The Watchtower Study for the week of 6/1/2008 is so funny. You will really enjoy this one:
REPUDIATE "VALUELESS THINGS" "The one pursuing valueless things is in want of heart."-PROV. 12:11.
One of the funniest parts to me is How to Repudiate Valueless Words
Q 18. In what ways can we apply the counsel found at 1 John 4:1?
18. The aged apostle John gave fine counsel in this regard. (Read 1 John 4:1.) In harmony with John's counsel, we always encourage those we meet in the preaching work to test what they have been taught by comparing it with the Bible. That is a good rule for us too. lf any statements come to our ears that are critical of the truth or that cast aspersions on the congregation, the elders, or any of our brothers, we do not accept them at face value. Rather, we ask: "Is the one spreading this story acting in harmony with what the Bible says? Do these stories or allegations further Jehovah’s purpose? Do they promote the peace of the congregation?" Anything we hear that tears down the brotherhood rather than builds it up is a worthless thing.-2 Cor. 13:10, 11. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think pointing out that the Watchtower is full of hot air is not a worthless thing.
(The scriptures tell us to test with the Bible the things we hear. But the Watchtower tell us that we should just dismiss everything that someone says that is not taught by the Governing Body. Clever, huh? Just dismiss it, it's not true. Doesn't say that we should first go to the scriptures to see if its true. Oh, no. Can't have that. Just dismiss their words as lies, all lies. Don't we all know Witnesses like this? No matter what we say to them or how we can prove it from the scriptures and from the organization's own books, they turn away and say it is all lies. They have been well taught.)
To support their way of thinking the Watchtower then quotes Acts 17:11, which says of newly interested persons at Beroea: “Now the latter were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.” But does this mean that those Beroeans were looking for flaws in the message they were hearing, or that their attitude was one of doubting? Does this set a precedent for regarding critically the publications brought forth by the “faithful and discreet slave,” with a view to finding fault? Not at all! (Now the Watchtower is saying that the Boreans were not really checking to see if the things they taught were true. In fact, the Watchtower claims to know, without any proof, exactly what the Boreans were thinking. How do they know with what attitude the Boreans were checking the scriptures? They just made it up.)
What is more humerous is that the Watchtower has made a fotune out of "valueless" words. Just think of all the publications that they have written that cannot be used now because they contain "old light". The thousands of hours spent giving talks, attending meetings and conventions, in which we were innundated with words that are now "valueless". They have some freaking nerve!
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Our Kingdom Ministry Announcements
The ANNOUNCEMENTS section of the July OUR KINGDOM MINISTRY says
Literature offer for July: "Keep on the Watch! If the congregation does not have this brochure in stock, please check if nearby congregations have a surplus on hand that you can use. If that is not possible, offer another appropiate brochure the congregation has in stock."
Now that's for July, in August they say the same things for Worship the Only True God., in September, using What Does the Bible Really Teach? They want all you zombies out there to "make an effort to start Bible studies on the initial call."
And don't forget August have five (yes count them) five FULL weekends, "it would be an excellent month to auxiliary pioneer."
In September, everyone will have a soecial visit from the Circuit Overseer who will give the talk: Walk in the Way of Integrity. How wonderful!
This is just an example of the fact that Jehovah's Witnesses are not really "Christians" they are "Publishers" who under the term religion push literature from door to door in the hopes of gaining new recruits. They fake spirituality and use it as a lure to get more people into the commericalistic spirit to push the goods onto others.
Literature offer for July: "Keep on the Watch! If the congregation does not have this brochure in stock, please check if nearby congregations have a surplus on hand that you can use. If that is not possible, offer another appropiate brochure the congregation has in stock."
Now that's for July, in August they say the same things for Worship the Only True God., in September, using What Does the Bible Really Teach? They want all you zombies out there to "make an effort to start Bible studies on the initial call."
And don't forget August have five (yes count them) five FULL weekends, "it would be an excellent month to auxiliary pioneer."
In September, everyone will have a soecial visit from the Circuit Overseer who will give the talk: Walk in the Way of Integrity. How wonderful!
This is just an example of the fact that Jehovah's Witnesses are not really "Christians" they are "Publishers" who under the term religion push literature from door to door in the hopes of gaining new recruits. They fake spirituality and use it as a lure to get more people into the commericalistic spirit to push the goods onto others.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Watchtower Organization is Polluting The Earth, Literally
The Watchtower organization has been fined for pollution by the State of New York. "God will bring to ruin those runing the earth." If this scriptures is true then the Watchtower has something to worry about. The pollute the earth with their printing equipment, boilers for heating, deisel engines for power, etc.
http://epa.gov/ttn/naaqs/ozone/areas/plant/stnypln.htm
The Watchtower's name is near the end of the page. Click on the Watchtower name and you will get an even more detailed report. Their fine was $50,000.00.
I don't want to post a copy of the actual check here because it is a Watchtower check that is private and I don't want my blog shut down.
Aren't you happy to know what your contributions are being spent on?
http://epa.gov/ttn/naaqs/ozone/areas/plant/stnypln.htm
The Watchtower's name is near the end of the page. Click on the Watchtower name and you will get an even more detailed report. Their fine was $50,000.00.
I don't want to post a copy of the actual check here because it is a Watchtower check that is private and I don't want my blog shut down.
Aren't you happy to know what your contributions are being spent on?
Monday, May 26, 2008
You Do Not Have To Go To The District Assembly This Year
.....the following is a run down of some of more interesting things that will be on the program this year:
Saturday
Symposium: Directed by God's Spirit in Our Ministry - Speaking the Word of God with Boldness
During this part, there was a sister who was interviewed for "extreme shyness" and how she over came it.
First thing I said was "if she is so shy, why the hell is she in front of 5000 people????"
Skillfully Weilding the Sword of the Spirit
Part of the same symposium, the next talk had a great illustration, but they applied it to apostates. (ROFL)
The illustration: A critic of a play was misquoted by the theater as saying "Go and see this play!", when in reality, he had said "If you like trivialities and boredom, go and see this play!"
He was totally taken out of context (much like what the organization does). But the speaker said that is what apostates do to the society.
The speaker followed this up with a demonstration on how to reason with a study "using only the scriptures".
The brother in the demonstration then used one scripture, a paragraph from the Reasoning book, and a couple sentences from the Watchtower.
I was amazed that the speaker then followed up on how skillfully he used "only the scriptures" to prove his point.
Bible Writers Borne Along by Holy Spirit
Speaker noted that the Bible is never wrong, anything wrong done by bOrg was because of imperfect men.
He said: You never hear some one say "I followed the Bible's advice and that was a disaster".
Notice he did not say that about the society's writings.
He followed it up with "The Bible is the only book to survive attempts to destroy it."
I don't know if I believe that. I think there have been a couple books in history that have survived attacks.
Symposium: Empowered by Holy Spirit
The speaker made an interesting finger pointing statement: "If you could kick the backside of the person responsible for each of your problems. You wouldn't be able to sit for a month."
Nothing like saying, "you bring it on yourself brothers".
To Resist Harmful Peer Pressure
Here they had a soliloquy of a teen struggling with himself over whether he should turn in his friend for wrongdoing.
He ends up turning in the friend.
The speaker then asked all in the audience to turn in problems to the elders, asking the audience, "Will you be as faithful as that brother?"
Further, he said "Your friends will be glad to get the problem off their chest!"
Sow With a View to the Spirit
This talk informed us that there was an increase of 1106 congregations in the world.
Then mentions that there is less than an average of 3 elders per congregation worldwide.
The speaker hit hard for brothers to pray for the desire to achieve this responsibility.
Do Not Be Grieving God's Holy Spirit
The speaker hits hard that we have to follow the guidance of the elders as they are directly appointed by Holy Spirit.
If they do not qualify, the Holy Spirit will take care of them in due time.
(this hurts worse for the organization when you think of elders that have been reappointed after molestation claims).
Keep yourselves in God's Love
New release with the same title as the talk.
Sometime after showing the book the speaker was listing some of the qualities of the book.
He said it will move readers to ask "why do I follow Jehovah?"
Then he said, "Most of those who leave the organization, leave because of conduct, not doctrine."
(that is news to me...)
SundaySymposium: Cultivate the Fruitage of the Spirit - Joy
Speaker said "there is no where else in the world where you can find different races getting along together."
(I really tried not to laugh, really I tried)
He also said that you can't find another people who are "nothing but joyful".
(apparently joy and depression go hand in hand)
Goodness
A gem that I found out in this talk was, "you need to rely on Jehovah and the Organization to be taught goodness."
(Jehovah alone can't teach you??)
Drama
Wow they hit hard on education, entertainment, and work.
Those that focused on those things in the drama were portrayed as apostates, and loose women.
Loyally Serving with Jehovah's Spirit Directed Organization
Last Talk of the Weekend
"Keep in God's Love" to be used as second book when studying with others, and will be studied as a congregation in Feb 2009.
3 Reasons why JWs are the true religion:
1) Tremendous Witness work (100+ years and worldwide)
- one witness wrote into a newspaper claiming that JWs are the only ones who care, they even work on environmental issues.
2) Emphasis placed on right conduct
3) Love among themselves
Speaker mentioned that they would be persecuted - bad reports, apostates, divided households. (Jehovah's Witnesses love it when they are persecuted.)
Saturday
Symposium: Directed by God's Spirit in Our Ministry - Speaking the Word of God with Boldness
During this part, there was a sister who was interviewed for "extreme shyness" and how she over came it.
First thing I said was "if she is so shy, why the hell is she in front of 5000 people????"
Skillfully Weilding the Sword of the Spirit
Part of the same symposium, the next talk had a great illustration, but they applied it to apostates. (ROFL)
The illustration: A critic of a play was misquoted by the theater as saying "Go and see this play!", when in reality, he had said "If you like trivialities and boredom, go and see this play!"
He was totally taken out of context (much like what the organization does). But the speaker said that is what apostates do to the society.
The speaker followed this up with a demonstration on how to reason with a study "using only the scriptures".
The brother in the demonstration then used one scripture, a paragraph from the Reasoning book, and a couple sentences from the Watchtower.
I was amazed that the speaker then followed up on how skillfully he used "only the scriptures" to prove his point.
Bible Writers Borne Along by Holy Spirit
Speaker noted that the Bible is never wrong, anything wrong done by bOrg was because of imperfect men.
He said: You never hear some one say "I followed the Bible's advice and that was a disaster".
Notice he did not say that about the society's writings.
He followed it up with "The Bible is the only book to survive attempts to destroy it."
I don't know if I believe that. I think there have been a couple books in history that have survived attacks.
Symposium: Empowered by Holy Spirit
The speaker made an interesting finger pointing statement: "If you could kick the backside of the person responsible for each of your problems. You wouldn't be able to sit for a month."
Nothing like saying, "you bring it on yourself brothers".
To Resist Harmful Peer Pressure
Here they had a soliloquy of a teen struggling with himself over whether he should turn in his friend for wrongdoing.
He ends up turning in the friend.
The speaker then asked all in the audience to turn in problems to the elders, asking the audience, "Will you be as faithful as that brother?"
Further, he said "Your friends will be glad to get the problem off their chest!"
Sow With a View to the Spirit
This talk informed us that there was an increase of 1106 congregations in the world.
Then mentions that there is less than an average of 3 elders per congregation worldwide.
The speaker hit hard for brothers to pray for the desire to achieve this responsibility.
Do Not Be Grieving God's Holy Spirit
The speaker hits hard that we have to follow the guidance of the elders as they are directly appointed by Holy Spirit.
If they do not qualify, the Holy Spirit will take care of them in due time.
(this hurts worse for the organization when you think of elders that have been reappointed after molestation claims).
Keep yourselves in God's Love
New release with the same title as the talk.
Sometime after showing the book the speaker was listing some of the qualities of the book.
He said it will move readers to ask "why do I follow Jehovah?"
Then he said, "Most of those who leave the organization, leave because of conduct, not doctrine."
(that is news to me...)
SundaySymposium: Cultivate the Fruitage of the Spirit - Joy
Speaker said "there is no where else in the world where you can find different races getting along together."
(I really tried not to laugh, really I tried)
He also said that you can't find another people who are "nothing but joyful".
(apparently joy and depression go hand in hand)
Goodness
A gem that I found out in this talk was, "you need to rely on Jehovah and the Organization to be taught goodness."
(Jehovah alone can't teach you??)
Drama
Wow they hit hard on education, entertainment, and work.
Those that focused on those things in the drama were portrayed as apostates, and loose women.
Loyally Serving with Jehovah's Spirit Directed Organization
Last Talk of the Weekend
"Keep in God's Love" to be used as second book when studying with others, and will be studied as a congregation in Feb 2009.
3 Reasons why JWs are the true religion:
1) Tremendous Witness work (100+ years and worldwide)
- one witness wrote into a newspaper claiming that JWs are the only ones who care, they even work on environmental issues.
2) Emphasis placed on right conduct
3) Love among themselves
Speaker mentioned that they would be persecuted - bad reports, apostates, divided households. (Jehovah's Witnesses love it when they are persecuted.)
Sunday, May 25, 2008
Monday, May 19, 2008
Lastest News! No More Circuit Overseers
Well the decision has been made. The position of Circuit Overseer is being done away with. No more Circuit Overseer! I don't know when this will be announced or take effect, but I will let you know as soon as I hear. So many things are changing it's really hard to keep up with it all. I believe the plan now is to have "mature" elders visiting congregations to make sure that everything is okay and to give their independent opinions as to the status of the congregation they are visiting.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
United Kingdom Charity Recognizes Detrimental Effects of Shunning
http://www.gibfocus.gildetails_comments.php/?id=413
Letter to Editor: National Charity Launches Support and Advice for Existing or EX Jehovah's Witnesses in the U.K. by Mike Ellis Chairman: NSCFC National Charity launches Support & Advice for existing or EX Jehovah's Witnesses in the UK News Flash as can be found here at http://www.nscfc.com/index.htm The charity...National Society for Children and Family Contact (NSCFC) now extends its Free and Confidential service in support of the long-term effects and sufferings of existing and ex-Jehovah's Witnesses. An increasingly concerning cause of Family Breakdown of an insidious nature is the result of the affiliation of at least one Family Member to this powerfully controlling religious Organisation. 1/ Any religious organisation/cult that separates Family Members using Mind Control and Fear must be challenged in the interest of The Children, Family Life and Society. 2/ Dictating an individual's right to contact with family members, especially The Children, clearly threatens the bonds, unity and natural love within the family Unit. 3/ The resulting Damage is so great that many adults, teenagers and children continue to feel the painful effects even after successfully pulling away from such an Organisation. For this reason we have brought onboard ex members all of whom have vast experience in how best to face, overcome and survive this brainwashing experience which can and does include child abuse and other unlawful acts the like of which is covered up by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society (WTBT) Headquarter secrecy dictates to the exclusion of the police and local authorities and well documented as such worldwide. Contact Us National Society for Children and Family Contact (NSCFC) is a registered charity which believes that continuing contact with a child's parents or extended family after separation or divorce is vital for the child's balanced development and it works tirelessly to foster those all-important family contacts. As such we offer free support and advice to all those in need. Helpline at National rate also available 24/7 on 0870 794 0075 or at www.nscfc.com Mike Ellis
Now, if only we had the support of a charity here in the United States. The site has a feedback form if you would like to comment.
Letter to Editor: National Charity Launches Support and Advice for Existing or EX Jehovah's Witnesses in the U.K. by Mike Ellis Chairman: NSCFC National Charity launches Support & Advice for existing or EX Jehovah's Witnesses in the UK News Flash as can be found here at http://www.nscfc.com/index.htm The charity...National Society for Children and Family Contact (NSCFC) now extends its Free and Confidential service in support of the long-term effects and sufferings of existing and ex-Jehovah's Witnesses. An increasingly concerning cause of Family Breakdown of an insidious nature is the result of the affiliation of at least one Family Member to this powerfully controlling religious Organisation. 1/ Any religious organisation/cult that separates Family Members using Mind Control and Fear must be challenged in the interest of The Children, Family Life and Society. 2/ Dictating an individual's right to contact with family members, especially The Children, clearly threatens the bonds, unity and natural love within the family Unit. 3/ The resulting Damage is so great that many adults, teenagers and children continue to feel the painful effects even after successfully pulling away from such an Organisation. For this reason we have brought onboard ex members all of whom have vast experience in how best to face, overcome and survive this brainwashing experience which can and does include child abuse and other unlawful acts the like of which is covered up by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society (WTBT) Headquarter secrecy dictates to the exclusion of the police and local authorities and well documented as such worldwide. Contact Us National Society for Children and Family Contact (NSCFC) is a registered charity which believes that continuing contact with a child's parents or extended family after separation or divorce is vital for the child's balanced development and it works tirelessly to foster those all-important family contacts. As such we offer free support and advice to all those in need. Helpline at National rate also available 24/7 on 0870 794 0075 or at www.nscfc.com Mike Ellis
Now, if only we had the support of a charity here in the United States. The site has a feedback form if you would like to comment.
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
The July 15, 2008 contains loads of New Light
First of all you must keep in mind that the Watchtower predicted many, many dates as to when Jesus would return. All those dates failed. The latest date was 1914 and when that date failed the Watchtower claimed that Jesus did return, only his return was invisible.
In this article they give a new interpretation of Jesus' parables of dragnet, mustard seed, leaven, etc. Now remember that the Watchtower has always given a scripture and an explanation for occurrence within the organization. The Watchtower is now in a state of decline. Member numbers are falling off and so are contributions. This article is meant to shore up the brothers to stay the course. Jesus didn't show, so he returned invisibly. The world didn't end when they said it would, so it ended invisibly. The Society's growth is slowing and now, growth is going to be invisible too. Yes, I am not kidding. The Watchtower claims it is showing invisible growth. Please don't ask me to explain it. Read it for yourselves and please explain it to me.
Invisible growth? I suppose they'll toss up a few invisible Halls to take care of a few invisible meetings for the invisible brothers for the invisible growth. You gotta read this hilarious issue.
Just one example:
They use the dragnet illustration to exhort people to return to the society. I take it from this that studies are dropping off, and adult children are not coming back as they used to.
19. As with the unsuitable fish, many who have once studied the Bible with Jehovah's people have stopped studying. Some born to Christian parents have never really wanted to become footstep followers of Jesus. They have been unwilling to make the decision to serve Jehovah or after serving him for a while have ceased doing so *. (Ezek. 33:32, 33) It is imperative, though, that all honesthearted ones allow themselves to be gathered into the vessellike congregations before the final day of judgement and to remain in a place of safety.
*Does this mean that everyone who has stopped studying or associating with Jehovah's people have been thrown away as unsuitable by the angels? No! If someone sincerely desires to return to Jehovah, he will find the way open. - Mal. 3:7.
In this article they give a new interpretation of Jesus' parables of dragnet, mustard seed, leaven, etc. Now remember that the Watchtower has always given a scripture and an explanation for occurrence within the organization. The Watchtower is now in a state of decline. Member numbers are falling off and so are contributions. This article is meant to shore up the brothers to stay the course. Jesus didn't show, so he returned invisibly. The world didn't end when they said it would, so it ended invisibly. The Society's growth is slowing and now, growth is going to be invisible too. Yes, I am not kidding. The Watchtower claims it is showing invisible growth. Please don't ask me to explain it. Read it for yourselves and please explain it to me.
Invisible growth? I suppose they'll toss up a few invisible Halls to take care of a few invisible meetings for the invisible brothers for the invisible growth. You gotta read this hilarious issue.
Just one example:
They use the dragnet illustration to exhort people to return to the society. I take it from this that studies are dropping off, and adult children are not coming back as they used to.
19. As with the unsuitable fish, many who have once studied the Bible with Jehovah's people have stopped studying. Some born to Christian parents have never really wanted to become footstep followers of Jesus. They have been unwilling to make the decision to serve Jehovah or after serving him for a while have ceased doing so *. (Ezek. 33:32, 33) It is imperative, though, that all honesthearted ones allow themselves to be gathered into the vessellike congregations before the final day of judgement and to remain in a place of safety.
*Does this mean that everyone who has stopped studying or associating with Jehovah's people have been thrown away as unsuitable by the angels? No! If someone sincerely desires to return to Jehovah, he will find the way open. - Mal. 3:7.
Monday, May 12, 2008
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Books To Be Released at the 2008 District Convention
I just received information on the books to be released this year at the District Convention.
Fri Afternoon:
YOUNG PEOPLE ASK, ANSWERS THAT WORK, Volume 2. This is not a replacement but a sequel to Volume 1.
Sat Afternoon:
KEEP YOURSELVES IN GOD'S LOVE. 224 Page Book that focuses on Christian conduct, and the need to live in harmony with Jehovah's (the organization's) standards.
I will let you know if any New Light is being unveiled at the assembly as soon as I read over the talk outlines.
Fri Afternoon:
YOUNG PEOPLE ASK, ANSWERS THAT WORK, Volume 2. This is not a replacement but a sequel to Volume 1.
Sat Afternoon:
KEEP YOURSELVES IN GOD'S LOVE. 224 Page Book that focuses on Christian conduct, and the need to live in harmony with Jehovah's (the organization's) standards.
I will let you know if any New Light is being unveiled at the assembly as soon as I read over the talk outlines.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Was The Recent Generation Change Really A Case Of New Light"
Was the recent generation change really a case of New Light or did the organization simply revert back to and old meaning? Read the following and see for yourselves.
The following information is from the book "Life" by Joseph Franklin Rutherford, 1929, Page 330.
Jesus indicated that the true followers of Christ who would compose the remnant on earth at the end of the world would observe these things, and that, if continuing faithful to the end, they would see the kingdom of God established in complete glory: "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled." (Matt. 24: 34) And then for the further encouragement of the faithful remnant he said: "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." — Luke 21:28."
Rutherford altered this teaching in 1927 (Remember! "New Creation" = "Anointed"):
W 15. Feb. 1927, p. 62:
Question: In Matthew 24:34 Jesus said: "Verily Isay unto you, This generation shall not pass, till allthese things be fulfilled." What did he mean by "this generation"?
Answer: It could hardly be said that he meant any human being living on the earth at that time. He was giving testimony concerning things that were to transspire at the end of the world. That was a long way off. No generation of the human race has ever existed as long as a thousand years. It follows then that Jesus must have meant something else. What could he have meant? At the Jordan Jehovah started a new generation,a new creation, of which Christ Jesus is the Head .Jesus selected twelve disciples, who were with him for three and one-half years. Eleven of these we haveevery reason to believe constitute a part of that new creation. In 1 Peter 2:9 the apostle, speaking to the church of course, referred to those who are faithful. The irresistible conclusion therefore is that Jesus referred to the new creation when he said: "This generation shall not pass until all these things be fulfilled." This then would be a strong indication that some members of the new creation will be on the earth at the time of Armageddon.
The following information is from the book "Life" by Joseph Franklin Rutherford, 1929, Page 330.
Jesus indicated that the true followers of Christ who would compose the remnant on earth at the end of the world would observe these things, and that, if continuing faithful to the end, they would see the kingdom of God established in complete glory: "Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled." (Matt. 24: 34) And then for the further encouragement of the faithful remnant he said: "And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh." — Luke 21:28."
Rutherford altered this teaching in 1927 (Remember! "New Creation" = "Anointed"):
W 15. Feb. 1927, p. 62:
Question: In Matthew 24:34 Jesus said: "Verily Isay unto you, This generation shall not pass, till allthese things be fulfilled." What did he mean by "this generation"?
Answer: It could hardly be said that he meant any human being living on the earth at that time. He was giving testimony concerning things that were to transspire at the end of the world. That was a long way off. No generation of the human race has ever existed as long as a thousand years. It follows then that Jesus must have meant something else. What could he have meant? At the Jordan Jehovah started a new generation,a new creation, of which Christ Jesus is the Head .Jesus selected twelve disciples, who were with him for three and one-half years. Eleven of these we haveevery reason to believe constitute a part of that new creation. In 1 Peter 2:9 the apostle, speaking to the church of course, referred to those who are faithful. The irresistible conclusion therefore is that Jesus referred to the new creation when he said: "This generation shall not pass until all these things be fulfilled." This then would be a strong indication that some members of the new creation will be on the earth at the time of Armageddon.
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Monday, May 5, 2008
Watchtower Organization Sells Bossert Hotel for 100 Million Dollars
http://www.crainsnewyork.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080505/FREE/215086780/1059/toc
Bklyn's once famous Bossert sells for $100M
May 05. 2008 3:43PMBy: Kira Bindrim
Brooklyn Heights’ famed Bossert Hotel, on the auction block since January, has reportedly snagged a buyer. Robert Levine, the same developer behind One Brooklyn Bridge Park, has reportedly made a deal to buy the Bossert for upwards of $100 million, according to real estate blog Brownstoner. That answers questions of whether a softening real estate market might keep the famed building from commanding a price tag over $100 million. The 224-unit building at 98 Montague Street has 20,000 square feet of space. With some renovation, the Bossert could make up to $1,000 per square foot, according to Brownstoner. The Bossert was one of seven major Brooklyn Heights properties put on the market by The Watchtower Group in January. The organization did not provide an asking price, but gave a “request for best offer” to interested parties. The Bossert has been making headlines for years—but most recently has had a more humble role as the newest stop on the Brooklyn Heights Association’s neighborhood tour. In 1955, the Brooklyn Dodgers celebrated their lone World Series win there, and author Francis Morrone called the building the “Waldorf-Astoria of Brooklyn” in his An Architectural Guidebook to Brooklyn. The space was once famous for its Marine Roof, a two-level rooftop restaurant with a nautical theme and impressive view of lower Manhattan. In 1983 the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York began leasing the space, and bought it outright in 1988. Watchtower, a Jehovah’s witness organization, undertook a massive renovation and restoration of the building to comply with Landmarks Preservation Commission standards for the historic district. Since then, the Jehovah’s witnesses have transferred their printing and shipping operations to a new location and consolidated Brooklyn operations, leaving diminished need for the residential space.
Bklyn's once famous Bossert sells for $100M
May 05. 2008 3:43PMBy: Kira Bindrim
Brooklyn Heights’ famed Bossert Hotel, on the auction block since January, has reportedly snagged a buyer. Robert Levine, the same developer behind One Brooklyn Bridge Park, has reportedly made a deal to buy the Bossert for upwards of $100 million, according to real estate blog Brownstoner. That answers questions of whether a softening real estate market might keep the famed building from commanding a price tag over $100 million. The 224-unit building at 98 Montague Street has 20,000 square feet of space. With some renovation, the Bossert could make up to $1,000 per square foot, according to Brownstoner. The Bossert was one of seven major Brooklyn Heights properties put on the market by The Watchtower Group in January. The organization did not provide an asking price, but gave a “request for best offer” to interested parties. The Bossert has been making headlines for years—but most recently has had a more humble role as the newest stop on the Brooklyn Heights Association’s neighborhood tour. In 1955, the Brooklyn Dodgers celebrated their lone World Series win there, and author Francis Morrone called the building the “Waldorf-Astoria of Brooklyn” in his An Architectural Guidebook to Brooklyn. The space was once famous for its Marine Roof, a two-level rooftop restaurant with a nautical theme and impressive view of lower Manhattan. In 1983 the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York began leasing the space, and bought it outright in 1988. Watchtower, a Jehovah’s witness organization, undertook a massive renovation and restoration of the building to comply with Landmarks Preservation Commission standards for the historic district. Since then, the Jehovah’s witnesses have transferred their printing and shipping operations to a new location and consolidated Brooklyn operations, leaving diminished need for the residential space.
Richard Wheelock Committed Suicide At Bethel by Jumping to His Death
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Richard Wheelocks committed suicide at Bethel, The Happiest Place on Earth, by jumping to his death from 3rd floor window.
Richard Wheelocks committed suicide at Bethel, The Happiest Place on Earth, by jumping to his death from 3rd floor window.Thursday, May 1, 2008
A Bethelite's Viewpoint on the Recent Organization Changes
To me the most obvious reason has nothing to do with control, or money. It has everything to do with the serious shortage of qualified brothers who can (or who are willing to) be used. I have been involved in the organzation for 40 yrs and I have never seen the level of apathy and disillusionment among those serving in some capacity in this organization. There are three main reasons for this: 1) burnout, 2) lack of urgency/belief that the GT or armaggedon is near, and 3) steady erosion of faith in the organization.
Burnout is rampant within the ranks of the servant bodies worldwide as fewer and fewer brothers are willing to serve and make the extraordinary sacrifices asked of them by the organization. Elders and servants are "stepping down" at an unprecedented rate. Finding a willing replacement has become next to impossible leaving those few loyal brothers completely overwhelmed as they struggle to handle all the congregation responsibilities which, of course, include conducting bookstudies and giving public talks. This has been a growing trend within the organization for some time, but it has all of the sudden become especially pronounced and is nearing crisis proportions.
The other issue is that more and more of those serving are realizing that the Armaggedon may not be as close as it was once thought and any sense of urgency has waned considerably. The "generation" definition change in 1995 was the first real "alert" that something was amiss. Then you add in that the number of memorial partakers has actually increased (9,105 in 2007 compared to 9,081 in 1984), plus the recent change in the understanding of the "sealing" of the annointed (thought to have been completed in the 1930's, but apparently is not yet completed). What has happened is that in the minds of many serving, the "end" is suddenly a ways off in the distance somewhere. Less and less of those serving believe that it will happen in their lifetime and they had better do something to prepare themselves for a longer stay in this system.
Finally, more and more of those serving are wising up to the cultish ways of organization and they are no longer just accepting things and "waiting on Jehovah." In the past, the organization could successfully overcome any credibility issues due to failed prophesies or waffeling doctrines by writing a WT article or Question from Readers and it was just accepted. There was no discussion, no forum to question or examine what was printed, and of course, who had the time or the resources anyway. This is not the case now, however. The internet has changed everything. Anything about the organization can and is being discussed and not just anonymously online. These discussions are being carried back to the congregations, in field service car groups, and as a result the organization has (and continues to suffer) a tremendous loss of credibility among even those serving. The pedophile coverup and the scandalous UN association is becoming more widely known everyday. The legal and money problems of the WTBS, the blood issue, disfellowshipping, and other non-scriptural mandates of the organization are being questioned and being discussed.
The powers-that-be know that without willing elders & servants this organization is truly doomed. So, don't read into the "high price of gas" or the "we know that families are struggling and we want to add no further burden" horsesh*t expanation for these changes. And it ain't about control or money per se. Make no mistake, it's all about trying to stop the mass exodus of servants who are either burnout, disillusioned, and/or have lost the faith. Why do you think they have invited all the elders to the "pump me up" sessions in Patterson?
Expect more changes to come and soon. This is just the beginning - trust me.
Burnout is rampant within the ranks of the servant bodies worldwide as fewer and fewer brothers are willing to serve and make the extraordinary sacrifices asked of them by the organization. Elders and servants are "stepping down" at an unprecedented rate. Finding a willing replacement has become next to impossible leaving those few loyal brothers completely overwhelmed as they struggle to handle all the congregation responsibilities which, of course, include conducting bookstudies and giving public talks. This has been a growing trend within the organization for some time, but it has all of the sudden become especially pronounced and is nearing crisis proportions.
The other issue is that more and more of those serving are realizing that the Armaggedon may not be as close as it was once thought and any sense of urgency has waned considerably. The "generation" definition change in 1995 was the first real "alert" that something was amiss. Then you add in that the number of memorial partakers has actually increased (9,105 in 2007 compared to 9,081 in 1984), plus the recent change in the understanding of the "sealing" of the annointed (thought to have been completed in the 1930's, but apparently is not yet completed). What has happened is that in the minds of many serving, the "end" is suddenly a ways off in the distance somewhere. Less and less of those serving believe that it will happen in their lifetime and they had better do something to prepare themselves for a longer stay in this system.
Finally, more and more of those serving are wising up to the cultish ways of organization and they are no longer just accepting things and "waiting on Jehovah." In the past, the organization could successfully overcome any credibility issues due to failed prophesies or waffeling doctrines by writing a WT article or Question from Readers and it was just accepted. There was no discussion, no forum to question or examine what was printed, and of course, who had the time or the resources anyway. This is not the case now, however. The internet has changed everything. Anything about the organization can and is being discussed and not just anonymously online. These discussions are being carried back to the congregations, in field service car groups, and as a result the organization has (and continues to suffer) a tremendous loss of credibility among even those serving. The pedophile coverup and the scandalous UN association is becoming more widely known everyday. The legal and money problems of the WTBS, the blood issue, disfellowshipping, and other non-scriptural mandates of the organization are being questioned and being discussed.
The powers-that-be know that without willing elders & servants this organization is truly doomed. So, don't read into the "high price of gas" or the "we know that families are struggling and we want to add no further burden" horsesh*t expanation for these changes. And it ain't about control or money per se. Make no mistake, it's all about trying to stop the mass exodus of servants who are either burnout, disillusioned, and/or have lost the faith. Why do you think they have invited all the elders to the "pump me up" sessions in Patterson?
Expect more changes to come and soon. This is just the beginning - trust me.
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