[This contributed letter does not necessarily reflect all the views of our community. We post it here as a service to those who seek to worship God "in spirit and in truth" (John 4:20-24)]
AN OPEN LETTER TO THE
GOVERNING BODY
OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
It is with heartfelt sorrow that I observe the problems befalling Jehovah’s Witnesses. It is sad to see a people who once stood up in faithful integrity against despotic regimes and hostile democratic powers being vilified by those who seek their demise. Yet restoring the happiness and vitality of these people of faith could, I believe, be easily accomplished.
Though having brought undetermined thousands into the faith, the apostle Paul wrote that he was not the master over their faith. (2 Corinthians 1:24) If this was the attitude of an inspired apostle, how is it that a group of uninspired men elevate themselves as masters over the lives and faith of 8+ millions of Jehovah’s Witnesses? Repeatedly, the Governing Body exalts itself as “Jehovah’s organization.” How can you not see idolatry in the way this idea is promulgated? Those on whose hearts Jehovah has written His laws will obey without the goading of a ‘Mother’ organization. Jehovah does not have an organization; He has a people. Jesus died to save people, not an ‘organization.’ Abandon the use of this word and its attending concepts.
The Governing Body needs to reform its thinking to ‘servant’ mode; rebrand itself as a Pastoral Counsel, studying the Scriptures and advising the flock spiritually. Jehovah is God, and Jesus is Lord. The “servant” was instructed to feed the household of faith, not to be its governor. Over the decades, the Governing Body has out-Phariseed the Pharisees, speaking where the Bible does not speak.
First, throw out the “Shepherding” book. Jesus treated the woman caught in adultery with dignity and compassion; he didn’t check ‘the Book.’ (John 8:3-11) In dealing with members of the congregation for whatever reason, elders need to do the same.
Second, a blanket amnesty for all currently disfellowshiped and disassociated persons should be enacted. This would not mean that they are automatically reinstated to the congregations. But Witnesses could again interact with their friends and loved ones, treating them the same as those who are not and have never been Jehovah’s Witnesses. Those wanting to resume association with a congregation would inform the elders and begin attending meetings again. Shunning practices would be limited to serious sins, such as adultery, sexual abuse, murder and thievery. And certainly not to questionable interpretations.
Third, blood transfusions. According to the Watchtower, life is in the blood, and, therefore, blood must be treated as sacred. Not exactly. Life is sacred. Blood is sacred only when it represents the life lost. The blood used in transfusions is not sacred because the blood donors are not dead; that blood does not represent their lives. The policy of the Governing Body has made the symbol more sacred than the thing it symbolizes.
Fourth, having falsely prophesied – yes, falsely prophesied – the end of this world system repeatedly, your doctrine concerning 1914 and the setting of dates should be abandoned. Jesus warned, “Watch out, so that you are not led astray, because many will come in my name, saying … ‘The time has drawn near.’ Do not follow after them.” (Luke 21:8) Anyone setting dates should be avoided. We have no way of knowing when Jesus will return because his return will be “as a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2) This means it could happen tonight, next month, or a hundred years from now.
The Governing Body needs to repent for many of its policies. If David had not repented of the sins he committed in the wake of his immorality with Bathsheba, God would not have forgiven him. The Governing Body has voiced the view that it does not need to apologize for its errors or for changes in doctrines and practices. Jehovah says you do, or you cannot be forgiven. (Acts 8:22)
There can be a new dawn for the fellowship of Jehovah’s Witnesses; and a new day in which Jehovah God and Jesus Christ can be glorified by His people. To accomplish this, the Governing Body needs to swallow its pride, amend its ways, appeal to Jehovah’s mercy, and apologize to those harmed by its policies. Amen.
signed – a modern-day “Nathan”
Archived Comments
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Comment by Leonardo Josephus on 2024-05-23 12:05:23
That covers pretty much what many of us would want to say to the Governing Body, but it is good to see it in print.
Personally I would add a few more.
1. Start being open on what you teach. Admit what the alternative views are, and explain why those views are wrong, if you can. But stop pulling the wool over people's eyes by refusing to discuss scriptures in depth.
2. Make the Watchtower Study a Bible study. Teach us o love God's word by explaining things properly. Experiences are no substitute for the word of God. Do not treat us all as if we are new to the Organisation. We want to be treated as adults, and that means respecting our needs.
3. Stop telling us "We love you", unless you mean it.
4. Be open with the money. If Adventists can produce annual figures, why can't we ?
There are plenty more, but these would do for a start.
Comment by arnon on 2024-05-24 13:20:21
I was bothered by 3 things in particular:
1. The year 1914 and the Red Book on the explanations of the Book of Revelation.
2. The declaration that they are Jehovah's only organization. Jehovah never told them this.
3. Why are they against high education?
Comment by Leonardo Josephus on 2024-05-24 17:40:22
Just in case my earlier comments suggest otherwise. I am out until such time as the Organisation has changed enough to warrant a return, which I doubt will ever happen. I will not be fooled again. However, I will not treat those who are still in as idiots, but with respect. If I was duped for over 40 years, I just pray they come to an accurate knowledge of truth. If I put on a front for the sake of my own family, then so be it. Jehovah knows what I am doing, and why, and I believe that goes for Jesus too, if I am worthy for them to be bothered with me.
Comment by K.Miguelicutty on 2024-06-14 10:27:53
I was glad to read this letter this morning. As Christ’s brethren having woken up from the doctrines of men and false teachers Jesus warned us about, we must not give up on our JW friends still enslaved to the organization. We cling to the Truth now, which is the WORD, Jesus Christ, and the directions he gave us in the scriptures. It’s taken me a long time (29 years) to finally settle with this organization because of the love I have for the people I know and my continued attempts to reason and show them the Bible truth.
But last week I sent a letter and referenced my website testimony to Christ and my rebuttal to key false teachings of the Watchtower. It is my letter of dis-association as it were. There is no hate and not much anger, just an unafraid telling of my experience and the truth as I have learned it from scripture. I am optimistic. I think as the end of the system draws closer, we may very well see the GB repent publicly and come into line with God’s will as the Holy Spirit causes many to come into the fold of Jesus Christ worldwide. I just hope and pray for that because there are so many good souls that need to be freed to worship God in Spirit and Truth: and no longer be captive to any false religion.