Who are the Governing Body members? Can the average JW name even one or more members of that body? And for those JWs who do know one or more members, what do they really know about them? More importantly, how did these men get to be the absolute rulers over seven million Jehovah's Witnesses?
The average JW has a very vague idea of how these men are in a position over them. New JWs seem to know even less, or many could care less ... and this lack of interest is often typical in our society in general. For example: If you start a checking account at a bank, you trust them with your hard earned money, yet the average person makes no real effort to know who the branch manager is, much less care about the board of directors or executive officers. Few depositors in a bank know the background, education, or experience of the persons who take and use their money. The difference is that banks are at least regulated and monitored by state and federal agencies ... whereas the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses have no such level of accountability.
It is not surprising, however, that this lack of investigation into the background of leaders would be the case in a religious environment ... because people join for reasons not related to the leadership ... yet, in the case of groups like Jehovah's Witnesses, it is these very leaders who have a great impact and ultimate control over the lives of so many millions.
What does the Watchtower tell the average member or a person from the general public? Note what they say on their website:
The world headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses is in New York. Located there is the Governing Body, a central group of experienced elders who oversee the worldwide congregation. There are also over 100 branch offices around the world. At these locations, volunteers help to print and ship Bible literature. Direction is also given to the organizing of the preaching work. Why not plan a visit to the branch office nearest you?
This little paragraph certainly implies a modest arrangement ... experienced Elders may easily imply to the average JW that these men are taken from local congregations because of their talent and experience and as such they are simply overseeing the worldwide work of Jehovah's Witnesses. But, how are they really chosen?
When professing to be of the Anointed: I was approached one Sunday after the meeting by a sister who is the mother of the man who brought me into the JW religion. She had already been a JW from the mid-1950s, when I was about 4 years old. Now, in the mid-1980s, I was just over 30 years old, and she was approaching 35 years in the organization at that time ... and here is what she asked me:
"I am curious, do you ever get any insight from Jehovah that you write down and send off to the Governing Body?"
This simple yet understandable question utterly stunned me. I had never before considered such a thing. I did not get any special insight beyond my claim to be Anointed. And in retrospect, even that so-called 'insight' or 'claim' was a religious fantasy as most religious experiences likely may be. But what her question told me was that average JWs really believe that the remaining Anointed are the Faithful & Discreet Slave who have charge over the Master's belongings, and as such they really do direct and use the Governing Body to oversee the worldwide work of preaching the Good News.
Years later in 1989 I finally read the book Crisis of Conscience, and discovered that the world headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses has no interest in the Anointed class worldwide. The Society does not consult with the so-called Faithful & Discreet Slave, and in fact, they do not even track who these Anointed are beyond taking a census once a year resulting from the memorial celebration! This did not disturb me personally as though I felt left out of the "loop" ... rather, I was concerned because I could see that the most fundamental cornerstone of Watchtower doctrine, their special understanding of a so-called Faithful & Discreet Slave class as having a God-given Commission as Prophets in these last days is not true ... it is a pure fiction. [Ref. the book, The Nations Shall Know that I am Jehovah, Copyright 1971, Watchtower, Chapter 4, "Commissioned to Speak in the Divine Name"]
So, what we were being taught was not honestly taking place ... for all practical purposes, the term Faithful and Discreet Slave class, as used and applied by Jehovah's Witnesses, is nothing more than a fairytale akin to Santa Clause for children. There is no Santa Clause and there is no Faithful & Discreet Slave class. Yet, being CHOSEN in 1918 at the time of Jesus Christ Second Presence (Coming) and enthronement in heaven as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords must be a major fulfillment of prophecy ... or so it is claimed over many decades in many and various Watchtower publications. So, such a commission and divine choice must mean something! The reality in practice is that the root doctrine of Jehovah's Witnesses is an empty shell.
So, how are the members of the Governing Body really chosen? What is the criteria? I don't really know, but over the last ten to twelve years since I left the JW religion, I have a better idea - I think. I believe that these men largely started out working at the Bethel level, or perhaps in Missionary work, as did Raymond Franz. After working many years at Bethel, likely decades, and in some cases, if you are better connected as was Ray Franz to his uncle Fred Franz, Vice President of the Watchtower Society, and you simply profess to be Anointed, you stand a chance of being chosen to serve in that capacity ... likely your Bethel experience overseeing magazine production, or assisting in the writing department may be of help ... but, judging from what various Bethelites and ex-Bethelites have stated to me, your talents and experiences are not always important ... you could be a computer genius, yet be asked to clean toilets, just to make sure you are in submission and kept humble.
Education, corporate experience, career development in secular life virtually mean nothing ... the men who are appointed, are chosen for reasons that are not necessarily consistent with what a major corporation or religion really need. Not that idiots in the secular world cannot rise to the top, for they do ... but usually there are adequate checks and balances, and enough good, experienced, and educated people to offset the potential damage done ... but in the case of a rigid religion like Jehovah's Witnesses, the perpetuation of harm continues at a steady pace precisely because it lacks checks and balances, and because more often than not, untrained and unqualified people are at the helm, driving the religion like a runaway train into the ditch of destruction ... perhaps Ray Franz, Ed Dunlap and a few others were the exception to the rule.
Who does the Appointing? When do they feel the need to add members to the Governing Body? The first part is fairly easy. The Governing Body makes any appointments of new members. They are not directed by any policy, nor are they directed and instructed by the larger Faithful & Discreet Slave to add members ... nor do the Faithful & Discreet Slave review and approve any such appointments ... rather it is a closed and very small club of a few men. Beyond that, all else is a mystery. At times in my JW life, there were as many as eighteen (18) members of the Governing Body, and currently there are ten (10) members. At least the Mormons follow the concept of having twelve (12) Apostles ... it makes a little more sense. I guess when the majority of the Governing Body, or maybe a single powerful member, like that rumored about Ted Jaracz, decides that some of the members are getting too old and feeble, then it may be time to bring in a few new members ... the latest being Sam Herd, the first and only African-American member.
Oddly enough, the Board of Directors of the Watchtower as a publishing corporation was the forerunner of today's Governing Body ... largely, the organization was run by Russell and then Rutherford as sole and exclusive all-powerful leaders, who did not recognize any Governing Body. The term seems to have begun to be used by the 1940s or 1950s, but it was not made reality until the 1970s. It was then that power was really transferred from the sole ruler, Nathan Knorr, to the Governing Body.
The Bible does not support any such concept as a Governing Body. Outside the temporary existence of the 12 Apostles, there is no evidence of any kind of a core of leaders. Even here, such people like the Apostle Paul acted quite independently of any central direction, and in fact, discarded any direction except by Holy Spirit. If one reads the New Testament, the clear impression is that the Christian faith is governed by the Holy Spirit and not by men ... even the Apostle Paul challenged the Galatians to not become salves of men again, for they were to treasure their freedom from men ruling their religious lives ... Ultimate serious concern: Regardless of what concept a person accepts as to how a religion is operated and led, whether it claims God a sole leader, or claims that God rules with the assistance of human leaders ... what I have come to realize is that it is extremely unwise to turn our most important asset, our conscience, our very lives over to men who we cannot name, who we know nothing about, and who are not qualified to lead us. In my opinion, the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses is a dangerous and insidious arrangement that should raise red flags for those who are considering joining the religion. The recent expose' of the child molestation policies of the Watchtower religion is an example of how harmful and misguided these men are.
One would think that in a religion claiming to be God's modern day Commissioned Prophet that the men at the top, all current ten members would indeed BELIEVE!!! Does this mean that they would always agree every time on every issue? No, because it only makes sense that being human there would be some different understandings among them, and at times serious disagreement. The Governing Body themselves have pointed to the meeting of the Apostles and older men in Jerusalem as being a heated debate ... and yes ... in the end they all came out with one accord. So, certainly, it never surprised me to learn that the Governing Body might have some strong debates and disagreement.
BUT ... One very important thing: While the Apostles and various older and experienced Christians may have debated and strongly disagreed, they ALL accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour. They may have debated the details, but the Christian faith was otherwise one and the same faith ... they may have been in different congregations (different organizations) with different cultures and races ... but they had a certain unity of faith that was genuinely solid.
What if one or more of the 12 Apostles completely disagreed with the ENTIRE faith? How could this person have remained an Apostle? It is hard to fathom. To date, there is no challenge to the historical record about the unity of the Apostles ... there is no evidence that any of them disputed the entire Christian faith.
What about the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses - Do they ALL believe? The first clue I received was from the book, "Crisis of Conscience" by Ray Franz. He noted that some of the Governing Body did not accept 1914, and talked openly in their meetings about shifting the 1914 Last Generation date to 1957, when the Soviet Sputnik first flew a mission into space. Some Governing Body members even stated that you could just shift a date from one shoulder and put it on the other, thus implying that it took little to reinvent some doctrine that was otherwise fixed as critical. While a significant revelation to me that these men questioned some very core doctrines, they still held to the JW religion as the TRUTH!
Then, in 2001, when I attended BRCI in Waterloo, Canada - SOMETHING NEW was revealed: One evening, several of us decided to sit in the hotel lounge and have a few drinks. Four of the eight of us were former Bethelites (I have never been a Bethelite). One of the former Bethelite who held a significant position in New York was talking about a close relationship he had with a Governing Body member. (I happen to have a couple of tapes of this GB member the former Bethelite mentioned. They were talks he gave on prayer.) If only these GB men could publish what they really know and believe. If only they could follow through with the material they used to relate in the 'special' talks they would give before the big 'apostate' crunch of the 1980s to present - maybe the JWs might have a nifty cool little religion. Anyway ...
On one of many occasions, this former Bethelite was having a private discussion with this GB member. They discussed the Bible at times as part of their normal dialogue. The GB member then made the comment that utterly floored the Bethelite; and my hearing it in 2001, though I had been an ex-JW for 8 years at the time - IT FLOORED me. What did this GB member say that was so shocking? This is how it was related to me:
"The Society has 'IT' all wrong, and everything we teach needs to be junked into the trash." The GB member went on to say, "The Society needs to start all over from the beginning, at Genesis 1:1 and completely reinvent the religion."
I find it outrageous that a member of the Governing Body could make such sweeping statements, such total and wholesale abandonment of their religion in private, and seek to start over, when at the very same time, what they do publish is harming the flock, such as, but not limited to: Shunning, no blood, door-to-door religious selling, children not being properly educated through college, etc., and above all else, their foolish molestation policies. All along, these men, or at least in this case one man, publish what they are willing to call "The Truth" yet, do not believe what he is helping to publish ... and given what Ray Franz stated, it is reasonable to believe that more than one member of the Governing Body do not entirely believe and accept several serious doctrines of the JW religion. And maybe two or three or more might feel that the entire religion is wrong.
This particular Governing Body member has at least gone to the point that he is willing to 'toss it all' into the waste bin. What a sad and cruel joke the leaders of the Watch Tower are perpetrating on the ignorant and unsuspecting JWs. I don't see how they can sleep at night ... I don't understand how they can continue on to lead 6 million people with such a voracious dialogue that they have the "Truth" and allow these people to suffer the consequences for their teachings, when in fact that at least some among them feel that they have it ALL WRONG!
The Governing Body member whom I speak of is still one of the current ten members. The other GB member is one of the three that proposed shifting the last generation to 1957 from 1914 that Ray Franz mentions, and is also still on the Governing Body. [See Crisis of Conscience, p. 261-263] ... So, we currently have at least two members of the Governing Body who were willing to make very serious changes to a core doctrine, one in the case of Albert Schroeder the only remaining member of the committee of three that proposed the serious date change ... and the other member I speak of who feels that the "Society has is all wrong" and wants to start over at Genesis 1:1.
How can these Governing Body members treat former Jehovah's Witnesses as evil apostates, when they themselves do not necessarily accept their own religion? How can they expect lock-step unity when they themselves are divided? Truly, they are nothing but Buzzards, preying on innocent people for their own glory.
Let's hope some of them will do as did Ray Franz, and have a "crisis of conscience."
Thanks for the thoughts. I'm a existing member, inactive JW. I still go once a week. I don't go out in service any more. I go to remind me of my moral responsibilities against a world engine directions. I've been raised as a JW and babtized as a teen. All my close family are JWs. Active and Inactive. I'm married and no kids and now its been 40 years of being alive. I'm an 80 percenter. I believe 80% of the moral thoughts the JWs provide. 20 percent is total crap. Unfortunitely, 20% are all the time lines, self declarations of where they sit with God, earthly vs heavenly class, no life after death (There are scriptures pointing otherwise), and the over focus on Door-To-Door and tracking time.
My wish... Place in a check and balance system. Get ride of the forementioned crap. Provide a means to give feedback from its "Dirt of the Earth" class to the official organization without penalties. And call me a Christian not a JW, or Publisher, or Servant or Elder, etc...
The "Dirt of the Earth" class are wonderful people that are just trying to function in a dark world. We need each other. We need our families. We need our neighbors. And we need to be organized. But we don't need to be burdened down with more then what Christ, or Paul helped us understand is our moral obligation. A Balance between Unity and individuality is required here.
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... written by Crossing Boundaries , May 26, 2009
I am so glad I found you all. I've started writing my experiences, being raised as a JW within a "faithful" family. I've been doing my research for my book. No wonder the fear of the internet! I can only laugh and feel very thankful! I've gone in and out of the organization over the years struggling with concience and guilt issues. I feel the need to just write you all and say a BIG THANK YOU! All the politics of the organization has been detrimental in the break up of our family, like so many others. Finally, it's out there! big hugs to all.
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... written by Duke Nukem , June 23, 2009
So, who's the GB member who said this stuff? Not mentioning names actually discredits the whole account...I smell a shitty shit farm here...no names, not trustworthy!
I left that organization fifteen years ago! Since that time, I've come to realise, that not only are the Governing Body not appointed, as any faithful Slave; I now know they never will be. Look closely at the two scriptures penned by the Apostle John! He tells us, just when those appointments are made; and they have not even as yet been appointed according to John. How about that, for jumping the gun, eh? The time for those appointments is not done until the Christ actually takes ruling authority over this earth. That means, then, they have received all of their appointments even before the Christ receives his. They had all to overcome, and observe the deeds of the Christ right down till the end, before being appointed as such. No! The time for those rewards to be paid is not even here as yet! Wow! Revelation 2:26 (Darby Translation) 26 "And he THAT OVERCOMES, and he that keeps UNTO THE END my works, to him will I give authority over the nations"...
Revelation 11:14-18 (New International Version) 14 "The second woe has passed; the third woe is coming soon. The Seventh Trumpet 15The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever." 16And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshiped God, 17saying: "We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign. 18The nations were angry; and your wrath has come. The TIME HAS COME for judging the dead, and FOR REWARDING YOUR SERVANTS the prophets AND YOUR SAINTS and those who reverence your name, both small and great— and for destroying those who destroy the earth."
That says it all, does it not? WJP
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... written by marie , July 12, 2009
Does the GB get a salary, and if so does anybody know much and are they the only paid workers?
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... written by Kaye , July 30, 2009
These are interesting thoughts. I'm married to a disfellowshipped Jehovah's Witness and we are African American. I have been doing some research of my own because I am a Christian. My husband is a hypocrite because he wants to enforce the laws and practices on our home concerning our child and the things I do in the home, but he does not want to go back to living the life he so firmly believes in. I'm wondering though with all his knowledge of Christianity and pagan history, how much does he really know about the history of his own choice of religion for worshipping God. I don't like to knock anybody's beliefs, because if you really know and understand the bible and ask God to show you what is real, you begin to understand there is truth in almost every religion that credits God as the source of power and creation.
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... written by Donalds , September 02, 2009
i was born to a second generation JW family. I thank God that He opened my eyes when i had a debate with a Seventh day Adventist about the second coming of Christ. This study took me all the way back to the beginning of Tase Russell's pathetic failed prophecy drama since his beginning in 1843 until his death in 1816 and beyonds. what a delusion this organization in is beyond my imagination. I am so convinced that this Watchtower organization is One of the false prophets predicted in the scriptures. Pl. read Matt 24chapter.
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... written by finallyfree , October 27, 2009
I am an ex-JW that remains silent. The only reason I continue to have anything at all to do with JW's is because my child is fully committed to the religion. They keep my membership so that I can keep my family.
Conform or lose is their motto. My motto....Not to let the nosy know all and I win.
Around the same era as Russell and Joseph Smith, Alexander Campbell was challenging both with what I believe in general is the true path: restoration.
Do no attempt to reform unbiblical perversions of the Christian faith. The apostles were inspired. We got the bible. "Where the bible speaks, we speak. Where the bible's silent, we're silent." A. Campbell.
Restore primitive Christianity. Stop using the faith for human schemes, getting rich, academic faith. Christianity is about application, not academics. The bible specifically sets up church government and structure; qualifications for leadership and action points for the faithful. Read the Book; follow its instructions.
When starting a new church, for instance. Our fellowship doesn't decide: hmm, I think we'll start a church in such and such town today. In Titus, Paul gives instructions to seek out elders in each community. In other words; we have several congregants who attend from the neighboring community. They have a bible study in their community. If we notice that two or three of those Christians exhibit the biblical characteristics of an elder; we approach them about being the elders of the community they live in.
So you have the Christian Church in Rome, London, Chicago, Detroit, Fargo, etc. Each community of believers is shepherded by local elders strictly following the Bible (and CHALLENGEABLE by any Christian on biblical principles - try doing that JW's.) Any extra-biblical Vatican, Watchtower, Synod, Council, or any other human governing body outside of autonomous, locally based, biblically qualified elders is sinful and doomed to failure and corruption. Instead of seeing what we can get OUT of our congregation, we as leadership see what we can put in:
Support PARENTS to train their kids up in biblical character; Support sober ALCOHOLICS and DRUG ADDICTS who are born again to reach those still lost in drunkenness; care for widows and orphans; don't just swear off government as of satan - pray for and get involved to reform your township, county or state.
Here's the nuts and bolts problem with EVERY human organization: In me no good thing dwells. The more I vote for the "lesser of two evils" the more I don't do my homework and allow sinful people to form my beliefs; the more corruption and sin will rule over my life.
I assume my elders have the capacity to sin and so do they. As music director, I can tell you I'm no special case. I've seen AA members with 15 years in go get smashed because they stopped applying their program of recovery. God is above all powers, all thrones, all HUMAN ORGANIZATIONS, all writings, all opinions, all "new light" etc.
That said, charismatic groups border on Watchtower errors because they get "new light" all the time; speaking out things in "tongues" or "prophecies" which do not jive with scripture. Again, the OT response to false prophets was stoning to death. How many Jimmy Swaggarts, Russells, Rutherfords, Jim Bakers, Smiths, Brigham Youngs, etc. would be stoned dead if Christians applied OT teachings to them.
At the end of the day, your elder, pastor, priest, AA sponsor, parent, whoever, IS NOT GOD. God can work through them, but God has also worked through a donkey and a bush. So, you know, you're not so special. GOD DOES NOT NEED YOUR ABILITY; God needs your availability.
Christianity is simple: Give a drunk a ride to an AA meeting. Babysit for a couple who need a weekend away to work on their marriage. Visit seniors in the nursing homes. Buy a grocery gift card and keep it in your glove box for when you run into that homeless person you can share your faith with. Magic is when you expect something "poof" out of nothing. Miracles happen when we show up like David, without the ability to do something, and God makes us able - and we slay the giant - with no explanation but God. He will share His glory with NO MAN.
I pray each of you will consider restoring simple Christianity in your faith. Pray each day that God's kingdom will come rule over your heart in order that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven. May the LORD, Mighty God, bless and keep you all forever in Jesus name. Amen.
wow, i am stocked' i am a disfellowed jw, my parents have been jw's since i was born and the religion has been a part of my life, i always knew there was something about it i didnt like, i started by reading books about the illuminati there i found the russel family and kept looking into it. I was then considered a apostate, my parents say i have demons inside me, somehow they mold minds to even forget and ignore that you have family that does not believe in jehovah anymore, its sad because i have no parents, or aunts that are jw as well, but yet wont speak to me, i find it hard to believe that they will give their all for a person in the street that wants help but completely disown their own blood for what a group of men make you believe, and how you are presured at a inocent level to get baptized even at an age they know you arent fully matured to even understand what the real meaning of being a jw is, my sister at 12 got baptized, my cousin of 10 years old got baptized and his dad (my uncle by marriage to my aunt) did not even arguew or question it, and he is an elder, what does it tell you, obiously there is something about it that they just want to grow, yet not really caring of the outcome, just hoping it all works out with that individual. i thank the information from the internet, now i have a clear understanding of what we have been lied to. I need to gather my thoughs and talk to my parents in a way that they can listen to me. I will try, if anyone is still current in this web page hope the best for me for i am someone who believes in letting people know the truth.
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... written by Max Kline , January 05, 2010
Fascinating article...but more credibility could be acquired if the name of the GB member was disclosed. I'm not surprised by this story but again a name would surely help. The JW's have made serious mistakes by setting dates and then having to re-set those dates when their armageddon fails to happen. These anointed ones in the GB are not feeding their sheep the correct information it seems!
This delusional belief system ranks up there with the "best" of them...like the Mormons for example. Hypocrisy is the operative word. Once again, let's hear the name of that GB member who correctly thinks that the entire religion should be trashed!
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... written by Janet Hine , February 15, 2010
I have read with interest he comments made and some seem to be held to be opinions . Well here is a fact . In the booklet "Should We Believe In The Trinity? " this so called Governing Body say that the early Church Fathers ie Tertullian , Origen etc do not teach the divinity of Christ . This is a lie . If you read the actual works of these venerated men , easily found on line , they all teach the divinity of Christ . Check it out for yourselves . They , the GB, need to lie like this to back up their false teaching about the gospel because what they say is rubbish. Tey have no right to tell anyone what to do Janet
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... written by Angela Osbourne , March 18, 2010
You can give someone a book, but you can't make him think. On the other hand, you can produce a volume of books that you have written, and that all carry the exact same message, along with explicit instructions to read these and nothing else each and every day, week after, month after month, year after year and voila - you can make him think whatever you wish.
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... written by Joe , April 08, 2010
It is very interesting to have a website like this one. Today, there exist so much informations: That makes one wonder what the truth really is. You know for all those that use the Bible. The bible made it very clear what the truth is.--1 Tim 3:14,15. Thus, we are encouraged to do our utmost to present ourselves approved by God--2 Ti 2:14-19.
I have read vastly and I have studied many religions. They all have one thing in common. Majoirty of these religions if not all talk about a God (Many also speak of triune-God). They all preach goodness to ones neighbor. The bottom line is they talk about worshipping and fearing this or these supernatural being/s. As long as one do good s/he will be rewarded with eternity or life everlasting.
The bible as a book of authority for all christians remain to be a guide and not a manual to a human life. God is the director of the human dimension and by his inspired (holy spirit empowered) words he directs us in the way we must follow to reap benefits from his (I am sorry for the bible will not allow me to make God gender neutral)many blessings.
There is no need to pounce on any one person or institution. I only see the need to reveal the truth of the bible to anyone who seeks it. Afterall, the bible gave salient instructions on how to carry out the ministry in Matt 28: 18,19. It also says that the sheep will hear his ([refer to shepherd]) and they will follow him. The bible speaks for itself and God uses men to do his will on earth as well as the angels.
Mahatma Ghandi says it the best. The problem is not christianity (following christ) rather it is the so called christians (us). Apostle Paul says that the fight is against wicked/evil forces in the high places. This will include sinful acts of mankind as a whole.
Jesus Christ died as a model for us to follow, setting an example in glorifying and doing God' will. Jehovah' witnesses as ascetic as they may appear to all are people; regular people who hold their belief to a very high esteem. Many look at them as uneducated and brain-washed non-entities. They endeavor to seek first God' kingdom as the only hope for mankind --Matt 6:33. The same thing they teach to their children. If you don't like the religion as a child or an adult just move on.
No parent of JW shoves the believe under their children's throat in the free world at least.--Col 3:10 shows that the bible expects children to be agreeable. That doesn't happen all the time. Parents of JW youths should be patient with their younger ones as they do not know alot in life. At one point each have to decide whether or not a deviation from ones revered religious background is tantanount.
To all christian's the Bible is God's inspired word which lists certain principles, rules, and commands that he expects us to acknowledge and obey to the best of our ability. It is not about our comfort or immediate happiness. Plenty of servants of Jehovah served faithfully and died faithfully having endured adverse, undesirable circumstances. (2 Timothy 2:4,5 [rules], 1 John 5:3).
My allegiance is to God whose name is Jehovah. I would say, though, that I have an attachment to Jehovah's earthly organization headed by Jesus. I am sure many will criticize me on that. Because of the love and allegiance I feel towards Jehovah and Jesus, I should be respectful, and as submissive/obedient as possible to those taking the lead in the organization which Jehovah saw fit to institute on earth. The elder, the anointed, and no one else is to be feared, but they serve the purpose of keeping order and unity within Jehovah's organization. I fear God (Jehovah) alone. I am second generation JW college educated. I also own businesses.
My advise to you is avoid going to extreme in whatever you believe in; know what you need in life; respect all; be open to learn new things so you can evolve as an individual; if fall short seek help and ask him (God) to forgive and empower you. Crosscheck things to make sure that what you heard it the truth of the bible. If not you will be like those wearing bombs on their wastes. Stay away from politics anywhere you go (church or no church). Most religions are not perfect but only one could be manageable as a way to God through Christ Jesus. JWs have proved to have love amongst themselve more than any other group. How? They don't go to war. They have genuine love amongst themselves and they are good neighbors. --John 13:35. Is this not the identifying mark of true christians? I guess it is one of it.
I know that a wise man can not rely only on his own understanding because that could be disastrous.--Jer 10:23. I am not saying that JWs are perfect. They are also work in progress; but closer to a glitz finnesse as a way of life. That is what christianity is all about. It is not our work but undeserved kindness of God. If error is what God counts who then can stand.--Psalms 130:3. He looks into our heart condition and he alone can judge not men.
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... written by devin , April 21, 2010
Joe, Regarding your comment that 'No parent of JW shoves the believe under their children's throat in the free world at least'...I sincerely beg to differ. I very clearly remember MY childhood experiences in a JW household AS WELL AS in the congregation. This is not only a dangerous statement, but erroneous as well, although an expected one from a JW. As for your interposition that you are college educated (I'm sure that was put there to remind us that JWs certainly don't discourage higher learning just as they don't shove their beliefs down their children's throats, I find this hard to believe after observing your spelling and grammar. Nice attempt, though.
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... written by honi , April 29, 2010
While you all sit there making judgements and focusing on all the wrong things, dedicated kind people seek to find open hearts because of their love for humankind and their thankfulness to whom brought them life and that is witnesses in general. The governing body go nameless as they do not seek undue praise... I am not even an active witness.. But you who speak so ill of selfless people may never find happiness, the bitterness shines through. Humans are humans, the anointed do not know the answers they have not yet been instructed by god. They have only answered to a calling from god...i love life, i love my daughter and wife , god has blessed me with this but also the priveledge of knowing some of the most decent human beings on earth. May god bless all your efforts even though we are mere humans and will never truly know the truth till he reveals
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... written by shawn , May 06, 2010
I do not KNOW the Governing Body, so I cannot assume their intentions. I can however read their words, as they have put out in the publications, under their authority, all the way back to Russel. They have done much good, and tried hard to be clean, etc. TOO hard. They have missed the point. As the jews in Jesus day. They got caught up on the details of the law, adding to it and expanding it, only to miss the point of it, the foundation, LOVE . The society can be a fine place to be, or it can be hell. If you are a thinker, and want to use your common sense and christian freedom of conscience, you cant stay and be happy
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... written by i shall remain nameless , June 05, 2010
WOW!!!..... I never would have thought there is actually a website dedicated to do nothing but criticize the Jehovah's Witnesses..... Are there other meaningless sites like this one that are centered on the criticism of other religions? Why don't all the people (no matter what your religion/beliefs) with the time to sit here and comment (such as myself) make use of your time and preach the word of God to the people (since you are so spiritual and want others to profit from what you consider the truth) just as it is told to do so in the bible (yes, in YOUR bible as well) (Matthew 24:14; 28:19,20).... ^_^ peace!
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... written by Nobody of any importance , June 17, 2010
I spent most of my life trying to be a good JW. Was never good enough. So many of the teachings seem very correct, while some seem to be out in left field. The history of the org is also quite shakey. One doesn't have the option to weigh it, discuss it, or seek clarification; independant thinking being a high crime of apostasy, and seeking more information being a sign of independant thinking. The most puzzleing things to me are the authoritarian structure of the org, the lack of love manifest in congregations and especially among the elders...... By this all will know you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves. Also the way elder bodies are supposed to function as opposed to the way they really function. I am feeling very sad about all the years I gave to them. When I first studied the Truth Book in 1972, it made a strong assertation that it is only right to question your religion, to see if it is true. but suddenly when you have become a JW, you are not permitted to question anything.... Just obey, obey, obey...
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