“We cannot stop speaking about the things we have seen and heard.” – Acts 4:19-20.
[From ws 7/19 p.8 Study Article 28: Sept 9 – Sept 15, 2019]
Paragraph 1 refers back to the previous Watchtower Study article entitled “Prepare now for Persecution”
The article raises the question “Does persecution mean that we have lost God’s favour?”
Perhaps a more pertinent question is: Did the Organization ever have God’s favour?
“If a government bans our worship, we might wrongly conclude that we do not have God’s blessing. But remember persecution does not mean that Jehovah is unhappy with us.” (Par.3)
One could also wrongly conclude that ‘we’ (the Organization) do have God’s blessing, and that Jehovah is happy with us and so ‘we’ (the Organization) are a target for persecution. But both conclusions are erroneous, because they are based on the premise that God’s blessing was and still is on the Organization, which while claimed, is unprovable. The most common so-called evidence of God’s blessing is the continual increase. This increase, even according to the official figures is hardly dramatic, mostly not even keeping up with the World’s population growth. Add to this the constant news of the sale of Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls from around the world, then the continued claims of increase ring hollow.
The undisputed fact that “We learn from the apostle Paul’s experience that Jehovah allows his faithful servants to be persecuted” does not confirm or deny the point really at issue, which is whether the Organization is a faithful servant.
Additionally, as discussed last week, Governments and others may take actions interpreted by the Organization as persecution, but in reality these actions against the Organization are based on it teaching and practicing activities that harm the Organization’s adherents and hence harm the Government’s citizens, which the Government has a duty and a right to defend and protect.
Paragraph 4 claims “Persecution is not a sign that we lack Jehovah’s blessing. Instead, it indicates that we are doing what is right!”.
Is the Organization persecuted because of refusing to support war? No, not usually. Only occasionally do some countries have problems with conscientious objectors, often mistaking them for shirkers.
Is the Organization persecuted for teaching their children Moral standards from the Bible? No.
Is the Organization persecuted for not doing enough to greatly reduce the problem of child abuse? Yes. They display an intransigent stance, and instead of having the best child protection policies, have some of the worst child protection policies of any secular or religious Organization.
Is the Organization persecuted for its unchristian judicial system, especially the inhuman shunning policy? Yes. Once again, they display an intransigent stance, which breaks up families and drives people to suicide, all because the Organization is trying to control its members from leaving in larger numbers.
The doubling of Witnesses during World War II as highlighted in paragraph 5 could undoubtedly just as easily be caused by the then prevailing terrible world conditions in conjunction with the tempting hope of the nearness of Armageddon which would usher in the peaceful world they wished to enjoy, rather than Jehovah’s blessing.
The comments in paragraph 6 that “many who had stopped serving Jehovah began to attend meetings and were reactivated” in countries where a ban started, could just as easily be caused by fear among these ones that the persecution meant Armageddon was close due to the constant linking of persecution with Armageddon as also experienced in this article.
“Should I move to another land?”
In paragraphs 8 & 9 the article attempts to limit the exodus of Witnesses from lands under persecution, by giving reasons for leaving and reasons for staying. However, in doing so it uses the same subtle reasoning as is used with the subject of higher education. The article suggests you could leave lands under persecution and that is your personal decision. “However”, it says, “others (subtext: the spiritually minded ones) might note that…the Apostle Paul, (subtext: the really spiritual Brother compared to the ones who fled) decided not to move away from areas where the preaching work was opposed”. Of course, the Organization also says higher education is also a personal choice and no one should criticize someone’s choice, but on the other hand it really recommends the removal of elders who send a son or daughter to university, (in letters and publications available only to elders)[i] because they are going against the recommendation of the Governing Body.
The next paragraphs deal with the question:
How will we worship while under ban?
The only two aspects of worship dealt with in this section are keeping up with the Organizations material by meeting together, no doubt to ensure the indoctrination continues, and to continue the preaching of the Organization’s teachings.
Traps to avoid
Avoid sharing too much information.
Do not allow minor issues to divide you.
Avoid being presumptious: In paragraph 17 we are given the following experience: “For example, in a land where the work is under ban, the responsible brothers had directed that the publishers not leave printed literature in the ministry. Yet, a pioneer brother in that location felt that he knew better and distributed literature. What was the result? Shortly after he and some others finished a period of informal witnessing, they were questioned by the police. Apparently, officials had followed them and were able to retrieve the literature they had distributed”.
As we cannot read hearts, it is difficult to know for sure why the pioneer brother continued to distribute literature. However, one very plausible explanation is as follows:
As a pioneer, especially if he had been serving for some time, he would have been conditioned to use the Organization’s literature as the end goal in any call. The general intention behind this is to have a study of the publication What Can the Bible Teach Us? with the aid of the Bible with any interested ones. This is to ensure that all Bible Studies learn the teachings of the Bible as interpreted by the Organization. He, therefore, most likely felt the literature was so important he could disregard the instructions of the local elders and continue as before the ban, especially if an explanation behind the reasoning leading to the instructions was not shared with the brothers.
Paragraph 18 states: “Jehovah has not given us authority to make personal decisions for others. Someone who makes needless rules is not protecting his brother’s safety—he is trying to become the master of his brother’s faith.—2 Cor. 1:24”
“Physician, heal thyself” is a familiar phrase that comes to mind. Over many years, the “Questions from Readers” section in the Watchtower and the Organization’s headquarters service desk has opined and made rules for Witnesses across the whole spectrum of Witness life and Witnesses personal lives. Instead of allowing Witnesses to make their own decisions on most things based on a Bible-trained conscience, the decisions on many things have been taken out of their hands. On top of that, local congregation bodies of elders have made their own rules despite counsel not to. Such as, brothers being required to be wearing a matching suit jacket and trousers when on the platform, and in some places, a white shirt as well. Also, the continued unwritten rule in many western lands that brothers with beards cannot be used as public speakers and assembly speakers.
This has led to the environment where many Witnesses prefer the decisions to be made for them and will confess this viewpoint, rather than being responsible and making their own Bible trained conscience decisions.
In conclusion
A very predictable article given the subject matter, with no attempt to discuss the elephant in the room. The elephant in the room is: What is behind the majority of persecution? And, how would we know we are being blessed by Jehovah as an Organization and persecuted because of being his faithful servants?
________________________________
[i] Watchtower Publication: Shepherd the Flock of God – (for elders only): Shepherd sfl_E 2019, Chapter 8 section 30 page 46: Under the heading “SITUATIONS THAT MAY REQUIRE A REVIEW OF AN APPOINTED BROTHER’S QUALIFICATIONS”
He or a Member of His Household Pursues Higher Education:
If an appointed brother, his wife, or his children pursue higher education, does his life pattern show that he puts Kingdom interests first in his life? (w05 10/1 p. 27 par. 6) Does he teach his family members to put Kingdom interests first? Does he respect what has been published by the faithful slave on the dangers of higher education? Do his speech and conduct reveal that he is a spiritual person? How is he viewed by the congregation? Why is he or his family pursuing higher learning? Do they have theocratic goals? Does the pursuit of higher education interfere with regular meeting attendance, meaningful participation in field service, or other theocratic activities?
I am grateful that the hosts of this site have addressed the issue of conversations around subjects which are not pertinent to the particular post main subject matter. I think “just asking” has made some very good points that should serve as a guideline as to the manner in which we compile our posts too. This is not without precedent, as the apostle Paul laid out some very good guidelines as to how meetings should be conducted. In the letter to the Corinthians he said that everything should take place peacefully and with good order. That ultimately the benefit of… Read more »
Where have I heard all this before? Oh yeah, the KH, Just send us a “pamplet” so we can underline the answers. I can go to Mcdonald’s and get a coffee almost just like Starbucks, I can go to Burger King and get a taco, you can also get chicken sandwiches just like at Chick fil’a.
That’s fine though, if the pampered christians need more pampering then that’s what they need right?
Psalmbee
Just a quick note to say a heartfelt “Thank you” Tadua, for another well-written and highly-informative article. One point I can really appreciate is how local elders make decisions for the friends, In the last K.H. I attended, an elder even made the remark, “No need to worry friends, we’ll do your thinking for you!” Just amazing how they want to micro-manage every aspect of daily life!
Amen! just asking that’s why I’m a daily reader here! Thanks for outlining those points.
Just Asking,
Civility is always in order. But many of your suggested rules, regulations, like only stay on the article topic, don’t say I, don’t use personal experiences, etc. really are very useless in establishing biblical truth, and those are not teaching methods used by biblical characters. They contribute to the formation of cults.
The commenting guidelines are in place for the reasons stated. This is not a forum for open discussions on any topic one wishes to discuss. There is a forum for that: http://www.discussthetruth.com. Please use that forum if you want to discuss Bible issues which are off topic. Look at it this way. You’ve been invited into a restaurant that serves a certain type of cuisine. Indian, say. You can eat it, or not. You can criticise it if you feel it is subpar, or you can offer suggestions on how to improve the food. But you can’t come into a… Read more »
Thanks @ James Brown, not only are the reviews helpful, the comments on this platform afterwards are not to be discarded, salient point and reasoning skills abound aplenty in there. As captured by some of your post here.
Hi all I would like to remind everyone and draw their attention to the fact that we do have commenting guidelines. For any unfamiliar with them, feel free to read this article https://beroeans.net/2017/04/02/commenting-guidelines/ And the appropriate heading under FAQ’s. On this basis I would ask that all please desist in this discussion about Christ’s nature in the comments in these reviews. By all means continue the discussion in our affiliates site, Discuss the Truth, if you do wish. Here is not the appropriate place, and the tone of some comments to this review reminds me very much of the attitude… Read more »
Greetings Friends
Reading the comments here since I posted, Has confirmed my earlier statement.
“The little discussion between Frankie and Messenger on worship of Jesus and “is Jesus God” along with the age old Trinity believed by millions is one that never seems to get settled and is probably one of the most divisive topics for Bible students.”
Agape
Hi Psalmbee
Can you please elaborate on “he doesn’t need daddy any more”, are you referring to Jesus that he has no need of his father any more?
Thanks
Hello James,
I’m gonna put this in terms that all can understand.
Daddy may have walked Jesus around and guided him in the wilderness. (Mt 4:1)
But Jesus, with a cross on his shoulder walked himself to Calvary.
Psalmbee (Gal 6:17)
Hi Psalmbee Since “Jesus, with a cross on his shoulder walked himself to Calvary”, then he doesn’t need his father any more. That is what you are saying. A football team who wins the grand finale, does that mean they don’t need the trainer anymore? After all they are the ones who will be remembered and not the trainer. And they are the ones who did the hard work and not the trainer. So, since Jesus, with a cross on his shoulder walked himself to Calvary, then why need a father to guide him? Same as a football team who… Read more »
NO! It’s not and you sound just like your elders downplaying the Lord Jesus Christ who raised himself from the dead.
Psalmbee
I don’t know if this is exactly what Psalmbee means jamesbrown, but he might be referring to the fact that Jesus will be the sole judge over mankind, and sole ruler over them, alone making decisions about people and angels, until he brings the Father back into the picture sharing that rulership with him, which will be after his millennial reign. Psalmbee might mean Christ won’t be going to Jehovah for directions when he makes those decisions. Of course scriptures speak of lesser judges taken from the earth, but all of them must judge as Christ does, under his direction.… Read more »
Thanks messenger
You remind of Jesus teaching who took his disciples aside and explained to them what he meant, and didn’t leave them in the dark or worse still allow someone else explain what he meant.
Take care
Are Jesus’s words at John 8:24 only good for his audience over 2000 years ago? What people want to do when they are fresh out of the ORG is team up with Jesus and Jehovah, hopefully that will pass with time, when you come to realize that Jesus stands alone, he doesn’t need Daddy’s help no more. Acts 4:12) What part of all authority don’t you understand?
Psalmbee
Hello Messenger. Thank you for your thoughts and time to answer me. It is obvious that my vision with respect to issue “is Jesus God” is rather different from yours. So I want to response for the last time, because I agree with Gogetter and Tadua that this discussion could continue until Armageddon :o). I believe that only then will we fully understand everything (1 Cor 13:12). Every one of us has his/her own knowledge as our heavenly Father gives him, according to his/her state of mind and heart. I also think, this topic is very doctrinal a may cause… Read more »
Hi Frankie
Amen to your comment
I appreciate your courtesy Frankie. I suggest though that you consider why God would call Jesus God in scripture, or used a word that is translated worship by all Greek scholars, in the scriptures we have considered, if Jesus is in fact not to be worshiped by Christians and angels, nor is he God over them. Does God mean God, and worship mean worship? Most Christians understand they do. Like I said before, there are dozens of other biblical indications that back that point. For instance, in the confrontation Christ had with Satan that I shared below in that previous… Read more »
Top of the world to you Frankie
I loved what you have concluded about Jesus and Jehovah, so well written. I have just printed it and laminated and put on the fridge.
The last sentence: And if I’m wrong….. well it wouldn’t be the first time and the blood of the lamb will cover that. I concur with Tadua ” Amen”
Thanks again
Greetings Everyone The little discussion between Frankie and Messenger on worship of Jesus and “is Jesus God” along with the age old Trinity believed by millions is one that never seems to get settled and is probably one of the most divisive topics for Bible students. I might add it is one of the topics that Bible skeptics point to as proof that the book is man made! If Jehovah and Jesus can’t make this crystal clear then what’s the point? I have spent most of my life researching this topic and it is basically a dead end IMHO! So… Read more »
But the decisions people make about Christ, precisely who he is to them, meaning their acceptance of his relative position to theirs, is what scriptures claim separates the living from the dead, isn’t it? That point, as Christ stated, is meant to be divisive, because it is that point that creates the division between the living and the dead. Eventually all will be on the same side of this issue. But that time has not arrived yet. Until that happens Christ’s slaves point out his words, and those of his apostles, regardless of how those words are accepted. That’s our… Read more »
Hi Gogetter,
Could not agree with you more.
This subject can be debated till the cows come home, as they say, or till Armageddon.
One day we will find out. In the meantime, the promise of the resurrection is clear, and how we need to behave if we want to be inline to receive the gift of everlasting life. “Seek peace and pursue it” (1 Peter 3:11)
Tadua, are you implying that a servant of Christ should compromise, when teaching what Christ’s position should be before others, for the sake of a real peace, or a professed peace with others?
If Christ did that he might still be here today. If JWs did that none would be disfellowshipped for apostasy.
I’m okay in my understanding you’re okay in your understanding, while teaching scriptures, has never been practiced by God’s servants.
See John 8:24
Hi Messenger Compromise is when you accept lower standards than is desirable. There is no suggestion of that in my answer. Jehovah and Jesus have always made the important things absolutely clear. Given the language of the Bible is not clear beyond reasonable doubt on this matter, we cannot be dogmatic on this. Understanding the exact nature of Jesus and his relationship to Jehovah has troubled Christians since the early second Century. Dogmatism is why we have so many Christian Religions claiming to be the only true religion. We were dogmatic as Witnesses, I no longer tread that path of… Read more »
Hello Tadua, [ “Given the language of the Bible is not clear beyond reasonable doubt on this matter, we cannot be dogmatic on this. Understanding the exact nature of Jesus and his relationship to Jehovah has troubled Christians since the early second Century”] Frankie inserted into the discussion ideas about the Father’s relationship to the Son. I didn’t. I only wrote their relationship to each other is irrelevant to Christ’s biblical position over angels and men. It is rather a smokescreen, a red herring to that issue. In the way it is inserted into the argument it contributes nothing to… Read more »
safeguardyourheart, I enjoyed your comment about the holy spirit and I will use it in the future. At the end of the meeting an elder that met with me a while ago approached me and asked what I thought of the WT as GB is preparing us for the future. Thanks to Tadua’s review, I said the writers of the article don’t know their right from their left, so I showed him the following two paragraphs: 10. If the branch office cannot contact the elders, then the elders will help you and all in the congregation to continue your worship… Read more »
Paragraphs 7 has Isaiah 28:16 cited which has to do with resting our faith in that TESTED STONE(JESUS Christ). Jesus Christ in turn tells us that Luke 12: 11 But when they bring you before the synagogues, the rulers, and the authorities, do not worry about how you should make your defense or what you should say, 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment what you must say.” Yet the whole watchtower was in a way telling all its readers what to say and what to do rather than allow the HOLY SPIRIT do its work.… Read more »
Funny stuff at the meeting yesterday A situation where a ministerial servant who is likewise a pioneer was stopped from praying to conclude the meeting for field service after the meetings simply because HIS PUBLISHERS RECORD CARD has not been RECEIVED back to the congregation from where the brother had been serving before he RETURNED back. The said brother was and still the FOREMOST PIONEER in the congregation and equally got appointed as a ministerial servant in the congregation before he travelled. When he came back he has continued same way he was before he travelled. I was looking at… Read more »
Reminds me of when an elder steps down (as I did) and the announcement is simply “So and so is no longer serving as an elder” or words to that effect. No thanks for the many years he put in. Nothing. The congregation may well assume that he has done something wrong (which I had not). Even a football manager gets better treatment when he gets the sack.
Christ used the metaphor of a seed that must die in order to become a larger plant, as he applied that idea to his life, and to the lives of every one of his followers.
Everyone that receives everlasting life will worship Christ as his/her God. Both humans and angels will do this, or they will die. This applies, of course, to all Jehovah Witnesses. Therefore, Jehovah’s Witnesses will either die to WT’s beliefs, or die forever at the hand of Christ. WT is apostate. It has always been apostate.
Matthew 28:9,17; John 3:31; Revelation 22:9
Hi Messenger. Dear brother, I have some thoughts on your comment. 1. You wrote “Everyone that receives everlasting life will worship Christ as his/her God.” “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life” (John 3:36) The condition for obtaining eternal life is faith in Jesus Christ, not His worship. The word worship – “proskuneo” (Strong 4352) – has several meanings; Definition: to do REVERENCE to – Usage: I go down on my knees to, do obeisance to, worship [Biblehub]. Jesus is not Jehovah. God’s name is YHWH. Jesus’ name is Word. They both have the same substance (divine), but… Read more »
Hello Frankie. The scriptures I previously shared all used the same Greek word for worship, as does the following scripture: “And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” Hebrews 1:6 There is no indication in any of these scriptures that word should be translated any other way than worship, as scholars have translated it in these places. In that final scripture which I previously shared, Revelation 22:9, that word,(Greek word # 4352[e]-proskynēsatōsan in Bible Hub’s interlinear), “worship,” is applied to John expressing that act of worship to an angel. The… Read more »
First I would like to thank all of you for commenting on this website. My brief meeting with the CO and the coordinator Last night the above two met with me, my wife decided to leave with another witness shopping. As usual I gave a fervent prayer and asked Jehovah to help me to remember scriptures, or what I have read on this website, for my defence before they arrived. CO said the body of elders think I have great potential for being MS in the congregation, BUT they are EXTREMELY concerned about my spirituality and my thinking. CO said… Read more »
Hello jamesbrown, Scripturally you are correct. Christ never described an extensive pattern of events to help Christians identify the time period of his return. Many religions believe he did, but they hold that belief in error. Probably the best scriptures to help them understand their belief is not accurate are in the second half of Matthew chapter 24, and the whole chapter of Matthew 25. In those scriptures Christ was describing how Christians will be surprised when he comes, because they will be given no prior warning of his arrival. What Christ WAS describing in the first half of Matthew… Read more »
God has allowed this diluting influence of the Gov Body and their leaders. It emanates from the same source as the truth. These men are nothing more than “super-fine apostles.” Paul told the Corinthian congregation that the men presiding over them were merely ministers of righteousness who have disguised themselves as such, but were really agents of Satan. Funny thing, the Corinthian congregation did NOT recognize it, any more than many in the JW can with their leaders. God has allowed an evil and Satanic presence, a “man of lawlessness” to have a foot hold in the congregation, and this… Read more »
Thanks Rusticshore. Next week’s midweek meeting includes an item where we see Gilead graduates, and the rest of us by virtue of its application, are told to put their trust in the Faithful slave on equal footing with trust in the scriptures. What ever happened to Psalm 146:3. There is nowhere in the scriptures where we are told to put our trust in anyone apart from Jesus Christ and Jehovah, so where does trust in the Faithful slave come from ?
This smokescreen will, sadly, fool many.
Hi rusticshore
I agree with just asking’s comment.
It’s a process you go through. First you think that the Organization has been misled then they have gone apostate, then you realise they were never God’s Organization as you learn to rely more and more directly on the scriptures rather than any other religion.
Jamesbrown, keep praying to Jehovah. Sometimes when you’re in the worst possible position, and you ask something of him concerning that bad position you are in, he shows himself to Christians. To you, at that time.
“Keep Worshipping Jehovah When Under Ban.” If you’re a brother, and you get banned from positions of service by your body of elders because you are going to college or went to college, “keep worshipping Jehovah;” and by all means don’t stop going in field service due to any elder-body or WT ban for whatever reason. That was stated rather sarcastically, but this isn’t. If you receive any ban by your congregation body of elders, who are usually working at the direction of WT, still KEEP SERVING JEHOVAH. WT is not God. If you keep serving Jehovah one day you… Read more »
This policy was changed in 1996. See the May 1, 1996 Watchtower article “Paying Back Caesar’s Things to Caesar” on page 18.
I got a good chuckle from searching out the quote from Emily B. Baran in Par. 13.
When I highlighted it and let Google do it’s thing, it brought up a website called “CultNews101”
https://www.cultnews101.com/2017/04/why-banning-jehovahs-witnesses-wont.html
Hahahahahaha
Fair comment JW (is that a co-incidence ? ).
Look back 25 years in Britain (that’s because that is where I live, but there are plenty of other countries with similar results), and you will find the hours spent is much the same, while the Memorial attendance has actually fallen). But the population has increased by some 12%.
So pioneers are working hard just to maintain the status quo . I wonder what that says.
Your pseudonym is a minor point. Abbreviated JW, it sounds okay to use; that might even prove beneficial. It seems most WT believing Jehovah’s Witnesses, who read this site, do not comment here. There are JWs who comment, but they comment against many of WT’s teachings and policies-so they obviously don’t believe in following all WT teachings. It’s reasonable to assume WT believing Jehovah’s Witness feel apprehensive about commenting. Possibly they have a fear of getting found out, by getting tracked down somehow, and turned in to Watchtower. So, we, as commenters, can only throw out points that might make… Read more »
I have probably been reading and commenting on this site for four years. Thanks to Eric and the rest of you, I was woken up to realise the many wrong teachings of JW.Org. I read Ray Franz books (at least most of them) and Karl Olof Jonsson and it dawned on me that what I thought had been an organisation interested in truth, was more interested in its own self perpetuation. The fact that there are many of you who feel the same, and still have faith in the Bible, helps keep my sanity. I am, though who knows how… Read more »
Salvation is not dependent on whether a Christian interprets the rich man and Lazarus story literally or figuratively. And that is the type of biblical information WT claims Christians must necessarily know to be saved. Because it is not most of Russell’s doctrines are rather insignificant,except his teaching about salvation through Christ, and the worship of Christ along with the one he called Father. However, Russell’s acceptance of the title and exclusive position of the “faithful and discreet slave,” of Matthew 24 : 45 is significant. It is because that idea to WT places him as God’s ultimate authority on… Read more »
That’s a very hypocritical statement Watchtower makes in paragraph 18, of the Watchtower article.
Hello to all, Okay, so they say there is 8.5 mil JW’s there about. Now since yesterday was Saturday and their main day for field ministry, let’s just say that 2 mil went out in service around the World. Now lets say that 1 mil was successful in getting just one person to start coming to the meetings or having a book study. That would be a positive increase would it not? Now think about how long they have been claiming to have 8.5 mil members that cant even get just one person to accept their invitation, week after week… Read more »
A while ago I can across this website https://www.persecution.org/. The most interesting part is, in many of the lands where JW are perscuted all Christians are being persecuted. The site is concerned with the persecution of all Christians including JW. I found this to be an eye-opener. However, the organization does not mention all Christian are being persecuted in the same lands JW’s are such as Eritrea and Russian. I say this to say, JW’s are not the only Christians being persecuted. But I also agree with Tadua, the coming to light of how the society handles child pedophile cases… Read more »