In the April Broadcast on tv.jw.org, there is a video given by Governing Body member Mark Sanderson at about the 34-minute mark, wherein he relates some encouraging experiences of brothers under persecution in Russia back in the 1950s, showing how Jehovah provided the support they needed to endure.
When we become disillusioned with the organization, it is very easy for us to see everything that comes forth from it in a negative light. This can be caused by our own disillusionment, by the sense of betrayal we feel by men in whom we invested the utmost trust. Anger may cause us to lose sight of the many good things that we gained from our association with Jehovah’s Witnesses. On the other hand, when we hear about such positive experiences, we may become confused. We may question our own decision, thinking that there is in fact evidence that Jehovah has blessed the organization.
What we have here are two extremes. On the one hand we dismiss all that is good, utterly rejecting the Organization; while on the other hand, we might see these things as proof of God’s blessing and be drawn back into the Organization.
When a brother like Mark Sanderson uses examples of Christian faith under persecution (the organization often uses the faithful example of the Earnest Bible students in Nazi Germany who did not call themselves Jehovah’s Witnesses, but were affiliated with the Watchtower Bible and Tract society in New York) he does not do so to build our faith in Jehovah God as the rewarder of individuals who love him (Heb 11:6), but rather to build our faith in the Organization as the one place where such rewards from God are dispensed. We are not expected to watch this video and conclude that this is yet another example of Jehovah helping Christians in any and every denomination who are undergoing persecution for the name of the Christ. Witnesses will be inclined to believe that this type of thing happens only to them.
Yet, there are many cases of Christians undergoing persecution around the world, many far worse off than what JWs are experiencing. A simple google search will reveal this. Here is a link to one such video.
We can be seduced by such stories and read into them far more than is intended. I think Peter expressed it best when he said about the Gentile Cornelius:
“Now I truly understand that God is not partial, 35 but in every nation the man who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. (Acts 10:34, 35)
It is not our religious affiliation that counts in the end, but whether or not we fear God and do what is acceptable to him. Sooner or later, that fear (reverent submission) will lead to obedience when those in our church, synagogue, temple, or Kingdom hall ask us to do something that conflicts with what our Father tells us to do.
” Currently, Leah Sharibu a young girl abducted by Boko Haram- a terrorist group with ISIS affiliation is been held behind after her mates of about 100 were released, why? because she failed to renounced Christ. A young girl of basic school, not a JW, is being held behind. That’s persecution. I now include her in my prayers “. Hi James to pray for Leah Shabiru, that is something we all can do for her. She is a brave girl, who loves her Father in Heaven and our Lord Jesus Christ. An example to follow for us all. Love to… Read more »
Thank you Eric for this excellent counsel. It is true that if you want to see Jehovah’s blessing you can see it everywhere, it is as the scripture says, Jehovah is not partial . It is as you say an attempt to narrow down Jehovah’s favour to the org only. There are a couple of ironys that Mark Sanderson didn’t bring up, one of them being that the teachings that caused those faithful Russian brothers trouble , if they stood up for them now they would be regarded as either backward or apostate, and how is it they managed up… Read more »
True Eric, Christians are being persecuted every where, the video link you shared relates to Nigeria, am a Nigerian, and Christians in Northern Nigeria are special targets for persecution by Islamic sects and terrorists. Prior to my awakening, we hear these stories but dismiss them as they are not in the “truth” but not so anymore. Currently, Leah Sharibu a young girl abducted by Boko Haram- a terrorist group with ISIS affiliation is been held behind after her mates of about 100 were released, why? because she failed to renounced Christ. A young girl of basic school, not a JW,… Read more »
I appreciate your thoughts, James. The way I was always taught, people in “other” (non-JW) religions, no matter how “sincere” were “not in the truth”. They always said “sincere” like it was an insult or a put-down. The unspoken message was very clear: “Sincere” members of non-JW religions were EXPENDIBLE. That is WT’s clear message.
The Bible’s clear message: No, they’re not.
Even if the WT leaders speak words from the scriptures why would you follow or obey them? When I speak words from the scriptures would you follow me or obey me? Or the Pope if he does? I believe each individual should follow their own faith, thought and conscience. Fine to listen to others but do not allow others to control you. A person has to learn to make his/her own decisions.we are all personally accountable. I can see that for someone who was raised within the organisation has to learn to make up his own mind, make his own… Read more »
To make sure we don’t misunderstand eachother: I am not advocating unconditional obedience to religious leaders I think like you in this matter, listen to ppl, check the bible if they are right, then decide using our conscience what to do. But of course Gods word always comes first.
Eric, your whole article is well summarized by the last paragraph. I would add that God extends His impartiality to those who truly believe the command in Acts, We must obey God as ruler rather than men. That is the “truth”. Unless we believe that, and live accordingly, and not allow men to bully us or intimidate us into obeying men rather than God, we’re not really in the “truth”.
If armageddon doesn’t get here soon the Witnesses are not gonna need a GB, they’re gonna need a new place of worship. They don’t protect their children of the flock from child predators, how are they gonna protect anyone from spiritual predators? I do believe that their bank roll is hurting and as soon as those remaining wake up and quit donating to the WT and contributing to all the court settlements and fines, the Tower is gonna fall. It’s really getting ridiculous at this point. For God’s sake and your own please WAKE-UP!!! Smell the coffee have a drink… Read more »
Not to be forgotten are the conclusions stated so clearly in our ‘7 Shepherds, 8 Dukes’ WT of 2013:
“At that time, the life-saving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not.”
sw
Arguably, one of the scariest statements ever to be printed in the Watchtower.
I still have no idea what they really mean by it. This statement was a wake up call for me
I think most of us skeptics believe the direction will be some rendition of: “Sell everything you own. Cars. Houses. Smart phones. Then send the money to the ‘Life Saving Direction Fund’ 1 Kings Dr, Tuxedo Park NY 119087. Then walk with your family to Le Roy Iowa. Once there await further life saving direction.”
Thanks, I think I really have to strengthen myself with actual Biblical truth to not be deceived. Not ready to leave at the moment. I don’t have the strength to get into pointless arguments with superloyal wt people right now either. Need more knowledge to get strong
I agree. It is very hard to come back to the “Who do you trust ? “ questions, without saying the wrong things. Accurate knowledge of truth is essential, whatever our situation. It is one of our greatest protections, because then we can put our trust in Jehovah and Jesus, and not men.
When I think that maybe the brothers in the lead generally mean well, and maybe inherited a bunch of policies that it’s too late to change, but have our best interest at heart, I remember this quote and how many times it’s been announced at conventions, and I realize that there’s a high level of deliberate mass manipulation. Creating anticipation and fear by causing the flock to recall Israel’s seemingly suicide march into the Red Sea. They know exactly what they’re saying with this quote.
Have you seen the leaked convention video for 2018? The phrase is reiterated in one of the clips. albeit in a different setting. Seems like the idea is cemented, similarly to the “two witness rule”.
Absolutely!!!
The words (“at that time…etc”) of a cult, if ever there were. We have all been seduced by a cult. But it wasn’t always so, but that is what it has become.
Or am I simply going mad ?
I think I’m with you on this one. Everything’s gotten more dogmatic and cult like with the new younger governing body members. But like some have said I don’t think everything they do is deliberate moves. It’s almost as if the system has slippes out of their hands and they just try to put out fires everywhere in desperation. But that’s still no reason to have unconditional obedience to them. Only when what they say is scriptural of course
Hi Brain, That’s a good point regarding the wheat and the weeds. Can you imagine commenting on the beautiful flowers in your neighbour’s garden, only to have him wax poetic about his stone retaining wall instead? Likewise, by extolling the glories of their own tract of “soil” the Organisation ends up neglecting the real glory that could actually be grown there. Unfortunately, because the Witnesses are taught to focus largely on their in-group identity (instead of their in-dividual identity in Christ), they often dismiss legitimate criticisms during times of crisis and so resort to protecting the sheep pen instead of… Read more »
Vox, your last sentence speaks volumes. If I am not mistaken, isn’t protecting the sheep pen instead of the sheep what got WT into trouble with child abuse? They stop at nothing to supposedly protect “Jehovah’s” name, when it is their own name and reputation they trying to protect. By giving priority to their own vanity instead of to God and Christ first, and the sheep a high second, they have failed in their quest to protect their name, and failed utterly to protect the flock. WT is not necessarily wrong to believe that an enemy might criticize it. But… Read more »
Well put, Robert. I think it’s not only their own names they are protecting. Fixing problems related to child abuse also entails relinquishing the star-chamber court system they have put in place, which is effectively the main weapon to maintain godlike power over the flock. It would also create a tremendous backlash from all who have been subjugated by it over the years and friends/family who have potentially shunned people wrongly. It’s like their holding a wolf by its ears. If they ease the grip, the wolf will attack. Disclaimer: I don’t think the GB necessarily think and plan with… Read more »
Holding a wolf by the ears , well said Jof A, and yes I also feel that the GB don’t set out with intent of corruption, it is as you say, what the “market ” dictates, in this instance a religious one, which is still a human government with “spiritual” terminology.
Good points all of you. I think one important thing that comes to mind here is that not all the Gb and super loyal wt people do is bad. They tell us to read the Bible everyday. Good. Love others etc. But they also tell us that we must believe in teachings not explicitly found in the Bible like 1914, that only Jw is ”God’s org” etc. The problem is that there is a class difference among us in the Jw system. (I say us because I am still Pimo, I have my reasons). The Gb always got the last… Read more »
A good rant is like the safety valve on a boiler. You never want it to be stuck on open, but you really don’t want it to be stuck on closed. 🙂
Haha thanks
Samisaac, don’t worry about “rants”, as long as they are well considered. I have had more than my own share of rants, and I am probably still in trouble in the eyes of some readers on account of them. I wouldn’t try to be intentionally rude or confrontational, but neither should you be so afraid of reactions on the site that it holds you back from saying what’s on your mind, nor should you tailor your words, one way or the other, based on how you believe they would effect “votes” on the comments you write. It’s the same principle… Read more »
Thanks Rob, no it’s just that I still go to a few meetings to keep my wife and some close friends happy. I tend to listen to the Bible based parts and try to close my ears to all non scriptural things. I am used to always be on the edge somehow, always thinking about whether I don’t say anything offensive (=something that is against the official jw teachings). I have already been accused of reading apostate material several times. It can be very tiring to always think about what you say to avoid being accused of apostasy. My wife… Read more »
I was an MS for a while, and did the best I could, but I did not feel appreciated. Usually, I was talked down to, and I never really understood why. The elders made the MS’s all feel like they were nobody. I also found some of the “special” meetings that elders and MS’s were drawn into were creepy and pushy, and they kept wanting us to volunteer for extra work assignments when I didn’t have time or didn’t really want to do them. You get pressured so you feel you are not allowed to say No. Somehow, the elders… Read more »
Yeah I realize I didn’t tell you I’ve already been an ms. I stepped down because it was too much and I suffer from depressions at times. Most ppl knew why because I told them it was too much for me, ”I can’t handle the stress of trying to be good enough and being an example at all times.” I see what you mean about the announcements, it can easily be misunderstood. We can expect ppl ”not to jump too conclusions” but it would be even better not to lead ppl into sinning by drawing the wrong conclusions
I didn’t feel pressure to be ‘good enough’ or to be an ‘example’, I just did what I always did, plus the MS work. But, I can see now that I already had misgivings about WT and I was mentally beginning to pull away, and losing interest. So that part wasn’t a problem for me, I just got tired of it, esp. since I was beginning to see them for what they were.
Hmm yeah I see your point. And don’t worry I don’t really want to be an ms again. I think I can do more good as a ”free” christian, although I’m not completely free yet.
I can testify to your assessment, Robert. I was an MS for about 13 years. Here are some experiences: – not being told directly/beforehand that I had received new tasks or been removed from tasks (e.g. receiving/losing responsibility for a field group, being field group servant, then removed). Either found out when they announced it from the stage or read it from the roster; – being addressed to as one of lower status than the elders (a servant, in a literal sense); – a feeling that I was discredited and that there were talks behind my back in the BOE,… Read more »
Rant on! 🙂
No worries, mate. On the contrary, this has been very helpful. I see, in comparisom, my MS experience was not as bad as yours. I guess that’s what they call, Damning with faint praise. That’s the epitath of the whole religion, isn’t it? It’s not as horrible as some others?
I can speak from the perspective of the weird, useless, poisonous “brother.” (I guess they considered me one in name only?) It sucks when people classify you by what is essentially a math equation. They don’t understand their fellow brothers and sisters as wildly complex organisms, capable of great acts of kindness and generosity inside and outside of the organization – and not just as feeder belts for literature and reheated sloganeering. Also, some of us keep our distance because I think we instinctively knew the interior of the core of the congregation was a stagnant cesspool of gossip and… Read more »
Exactly. I knew some of the people they spoke about in those terms personally. I knew about their hard work to keep afloat spritually, and the baggage they carried from childhood and upbringing. Still, they went to meetings and worked to stay afloat in the “truth”. Now, none of these people are no longer witnesses. For the time being, at least. DF’ed or pulled away. “Where has all the flowers gone?” – Pete Seegers.
I have no difficulties envisaging those scenes. Sorry that you had to gow through it, but happy that you are here now.
I am glad I never became an elder and had to sit through such discussions and, foremost, not participate in any judical committees. On the other hand, I believe I would have read the writing on the wall sooner if I had.
Samisac. The “last word” issue you address probably goes back to the “unity at all costs” doctrine. See transcript and testimony by Hayden Covington from the Walsh court case (mid 1950ies) in Scotland. From the org’s perspective, unity trumps truth and justice, because without unity there “cannot be marching”, as Mr. Covington stated. I believe this still prevails. Ray Franz’ second book, In search of Christian freedom, goes into depths on these matters. The power structure and obedience to man are the core of the org’s problems and become the fundament of how people becomes gods and take Christ’s place… Read more »
Thanks for sober reminder, Eric. Wrt. your last comment, I would never have thought growing up that “standing firm in faith” could entail standing up against JW doctrines. For inspiration for the struggles we may need to face at some point, I just want to bring attention to three non-JW Christians who bravely stood up against Nazism (edited: added quotes): https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sophie_Scholl “Somebody, after all, had to make a start. What we wrote and said is also believed by many others. They just don’t dare express themselves as we did.” https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Niemöller “First they came for the Socialists, and I did not… Read more »
Gracias hermano por esos enlaces son experiencias alentadoras de cristianos que fueron fieles a cristo sin denominación. me hace pensar de Cornelío que fue escogido por cristo sin ser cristiano. gracias
Mi placer, hermano.
I saw a movie about Sophie Scholl some years ago and I thought to myself, “What courage!” This woman stood up for what she believed and went toe to toe with the Gestapo, only to be beheaded for failing to compromise. I can deal with this kind of treatment when it comes from outside the congregation. But when so-called brothers bring you into the back room, (as they did me), and tear you to pieces like a pack of wolves for not turning in a field service report, that I find inexcusable.
Agree to that. Claiming a spiritual paradise and being God’s great, spirit directed Organization certainly builds up expectations from its subjects, and the fall is correspondingly long and hard when one come to realize that it’s not.