Pride may play a role, and some fall into the trap of independent thinking.
(w06 7/15 p. 22 par. 14)
Due to background and upbringing, some may be more given to independent thinking and self-will than others.
(w87 2/1 p. 19 par. 13)
This is by no means a recent development.
Any other course would produce independent thinking and cause division.
(w64 5/1 p. 278 par. 8 Building a Firm Foundation in Christ)
He cannot have independent thinking. Thoughts must be obedient to Christ.
(w62 9/1 p. 524 par. 22 Pursuing Peace Through Increased Knowledge)
The world, in its independent thinking, ignores God and his purposes for man as though he were not the Creator.
(w61 2/1 p. 93 Safeguard Thinking Ability for the Ministry)
It was independent thinking that started humankind out on its current tragic course. Adam chose to think independently of Jehovah. There are but two courses open to humans. Thinking that depends on Jehovah, and thinking which is independent of him. The latter is thinking that depends on men, whether oneself or others. Thinking, dependent on God—Good! Thinking, independent of God—Bad!
Simple, isn’t it?
But what if men want to confuse the issue? How can they mess with such a simple formula? By getting us to believe they speak for God. If we believe that, then we will believe that independent thinking—independent of those men, that is—is bad. This is how the man of lawlessness accomplishes his task. He sits in the temple, proclaiming himself as a God. (2 Th 2:4) Therefore, thinking independently of him is a sin. Using this technique, he can convince us we are obeying God when in fact we are doing just the opposite.
It is sad to have to say this, but by their own words it is evident that this is the tactic that the Governing Body has used for decades. Consider:
But a spirit of independent thinking does not prevail in God’s organization, and we have sound reasons for confidence in the men taking the lead among us.
(w89 9/15 p. 23 par. 13 Be Obedient to Those Taking the Lead)
But inside they are spiritually unclean, having given in to prideful, independent thinking. They have forgotten all that they learned about Jehovah, his holy name and attributes. They no longer acknowledge that all they learned about Bible truth—the glorious hope of the Kingdom and a paradise earth and the overturning of false doctrines, such as the Trinity, the immortal human soul, eternal torment, and purgatory—yes, all of this came to them through “the faithful and discreet slave.”
(w87 11/1 pp. 19-20 par. 15 Are You Remaining Clean in Every Respect?)
20 From the very outset of his rebellion Satan called into question God’s way of doing things. He promoted independent thinking. ‘You can decide for yourself what is good and bad,’ Satan told Eve. ‘You don’t have to listen to God. He is not really telling you the truth.’ (Genesis 3:1-5) To this day, it has been Satan’s subtle design to infect God’s people with this type of thinking.—2 Timothy 3:1, 13.
21 How is such independent thinking manifested? A common way is by questioning the counsel that is provided by God’s visible organization.
(w83 1/15 p. 22 pars. 20-21 Exposing the Devil’s Subtle Designs)
Today, too, there are those who, by their independent thinking, question Christ’s ability to have and use on the earth a specially appointed governing body of imperfect humans, to whom he has entrusted all the Kingdom interests or “belongings” on earth. (Matt. 24:45-47) When such independent thinkers receive counsel and direction based on the Bible, they incline to the thought, ‘This is only from fleshly men, so it is up to me to decide whether to accept it or not.’
(w66 6/1 p. 324 Intellectual Freedom or Captivity to the Christ?)
You will notice in these quotes how we start by laying a solid foundation on the readily acceptable truth that thinking that is independent of God is bad. Then we slide seamlessly from that truth to the lie that thinking which is independent of the Governing Body/faithful slave/those taking the lead is just as bad. This turns some humans into God's peers.
That a deception is at work is most transparent in the last (1966) quote because that refers to a Governing Body 10 years before there actually was one. At that time, Nathan Knorr and Fred Franz governed the Organization's output.
Given how obvious this misapplication of a scriptural principle is, one can’t help but wonder why it is so readily taken up by millions of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The answer can be found in a principle stated by Peter. Though applied to a different situation, like all principles it has a broad application.
“. . .For, according to their wish, this fact escapes their notice. . .” (2 Pe 3:5)
Those unbelievers didn’t accept the fact in question as true because they didn’t want to. Why wouldn’t they want to? Applying the principle to our day, we can ask: Why would people who claim to be “in the truth”, reject truth when it is presented to them from Scripture? Many of us have had occasion to bring up our findings regarding 1914 or the two-tier system of salvation with various Witness friends and have often been shocked at the negative and dismissive responses we have received. If we push a little harder, we are often confronted with angry condemnation. Why do these brothers and sisters not want to believe the evidence before them?
Recently, I was watching an episode of a TV show called Perception. It ended with this fascinating monologue.
“There’s nothing worse than a liar. We all feel that way. But why? Why do we take such exception to somebody pulling the wool over our eyes? ‘Cause it feels lousy…literally. Disbelief gets processed by the limbic system’s cingulate cortex and the anterior insula; the same parts of the brain that report visceral sensations like pain and disgust. So this not only explains why we hate liars, but why we as human beings long for something to believe in. Whether it be Santa Claus or a scientific fact like gravity, our brains reward us emotionally when we believe. To believe is to feel good; to feel comforted. But how can we trust our own belief system when our brains are giving them emotional kickbacks? By balancing it all with critical thinking; by questioning everything…and by always, always being open to the possibilities.“ Dr. Daniel Pierce, TV Show Perception [Boldface added]
When someone lies to us, it doesn’t just bother us intellectually, but viscerally. Jehovah designed us that way. Likewise, when we learn a new truth, whether it is scriptural or scientific, we feel good. We get a little chemically induced high. We like that feeling. When we believe, we feel good, we feel comforted. But there is a danger.
“. . .For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the healthful teaching, but, in accord with their own desires, they will accumulate teachers for themselves to have their ears tickled; 4 and they will turn their ears away from the truth, whereas they will be turned aside to false stories. 5 You, though, keep your senses in all things,. . .” (2Ti 4:3-5)
Like a drug addict addicted to a high that we know is bad for us, our own desires can cause us to cling to false stories. They make us feel good. Our brain rewards us for believing with an emotional kickback. All we have to do is go out in service (even if we are just handing out tracts), attend all the meetings, pioneer regularly (Look they’ve made it even easier with the new 30-hour requirement), and most of all, obey the Governing Body; and we will live forever in paradise as youthful human beings.
As the character of Dr. Pierce asked, “How can we trust our own belief system when our brains are giving us emotional kickbacks?” The answer, “By balancing it all with critical thinking.”
What is critical thinking?
Since 1950, the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society publications have next to nothing to say about it. In fact, the term is referred to only incidentally in just three places in all that time.[i]
While the NWT doesn’t use the term, the concept is scriptural and can be found in the term “thinking ability.”
“To impart shrewdness to the inexperienced; To give a young man knowledge and thinking ability.” (Pr 1:4)
“Thinking ability will keep watch over you, And discernment will safeguard you, 12 To save you from the bad course, From the man speaking perverse things,” (Pr 2:11, 12)
“My son, do not lose sight of them. Safeguard practical wisdom and thinking ability; 22 They will give you life And be an adornment for your neck;” (Pr 3:21, 22)
The words “discernment” and “insight” are closely related and also well supported in Scripture.
Critical thinking is vital if we are going to overcome the mind’s willingness to believe for the emotional kickback it receives. It is a scriptural concept and one we are commanded to practice.
One definition of the phrase “critical thinking” is “the study of clear and unclear thinking. It is primarily used in the field of education, and not in psychology (it does not refer to a theory of thinking).[1]
The National Council for Excellence in Critical Thinking (a non-profit organization based in the U.S.)[2] defines critical thinking as the intellectually disciplined process of actively and skilfully conceptualizing, applying, analyzing, synthesizing, and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generated by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning, or communication, as a guide to belief and action.[3]
Etymology: One sense of the term critical means "crucial" or "highly important"; a second sense derives from κριτικός (kritikos), which means "able to discern".
If we are to ensure that we don’t engage in the wrong kind of independent thinking (thinking that is independent of God) we must practice critical thinking. Consider this advice from The Watchtower:
To ask a sound religious question is a demonstration of lack of faith in God and the church, according to the clergy. As a result, the Irish people do very little independent thinking. They are victims of the clergy and fear; but freedom is in sight.
(w58 8/1 p. 460 Dawns a New Era for the Irish)
I am sure the irony of this excerpt does not escape you. The church in Ireland kept the people in darkness by imposing their will on them and coercing them with fear. A new era dawned when the Irish Catholics began to think independently of the Church. In a similar way, Jehovah’s Witnesses are repeatedly discouraged from thinking independently of our organization or church by our equivalent clergy class which uses the fear of disfellowshipping to keep us in line.
A Lesson from Computers
It may surprise you to learn that the simplest of all electronic circuits is the basis for all computers. The flip-flop circuit uses only two transistors and no other component parts. It can be in only one of two states: On or Off; One or Zero. This is known as a binary logic circuit and by replicating this circuit over and over in the millions, we create the most complex of electronic devices—complexity from simplicity.
I find that life is frequently like that. Handling the overwhelming complexity of human interactions can often be accomplished by boiling it all down to one simple binary concept. Either we obey the Creator and benefit, or we obey the creation and suffer. It almost seems too simple to work, yet it does. Like the computer's flip-flop circuit, it’s either 1 or 0. God's way or man's.
The creator wants us to think critically. He encourages us to develop thinking ability, discernment, insight and wisdom. He wants us to listen to him. The creation discourages all these things. If someone is discouraging you from exercising thinking ability, he stands in opposition to God. Even if that someone is yourself. For you and I are part of creation, and often we stop ourselves from thinking critically, from honestly examining the facts, because deep down in some dark part of our brain a little voice is telling us not to go there, because we don’t want to face the consequences of the thought process. So we raise up walls that stop us from critically evaluating the situation. We lie to ourselves, because we like the way the current reality feels.
It is, at the level of this metaphorical flip-flop circuit, an issue of sovereignty. Does the Creator rule us, or do we rule ourselves? A binary choice—but a life and death one.
Make Time for Meditation
Back in 1957, The Watchtower had a somewhat different view of independent thinking than it does now. In a beautifully written segment we are taught the following:
Though not sought by crowds as Jesus was, his followers today are hard-pressed by modern living to find solitude for meditation. In many places in the world simplicity of living has been replaced by a life of complexity, with waking hours crammed with both important and trivial matters. Moreover, people today are developing an aversion to thinking. They fear being alone with their own thoughts. If other people are not around, they fill the void with television, movies, light reading matter, or if they go to the beach or park the portable radio goes too so they will not have to be with their own thoughts. Their thinking must be channeled for them, ready-made by propagandists. This suits Satan’s purpose. He deluges the mass mind with anything and everything but God’s truth. To keep minds from doing godly thinking Satan keeps them busy with thoughts that are either trivial or ungodly. It is tailor-made thinking, and the tailor of it is the Devil. Minds work, but in the way that a horse is led. Independent thinking is difficult, unpopular and even suspect. Thought conformity is the order of our day. To seek solitude for meditation is frowned upon as antisocial and neurotic.—Rev. 16:13, 14.
8 As Jehovah’s servants we must obey his command to meditate. The rush of events sometimes sweeps us along like a chip on the river, with no chance to guide or control our own course unless we put up a struggle against the current and work our way into a side eddy or calm pool for pause and reflection. We are like sparrows in a tornado, whirled in circles, round and round the daily cycles with no chance for repose, unless we can fight our way into the calm eye of the windstorm for regular periods of meditation on spiritual matters. To meditate we must have peace and quiet, must shut out sounds that assault the ear and blind ourselves to sights that distract the eye. The organs of sense must be soothed so they will not be occupying the mind with their messages, thus freeing the mind to think of other things, new things, different things, freeing it to probe within itself instead of being barraged from without. If a room is full more persons cannot enter. If the mind is occupied new thoughts cannot come. We must make room to receive when we meditate. We must open the arms of the mind to new thoughts, and do this by clearing our mind of the everyday thoughts and concerns, by shutting out the daily jumble of complex modern living. It takes time and solitude to thus empty and free the mind of the daily whirling turmoil, but if we do this the mind will graze its way through the green pastures of God’s Word and will be soothed by the restful waters of truth. Meditation will bring you many fresh, delectable, spiritual tidbits; doing it regularly will spiritually revive, renew and replenish you. Then you can say of Jehovah: “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters; he restores my soul.” Or, “He gives me new life.”—Ps. 23:2, 3, RS; AT.
(w57 8/1 p. 469 pars. 7-8 Will You Get to Live on Earth Forever?)
In light of our present position on independent thinking, the irony of this passage is shocking. How often have you heard brothers complain that they are so busy with theocratic duties that they have no time for personal study, contemplation and meditation? This complaint is so common among Bethelites that it has become a joke among the rest of us balancing congregation responsibilities with secular duties.
This isn’t from God. Jehovah’s son had only 3½ years to accomplish his ministry, yet he regularly took time for solitary meditation. In fact, before starting out, he took more than a month off to be alone to pray, think and meditate. He set the example for us in never allowing his theocratic work to consume all his time. Jehovah wants us to take time for thoughtful meditation.
Who is it now who ‘channels our thinking’? Who considers ‘independent thinking to be suspect’? Who makes “thought conformity the order of our day”?[ii]
It is simple. A binary choice. The Creator wants us to depend on him, and tells us to think critically and examine all things. (Phil 1:10; 1 Th 5:21; 2 Th 2:2; 1 John 4:1; 1 Co 2:14, 15) The creation wants us to accept their thoughts unquestioningly; to depend on them.
1 or 0.
It’s our choice. It's your choice.
________________________________________
[i] w02 12/1 p. 3 Giving Until It Hurts; g99 1/8 p. 11 Protecting Freedoms—How?; g92 9/22 p. 28 Watching the World
[ii] “We need to guard against developing a spirit of independence. By word or action, may we never challenge the channel of communication that Jehovah is using today. “ (w09 11/15 p. 14 par. 5 Treasure Your Place in the Congregation)
To “think in agreement,” we cannot harbor ideas contrary to...our publications (CA-tk13-E No. 8 1/12)
Archived Comments
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Comment by menrov on 2014-08-06 08:34:38
Thanks Meleti, most interesting. I guess it all depends on the representatives of the WT to judge whether a certain person is critical or thinking independently. At the same time, I believe the outcome will be the same. Unfortunately.
Comment by brendaevans32 on 2014-08-06 10:36:48
Thank you Meleti. It is ironic really. When I first started to put my hand up to answer the questions in study, most of my answers took into consideration examples from outside the building - you know, everyday occurrences you just might encounter. Answers were married with feelings, and where I could be brave enough, a bit of history (thanks to the Bible, I am loving this history trip - the stuff I am learning and discovering, and then applying - ace! Anyway - getting back to my points - - -). However, the more I attended, the more my answers were being 'tailored' to meet the perceived needs and requirements of the meeting. Even after I finished attending, such tailoring went on for a number of weeks. And many times I still find myself answering as if I am tailoring to the "requirements" of the meeting.
How happy I am therefore to say that although, like you guys, I still follow the studies, but the questions are being answered with trying to encapsulate everyone and everything again.
Like I have mentioned before, I am not baptised. But I could easily feel myself being pulled in a direction which took me away from the 'everyone, everywhere' feeling I used to enjoy.
When I think about Jesus, and this is something I answered in a recent study - He didn't confine Himself to a particular group of people, but ministered to everyone. He beautifully followed an example set by Jehovah, who also encouraged believers from nations who were not Israel to follow Him.
With this in mind, wouldn't it be a great example to show we can follow Jehovah and Jesus. And where we have questions, to ask. Jesus told us to ask, and it shall be given; to knock for the door to be opened. We can only do this if we feel comfortable to ask. And, to share a secret, before any study these days, I like to ask Jehovah to help me where I might misunderstand something, or not grasp the meaning of something - my policy is, is that rather than asking a man - I would rather ask the One Person who really knows. My only concern, as I often mention to Jehovah, is whether my ears are open enough. So I pray for that also!
Meditation is a beautiful state to be in. My goodness, it is lovely. And you can get so much more from studies when the mind is calm, and is allowed to drift back in time, to almost be there during the Biblical account. And Jehovah can teach us that more, and reveal more to us.
It was independent thinking that put me on this course of personal discovery. I am relishing every moment. The concern I have, which is probably echoed by many, is do we dare to depart on this personal discovery of our relationship with Jehovah and if it is right, if our thoughts and feelings are in accord with Him. I think, actually, that Jehovah would let us know if we are displeasing Him. I would ask that my thoughts were acceptable to Him, and if they weren't, to please tell me.
And as you so rightly say Meleti - it is 1 or 0. There is nowt in between - one or t'other (bit of Lancashire there for you! Nowt means nothing. T'other being short for 'the other')
Thank you
Greetings from Heywood
BrendaReply by Meleti Vivlon on 2014-08-06 10:45:53
Thanks for sharing Brenda. My immediate heritage goes back to Britain though I was born on t'other side of the pond from you. Much of my love of language comes from my father who never did quite learn to speak "American". ;)
Comment by kev c on 2014-08-06 14:24:50
Thanks for another fine article meleti . I was thinking of those last points from the publications .we need to guard against a spirit of independence .may we never challenge the channel of communication that god is using today and to think in agreement we cannot harbor ideas contrary to our publications The channel of comnunication god uses today is the bible itself .and the danger is to harbor ideas contrary to the bible .not the publications .Its independent thinking from god word the bible thats wrong . Reminds me of Isaiah 55 my thoughts are not your thoughts .nor my ways your ways . Thats the whole point of the proverbs to give a person thinking ability discernment and understanding . The watchtower is telling us to stop thinking .For dont they mean by independent thinking that we are not allowed to think for ourselves .Thanks again for a very good article i look forward to reading them and the comments every day now well done . Kev
Comment by InNeedOfGrace on 2014-08-06 16:29:04
You are just to have enough independent thinking to leave that evil Christendom, and once you arrive at being a JW, turn that switch back off. Or in case of being born a JW, never turn that switch on.
All sarcasm aside, that is the thing which I fear for the most for many of my dear friends in the organization. Right now there is little things that the GB asks that can't be explained in one way or the other through scripture, but I feel they are taking a path similar like Catholicism. The Roman Church didn't become the Roman Church overnight, it took many centuries of little poison infections to lead to the many atrocities they have done in the name of Jesus. The speed at which the "celestial chariot" is moving away from biblical truth seems to be faster then the church was, so I am not sure where we will be in 30 years. A critical mind and a humble spirit will be essential to discern when(if) we need to take action.
Comment by Saskawoo on 2014-08-06 20:10:44
It seems to me that Christianity is, in a way, the original independent thinking. In the ancient world, individuals who weren't in the rich and powerful minority didn't matter. They were just members of the empire, the tribe, or the family. Christianity says "everyone is equal, and what really matters is your INDIVIDUAL relationship with God." To me, that is pretty revolutionary. I think it's harder to appreciate for many of us who live in the free, albeit imperfect, western world. Early Christians were feared because they didn't toe the line, worship the gods or participate in the state rituals. Most of the original followers of Christ were of the poor, anonymous masses, the mob, the people who mattered least. And they were definitely a "dangerous" minority. Anyway, all I'm saying is that it's interesting to me how some people try to clamp down on Christians to control them, making them follow a set of arbitrary rules, when the heart of Christianity (in my opinion) is really freedom - freedom of thought (to question and gain knowledge), freedom of assembly (to gather with other Christians to discuss and learn), and freedom of action (as in, it is your choice to follow the law of God or not).
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2014-08-07 09:14:50
You are so right. I hadn't thought of it that way, but if the truth sets us free, it follows that all those who do not have it are not free. Christianity sets us free from the tyranny of men.
I remember years back when I was a teenager in a car group, one of the brothers--a good friend down through the years--asked the group, "How does slavery to God differ from all other forms of slavery?" Answer: Slavery to God is the only form of slavery wherein the slave ends up freer than when he started.
Comment by imacountrygirl2 on 2014-08-06 20:51:44
Meleti, I especially enjoyed this post and I find it most refreshing and encouraging.
I agree with the way you describe it.....we have but one choice to make. 1 or 0. Either we obey Jesus...or we do not. Or, as Yoda might put it: "Do or do not. There is no try."Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2014-08-07 09:09:43
:)
Comment by yobec on 2014-08-06 22:40:50
Good article Meleti.
However, where is the scripture that says for us not to lean on our own understanding but instead lean on the understanding of others ?
A little bit of sarcasm here but should it not be evident that if we are not to lean on our own understanding,far less should we lean on the understanding of others?
Also, if Jehovah approves of us "testing even the ACTUAL inspired expresions",should it not be far less serious to test the expressions of men ?Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2014-08-07 09:09:04
So true, yet the effect of our indoctrination is so insidious that it has blinded our minds so that we do not even think of applying those simple scriptural directives within the Organization.
Reply by Mailman on 2014-08-07 10:44:20
Very true - "the effect of our indoctrination is so insidious that it has blinded our minds". Compare it with a computer program that has been used for decades. The program is operating or processing automatically all data that are fed into it. Similarly, through this stealth indoctrination, our minds have come to a point that they are naturally bypassing "foreign" information which in reality is not foreign.
The organization's instructions and policies have become part of our being. JW personality has become our second nature. We act based on our JW instincts. Given this situation, it is hard to re-program our minds. A Christian JW will eventually decide if it's already time to reboot his system. Problem is: WT has ingrained some permanent DNA into our minds that a simple reboot won't clear up our system. What do you think folks? :)
Comment by Katrina on 2014-08-07 04:09:48
Excellent commentary Meliti thank you, I will be thinking.
Christ asked questions for a reason, he used parables for a reason, to get the person to think and decide for themselves, by quoting Gods word to reach the heart, to teach.
It was the Pharisees' that branded anyone apostate to them for not obeying what they say and threw the sheep out of the temple, their way or the highway.
Jehovah allowed questions from his people and Habakkuk is a good example as with others, but I find the way Jehovah responded was in kind, and even though Habakkuk had doubts, Jehovah listened, reasoned and allowed him to THINK, and gave him more commissions.
If we take everything that the WT says as food from God then we are placing our trust in them, not allowing the holy spirit to guide us to the answers from the bible for our questions and doubts that we may have, asking questions is paramount to disobedience to the GB and, one may want an answer but most of the time the WT doesn't have it because its contradictory to what the bible says, so we are informed not to think, not to doubt its being rebellious. Their way or the highway.Reply by menrov on 2014-08-07 05:12:45
If you strongly discourage member to follow higher education, only provide 'spiritual milk' instead of real in depth biblical knowledge, prescribe about everything a JW must read, must prepare,must do at home or even what to do with you sparetime, then you automatically stop people from thinking for themselves, not to mention to apply some critical thinking. I noticed for myself I became like that. Just swallowed what was published, announced and spoken from the platforms.
Reply by Mailman on 2014-08-07 06:03:12
Sad the Organization wants every JW to accept every food hook line and sinker. Mind you even our kids would smell and taste first the meal being served to them especially if it looks new to their eyes. If they don't like the taste, we do not force them to put much on their plate. :)
In a similar vein, as adults and mature Christians looking for solid food, are we not entitled to exercise our thinking abilities while munching the food being given us in light of scriptures stated above?
Reply by InNeedOfGrace on 2014-08-07 11:09:09
There is only 1 scenario where the system of the society works superbly, and it is if they were perfectly inspired. IF indeed they were, anyone would be foolish to want to consider anything outside of God's channel, and you would indeed just need to listen, obey and be blessed. The aim of your study should be not to test if it's true, but to discern their reasoning, so you can go and preach and help others.
In theory, it's great ;) Unified teaching, one message. The problem is, their teaching is not divinely inspired as has been proven by the many changes.Reply by menrov on 2014-08-07 12:38:36
Well, I guess tht assumption is true ONLY with regard to spiritual development. HIgher education has not much to do with this. It helps one to develop skills that can/are helpful to add value to the society one lives in. I am happy there are doctors who have studied and have developed their skills to provide better options to help patients. And the same for so many other professions. From a scriptural point of view, it is not the education but the condition of the heart that is relevant.
Reply by Christian on 2014-08-07 16:52:00
Spiritual Communism by stealth is how I see it.
Fine in principle but deeply flawed in application because it relies on a central core of men who will always have their own agenda.
While they appeal to the masses to follow the creed and they generate propaganda & patriotism for it, they themselves remain above it.
Comment by InNeedOfGrace on 2014-08-07 11:04:45
About the whole lean not on your own understanding. Part of developing wisdom is to hear the matter to it's conclusion.
Some people think listening to JW exclusively and doing an online query on jw.org is the meaning of not leaning on your own understanding. It's a good start, but like stated above, you are now just leaning on another man's understanding.
Some only lean on their own understanding, thinking that they know better. These too are just as bad off (if not worse) then the above, because they fail to examine all things and incline their ear to wisdom.
For one to develop a critical mind and wisdom, it all begins with listening and reading. Giants in the Faith have gone before us. If we stand on their shoulders, we will gain in understanding and knowledge. We don't need to agree with them, but they might bring us valuable insights.
I'm only writing this because sometimes I see well meaning brothers and sisters who discover some inconstancies in jw teaching sometimes go the other route. They feel they should now examine everything themselves rather then be taught. Sometimes you get the most ridiculous conclusions out of them which are even worse off then what the society teaches simply because they too, just like society, decided to lean on their own understanding.
The way one develops reasoning and critical thinking is by discerning thought patterns. Instead of just reading someone's view, try to look how they construct their arguments. What sources they draw from to reach that argument. If their reasoning is spot on, chances are their conclusions are too.
If there is one thing I've learned from my "wicked" higher education, is to learn to read a lot of people's opinions, even if I disagree with it. In fact, if I were to present my thesis with my own ideas only, without reference material, I would probably get a F- ;) [Actually I found often my grading on papers and thesis was directly correlated with the length of my bibliography hahaha] Instead, I was to construct a hypothesis, read all all the available material on the matter, and synthesize them as to reach a conclusion. The outcome was sometimes different then I expected. The reason is that some people are smarter then me ;) By reading their analysis, they helped me correct the flaws in mine.
Comment by peely on 2014-08-07 11:13:44
Wow! That passage in the 57 watchtower was breathtakingly beautiful. One of the few times my breath has ever been taken away while in the Org.
And then there is this from the W 89 that you sited: “But a spirit of independent thinking does not prevail in God’s organization, and we have sound reasons for confidence in the men taking the lead among us.”
Speaking of irony, how do we not read the following scriptures and not choke over the above words?
Matt 23:10 - None of you should be called the leader. The Messiah is your only leader CEV
Jer 17:5 - I, the Lord, have put a curse on those who turn from me and trust in human strength CEV
Gal 1:10 -- I am not trying to please people. I want to please God. Do you think I am trying to please people? If I were doing that, I would not be a servant of Christ. CEV
Psalm 118:8 - It is better to trust the Lord for protection than to trust anyone else
You said, “That a deception is at work is most transparent…” 2 Cor 4:2 - We don’t do shameful things that must be kept secret. And we don’t try to fool anyone or twist God’s message around. God is our witness that we speak only the truth, so others will be sure that we can be trusted.
2 Thess 2:4 - He will put himself against God. He will put himself above everything to do with God, and above everything that people worship. He will sit in God's holy place and tell people that he is God. WE
In a critical sense, I think this last scripture defines those guys in charge perfectly.
Comment by imacountrygirl2 on 2014-08-07 18:58:54
Mailman said "Problem is: WT has ingrained some permanent DNA into our minds that a simple reboot won’t clear up our system. What do you think folks? :)"
I think that's an accurate observation Mailman. Rebooting isn't the answer. Only a "fresh install" will work. They have just enough "truth" to make it seem tantalizingly real. As someone else pointed out, they do have some things right, that cannot be denied.Reply by Christian on 2014-08-07 19:39:56
That's such a good analogy and fits with 'corrupted data' 'virus' 'malware' etc
Depending on what software version each witness is running you can always get a 'spiritual understanding upgrade' from the GB. Because after a few years they no longer support older software ;)
Many elders have inadvertently downloaded 'spyware' that requires them to report back to the central database on the activities of brothers and sisters using source code obtained directly from the Bible.
Fancy that, brothers & sisters using the source code from the Bible!!!!
They must really be upset at that God fella for making the Bible freely available to all.
As if they could actually even try to understand what is written without the software provided by the WTS.
The sheer audacity.Reply by Mailman on 2014-08-08 01:36:09
Hi Christian and imacountrygirl2, and the brothers following this site, good morning. The GB equates all these spiritual understanding upgrade to the Organization moving ahead. Our WT Conductor said it is either you ride and get along with the Org or you shrink back.
Now let me expound on the Prov. 4: 18, "light becomes brighter", the famous biblical verse presented by the Organization to justify its endless adjustments in understanding.
Illustration #1: Assuming there's a group of 5 men at the tower surveying the area around the castle. One day, while doing their usual duty, they see creatures approaching from afar. At first, they could not see nor identify which kind of animal is coming as they are too far to be seen by the naked eye. But as the creatures head towards the castle, the watchmen began to see and describe their features. They see brown, hairy animals running as if they are very hungry for food. Few more meters down the road, the watchmen can now clearly see the entire company of wild wolves with sharp teeth, not the typical ones, perhaps coming from unfamiliar mountains. And as they move even closer, they now see not only wolves but an army of unidentified men belonging to another rival kingdom. They then realized that they are under attack by hostile forces and that the wolves are just used as decoy.
Now, imagine the 5 Watchmen blowing their horns and declaring a state of emergency, signalling that the castle is under attack. Everybody begins to panic, all thrown into a state of confusion. Yet the people believed the signal from the Watchmen so they followed the instructions set out for them. Many have been frightened, depressed and could not think clearly but they were thought to just follow. Meantime, the looters are taking advantage of the situation. Scores were hurt because of the chaos.
However, things have suddenly changed. The wild wolves have changed direction and are no longer headed to the castle. And when the army, thought to be hostile at first, arrived, they are not there to attack and takeover their kingdom but bring gifts to their King. Meanwhile, many were hurt because of the panic and unexpected events that came from the signal of the 5 Watchmen. These Watchmen are now singing a different tune to calm the citizens. They started justifying the correctness of their first signal.
Dear brothers and friends, if you are the King, who's to blame here and be held accountable? The residents of the castle for acting irrationally? for overreacting to the events about to happen? or the 5 Watchmen who gave the WRONG signals and declared inaccurate information that served as the basis of ensuing tragic events?Reply by kev c on 2014-08-08 13:26:49
Is the answer the lord of the rings the two towers brilliant .
Comment by imacountrygirl2 on 2014-08-07 20:19:14
Does that mean a "fresh install" won't do it Christian? I reckon that means a brand new "Outlook" wouldn't help much either.
So should we upgrade to a New System using only open source support?
You are very clever, I'll have to give you that much!Reply by smolderingwick1 on 2014-08-08 03:01:51
Then again, just so you don't wipe out all memory, maybe a rootkit clean-out is the key. After all, it's the root directory where the most critical yet manipulative programs are installed. Like those Trojan horses of ancient times, they seem harmless gifts and get pulled into unprotected areas to release the deadliest attacks ever.
Comment by Semper Fi on 2014-08-08 02:46:35
I must say how grateful I am for these articles. While other authors on other sites post mostly bitter invective about WT doctrine, this blog applies sound reasoning to topics I've previously questioned. The God I know and love couldn't be angry with me for examining teachings and beliefs to see whether they hold any water. I'm glad I'm not the only one who has these convictions. Again, thank you!
Comment by on 2014-08-08 15:11:27
Really, does a full grown spritual man need to be fed by someone else? I'm physcially mature and I feed myself. The spiritual man examines all things becuase he examines them spiritually. This examination leaves room for Jehovah's spirit to influence his "thinking ability".
Reply by yobec on 2014-08-08 23:02:55
I believe you are right. According to Jeremiah, those in the new covenant do not need to be taught by anyone.
The following is my opinion:
Those who are party to the new covenant need not be taught anything in regards to their relationship with their heavenly father and his son.The Father has drawn them into an intimate relationship with him. No one else can by any teachings of theirs, add to this relationship. Jehovah has engraved this relationship on their hearts.
I believe this is what Jesus meant when he said " that they may get to know you and your son". He did not intent for his words to be interpreted to mean endless studies which would become nothing more than " wearisome to the flesh ".Reply by on 2014-08-11 12:40:02
Wonderful comment. This teaching by God allows us to be influenced by his spirit in such a way that we understand, without being coerced into blindly accepting the opinion of someone else, how the spirit works in our lives.
Comment by smolderingwick1 on 2014-08-10 16:26:07
“Look! The days are coming,” declares Jehovah, “when I will make with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah a new covenant. It will not be like the covenant that I made with their forefathers on the day I took hold of their hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, ‘my covenant that they broke, although I was their true master,’ declares Jehovah.”
“For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares Jehovah. “I will put my law within them, and in their heart I will write it. And I will become their God, and they will become my people.”
“And they will no longer teach each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, ‘Know Jehovah!’ for they will all know me, from the least to the greatest of them,” declares Jehovah. “For I will forgive their error, and I will no longer remember their sin.”(Jeremiah 31:31-34)
This is of course why the vast majority of us have been excluded from the New Covenant since from the beginning JW's have been assumed under the control of an exclusive class that must now accede to our re-interpretation of our faithful and discreet slave being synonymous with a governing body. But consider:
"Paul exhorted first-century Christians in Corinth to “speak in agreement” and to “be fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)
"Paul urged Christians to serve God with their “power of reason.” (Romans 12:1) Certainly, then, he would not have been trying to turn members of the Corinthian congregation into unthinking automatons.
"He was encouraging the brothers to follow Jesus Christ unitedly, not to be split into disunited groups, or sects.
"Footstep followers of Jesus realize that there is really only “one faith,” just as there is only “one God and Father.” (Ephesians 4:1-6) Hence, Christians make sure that what they believe is in harmony with the truth that God has revealed in his Word about himself and his purposes. They are united in their belief about who God is and what he requires."
(May 8, 2003 Awake, p. 26 "Does Christian Unity Require Uniformity?")
Comment by on 2014-08-11 11:39:39
What is more, this feeding program includes things that we may not need to consume at this time. Maybe I don't want to study to "Draw Close to Jehovah" book. Maybe I want to just read the Word and focus my attention on the Master, Christ. Why are we letting others put our spiritual menu together for us, and a very bland menu at that. I mean, twice through this book, give me a break.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2014-08-11 13:19:19
Didn't we go thru the revelation climax book four times. A never ending study in a book titled "climax". The irony!
Reply by on 2014-08-11 14:19:21
Yes, one of the most incomprehensible books I've ever read. I'd have some sharp brother or sister, (thinking people), ask me queations I had no answer to because they recognized the information didn't make any scriptural sense. "Wait on Jehovah, brother"I'd reply. Do you realize how sick I got always saying that? I told a brother the other day I couldn't get excited about advertising the jw.org website. I told him Paul said "preach the word", not "preach the website". I know I'll hear about that from the Elders.
Reply by on 2014-08-11 17:58:48
Doctrines like the 1914 fiasco and "this generation" prevent the climax. Disobeying Acts 1:7 prevents the climax. Worship of the Man of Lawlessness prevents the climax. Need I go on?
Reply by on 2014-08-11 13:27:21
My thoughts exactly
Comment by on 2014-08-11 14:44:54
Why are we not applying the counsel found in 1 Peter 2:21, to “follow his, (Christ’s), steps closely?” Peter knew how important this was because in Luke 22:54 he follows Jesus “at a distance”, or “from afar”, and ends up denying him three times. We’ve allowed a group of men to walk over the steps of the Master and lead us, (govern us, you might say), in a different, and very misleading direction.
Comment by WT Study: “The People Whose God Is Jehovah | Beroean Pickets on 2015-01-18 09:36:32
[…] However, there is a big blind spot in our landscape. We are actually discouraged from using critical thinking when viewing the mainstream religion to which we ourselves […]
Comment by Andres on 2017-05-13 07:23:09
He estado leyendo sus comentarios y el artículo tan interesante y como decimos nosotros "parece que fuera escrito para mi"; aunque se que todos hemos pasado por esto .que comentarios tan sabios los de todos y que gran artículo hermano siento que no estoy solo en mi lucha contra las enseñanzas falsas de la organización. Muchas gracias. ....Desde bogota, Colombia los saluda un hermano y amigo mas
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-05-13 08:51:22
Muchos dicen lo mismo al descubrir nuestros sitios. Es muy difícil cuando piensas que eres el único, pero tan alentador cuando encuentras una comunidad entera de hermanos y hermanas de ideas afines.