We have been getting emails from regular readers concerned that our forum might be degenerating into just another JW bashing site, or that an unfriendly environment might be surfacing. These are valid concerns.
When I began this site back in 2011, I was unsure about how to moderate commenting. Apollos and I discussed it repeatedly, going back and forth, trying to find that safe place in the middle between the rigid thought control we were accustomed to in the congregation and the disrespectful, sometimes abusive, free-for-all that some other sites are known for.
Of course, when we started out, our only goal was to foster a safe online gathering place for the peaceful pursuit of Bible knowledge. We had no idea that in short order the Governing Body was going to take the unprecedented step of bearing witness about themselves—despite Jesus’ warning at John 5:31—and appoint themselves as his Faithful and Discreet Slave. We were also unprepared for the change in attitude that now requires unquestioning obedience to their directives. Indeed, at the time I was still of the mind that Jehovah’s Witnesses were the one true Christian faith on the face of the earth.
A lot has changed since that year.
Due to the ever increasing dispersion of knowledge made possible via the internet, brothers and sisters have been learning of the Organization’s tragic mishandling of child abuse. They have been shocked to discover that it was a member of the U.N. for 10 years until outed in a newspaper article.[i] They have been disturbed by the growing cult of personality surrounding the members of the Governing Body.
And then there are the doctrinal issues.
Many joined the organization out of a love for truth, identifying themselves as being “in the truth”. To learn that our key doctrines—like “the generation of Mt. 24:34”, 1914 as the start of Christ’s invisible presence, and the other sheep as a separate class of Christian—have no basis in the Bible, has created great mental distress and brought many to tears and sleepless nights.
One might compare the situation to being aboard a large, well-stocked luxury liner out in the middle of the ocean when a cry goes out that the ship is sinking. One’s first thoughts are: “What do I do now? Where do I go?” Based on many of the comments as well as private emails I get, it seems that our little site has morphed from a pure research site into something more—a sort of port in the storm; a place of solace and a spiritual community where awakening ones can commiserate with others who are going through, or have gone through, their own crisis of conscience. Slowly, as the fog clears, we’ve all learned that we are not to look for another religion or another organization. We do not need to go to some place. What we need is to go to some one. As Peter said, “To whom shall we go away to? You have the sayings of everlasting life.” (John 6:68) This site is not an alternative to the Organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses, nor do we encourage anyone to return to the snare and racket which is organized religion. But collectively we can encourage one another to love the Christ and to approach the Father through him. (John 14:6)
Speaking personally, I’m delighted with the change of focus that we are seeing here, subtle though it may be. I’m also pleased to learn that many have found comfort here. I would not want anything to jeopardize that.
For the most part the conversations and comments have been upbuilding . Differing views are expressed on subjects where the Bible is not definitive, but we have been able to dialogue and even recognize our differences without rancor, knowing that in the core values, the truth of God’s word revealed to us by the spirit, we are of one mind.
So how can we safeguard what has come into being?
First, by adhering to Scripture. To do that we have to allow others to critique our work. For this reason, we will continue to encourage commenting on every article.
The name Beroean Pickets was chosen for two reasons: The Beroeans were noble-minded students of Scripture who eagerly but not credulously accepted what they learned. They made sure of all things. (1Th 5:21)
Second, by being skeptics.
“Pickets” is an anagram of “skeptic”. A skeptic is one who questions all things. Since Jesus warned us against false prophets and false Christs [anointed ones] we do well to question every teaching coming from men. The only man we should follow is the Son of man, Jesus.
Third, by maintaining an environment that is conducive to the flow of the spirit.
This last point has been a challenge over the years. We have had to learn how to yield without compromising, all the while striving to avoid the extreme of authoritarianism from which we have fled. There has obviously been a learning curve. However, now that the nature of the forum has shifted, we need to reexamine our status quo.
This site—this Bible study forum—has become akin to a large gathering at a household. The owner of the house has invited people from all walks of life to come and enjoy fellowship. All feel safe and comfortable. Free and unfettered discussion is the result. However, in only takes one overbearing personality to destroy the carefully cultivated ambiance. Finding their tranquility disrupted, the guests start to leave and the uninvited individual soon commandeers the narrative. That is, if the host allows it.
The rules governing commenting etiquette for this forum have not changed. However, we will be enforcing them with more vigor than before.
Those of us who founded this forum are very interested in providing a place of sanctuary where the increasing numbers of those who are “skinned and thrown about” in a spiritual sense can come for solace and comfort from others. (Mt 9:36) As a responsible host, we will evict any who do not deal kindly with others or who seek to impose their point of view rather than instruct from God’s word. The universally accepted principle is that when in the house of another, one must abide by house rules. If one objects, there is always the door.
Inevitably, there will be those who cry “Censorship!”
That is nonsense and merely a tactic to try to continue having their way. The fact is, there is nothing keeping anyone from starting up his or her own blog. It should be noted, however, the purpose of Beroean Pickets is not, nor has it ever been, to provide a soapbox for every blowhard with a pet theory.
We will not discourage anyone from sharing opinions, but let them be clearly stated as such. The moment an opinion takes on the character of a doctrine, then to permit it makes us like the Pharisees of Jesus’ day. (Mt 15:9) We each must be willing to back up any opinion with Scriptural support, and respond to a challenge for same without evasion. Failing to do so causes frustration and is simply not loving. It will no longer be tolerated.
It is our hope that this new policy will benefit all those who come here to learn, upbuild and be upbuilt.
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[i] In 1989, The Watchtower had this to say about the United Nations: “The ten horns” symbolize all the political powers now on the world scene and that support the United Nations, the “scarlet-colored wild beast,” itself the image of the Devil’s bloodstained political system.” (w89 5/15 pp. 5-6) Then came 1992 and its membership as a Nongovernmental Organization in the UN. Articles condemning the U.N. dried up until after the Organization’s U.N. membership role was exposed by The Guardian in its October 8th, 2001 issue. Only then does the Organization renounce its membership and return to its denunciation of the UN with this November 2001 article: “Whether our hope is heavenly or earthly, we are no part of the world, and we are not infected by such spiritually deadly plagues as its immorality, materialism, false religion, and worship of “the wild beast” and its “image,” the United Nations.” (w01 11/15 p. 19 par. 14)
Love this site. Thank you to you dear ones making it possible and putting forth every effort to make this a safe and healthy environment. The comments are just as enjoyable to read as the articles and I recognized the difference in forum here to many other sites whose articles were instrumental in my own awakening. I felt comfortable with the spirit here as opposed to other sites.
Much love to you all!
[…] encouraged by the heartfelt outpouring of support that came as a result of the recent article, “Our Commenting Policy.” I had only wanted to reassure everyone that we were not about to change that which we had […]
Hello Meleti and everyone I am just repeating the sentiments of others here and want to say a thank you to you guys. It is a free place to share spiritual and observations in a free manner. And of course, it goes without saying, just how upbuilding it can be when spiritual things are shared with the back up of the Scriptures. There is so much a person can take in the slightest of reply and even just quoting a Scripture shared with others – there is so much in this. And on a site like this, there is such… Read more »
Hi Mileti
Since coming across your site 6 months ago, it’s now my ‘go to’ site for intelligent and stimulating writing and comments. Thank you for keeping the topics and comments well curated!
I very much appreciate this site, and the ability to comment and share thoughts, and I very MUCH enjoy the weekly reviews of the WT lessons. Please don’t stop!
Hi Meleti, good points raised. Focusing on what the true importance of what this site is about is the key. It is easy to get negative as many of us are frustrated at feeling boxed in; but this site provides refreshment and openness to the scriptures which is liberating. I am now even telling my wife and daughter that I always take the borean approach to the scriptures, particularly when they say I shouldn’t be critical about what we are fed at the KH. It’s a name I like to use now, because everyone knows how the boreans were noble… Read more »
I am very grateful for all involved in making this site a success, especially Meleti and Apollos, and those who take time from their lives to contribute articles. Also all those commenting. The time and resources devoted to research and maintaining this (while attempting to make a living) is truly a labor of love. I discovered BP in early 2014, and joined (also DTT) in early summer under a different alias. I commented daily for about 3 months, then decided to back away. Speaking candidly, at that time there were a few very active commenter’s that had either been d’fd… Read more »
Correction, Acts 17:31, should have read Acts 17:11. When I mention the court system (last sentence), I specifically refer to testing the constitutionality of JW policy in three specific areas: 1. Coercion of members to refuse a blood transfusion, with the threat of sanctions (involuntary disassociation) for any failing to comply. 2. Coercion of members to shun their own disfellowshipped or disassociated family, with the threat of sanctions (disfellowshipping) for any failing to comply. 3. Coercion of members to shun an individual (or family) who withdraws membership from the religion for personal reasons, with the threat of sanctions (disfellowshipping) for… Read more »
In defence of the format of this site, it has filled a hole for me that the Witnesses simply will not. When I come here I am free to agree, disagree or debate any topic that has a solid scriptural basis. No judgements are formed, and no one is labelled an “apostate”. No one is openly hostile, and almost everyone is willing to consider fresh ways of looking at things, for we all search for truth. In the end, Christian love trumps any differences in interpretation we may have. This love has drawn me back time and time again, because… Read more »
I may not always comment often but I read and visit regularly. I remember several months back when I was so confused and depressed from the realization of false teachings in the JW organization, I fell upon this site and it was a great source of comfort. I enjoy reading all the articles and comments. This gave me a sense of sanity as I felt I was losing my mind. Meliti, you are a Godsend and I truly appreciate all the hard work you and the brothers have put into making this site a place of refuge. I, unfortunately, have… Read more »
Dawn Ann, I completely agree with you. Well said! I stumbled on this site almost 2 years ago…it has opened my eyes, comforted and supported me and I am truly grateful to Meleti and all those involved in keeping it going. This site is essential to those jws who are beginning to search. I remember being so confused, disillusioned, and not knowing where to turn. Knowing I couldn’t find the answers in the WT literature, I wanted to search the internet, but the sites I briefly looked in on were definitely not what I needed. The tone was aggressive, sarcastic… Read more »
Thank you MarthaMartha for your reassurance. So glad your hubby is on the same page. I will hope with patience and love like you did, and hopefully the light will go on for him. Much love, Dawn Ann
I think this site is awesome, your moderation has always been gracious and you’re providing a unique service in reviewing WT articles because it models a responsibility to think, and not just accept uncritically the things that any ministry, organization, or person tells us. Thanks for your devoted work and continuing commitment to integrity in the midst of such emotionally charged issues!
Love the wt reviews articles and comments.Have increased my own understanding on different bible subjects. Really grateful for And Thanks for the reminders on commenting etiquette , Romans 1:11,12 thanks Meleti and the other brothers involved & brothers and sisters commenting.
We are living now the time of the “end”, or the “day of judgement” the main reason we are living during the time of “judgement” (which started with “God’s house” ) is the fact that the hidden things (good or bad) are made known publicly Ecl. 12:14 /Luke 12:2 During this time God is doing certain actions among (and with) his people, as it is written / Micah 2: 12 I will surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel; I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah, as a flock… Read more »
Whats this all about . Mate
This is a fair and honest approach. I am comfortable with your’ approach. There is no need to say more
Meleti, I sent you a private email on this topic.
Got it. Unfortunately I’m pressed for time at the moment so haven’t replied.
I dont post much although I read this site regularly. I have gotten SO many good spiritual insights, gems, if you will, from the articles and the comments. The gems have come in the form of what appears to be insightful reflection, personal experiences, deep research, and yes, even sarcastic words from time to time. In all, I am grateful to have stumbled across this website. Yes, at times, there is some “verbal pushing and shoving” but I can overlook it and keep picking up my spiritual gems! Thanks Meleti!
Yeah i do agree that ex witnesses need to move on . Its a normal reaction though to feel angry and upset by the way many of us have been and continue to be treated . So i can understand why that would be reflected in many of the comments . However we must not forget that our utterances should be gracious . Not always easy for imperfect men and women . I think from now on i will try to focus on the true meaning of the scriptures . As that will upbuild others .
Hello to you all from a very hot Johannesburg city ! I thank you for the concern and the measures you intend to put into place – I have been a strong advocate of the site and have linked many to it – I was one who voiced a concern about the way the site was appearing to morph – And I will certainly ensure that I contribute in a wholesome way for the benefit of all – Lets just keep groping for God and Truth ……He is not far off from us !
Warm regards to you all –
I love this site. It gives us a chance to exchange our thought and use the Bible, of course we should all heed every one due respect and never go overline the line, for my personal opinion, I don’t believe this site has done it, sure we all get excited overtime and for me personally some say I get comical, but hey we all have our quirks. But again some might say we are bashing , i dont even think we are going there, for example when I talk to some brothers and they say that, I always say I… Read more »
Thank you. Kindness and gratitude go a long way to encouraging respect for others and creating a safe place for us all to be spiritually nourished. Col 4:6
I deeply appreciate that you provide a place where we can share scripturally based spiritual insights without resorting to “beating” our fellow slaves.
“So, then, let us pursue the things making for peace and the things that are upbuilding to one another.” – Ro 14:9
Ron Gentile,
Those are also my feelings about this calm haven. Meleti provides for all of us, specialy when you are in the process of awakening and really don’t know where to find answers.
I found comfort in very thoughtfull and kind responses from my brothers and sisters on this website and the sisterwebsite. Ps. 150:6
Although I was not one who contacted you or others regarding commenting if I’m finally honest I will admit I stopped reading comments and even some of the posts as the tone of the site does seem to be on that slippery slope of going down the other JW bashing sites. It reminds me of others who originally started out with good intent only to see the longer they operated the more distant they are to where they started. I always use places like PETA who had a noble cause as a prime example who maybe had good intent but… Read more »
>>When I see this site I don’t see any attempt to have ones meet to study or encourage. Perhaps you haven’t noticed the “Find Friends” menu. It is interesting that when we first set up this menu, we were immediately criticized for trying to start up our own religion. It seems that we are damned if we do and damned if we don’t. However, that puts us in good company. (Mt 11:16) We are also in good company when you considered the many times Jesus openly criticized the religious leaders of this day and twice violently ejected evildoers from the… Read more »
Meleti, My experience on this site has always been a source of refreshment and up building. I feel you do an excellent job not only with how you scripturaly critique the current “spiritual food ” found in the watchtower magazines but your fairness in moderating the comments made by those here as well. I say this because before finding this site ( oddly from a very negative one) I have visited many ex-witness sites filled with much hate,anger, and disgust of all things concerning Jehovah’s Witnesses from those who have left the organization some 10-30 or more years prior not… Read more »
Jesus is our great exemplar. As we put our faith in him we do well to learn from his teachings regarding worship and godly conduct. When Jesus taught, sometimes he came down on religionists of his time, calling the pharisees offspring of vipers. Oftentimes, he also gave instruction as to how not to pray and worship–like not making prayers for show, or saying something was korban so that they need not help their parents out. Jesus showed us with his example that it is good and right to denounce wrongdoing. If the WTB&TS has done some wrongdoing, we should not… Read more »
Just wanted to say thank you. Very good words. Any mature person knows exactly what you are saying. We know when we have crossed the line. No one should have to explain how we crossed that line. Thanks again.
I care about JW and love them I just don’t like the GB sorry to say I don’t and if this is called JW bashing then I am guilty the GB gives me the creeps and I don’t trust them. They have hurt to many JW.
I too wish to thank you Meleti and your helpers on this Site, it has given me comfort from my first visit, which was at a time when I felt so alone in my realization that the religion of my birth was not what it claimed to be, to find like minded JW’s was an immense relief. I think that the only way this place can remain doing such a wonderful, even life-saving work is to control the tendency to slide in to a place purely of criticism of religion which is showing itself for what it is, so such… Read more »
well said Harrison!