[From ws 6/18 p. 8 – August 13 – August 19]
“I make request … that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in union with me.”—John 17:20,21.
Before beginning our review, I would like to mention the non-study article that follows this study article in the June 2018 The Watchtower Study Edition. It is entitled “He Could Have Had God’s Favor”, discussing the example of Rehoboam. It is worth reading, as it is a rare example of good scriptural material without bias or hidden agenda, and therefore its contents are beneficial to us all.
This week’s article deals with prejudices and overcoming them to remain united. This is a commendable goal, but how close the Organization succeeds let us examine.
Introduction (Par. 1-3)
Paragraph 1 actually acknowledges that “Love would be a mark of Jesus’ true disciples” citing John 13:34-35, but only in that it “would contribute to their unity”. Plainly stated, without love there can be little or no unity as the apostle Paul showed when he discussed love in 1 Corinthians 13:1-13.
Jesus was concerned about the disciples who had disputed a number of times “which one of them was considered to be the greatest (Luke 22:24-27, Mark 9:33-34)" (par. 2). This was one of the biggest threats to their unity, but the article only wishes to mention it and pass on to discussing prejudice which is its main topic.
Yet today we have a whole hierarchy of positions of prominence for which brothers reach out within the Organization. This hierarchy will be dismissed by stating, "We are all brothers"; but its existence, whether by design or accident, encourages an I'm-greater-than-you attitude—the very mindset Jesus was trying to combat.
If you have ever read Animal Farm by George Orwell, you may recognise the following mantra: “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others”. This is so true of the Organization of Jehovah's Witnesses. How so? For both brothers and sisters, auxiliary pioneers are more equal than publishers; regular pioneers are more equal than auxiliary pioneers; special pioneers more equal than regular pioneers. For brothers, ministerial servants are more equal than ordinary publishers; elders are more equal than ministerial servants; circuit overseers are even more equal than elders; the Governing Body are the most equal of all. (Matthew 23:1-11).
This often breeds cliques within congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The Organizational hierarchy breeds prejudice instead of eliminating it.
Prejudice that Jesus and his Followers Faced (Par. 4-7)
After discussing the prejudice that Jesus and his followers faced, paragraph 7 highlights:
“How did Jesus deal with them [prejudices of the day]? First, he rejected prejudice, being totally impartial. He preached to rich and poor, Pharisees and Samaritans, even tax collectors and sinners. Second, by his teaching and example, Jesus showed his disciples that they must overcome suspicion or intolerance to others.”
The third way is missing. The paragraph should have added: ‘Third, by his performing of miracles upon rich and poor, Pharisee and Samaritan and Jew, even tax collectors and sinners.'
Matthew 15:21-28 reports a Phoenician woman who had her demonised daughter cured. He raised a young boy from the dead (son of the widow of Nain); a young girl, the daughter of Jairus, the presiding officer of the synagogue; and a personal friend Lazarus. On many occasions, he desired that the recipient of the miracle show faith, though their faith or lack thereof was not a requirement. He clearly showed he had no prejudice. His disinclination to help the Phoenician woman was only in line with his divinely authorized mission to spread the good news first with the children of Israel. Yet even here, he "bent the rules", so to speak, favoring to act in mercy. What a fine example he showed us!
Conquering Prejudice with Love and Humility (Par.8-11)
Paragraph 8 opens by reminding us that Jesus said, “All of you are brothers”. (Matthew 23:8-9) It goes on to say:
“Jesus explained that his disciples were brothers and sisters because they recognized Jehovah as their heavenly Father. (Matthew 12:50)”
Since this is the case, then why do we call one another brother and sister, yet perpetrate the idea that only some of us are children of God. If, as one of the other sheep, you are a "friend of God" (according to the publications), then how can you refer to the children of your "friend" as your brothers and sisters? (Galatians 3:26, Romans 9:26)
We also need humility as Jesus highlighted in Matthew 23:11-12—a read scripture in paragraph 9.
“But the greatest one among you must be your minister. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Mt 23:11, 12)
The Jews were proud because they had Abraham for a father, but John the Baptist reminded them that did not give them any special privileges. Indeed, Jesus foretold that because the natural Jews would not accept him as the Messiah, the privilege offered them would not be extended to the Gentiles—the "other sheep not of this fold" Jesus spoke of in John 10:16.
This was fulfilled starting in 36 CE as recorded in Acts 10:34 when after being greeted by Cornelius the Roman army officer, the Apostle Peter humbly stated “For a certainty I perceive that God is not partial” [does not have prejudice].
Acts 10:44 continues, “While Peter was yet speaking about these matters the Holy Spirit fell upon all those hearing the word.” This was when Jesus through the Holy Spirit brought in non-Jewish sheep to the Christian congregation and united them through that same Spirit. It was not long afterwards that Paul and Barnabas were sent on the first of their missionary journeys, primarily to the Gentiles.
Paragraph 10 discusses briefly the parable of the Good Samaritan citing Luke 10:25-37. This parable was answering the question posed “Who really is my neighbour?” (v29).
Jesus used the men considered most holy by those in his audience—priests and Levites—when depicting the unloving attitude to be avoided. Then he chose a Samaritan—a group looked down upon by the Jews—as his example of a loving individual.
Today the Organization has many widows and widowers in need of help and care, but in general the congregations are too busy to help them because of the obsession with preaching at all costs. Just as in Jesus' day, being seen to be righteous like the priest and Levite is more important in the Organization than assisting those in need by making such a priority over "organizational duties" such as going out in the weekend field ministry. Preaching peace and kindness is empty, even hypocritical if not backed up by works.
Paragraph 11 reminds us that when Jesus sent the disciples out to witness after his resurrection, he sent them to “bear witness to ‘all Judea and Samaria and to the most distant part of the earth.’ (Acts 1:8)” The disciples therefore had to put prejudice aside to preach to the Samaritans. Luke 4:25-27 (cited) powerfully records Jesus telling those Jews in the synagogue in Capernaum that the Sidonian widow of Zarapheth and Naaman of Syria were blessed with miracles because they were worthy recipients due to their faith and actions. It was the faithless and thus undeserving Israelites who were ignored.
Fighting Prejudice in the First Century (Par.12-17)
The disciples initially found it difficult to put aside their prejudices. But Jesus gave them a powerful lesson in the account of the Samaritan woman at the well. The Jewish religious leaders of the day would not speak to a woman in public. They would certainly not have spoken to a Samaritan women and one who was known to be living immorally. Yet Jesus had a long conversation with her. John 4:27 records the disciples surprise when they found him talking to the woman at the well. This conversation resulted in Jesus staying two days at that city and many Samaritans becoming believers.
Paragraph 14 cites Acts 6:1 which occurred shortly after Pentecost of 33 CE, stating:
“Now in those days when the disciples were increasing, the Greek-speaking Jews began complaining against the Hebrew-speaking Jews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution.”
The account doesn’t record why this happened, but obviously some prejudice was at work. Even today prejudices based on accent, language, or culture. Even as the Apostles settled the problem by being fair minded and put in place a solution acceptable to all, likewise we need to ensure that preferential treatment toward certain groups, such as pioneers, or elders and their families, does not creep into our way of worship. (Acts 6:3-6)
However, the biggest lesson and the most difficult test came in 36 CE, particularly for the Apostle Peter and the Jewish Christians. It was the acceptance of Gentiles into the Christian congregation. The entire chapter of Acts 10 is a worth reading and meditating on, but the article just suggests reading of vs. 28, 34, and 35. A key section not mentioned is Acts 10:10-16 where Peter had a vision of unclean things which Jesus told him to eat with three-fold emphasis that he should not call unclean what the Lord had called clean.
Paragraph 16 though gives a lot of food for thought. It says:
“Although it took time, they adjusted their way of thinking. The early Christians gained a reputation of loving one another. Tertullian, a second-century writer, quoted non-Christians as saying: “They love one another . . . They are ready even to die for one another.” Putting on “the new personality,” the early Christians came to view all people as equal in the sight of God.—Colossians 3:10, 11”
The first and second century Christians developed such love for one another that this was noted by the non-Christians around them. With all the backbiting, slandering and gossiping that goes on in the majority of congregations, could the same be said today?
Prejudice Withers as Love Grows (Par.18-20)
If we seek the wisdom from above as discussed in James 3:17-18, we will be able to eliminate prejudice in our own hearts and minds. James wrote, “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peaceable, reasonable, ready to obey, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, not hypocritical. Moreover, the fruit of righteousness is sown in peaceful conditions for those who are making peace.”
Let us strive to apply this counsel, not to be partial or showing prejudice but rather peaceable and reasonable. If we do that Christ will want to be in union with the type of person we have become, not only now but forever. Truly a wonderful prospect. (2 Corinthians 13:5-6)
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Comment by Alithia on 2018-08-14 06:11:17
Favouritism, bias, exclusivity and prejudice are as old and common as the history of mankind. And not surprising to find it even amongst professed worshipers of Jehovah and followers of the Christ.
However the degree, tolerance and persistence of the practice can vary greatly, as the desire to actually do something in a practical way born from a genuine motive to imitate Jesus’ example and not just some practical organisational expediency or other reason as per the WT article under review. At times it may take decades to establish a pattern or a basis for making an assessment or judgement of a person or an organisations real desires and motives in this regard. For example some people only find out what their parents really thought of them, in their late 60s or more, until the reading of their deceased parents will!! Left out or hard done by, compared to other siblings or relatives!
Jacob a man of faith had his favourite sons, and he did not mind showing it either. Firstly he doted and favoured on his son Joseph to the point where it fuelled jealous rage in his older brothers who conspired to kill Joseph. Then apparently still many years later it was evident with his other son Benjamin, after Jacob believed that Joseph had been killed, torn apart by a wild beast! When Joseph’s brothers came to Egypt looking for food Joseph invited them to a meal and he too did the same thing! He increased the portions for Benjamin, (5 x times. Genesis 43:44) Causing them to wonder of the reasons for it! Joseph was the brother of Benjamin and one of the only 2 children of their biological mother Rachel who Jacob loved so much.
Myself being of a certain age, (pre, Power rangers, Transformers and G.I Jones) actually Astro Boy, Detective Tracy, Touché’ Turtle, Wylie Coyote era; I can compare the record the Org has in this regard during my life time to the article under review and the beautiful sentiments expressed there. And I do not like what my conclusions are.
Firstly very briefly, before my time, recorded in older Watchtowers for reference if required, (Do a Google search of Russell and racial prejudice) during the Russell era and the showing of the Photo Drama of Creation, there was complaint from darker skinned folk that the film was mostly exclusively only available to white people. And Russel made no attempt to hide the fact that this was the case, because white people would not be inclined to attend in greater numbers if they knew black people would also be attending! In addition, he printed much, in the early Watchtowers that was blatantly racist, such as that black people’s skin was a curse from God, and would probably turn white in the New World when they were healed of this malady! Also that black people compared to fair white peoples, exhibited diminished appreciation of spiritual things and so it was not an efficient use of time and other resources to be spending on people with coloured skin! This could be justified, because the end was so imminent of course! It is quite confronting to actually read this stuff!!
Then there was the Rutherford era and the many racist slurs and comments he made both to Hitler in the form of a letter, and to all audiences in the States and other parts of the world in general too.
Now with regards to my firsthand experience in the truth during the 60s-80s and also having a Greek heritage, I was able to observe how brothers from countries and languages other than English experienced a disproportionate “portion” of spiritual food far less comparable to Joseph’s brother Benjamin. 5 x times, that of his brothers! The Org may boast about its efforts today to reach every part of the Earth with the good news in a trillion languages but the history and experience demonstrates they had a very different attitude to start with and only made the changes for reasons not expressed in the Wt article in imitation of Jesus. Rather the motives were based mostly on numerical increase of the Org.
In Australia (And in other countries of origin) ,because of the enormous immigration program of the country, during the 50s and 60s the Greek, Italian, Spanish, Yugoslav, Maltese, and you name it, had spiritual starvation rations fed to them for many years, compared to the English speaking brothers and sisters. They only had bibles with crosses on the front cover, spurious verses about the trinity added, written in language styles that was “old and redundant “and difficult to understand, hardly any books, only sporadic issues of the Watchtower at best, coming only months later than everybody else’s in English.
And to compensate, these brothers who spoke and understood zero to minimal English gathered in groups and studied perhaps the Watchtower together, prayed in their mother tongue and enjoyed association in this way. They were the most faithful in attendance, also dutifully sitting throughout 2.5 hour English language meetings in addition to the book studies and could not understand a single word! Yet they were the most regular and the most zealous in the field too! This they did at their own instigation free from encouragement or support from “Mother”!
Unbeknown to them and most others, at the time in the late 70s due to the debacle at Bethel headquarters with Ray Franz and associates, there was a clamp down on these “arrangements” which were labelled unhealthy “breakaway groups”, and I remember brothers in tears as their beautiful associations and bible study groups were banned, labelled as the thin edge of apostasy! They were completely flummoxed! I can not be sure but I bet this would have been the case around the world too by decree.
No amount of explaining or beseeching had any affect. It was final, there were to be no extracurricular meetings other than the regular scheduled meetings in English! Poor brothers, not only were they mostly illiterate in their own languages due to war and depravations in their home countries, and relied on their makeshift arrangements for spiritual feeding, but now they were being told they were being disobedient and leaning towards apostasy! This in addition to the racial prejudice that was occurring from mainstream society as well, which in Australia was absolutely dreadful; and blatantly acceptable at the time.
Rather than from Jesus direction, the WT directions were just a mirror of what was common in prejudicial and unloving, suspicious society in general. Certainly not an oneness with Jesus and Jah!!! But faithfully the ethnic brothers still attended all English speaking meetings and continued faithfully in field service too.
I remember having a discussion with a “mature “brother of English/Australian decent around this development at the time and his insightful and loving comments were. “You know Alithia, the truth is basically in English. Just as it was mostly in Greek in Jesus day. It appears that is how Jehovah is directing matters. So anyone wanting to learn the truth will really have to learn English! Most of the publications are released in English and that is why”. I was stunned to say the least as there was a huge need not only of spiritual food but of organising for the preaching work of all the other immigrants who needed to hear the good news!
To use Org expressions, as it became evident, as things turned out, as we can now see, due to the influence of the Holy Spirit on the Org, looking back, (unapologetically of course) etc. The pressure became irresistible as hundreds of thousands poured into the country from oversees and had a thirst for the gospel and the truth, especially having come from extreme depravations in war torn countries in Europe. Therefore the WT org did not relent rather they could not contain the brothers any more than you can ask someone to stop breathing! The groups slowly re-organised and finally the org got the message and they realised that there was nothing sinister going on and relented allowing Group’s” to officially form which was the case for years until there was numerous congregations that were formed, that were in different languages to the home grown one.
No real thanks to the Org! The chariot took a wrong turn on that one and the far sighted eagle must only have one eye!
Now that they have caught up in their own little minds they greedily realised that there can be exponential growth from reaching other cultures in their mother tongue and you know the rest of the story how they got behind it. Foreign languages in volume eclipsing English in ways. Even now the special pioneers, if not made redundant are sent to African and South American countries where the growth is greater and probably for this reason only.
And by the way about 7 years ago all of the indigenous Aboriginal congregations and groups in Australia were disbanded on very short notice. No explanation was given. This created extreme unhappiness amongst the brothers as they would travel for years to their respective congos to be amongst people they loved and understood and could be of real help to those in the communities where they would witness. Having now to integrate into their local congregations meant they had to attend back where they lived, start all over again getting to know new folk and would rarely see their old and long time friends and families and tribal associates in the Aboriginal congregations etc. Again my point, roughshod no care factor when it comes down to it. The baloney they print is good in principle but the reality does not square up in practice when it does not suit Org for whatever reason they have. I would love to know what the sister in the WT experience thought about the disbandment of the Aboriginal congos and her thoughts on the tremendous upset this caused the brothers?
Nothing the Org has done in regards to peoples of other languages is driven by a good motive rather by numerical increases or protecting the Org only. It appears to be an exercise of spiritual numerical Triage!
Animal Farm at its best Tadua. National Zoo state of affairs, not a leadership of a real Christian brotherhood motivated by a real desire to imitate the master Jesus. Organisationaly the record in my estimation shows this to be true.
I have made myself upset talking about it! I am going to have Ouzo to calm down. Love to all here.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2018-08-16 08:22:43
Thanks for sharing this history, Alithia. I remember when they cancelled the foreign language congregations in Canada. Portuguese was absorbed into English, but later they had to reform Portuguese congregations because the older Portuguese just didn't get anything from the English meetings. (One cannot indoctrinate those who do not understand the language.) Spanish survived intact because it was just too big to absorb. I never knew why they did this odd thing, until now. ;)
Comment by Leonardo Josephus on 2018-08-14 10:10:54
Thank you Tadua for highlighting the anomalies tolerated by , probably, every religious organisation on earth.
Like Brain, I find it hard to see exactly what Jesus is saying at John 17:21 especially when "union with" is correctly removed. Having said this, vs 21 and 23 certainly indicate that having the right spirit will draw us together and prevent divisions such as prejudice.
Should we not bear in mind that those verses are all about giving evidence so that the world may believe that you sent me forth. a result of being "sanctified by means of the truth" as vs 19 concludes.
Comment by huang on 2018-08-14 11:28:24
There are 17 occurrences of “Samaritan”. That may not mean anything until you realize
Samaritan equates with "apostate" (the dreaded A-word!) This A-word could be uttered any number of times by woke ones at KH; no longer the prerogative of any elder seeking to label others "apostate"
For example’” - “ The Samaritan religion was an apostate form of true worship”
or “ the apostles were surprised to see Jesus speaking with a woman from an apostate religion”.
Imagine their chagrin when you steal a march on them with liberal use of the A-word. Time for "apostates" to get a fair shake.Reply by John of ARC on 2018-08-14 18:14:06
I think Jesus taught an important lesson in his parable of the Good Samaritan: It requires substantial humility from the Jew (JW) to receive and accept help from the Samaritan (“apostate”).
Reply by Psalmbee on 2018-08-15 20:39:34
In their mind (the deeply involved ones), they don't need any help other than the GB. By now, you must be a full blown apostate to them and any other action by them would be most inappropriate, regardless of the gesture.
Reply by Alithia on 2018-08-18 03:41:08
Good one Don, never thought of it in those terms before. Not trying to make any particular point I would like to point out.
Matthew chapter 4 where Satan approached Jesus to tempt him.
Adding to that, for what it is worth, (if only on the surface of things, as there are alternative explanations) are the following words found at,1 Peter 3:19
"By which also he (Jesus) went and preached unto the spirits in prison".
There is also the occasion where Jesus discussed things with the demons, at Gerasenes. Mark 5:9. "My name is Legion", because there was many of us.
As evil and pathetic as it was, on each occasion at least Jesus allowed Satan and the demons to express or to explain themselves!
You are right Don, its time, the poor old apostate really gets a "fair shake".Reply by huang on 2018-08-19 08:11:03
Hi Alithia
Glad you like the point. Noted your point about Jesus talking with demons.
I always look out for good points from this site that I can weaponize for under-radar raids on the tower. One time I got too daring ( perfect immelmann turn) and was intercepted. My comment was, ”Interestingly, baptism of children is not mentioned in Scripture. Acts 8:12 states that “they proceeded to get baptized, both men and women.” (Baptism—A Requirement for Christians)
The co-ordinator said some were offended; my answer out of sync with others. I offered to tone down and he let me off the hook. Well, live to fly again. Another week another sortie! Till kingdom come.
Comment by Dan Adams on 2018-08-14 12:38:18
Interesting article, thank you. I have always taken this verse in John to be speaking of unity in faith. As in 1 Cor 1:10 "...you should all speak in agreement and that there should not be divisions among you..." and also in Eph 4, about there being one body, one spirit, one hope, one faith, one baptism..."
This is of course not to say that a general unity among persons is beside the point. Certainly the love we have (or don't have) for one another speaks volumes about the validity of the gospel message. As to the comment from "ifionlyhadabrain", I have friends who recently moved to the UK and they said they are one of only a few non-biracial couples in their church community. It took them by surprise but they welcome this change from the segregation that still exists in much of the US. Too bad we can't be more like you!
Comment by Meleti Vivlon on 2018-08-16 08:24:21
When we look at Christ, we see the Father. When we know Christ, we know the Father. When we hear Christ, we hear the Father. When people see us individually--not collectively, but as individuals--do they see the Christ, hear the Christ, know the Christ? I think that is the state we are striving to achieve.
Reply by Leonardo Josephus on 2018-08-17 17:40:51
Good thinking, Eric. Thanks for the explanation. Makes a lotta sense.
Comment by Meleti Vivlon on 2018-08-19 08:58:25
From paragraph 1, we have: "Their unity would give a powerful
witness, offering clear evidence that Jehovah had sent
Jesus to the earth to do God’s will." So it is the unity of JWs that offers evidence to the world that they are "true disciples". But the Bible doesn't say this. They offer John 13:34, 35 as "proof" stating in the next sentence, Love would be a mark of Jesus’ true disciples that would contribute to their unity.
—John 13:34, 35.
So they take a bible verse that clearly talks about love as the mark and twist it into proof that unity is the mark. But how can unity be the mark of true disciples. We need something that cannot be counterfeited. Like money, we have to be able to distinguish the true stuff from the false. Unity doesn't do that, because unity exists in many organizations. The US army cannot win wars if it is not united. But it does win wars. Is the unity of the US military evidence that they are God's true disciples. Many Americans would think so. "In God we trust" is still on the US penny.
Only the love that Jesus exemplified would mark his true disciples, and yet, unity is a by-product of that love, but unity is not the identifying mark.
But unity is all the organization has to offer. So they mistranslate scripture to support their view. Reading the first scripture of the article, we find that they've added in "in union with" to the Greek text which does not contain those words. See Biblehub.com and search on John 17:20.
Being "in Christ" and having Christ "in" us, means we reflect his glory and become like him. People should see the Christ in us. Being in union with him takes that meaning away. It waters down the message and allows the organization to focus, not on the love of the Christ, but on unity, which is their drumbeat message.