“A true friend shows love at all times.” – Proverbs 17:17
[From ws 11/19 p.2 Study Article 44: December 30 – January 5, 2020]
Why cannot the article be entitled “How to build strong friendships”? Why add the qualifier “before the end comes”? It only serves to make this study article appear to be a disguised attempt to frighten witnesses into staying in the Organization because the end is coming. Should we not build friendships because we want friends and also want to be friends to others to help them? Surely it is wrong to build friendships with an ulterior motive, just because "the end" is coming? That is not true friendship.
Instead of being treated to a picture (or video) of brothers and sisters hiding in a bunker, or in the forest as we have been in the recent past, this time it appears we have gone up in the world! In this article we are instead treated to a picture of brothers and sisters hiding in an attic. What possible scriptural or logical reasons are there for these portrayals? However, they certainly work as scare tactics. Is that the Organizations intention? Why true Christians would need to hide is not suggested or hinted at in scriptures that clearly relate to Armageddon.
Learn from Jeremiah.
Talking about Jeremiah, the article says, “In fact, he expressed his feelings to his loyal secretary Baruch and ultimately to us”. (Par.3). True, otherwise how could Baruch write down Jehovah’s message being given to Israel through Jeremiah. But the inference that Jeremiah poured out his feelings to Baruch on a personal level is complete speculation. He could have done, but all the recorded conversations with Baruch were to transmit Jehovah’s warnings to him to convey to others or to record them.
“We can well imagine that as Baruch wrote down Jeremiah’s eventful story, the two developed deep affection and respect for each other”. Again, another wonderful piece of speculation that is neither confirmed nor denied by the scriptural record. Does it matter you may ask? Yes, it matters very much. As many of our awakened readers know, it is because we did it ourselves at one time, as others continue to do today. Did we not believe the speculation as truth because it came from the Organization? Likewise today, many repeat the follow phrase verbatim like a mantra, “we are living in the last of the last days” simply because a member of the Governing Body said so in a talk, or the circuit overseer said it during his visit, or the Watchtower scheduled a Watchtower study article with that title.
It is also very hypocritical of the Organization to paint such a glowing picture of a friendship that we do not even know existed, to support the agenda of the theme of this study article. Yet, on the other hand in the publication “God’s word for us through Jeremiah” (2010), it paints a black picture of Baruch, again through total speculation. Here are a few examples of which there are plenty more to be found:
“As to what Baruch’s concerns were, one possibility had to do with fame and prestige” chapter 9 paragraph 4. (Speculation in bold)
“The “great things” that Baruch had in mind—whether the gaining of additional honor in the royal court or material prosperity—might prove to be in vain.” Chapter 9 paragraph 5. (Speculation in bold)
“Baruch’s “great things” might have included material prosperity”. Chapter 9 paragraph 6. (Speculation in bold)
Perhaps the worst insinuation is here in Chapter 9 paragraph 3 where it says “The reason why Baruch felt that he had “no resting-place” while he transcribed Jeremiah’s prophetic utterances was not the assignment itself. It was his own view of what seemed great—what was in his heart. Engrossed in seeking “great things” for himself, Baruch lost sight of the more important things, those pertaining to doing the divine will.”
This interpretation of Baruch’s heart condition is tantamount to character assassination without good cause or evidence that would stand up in court.
Indeed, we can equally speculate that the feeling of a lack of a resting-place was due to his dangerous assignment and the conditions around him. In addition, that Jehovah was concerned that Baruch was tiring out and gave him the warning while he still had sight of and a desire for the more important things. It was just that his enthusiasm and faith just needed a little rekindling.
Does our speculation have any better basis as opposed to the speculation of the Watchtower publication? Yes, for on the basis of the Organization’s speculation and the way humans respond to situations in general it is unlikely that Baruch would have responded so readily to the counsel if he had “lost sight of the more important things”, as they would have ceased to be important to him and hence could have been easily offended.
At least this avoids judging Baruch harshly when there is no proof in the scriptures that we should judge him so harshly.
This shows clearly how the Organization slants its material and speculates frequently. It can also be seen that it does this to suit its own agenda rather than sticking to Bible truth, as it can flip flop in attitude. On the basis of these quotes from the Jeremiah publication, it is contradictory of the Organization to suggest that Baruch and Jeremiah were good friends in this Watchtower Study article.
Indeed, in many congregations those who have been viewed as “losing sight of the more important things” of the Organization, such as those who get secular training for employment which will enable them to support their family more comfortably, are usually considered bad company by the more super-righteous members of the congregation and shunned accordingly, and not made close friends of. So how can the Organization suddenly use Baruch as a role model?
For a brilliant summary of the hypocrisy of the Organization and a little light relief, why not view “Plan for the future, Like the Governing Body” ?
“Heart to Heart communication”
Paragraph 9 states “Jesus showed that he trusted his friends by communicating openly with them. (John 15:15) We can imitate him by sharing our joys, concerns, and disappointments with others.”
Given where this suggestion is coming from, how well does the Organization match its own suggestions?
For example, does the Organization show that they trust their members by communicating openly with them? Do the congregation members have access to the "Shepherd the Flock of God" elder’s handbook for example, so that they know how they would be dealt with in a judicial committee?
Has the Organization come clean about the frequent lawsuits being made against them by those who were not protected by the elders from child sexual abuse?
Have they openly told the congregations that they are paying out millions in court fines and compensation to such victims? No, it is hidden, even in their publicly published accounts.
Did they openly mention the Australian Royal High Commission into Child Abuse and the cross-examination of Geoffrey Jackson?
Did they apologise for misleading the flock about 1975 being the year Armageddon would come? No, instead they blamed the flock (for believing them!).
Further thoughts also need to be given to the second sentence. Within the Organization is it safe or a good idea to share our joys of understanding a scripture in a different and correct way to what the Organization teaches?; or is it good to share our concerns about certain teachings of the Organization; or our disappointments about Armageddon not coming yet, and perhaps having to face up to failing health or old age in this system of things, which we were led not to expect. Confide any of these feelings to any non-awaken witness would likely lead to being reported to the elders and being invited to appear before a judicial committee.
The picture above paragraph 10 suggests that good friends work together in the ministry. However, as we all know, good friends would do much more than that, but none of those things are suggested.
Paragraphs 13-16 correctly encourage us to try to focus on the positive aspects rather than negative aspects of our friends. This, however, should not involve overlooking serious flaws.
After spending the entire article pushing the speculation that Jeremiah was a close friend of Baruch, it suddenly switches tack and claims that Ebed-Melech was a friend of Jeremiah. Perhaps the Organization is hoping you will not spot the change of subject of speculation!
There is no scriptural support for their view. In fact, it is unlikely that Jeremiah was a close friend, given that Ebed-Melech talked about Jeremiah as “Jeremiah the prophet” in a formal way. Ebed-Melech also used ordinary human compassion to argue for Jeremiah to be removed from the well. Furthermore, Jeremiah 39:15-18 says “Go, and you must say to Eʹbed-melʹech the E·thi·oʹpi·an,”. It does not say “you must say to your friend, Ebed-Melech”.
Nevertheless, that did not stop Jeremiah from conveying Jehovah’s message that Ebed-Melech would escape Jerusalem’s destruction with his life. Given that Ebed-Melech was in charge of King Zedekiah’s household, Nebuchadnezzar would otherwise likely have killed him. After all, Seraiah the High Priest and others like Ebed-Melech were killed according to 2 Kings 25:18-21. Interestingly the passage of Jeremiah 39:15-18 is immediately after a brief allusion to the events of the account in 2 Kings 25. This appears to act as a confirmation that Ebed-Melech and Baruch survived when most around them did not.
The final paragraph attempts to give another reason to make friends only within the Organization and distrust all others when it says “We must be determined to build and maintain strong relationships with our brothers and sisters now. Why? Because our enemies will try to divide us by means of lies and misinformation. They will try to turn us against one another”.
There is definitely no need for opposers and enemies of the Organization to try to divide by means of lies and misinformation. The truth and correct information will do (and is doing) far more than that.
In conclusion
It is good to make friends and long-lasting friends at that. But the reason provided by this Watchtower article for making friends is deeply flawed. It appears to be a barely disguised attempt at scaremongering the brothers and sisters into making friends and their only friends amongst fellow witnesses, all because in the Organization's view allegedly the end is nigh, yet this is a time Jesus said we could not know.
The Watchtower article is not a genuine attempt nor helpful enough, to assist those who may struggle for many reasons to make friends such as shyness. One does not make true friends just by spending time in field service with them. Furthermore, true friends would not shun you simply because you decide many of the beliefs you once had in common are seriously flawed.
Once again, to truly benefit from anything in the study article we have to sieve out all the Organization’s slanted application with which it is riddled. The drought in the so-called spiritual paradise continues.
Archived Comments
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Comment by Psalmbee on 2019-12-29 13:59:18
It shoulda been entitled: We're building a multi million dollar media center before the end comes!
What a joke this outfit is. From the very start of this outfit the end has been coming tomorrow.
It reminds me of the bar that has a sign that says "free beer tomorrow".
Call it for what it is people, a big scam.
Psalmbee
Comment by vitisbp on 2019-12-29 16:04:38
When I got to this part of the above article, I was grabbed by these words: “This shows clearly how the Organization slants its material and speculates frequently. It can also be seen that it does this to suit its own agenda rather than sticking to Bible truth, as it can flip flop in attitude.” When elders are faced with dealing with a problem that they don’t want to have to fix, they just “reframe” the problem as being something different from what it really is, and order the victim of injustice not to talk about it again. This could be called “gaslighting” or “crazy-making”. The Organization supports the elders in doing this “gaslighting” particularly when the “guilty party” happens to be the one with the money, power, and respect of the community and congregation.
Comment by Chet on 2019-12-29 22:15:13
The Watchtower has long been a virtual fountain of scare tactics. My childhood was spent fearing the very sorts of scenarios they seem to deal in, bunkers, etc. Most of this article strikes me as lacking substance. Speculation about Jeremiah’s friendships based mostly upon fanciful speculation. It would seem that they had pages to fill and this was the best they could do.
Most troubling is the scare tactics. The ever present pressure they apply with regard to the period of the tribulation. The fact is, no one knows the details of how all of this will come to pass. They are simply brokering in fear. Sadly, many of their adherents take the bait.
One last point involves friendships. The Organization reserves unto itself the right to tell members whether or not they can associate with another member, based upon their organizational standing. Even short of disfellowshipping, pressure can be placed on someone to avoid a trusted friend, even if there are only speculations or accusations of misconduct. I have seen people going through a divorce whom were made pariahs because of baseless rumors.
Once again, the Watchtower has dispensed self-serving advice which is of questionable value.
Comment by Mr Noodle on 2019-12-30 01:31:36
“Sieve out” is so apt.
The spiritual ‘food’ they serve is bland monotonous fare sprinkled with the delicious truth of God’s word yet somehow they would have us believe it is nourishing!
We do need to sieve out the scriptures from their rancid porridge and put them to one side and taste them independently to see how they apply.
Then throw away the rest.
It doesn’t matter how much of this “spiritual food” they produce it will never satisfy the genuinely hungry and thirsty.
It will only create malnutrition and dependency on their conveyer belt of pig slop.
It is cooked to remove any goodness, sprinkled with a few frequently misapplied scriptures then seasoned with spiritual anaesthetic to numb the brain.
“Go to sleep little congregation, no need to worry, your governing body has got everything under control”
“Don’t trouble yourselves by thinking because we have done the thinking for you”
Sad...and yet Jesus warmed us these men would arise.
And for that we are truly grateful ?
Comment by safeguardyourheart on 2019-12-30 16:55:07
Using one of the illustration of last week study article that surrounds who PREPARE the ENTERTAINMENT which can include FOOD one EAT and the surrounding such FOOD are PREPARED. One can really see how it equally apply to what the GB do week in week out.
Do JWS out there really seek WHO prepared the FOOD? The GB has equally answered on their behalf.
Comment by Thaddeus on 2019-12-31 20:03:19
Points very well made, thanks for sharing.
Comment by kyaecker on 2020-01-05 01:58:13
Ho hum. Another boring WT article that left me hungry.