Saturday, August 23, 2008

The Watchtower Defines Independent Thinking

Please note that none of the Watchtower's definition of Independent Thinking have to do with the Bible. They all pertain to their man made rules and doctrines.
The Watchtower January 15th 1983 Issue, Page 22:
"Avoid Independent Thinking"
"Avoid.... questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization."
"How is such independent thinking manifested? A common way is by questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization."------------------------------------
The Watchtower January 15th 1983 Issue, Page 27:
"....some who point out that the organization has had to make some adjustments before, and so they argue: "This shows that we have to make up our own mind on what to believe." This is independent thinking. Why is it so dangerous?"
"Fight against independent thinking."
The Watchtower September 15th 1989 Issue, Page 23:
"In the world, there is a tendency to reject leadership. As one lecturer said: ;'The rising education level has improved the talent pool such that followers have become so critical that they are almost impossible to lead.' But a spirit of independent thinking does not prevail in God's organization, and we have sound reasons for confidence in the men taking the lead among us."
(Perhaps this is why the organization does not want it's young to attend college. Intelligent people are more difficult to lead.)
Watchtower March 15th 1986 Issue, Page 17:
"Beware of those who try to put forward their own contrary opinions
."
The Watchtower July 1st 1994 Issue, Pages 12-13:
"As loyal servants of Jehovah, why would we even want to peek at the propaganda put out by rejecters of Jehovah's table
...."
The Watchtower August 1st 1960 Issue, Page 474:
"Jehovah's witnesses, though international, are 'one heart and soul,' of the 'same mind' and the 'same line of though.'"
The Watchtower June 1st 1967 Issue, Page 338:
"....in Jehovah's organization it is not necessary to spend a lot of time and energy in research, for there are brothers in the organization who are assigned to that very thing
...."
The Watchtower August 1st 1972 Issue, Page 458:
"....the Watchtower study conductor, who presides over this meeting, has an important responsibility. This study enables all to be united in the same line of thought
."
The Watchtower August 1st 1980 Issue, Page 19:
"Thus, the one who doubts to the point of becoming an apostate sets himself up as a judge. He thinks he knows better than his fellow Christians, better also than the 'faithful and discreet slave,' through whom he has learned the best part, if not all that he knows about Jehovah God and his purposes."

The Watchtower March 15th 1986 Issue, Page 12:
"Do you wisely destroy apostate material
?"
The Watchtower March 15th 1986 Issue, Page 14:
"Why is reading apostate publications similar to reading pornographic literature
?"
Watchtower, February 1st 1987 Issue, Page 19:
"First of all, there is the matter of being obedient and ready to respond to encouragement. When direction and encouragement come from the proper source, it is only right that we should respond readily."
"We also remember that one feature of 'the wisdom from above' is being 'ready to obey.' (James 3:17) These are qualities that all Christians are encouraged to put on. Due to background and upbringing, some may be more given to independent thinking and self-will than others. Perhaps this is an area where we need to discipline ourselves and 'make our mind over' so that we can perceive more clearly what the 'will of God' is. Romans 12:2."
Who do you think they are referring to when they say that witnesses should be ready to obey?

6 comments:

S said...

Again,

Take things in the context of the time that they were written.

Your blog is meaningless because you don't do that.

Anonymous said...

Ronde said

Take things in the context of the time that they were written

Well how about the Kingdom Ministry September 2007 Question Box item

'Does the faithful and discreet slave endorse independent groups of Witnesses who meet together to engage in Scriptural research or debate?'

No it does not............

Final paragraph recommends (interestingly does not explicitly forbid) doing extra bible study and research ONLY using the societies publications.

To listen to an online discussion of independent thinking go to:-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AtgySRsGos

also see JWs & Independent Thinking & 1 Cor. 1:10

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShUsNnD3_r0

The Bible encourages Christians to check what they believe against the scriptures see:-

Acts 17:11 Romans 2:21 1 Thessalonians 5:21 and 1John 4:1

kimmy jo said...

Thanks again for your work, GBL.

It is further proof of the direct yet subtle way the Watchtower society maintains control of the people. Brainwashing.

It is irrelevant when the watchtower printed this or what supposed context it was taken. It is very clear the point they are making.

S said...

Anon said"

'Ronde said
Take things in the context of the time that they were written'

'Does the faithful and discreet slave endorse independent groups of Witnesses who meet together to engage in Scriptural research or debate?'"

Does it matter what the FDS endorses or not? What that KM stated is that they are taking a neutral position. Neither for nor against. In other words, don't bother us with such trivialities.


"Final paragraph recommends (interestingly does not explicitly forbid) doing extra bible study and research ONLY using the societies publications."

And that is the general lesson because they produce them. But that does not mean we can't use non-WT publications.

kimmy jo said...

ronde says,
"Final paragraph recommends (interestingly does not explicitly forbid) doing extra bible study and research ONLY using the societies publications."

And that is the general lesson because they produce them. "But that does not mean we can't use non-WT publications.""


I say,
I don't understand why you pose this question...you now your truth lies only within the pages of the watchtower, isn't every thing elese prpaganda from Satan?
How can you make such a stupid question?

Unknown said...

It's easy to claim that a teaching is old and therefore invalid.
Has anyone tried that at a Kingdom Hall as a reason to neglect a teaching?
My guess is that unless it has been updated, or invalidated by the WTBTS, it is still valid.