“He was awaiting the city having real foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” – Hebrews 11:10
[Study 31 From ws 08/20 p.2 September 28 – October 04, 2020]
The opening paragraph claims “MILLIONS of God’s people today have made sacrifices. Many brothers and sisters have chosen to remain single. Married couples have postponed having children. Families have kept their lives simple. All have made these decisions for one important reason—they want to serve Jehovah as fully as possible. They are content and trust that Jehovah will provide all the things they truly need.”.
True, millions of brothers and sisters have made sacrifices, but many now regret it, they are not content. The author personally knows a number who either had no children or did not have a second child, all because the Organization convinced them that Armageddon would come in 1975, and when that did not happen, that it was imminent. By the time they realized it was not coming then it was too late for them to have a child. It is also true that many remained single, particularly sisters, because they could not marry a Christian, only one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and the brothers are in short supply.
When it says families have kept their lives simple, what it really means is that because of a lack of further education they cannot afford much more than they already have, and instead often rely on others. In fact, an ex-missionary couple made obtaining financial help into an art form, always claiming poverty and mentioning their record of ‘serving Jehovah’ to oblige brothers and sisters to give them free accommodation or free meals or furniture. They actually rented their house out for nearly two years while they went and lived free of charge with other witnesses.
The other big question is as to whether Jehovah will provide all the things they truly need. Why do we say this? One of the few scriptures that suggests this is possible is Matthew 6:32-33. But if the Governing Body and the Organization are teaching falsehoods, which they know they are, (607 BCE and 1914 AD being a case in point, and the remnant/other sheep teaching) and ignore justice for the vulnerable ones within its ranks, then would God accept that those following every instruction of the Governing Body are actually seeking first the kingdom of God and his righteousness?
The Study article claims that Jehovah would bless them because he blessed Abraham. However, can we really compare the actions of Abraham with the actions of any brother or sister or our own? Hardly. Abraham was given clear instructions by an angel and he obeyed them. Jehovah and Jesus do not communicate with anybody on earth today via angels.
In paragraph 2 it mentions that Abraham willingly left a comfortable lifestyle in the city of Ur. This lays the ground for suggestions later in the article. To lay further groundwork for these suggestions paragraphs 6-12 exaggerate any difficulties Abraham had.
For example, he dwelt in tents instead of in a city with fortifications and a moat on three sides, and hence was more vulnerable to attack. That is true, but there is no record of Abraham being attacked until many years later in the land of Canaan. It also mentions that at one time he struggled to feed his family. That also is true, but most of the time he had plenty. Yes, Pharaoh took his wife Sarah, but that could partly be put down to the fact that because of fear of man Abraham told Pharaoh that Sarah was his sister when asked, rather than the truth, that she was his wife. He had family problems, but many of these were due to having two wives, which inevitably brings many of the problems he experienced. We should also not forget though that in Genesis 15:1 Jehovah told Abram in a vision that he would be a shield (or protection) for him.
This is all to lead us to paragraph 13 which under the heading “Imitating Abraham’s example” which tells us that we should “be willing to make sacrifices”.
What kind of sacrifices does the Organization suggest we make?
It puts forward the example of Bill (from 1942!!!). Does the Organization not have any more modern examples to use?
Bill was about to graduate from a U.S. university with a degree in architectural engineering (a very useful job and qualification) when he started studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses. His professor already had a job lined up for him. However, he refused this offer of a job. Although it does not make it clear, likely as a result he was very soon after drafted for military service (as likely the job occupation had he accepted may have kept him exempt from the draft). He then had to waste three years in prison as a result. He was later invited to Gilead and served as a missionary in Africa.
So, the sacrifices suggested are:
- Give up on a university degree even if you are about to graduate (after 3 to 5 years of hard work and a lot of expense).
- Look a gift horse in the mouth and reject it (a good job lined up for you is to be rejected out of hand).
- Instead, be a guest of the government in a prison.
- Forgoing having children so you can be a missionary.
To replace this, you are offered the following:
- A tantalizing carrot of “status” within the Organization as a missionary, (which is very difficult to get these days).
- A place where you will be supported by others who are likely poorer than yourself. (if you have the gall to ignore that fact).
- A ministry where you teach your student lies and expect them to make the same pointless sacrifices.
It is important to note though, that this is not what Jehovah offered nor suggested to Abraham. If you read the account Abraham took his servants and livestock with him, and he became a wealthy man while on his travels obeying God’s direction. He also had children. He did not know when God’s promise to him and his descendants would be completely fulfilled, and he lived a life similar to most other people of the time. (Living in a city was far rarer then than it is today.)
Paragraph 14 warns us of the obvious “Do not expect your life to be trouble-free”.
This is part of the double-speak from the Organization. In one part of the article, they will say “Do not expect your life to be trouble-free” and then in the other they will say or as here, they quote almost the exact opposite. In paragraph 15, Aristotelis says “Jehovah has always given me the needed strength to overcome these problems”. Now that is his view, but others in his situation would not say the same despite relying on Jehovah as they believe and are told to do. Could it not be that Aristotelis has a stronger character and will-power or is mentally stronger than others and that is what kept him going. What evidence do we have that Jehovah specifically communicated with Aristotelis or amended his circumstances or gave him the holy spirit, so he had the strength to overcome these problems? From Aristotelis’ statement, many brothers and sisters would conclude that provided they prayed they would be able to handle anything. In Brother Lett’s talk on the Saturday Afternoon Regional convention program (2020) about the resurrection, he said “the righteous will include many loved ones who may have thought they would live to see the end of the system of things”. Yes, there are many brothers and sisters who believed that Armageddon would be here by now, (including my parents), which the Organization led them to expect. As a result, they expected they would not need a pension, or they would not face debilitating health problems in this system. Now, they have had to face them and many have not been able to overcome them either mentally or physically or financially, resulting in depression, suicide, and severe financial hardship.
One thing we can guarantee, if you avoid studying the scriptures for yourself and instead swallow every teaching from the Governing Body without question, your life will definitely not be trouble-free. Why do we say this? Because you will suffer many self-inflicted problems due to making life-affecting decisions based on lies (teachings known to be false by the GB, such as 1914 and blood transfusions) and conjecture, which has been presented as truth.
In conclusion, the only really useful part of this Watchtower study article (and not biased to furthering the Organization instead of God’s Kingdom) is the advice of Brother Knorr to his wife. “Look ahead, for there is where your reward is” and “Keep busy – try to use your life doing something for others. This will help you to find joy.”
At least that suggestion is similar to what Abraham did. Abraham looked to the future, helped others (such as his nephew Lot), and obeyed God’s instructions rather than men’s.
Archived Comments
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Comment by Jack on 2020-09-27 12:30:48
The Governing Body continues to carefully examine its navel, keeping itself occupied with itself.
Christians not marrying for the sake of promoting the Good News has been practiced since the beginning of Christianity and continues today. Choosing not to have children in order to be free to sacrifice their lives in full service has also been practiced and continues to be in various Christian faiths. Promoted and supported by the leadership.
What is also found in organized religion is the life led by the higher ups. They are free from want, all is provided. This is true of Archbishops and the Governing Body itself which wants for nothing while at the same time they encourage the lower ranks to sacrifice.
Hypocrisy is common to all false prophets and false religious leaders like the Governing Body, who "sacrificed" the time and energies of many sincere JWs simply to build a new home for themselves. By a lake they live. In comfort and security they live while many JWs are guilt-tripped into sacrificing more and more.
Judas they are to the publishers who sincerely believe they are who they claim to be, the FDS. These men truly do not fear God.
For my generation these men have been a great disappointment, a travesty, a stab in the back to everyone who did give up much only to see these men disrespect our God who lives and His Son who is not silent.Reply by MarthaMartha on 2020-09-27 17:53:57
Yes, agreed. Well said.
Comment by MarthaMartha on 2020-09-27 18:00:45
Thanks Tadua. This is one of those WT articles I read just to immunize myself from any doubts about leaving WT. Like a lot of medicine, it's distasteful bit does me good, reminding me that I've made the right choice, and that sacrifices dictated by men are to be avoided.
In particular I like this paragraph in your article
"One thing we can guarantee, if you avoid studying the scriptures for yourself and instead swallow every teaching from the Governing Body without question, your life will definitely not be trouble-free. Why do we say this? Because you will suffer many self-inflicted problems due to making life-affecting decisions based on lies (teachings known to be false by the GB, such as 1914 and blood transfusions) and conjecture, which has been presented as truth."
I can attest to the truth of that statement and can assure anyone teetering on the edge of leaving, that I have never been happier than the last 3 years out of a man made organisation.
Comment by Zacheus on 2020-09-27 20:27:10
vietnam.
Many Americans will not know that Australia was also involved in that war. This was done by conscription along with regular forces. I was called up. I registered as a "conscientious objector" but failed the medical before my case came up. Now, at this time the wt was telling draftees that alternative service was not on. The wt also told me ie the elders told me to say it was all MY OWN IDEA so dont involve us.'
Some time into the war the wt decided that draftees-conscripts could do alternative work while many in the US were already in jail.
The stress this caused my mum and dad was huge. Dad had fought in the world war and knew the horrors of conflict and dear mum had waited for letters and always dreading THE telegram that would say dad was KIA and now the stinking Liberal govt in Australia was getting the country into a war again.
- So, no alternative service allowed then it was.
- tell the authority it was your idea.
- and no offering of any financial help with legal costs.
Reply by huang on 2020-10-02 10:58:03
"elders told me to say it was all MY OWN IDEA so dont involve us - very true, just say your conscience does not permit you to do military service. But if it's up to me why can't I take up military service? No can do - you will be disassociated. Damn if you do, damn if you don't.
Reply by Jack on 2020-09-27 21:41:49
Watchtower hypocrisy and double-speak:
*** w98 8/15 p. 17 pars. 6-9 Strengthening Our Confidence in God’s Righteousness ***
In the past, some Witnesses have suffered for refusing to share in an activity that their conscience now might permit. For example, this might have been their choice years ago as to certain types of civilian service. A brother might now feel that he could conscientiously perform such without overstepping his Christian neutrality regarding the present system of things.
7 Was it unrighteous on Jehovah’s part to allow him to suffer for rejecting what he now might do without consequences? Most who have had that experience would not think so. Rather, they rejoice that they had the opportunity of demonstrating publicly and clearly that they were determined to be firm on the issue of universal sovereignty. (Compare Job 27:5.) What reason could anyone have to regret having followed his conscience in taking a firm stand for Jehovah? By loyally upholding Christian principles as they understood them or by responding to the proddings of conscience, they proved worthy of Jehovah’s friendship. Certainly, it is wise to avoid a course that would disturb one’s conscience or that would likely cause others to be stumbled. We can think in this regard of the example that the apostle Paul set.—1 Corinthians 8:12, 13; 10:31-33.
8 In order to please Jehovah, the Jews were required to obey the Ten Commandments and also a wide variety of about 600 additional laws. Later, under the Christian arrangement, obedience to these laws as such was no longer a requirement for serving Jehovah, not even for fleshly Jews. The laws no longer binding included those dealing with circumcision, keeping the Sabbath, offering animal sacrifices, and observing certain dietary restrictions. (1 Corinthians 7:19; 10:25; Colossians 2:16, 17; Hebrews 10:1, 11-14) Jews—including the apostles—who became Christians were released from the obligation to keep laws that they were required to obey when they were under the Law covenant. Did they complain that God’s arrangement was unrighteous in having formerly required of them things that were no longer necessary? No, they rejoiced in the broadened understanding of Jehovah’s purposes.—Acts 16:4, 5.
9 In modern times, there have been some Witnesses who were very strict in their view of what they would or would not do. For that reason they suffered more than others. Later, increased knowledge helped them to expand their view of matters. But they have no reason to regret having earlier acted in harmony with their conscience, even when this possibly brought extra suffering. It truly is commendable that they demonstrated their willingness to suffer in faithfulness to Jehovah, to “do all things for the sake of the good news.” Jehovah blesses that kind of godly devotion. (1 Corinthians 9:23; Hebrews 6:10) The apostle Peter wrote with insight: “If, when you are doing good and you suffer, you endure it, this is a thing agreeable with God.”—1 Peter 2:20.Reply by Fani on 2020-09-28 01:39:33
Oui, je suis écœurée de cette hypocrisie !
Tout les WJ savent bien que c'est LA SOCIÉTÉ qui imposaient CONTRE notre conscience cette ligne de conduite.
Lorsque les anciens viennent nous voir (ce fut mon cas) , ils commencent par citer 2 cor 1 : 24 "ce n’est pas que nous dominions sur votre foi, mais nous sommes des collaborateurs pour votre joie, car c’est par votre foi que vous êtes debout" puis ils vous excommunient parce que votre conscience éduquée par l'enseignement du Christ vous dirige autrement que les directives du Collège Central.
Mais il paraît qu'ils n'ont pas autorité sur notre foi !
Comme disait Jesus "ils disent mais ne font pas" Math 23 : 3
Je suis une soeur, peut-être est-ce une raison pour laquelle je ne m'étais pas penchée sur le problème de la neutralité avant ces dernières années. Puis j'ai eu 2 fils mais le service militaire a été annulé en France.
Je regrette d'avoir été aussi aveugle ; je n'arrive toujours pas à digérer que la société puisse ne pas prendre ses responsabilités et assumer ses erreurs.
Rien que cette position montre QU'ELLE N'A PAS L'ESPRIT DE DIEU.
Reply by Nieves1980 on 2020-09-28 19:21:39
40 años en una organización, criada muy fanática. Ocasionando daño a mis hijos por hacerles observar tantas leyes humanas. En una ocasión reciente una de mis hijas me tranquilizó diciendo: «No te sientas culpable, todo lo que hiciste era lo que tu creías que era correcto. Dios sabe que fuiste sincera, no me pidas perdón, empieza a mirar el futuro y entierra el pasado sino no podrá sanar tu mente y corazón del daño de la WT». No sólo perjudicaría a mis hijos, también perdí la oportunidad de ir a la Universidad. Ahora tengo problemas de salud y dificultades económicas y la WT no pagará mis cuentas.
Reply by Chet on 2020-09-29 00:47:01
Isn’t it amazing that they can get away with handing out bad advice and issuing mandates that go beyond scripture, then have the nerve to tell us how we should feel about the negative consequences of following their mistaken teachings.
I don’t believe that any religious organization is favored by God. We are to be disciples of Christ, but that does not involve any specific manmade organization. While I don’t agree with all of the teachings of mainstream churches, I still treat these people as Christians; brothers and sisters in my faith. My personal opinion is that Christians will continue to learn the Bible and I expect that many of the mainstream churches will continue to decline.
But Jehovah’s Witnesses have a distinction which may come back to haunt them. Exodus 20:7 tells us: You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain.
By taking the Divine Name unto their organization, they could end up facing the consequences mentioned above. Some translations use the wording; You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in a worthless way. For the JWs to use the name Jehovah as freely as they do, are they taking His name in a worthless way? If an organization that claims the right to use God’s name becomes infamous because of misdeeds, what is in store for them when the time for judgment arrives?
Comment by Zacheus on 2020-09-27 20:31:37
re couple renting out while living off others.
There was a couple who applied for a "low interest loan" and got it so they could pioneer. The money of these loans were made available to special cases so they could buya modest house. This couple were low income by choice. The money the used should have gone to another family.
I was disgusted. We were getting marked as being materialistic when we built our own place which was very basic. Where were supposed to live in a tree?
Comment by GarBuc1963 on 2020-10-09 11:25:30
Hi All
First post if I may
. I served as Watchtower Overseer for 15 years here in Dublin Ireland. The above quoted article is a typical bread and butter that's constantly churned out and to my regret I presided over.
Once outside the body of the beast the following seems so blatantly obvious
- The sheer usurpation of Authority!( I'm not really into throwing stones at persons but if folk like Stephen Lett and particularly Tony Morris consider themselves an equal to the great men of old I'm afraid the facts show they are totally delusional in the cold light of day) Authority assumed is no Authority at all
- Delayed gratification. What I mean is the continuing manana manana mentality. Far from an academic point of view how many lives seriously impacted with associated mental implications. Loneliness ,denying oneself god given gifts of family etc .?
3.Its reminiscent of Pauls words of Pauls words in 1 Tim 4
The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons. Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron. 3 They forbid people to marry
How far removed is strongly advising people to remain single and avoid marriage from the above scripture?
4 Truth be told this study article is this is the same mantra re heated rehashed and repeat Unfortunately the sad reality of the matter is that people continue to suffer be in pain and in some occasions pay a far heavier price. I heard anecdotally of a chap in a congregation who had some mild mental issue and lost his job due to Covid. He relapsed in to smoking and was subsequently disfellowshipped . It sadly proved to much for him and as a result of the ensuing shunning took his own life. I repeat this with respect as I'm aware of how stories can grow legs etc but I think its important people know the consequences of this organizations advice. I firmly believe they have blood on their hands in more ways than one
5.What I or other people think of the Jw's doesn't really amount to a hill of beans but how will they fare when the Lord does return to judge?. I cant help but think of Johns words in Revelation3 Regarding the congregation In Laodicea which says in part
I will spue thee out of my mouth.(KJB)
He said this in relation to their lukewarm nature. I wonder what he'll sat to an Organization that disregard his commands alienates Brothers and sullies his great name
Nice Talking to you folk and perhaps we can touch base soon
Your Brother In Christ
Garry
Comment by Chet on 2020-09-27 16:31:45
Now it's personal ...
1942, huh? In 1942, my father was an active JW, and quietly pursuing some post-secondary education, so that he could do technical work, instead of being stuck at the bottom of the job market. Then the draft came along. Like all good Witness men, he refused induction, and considering the time, refusing induction made that a person a pariah. He was offered "peaceful alternative service" in a strictly civilian capacity, but was instructed not to accept that, as it would still be a violation of his integrity. He went to prison, but when he found out that there was a child on the way, his conscience told him that he had to provide for his family, so he consented to peaceful alternative service and was released from prison.
When it was all over, he found himself adrift. In the eye's of "the world", he was a draft-dodging coward and had a prison record. In the eyes of the JWs, he was a compromiser that failed to uphold the faith, but he was also my dad, and when I was born, in 1954, he was a very unhappy man.
After the Vietnam War, there was a phenomenon of men suffering mental problems after returning from war. This was not unknown after any war, but seemed to be much worse after 'Nam. They came to realize that the stresses of war were much less likely to cause psychological damage if the person was given moral support by their peers after returning to the civilian world. Because Vietnam was a very unpopular war, many veterans of that conflict received little in the way of peer support and there was a higher incidence of what is now known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, AKA, PTSD.
Back to my father: He came home and was treated poorly by the Witnesses because they saw him as having compromised. Because his refusal of induction happened at a time when many men were volunteering to fight in WW II, there was a lot of publicity and his name had appeared in the newspapers. He feared recognition and sought to maintain a low profile. He avoided the Witnesses and would react strongly if anyone tried to get him to attend meetings. My mother loved my father, but she did not do so unreservedly, because she saw him as having abandoned his faith and having compromised, in spite of the fact that his acceptance of peaceful alternative service came about because he was striving to provide for her and his soon to be born child.
As a result, I got the privilege of being raised by a father with PTSD, stemming both from his prison experiences and from the rejection of the JWs. We lived simply, and with a degree of shame. Although he was intelligent and quite knowledgable regarding electronics, he never advanced beyond semi-skilled labor. 20+ years after his imprisonment and finishing his peaceful alternative service, the family moved to another state, and away from the place where he had been publicly scorned in the newspapers. It was one after this, that his personality was able to reemerge and he finally stopped being a brittle man, prone to anger.
None of this is to criticize him in any way. He did what he was instructed by a self-serving religion, and applied 1 Timothy 5:8 "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever". He chose the word of God, above the word of men, and was ostracized because of doing so. I actually knew little of this until into my adult years. I knew my father had gone to prison for refusing induction and I knew that he had worked in a hospital, but that's about all I knew regarding this. Years later, an aunt told me that he had his photo plastered on the front page of the news, when this happened. No wonder he lived in fear of discovery.
Now, onto the Governing Body, whom authorizes these Watchtower articles; let's start by talking about your sacrifices. Have you ever carried heavy loads at a construction site, not just as part of a morale appearance/photo opportunity, but because you had to work until sundown, just to provide for your family? I have, including situations where my very life was at risk, because I took your terrible advice and could only make a living by doing jobs no one else wanted to do. I've seen others in this same situation, as well. I recall an older Witness man, the father of a friend, that was doing hard physical labor, well into his retirement years. The last time I saw him, he was on his way to a job which would entail lifting 80 or more pounds, while sickeningly pale from anemia. I literally had to turn away. It would have been great to help out, but having lived under the same sort of advice, I was in no position to help anyone in need.
It's not so hard to write about these things from lakeshore property and a comfortable office. The luxury in which you live, comes on the back of hard-working people that give their money to you, because you claim that a parable given by Jesus is actually a prophecy that points, conveniently enough, directly to you. It's great to take group photos of happy volunteers, but many of these people go home to a life of hard labor, when they aren't breaking their backs, donating free labor to the Organization. But have any of the GBs ever had to live in their cars? I have known JWs in just that situation, because they were prevented from taking reasonable measures which would make them viable in the workplace. Let's compare sacrifices on that one, GBs.
Untold numbers of JWs will read this article and many will be harmed by it. Some will walk away from opportunities which could provide relative security and prosperity in this "System", the System into which all of us have been born. I would imagine that a minor detail, such as 1 Timothy 5:8 condemning someone that will not provide for their family is no excuse, in your eyes. Just follow the lead of "the Slave", and all will be fine. As a slave, you are not so good, but as masters over other, you excel. You are not "the Slave", but you definitely have people willing to act as your slaves.
Some who read this article will delay their plans in other areas of life. I remember one JW woman that delayed marriage to serve full time, and then found that there were no men interested in someone her age when she decided that she was ready to marry. To this day, she lives in crowded conditions, with another family, none of whom were anywhere close to prepared for the system to go on this long. I know of another woman whom pioneered, in the assurance the Jehovah would provide a mate for her later on. It never happened and she ended up a terribly lonely person and took her own life. So, when you gaze out upon that beautiful lake, give a moment's thought to your answer when Revelation 20:11-15 is fulfilled and you stand before the Great White Throne. You may find yourself trying to explain why your advice ruined some lives, and even played a role in the deaths of others whom were placed in untenable situations because of articles like the one above.
Then there is the matter of the gall required to point out that "the righteous will include many loved ones who may have thought that they would live to see the end of the system of things". Now, where would they get such a notion? Oh yeah, probably because they read Watchtower articles like the one above. Get a clue, GBs. The game is up. Your nonsense isn't playing to the audience as well as it used to. I have personally watched several older JWs that became obsessed with watching television news, waiting for Armageddon to happen. There is, however, a problem; many JWs have seen these same things for themselves and can do the math for themselves. Pedaling your reheated "spiritual food" is getting harder all the time.
There are innumerable Christians that believe we are in the End Times, yet they manage to lead a normal life. The situation with the Witnesses is much like that of the Israelites sent into exile in Babylon. Persons claiming to be prophets were telling these exiles that they would soon be returned to their home, but they were speaking a feel-good message which was not from God. In the 29th chapter of the Bible book bearing his name, Jeremiah was authorized to tell them: "4 “Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, to all the exiles whom I have sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon, 5 ‘Build houses and live in them; and plant gardens and eat their produce. 6 Take wives and become the fathers of sons and daughters, and take wives for your sons and give your daughters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters; and multiply there and do not decrease. 7 Seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare you will have welfare.’ 8 For thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, ‘Do not let your prophets who are in your midst and your diviners deceive you, and do not listen to the dreams which they dream. 9 For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them,’ declares the Lord.
This doesn't sound like something the Watchtower would be likely to publish as advice to their adherents, but they are doing exactly as the false prophets of Jeremiah's day were. They are claiming a message of imminent deliverance, which has not been authorized by Jehovah. If you read the entirety of Jeremiah, chapter 29, you will see that Jehovah was not pleased with these characters. Jeremiah 29 ends with: 31 “Send to all the exiles, saying, ‘Thus says the Lord concerning Shemaiah the Nehelamite, “Because Shemaiah has prophesied to you, although I did not send him, and he has made you trust in a lie,” 32 therefore thus says the Lord, “Behold, I am about to punish Shemaiah the Nehelamite and his descendants; he will not have anyone living among this people, and he will not see the good that I am about to do to My people,” declares the Lord, “because he has preached rebellion against the Lord.”’” I wouldn't have wanted to be in their shoes.
Then you mention Abraham. Living in tents was no pleasure, I'm certain of that, but he was hardly in the same position as some poor Witness that has to do menial labor in order to survive. Abraham had wealth and he passed it along to his offspring. Of course the Watchtower has enlightened us beyond that, so if some JW actually manages to exit this life with an estate of any size, your Planned Giving Desk will be more than happy to assist in making certain that your offspring inherit nothing, free of charge. For the record, the Watchtower never did anything to help me in preparing to make a living. I would rather burn my money than give it to them.
I have not expected a trouble free life and, indeed, I've seen some troubles in my own day. The other thing I saw was that the JWs were not particularly helpful when I was going through rough times. Usually, the "help" I got was of the same nature as the "help" that Job got, from the three men that challenged and accused him in his darkest hour. I don't take it personally, the people that acted this way tended to have been influenced by thoughtless articles, like the one above.Reply by MarthaMartha on 2020-09-27 17:52:27
Wow, Chet, and Bravo!
?????Reply by Chet on 2020-09-29 00:25:46
Thank you.
Reply by Tadua on 2020-09-27 18:49:29
Hi Chet,
Thank you for sharing with us your very personal heartfelt comments. They were made in a dignified way but pulling no punches. Your experience is the sad consequences of honest hearted God fearing people being conned by the greatest con-artists.
I used to say to those I met from door to door, that this way of living (as a JW) was the best way of living even if it was not true. Now I, like you, know different, to our cost and the cost of those we love around us. Yes, the GB have some reckoning ahead of them and I would not like to be in their shoes.
The words of Jeremiah are so apt. The GB would do well to read them and meditate on what they really mean.Reply by Chet on 2020-09-29 00:25:20
As I said at the outset, now it’s personal. To have the unmitigated gall to bring up an example like that, from 1942, is simply stupid on their part, and I believe indicative of how few examples they have to choose from. By using someone that has probably been deceased for years, they don’t have to worry about that person waking up and repudiating the whole thing.
It’s easy to talk about such an example, but it doesn’t end when that person is released from prison. This is a disruption of someone’s life and a setback that can affect them for the rest of their life. I promise you, if I were to meet on of the GBs face-to-face, I’d expand their knowledge of the subject to include the long-tail effects.
I began fading in my late forties, and had been exposed to Watchtower teaching all of my life, up until that time, I don’t recall hearing much, if anything, with regard to Jeremiah 29:4-10. They occasionally mention verse 11, but I suspect that verses 4-10 make them uncomfortable, because this deflates their implication that we need to hold our breath until Armageddon.
I wish I had applied those verses in my life, much earlier. Of course, the only practical way to have done that would be to have left. Meddling, gossip and quite possibly “judicial” sanction would follow quickly if anyone tried to do that today, and still be active as a JW.Reply by rudytokarz on 2020-09-29 13:58:07
Chet,
Interesting scripture that you brought up as it seems to be Biblical proof that the 70 years (at Babylon, not after Jerusalem was destroyed) had already started when the exiles left, otherwise why would Jeremiah write to them as he did in verse 10? From the NWT: 10 “For this is what Jehovah says, ‘When 70 years at Babylon are fulfilled, I will turn my attention to you,+ and I will make good my promise by bringing you back to this place.’+
Reply by Leonardo Josephus on 2020-09-28 12:17:35
Hi Chet. If only those that need to read what you have written would read it. Considering the scant regard they have given to questions in letters I have written, they would not understand it. They are not to be questioned, as they have no answers.
Reply by Chet on 2020-09-28 23:51:54
They are blinded, at this point, and incapable of self-examination.
Reply by Nieves1980 on 2020-09-28 19:33:46
Excelente tu argumentación, coincido totalmente contigo. Los de cuerpo gobernante son unos hipócritas descarados, viven en lujo desvergonzado y losno publicados deben hacer todos los sacrificios, ja, ja...igual que Jesucristo que no tenía donde recostar su cabeza
Reply by Chet on 2020-09-28 23:55:21
There was a time when the Watchtower Society was far more modest than it is now. That certainly has changed.