[From ws3/17 p. 13 May 8-14]
“Keep asking in faith, not doubting at all.” — Jas 1:6.
The one recurring accusation that Jesus made against the religious leaders of the nation of Israel was that they were hypocrites. A hypocrite pretends to be something he is not. He puts on a façade that hides his true intent, his real persona. Usually, this is done to gain some level of power or authority over another. The first hypocrite was Satan the Devil who pretended to look out for the well-being of Eve.
One cannot recognize hypocrisy simply by listening to what a hypocrite says, because hypocrites are very adept at appearing to be good, righteous, and caring. The persona they present to the world is often very appealing, charming, and engaging. Satan appears as an angel of light and his ministers appear to be righteous men. (2Co 11:14, 15) The hypocrite wants to draw people to himself; to engender trust where none is deserved. Ultimately, he is looking for followers, people to subjugate. The Jews in Jesus’ day looked up to their leaders—the priests, and scribes, Pharisees—esteeming them as good and righteous men; men to be listened to; men to be obeyed. Those leaders demanded the people’s loyalty, and by and large, got it; that is, until Jesus came along. Jesus unmasked those men and showed them up for what they truly were.
For instance, when he cured a blind man, he did so by making a paste and then requiring the man to bathe. This occurred on the Sabbath and both those actions were classified as work by the religious leaders. (John 9:1-41) Jesus could have simply cured the man, but he went out of his way to make a point that would resonate among the people observing the events that would unfold. Likewise, when he healed a cripple, he told him to pick up his cot and walk. Again, it was a Sabbath and this constituted prohibited ‘work’. (John 5:5-16) The insensitive reaction of the religious leaders in both instances and in the face of such obvious works of God made it easy for right-hearted people to see their hypocrisy. Those men pretended to care for the flock, but when their authority was threatened, they showed their true colors by persecuting Jesus and his followers.
By these and other incidents, Jesus was demonstrating the practical application of his method for distinguishing true worship from false: "Really, then, by their fruits you will recognize those men." (Mt 7:15-23)
Anyone watching the May Broadcast on JW.org, or reading last week’s Watchtower study, or preparing this week’s for that matter, is likely to be impressed. The image conveyed is one of caring shepherds providing the food needed at the proper time for the well-being of the flock. Good counsel, no matter the source, is still good counsel. Truth is truth, even if spoken by someone who is a hypocrite. That is why Jesus told his listeners, “all the things they [the scribes and Pharisees] tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds, for they say but they do not practice what they say.” (Mt 23:3)
We do not want to imitate hypocrites. We may apply their counsel when appropriate, but we must be careful not to apply it as they do. We should do, but not according to their deeds.
Unmasking Hypocrisy
Are the leaders of the Organization hypocrites? Are we being unfair, even disrespectful, to even suggest such a possibility?
Let us examine the lessons in this week’s study, and then put them to the test.
What will help us to make wise decisions? We certainly need faith in God, not doubting his willingness and ability to help us to be wise. We also need faith in Jehovah’s Word and in his way of doing things, trusting God’s inspired counsel. (Read James 1:5-8.) As we draw close to him and grow in love for his Word, we come to trust his judgment. Accordingly, we develop the habit of consulting God’s Word before making decisions. – par. 3
Why might it have been so difficult for those Israelites to make a wise decision?...They had not built a foundation of accurate knowledge or godly wisdom; nor did they trust in Jehovah. Acting in accord with accurate knowledge would have helped them to make wise decisions. (Ps. 25:12) Moreover, they had allowed others to influence them or even to make decisions for them. – par. 7
Galatians 6:5 reminds us: “Each one will carry his own load of responsibility.” (Ftn.) We should not give someone else the responsibility to make decisions for us. Rather, we should personally learn what is right in God’s eyes and choose to do it. – par. 8
How might we give in to the danger of letting others choose for us? Peer pressure could sway us to make a bad decision. (Prov. 1:10, 15) Still, no matter how others try to pressure us, it is our responsibility to follow our Bible-trained conscience. In many respects, if we let others make our decisions, we are essentially deciding to “follow them.” It is still a choice, but a potentially disastrous one. – par. 9
The apostle Paul clearly alerted the Galatians to the danger of letting others make personal decisions for them. (Read Galatians 4:17.) Some in the congregation wanted to make personal choices for others in order to alienate them from the apostles. Why? Those selfish ones were seeking prominence. – par. 10
Paul set a fine example of respecting his brothers’ right of free will to make decisions. (Read 2 Corinthians 1:24.) Today, when giving counsel on matters involving personal choice, the elders should follow that pattern. They are happy to share Bible-based information with others in the flock. Still, the elders are careful to allow individual brothers and sisters to make their own decisions. – par. 11
Truly this is fine counsel, is it not? Any witness reading this will feel his heart swell with pride at such a demonstration of balanced and loving direction from those considered to be the faithful and discreet slave. (Mt 24:45-47)
Now let us put this to the test.
We are taught that our preaching work is an act of mercy. Mercy is the application of love to alleviate the suffering of others, and bringing them the truth of God’s word is one of the finest ways we have to alleviate their suffering. (w12 3/15 p. 11 par. 8; w57 11/1 p. 647; yb10 p. 213 Belize)
We are also taught that going in the field service is a righteous act, one we should engage in on a weekly basis. We are taught by the publications that our public witnessing is both an act of righteousness and mercy.
If you have come to believe this, then you are faced with a decision. Should you report your field service time; the amount of time you spend doing a righteous and merciful work? Following the counsel from this week's study, you consult God’s word before making this decision. (par. 3)
You read Matthew 6:1-4.
“Take care not to practice your righteousness in front of men to be noticed by them; otherwise you will have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens. 2 So when you make gifts of mercy, do not blow a trumpet ahead of you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be glorified by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 3 But you, when making gifts of mercy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4 so that your gifts of mercy may be in secret. Then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you.” (Mt 6:1-4)
You don't go in the field service to be noticed by men. You are not seeking glory from men, and you don't want to be paid in full by the praise men give you for your service. You want it to be secret so that your heavenly Father, who looks on in secret, will notice and repay you when you most need favorable judgment. (Jas 2:13)
Perhaps you've been considering applying to be an auxiliary pioneer. However, could you put in the same number of hours without anyone needing to be aware of it? You know that if you apply, your name will be read out from the platform and the congregation will applaud. Praise from men. Payment in full.
Even reporting your time as a publisher means telling just how much righteous and merciful work you have engaged in every month. Your left hand will know what your right is doing.
Therefore, in accordance with the counsel given in this article, you make your Bible-based decision not to report time anymore. This is a conscience matter. Since there is no Bible mandate requiring you to report time, you feel confident that no one will pressure you to change your decision, especially after what was said in paragraphs 7 and 11.
This is where the hypocrisy will manifest itself—the difference between what is taught and what is practiced. Time and again we get reports of brothers and sisters hauled into the back room or library of the Kingdom hall by two elders and grilled about their decision not to report. Contrary to the counsel in paragraph 8, these appointed men will want you to give them the responsibility for making decisions that affect your relationship with God and Christ. The reason such pressure will be exerted is that your decision to not report threatens their authority over you. If they were not seeking prominence (Par. 10), they would allow you to make a decision like this based on your conscience, would they not? After all, the “requirement” to report hours is nowhere to be found in Scripture. It comes only from the Governing Body, a body of men.
Granted, this is a small thing. But then, so was walking with one’s cot or bathing in the pool of Siloam on the Sabbath. The men who complained about those "little things" ended up murdering the Son of God. It really doesn’t take much to show up hypocrisy. And when it is there in a little way, it is usually there in a big way. It only takes the right circumstances, the right test, for the fruits produced by a man’s heart to be made manifest. We can preach neutrality, but what good if we practice friendship with the world? We can preach love and caring for the little ones, but what good if we practice abandonment and cover-up? We can preach that we have the truth, but if we practice persecution to silence opposers, then what are we really?
Archived Comments
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Comment by anonymous on 2017-05-07 19:21:00
The brother who mows all the old sisters lawns for them and grows a beard but doesn't report enough preaching time will be looked down on. I would have loved to say to people that we engaged in charitable works when I was a true believer, but I knew deep down we did not. And yet we are a registered charity. Go figure. I remember as a teenager asking my parents why I couldn't just do the auxiliary pioneer hours and not put in the form like everyone else. Looking back at it I think the cognitive dissonance was already kicking in.
Reply by Dajo on 2017-05-10 05:45:02
You're correct anonymous, I hope you are coping now and doing ok.
Love and my prayers to you.
Comment by Joseph Anton on 2017-05-07 22:29:29
I happened to be one of those brothers that landed in the 'back room' for what was essentially a conscious matter. Nothing in the scriptures could be used for the counsel - and ultimately judiciary committee meeting - I received. There wasn't even direction from the society that these brothers could show me from our literature. It was simply their opinion over an occupational choice. (I was a freelance writer) I learned then that there is no such thing as 'free will' among the flock, or anything like elders respecting a person's decisions as mentioned in this study. They ruined my life for two years. Ruined every relationship I had in the Hall, in most of my family. I wasn't disfellowshipped. There were no grounds. This caused me to wake up, quite suddenly. I really started feeling for all of those poor brothers and sisters who tested out the limitations (there are, of course, limitations) of their God given 'free will' and ended up ravaged by the leaders of the pack in front of the congregation as a lesson to the other sheep.
Comment by wild olive on 2017-05-07 23:40:08
I remember the kind of brother that Anonymous is talking about,I have known many over my 5 decades in the org,and am pleased to say they were my mentors and friends,they were always good people who seemed to be "outsiders" to the everyday running of congregation activity,in other words they didn't have the "approval"of their various elder bodys.
One in particular,an anointed bro,came to me after the watchtower study,which had been about how the congregation works and is structured.He was in a visibly agitated state.He said to me repeatedly," don't forget that when the Greek scriptures speak about the congregation,it doesn't mean the Berowra congregation or the Sydney central congregation,it means the
congregation of anointed Christians,don't ever forget that", he admonished me.Now this brother had been disfellowshipped twice that I can remember,and I could never figure out why the elders would do that to such a spiritual man,of course now 40 yrs later I know why,he was questioning watchtower doctrine,and could spot the hypocrisy and wrong teachings,and pointed one out to me with the congregation interpretation,but had to be silenced somehow,now I realise how long this problem of wrong teaching has been going,and that like many others who frequent this site,must now take their position of upholders of truth instead of blindly accepting what they know is wrong,then we see the real face of "Jehovah's arrangement".Reply by Dajo on 2017-05-10 05:41:43
Thanks, Wild One.
Comment by Ifionlyhadabrain on 2017-05-08 05:46:04
I have just read the article in the watchtower and I have to say that it is a fine study , the question I have is are we talking about the same religion ? Paragraph 11 the "the elders allow the brothers to make their own decisions" a true statement yes , but they should add "if you make the one we don't agree with then we will persecute you , " despite what the article claims the reality is the Jws are in the most controlling religion possible . The big mystery is why millions of them can't see it ?
Comment by Ifionlyhadabrain on 2017-05-08 06:19:38
Perhaps, it's purpose is to draw any brothers out who still have "a mind " to make decisions in defiance of the religion , make no mistake take this articles counsel and your in for it , big time .
Comment by Joseph Anton on 2017-05-08 07:54:17
There is also a YouTube video (audio only) floating around where two elders confront a young brother who has chosen to stop turning in time, the reason he gives is the one you gave in Matthew 6. It isn't even a minute or two into the discussion when one of his caring shepherds lobs a loyalty question at this young man. Do you believe the Faithful and Discrete Slave is God's appointed channel here on Earth? A question with one answer - doesn't matter if you're telling the truth or not. And this over not wanting to turn in a time card. When asked why he didn't turn in time a good friend of mine simply said he doesn't turn in a form declaring how much money he's donating, he's not going to fill out another one about how much time he's donating either. Although, I'm beginning to think that first one may be a tragic reality in the next few years.
Reply by Scrubmaster on 2017-05-08 12:00:29
Joseph, I wonder what would have happened if this brother, had answered the elders' question with Jeffrey Jackson(youtube video), saying to the Australian Royal commission, it would be presumption to state we are God's sole channel for spiritual food on earth. If a GB member did not proclaim being God's sole spokesperson, why should a publisher be compelled to answer with a yes?
Reply by Joseph Anton on 2017-05-08 12:54:43
I think it's an answer that's going to give you nothing but problems. This is information that wasn't spoon fed to the brother, where did he get it? Why did he seek it out? I personally feel like if Jackson felt perfectly comfortable lying to a court he held no respect for then why should I be any different when and if the same question comes to me.
Reply by Dajo on 2017-05-10 05:38:37
Yes. No. = Hippocratic.
He also said they were "Guardians Of the Doctrine"
G.O.D
Watching that scenario, knowing all those involved here in Australia was the beginning of the end of me following a false Christ.Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-05-10 09:13:26
G.O.D. Fascinating!
Reply by MarthaMartha on 2017-05-08 14:49:00
If you go to the jw website and look at the FAQ, at "How many of Jehovahs Witnesses are there worldwide?" You will see a paragraph titled How do you know how many are actively witnessing? It says that each months Witnesses report their preaching activity to their local congregation and quote: " This report is made voluntarily".
I used this to decline to report any more. Yes, I got a call from an elder, but you can't get round the fact that voluntary means you don't have to do it if you don't want to. Bringing " obedience to the FDS" into the conversation only causes a contradiction with what the FDS themselves are saying on their own website.
Of course, what the public website says is very different to actual life as a JW, but I used it and it worked. I had no more pressure.
I was removed from the list of congregation publishers though and am now officially 'inactive.' ? It caused some consternation to our group members who could see that I was out on field service but not on the list. They asked my husband why, but he said ask her yourself she will tell you. They didn't. ? Some are now avoiding me. It makes me laugh.
The sad thing is that my mother was appalled that I would allow myself to be called inactive for the sake of my conscience. Speaks volumes doesn't it.Reply by Joseph Anton on 2017-05-08 16:24:16
JW.ORG is the only piece of content left now that is clearly aimed at the (worldly) public. Everything else - all of our meetings and conventions and publications - 90% of those are interior only. They have their own language, their own set of rules, their own consequences.
Reply by Dajo on 2017-05-10 05:30:00
That is very good MarthaMarta
Reply by tyhik on 2017-05-10 08:22:37
MarthaMartha, that was an excellent defense you used. But the very fact that you had to establish the biblical principles with the use of WT materials is telling. It's just another example of hypocrisy. Voluntary, yes sure, but you are really expected to do this voluntary thing. And if you don't then there will be consequences.
Comment by Joseph Anton on 2017-05-08 08:06:29
I feel like I'm commenting a ton but this study really struck a nerve. In response to Ifionlyhadabrain's post below, there's an immediate loophole elders will employ when you stick up for your individual rights to make your own decisions. You are indeed free to do what you want. Nobody is saying you must drink either Coke or Pepsi, that you can't join the military or what books you can and can't read, you are TRULY FREE to do whatever it is your heart desires. The rub is that they're compelled to protect the Kingdom Hall from contaminating influences. (this line was used in my case, nearly verbatim) So yes, you are free to make your own decisions, just know that all decisions can carry congregational consequences. Which is the caveat they conveniently left out of this section of the study article:
"Still, the elders are careful to allow individual brothers and sisters to make their own decisions."
It's a misleading truth. It should read don't interfere with personal freedoms, but definitely do get involved judicially afterward if the exercise of specific freedoms call for it. Since the Watchtower Society deals wholesale in trivialities the objects of your personal decision are open to interpretation.Reply by Dajo on 2017-05-10 05:26:10
Hello again Joseph,
your last 2 paragraphs - that is why it struck a nerve with you and me - they are hypocrites. Our natural sense of justice senses that human character.
Comment by eve04 on 2017-05-08 14:43:29
Truthfully nothing we do is our own personal decision. Over the long haul that I have been in the truth I have never seen so many people run to elders to see what they should do. Even when they buy something, they feel they need to justify why. Even if it’s not to the elders, they need to justify it to the other friends.
When it comes to counting time, how do you measure time when worshiping God. If the ministry is part of our worship then that should just be figured in with everything else we do. Our worship is 24/7 so we, to me shouldn’t be counting time. I honestly believe if time were really counted just on the ministry the Org could not boast over a billion hours. When I pioneered, it was very hard for me to get my time because I did not count time the way some did. I remember a sister counting time for sitting with a sister getting Chemo. I think it causes some to be dishonest and competitive. If we are to worship God worship God.
In answer to ifionlyhadabrain why millions can't see they are being controled? I think they really feel its not control but these men have their best interest at heart, I did. When everyone is made to look like a villian on the outside then who else do you turn to but those who seem to be keeping a loving eye on you, until you wake up.
Comment by Ifionlyhadabrain on 2017-05-09 02:48:52
The elders allow the brothers to make their own decisions yeah ok , the grief me and my family had was just crazy , my son's decided on further education , one had a beard , didn't want to report time , the response one had "he's disobedient to the elders " They just alienated us all in the end
Reply by limping lamb on 2017-05-09 07:20:36
Sadly, you don't even have to have a beard, or go to uni, to fall foul of the cong. (Depending on your local BOE, beards are allowed in the U.K., we have two elders with them!) If just one influential person takes a dislike to you, then you may find you never fit in! It's taken me a long time to realise that I and my little family will never enjoy the 'spiritual paradise' boasted of by Jehovah's Witnesses. I get very depressed at times, not just for myself, but for the many others I see around in the same boat. Have been in enough congregations to know it's not just local, or just in the U.K. - it seems to be viral worldwide.
Have endured since early 60's when I was babtised, - wish now I had been able to access all the information we have now. My choice/decision would certainly have been very different.
Perhaps the dodgy teachings might be overlooked?, if only the genuine love was there. But it isn't ..... end of story.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-05-09 09:17:57
It seems to always come down to a question of authority, doesn't it? This just illustrates that the Organization isn't about God's rule, or even Christ's rule, but the rule of men over their fellows. Sure they make claims they are acting by divine appointment, but that's the same argument that every king and church leader has made since the beginning of time.
Reply by Joseph Anton on 2017-05-09 11:41:29
Which undermines the assertion that positions don't exist in the organization presented by this study article. The onus of coercion is always - ALWAYS - put on "the flock" (IE: you could stumble your brother) and never on the bully with the superiority complex.
Reply by Joseph Anton on 2017-05-09 09:21:48
Because it's a buzz culture. The brothers and sisters in 'the center' know that above all else, buzz matters. Negative buzz or positive buzz. Those like your sons, and I include myself as one - I've had a beard for fifteen years and haven't turned in time since the nineties - who have jumped track, and have given up worrying about the buzz we're generating offer the group, not an alternative view of the nuances of Christianity, but an example of open rebellion. Not of scripture or doctrine, but ultimately against the buzz culture they're content with being a part of. Politicals call that an 'echo chamber.'
Reply by Dajo on 2017-05-10 05:09:08
Yes Joseph. Not been doing it as long as you. Caring ones ask well motivated questions "You're talking about the truth to people but the elders say you are inactive, not reporting". I said "It's none of their buzzness"
It IS a question of authority - I can see that was the case for myself over 4 decades. I continually ask for forgiveness for the damage I must have caused in a "Corporation" so far removed from what I am now learning.. also the freeing up of my general life and relationships with people in general is tremendous. (Thanks BP etc dtt) plus other links you've ALL given.
Comment by Leonardo Josephus on 2017-05-10 05:35:48
I must admit that in 40 odd years, over 30 of which were as an elder, I have never known anyone personally who went out in service but did not want to report the hours. Nevertheless in other matters many will say "Jehovah has asked us to do this or that", but if we do not do what we are asked then we are rebelling against the F & DS, and by extension, Jehovah, even though there may be no scriptural principle other than being obedient to those taking the lead among you, regardless of whether or not what we are asked to do is actually scriptural.
If I ask questions, I am rebelling against Jehovah's appointed channel, even though it is clear from scripture that I should "Make sure of all things" (1 Thess 5:21 see also 1 John 4:1)). If I do not ask questions I am simply a slave to men (1 Cor 7:23).
May Jehovah and Jesus judge us justly in due course.Reply by Ifionlyhadabrain on 2017-05-10 17:58:10
As far as I am aware the bible mentions nothing about anyone being obedient or rebelling against the faithful slave , rather what is called into question is the obedience or rebellion of that slave toward jesus Christ, by the way he treats the brothers .
Reply by Ifionlyhadabrain on 2017-05-10 18:26:29
Also it's easy for anyone to start quoting hebrews 13 v 17 be obedient to those taking the lead among you , the churches apply this one to their hierarchy as well . The fact is that this advice was contained in a letter to the "hebrews" written by a man who likely knew personally those taking the lead in those congregations nearly 2 thousand years ago ,
Comment by wish4truth2 on 2017-05-12 20:10:55
I would like to say that i did this very thing about 7 years ago in my congregation. I came to realize from scripture that reporting was not scriptural. I stopped reporting and was approached by the elders to answer why. I explained by scripture what I had found in scripture but they would accept it and would not let it go. So they arranged a meeting with two of them in the back library room. I had been told by an elder previous to this meeting that I would never qualify to be a ministerial servant as I did not meet the national average in field service hours??? I was considered a rebel, I asked this Elder to show me in the Bible where this is required! At the time I was working full time as an Airline Pilot in Australia (A much frowned upon career here)but I always came out in field service on my days off and took my young daughter out in field service most Saturdays when i was not rostered on duty. In other words I was doing my best to be out as much as I was able. In the end they stripped me of all my privileges in the congregation; library,( by the way it was about this time that I was told to remove and pack up all the old publications in the library!) I was on the magazine counter,microphones etc. But i was asked to continue mowing the lawns and gardening responsibilities! It seems that it was ok to mow the lawns but not ok to hold a microphone!It became very uncomfortable for me, I had discovered many other things that were unscriptural,realizing the truth in the scriptures, we eventually moving away and I did not ever go back to the meetings. Eventually about 3 years ago I discovered Meletis site and was astounded that a man i had never met who lives on the other side of the planet had the same knowledge as me on scriptural understanding! That is when i realized the truth had set me free! The rest is history.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-05-13 08:53:43
So you were still considered to be "spiritual enough" to do the work that no one else wanted to do. ;)
Reply by Deo_ac_veritati on 2017-05-13 16:05:47
LOL!
Reply by Joseph Anton on 2017-05-15 14:13:25
The most impressive thing about John 8:32 is that you know the second you've been 'set free.' A ton of weight leaves you. Indeed Christ's yoke is light.
Comment by huang on 2017-05-13 03:04:42
Two weeks ago, at my congregation, the w study “Who Is Leading Jehovah’s People Today?” was an anti-climax. There was only one bro called to answer par 12 and he just regurgitated as per the paragraph. The study conductor then moved on to next paragraph without noticing that I had my hand raised. Nobody seemed to realize the significance of the confession in the paragraph - "The Governing Body is "neither inspired nor infallible.. it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction"
So this week, I will make up for it - my comment for paragraph 16 will be as follows: “ 2 weeks ago we learnt that "The Governing Body is "neither inspired nor infallible.. it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction". Quite clearly GB is “humble” enough to admit their shortcomings and this “humility” is borne out by the “Beliefs Clarified,” lists which runs into 200 entries. So elders can do no better than to follow GB’s example. This can happen when new, relevant information comes to their attention that may cause a change of their previous views & decisions. Elders should not fear losing respect if the change leads to wiser decisions.”
I hope this will do the trick of keeping the GB confession fresh in their minds. From Beroeans, I have gain so many insights into the study articles that I always look forward to commenting at the meetings each week. I have more “zeal” in attending now than before. Is that a problem because I don’t see myself leaving any time soon? Anyway, thanks, Meleti.Reply by Menrov on 2017-05-13 04:11:54
Hi Huang, you ended your post with "i always look forward to commenting at the meetings each week. I have more “zeal” in attending now than before. Is that a problem because I don’t see myself leaving any time soon?". Why would that be a problem? We are here to share and discuss WT viewpoints regarding the scriptures. If that makes you feel more motivated to attend the WT meetings and share your answers, that is fine. I only hope that the elders will allow you to answer, in particular when your answers do not fit their mental model. Good luck.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-05-13 09:18:22
I've been tempted to go back to meetings for the same purpose and there is something to be said for bearing witness before the whole congregation. It's just that at the current time, I don't have the stomach for it. I find sitting their and listening to all the adulation poured out upon men just upsets me. You obviously have a stronger stomach than I and my hats off to you. Keep up the good fight!
Reply by Deo_ac_veritati on 2017-05-13 16:00:53
Amen, Meleti.
Reply by Ifionlyhadabrain on 2017-05-14 18:04:28
Yes I remember when you were persevering with it meleti , I remember thinking how is he managing to do that , I found it sickening in the end
Reply by Deo_ac_veritati on 2017-05-13 16:04:17
Is that a problem because I don’t see myself leaving any time soon?
Huang, why would that be a problem when in Paragraph 11 of the same study, it states:
"Still, the elders are careful to allow individual brothers and sisters to make their own decisions." Sounds like you should have free reign to me.
Seriously though, I went through this same phase for about a year after waking up. It got to where I was spending a good two hours coming up with, and writing out, a comment that would get me "just to the edge" without going over it (causing a little excursion to the infamous back room). I always insured to use at least one scripture in my comments (and often two or three). This was difficult, as you're trying to convey some scriptural "meat" in 30 seconds or so - a hard proposition at best. I've stopped doing that now - indeed I've stopped going to meetings altogether, because, as Meleti so eloquently put it "I couldn't stomach it anymore." After about nine months of this, the elders must have gotten tired of this, so one of them "lovingly" approached me and told me that since I wrote out my comments, "perhaps it would be a good idea for you to run them by us first, via email." While part of me resisted this, I tried to be humble and agreed, with the caveat that I would not abide by any outright censorship of what I had to say. That lasted two weeks. On the third week, I was brought into the back room regarding my "vetted" comments and told that one was too long and I could only use the first two sentences, and that the other comment was a mis-application of scripture (no, it wasn't). On the matter of the first comment, I told the elder that using only the abbreviated first two sentences would not be adequate to get my thought across. The reply was "well, remember that study we just had on 'how to give a good comment'. That article said we should keep our comments to 30 seconds and basically paraphrase only what is in the paragraph." (by the by, I routinely timed others' comments and noted how many elders routinely went over a minute with no issues). It was at that point that I knew I was probably done - I argued this a bit with him and noted that I was not too happy about the format of the study - at which point he piously walked off, telling me "Well, I'm not going to sit here and listen to someone criticize the organization." Yeah, that's an absolute direct and accurate quote. After that I started going to meetings less. I did give a few more comments, but in January, after I told the elders I would not be reporting time anymore, I noted that I was never called on. A few weeks of that cemented the deal - no more meetings for me. Hypocrites and Pharisees, they are.
I would advise you to be very careful Huang. The paranoia at the halls (well, at least in my congregation) runs very, very deep. Any excuse at all to show you up as an "apostate" will probably be used. I admire your tenacity, having done the same thing, having felt the same way as you do (indeed, being able to share such comments was the one thing that kept me going for a year), and I pray that your efforts are successful - but beware the Organization - they will be waiting and watching, mark my words.... much Christian love to you in your endeavors.Reply by Ifionlyhadabrain on 2017-05-14 17:59:54
I very much enjoyed your comment there deo ac , it's says a lot about the religion when your getting your comments vetted like that , we've all got our own tale to tell and it's comforting to realise we are not alone in our trials, reminds me a bit of 1 peter5; 9,10 ,I was freed about 6 years ago
Comment by lazarus on 2017-05-13 05:30:22
Thanks Meleti for your review, on paragraph 11, you have it qouted in the review, it says in part".... when giving counsel on matters involving personal choice, the elders should follow that pattern. They are happy to share Bible-based information with others in the flock. Still, the elders are careful to allow individual brothers and sisters to make their own decisions. – par. 11 . Then in the 3 part illustration ( were the sister approaching an Elder regarding the Blood Card) this refers back to this paragraph. I know a sister , who Has serious health issues, which the blood topic has come into discussion. The Dr question her on what her views was on the blood card and the blood fractions. So, if your not sure what the card is all about & the dr's sense that, they may question if that is truly your decision. Which you can see how this could turn out. What if they (GB) gave the brothers the option based on evidences to either abstain or to take blood. Surely there could be a case either way, seeing you can take blood fractions.
Reply by Meleti Vivlon on 2017-05-13 09:16:12
I believe that officially--before legal authorities--we claim the whole blood transfusion thing is a matter of conscience, whereas officially--before the congregation--we are taught it is not. We have two official positions, one intended to protect us from litigation and one intended to keep the flock in check. We consider the taking of whole blood in a medical procedure (not eating or ingesting it) to be against God's law, but strain out mountains of gnats with our making blood fractions (96% is still a fraction) a matter of conscience. The folly of this doctrine is now evident.
Reply by Deo_ac_veritati on 2017-05-13 15:59:20
We have two official positions...
Ahhh yes, we all know that that never happens with the WT.
Comment by NikL on 2017-05-13 11:49:48
This is very interesting.
I have been studying in the book of James and contemplating how we are told to ask for wisdom and it will be granted without reproach.
So the first scripture caught my attention straight away.
Then the article and the whole counting of time thing. That was the very first thing I questioned when I was waking up. It felt downright wrong to count time and the whole adulation of the congregation when pioneers are announced always made me feel sick.
My wife regular pioneered a couple of years ago but health problems made her have to quit. The whole announcement about her no longer being a pioneer made in a manner like she was being disfelowshiped or something pissed me off as well.
Anyway, this is my first comment and I just wanted to say well done!
Comment by Zugzwang on 2017-05-14 12:27:35
With the picture in the article, is the ORG subtly saying that decisions about higher education are now a matter of personal choice? What about all the men who lost so call priviledges of service because thier children decided to pursue higber education
Reply by Deo_ac_veritati on 2017-05-14 12:59:25
I'm not seeing how you get that out of the picture Zugzwang.... to me it looks like they're implying that making a decision about taking blood or not is a personal one (unless I'm looking at the wrong picture, but I've scanned through the entire article). In any case, more likely, the young sister is deciding what "fractions" she'll allow, if any. Not sure that higher education figures into that picture at all, but maybe I'm missing something?
Comment by Zugzwang on 2017-05-14 12:32:37
"Elders too should take time to do research. When new information shows that they need to change one of their previous decisions, they are not afraid that they will lose respect from others."
If only they would take thier own advice
Comment by huang on 2017-05-15 23:11:57
Yes I manage to get my comment out and the effect was a deafening silence. Well, not quite, some sidelong glances and one comment after the meeting from an old partaker bro who is still in the dark about the faithful slave being only 8 now 7 members since 2012. Exhilirating to fly under the radar and deliver the payload; I think most did not know what hit them. Noted all your advice, Deo, Menrov, Meleti. Thanks bros for the pointers and encouragement. Now back to the fight.
Comment by Eleasar on 2017-05-17 05:04:05
I found the following two quotes humorous, absurd and contradictory.
Paragraph 11
They are happy to share Bible-based information with others in the flock. Still, the elders are careful to allow individual brothers and sisters to make their own decisions.
Elders are careful to "allow"... . Since when could anyone make someone do something! Surely goes against exercise of free will the article is trying to encourage. This highlights some implicit assumptions.
Paragraph 16
Elders too should take time to do research. And if they are reasonable, modest men, they will not fear losing respect if new, relevant information comes to their attention that indicates a need to reconsider what they had already decided. They should be ready to adjust their thinking and decisions when appropriate, and all of us do well to follow that example. This can promote peace and order in the congregation.
This sevtion brings out certain flaws:
1. How could one qualify as an elder if you are not 'reasonable', 'modest' and "losing respect"? Surely if an elder does not have this or has lost these he would be deleted!
2. "... all of us do well to follow that example". This is correct as it shows the greek word "peitho" often translated "obey" in Hebrews chapter 13 is one to persuade and influence not dictate. Their example should be what persuades the flock to follow. Nobody brought this point out.
3. "This can promote peace and order in the congregation." This sounds like the way elders function is what promotes peace and order. In my time as an elder, most would not want to counsel a fellow elder or behaved in a manner that did not self reflect on the actions of individual elders and as a body. In my experience most problems were significantly exacerbated by the attitude and actions of elder(s).