It is by a slow but steady increase in temperature that the frog is boiled.
This got me to wondering how these changes could have progressed, seemingly unnoticed, to the point where we now readily accept the Governing Body as the embodiment of faithful and discreet slave of Matthew 24:45. These seven men are self-proclaiming that they are part of the fulfillment of a 2,000-year-old prophecy and no one is batting an eye. I do not believe that such an understanding would have been possible under the old guard.
This led me to recall the revelation Raymond Franz made about the Governing Body of his day. A decision affecting policy or doctrinal interpretation could be passed based on a two-thirds majority. If that rule continues to exist—and I have no reason to think otherwise—it takes five of the current seven members to pass a vote. So even if two disagreed with the Governing-Body-as-Faithful-Slave interpretation, the teaching would still become official because of the five.
This thought led me to consider the nature of spirit guidance. We must recall that the Governing Body now claim to be the appointed communication channel of God. They claim to be spirit directed. This means that Jehovah speaks to us through them.
How does the spirit of God direct the congregation? Certainly the choosing of one of the 12 apostles would constitute an event of greater significance than the choosing of a Governing Body member, would it not? When the office of Judas had to be filled, Peter spoke to the crowd of about one hundred and twenty (the sum total of the Christian congregation at that time) laying down the qualifications the man would need to manifest; then the crowd put forward two men and they cast lots so that the holy spirit could direct the outcome. There was no vote by the apostles, either unanimous or of a two-thirds majority.
As for directing the congregation, whether that of Israel or the Christian congregation, divine revelation almost always comes through the mouth of one individual. Has Jehovah ever revealed his word through a voting committee?
True, the spirit can also become active on a group. For example, we can point to the issue of the circumcision. (Acts 15:1-29) The older men of the Jerusalem congregation were the source of that problem, so naturally, they would have to be the ones to resolve it. Jehovah’s spirit directed them—not a committee, but all those in the congregation—on how to resolve a problem they themselves created.
There is no scriptural precedent for rule by voting committee; certainly no precedent for a two-thirds majority rule, which is a way to avoid deadlock. The spirit is never deadlocked. Nor does the Christ exist divided. (1 Cor. 1:13) Does holy spirit direct only two-thirds of the brothers in the Governing Body? Do those with a different opinion not have the spirit during a particular vote? Does the interpretation of prophecy depend not on God, but on a democratic voting process? (Ge 40:8)
There is an old saying that goes, “The proof is in the pudding.” A scriptural equivalent might be, “Taste and see that Jehovah is good.” So let us look at the results. Let us taste this process that guides and directs us and see if it is good, and therefore, from Jehovah. – Ps 34:8
Those posting and commenting on this site have revealed many significant errors in JW doctrine, as well as flawed and disastrous policy decisions that have resulted in the unnecessary persecution and suffering of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Our former policy on how to deal with child molesters has resulted in the spiritual shipwreck of untold numbers of little ones; little sheep. (John 21:17; Mt 18:6)
As we look back on the policy decisions and prophetic misinterpretations that have resulted from this two-thirds majority rule, it becomes evident that it was not holy spirit that was doing the directing—for God’s decisions are righteous and the burden the Christ imposes on us is light and easy to bear. There is no deception under the rule of Jesus, no need to apologize for past mistakes—for there are no mistakes. Only under the rule of men are such things in evidence and they do indeed leave a bad taste in the mouth.
Archived Comments
We have moved to the Disqus commenting system. To post a new comment, go to the bottom of this page.
Comment by Alex Rover on 2014-08-22 11:03:04
Hi Meleti,
I believe it was announced two years ago at the annual meeting where they introduced the new teaching that while the Faithful Slave in the Bible was singular, and they were multiple individuals, for it to apply to them, it has to be as a "composite singular" body.
Accordingly, they have changed their doctrinal voting policy to require unanimous agreement.
My first objection to this was the phrase "composite singular". They are squeezing the scripture here to make it fit a composite group.
My second objection to this was the subsequent "generation" teaching change. I can't believe that NOT ANYONE on the Governing Body would object to this false reasoning. Under majority vote, you can hold out hope that some disagree and it was just needed for the time being. Under unanimous vote, I feel a loss of hope for positive change in the near future.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2014-08-22 16:13:09
I would think you are right; that it is unlikely that everyone jumped readily onto the interpretive bandwagon when it came to the latest re-think of "this generation". However, I've seen it time and again in elders meetings, particularly those presided over by the circuit overseer, that what passes for unanimity is either apathy or fear. Apathy in the case of those who really don't care what decision is made and blindly trust those who they think know more than they do; and fear for those who do, but are pressured to conform for the sake of what passes for unity. I've seen cases where one or two elders dissented with the rest out of conscience and were viewed as resisters. That type of peer pressure is very hard to deal with.
Comment by miken on 2014-08-22 11:08:55
"The older men of the Jerusalem congregation were the source of that problem, so naturally, they would have to be the ones to resolve it. Jehovah’s spirit directed them—not a committee, but all those in the congregation—on how to resolve a problem they themselves created".
The account shows the Holy Spirit directing one man, James (verse 19), in making the final decision not all those who had discussed the circumcision issue. Other scriptures indicate that James had a position of oversight in the Jerusalem congregation. Acts 12:17; 21:18, Gal 2:12.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2014-08-22 16:35:29
That's an interesting point. James did write under inspiration, so his credentials as God's spokesman on occasion were in place. However, verse 19 and 28 give slightly different viewpoints. Vs. 28 seems to indicate that the decision was not his alone.
Whatever the case, it clearly wasn't a democratic process as vs. 28 shows.Reply by MichaelM on 2014-08-23 10:16:26
Of course perhaps the most important and telling things are this.
The false teachers "went out from among us," showing it wasn't a governing body, just a congregation, and the whole congregation was present.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2014-08-23 11:03:03
MichaelM is quoting from Acts 15:24
Comment by Peter on 2014-08-22 13:34:23
Wanted to take this moment to share some information here with everyone, I have a close friend who is Jewish...what he told me almost made me fall back from my seat..He said that modern Orthodox Rabbis were the continuation of the ancient Pharisees...he said there was five Iniquities of the Rabbis..what took me by surprise was Number 2 which he called Authority of the Rabbis...he said that one of the belief in Pharisaic Judaism, is that the Rabbis have Absolute authority to interpret Scripture, and what they say in religious matters is binding, even if it is known to be factually untrue. And even the Interpretations of the Rabbis superseded a direct decree from God himself...This took me automatically to the whole Governing body way of thinking...he even said that although they read the Hebrew scriptures you can not fully understand them without the Talmud and midrash, they call it the oral law to them these writings of the sages, can only explain the scriptures correctly...this again took me to how the witnesses rely on the publications like the watchtower for there understanding of the bible...? Is the Governing body taking it's format from the rabbinical play book? ....wow. For example another thing they do is called: Midrashic interpretation it consists of taking words out of context and reading meaning into them. The Rabbis take a verse of the scriptures and derive a completely different principle from it. To them they have the prerogative to interpret as they see fit, by taking words out of context and twisting their meaning is typical of the rabbinical approach to scripture...another one is the sanctification of tradition, that if something is done by an entire Jewish community for an extended period of time, then it becomes binding upon the community. This made me think about what Yeshua or Jesus said to his Jewish followers..in Mathew 15: 7-9 You hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy of you, when he said: "'This people honors me with their lips, but their minds are far from me; in vain do they serve me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.'"..what my Jewish friend said was that from his prospective what he sees is that the witnesses are following the modern Orthodox rabbinic pattern...all i can say is wow.... anyway i just wanted to share.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2014-08-22 16:42:26
In discussing the principle of Acts 5:29 with a friend who serves as an elder in another congregation, I said that I would like to think that if the brothers found that direction from the Governing Body conflicted with the law of God, they would opt for obeying God over men. His quip reply was "Not us". I was totally floored, because he was serious and answered reflexively as if he'd already considered the matter and made up his mind on a course of action in any such situation. I fear that his response indicates what is the standard knee-jerk response most elder bodies will take when following any direction from the GB. It will be to obey unquestioningly.
Comment by InNeedOfGrace on 2014-08-22 14:02:48
There has indeed been a frog cooking effect happening. Although I am sure the idea of absolute obedience has existed for at least 50 years or longer, it has become more and more prominent in the last 20-30 years.
I remember growing up that my dad sometimes would deny me to do stuff and he would tell me: What do you think the Slave thinks about this? And I still vividly remember my answer or inner thoughts were always, Slave Slave, what does the bible say? Why are you spending so much effort and emphasis on the Slave?
Before my baptism, my study conductor clearly thought me that the GB was not inspired and that they would make mistakes. He wanted me to be convinced of that...
As far as the Faithful Slave goes, IF the Slave was appointed at 1919 (correct me if I am wrong, but I think this is the current understanding), HOW can they be WRONG about the identity of the slave for 80-90 years? (Yeah that's right, wrong, not refinements ;))Reply by on 2014-08-22 14:38:19
Yes, it took that long to figure out who they are. And we're supposed to get some new instructions just before or during the great tribulation, (per some revelation received by a GB member), that's going to be vital to our salvation? Wonder how long tha'ts going to take!
Reply by Jannai40 on 2014-08-22 17:37:54
So where are the GB getting their instructions from?
Reply by Christian on 2014-08-22 18:17:14
Maybe if this 2014 insult to our spiritual intelligence continues to be perpetuated, like 1975 was, then we we will see a huge division open up, especially when it falls flat AGAIN.
What's next 2018, 2025, or perhaps 2114?
They already have a track record of blaming the congregation and, by inference, blaming Jehovah for not fulfilling their own prophecies.
There is a lot more beating of the fellow slaves to come I fear.
For years I held on to mixed sense of anger, disbelief and sadness that it has come to this, but I find recently that I have started to feel grateful, relieved and even happy that I now know these things.
Because it really is an answer to my prayers and as with all things our Father does for our good we often don't realize it at the time.
I now have the pieces I need to have a correct relationship with Jehovah through Jesus without a group of men acting as ticket collectors to Heaven.
For those who are managing to hold on inside the congregations, yet distance themselves from the "Organization", you are brave and in a unique position to help those who love Jehovah and recognize Jesus as the True Head of the congregation, (regardless of denomination).
I used to fear the word "Apostate" as one would a deep personal insult but I now sense the meaning of Jesus words in Matt. 5:11
"How blessed are you whenever people insult you, persecute you, and say all sorts of evil things against you falsely because of me!"
And as Jesus said to Simon
"You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being."
These are happy times indeed :)Reply by search4truth on 2014-08-25 14:54:39
Thanks for your encouraging comment.
Reply by Mailman on 2014-08-22 21:18:26
InNeedofGrace, what a stroke of logic there. July 2013 states that our Lord Jesus Christ accompanied Jehovah and did an inspection, finding small group of brothers who were seen qualified and were appointed. If they were personally selected by the Master, then would it not make more sense if we put credence on their stand on the FDS identity than the current understanding. Take note that existing members of the GB are not the same as those comprising the 1919 group.
Comment by JimmyG on 2014-08-22 18:19:03
This is what 'the old guard taught:
w81 3/1 pp 24-5 stated this- “The objectors may argue that not all of Christ’s anointed disciples have a share in preparing the spiritual food, so that perhaps the “slave” pictures only the leading ones and the domestics those they serve in the congregation. There is no point in trying to force an interpretation of the parable. Self deception is of no benefit and is spiritually damaging.”
By this measure, the 'new guard' are forcing an interpretation of the parable, are self deceived and are therefore causing damage.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2014-08-22 19:05:07
It would appear that their condemnation comes form their own mouth.
Comment by imacountrygirl2 on 2014-08-22 21:14:34
Peter, you said "He said that modern Orthodox Rabbis were the continuation of the ancient Pharisees".
Thank you for sharing that. If people are kept in isolation, they remain ignorant of such information. The real pity is that they do not realize they are kept in isolation. It is made out to be a safe place, when in fact it is a prison.
Comment by blessednubian on 2014-08-24 02:11:21
I've been reading the posts here for a long time, and you have truly helped me to see the truth about what I always thought was the truth. I must admit to being a bit heartsick, as I do remember a time in my life when I believed that this was the truth without question. Then slowly but surely doubts, questions began to surface. I remember asking several questions, and rather than get satisfying, Bible-based answers, I was told to just 'trust the elders, listen to and trust the slave. Once I was even told that my questions showed a lack of faith! Here on this site and doing Bible-reading, study and lots of prayer on my own have helped me to draw closer to Jehovah. I personally feel like it is an insult to intelligence to tell people that the generations have "overlapped", that we are to obey the governing body without question, and so many other things that are coming out of Headquarters.
Reply by Dorcas on 2014-08-24 15:13:28
Welcome, blessednubian. I think most of us who end up here are in your shoes. We knew something was not right, we went looking and found this site with like-minded Witnesses. Yes, it does make one feel sick at heart to find out what we touted as "the truth" really is no such thing. I went through a period of time where I was nearly physically sick all the time.
But you will find many kind brothers and sisters who are struggling as we are to come to grips with our faith, our real faith. Our heavenly Father does not want us to relinquish our thinking processes to a group of 7 men. No, I don't believe that. I refuse to sing "Listen, Obey and Blessed" at the meetings on principle. ;)
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2014-08-24 16:04:31
It was the overlapping generations doctrine that finally tipped the flower vase over for me as well. The previous interpretations at least had the benefit of being based on a bible definition of what a generation was. Though our conclusions were wrong, we tried to derive them from Scripture. Faulty deductive reasoning and scriptural misapplicaiton can be excused as misplaced zeal and over-eager self-delution. However, this latest interpretation is just made up; contrived and completely unscriptural. It cannot see how it can be excused.
Reply by Mailman on 2014-08-25 00:42:39
Hi Meleti and fellow brothers. May peace be upon you. The overlapping generation is nowhere near the simple pronouncement of our Lord Jesus Christ who spoke of a "generation" which would refer to a 30-40 year life span. The present Governing Body has re-defined generation in a rather convoluted way, that it defies logic. How would Christ believe such an interpretation? Was God's holy spirit lacking when the former FDS declared that the 1914 pertains to all those who were born in or before 1914 who would witness the fulfillment of the signs?
They explained the generation in light of "developments within the Organization" as if all things happening inside have an impact on some prophetic fulfillment. How about those events taking place outside of the organization? Hence if something happens new in the future that would challenge the truth about 1914 anew, we would not be surprised to see another new light coming up. :)Reply by kev c on 2014-08-25 03:24:18
I never ever believed the first interpretation of the generation never mind the overlapping one .The first was always stretching it for me but this overlapping interpretation seems just to defy logic all together .They are really taking the mickey with that one oh yeah lets have a laugh here on these people they will believe anything .lets see how far we can take it ha ha .kev
Comment by Nightingale on 2014-08-25 05:35:27
It's interesting that you mentioned that picture in the Proclaimers book. I was quite young then and it would take many years before I would see any problems within the Org. but that page bothered me back then. I remember thinking: this doesn't feel quite right, was it really necessary to put these photos here?
Comment by ¿Wheresenoch? on 2014-08-26 21:44:56
The interesting thing i found with the "generation" issue is when you remove the tendency 2 attach a mathematical deduction & date 2 the scriptures, all thats left is logic. Scriptures such as Matt 24:36 & Acts 1:7 set the precedent as far as our limitations with respects 2 pinpointing Christ coming/presence. Assuredly, all would agree it was impossible 2 trip Jesus up with debates, loaded questions or the like. He said what he meant, & meant everything he said. No matter HOW they asked him 4 a timeframe, his answer wouldnt change. Many elements of his 'sign' were things that were already taking place or would span many lifetimes. So what we witness in his response, is PERFECT sarcasm. A perfectly nice way of saying ' none of your business'which he reiterated with the qualifying quotes in Matt 24:44 &25:13, saying basically 'if you concentrate on living in the manner in which im showing you, timeframes become irrelevant!' salvation rest, not on a "need - 2 -know" basis, but a need 2 do...