The first two paragraphs draw a parallel between Jesus' use of acoustics when speaking to a lake-shore crowd and the organization's use of “novel techniques to spread the good news of the Kingdom to large audiences”. The rest of the assigned material deals with two specific methods used in the early 20th century: Newspapers and the Photo-Drama of Creation.
Paragraph 4 points out that by late 1914, “over 2,000 newspapers in four languages were publishing Russell’s sermons and articles”. Paragraph 7, however, tells how the practice of using newspapers was discontinued. But, we may ask, why discontinue a practice which resulted in such wide exposure? Two reasons are given: the high price of paper in Britain and Russell's death in 1916. But do these reasons make sense?
What paper prices had to do with this question is hard to know. Either the newspapers were benefitting from printing Russell's sermons or they weren't. In any case this was a regional issue restricted to Great Britain, and only relevant while the war lasted. On the other hand, Russell's having written his last sermon certainly did put a wrinkle in the plan. But the article in the December 15th, 1916 Watchtower, from which the paragraph quotes, mentions neither of these factors. Rather, it gives another reason altogether: “[The newspaper work] had become greatly curtailed, owing to our dropping from the list many papers of small circulation, and further, to our policy of retrenchment [cost-cutting] necessitated by conditions produced by the war. (w1916 12/15 pp. 388, 389.) Cost-cutting? One blog dedicated to all things Russell states that “the Society bore the telegraph expense, but the newspaper space was given free.” But Edmond C. Gruss, in his book Apostles of Denial, pp. 30, 31, contests this notion of free space, citing two major newspapers as evidence that the “Society” paid for the space at advertising rates. This isn't a very important issue, but I can't help ask, if the “newspaper work” no longer made financial sense, why don't they just say so?
Paragraphs 8 & 9 celebrate the then cutting-edge picture presentation of the Photo-drama of Creation. Certainly, this was an achievement of note. It is hard not to be impressed by the hand-colored slides and the ahead-of-its-time moving pictures with sound. Why the organization wasn't similarly ahead of its time in the use of electronic devices and the internet is the question that naturally comes to mind, but that's another matter.
While the information in this week's study is fairly innocuous, there are a few glaring inconsistencies. First, while the book is careful not to call pre-1919 Bible Students “God's people”, and refrains from stating outright that Jesus was directing the pre-1919 preaching efforts, the point is made indirectly with statements such as, “Under the direction of the King, God’s people continue to innovate and adapt as circumstances change and new technologies become available.” If the pre-1919 Bible Students were innovators, and “God's people” continue to innovate, then it is strongly implied that the pre-1919 Bible Students were also “God's people”. It seems they were God's people whenever we need them to be.
Paragraph 6 opens with this statement: “The Kingdom truths published in those newspaper articles changed people’s lives.” Considering how many things have changed since then – like Russell's rejection of the concept of a religious organization – it's hard to say if lives were changed by things that are still considered "truths".
And finally, there is the great irony of the statement in paragraph 5: “Those who have a measure of authority in God’s organization today do well to imitate Russell’s humility. In what way? When making important decisions, consider the advice of others.” The reader is then directed to read Proverbs 15:22:
Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.
How do the members of the Governing Body apply this counsel? Is there a simple way for individual JWs to submit suggestions? Or, if that seems like opening the door to too much correspondence, what about the elders? With thousands and thousands of elders logging onto jw.org, it would be a simple thing to ask their input on a given doctrinal or procedural change. But is it ever done? No. Men who are insecure about their claims to authority rarely ask advice. Besides, if you're God's appointed channel, what need have you of counsel from mere mortals?
Aside from the aforementioned inconsistencies, there's also the matter of how the Good News was to be preached. In every instance in the Christian scriptures, individual Christians preach personally. True, they speak to large groups at times, but they do so personally. Never do we see them hanging banners at the entrance of cities, or canvassing a given city with written notes that speak for them. Could it be that Christians are expected to personally preach, rather than spread their message through the proxy of mass broadcasting?
Whatever the answer to that question, the counsel to be creative and innovative in preaching the Gospel is good advice. But let us not forget that, while active preaching is an important Christian activity, “Religion that is pure and undefiled before God” consists primarily in showing love for one another – especially for the less fortunate among us. God's people today would do well to “continue” to obey that most important of commands. That would really be something to celebrate.
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Comment by tyhik on 2017-01-17 06:57:26
There's been a question in my mind: is that meant to be a solid food we get with the Kingdom book and WT articles.
He 5:14
"But solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their powers of discernment trained to distinguish both right and wrong."
Is that skewed history, boasting about questionable achievements, flashing with the spiritual "light" (false prophesying), continuous bashing of other denominations, obey-obey-obey-talk, interspersed with occasional seeds of true biblical counsel really a solid food? Take Par.3 as an example. The paragraph talks about Bible Students using newspapers back then. The last sentence of this paragraph reads:
"How that development must have frustrated enemies of the truth!"
And then some 120,000 congregations over the world will speculate and meditate on the question about the paragraph: "How were enemies of the truth frustrated by our use of newspapers?"
I wonder what type of a Christian it takes, who's spiritual hunger gets satisfied by such a "food". There is nothing spiritual in the Kingdom book. With WT it is somewhat better, but not very much. In December we studied an article about faith and in February we'll study articles about grace and the spirit. It's something 1.5 months between spiritual topics in WT.
I'd stop attending the meetings, or perhaps go there on selected topics only, but unfortunately a few of my family members are still all in. One of them refuses to discuss with me any "spiritual topics" at all any more. They have kind of a rosy view of the org, everything either perfect or becoming perfected in due time. We have a very nice supportive congregation, nice people, good elders etc. So this positive experience about our congregation gets extended to the whole org. I've tried talking, logical arguments, information, but that did not work. I get back: "By their fruits you will recognize them" and "Rotten tree cannot bear fine fruit". I feel I just cannot desert leaving them behind. Not sure what would open their eyes. If that'd be a public execution of me then I'm ready for it. Just that I must be careful not to hastily waste that one chance that I perhaps have.Reply by amoreomeara on 2017-01-17 09:27:34
Hi Tyhik, I agree that you need to be wise about whether or not to stop attending meetings.
If we look at the first century Christians, some felt it was important to stay going to the Synagogue to reach as many of their fellow jews as possible, whilst others that it was important to avoid old and counterproductive associations/ doctrines (ie circumcision). One answer was not the same for all.
I pray that whichever is the right course of action for you, YHWH will make it both clear and compelling. Clear, so that you are confident that your decision is based on the Father's will for you and your family, and compelling that you will have the fortitude to withstand whatever circumstances you face. I hope this helps :-)Reply by tyhik on 2017-01-17 16:09:38
amoreomeara and others, your support is very much appreciated!
Reply by Deo_ac_veritati on 2017-01-17 09:36:48
"I’ve tried talking, logical arguments, information, but that did not work."
Yes, logic doesn't go very far with them - I've had the same experience. As I stated in a previous comment this morning, unity always trumps truth with this religion. My only suggestion is to always use a Biblically-based argument with them - in this way, they at least can't accuse you of not using the Scriptures. However, even if you do that, you will (usually) not be successful - because unity trumps truth for them.
I have mostly stopped attending the CLAM, have pretty much completely stopped formal field service (I still witness "informally" to co-workers, friends, etc. when the opportunity presents itself), and have even started skipping some Sunday meetings if the WT article is particularly atrocious (as it was this past Sunday, though I went to get a comment in anyway).
Naturally, due to the lack of field service, I was called by one of the elders who wanted to get together with me and one other elder to offer me some "encouraging words." I put them off as long as I could, but they finally cornered me after a recent meeting, and to the dreaded "back room" we went. They noted my service time was down (indeed, I had put the minimum amount of hours in for a couple of months, and then recently didn't report at all). I then took the bold step of telling them that I would not report field service anymore. There was an audible gasp - you could almost feel the shock in the room. When asked why, I noted it was for scriptural reasons, which seemed to kind of stop them in their tracks - don't think they were expecting that. I then cited Luke 19:41-44 (see Meleti's excellent post on this subject). They came back with how baptisms were "reported" in ancient times, so likewise it was important for us to report our time. I retorted that of course baptisms were noted, but that's all that was reported, and we don't even know how it was reported (not to mention that the word "reported" can be used much more generically than what we use it for). In any case, I then stated that there was nothing in the Bible that indicated that brothers had to report how many hours they worked, how many placements they made, how many returns they did - so why should we be compelled to?
Of course, this is where it came down to "the Faithful and Discreet Slave" has interpreted that we should report our service time. I said, so I've given you a scripture that shows clearly, in my mind anyway, that we should keep our gifts of mercy secret, not even having the left hand know what the right hand is doing, and the FDS has a scripture that merely notes that baptisms were reported. But I'm supposed to do what the FDS has told me to do, despite my Bible-based conscientious decision? Their answer, in a roundabout way, was "yes." It's all so frustrating sometimes, and again, shows that unity trumps truth. At this point, knowing that the next question would be regarding my faith in the Governing Body, I simply told them that I needed to get home and would think about what they told me. But it will come up again, indeed it will..... and as prepared as I will be, I know it won't be pretty. But I'm not going to give in on this matter - I would be going against my King, the Christ.Reply by Leonardo Josephus on 2017-01-17 10:32:34
Well done Deo. I guess I have that to look forward to. Continue to be cautious as serpents. Regarding the GB my wife's answer is - as long as they are teaching the truth of the Bible then that is fine. They say they do not get inspired messages, so that only leaves the Bible ... so as long as they can show me.....
Reply by AndereStimme on 2017-01-17 11:54:33
There's actually no need to concede the point about baptisms. Acts 2 says "about 3000 were added", so nobody was keeping an exact count. And they were added to an unknown number of already-believers. Acts 4 says that just the men - the NLT even specifies "not counting women and children" - who had believed were about 5000. As far as I can tell, that's where the numbers end.
Even the 120 in the upper room at Acts 1 is an approximate number. For an organization that directs attendants to count people in the bathroom and that will announce a figure like "average publishers" without rounding, there's scant justification for such delusions of exactitude, never mind the obsession with numbers in the first place.Reply by Deo_ac_veritati on 2017-01-17 13:54:07
Wow, thanks for that AndreStimme - I hadn't had time to look into those verses specifically yet, but gives me just the evidence I need for the next time (and there will be a next time as we all know) they come to me on this. Beautiful answer, again, many thanks for your assistance on this!
Reply by tyhik on 2017-01-17 16:47:21
Deo, I have been thinking of whether there is a point in trying to argue with elders at all. Bible based, of course. Or would it be wiser to accept the inevitable and just walk away.
I still tend to think that though most of the elders will never see the light, some perhaps will and their "executing" a sheep who has been just following Bible may contribute to their waking up one day.Reply by Deo_ac_veritati on 2017-01-18 08:38:49
"Or would it be wiser to accept the inevitable and just walk away."
Well, yes, it may be "wiser" but not so pragmatic. Most, if not all of us, know that simply walking away (by that I mean formally disassociating, which, admittedly, I'm not sure you meant) entails the possibility of walking away from all your friends and immediate family as well, assuming they are baptized - not such an easy thing to do.
I agree with you that there are some elders who will "see the light" as you put it - we've got our share right here on this site that did just that. As such, in the process of following the Christ, I endeavor to do some "seed-planting" with some of my comments. Most probably are passed over by the average witness, but my hope is that the Spirit will fall on at least some of those hearing them, and get them started on the road to the real truth of the Bible.
Reply by Enoch on 2017-01-18 03:51:20
Howdy Deo. It's quite alarming that as a group we will slam Churches like the LDS (mormons) or the Catholics for claiming that their leaders have authority to legislate outside of the Bible yet play the Old "The Faithful Slave says" card whenever our bible evidence falls short. How is this any different then Papal or Mormon Prophet claims to revealing new information from the Creator?
I like to use this little "lurk" that Jesus used when talking to the Pharisees
Mat 21:24 Jesus answered them, "I will ask you just one question, and if you give me an answer, I will tell you what right I have to do these things.
Mat 21:25 Where did John's right to baptize come from: was it from God or from human beings?" They started to argue among themselves, "What shall we say? If we answer, 'From God,' he will say to us, 'Why, then, did you not believe John?'
Mat 21:26 But if we say, 'From human beings,' we are afraid of what the people might do, because they are all convinced that John was a prophet."
Mat 21:27 So they answered Jesus, "We don't know." And he said to them, "Neither will I tell you, then, by what right I do these things.
You can ask the Elders " The teaching that the generation that saw 1914 will not pass away was taught for over 40 years. Was that teaching from God or from man?"
Like the Pharisees the Elders are then stuck with a quandary " If we tell Deo it was from God he will say "Then why did it fail? " However if we say if was from man Deo will say " So it's possible that other things like reporting are from man as well? ""
The trouble with this kind of reasoning is that it's highly effective....i actually don't like making people squirm and this does it in trumps!!
" The prohibition against University...is that from God or man?" The Elders are faced with the same quandary...."If we say it's from God..then then Deo will say .."Where is it in the scripture"....If we say it's from man then Deo will say "Then why are you teaching it as if it's from God? "
We weave a very tangled web when we start passing off the words of men as if they were from God. Mat 15:3 Jesus answered, "And why do you disobey God's command and follow your own teaching?
In 2007 I called a meeting with 2 Elders at the hall and respectfully explained my position against Reporting. By the time it was finished they basically came to the conclusion that no preaching would get done as brothers need a goal setting system to make them do it. I restated my position that the Holy Spirit will move men and women of good will to speak for Jehovah and Jesus which is why Christianity survived 2000 years....WITHOUT REPORTING.
In the end they nervously said that stress was causing my thinking to become unbalanced. "you need to lighten up" "your'e thinking too much". One of the Elders was young and new and it was like he started falling apart on the spot. I wasn't cocky. I just calmly expressed my concerns but many Elders have never even thought that way in their whole life. It's foreign to their mind so it can really upset their emotional balance.Reply by Deo_ac_veritati on 2017-01-18 08:49:52
Wow, that's quite a story Enoch. Thanks very much for sharing with me; I will keep this strategy in mind when I inevitably have to face them again.
One of my biggest shortcomings is that I tend to express myself much better in writing than "on the spot" extemporaneously in verbal form. So when I get in that back room with the elders, it is a bit nerve-wracking. I've decided that should they get me into a spot, I will simply tell them I will get back to them, on my own time, so that I can prepare myself ahead of time.
"many Elders have never even thought that way in their whole life"
Yeah, and therein lies the crux of the issue, no? No thinking going on, despite the WT's admonition a couple weeks ago that we should think about what we read and do (as long, of course, as we come to the same conclusion as the FDS/GB).
"How is this any different then Papal or Mormon Prophet claims to revealing new information from the Creator?"
It's not.
Reply by Colette on 2017-01-18 07:19:59
Deo, well done! You have been marked and are now going to be in the firing squad, but fear not those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.
If a person loves God and truth, conflict is inevitable. Mat 16:25 - Jesus said that if we try to save our soul, we will lose it, but if we lose our souls for his sake, we will find it. It is a wonderful thing to break free from the shackles of man made religion and experience true freedom in Christ. Our test is to maintain our integrity and obediently follow our King.Reply by Deo_ac_veritati on 2017-01-18 08:59:28
Thank you so very much Colette, your kind words mean the world to me. I know I'm marked now, so am preparing for the inevitable battle to come. I must PM you sometime, as Meleti gave me your email (at your request and with your consent of course) some time ago - just been so busy with life.... but will make it a point to make contact sometime in the near future.
Reply by Colette on 2017-01-18 13:07:29
Deo, Please do.
Reply by Deo_ac_veritati on 2017-01-18 08:56:39
Meleti, it occurred to me that we've gotten quite off topic here from the OP you did. My apologies to you; I mean no disrespect. Should you wish me to move this to "Discuss the Truth" I'll most respectfully abide by that decision - this is your site after all.
All that being said, the encouragement and suggestions I've obtained here from my Christian brothers has been most uplifting - my most sincere and heartfelt thanks to them for there support and assistance. As usual, I've experienced so much more Christian love here than at the Hall.
Reply by Candace on 2017-01-17 11:06:07
I wish I have the same courage as you tyhik! I have similar thoughts but I haven't spoken up or done anything about it yet maybe because I am too timid and scared. Anxious about what will happen if I do.
That feeling of not being spiritually fed is getting stronger however and the meetings are making me dissatisfied. So either I dig out my fav books to read in my own time (Keep in Gods love, and the Young people ask volume) when I am in a sentimental mood, or continue my bible reading. I just hope the situation improves! Because if this is the type of spiritual food we will be getting from now on I don't know what I can do :'(Reply by tyhik on 2017-01-17 16:03:21
Candace, my situation is much easier than yours and many-many others'. My family members have been in "truth" for decades, whereas I became just recently an unbaptized publisher, but never progressed to baptism. My progress was undermined by that second baptism question about the org being God's. I researched it and became convinced it isn't.
If elders will take me seriously on, I'll be shunned by the congregation I imagine. But at least my still sleeping family members would have an official excuse not to shun me and that would make things very much easier for all of us.
Reply by Colette on 2017-01-18 07:13:25
Dear Candace, I remember the desperate feeling in my head from the mind numbing nonsense and lack of spiritual substance. And so long now between magazines, which are so devoid of substance anyway.
May I suggest that you download e-sword? www.e-sword.net .It is free and has some superb bible commentaries that the WT also uses. I was totally amazed at the depth of spiritual understanding that was available more 100 years ago. If you get stuck on how to use it, ask Meleti to send you my email address. I could use a bible study partner so maybe we can team up?Reply by Enoch on 2017-01-18 19:13:01
Good advice Colette. I've been a big ESWORD fan for quite a while now and I found out recently that some of the CO's use it. Every now and then if I've got a few extra bills floating around I donate to the site.
Like you said, the commentaries are excellent. One thing you notice about them is their candor. If something is ambiguous or unclear they will present alternative views and let the reader draw their own conclusions.
It also helps undo the "myth" that up until Charles Taze Russell Christendom had no scriptural knowledge. Many of the commentaries such as Gill, Barnes and Matthew Henry were completed in the 18th and 19th Centuries and have a very detailed if not complex knowledge of the scriptures.
For one's like Candace who are young and active members it can help to know that the Society also has many of these commentaries in it's Bethel Library. Since the commentaries were often completed before the start of the WT the inquiring Witness can examine them with the confidence that they were not compiled to contest or bring down JW theology. In fact many of the the theologians that compiled them were writing openly about the 1000 year reign, the resurrection of the righteous and unrighteous etc which are teachings that many JWs cherish.
Reply by AndereStimme on 2017-01-17 11:44:40
Having since disavowed much of what Russell taught, are 21st century JWs enemies of truth also?
Reply by Enoch on 2017-01-18 06:14:38
Howdy Tyhik. By "family" do you mean you are young and you might have to lose contact with your parents/siblings...or do you mean you are married and have partner/kids etc. I'm not asking for age as you have to be careful about anonymity . I just read your other post about not ever being baptized and didn't know if you meant that looking back as an adult or speaking as a youth? Hope you don't mind me asking, I just didn't want to address you in the wrong context/genre.
Reply by tyhik on 2017-01-18 16:38:51
Hi Enoch. By family I meant my wife and kids, oldest of them in his early twenties and baptised, still living with us. Yeah, thus far we have had a pretty harmonious atheist-jw marriage, me not opposing to her taking care of children's "spiritual upbringing". Who'd be against their children behaving well, being respectful to their parents, not messing with drugs etc. I looked a bit into the WT teachings 20 years back when my wife studied with witnesses, but I did not find much harmful on a shallow look.
A few years back God gave me suddenly a very clear sign that He exists and that He wants me to be aware of that. Because of my family, it was a natural thing for me to start studying with witnesses. However, in contrast to 20 years back, now there is Internet.Reply by Enoch on 2017-01-20 17:20:18
Howdy Tyhik. Thanks for the clarification.....I actually had assumed wrongly so I'm glad I asked! :-)
You sound like a broad minded and balanced person. It's great that you were able to maintain family unity whilst still having your own beliefs. Hope things continue to progress well with your search.
Comment by Deo_ac_veritati on 2017-01-18 09:40:18
"Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed"
Yes, I can relate to this point. At our hall last year, the elders noted that the Branch had graciously allowed us to purchase two large flat-screen TVs to put on the walls of the main hall. We were to vote as a congregation on whether to spend some several hundreds of dollars to buy these. They then asked if there were any questions about the matter (and I have no doubt they expected none, at least no controversial ones). Unfortunately for them, one brother (I'll let the readers conclude which brother that might have been) evidently had some qualms about the matter, especially in light of the recent appeal for more donations. Said brother asked what these screens were for and was told they were for projecting videos, song lyrics, etc. I could tell that the poor elder in charge was a bit flummoxed that someone would even ask this, but it was about to get worse. The aforementioned brother than raised his hand again and was reluctantly called upon. "What's wrong with our current projector and drop down screen?" he asked, "they seem to work just fine. In that light, wouldn't it be wiser to not spend hundreds of dollars on this technology when we have something that seems to suffice already?" The elder explained that on one instance the screen had an issue coming down. Likewise, the podium, which was in the center of the stage, had to be moved every time the screen had to be pulled down for use (heaven forbid!). Undeterred, the brother in the audience raised his hand yet a third time. "It seems like a lot of money to spend when we've only had our screen malfunction once. And couldn't we simply place the podium to the side of the stage, as I've seen at other halls? We move it many other times, such as when the sisters do a demonstration." At this point, another elder raised his hand and said (in a fairly loud and irritated voice) "We're doing this because the Branch told us to do it - this is theocratic arrangement and we shouldn't question it." Knowing that this would probably elicit yet another question from the brother in the audience, the COBE jumped in at this point and stated that constantly moving the podium and microphone could damage the equipment, and this new purchase would mitigate that.
The vote was then taken. It was (roughly) 120 ayes to - wait for it.... one nay (again, I'll let the reader conclude which brother voted against the resolution). The elder on stage noted that the vote was for the purchase of said screens (though not unanimous he added). Afterwards, the brother that had voted against the measure was approached by about seven or eight other congregants. All of them expressed admiration for asking the questions he did. About half of those seven or eight noted that they, too, thought the funds ought not be spent on this project. When the brother asked them (with near incredulity) why then, they hadn't voted against it, the answer was always along the same lines "I didn't want to stand out in the congregation."
And the story ends not there. Said brother had a meeting with the elders about an unrelated matter after the meeting that night. The brother lovingly told the elders what had happened and that he was concerned that some congregants were voting against their conscience, due to fear of peer pressure. Was this not a concern to the elders? By voting against their true feelings, were the congregants not, in effect, practicing a form of lying (albeit, not malicious)? Perhaps the procedure for such matters should be changed, such that a proposal should be laid out, with a time for discussion and civil debate on the matter (not just questions) and then schedule the vote for the following week after people had time to think about it. In fact, why not take the vote by secret ballot, since there was obviously a bias towards "voting with the crowd" when done publicly. Would the brothers be willing to suggest this to the Branch?
One of the Elders looked at the brother and told him "It's simply theocratic arrangement to buy these screens. The branch has told us we should get them and we're following their direction. This is the scriptural thing to do." (I'm paraphrasing here, of course). The brother looked at the Elder and then said "then why did we have a vote? What is the purpose of having a vote if it's essentially decided we are going to get the screens anyway? Doesn't that make the vote basically a charade?" Crickets chirped. The elders said they would take the brother's suggestion to the Branch (you can guess where that went.... nowhere).
The verse you quoted hit me hard and reminded me of this event so clearly. I might add one more verse, also from Proverbs, specifically Proverbs 13:10:
"By insolence comes nothing but strife, but with those who take advice is wisdom."
The organization would do well to start applying those words.Reply by THE DRIFTER on 2017-01-23 21:42:50
*chuckle*
Ahem, ...I too knew a brother (wink wink) who asked to delay a congregation resolution that called for a substantial financial commit and asked for time, (a week) to consider the request. He also raised his hand three times trying to reason the point out. When the vote was eventually taken that evening, he abstained and was duely noted, ...publicly.
Baby steps!
Hats off to you Deo, ...and those like you!
;)
Comment by lazarus on 2017-01-18 15:10:46
Thanks for your review AndereStimme, Russell knew if he wanted to reach a large audience quickly, it had to be through having his own publications and outsource media outlets. Something he would of understood working with Barbour, his evil counterpart "Barbour",as he was known later on.
You asked the question, Why the organization wasn’t similarly ahead of its time in the use of electronic devices and the internet is the question that naturally comes to mind, but that’s another matter.
My understanding to that question is by a Prominent Brother, the answer according to him , was that some in the (GB) were having to wait for Certain ones to die in the (GB) as they opposed the Full use of the media. Just relating what was told to me.
One can't help to appreciate the problems we as humans get ourselves into when we follow men, no matter how well one advertises the message.
The fallout after Russell's death is well documented. The power struggle over assets is not new. Organized Religion is in part a business also. Even Russell couldn't foresee that in the hands of clever legal counsel, that loopholes left this Business open for ones to take control against his will.
Just like the talk that certain ones in the GB, were waiting for others to die off in the GB, to make the JW.org a brand name, which was once upon a time frowned upon by the brothers branding their number plates was in the 90's. Eg Jah etc.
So once again can we say it was God breathed this current blitz come savvy JW.org or was it that some of the GB were just waiting for the right moment to make their move. I realise it's only heresay, but it could be true also.
Don't get me wrong I'm impressed by what has been achieved by use of the media and credit to Russell and those spreading the gospel, be it slanted to their own interpretation.
Comment by Marina-Anastasia on 2017-01-21 18:07:22
Hi Andere - The reference to water being used for acoustic purposes was strange. I know it’s mentioned in the literature from time-to-time, but in this instance why bother saying ‘Jesus had a big watery microphone.’ It was as if they wanted to say the water and not Jehovah’s holy spirit was the force making Jesus’ words powerful. Whatever next? Jesus is Babylon the Great sitting on many waters? Will all these scriptures end up being skilfully misinterpreted? I do hope not.
(Revelation 1:14-15) . . .Moreover, his head and his hair were white as white wool, as snow, and his eyes as a fiery flame; and his feet were like fine copper when glowing in a furnace; and his voice was as the sound of many waters. . .
(Revelation 14:1-2) . . .And I saw, and, look! the Lamb standing upon the Mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand having his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads. And I heard a sound out of heaven as the sound of many waters and as the sound of loud thunder; and the sound that I heard was as of singers who accompany themselves on the harp playing on their harps.
(Revelation 17:1-2) . . .And one of the seven angels that had the seven bowls came and spoke with me, saying: “Come, I will show you the judgment upon the great harlot who sits on many waters, with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication, whereas those who inhabit the earth were made drunk with the wine of her fornication.”
But even if Jesus did make use of the water on that occasion, he did not encourage the use of mechanisms and devices to spread the Christian message. Rather he said that even if something is whispered it would end up preached from the housetops:-
(Luke 12:3) . . .Wherefore what things YOU say in the darkness will be heard in the light, and what YOU whisper in private rooms will be preached from the housetops.
I felt the study was preparation for us to come to accept latter-day TV evangelism. All elders on-screen only and not part of the congregation. Maybe they’d transmit from a translation office somewhere. I imagine the local elders would initially welcome this because many are tired and worn out.Reply by Menrov on 2017-01-22 05:30:58
Hi Marina, indeed, the reference to water being used for acoustic purposes is ridiculous. I like boating. I know on the water, low sounds, like from an heavy engine can reach some distance. But with words out of a human mouth it does not have the same effect. First of all, the words are spoken in the air, not inside the water. Therefore the words have to be carried by the water but that does not work like that. Therefore, I dare to say the His words cannot be carried by the water unless He was able to have His words reflected on the water and transported with the wind and waves. We do not read this in the bible.
If I am on the water with my boat, in one place (anchored) and another boat is even say 10 meters (30 feet) away from me, I cannot hear their conversations, not even the sounds on the boat. Again, the comparison is really ridiculous. The only way all people on the shore could have heard the words of Jesus is by use of supernatural powers, like the holy spirit.
I noticed that only when one stops attending all meetings, you notice the huge exaggerations in the publications. Words like: historic event. If it was a historic event, why is not described in any of the secular publications? Why are we not learning about those historic events in school? Because only in the minds of the WBTS leaders, their own event are considered historic events.
To claim that some newspaper articles changed people's lives is another example. Yes, some individual might have changed elements of their lives due to some of the articles. But same for other denominations who publish or preach to people. Nothing unique here that can be claimed by the WBTS. Helping people, show your love for the weak and meek, those who need help, that is what can generate a change in the live of a person. That is what Jesus and his apostles also did: they cured / healed people, Jesus gave food to a large group of people, made many healthy, even resurrected people. His words might have initially impacted people but without some actions or works to support HIs words, many would not believe him. In today's world, believers can do the same. Ok, may be not cure or heal etc, but we can if we have the means, share food, clothes and even if we do not have the means, we can support by showing true consideration, without the aim to convert the person.Reply by Candace on 2017-01-22 07:49:29
So I am no genius but in first year physics I learned that sound appears to travel over water because there is less chance of it being blocked by trees, buildings etc that are on land surfaces. Also if its a nice and calm day then sound waves are reflected not absorbed by water. The layer of cooler air above the water surface also helps carry sound waves by internal reflection (or is it refraction?). If the air was warm then the opposite happens - dispersion. Anyhow all this cannot account for Jesus' voice to be carried crystal clear all the way to the shore to the thousands in the crowd listening. He must have had a scarily booming voice! :o
Yes clearly, what Jesus did was truly life changing. Newspaper articles? Not so much.
Maybe the society needs to relax its rules about higher education. Its starting to affect the writing department.. /Jk
Comment by Tadua on 2017-01-22 19:03:37
Deo_ac_veritati
Your comments bring back memories of when I was a teenager. (around 40 years ago) Many many times I discussed this issue of why there is not a secret ballot with my father who was an elder. I said some disagree with some of the resolutions but are afraid to put their hands up. You would know bro's real feelings if it was secret ballot. But nothing was ever done. The only change in all that time was recently it was changed to majority vote, so only just over 50% have to put their hands up and agree. Yes it's a charade. Because intimidation is the best way to rule over their flock.
A warning to any congregations about to have a 'refresh'. Remove your projector and screen beforehand and reinstall yourselves afterward else you will loose them. 'Theocratic direction' from the top is that you only have 2tv's (supplied by society) which they charge you for (and probably make a profit on)
Comment by Thaddeus on 2017-02-15 20:48:42
Anyone know what happened to the weekly CLAM Review? Maybe I missed something, I don't see any reviews past the end of January.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-02-15 22:34:12
I've been going through some personal difficulties and something had to suffer, so it was the CLAM review.