“All those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.” - 2 Timothy 3:12.
[From ws 7/19 p.2 Study Article 27: Sept 2 - Sept 8, 2019]
Paragraph 1 tells us: “As the end of this system of things draws closer, we expect our enemies to oppose us even more. - Matthew 24:9.”
True, the end of this system of things draws closer, one day at a time, just as it has in the nearly 2,000 years since Jesus mentioned the end of a system of things. But, the verse in Matthew referred to is describing the end of the Jewish System of things that would come in the lifetime of the majority of Jesus audiences. However, Jesus' presence would come as a shock to all. Does not Matthew 24:42 remind us, we “do not know on what day our Lord is coming.” Therefore, there is no basis for stating that enemies would oppose the Organization now more than any other time in history. That also presupposes that the Organization practices true Christianity in the same manner as first Century Christians. This is something which regular readers will know has repeatedly been shown to be an errant conclusion.
There are also reasons why authorities and others would take it upon themselves to oppose the Organization.
- One is the stubborn refusal to come clean about the systemic failure to get to grips with child abusers within their ranks and to make changes to minimize the chances of its occurrence at least on repeated offences.
- Another is the shunning policy of weak, lapsed and disfellowshipped Witnesses which is against Christian principles and basic human rights.
Having raised the specter of persecution without scriptural basis and introduced “fear” into the readers mind, the next paragraph then tries to encourage us not to worry! Far better that they write with accuracy in the first place.
The following paragraphs go on to give these good points:
“Be convinced that Jehovah loves you and that he will never abandon you. (Read Hebrews 13:5, 6.)” (Paragraph 4) This is very good advice. We would never want to lose our faith in God and Christ, certainly not just because we were fooled by men who were telling lies for their own gain.
“Read the Bible daily with the goal of drawing closer to Jehovah. (James 4:8)” – Paragraph 5.
Again, very good advice, with a caveat, to make sure we use a number of Bible translations so we can be able to distinguish which translators have twisted the translation to support their own agenda and views. The Organization does not own the copyright on this type of corruption of God’s Word, it is widespread. For example, many translations replace the Tetragrammaton (God’s name) with “Lord”, while the NWT goes the opposite way and in many places in the Greek scriptures, replaces “Lord” where according to the context either refers to Jesus, or is likely referring to Jesus rather than Jehovah. Both groups are incorrect.
“Pray regularly. (Psalm 94:17-19)” – Paragraph 6.
Of course building up a relationship with our Heavenly Father and also our Saviour is vital. An important way we can do this apart from study of God’s Word is by prayer.
“Be convinced that the blessings of God’s Kingdom will come true. (Numbers 23:19)...Make it a study project to examine God’s promises about his Kingdom and the reasons why you can be certain that they will come true – Paragraph 7.
We would echo this fine suggestion with one caveat: A study of the Bible should surely only use Bibles and Bible Dictionaries. It should not ordinarily use any publications that contain interpretations of the Bible, including the Organization’s publications, so as not to cloud our understanding of the Bible. However, the Organization wants you to view their publications as a vital guide to the Bible. You may be surprised at what you find or cannot find. For instance, attempt to find what the chosen ones do after their resurrection (which the Organization teaches has occurred from 1914 onwards) from the Bible alone.
“Regularly attend Christian meetings. Meetings help us to draw closer to Jehovah. Our attitude toward attending meetings is a good indicator of how successful we will be at dealing with persecution in the future. (Hebrews 10:24, 25)” – Paragraph 8.
Subtext: Fear, Obligation and Guilt in large doses. If you do not attend every meeting, you will not be able to withstand persecution and will fail to gain everlasting life. A far better phrase would be the correct understanding of Hebrews which is to “Regularly associate with like-minded Christians”.
“Memorize your favorite scriptures. (Matthew 13:52)”. – Paragraph 9.
This is a good suggestion. It makes an accurate statement when it says: “Your memory may not be perfect, but Jehovah can use his powerful holy spirit to bring those scriptures back to your mind. (John 14:26)”
“Memorize and sing songs that praise Jehovah” – Paragraph 10.
This too is a good suggestion, provided those songs are solely words from God’s Word such as the Psalms. The Psalms were and still are used in Judaism.
Paragraphs 13-16 are suggesting that preaching now will give us courage in the future. As the officials persecuting a sister suggested by their comments, it would be more likely stubbornness rather than courage. Courage means to face dangers without fear, rather than stubbornly refusing to comply.
Paragraph 19 really highlights the constant contradictions contained in such articles. It says, “Yet, every day they continued to go to the temple and publicly identify themselves as disciples of Jesus. (Acts 5:42) They refused to cower in fear. We too can defeat our own fear of man by regularly and publicly identifying ourselves as Jehovah’s Witnesses—at work, at school, and in our neighborhood.—Acts 4:29; Romans 1:16”.
The question this raises is, Should we be identifying ourselves as Disciples of Christ or Witnesses of Jehovah? According to Acts 10:39-43, if we wish to imitate first century Christians we should be witnesses to Jesus, even as the prophets were. (See also Acts 13:31, Revelation 17:6)
Paragraph 21 attempts to raise the fear factor when it says, “We do not know when a wave of persecution or even an outright ban will affect our worship of Jehovah.”
The Subtext: We don't know when persecution will come, but it definitely will come. The idea is likely that the Organization knows it is and will continue to be called on the mat for its mishandling of child sexual abuse cases as well as its human rights abuses, and so wants to reframe the impending storm as 'persecution from Satan's wicked world.'
The theme scripture states: “In fact, all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted”. However, the Bible also says, “Therefore, whoever opposes the [governmental] authority has taken a stand against the arrangement of God; those who have taken a stand against it will bring judgment against themselves.” (Ro 13:2) It also says, “For what merit is there in it if, when YOU are sinning and being slapped, YOU endure it? But if, when YOU are doing good and YOU suffer, YOU endure it, this is a thing agreeable with God.” (1Pe 2:20)
What question is, Will their attempt to relabel their impending tribulation for past sins as 'persecution due to godly devotion' work? Surely, there will be some Witnesses, perhaps a majority, who will buy into the fantasy. But surely there will be a significant number who will see through the facade.
The truth is that the only way to the Father is through the son, and if someone tries another route, he will lose out on the spirit of truth and will flounder. Yet again, Christ Jesus is merely mentioned 7 times in this article, while Jehovah was named four times as often—29 times, excluding use of the name in "Jehovah’s Witnesses".
In conclusion, an article of mixed benefit. Some good suggestions mixed with a healthy dose of FOG. (Fear mongering, Obligation, Guilt tripping)
Archived Comments
We have moved to the Disqus commenting system. To post a new comment, go to the bottom of this page.
Comment by Pekanman on 2019-09-01 11:43:14
The rhetoric of how much the world hates us, which is used to justify the dubious fact they are the one true religion rings through. It's couldn't possibly be the fact the organization flaunts laws and feels above everyone. No amount of justification is there for harbouring child sex abusers and for not reporting to the proper authorities. This is not persecution because the world hates you, its because you are harming children and have such a self centered unloving opinion of the "other sheep" that the only ones that matter in the GB eyes are themselves and the annointed. The Bible was written for them, Jesus dies for them, they will be Kings and rulers, Jesus is the mediator only for them. One flock one shepherd my ass ....
Comment by River on 2019-09-01 12:16:01
The citation from Romans 13:2 should be without the government in brackets. All authority mentioned here is God's authority. Thanks anyway.
Reply by Pekanman on 2019-09-01 15:08:08
Were not the governmental authorities put in place by God as the first verse of Romans 13 tells us? And the point being made is we are told we should honor those put into those positions. So why wouldn't the organization follow scripture or is that just for us scum like other sheep?
Reply by River on 2019-09-01 15:43:44
In Greek there is no mention of superior authority in vers one, only authority which we are told is from God. This kind of authority must be authority to do good and never evil. Vers 2 tells us not to oppose God's authority or we will be judged. In vers 3 the leaders are mentioned and should be feared if we do evil.
Vers 5 gives you the reason why you never should do evil, either fearing the sword or your conscience.
My main point is that Romans 13 can never give you any right to follow kings, presidents, societies or others in doing wrong.
These verses is the most twisted in translations of obvious reasons.
Reply by Frankie on 2019-09-01 16:18:36
Hi brother River.
I think that the Tadua's brackets with word "government" is OK. There is only one word "authorities" (exousia, Strong 1849) everywhere in Romans 13:1-3 in interlinear translations, neither "government", nor "superior". The word "government" is in brackets only as specification of type of authorities.
And yes, I agree with your words: "Romans 13 can never give you any right to follow kings, presidents, societies or others in doing wrong". Governments are established by God to do good things (Romans 13:4), but unfortunately they act too often in wrong way. If the government is established by God, and if its decisions are not a manifest violation of the laws of God (Acts 5:29), we are to submit to them.
Love to you and all, Frankie
Comment by if ever on 2019-09-02 08:44:41
Thank you Tadua for your review. One question I want to throw out there for discussion occurs in paragraph 1 - it uses three nouns, "Christian Witnesses of Jehovah".
The name "Christian" was given to those disciples of Christ. - Acts 11:26. That part is clear, then why is the WT article using a group of nouns (as above) in a collective manner? Jesus said "You will be witnesses of me..." he did not say witnesses of Jehovah.
The only time I can recall where Jehovah confers a title is in reference to Israel. Isaiah 43:9 -10. I have added verse 9 of Isaiah to show that Jehovah asked of the nations, "Let them bring out their witnesses, that they may be justified". Jehovah was asking the gentiles to produce their witnesses.
I posit there can be no "Christian Witness of Jehovah" as no such noun was conferred from God or Christ or by inspired scripture. This composite noun has come about from Rutherford as he is one of the gentiles who in response produced his witnesses that he may be justified and say it is true. It is clear Isaiah 43:10 is talking about Israel and not Christians.
Any thoughts about this use of "Christian Witness of Jehovah" in the study article?
Comment by messenger on 2019-09-02 13:46:11
“All those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.” – 2 Timothy 3:12. This quotation of scripture, that opens the Watchtower article, shows that receiving persecution is a constant feature of Christianity, until Christ rules the earth. Paul's scripture defines a time period that lasts until Christ comes.
With regard to scriptures in Romans chapter 13. Those scriptures claim there are more authorities placed over humans by God, than just himself. There are parents and public teachers over minors; and police, governments, and employers over adult citizens. Romans 13 claims God has put these authorities in their positions, so Christians are ordered to obey them. Statements in Bible text don't always address every possible contingency, as those in Romans 13 don't give Christians instructions to disobey the authorities God placed, if the authorities demand Christians behave in ungodly ways. That point is addressed elsewhere in scripture.
I don't read WT writings, but in their articles they probably don't address their lax child protection policies, that have included their disregard for mandatory reporting laws, along with persecution against WT or Jehovah's Witnesses for failing to report. If they do I would be very surprised. Because although WT can use its interpretation of some scriptures to disobey the government in other areas, I cannot think of one scripture that WT interprets, its way, that gives it reason to break mandatory reporting laws for sexual child abuse. Can anyone else think of a WT interpretation, of any scripture, that demands WT break reporting laws.Reply by messenger on 2019-09-02 14:20:42
On this point about WT's lax child protection policies. Occasionally it is possible to catch WT in an obvious lie. I tend to give all Christians the benefit of the doubt about the sincerity of their thought while teaching Bible scriptures. I personally attribute most wrong statements by Christian teachers to their ignorance, rather than ill intent. However, occasionally it is possible to know a Christian teacher chooses to spread a lie.
Some time back Stephen Lett was recorded by WT on a video telling Jehovah's Witnesses that the rumors about WT having a problem with its child protection policies and the law stemmed from lies told by apostate Jehovah's Witnesses. Lett made that statement shortly before GB member Jackson, WT lawyers, and Australian Bethel members appeared before the Australian Royal Commission on Sexual Child Abuse. Lett obviously knew WT officials were summoned to that hearing because of its reported lax policies on handling sexual child abuse in its congregations. While under oath Jackson denied Lett's assertion those rumors stem from apostate lies. Jackson instead admitted WT has such a problem. Stephen Lett also knew WT had been sued multiple times for this reason, and by the time he told that lie WT had already paid out millions of dollars because of their problem. That video, of Lett's lying assertion, can probably still be found online.
Comment by Gogetter on 2019-09-02 19:18:21
We must get prepared for more and more articles like this one!
The GB have been preparing for not Christ return ( core belief ,He came in 1914) but for the hammer that is about to fall for their apostasy with a ten year union as a United Nations NGO (well documented) and the abhorrent institutional mishandling and outright coverup of worldwide child abuse within the organization!
These are two main reasons why Jehovah is bringing judgement upon his people who carry his name among the many other unscriptural things that are frequently discussed here.
One only needs to follow Jehovah’s dealings with the nation of Israel to see the pattern and it amazes me that as much time as the organization spends on focusing on that history almost weekly, the GB and most Witnesses fail to see the modern day application.
The Organization and it’s team of bethel lawyers and at many times hiring very expensive “worldly” lawyers have been fighting these child abuse cases for decades and up until recently have been successful in paying off victims and issuing gag orders so it doesn’t become public.
But now that some major cases have been lost setting legal precedents the flood gates are open. This is only going to get worse and the GB are in full tilt survival mode.
This article and the previous ones apparently (May WT articles) are setting the stage for when millions of the mentally isolated rank and file witnesses are forced to acknowledge this is going on in their “Spiritual Paradise” that they have been preaching about for over a century.
The GB in the May watchtower study articles on child abuse has made it appear that what was outlined as the Congregational procedure when dealing with child abusers has been in effect all along when those who are awake know that is not the case. This is in preparation for when the news and court case transcripts that will show the exact opposite, and the fact that there is a database of known child abuser/pedophiles being kept at Bethel.
Now they are going to spin the obvious current and coming events including the multi-millions of dollars of lost donated funds by blaming it on persecution from apostate driven lies and Satan’s system of things!
This is not an impossible task as all of Jehovah’s Witnesses have been taught this since their first few weeks of pre-baptism Bible Study and reinforced at every major convention for decades.
Basically the organization is going to try to save as many of the R&F as possible by convincing them this is a righteous cause, saying “see we told you this will happen!” Sad to say unfortunately many will buy into this.
I’m a PIMO and I call on all other PIMO’s to help as many as possible to wake up to the fact that PROSECUTION DOES NOT EQUAL PERSECUTION in these cases.
We can reason with our family and friends by asking the following,
Why would Jehovah allow this type of persecution? It’s not due to our preaching work, or neutral political stance,or even because of our refusal to take blood Etc.
No it’s from the superior authorities exacting judgement according to Romans 13 against the universally considered most abhorrent crime of child abuse, which in essence is compared to demon inspired child sacrifice and we remember how Jehovah detested that in ancient times.
We could ask, how anyone who is a vile pedophile can ever enter the congregation and some be appointed as Elders...where’s the Holy Spirit, for that matter where is Jesus the true head of the congregation?
If Jehovah has allowed this (as one Elder said to me on this subject the classic “wait on Jehovah”) doesn’t this bring major reproach on his name and is totally counterproductive to the most important work of preaching the good news of the Kingdom. Think about this when this becomes more and more exposed to the public who is even going to open the door?
We must admit, the evidence is clear Jehovah has long ago withdrawn his Spirit and blessings from this Organization and is bringing about his judgement by the nations to discipline his people 1 Peter 4:17 For it is the appointed time for the judgment to start with the house of God....
This could never happen if the Creator of the universe didn’t permit it.
I agree with the theme of this article....Jehovah’s Witnesses should get prepared but not for being persecuted for our faith but for the judgement and discipline from the superior authorities at the direction of Jehovah God!
After Jehovah’s discipline hopefully ALL of his people will repent as we all bare some responsibility as ignorance of what’s going on at Bethel (house of God) is not going be an excuse, and especially for those awake who do and say nothing Lev.5:1
Remember those disfellowshipped for Apostasy or Marked in the congregation have been essentially neutralized by the organization, the real threat to the organization are those who are labeled as PIMO’s (physically in mentally out)
Who can effect real change from within by waking friends up to the real situation in our so called “spiritual paradise “Reply by Torso Boy on 2019-09-04 07:06:19
I agree wholeheartedly with your comments Gogetter. I too am PIMO and whenever I have questioned how Holy Spirit is involved in appointing Elders (and others) who have been guilty of committing crimes against children, i am always faced with the reply, “Well Jesus chose Judas Iscariot under guidance of Holy Spirit and look at what he did!”
My response usually tries to point out that Judas was, in effect, used to fulfil prophecies made about the Messiah. Then comes the typical, “Well let’s just wait on Jehovah” answer that we hear all too often.Reply by Frankie on 2019-09-06 16:17:26
Yes, Torso Boy, the reply "Well Jesus chose Judas Iscariot under guidance of Holy Spirit and look at what he did!" is terrible. This can say only someone with closed indoctrinated mind. Jesus knew very well who He chose because He knew everything about everyone (John 2:25).
You would tell him you don't have to wait anymore, because Jehovah already told you and try to make him read the verse John 13:18, where our Lord explained, why He chose Judas: " ... I KNOW whom I have chosen. But the Scripture will be fulfilled ... ".
Love to you and all. FrankieReply by Torso Boy on 2019-09-06 21:49:41
Hi Frankie. Thanks for the references to Jesus’ words in John’s gospel. I will remember to use them the next time this topic comes up in conversation. Unfortunately, I think that it will be a case of bashing my head against a brick wall (or offering pearls to swine?). But as long as I remain in I will not give up trying, especially where my family is concerned.
This site has been a real blessing to me and an answer to my prayers. I appreciate all the upbuilding comments and the wealth of knowledge and experience from all the contributors. It is easy to see the Lord’s hand in this.
Love to all.Reply by Frankie on 2019-09-07 15:52:59
Hi Torso Boy.
Thank you for sharing your not easy situation with us. As to "bashing your head against a brick wall” - I think it is a part of good fight for faith. And I also understand that you have to consider your dear ones. Our Lord Jesus will help you through prayers, just as He is helping me (John 16:23).
I am also very happy to find this website. After some searching I found fresh water in the desert. I consider the site beroeans.net as my "virtual congregation”, with open-minded brothers and sisters in Christ all over the world.
Dear Torso Boy, " ... Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called ...” (1 Timothy 6:12). When I am in a difficult situation, I always remember those who are still with me, my heavenly Father and my Redeemer Jesus Christ - "If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).
God bless you. Frankie.
Reply by messenger on 2019-09-07 03:44:03
Hello Torso Boy,
Since many readers commenting here have WT believing relatives, it might be a good idea for all of us to share some comments about what caused us to view WT differently. There might be some commonalities that we can use to influence others.
True, God woke us up, but the ways he shook us, while doing so, might have some things in common.Reply by Torso Boy on 2019-09-07 07:08:40
Hi messenger.
One of the many things I love about this site is the diversity of brothers and sisters that have awoken to “the truth about the truth”. I was baptised 22 years ago and admittedly fell for how easy the “truth” seemed to be and couldn’t understand how no one else understood these teachings. Being raised in a non-religious household and also being a victim of abuse as a child, I was wary of churches and organisations that had a reputation of covering over those types of offences. So I was curious when I heard that JW’s were to be a part of the ARC. My curiosity soon turned to disgust when I learned that we were no better than the other churches that JW’s had vilified from the platforms of their Kingdom Halls for decades. It was then that I started to investigate more thoroughly any other secrets that the organisation was possibly hiding. With the help of a friend that had long stopped associating with JW’s, I discovered jwfacts.com, jwsurvey.org and others. This eventually led me to Beroeans.net where I have never felt more at home and at peace with what I have learned. What truth I have learned!
My wife is a born-in JW and while we have shared some conversations about the various scandals the org has been involved in, she refuses to budge and think negatively about “Jehovah’s earthly organisation”. So being PIMO is about all I can do at the moment, although I know I will need to bite the bullet eventually and take a stand for what my conscience is telling me is right. It’s just very difficult with one son who is baptised and of a similar view to his mother, and another son who is like me and questioning everything. Regular prayer and association through the pages of this site helps me through though. I know there are many others who are in a similar situation to me or worse, and I take comfort knowing that we all share a desire for real truth and serving our Lord Jesus and his father wholeheartedly.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2019-09-08 08:13:50
Great point. The next time someone says this to me, I'm going to have to ask them about this.
Reply by LaRhonda T. on 2019-09-06 20:38:06
Totally agree with your assessment of the Governing BodyI want to copy and paste this, so I can ask my sister (She is a staunch J.W.) these questions. Maybe she will "wake up"
Comment by jamesbrown on 2019-09-03 00:07:53
Hi to all,
Tadua, really a great article I enjoyed it very much.
If only I had this review last Sunday meeting, I would have been better equipped.
Let me tell you what happened after Sunday meeting.
I walked in and greeted an elder, and as we were talking a young boy came running and greeted us by name, the elder was offended and insisted that the young boy rephrase his greeting, by saying brother so and so, I for one didn't see what was all the fuse, but he turned and said, if you like to be disrespected, that’s fine with him, but HE doesn't like to be called by his first name by a YOUNG child, we left it at that and sat down.
The public speaker in his talk, mentioned Gods name Jehovah more than 25 times, so I leaned over and said to my wife, that’s being disrespectful, thinking what the elder said to the young boy.
That elder and his wife were sitting behind us, and they heard what I said to my wife, so after the meeting his wife asked a question " do you think we are being disrespectful for calling Jehovah by name?". I asked the elder, what do you think? He said, we will be showing our God Jehovah the greatest disrespect, if we didn't call him by name? That statement almost floored me, as the way he said it was forceful.
I said then Jesus MUST be the most disrespectful son that God has ever had, as he NEVER called him by name, not even in his prayers. So, what do you have to say to that? I said, you know the Lord’s prayer, don’t you? You know Jesus long prayer in John 17, how come he never mentioned his father’s name, not even once?
I asked the elder, YOU felt offended because the boy called you by your first name, how do you think Jesus feels when he hears us as, his followers, his disciples, and being HIS witnesses to the most distant parts of the earth, calling HIS father by name? How disgusting is that to him?
Well, needless to say they both walked away NOT knowing what to say.
As I was walking out, the elder’s wife came storming toward me and said, just because the BIBLE didn't mention it, that doesn't mean, he didn't say it when alone with his disciples and people.
I said that's fare, then just because the Bible didn't mention it, Jesus, established a carpentry school to equip the people with a skill and fell in love with a co - worker and married her, latter on she died. Just because the BIBLE doesn't mention it that doesn't mean it didn't happen, does it? What do you think?
I swear that look on her face should have been registered with the FBI.
The elder latter on said the CO is coming and they would like to put me down as a shepherding call, I said I would like that very much.
I just want to say, God’s word is alive and sharper than any two-edged sword, the more I get acquainted with the bible, the more I get stronger spiritually.
I hope I didn’t bore you with this experience.
Love to allReply by Leonardo Josephus on 2019-09-03 10:47:36
Rock on, JB. I hope we get to hear what they have to say when they visit you. It is not easy to think on the spot, so well done !
Reply by messenger on 2019-09-03 18:07:00
James maybe you should start using the name Fearless James or Son of Thunder.
Reply by James Paul on 2019-09-05 03:58:05
Good work James, the way you handled the elder and his wife proves Jehovah is backing us because he wants all to have the truth as stated in the Bible and not a sectarian interplatation of the good news.
Reply by Tadua on 2019-09-05 13:47:14
Absolutely brilliant JB. I would have loved to be a fly on the wall watching and listening to that exchange.
I would also like to take the opportunity to thank you all for your encouraging comments. It makes it all worthwhile.
Reply by Atromitos on 2019-09-11 08:35:39
Not in the slightest.
Loved this experience. I hope I can be half as articulate if challenged.
Comment by Tori Te on 2019-09-03 01:14:50
By far, the greatest persecution I have ever experienced and on going for some 20 years, was right there from the jw congregation sadly misled by it's drunkards of Ephraim elder body. The insistent teaching of the commands of men as doctrine puts a crushing burden on all lovers of truth. Now to Our Heavenly Father Jehovah (Yehovah) and as a witness of Christ Jesus (Yeshua through whom all things have become yes!), my load is light.
So "get out of her, my people" if you do not want to share with her in her sins because the judgment of Jehovah begins with the house of Jehovah and her sins have mounted clear up to heaven and he has called her acts of injustice to mind. Just as in the days prior to 70ce, get out of that wicked city, the real apostate, the watchtower organization without delay!!!
Comment by messenger on 2019-09-03 01:57:14
Hello Gogetter and all readers. Your quote:
" the real threat to the organization are those who are labeled as PIMO’s (physically in mentally out)
Who can effect real change from within by waking friends up to the real situation in our so called “spiritual paradise. “
The WT organization CANNOT be changed. Maybe you can help some individual Christians understand Christianity better, but not the organization. One explanation that I have heard as to to why that cannot be done is summed up in one of Ray Franz's books, as he stated Jehovah's Witnesses are "captive to a concept." The concept he referred to is the authority over their lives ALL active Jehovah's Witnesses have turned over to who they are taught and believe are "the faithful and discreet slave," of Matthew chapter 24. The "concept" includes the idea that Jehovah's Witnesses sincerely believe the scriptures teach true Christians must do that. That is such a fundamental belief to Jehovah's Witnesses that it disallows the Witness organization and individual Jehovah's Witnesses who believe it from changing in any significant way, related to accepting WT teachings and rules.
Christian scriptures never intended such authority be turned over to Christian brothers or sisters. If you remember, during the Jerusalem council that discussed mandatory circumcision, the only restrictions on members that council handed down were, " that you abstain from what has been sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what has been strangled, and from sexual immorality. If you keep yourselves from these, you will do well.” -Acts 15:29. That council made no mention of the WT restrictions imposed on you to vote, to be a member of the military, accept public office, celebrate holidays, or most of the other things WT restricts Jehovah's Witnesses from doing. And it's not because Christians in the first century failed to engage in those actions that Watchtower prohibits them. WT enforces those prohibitions because Jehovah's Witnesses have given their permission to WT to make those decisions about their lives. And they gave that permission to WT before they were baptized. That's what you will not be able to change inside the organization, or inside the lives of most Jehovah's Witnesses.
The fact no such prohibitions were enforced in the first century is not all that proves turning over your privilege to decide how you will live is not recommended in the Bible. The Bible also says not to do that-1Peter 2:16. Naturally the exception is that of obeying the Father and Son, along with entities they actually give that type of authority to, to make decisions about your life. Hypocritically WT teaches you have such freedom, that in the Jehovah's Witness organization there are no rules just principles. But that is a lie WT throws out there every so often. The enforcement of what that lies about is what the PIMO won't be able to change. And if that doesn't change, Watchtower won't change.Reply by Frankie on 2019-09-06 16:43:34
Yes, Messenger, every religious organization is unreformable as to its basic doctrines. A stubborn attempt to reform leads to a new denomination. Martin Luther did not want to establish a new denomination - he just wanted to reform his own. And this effort eventually led to the formation of dozens of new "reformed" denominations and, as a "by-product", it led then to the Thirty Years War. And this splitting continues to this day.
Love to you and all. Frankie
Comment by James Paul on 2019-09-05 02:20:36
Agreed, the org is constantly promoting itself as God's channel of salvation and playing as an innocent victim to persecutions that arise as a result of it's own failures and sins.
Comment by LaRhonda T. on 2019-09-06 20:29:50
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I noticed how the Organization weaves a subtle web of deceit and fear-mongering among witnesses. Things like come to the meetings to be able to stand strong when persecution comes, the use of Fear, Obligation and Guilt, or F.O.G. to make witnesses identify themselves as J.W.'s rather than Witnesses of Jesus. The Organization knows that it is facing many more major lawsuits concerning the abuse and/or violation of children, so now they are going to scream "Persecution! Persecution!" I remember a co-worker who used every lunch break, every staff meeting, every morning or evening greeting to try to bring in a referent to the Watchtower Magazine, the Jehovah Witness Organization, the end of the world according to the Watchtower Society. She would literally drop magazines in folks' laps and ell them they needed to read the magazine because their very lives were at stake. It got so bad the school principal had to pull her in the office and threaten to 'write her up' if she continued harassing staff with her religious books and magazines. Her response, "They don't like me because I'm one of Jehovah's Witnesses!" I finally had to tell her, (and I myself was a practicing witness at the time, that's a story for another day) it wasn't her being a witness the was the problem, it was the fact that she was a royal pain in the neck, and that she was harassing and bothering people on their lunch break! She considered me weak in faith from that point on...Go figure!