they follow the Governing Body’s direction. Our loyalty is not to men, but to Jehovah’s arrangement made up of imperfect, but loyal men.”
So we are not really being loyal to men, but to Jehovah’s arrangement. And what is Jehovah’s arrangement according to this broadcast? It is to have an organization directed by the Governing Body to give us life-saving direction when the time comes for the end of this system of things. We must therefore conclude that Jehovah will reveal his direction to the Governing Body, and they will instruct the elders, who in turn will instruct us. As the illustration to Ronald’s right at the time he relates this information shows, we will be hiding out in basements while God’s fury passes over when that time comes.
The Governing Body is Moses
To show how important our obedience to men is, the broadcast next plays part of the drama about Korah’s rebellion against Moses. The Governing Body in this scenario is Moses. They ignore the fact that the Greater Moses is Jesus Christ. (He 3:1-6) They also ignore the fact that this tactic has been used before to enforce compliance with the authority of men.
“The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the seat of Moses.” (Mt 23:2)
The scribes and Pharisees were not appointed by God as Moses was. Can the Governing Body show any credentials similar to those of Moses? He was a prophet whose prophecies never failed to come true. He wrote under inspiration. He performed miracles. On any one of these counts can the Governing Body show reason why we should view them as Moses?
Korah wanted the people to view him as Moses—the leader of the nation. He tried to replace God’s anointed one. The word “Christ” means anointed one. Jesus Christ is God’s anointed one. The Governing Body gives him lip-service—he is barely mentioned throughout the length of this broadcast—but they are really trying to replace him. This is evidenced graphically by the featured picture above. It was evident two years ago when they published the picture below. Again, Jesus is missing.
Why do they engage in this Korah scare tactic so often? The reason is frighten the flock into compliance. Their position is so fragile doctrinally and morally, that it will not stand up to scrutiny. So by making any hint of criticism equivalent to the rebellion of Korah, they hope to avoid having to explain themselves to the rank and file. This tactic has proven very, very successful. Consider the fact that, usually, when you tell a Witness about the child abuse scandal in Australia or the UN membership of the 1990s, they are wholly ignorant of the facts. In this world where gossip and news fly around the globe at the speed of light, Witnesses do not share these facts even with close friends. They fear being reported on as apostates. So they remain silent.
This is the so-called “faithful and discreet slave” that is demanding our full compliance lest we perish at Armageddon.
In Summary
If we had been shown a video like this 40 years ago, it would have caused considerable division. We didn’t even know the names of most of the Governing Body members back then.
But that was then. This is now. For years we have been slowly indoctrinated, little by little, to the point that if someone were to object that Jesus is not being represented by the illustrations above, he would be labelled an apostate. Imagine being called an apostate for trying to return one’s brothers to Jesus.
Jesus has been given a throne by God. He is the Greater Moses. The modern-day Korah wishes to sit in the throne of Jesus. He would want God’s people to believe that they must obey him to be saved. Like Korah, he claims that God speaks through him.
But the son does not take it lightly when he is not shown the respect that is his due.
“Kiss the son, that He may not become incensed And YOU may not perish [from] the way, For his anger flares up easily. Happy are all those taking refuge in him.” (Ps 2:12)
It is not an Organization that the Bible points to for a place of refuge, but to the Son of God. Those who will not bow before him will perish.
Maybe, just maybe, we are being “bombarded” with the admonition to be loyal because a lot of brothers and sisters aren’t getting/heeding it? That sounds horrible, but if we think about how far from perfection we are since the first human couple, and how the world’s spirit of disloyalty is so strong, then we can discern why we need to be counseled like this – to prevent worldly influences from seeping into the congregation. Also if the organisation is spirit directed then our faith will surely help us to discern that Jehovah allows imperfect men who make mistakes to give… Read more »
Candace, I’m sure you see this as a valid argument. Now if this exact same argument were being made to you by a Roman Catholic speaking about her own church, would you still consider it valid? If not, why not?
Hi Meleti, I don’t know what to say to that to be honest, except isn’t this a bit like comparing an oddly shaped apple to a badly rotten one? The catholics sure are christians too but they have way more pagan beliefs that I can put my finger on. Trinity, christmas, same sex marriage, mary worship, thats just the start! Yes I understand our organisation isn’t perfect either by any means but what is? But I get it (I think), its our heart condition which matters most to Jehovah, specifically whether we are moved through his word to make the… Read more »
They leave Jesus off the list of the “Earthly Part of Jehovahs Organization” rightfully so. He is in heaven with God. And seeking to replace Christ yes, absolutely they do.
However to be accurate with the picture, Jesus is shown in that picture/illustration at Gods right hand and is not missing from the picture is he?
You must have better eyes than I. I don’t see him. Besides, he is not pictured in Ezequiel’s vision upon which the top part of the WT illustration is based.
I suppose that I must, because he is shown in that illustration that you posted in the originating article, and the picture must be from a JW publication. Ezekiel vision aside. I see Jesus there in that illustration, as well as God, at the top on the throne. Neither Jehovah or Christ are mentioned on that page. Post a picture of this Ezekiel vision then, where Jesus is not shown. Don’t you see the figure with the blue/green robes on? Its as clear as day really. He is there at Gods right hand.., is he not?. That would be Christ.… Read more »
I had to use the Windows Magnifier program before I could see anything like what you are describing. Even then, to say it was a figure dressed in blue/green robes as clear as day, seems to me to be stretching a point. What I see there is the right armrest of the throne. Based on our readership, thousands have seen this image and no one has interpreted that part of the drawing to represent Jesus, so could it be that you are seeing what you want to see. Since Ezekiel’s vision does not depict Jehovah with anyone else, if the… Read more »
I’d say its a clear case of letting ones own personal biases, as legitimate as they may be, blind us to what is clearly depicted in the illustration you posted. I didn’t need a magnifier. Yet you used one and say you didn’t see it? You didn’t see a representation of God on the throne there either I suppose? Its bizarre. I see him depicted there on the throne with Christ at his right hand. Christ is in heaven with God. He or God aren’t on their “list” of the “Earthly organization” and haven’t been “excluded”, because neither Jehovah or… Read more »
Rather than get into a pointless discussion about what you claim is clearly there and what I claim is clearly not there, perhaps we could ask our readers to weigh in on this. After all, since I’m being accused of not owning up to an error, I would like to know if the accusation is warranted.
There’s nobody next to the One on the throne. The blue/gray is the throne itself.
I’m not seeing a figure of Jesus in that illustration either. I see the arm of the throne, that’s it.
john971. Now that you have pointed it out, and after zooming in and out several times, I agree that there might be Jesus there. But then in white robes. The blue/green is his throne, as is the throne of Jehovah. See the other blue/green armrest of Jehovah’s throne.
What a picture. Reminds me reading the images from clouds.
There are two other things we must bear in mind. 1) Ezekiel’s vision is not of Jehovah’s heavenly organization. That is a pure and self-serving interpretation of the Society. The Bible never speaks of Jehovah having an organization, heavenly nor earthly. 2) Nowhere in the Bible is Jehovah depicted as riding a chariot. Another fabrication of the GB and one that has its roots in pagan mythology.
Okay, but your assertion that Jesus was wrongly removed from their list in that illustration you posted is plain wrong. Another illustration and list could have been used, where Christ has been clearly excluded or wrongly removed from. There must be 100s of them. Its just a poor/incorrect example posted. He doesn’t belong on that list. He is in heaven not on earth. You tell/show that even to a JW, they will laugh at that assertion. and they would be correct. Its your business if you can’t/don’t want to see whats there in the illustration you posted. The point is,… Read more »
john971, to ensure we are talking about the same thing, could you do a screen capture of the portion of the illustration where Jesus appears and email it to me at meleti.vivlon@gmail.com? That would help me greatly to understand your point.
john971,
You’re absolutely right that we can’t say Jesus was removed from the list in the picture, any more than we can say that Jehovah was removed from it, since it is a list of links in the chain of authority in the so-called ‘earthly part of God’s organization’. The article, in fact, never says that Jesus should have been on the list, but the blurb gave that impression. It’s been fixed. Thanks for the heads-up.
The author of the article did write this, cut and pasted here moments ago: “Why does the Organization continue to minimize Jesus role, even to the point of removing him from lists” ??.then the list posted by the author appears in the article..leading any reader to believe that Jesus has been removed from this list?? . I mean it there for all to see right now. This quote appears in the title caption of the article. You write: The article, in fact, never says that Jesus should have been on the list, but the blurb gave that impression. It’s been… Read more »
Hi john971, I just checked the title and blurb that comes up and here it is: Replacing Christ – August 2016 Broadcast by Meleti Vivlon | Aug 4, 2016 | JW.org Videos | 73 Comments Why does the Organization continue to minimize Jesus role, even to the point of omitting him from a drawing showing the channel of communication between God and men? I don’t know how you’re still seeing the original blurb, but please be assured that there is no monkey business going on and that I, in good faith, acted on your observation and made the correction when… Read more »
I appreciate that you corrected the matter in good faith. I accept that of course.
How about the author of the article? He chose not to address the issue of the list directly in any of his replies to me on this forum, after it was brought to his attention.
I was using the word “list” to represent that which the illustration depicts. It depicts an organization authority structure or hierarchy, from the rank-and-file publisher all the way up to Jehovah God. So please understand that I meant “list” to refer to a listing of all the positions of authority from Jehovah down to the congregation publisher. When I said that the Governing Body has removed Jesus from that list, I was viewing the list both Scripturally and organizationally. Scripturally, Jesus is the head of the congregation so in any authority structure depiction or listing from Jehovah down, he should… Read more »
“I was using the word “list” to represent that which the illustration depicts.” Yes, I understand that explanation. That point could have been made in the original article, and I acknowledge what you were driving at now. But, I do see Jehovah and Jesus in the illustration. So even with your explanation of “list”, I would have to disagree with it. But then, I see what I see. Others may not. But I’m okay with that. There are other illustrations that they’ve used in the past, where a better case can be made to make your point. And on that… Read more »
Jesus at Gods right hand at the present time in heaven. Seems consistent with Christian scripture to me. Second point/issue not addressed earlier: “Why does the Organization continue to minimize Jesus role, even to the point of removing him from lists” The JW list shown with the illustration is of the “earthly non-biblical hierarchy” of JWs. Jesus and God are in heaven of course. Jesus hasn’t been removed from that list. He doesn’t belong there. My point here is that if we want to try and open the eyes of those JWs who want to be helped, lets get it… Read more »
John971, are you now satisfied by AndereStimme’s comment above, or is there something else that you feel needs correcting? If so please specify the article and paragraph in question to aid us in locating it.
Thanks for this article Meleti. I was hoping to get your thoughts on Acts 21. Oddly, i’ve just never heard this appealed to as an example of the Governing Body. But I noticed you didn’t address it above in your article directly. Was there a particular reason for not mentioning it? The presenter seemed to have spent around the same amount of time on this as he did other topics. Anyway, just wanted to get your take on it and why you don’t think it’s a good argument or example of a Governing Body. My take is that Paul agreed… Read more »
Hi Mike and welcome. Thanks for bringing this up. It gives me a chance to explain. I had considered devoting attention to that, but the reason I didn’t was that I didn’t want to get into a discussion that would have meant accepting their premise that there was a governing body in the first century, something I do not believe to be the case. We actually devoted a lot of research to this topic on the original site. For example, this article by Apollos. Also, if you go the home page of that site, click “Jehovah’s Witnesses” under the Category… Read more »
Thanks Meleti, that was very helpful!
Thanks William. The truth is, I only spoke to one other brother about the matter, a brother that was in another branch. So the only ones that knew about it was the branch committee and myself (and the poor brother who they eventually asked to the job). I wasn’t interested in rallying anyone to my side at the branch and create a division. I was taking my own conscientious decision and it would have been incorrect to influence others to take my side of what was a conscientious decision. So, when the morning worship talk was given the next day,… Read more »
Yehorakam, your attitude sounds the same as ours. When we found out about an elder’s designing guidance systems for missiles, we took it to the elders in our cong and trusted the brothers to deal with it, which they did by leaving him in his position. And never said a word to anyone. When we found another elder had a criminal charge laid against him for fraud, same thing again. When I was assaulted in the second school by an elder, same thing again.The only thing that changed was that we became very unpopular with the elders. We didn’t realise… Read more »
I watched the video only to the 4 minute mark. The very first thing I said to myself was: they’re using the worst example to prove loyalty! David maybe didn’t kill Saul, but he also didn’t support him! He distanced himself from Saul and let Jehovah’s take care of punishing him. So, the lesson for us all is that if we see the organization doing something wrong, refusing to humbly apologize for causing suffering to thousands, teaching false doctrines, twisting the scriptures, disfellowshipping those that might disagree with them on a few matters where there is solid biblical evidence….then we… Read more »
Yehorakam: Even if a prominent member of the branch publicly humiliated you or gossiped about you, some Witnesses, unknown to you, might have sided with you. I have several stories like that and I will tell just one short one: In late 1974, a Witness at Bethel was trying to convince me that I didn’t need to obey the pedestrian crosswalk law in New York City. He used as an example that some Witness at Watchtower Farms refused to used insecticide or herbicide because it bothered his conscience. He tried to make that young Witness seem like a fool. The… Read more »
Good article again. Have you noticed how the scriptures have been changed to promote loyalty. Mostly it is the changes from loving kindness to loyal love. An examination of the It book under kindness reveals the meaning of the original Hebrew word. yet despite all that Micah 6:8 gets changed to “cherish loyalty”, although the footnote refers to “loyal love”. Why change that one lovely verse against all reason, and then make it subject to a Watchtower earlier in the year and a number of mentions at the beginning of the conventions. The Hebrew word appears 245 times in the… Read more »
You’re quite right, Leonardo, and the thing that makes it worse is that Loyal Love is the type of love that Jesus said would identify his disciples. Loyalty, on the other hand, is a neutral word. It isn’t good nor bad. It’s morality is determined by the circumstances. The demons may well be loyal to Satan, but that doesn’t make loyalty good. We can be loyal to the organization, but again, that doesn’t make loyalty a good thing, especially if it takes us away from God.
The theme is becoming THE MOST IMPORTANT topic it seems: Obey US (gb, not capitalized on purpose). More and more I find the it difficult to observe and not being able to do much about it other than provide input on this and other sites (like DTT). The recent letters about the new child abuse policy and how the WT Legal Department will be involved, Is but one example of how the different classes in the organisations work.. It says that the legal department can act to protect the elders and the organization. But what about protecting / defending a… Read more »
Great post Menrov.
“More and more I find the it difficult to observe and not being able to do much about it other than provide input on this and other sites”
So agreed – it is incredibly frustrating, isn’t it?
“Truly, I am concerned.”
As am I, my Christian brother, as am I…..
From time to time commenters on this web site suggest that the WT is scared and that the organization is facing imminent collapse. I read the articles on this web site, but I hardly ever read the WT itself, because it wasted a lot of my life, because it slanders good people, and because the WT teaches false doctrines. So my comment may be ill-informed but I think the WT has exactly what it wants – growth. Long ago, in the early 80’s I think, WT literature said that the reason for the decrease in publishers in 1 or 2… Read more »
Scared? No, I agree, I don’t think they’re scared; they’re far too arrogant for that. But I think a shadow of doubt has crossed their collective face. I think, even if it’s almost “subconsciously,” if one can apply that term to a group, that hints of paranoia are being exhibited by them, as they continue to stress loyalty to their merry little band and emphasize practices like shunning for any “apostate” that so much as questions their doctrine, and associated power. Interesting, isn’t it, how this too parallels Saul’s trajectory in the Bible. As Saul became increasingly paranoid, deluded, and… Read more »
I say “follow the money..show me the money”. They want your money, and you show your loyalty by giving more and more of it. Financial problems will likely cause them more consternation and concern than anything else will, and a real case for worry can be made. How can they ever make up for that lost source of revenue from when they were mostly a printing and publishing company? The old WT formula of printing literature and receiving “donations” is long gone. Their money train has been derailed. They have reassigned or fired 100s of Bethelites worldwide, and special pioneers… Read more »
It’s hard to say what cards they’re showing and what cards they’re not. Growth, theoretically, should be exponential and instead it’s getting flatter and flatter. The equation “more minions, lower growth percentage” should be worrying them. If the calls for greater donations really indicate a shortfall, then that would be worrying to them as well. Since the whole enterprise hinges on the rank and file continuing to accept their authority, you can see why dissenters might have them at least concerned, if not outright scared. Imminent collapse? Who knows, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up. His Infallible Holiness, the… Read more »
“Also, while David didn’t kill Saul when he had the chance, neither did he follow Saul nor obey him. David withdrew from Saul for his own welfare.” – Thanks dear brother for pointing this out. It opened my eyes. And for almost 25 years as a baptized and still active JW, I never saw this angle. What I only saw was the fact that David didn’t kill Saul.
It is an amazingly bad piece of reasoning, isn’t it? If David’s supposed loyalty to Saul is an example for us to follow in staying loyal to the GB, then the GB has cast itself in the role of a wicked king. You know, the same one who’s trying to kill David. Who’s loyal to Saul….That’s problem 1, and it’s a doozy. Problem 2 is that David doesn’t show loyalty to Saul, but to Jehovah, by not killing Saul. He doesn’t obey Saul, he simply doesn’t lop his head off. There’s a difference. Problem 3 is that David, at this… Read more »
Well explained bro. Thanks 🙂
I’m sure going to bring this up the next time someone tries the Saul/David reasoning on me.
The more I think about it, the more ludicrous it seems. Loyalty to someone who’s trying to murder you. Call me weird, but I just have this feeling that my obligation to be loyal to someone is annulled when that someone tries to kill me in a jealous rage.
I got corrected on this by a friend: The example of David not killing Saul is not used in the video as an example of loyalty to the GB, but as an example of “waiting on Jehovah”. That’s good as far as it goes, but once you try to make application it gets tricky in ways I’m sure they didn’t dwell on. ‘When those appointed by God to lead his people go bad, don’t kill them, run away from them’ would then be the moral of the story, which doesn’t quite fit the standard narrative. But it’s not quite as… Read more »
The WT leaders realize that their power over the flock is starting to diminish. It seems that in every new WT study magazine, loyalty, aka obedience to men, is being pounded into the typical witness. But its not working. The Scriptures pointed to the manifestation of the “man of lawlessness” and the “antichrist” in the last days. Imperfect men who set themselves up in a hierarchical governance over the flock of Christ, and seek to replace and usurp Jesus Christ himself as the “word” and the “truth”. I have found myself re reading our fellow brother Ray Franzs book, In… Read more »
Hi John in fact, in usual WT fashion, this question is in fact taken out of the Question from Readers in the WT 1 July 1957. I am amazed at their deceit, even as the recent experience given by Tony Morris at the DC of Joshua who died because of refusing blood – it appears in the 1995 Awake 22 January.
Nice Review once again Meleti.
Excellent write-up, thanks for taking the time to do it. From Ray Franz – In Search of Christian Freedom pages 17-18 “Men can make no greater claim to authority than to claim to speak for God—even more than that—to claim to be his sole channel of communication to all mankind. To occupy such a position would be an awesome responsibility indeed, and one that should logically call for the greatest of humility on the part of imperfect humans if they were in fact assigned to fill it. A fitting analogy might be that of a slave sent forth by a… Read more »
Words to live by!
Wow, NMT, wonderfully stated!
Matthew 18 – Who is the Greatest?
1At that time the disciples came to Jesus, asking, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?”
2So Jesus called a child, made him stand in front of them, 3and said, “I assure you that unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of heaven.4The greatest in the Kingdom of heaven is the one who humbles himself and becomes like this child. 5And whoever welcomes in my name one such child as this, welcomes me.
There was an article called Christian Greatness Comes from Serving in the December 1, 1975 Watchtower. All the scriptures in that and the other two study articles on ministry were used in context. But the person who wrote those articles was forced out of Bethel during the 1980 purge.
Great article, thanks for sharing!
Anybody interested in studying to history of the organization doctrine taken to such a rabid degree might want to read the May 1, 1981 WT. In Search of Christian Freedom gives the context of that article in the chapter Argumentation and Manipulation. By the time the article appeared, the WT had already silenced prominent Witnesses who tried to stick to the Bible. See also the Question From Readers in this issue: “Since the word ‘organization’ does not occur in the Bible, even in its original languages, what right do we have to say that God has an organization or to… Read more »
Outrageous as always with the WTBS. They are constantly fear mongering and asking people to put them in the place of Jesus. I’m sure it’s not a stretch to believe the WT will replace the bible eventually. And even Jehovah will be replaced by the GB. Their fear of being found out and their arrogance has never been more evident.
Now now, Hezekiah, Jehovah and the Bible are too useful to be replaced, but rest assured the inconvenience of their “parousia” has already been worked around. Jehovah and the organization are synonymous, so what the organization says, Jehovah says. Anything Jehovah says, Jesus says too (on those rare occasions we let him make an appearance). And since the publications are ‘provisions from Jehovah’, they’re the word of God for all practical purposes, except when it becomes apparent that they’re not, in which case we have a standard disclaimer to explain away the problem. It’s obvious your lack of faith has… Read more »
Question: why is it assumed that the photo shows Jehovah on the throne? Jesus is the king of God’s Kingdom….when i see that photo I assume the person on the throne is Jesus….
Em, really? You really think an organization like the “Jehovahs” Witnesses, who routinely seem to ignore Jesus would put Jesus, not Jehovah, at the top of the pile? No offense, but respectfully, I just don’t see it.
I’m pointing out it is an assumption… and that it might be a preformed opinion that draws people to that conclusion about that photo. As you said in your comment, you believe it is not Jesus because of your feelings about the jw org…. I respect your opinion… but it’s just something to think about.
Em, You’re entirely right, we do need to be aware of our assumptions. However, if you look at the picture, it’s of the “divine chariot” from Ezequiel. According to WT theology, who rides the chariot? *** w91 3/15 p. 14 par. 4 Keep Pace With Jehovah’s Celestial Chariot *** Under Jehovah’s direction, this worldwide organization has grown from small beginnings to become a powerful agency for proclaiming the decree to “fear God and give him glory, because the hour of the judgment by him has arrived.” (Revelation 14:7) As Ezekiel did not raise up or appoint himself as a prophet,… Read more »
oh i see! thanks so much. i didn’t realize this was supposed to be a direct representation of the divine chariot…weird that they would use that since a lot has changed since then since jesus is now king….
Hi em, it’s a good question, and AndereStimme has provided a good answer. As further confirmation of this, the latest November 2016 Watchtower study states that Jehovah is the rider of this celestial chariot in paragraph 10.
https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/watchtower-study-november-2016/highly-esteem-gods-word/
Of course, this entire article is more of the same – banging the loyally to Jehovah drum, but really meaning loyalty to the GB. And usurping Jesus’ role as usual. It’s disgraceful the way they misrepresent both but are quite happy to slap Jehovah and Jesus’ names across their falsehoods for their own ends.
thanks for your helpful answer…i really didnt realize it was supposed to be the divine chariot. thanks again! that helps me understand why people view that as being jehovah.
Where is the photo of Christ in the heavenly part of the organization? As a King, he needs to be there.
I saw Jesus when I saw that photo… I thought he was our King?
i did too! but apparently this is a depiction of the heavenly chariot which has clearly been said to be jehovah….that helped me understand why everyone sees jh and i see jesus….
On a related note, while the Watchtower refers to Ezekiel’s vision as Jehovah on his heavenly chariot, Ezekiel never uses the word “chariot” in reference to his vision, nor does the Bible ever depict Jehovah in a chariot. The origin of the God-in-a-chariot teaching is pagan.
See Apollos’ article here: http://meletivivlon.com/2013/02/01/origins-of-the-celestial-chariot/
Excellent summary. I think that this may be their most heretical broadcast to date!
Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name [Jesus] under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. – Acts 4:12
Indeed Nicodemus. I cannot remember Jesus or the Apostles exhorting Christians to exercise faith in an Organization or even the FDS. No scriptures to support, non biblical. I thought we just based our faith in the Bible?
As for the FDS/GB being the channel of spiritual food: It is helpful to look at the ‘food’ they have dispensed, such as the clap trap put forth in the Studies in the Scriptures, as opposed to serious bible commentaries produced by other individuals at the same time or even earlier – for example look at the Pulpit Commentary published 1880-97, in the public domain and the Darby synopsis of the old and new testaments by John Nelson Darby 1800-1882. According to Raymond Franz, some of these commentaries were used as reference works at Brooklyn. And sometimes the new light… Read more »
I have always been amazed by the depth and quality of the Heinrich Meyer’s Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament. It’s such a treasure and luckily it is freely available in English. It’s some 150 years old, but is ageless. I have been wondering what is the oldest book of the “channel” still in print. Probably one of the theocratic ministry schoolbook, the kids’ Bible stories book or the songbook. I don’t know a good way to check this so it is just a guess. In any case, there seems to be no heavyweight doctrinal book from 20th… Read more »
Good point, Tyhik
tyhik Thanks for the tip about the H Meyer commentary. I have e-Sword and it is one of the commentaries on this programme. I will use it more in future.
Too true. One thing I have really come to appreciate is how many scholars and references are willing to say ‘we don’t know’ and simply offer different possible interpretations. A refreshing contrast to the GB!
Hi Collete, good morning. I think the WT-GB instructions not to read other spiritual-oriented sources is kind of limiting, not healthy for the brain – and for the soul. If we JWs have the truth, then the GB should let its flock compare their food from the others and see for themselves the results of consuming such food. No coercion, no pressure. Christ never forced anybody to follow him.
Thanks Meleti. This smacks of more desperation from the GB. They are responding in much the same way that the Pharisees did when Jesus exposed them for what they were, except today it is the internet which is blowing their cover. And as more and more people discover the truth about the truth and join the army of ex-JWs online, they are trying to increase the culture of fear and paranoia within the organisation – a real siege mentality. It makes me think of Steve Hassan’s BITE model. They can’t control the information anymore (the internet) so they are tightening… Read more »
That’s interesting news about the ARC. I was wondering if it was all going to fizzle out or if there were going to be other things coming down the pike. It’s good news that they are not letting the Org off the hook. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if they closed the branch. When France tried to tax us, they closed the branch seemingly overnight and took the whole printing operation to the UK.
I have a question 1984, Meleti and other brothers here. Evidence against the leaders of the Society has piled up through the years. And as the GB never stops making pronouncements like this, they will be more on the defensive, will tighten their grips on the JW members. The question is: How does a JW Christian’s relationship with God and Our Lord Jesus Christ affected by the directions of the GB? Since there are vulnerable doctrines already exposed, how does this consequence impacts a Christian’s standing before God? As a Ministerial Servant, for 3 years now since learning the truth… Read more »
For me the WT teachings caused me to deny our Lord Jesus Christ – John 6:48-58. Note the context of this chapter: Jesus was speaking to the Jews, not a few anointed followers.
Yes Colette. Noticed the word used like “whoever” that feeds on the Son’s flesh and drinks his blood has everlasting life..” Whoever does not pertain to anointed followers only. The GB limits the beneficiaries of the arrangement while Christ openly offers the provision for all. What a stark contrast!
It’s a question each has to answer in his own way and based on his own circumstances. The parable of the wheat and weeds and the command to “get out of her my people” both indicate that true Christians would be among the false up to some point in time. If I were a Mormon or Baptist and came to see that truth and to understand the false teachings of my church, how long would I feel obliged to remain in it? Sometimes we ask this question as JWs thinking that there is something special about our particular brand of… Read more »
Thanks Meleti for the reply. I am still finding a comfortable position for myself and my family. So far, status is to stay and look at the good and positive things in this Organization while staying alert not to ingest spiritual food that is not supported by the Scriptures.