[From ws4/17 p. 23 – June 19-25]
“I will declare the name of Jehovah…, a God of faithfulness who is never unjust.”—De 32:3, 4.
This week’s Watchtower study proceeds very nicely until we reach paragraph 10. In paragraph 1 to 9 we are treated to an analysis of the justice of Jehovah God, using the murder of Naboth and family as a test case. By human standards, it may seem unjust that Jehovah pardoned Ahab after he humbled himself excessively. Nevertheless, our faith tells us that Jehovah can never act unjustly. We are also reassured by the fact that Naboth and his family will return in the resurrection completely exonerated in the eyes of all. Should Ahab also return, he will carry the shame of what he did, known to everyone he will meet, for a very long time.
There can be no question that any judicial decision of God is beyond dispute. We may not understand all the nuances and factors that led to the decision, and it may even seem unjust when seen with the limited vision that we as imperfect humans possess. Nevertheless, our faith in the goodness and righteousness of God is all we really need to accept his decisions as correct.
Having got the worldwide audience of Jehovah’s Witnesses to accept this premise, the writer of the article engages in a common technique known as “bait and switch”. We have accepted the truth that Jehovah is just and that the wisdom of his judicial decisions if often beyond our comprehension. This is the bait. Now the switch as it appears in paragraph 10:
How will you respond if the elders make a decision that you do not understand or perhaps do not agree with? For example, what will you do if you or someone you love loses a cherished privilege of service? What if your marriage mate, your son or daughter, or your close friend is disfellowshipped and you do not agree with the decision? What if you believe that mercy was mistakenly extended to a wrongdoer? Such situations can test our faith in Jehovah and in his organizational arrangement. How will humility protect you if you face such a test? Consider two ways. – par. 10
Jehovah is switched out of the equation and the organization, and even the local elders, are switched in. This effectively puts them on a par with God in judicial matters.
Not to make fun, but rather to highlight just how outrageous this position is, let’s apply it as if it were enshrined in Scripture. Perhaps it would go like this:
“O the depth of the elders’ riches and wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable their judgments are and beyond tracing out their ways are!” (Ro 11:33)
Ridiculous, isn’t it? Yet that is the thought the article promotes when it exhorts us to ‘humbly...acknowledge that we do not have all the facts’; “to recognize our limitations, and adjust our view of the matter”; “to be submissive and patient as we wait on Jehovah to correct any true injustice.” – par 11.
The idea is that we cannot know all the facts, and that we should not speak up even if we do. It is true that we often do not know all the facts, but why is that? Is it not because all judicial cases are handled in secret? The accused isn’t even allowed to bring in a supporter. No observers are allowed. In ancient Israel, judicial cases were handled in public, at the city gates. In Christian times, Jesus told us that judicial cases that reached the congregation level were to be handled by the whole congregation.
There is absolutely no scriptural basis for a behind-closed-doors meeting where the accused stands alone before his judges and is denied any support from family and friends. (See here for a full discussion.)
I'm sorry. Actually, there is. It's the trial of Jesus by the Jewish high court, the Sanhedrin.
But things are supposed to be different in the Christian Congregation. Jesus said:
“If he does not listen to them, speak to the congregation. If he does not listen even to the congregation, let him be to you just as a man of the nations and as a tax collector.” (Mt 18:17)
To say that this really means “only three elders” is to insert meaning that is not there. To say that this only refers to sins of a personal nature, is also to insert meaning that is just not there.
The irony to this line of reasoning—that we should not question the decisions of the elders because we do not question Jehovah—is evident when we consider the first article in this series. It opens with the words of Abraham when he was questioning Jehovah’s decision to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham negotiated the salvation of the cities should there be just fifty righteous men found in them. Having got that agreement, he continued to negotiate until he reached the number of ten righteous men. As it turned out, not even ten could be found, but Jehovah did not rebuke him for questioning. There are other cases in the Bible where God has shown a similar tolerance, yet when it comes to the men in authority within the organization, we are expected to show quiet acceptance and passive submissiveness.
If they allowed the congregation full involvement in the judicial decisions affecting it as per Jesus' instrucions, they would not have to publish articles like this nor would they have to worry about people rebelling against them. Of course, that would mean relinquishing much of their power and authority.
A Case of Hypocrisy and Be Forgiving
As we consider these two subheadings together, we do well to ponder what is behind them. What is the concern here?
Paragraphs 12 thru 14 speak of Peter’s esteemed position in the first century congregation. He “had the privilege of sharing the good news with Cornelius”. He “was very helpful to the first-century governing body in making a decision.” While understating his role (Peter was effectively the leader of the apostles chosen directly by Jesus Christ) the point is that Peter was esteemed and respected by all and had privileges in the congregation—a term not found in Christian Scripture, but ubiquitous in the publications of JW.org.
After relating the hypocrisy Peter displayed at Galatians 2:11-14, the first subtitle concludes with the question: “Would Peter lose precious privileges because of his mistake?” The reasoning continues under the next subtitle “Be Forgiving” with the assurance that “there is no indication in the Scriptures that he lost his privileges.”
The main concern expressed in these paragraphs seems to be for the potential loss of "precious privileges" should someone in authority err or act hypocritically.
The reasoning continues:
“Members of the congregation thus had an opportunity to imitate Jesus and his Father by extending forgiveness. It is to be hoped that no one allowed himself to be stumbled by an imperfect man’s mistake.” – par. 17
Yes, let us hope that the old 'millstone round the neck' doesn't come into play. (Mt 18:6)
The point being made here is that when the elders, or even the Governing Body, make mistakes that cause us hurt, we have "an opportunity to imitate Jesus...by extending forgiveness".
Fine, let's do that. Jesus said:
“Pay attention to yourselves. If your brother commits a sin give him a rebuke, and if he repents forgive him.” (Lu 17:3)
First of all, we are not supposed to rebuke the elders nor the Governing Body when they commit a sin or, as we like to say in the publications. "make a mistake due to human imperfection." Second, we are to forgive when there is repentance. Forgiving an unrepentant sinner is merely enabling him to continue sinning. We’re effectively turning a blind eye to sin and error.
Paragraph 18 concludes with these words:
“If a brother who sins against you continues to serve as an elder or even receives additional privileges, will you rejoice with him? Your willingness to forgive may well reflect Jehovah’s view of justice.” – par. 18
And we are back to the all-important “privileges” yet again.
One can’t help but wonder what is behind these last two subheadings. Is it only about the local elders? Have we seen a case of hypocrisy at the highest levels of the Organization within recent years? With the internet being what it is, past sins do not go away. Peter’s hypocrisy was confined to one incident in a single congregation, but the hypocrisy of the Governing Body in authorizing the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of New York to join the United Nations as a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) member went on for ten years from 1992 – 2001. Was there repentance when this hypocrisy was exposed? Some would argue that there could have been because we cannot know what went on behind closed doors. However, in this case we can be confident in knowing that there was no repentance. How? By examining the written evidence.
The Organization tried to excuse their actions and say that the rules for joining allowed them to do so at the time in 1991 when they first submitted their signed application. However, at some point after that the qualifications for membership changed, making it unacceptable for them to continue as members; and upon learning of the rule change, they withdrew.
None of that is really true as the evidence from the UN demonstrates, but for the matter at hand, it is irrelevant. What is relevant is their position that they did no wrong. One does not repent for wrongdoing if there is no wrongdoing. To this day, they have never acknowledged any wrongdoing, so in their minds there can be no basis for repenting. They didn’t do anything wrong.
Therefore, applying Luke 17:3, do we have a scriptural basis to forgive them?
Their main concern seems to be the potential for loss of “precious privileges”. (par. 16) They are not the first religious leaders to be concerned about that. (John 11:48) This overweening concern that exists in the organization for keeping one’s privileges is most telling. “Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” (Mt 12:34)
Archived Comments
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Comment by Ifionlyhadabrain on 2017-06-19 03:08:01
Paragraph 11 , humility will help us to be submissive and patient , and that's what this articles all about ! Of course a good christian quality , but not to the stage when your "putting up with anyone who enslaves you or exploits you , or takes advantage of you , or puts on airs or slaps you in the face , 2 corinthians 11 ; 20 , even worse when they are trying to lead you away from Christ ,Galatians 2 v 4:5 . It's a "demand for purity "
Reply by Ifionlyhadabrain on 2017-06-19 03:43:54
By the way good job meleti on your review , and performing the role of the real elders and teachers , ephesians 4 v 11 to 14 , cheers
Reply by Joseph Anton on 2017-06-19 08:16:27
Agreed.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-06-19 08:59:44
Thank you both.
Reply by socrates1 on 2017-06-20 17:58:32
Par 11 could mention also that it is the humility that helps all elders to be submissive to the overseers and the local branches and το act blindly as they are told. The opinion of an overseer or the branch is more powerful than the Bible. Woe! (Mathew chapter 23). I have personal experience of two cases at least that the elders decision was directed by the overseer (I still feel so sorry that I was the one of the three members in the committees and I have apologized to the brothers that had their lives ruined ). Not Knowing "all the facts", what an excuse. The hypocrisy is tied so strongly with the human invention of the privileges and this has been sold to million of brothers.
Great review Meleti and such enlightening comments from all.
Comment by Ifionlyhadabrain on 2017-06-19 03:20:58
Also paragraph 11 humility will move us to acknowledge that we do not have all the facts , no matter how much we know of a situation only jehovah can read a person's figurative heart , 1 Samuel 16 v 7 , really , is that so ? then why is it that the elders under the instructions of the hierarchy are so keen to sit "in the judgement seat of Christ " ? And hand out such harsh punishments , perhaps the hierarchy do not need to work on this quality only the sheep
Comment by Joseph Anton on 2017-06-19 08:10:34
Yesterday after our meeting I noticed that the elders from the congregation we split our Hall with were working their way through the gaggle of brothers and sisters in the back, their destination apparently the 'back room' of infamy. Each one holding those large exaggerated book bags they always carry. Concerning the book bags I immediately thought of that line from The Crucible spoken by Hale about the size of his witch-finding books:
"They, the books, must be heavy, they are weighted with authority."
We live in a digital age. As far as I know the elders have one manual, it weighs a few ounces. A bible a bit more. Why lug these oversized briefcases to the back room? Can it really be all about theological posturing and psychological bullying? I did not think they were in a hurry to help someone, in fact I thought the complete opposite. I could be wrong.
Comment by Ifionlyhadabrain on 2017-06-19 11:02:04
Can I ask , what are these precious "privileges " they keep talking of . ?
Reply by Candace on 2017-06-25 04:14:48
Maybe its going all in with major hall cleanup just like after our meeting today. I was given the 'privelege' of mopping and cleaning the toilets and felt the 'preciousness' of being assigned to vacuum the meeting rooms as well. The whole time the brothers stood at the counter doing literature stocktake AKA chat among themselves and staring.
Comment by Dajo on 2017-06-19 15:55:40
This is a very "self Justifying" article. Yes Meleti, using terms such as "make a mistake" and "no elder is perfect" etc.... it is so obvious and the setup, the bait and switch method is so obvious.
I might go along on Sunday with my wife, but then again I may not. If I do I'll tape my mouth shut!
I agree with all the above comments.
A lot are away from our congregation lately, going ovetseas to the USA, some that have never been overseas before. It's like they are going on a pilgramige - to Warwick - to see the "wonderful beautiful" resort that has been so miraculously produced.... (I'd better stop there I'm becoming sarcastic).
Most go there first to get it out of the way and then go on an extended cruise or similar. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but the fakeness and the adoration of the magnificent seven really saddens me.
Comment by lazarus on 2017-06-20 02:25:43
Thanks Meleti, you always provide food for thought. And you keep these writers honest. Thanks for the breakdown from para 1-9, then the switch. I just thought of the courage of Naboth to stand up for God's laws to Ahab. It's a challenge today to stand up for truth.
Naboth refused to sell his inheritance, on the grounds what God said in Lev. 25:23-28;, Num. 36:7. He was obeying god's laws. And Ahab never respected God's laws at that time. The thing is, he stood up for God's Word. He stood up against the King. In the End, at the hands of Queen Jezebel, It cost him his life.
Yes Even the chieftains according to the Gods Word could not buy the inheritance of the people, Eze. 46:18.
Are Christians today, being asked to give up, their 'inheritance'. Ephesians 1:11 says, "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:" KJV. Other passages that mention a believer’s inheritance include Colossians 3:24 and Hebrews 9:15.
It depends on the type Good News being preached and acted upon. If it's based on accurate Scriptural understanding of Salvation, then one isn't misled and missing out on their inheritance. However, what if the Good News is distorted. Then there lies the injustice.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-06-20 09:05:46
What a great application of Ephesians 1:11. Using Naboth's case as an illustration of what we have experienced is inspired. Thanks, Lazarus. I'm glad you arose from the dead. :)
Comment by Amitafal on 2017-06-20 02:36:07
Thank you Meleti. Yet another good article - you cut through their hypocrisy like a knife through butter! All those cliches "you don't know all the facts", "adjust our view of the matter" & " patiently wait on Jehovah". No doubt some in our Congregation are wondering where we are as we haven't attended meetings for some months, some will think we have been "stumbled" or are "holding a grudge with the elders". Little do they know that we stumbled on your website and got answers to our questions and can see through their lies. Yes we will wait on Jehovah - they will be judged. The Org loves to use Hebrews 13:17 to remind us to be obedient to them, however I view that verse very differently since a dear brother pointed out their incorrect translation of the word obedient. The bit they don't tend to highlight is the middle part of the verse ..."as those who render an account"..... they will be held accountable for their actions.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-06-20 09:11:03
Thank you for the find words, Amitafal. I too was comforted when I came to realize the meaning of the greek word which is poorly rendered (IMHO) "obey" and "obedient" in those verses. I was move to write an article on it which you can find by clicking here.
Comment by Ifionlyhadabrain on 2017-06-20 03:58:05
may each of us reflect jehovahs view of justice by humbly acknowledging our personal limitations and generously forgiving others ,
Reply by THE DRIFTER on 2017-06-21 13:45:51
Justice?
Justice?
Ahem, ...I'll take mercy please!
Reply by Ifionlyhadabrain on 2017-06-21 17:03:51
The problem is with the quote is what they really mean is accepting the organisations (jehovahs) view of justice , which I believe is something quite different to the biblical view of justice ,
Comment by tyhik on 2017-06-21 05:59:12
The logic in this WT article is twisted. Pars 1-9 talk about Naboth and his relatives, who suffered injustice, done by Ahab and Isebel. The right attitude of Naboth's relatives was described as not to lose faith in Jehovah, while they were not expected to forgive to Ahab and Isebel. However, with some switches, the article arrives at a twisted analogue of nowadays JW R&F, if suffering from misdeeds of the Ahab/Isebel, the elders, to not lose the faith in the JW Jehovah, the Org, and forgive to the unjust the elders.
Thanks Meleti. I like your rewording of Romans 11:33.
Comment by THE DRIFTER on 2017-06-21 13:43:33
Question: What can they hold over a man who has no and will not accept "any" privileges?
Answer: Not a durn thing!
Question: If such a person exists and continues to attend / assist the weak / assist the poor / preach Gods Kingdom and occasionally (often) rattle a cage or two, what then is their motive?
Answer: Love
Let them put that in their pipe and smoke it!Reply by Ifionlyhadabrain on 2017-06-21 17:14:21
This point about not accepting the privileges , my son was like that, oh they hate it if your not following the programme ,
Comment by mailman on 2017-06-24 03:32:50
Dear brothers, I was recently approached by a long-time elder to consider again the privilege of serving as an elder. I have turned down the offer 3x already in the past. Now an MS for years, and have opened my eyes 4 years and counting, what can be sensible reasons to cite in good taste without of course exposing the true reason behind my declining it? :)
Reply by Eleasar on 2017-06-24 04:08:54
Mailman,
Tell them you need to work on your spirituality. That is your focus and if you have family you are working on building them upReply by mailman on 2017-06-24 05:53:14
Thanks Eleasar. Will keep that in mind.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-06-24 06:12:33
If you don't feel you can accept the role of elder--and I understand and agree with your view on this--my question is, why do you feel that being an MS isn't also in conflict with your principles?
Reply by mailman on 2017-06-25 03:10:22
Hi Meleti, principles-wise there's still conflict existing inside the mind and heart. But as an elder, you are expected to defend the teachings of the WT and execute their system at all cost (e.g. dispensing justice in judicial hearings, disfellowshipping, etc.). That's too heavy a burden which I cannot and I don't want to be a part of.
As an elder also, you need to be an amiable example, expected to be an exemplary leader in all facets or others might stumble. He is burdened to do shepherding, support all meetings - big and small, do "voluntary" WT works which are taking away time you can devote to ones family and even personal improvement. Lots of sacrifice for the organization - not for God.
As an MS, you are not subjected to all these stressful activities except for a couple of privileges given. As as MS, you can deliver parts or assignments with an aura of the Beroeans, as well as share comments that have the spirit of the Bereoans. I thought some of the brothers are appreciating these points of view which I could have not expressed if not for researching outside of the confines of the WT publications.
Reply by Yehorakam on 2017-06-24 22:05:58
Mailman, hope you don't mind my 2 cents. To be brief, remember that in any group setting (ie. a cong.), the principle task of a Christian is to build up others and show love on a personal level. Perhaps you can tell the body that you will have more time for those things if you are not an elder (that is in fact the truth). If you were to be appointed, you would be so busy policing the orgs guidelines and preparing talks that have to follow the Watchtowers teachings that you will have little time for helping others. Accepting any responsibility in the org requires you follow all their policies which are commands of men. If you have 'woken up,' then you will be faced with situations where you will have to follow your conscience and face reproof by the org, or follow the org and face reproof by your conscience. Be sure of what you know will please Christ even if you get flack for it. Trying to please men cannot result in eternal rewards, as those men will not always be around to reward you. Christ will!
Much love,Reply by mailman on 2017-06-25 05:13:06
Love your suggestions Yehorakam. To be caught in between one's conscience and reproof from the Organization's modern Sanhedrin is something that would really bother me. Why enter such a dangerous place of LOSE-win? I have already a fair share of life's stresses and I don't want to add things that could be avoided in the first place. :)
Reply by mailman on 2017-06-25 05:17:32
I could have taken the offer under this condition: I can serve for an interim basis, say, 5 to 6 months or until the next CO's visit. No questions asked after that period. Well, just to experience the "privilege" myself and see what's happening behind closed doors. But then again, that's wishful thinking as it would be tough to justify stepping down. ;-)
Reply by Dajo on 2017-06-25 02:45:17
Hello mailman,
I think what Yehorakam said is good.
How do you cope when doing the meeting parts? Maybe I'm assuming here.. maybe you are not included in those speaking assignments.
I just wonder though, how you manage as they are so "scripted" now.(the talks to the congregation I mean). Basically if we are serving as an elder or ministerial servant we are simply a mouth piece for the governing body - How do you cope with that? I could not do that.
Just curious, now I'm wondering and hoping many feel the same way you do. ...But, and a big But... do you do talks and just "tow the line" so to speak?
Thanks, David.Reply by mailman on 2017-06-25 05:25:45
HI Dajo, I will share an experience later. Meantime, off to a bible study student near us. :)
Reply by Leonardo Josephus on 2017-06-26 05:50:13
Mailman. Our BOE are aware that I have a number of issues, but I have kept doing what I can do. How long I can do this remains to be seen. As an MS you are not required to be qualified to teach. You may, for whatever reasons, feel unqualified to teach at a higher level , although it may also be you are already being used in a teaching capacity. With similar offers, I have simply said that I look forward to the time when I am ready to serve in that capacity again, but it is not now.
And the truth is that I have no idea if that time will ever come.
Comment by Eleasar on 2017-06-24 04:17:06
The elders in Israel did not have all the information on naboth. The hearing would have been in public. So an injustice happened. Jehovah being merciful is the same as for David. Nobody would have an issue.
Elders today have no scriptural basis to judge. There should be no secrecy.
Paul counseled Peter et all publicly. He then puts it in a letter for circulation! The inappropriate behaviour by one of the 12 apostles and resulting injustice was addressed. This was an issue of race, fear of man and breaking down of established norms!
Imagine trying to do that today. The GB are basically telling the flock put up and shut up. Suffer the injustice and wait until paradise for justice
Comment by Candace on 2017-06-24 21:02:39
I feel like the bait and switch method has been used to death by the org and even someone like me can see it from mile away. Somewhere in my mind keep saying I have studied this article before, until I realised thats because they been use the same technique over and over.
And yeah, its not the mistakes that the GB or elders make that worry me in the slightest because like they remind us constantly, everyone is imperfect. But when they place the blame on the congregation brothers and sisters for their stuff ups, like being overly eager/disappointed based on failed predictions in the publications, asking us for more contributions and time for 'jehovah's service' even if we are stressed out and busy trying to make ends meet. And apologies regarding the horrible child abuse cases? the silence is real.
So I find it very hard to forgive (even though I want to) if anyone continues to act like they have done nothing wrong, to the point of being arrogant about it.Reply by mailman on 2017-06-25 04:08:54
Well, that's when forgiving becomes hard. Christ had a hard time condoning the works of the Pharisees during his time too.
Comment by Joseph Anton on 2017-06-26 12:06:43
During the study yesterday the double bind we're put in was extremely clear. Elders are imperfect men, until they're making announcements from the platform that we don't agree with. The onus is always on the sheep in this organization. And how many studies are we to have in a row where the final, default, solution to problems created by the hierarchy is to "wait on Jehovah?" Would we allow Mormons the same leeway? "Yeah... we have issues in the Mormon church. But God will clarify them in the future so I'm going to be loyal." It doesn't work that way.
Comment by Eleasar on 2017-06-28 17:56:14
The above study seem to have gone down badly in my local congregation. I was racking my brain on the reason why the example of Peter was given and that he should not lose "privileges".
As Peter was an apostle and a key member of the first century governing body (phantom gb). He did not lose privileges. Jump to July-August 2015 and Governing Body member Geoffrey Jackson did not give the organisational view of the FDS at the Royal Commission in Australia. This could be used to forgive him and explain the loss of no privilege!
The above cannot be substantiated with "hard" evidence but is merely a theory.
Any thoughts on this?