There was a mass exodus between 1925 and 1930. The number who left is unknown but memorial attendance dropped by at least 80% (e.g. 1925: 90,434; 1926: 89,278; 1927: (unreleased); 1928: 17,380; see Your Will Be Done, 1958, p. 337 and the 1958 Yearbook, p. 284).
That was the genesis of Rutherford's "remnant" doctrine about the anointed class (cf. 15 July 1927 Watchtower, p. 216; 15 September 1927 Watchtower, p. 280; 1 December 1927 Watchtower, p. 355; 15 April 1931 Watchtower, p. 119; 15 November 1930 Watchtower, p. 342; 1931 Yearbook, p. 57). He had to come up with some Bible-based explanation for the serious losses in membership. Then the numbers began to rebound during the Great Depression in the early 1930s with new converts being attracted to the movement (memorial attendance in 1935 was 32,795, see 1936 Yearbook, p. 53; 15 December 1988 Watchtower, p. 12).
That posed a potential contradiction with his existing "remnant" doctrine, so he declared that these new converts belonged to a new class (the Jonadabs), which would increase and expand with Jehovah's blessing while the "anointed" class would continue to decrease.
In 1935, the existing membership of the "anointed" class was effectively capped, although the facts of history show that a continual small number of converts continued to flow to this supposedly-closed class.
There was also an exodus between 1975 and 1980. Although it was a much smaller proportion of the overall membership compared to the situation in 1925-1930 (i.e. a decrease of only a few percentage points, but since there were also new converts, the number leaving was greater than the decrease). Since the Jehovah's Witnesses were a vastly larger movement in the early 1970s when compared to the early 1920s, it is possible that this was a larger exodus.
Because of the Watchtower's harsh stance on those disfellowshipped and to keep their families intact, many witnesses who no longer believe the nonsense that the Watchtower teaches, treat the organization as a social club. They attend some meetings and go out in field service for a couple of hours a month, or just outright lie on their time slip. They give a semblance of still being witnesses so that they are not shunned by family and friends, when in reality they are not witnesses at all. (Good for them!)
That was the genesis of Rutherford's "remnant" doctrine about the anointed class (cf. 15 July 1927 Watchtower, p. 216; 15 September 1927 Watchtower, p. 280; 1 December 1927 Watchtower, p. 355; 15 April 1931 Watchtower, p. 119; 15 November 1930 Watchtower, p. 342; 1931 Yearbook, p. 57). He had to come up with some Bible-based explanation for the serious losses in membership. Then the numbers began to rebound during the Great Depression in the early 1930s with new converts being attracted to the movement (memorial attendance in 1935 was 32,795, see 1936 Yearbook, p. 53; 15 December 1988 Watchtower, p. 12).
That posed a potential contradiction with his existing "remnant" doctrine, so he declared that these new converts belonged to a new class (the Jonadabs), which would increase and expand with Jehovah's blessing while the "anointed" class would continue to decrease.
In 1935, the existing membership of the "anointed" class was effectively capped, although the facts of history show that a continual small number of converts continued to flow to this supposedly-closed class.
There was also an exodus between 1975 and 1980. Although it was a much smaller proportion of the overall membership compared to the situation in 1925-1930 (i.e. a decrease of only a few percentage points, but since there were also new converts, the number leaving was greater than the decrease). Since the Jehovah's Witnesses were a vastly larger movement in the early 1970s when compared to the early 1920s, it is possible that this was a larger exodus.
Because of the Watchtower's harsh stance on those disfellowshipped and to keep their families intact, many witnesses who no longer believe the nonsense that the Watchtower teaches, treat the organization as a social club. They attend some meetings and go out in field service for a couple of hours a month, or just outright lie on their time slip. They give a semblance of still being witnesses so that they are not shunned by family and friends, when in reality they are not witnesses at all. (Good for them!)
34 comments:
You mean like Ronde?
You could go through the Bible record of the 1st century congregation and come up with similar things.
'Large number stumbled by Jesus'.
"Jesus wants followers to cannibalize him'.
'Some Christians are heavy drinkers'.
'Divisions in Christians congregations'.
It is discouraging to focus on imperfect people. It is always REFRESHING to focus on the scriptures. That is exactly what Witnesses do.
How can that be good for them? Good for them to lie? Good for them to keep on living as hypocrites among worshippers of the True God? Only a low-life, backstabbing, stupid person would continue such a life. (No offense to you "Theocratic Joker" (by the way, does that mean that you are a joker ruled by God? I would think even you would know God would never endorse such a thing)).
GBL, what has happened to you? Is this blog slowly dying? You seem to have lost some interest. Why don't you correspond with your readers anymore? Why are your posts delayed and "Is-that-all-you-could-think-of"-ish? Perhaps you realize that you are no match to Jehovah and his true followers. Care to respond?
It is true, many people left and many start new organization or religion. Where are they now?
It not only seems that posters here are running away, because of being board, also the articles get weaker and weaker. I ask myself when you are going to blame JWs because they don't believe in trinity.
I would expect there to be and have been a mass exodus from the Watchtower Society because they do not need a constant amount of workers. As technology increases they do not need as many people.
So the number of workers at the Watchtower Society is irrelevant.
Memorial attendance has nothing to do with the Watchtower Society.
But the fact is that they did not keep good records back then as there were not established congregations.
It was not until 1942 that they Yearbooks were published with with publisher figures.
And the anointing was never stopped in 1935.
"Because of the Watchtower's harsh stance on those disfellowshipped and to keep their families intact, many witnesses who no longer believe the nonsense that the Watchtower teaches,"
What does being one of Jehovah's Witnesses have to do with what the Watchtower teaches?
I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses because it is the true religion.
" treat the organization as a social club. They attend some meetings and go out in field service for a couple of hours a month, or just outright lie on their time slip."
I find that meetings and field service get in the way of spiritual things, such as battling with apostates and others. My ministry is about finding ones like that. My meetings and association are to help ones stay in the flock, thus battling apostates.
" They give a semblance of still being witnesses so that they are not shunned by family and friends, when in reality they are not witnesses at all. (Good for them!)"
No, how about being a Witness because one does not want to be an evil apostate. (Well, no such thing as a not evil apostate)
Voice of Reason said...What does being one of Jehovah's Witnesses have to do with what the Watchtower teaches?
Voice of Reason, please seek professional help immediately. You probably are suffering from schizophrenia or multiple personality disorder. You need a psychiatrist and probably medication. In many of your comments, you're double talking, illogical and almost incoherent at times. You are mentally unstable.
I sure hope this is not a result of being a part of Jehovah’s Witnesses for too long.
Nathan said...It not only seems that posters here are running away, because of being board, also the articles get weaker and weaker. I ask myself when you are going to blame JWs because they don't believe in trinity.
I'm not bored, and I think the articles at this site are great and very informative in the past, present, and future direction of Jehovah's Witnesses. Keep it up, LGB!
Anonymous said...It is true, many people left and many start new organization or religion. Where are they now?
Hopefully, in true Christian freedom serving Christ. Thank God they are no longer held by the spiritual bonds by the Watchtower.
Anonymous said...You mean like Ronde?
Please leave Ronde alone. Ronde/Voice of Reason needs professional help. Antagonizing him will only worsen his condition.
Jim said...How can that be good for them?
Good that they can think for themselves. I've learned not to judge people. Once a person comes to realize what Jehovah's Witnesses are taught is not the truth, why and how they proceed from that point is their choice. Whether they stay in it to help other friends and family memebers release the bonds of the Watchtower or perhaps mentally still can not break feel completely. They deserve support and not condemnation.
Sheeplike said...It is always REFRESHING to focus on the scriptures. That is exactly what Witnesses do.
It certainly is refreshing to focus on the scriputres. Too bad the New World Translation is such a corrupt and twisted version of the scriputres and is the Bible primarily used by Jehovah's Witnesses.
Of course, the Watchtower wants to ensure if you do get together with other Jehovah's Witnesses, you only research and discuss the Bible they way they want you to do so:
*******
KM Sept 2007 Page 3 - Question Box
Does the "faithful and discreet slave" endorse independent groups of Witnesses who meet to engage in Scriptural research or debate?
No, it does not. And yet, in various parts of the world, a few associates of our organization have formed groups to do independent research on Bible-relegated subjects. Some have pursued an independent group study of Biblical Hebrew and Greek so as to analyze the accuracy of the New World Translation.
*******
The Watchtower does not support the idea of their followers coming together to engage in Scriptural research independent of the meetings and assemblies designed by the Organization behind Jehovah's Witnesses. Why? Again, one of the main reasons is the Organization can't control or interpret information for them.
Voice of Reason said...I would expect there to be and have been a mass exodus from the Watchtower Society because they do not need a constant amount of workers. As technology increases they do not need as many people.
So the number of workers at the Watchtower Society is irrelevant.
You would expect that from a worldly business organization, but from God's chosen organization? It seems like a very harsh way to treat so many hard working sincere people.
Vor said
'I find that meetings and field service get in the way of spiritual things, such as battling with apostates and others. My ministry is about finding ones like that. My meetings and association are to help ones stay in the flock, thus battling apostates.'
Meetings and Field Service get in way of spiritual things!!!
The Congregation exists for the purpose of preaching the message.
From the JW official website under 'Their worldwide organization and work':
'The local congregation with its Kingdom Hall is the center for telling the good news in your community.'
Seems you have your priorities completely wrong VOR.
jim said...GBL, what has happened to you? Is this blog slowly dying? You seem to have lost some interest. Why don't you correspond with your readers anymore? Why are your posts delayed and "Is-that-all-you-could-think-of"-ish? Perhaps you realize that you are no match to Jehovah and his true followers. Care to respond?
I don't believe this blog is slowly dying. So many updates providing so much valuable information about all the issues surrounding the Watchtower Society doesn't translate as no interest to me.
People's lives are very busy at times. I would prefer for LGB to post the information he does to the main page then correspond with the readers if he has to choose between the two. And with comments from that 'Voice of Reason' character, it's like corresponding with someone who is seriously mentally ill.
I do not see any proof or evidence of posts to the main page being delayed. And it's much better than the lies, cover-up and hypocrisy of the Watchtower.
Thank you LGB for providing information that can assistance people to leave the Watchtower and its wolf in sheeplike clothing teachings.
Anonymous said...Seems you have your priorities completely wrong VOR.
Please leave my friend alone. Don't encourage his behavior. He is sick and needs help.
My name is not really Joe.
And I am not a licensed plumber.
And I owe back taxes.
Sounds like the ones here in that they focus on the messenger and not the message.
"I'm not bored, and I think the articles at this site are great and very informative in the past, present, and future direction of Jehovah's Witnesses. Keep it up, LGB! "
I have yet to see any articles from this site.
This site knows nothing about the past, present or future of Jehovah's Witnesses.
"true Christian freedom serving Christ. Thank God they are no longer held by the spiritual bonds by the Watchtower. "
How is that done?
How do individuals serve Christ?
"Once a person comes to realize what Jehovah's Witnesses are taught is not the truth, why and how they proceed from that point is their choice."
And why is it that no one can ever say what it is that is not truth?
"For men, a neat personal appearance may include being clean-shaven. In areas where mustaches are widely viewed as dignified, any who wear these should keep them neatly trimmed."
Yes, a neat appearance means clean shaven.
"Seems you have your priorities completely wrong VOR. "
Nope. I'm part of a black ops division of the Watchtower Society where we just bash apostates.
Voice of Reason said...I'm part of a black ops division of the Watchtower Society where we just bash apostates
Voice of Reason, please seek professional help immediately. You probably are suffering from schizophrenia or multiple personality disorder. You need a psychiatrist and probably medication. In many of your comments, you're double talking, illogical and almost incoherent at times. You are mentally unstable.
I sure hope this is not a result of being a part of Jehovah’s Witnesses for too long.
Ronde wrote: "I'm part of a black ops division of the Watchtower Society where we just bash apostates."
Hmm. Last time I checked, they do this bashing publicly, every chance they get. No need for you to be undercover, dude.
At any rate, unlike JWs that practice hate towards former members, we Christians LOVE you. We'll do everything we can to open your eyes and introduce you to Christian freedom.
You take care, VoR/Ronde. There is hope for you.
VOR said:
"How is that done?
How do individuals serve Christ?"
They start by developing a relationship with him, and not with a group of men, did you never read John 2:23-25? What makes you think men are better today? Jesus said “Come to me!” Not “Go to them”.
www.freeminds.org
Vor said
'I find that meetings and field service get in the way of spiritual things'
Never a truer word spoken. I agree!
Ronde
Your still an idiot
I can see the Governing Body's discussion amongst themselves regarding Ronde's idiotic posts on this web-blog.
Gentlemen, our religion is in tough shape right now, especially with the ex-JW's internet sites. But, this guy Ronde seems to be determined to individually bring down JW's religion.
Oh well, one man started it (Charles Russell), so it's only appropriate that one person be the demise of the same religion - to you Ronde goes that honor.
LOL - I can't stop laughing.
It is amazing to me how so many so-called Christians can respond as some of these folks do. I wonder if Jesus was online and responding to someone's blog how HE would do so.
Peter responded to a percieved negative action by someone by cutting off the man's ear. Jesus will judge all of us. I am glad it will be HIM and not one of these "people".
And he [Jesus] will certainly call for an accounting of any religion that has uttered false prophecies, all the time protecting pedophiles, even appointing some to elders. (You know that Jehovah God would never use his holy spirit to appoint a known pedophile to be an elder. Why would the GB of JW's do this???)
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21917798/
Voice of Reason said...
"Because of the Watchtower's harsh stance on those disfellowshipped and to keep their families intact, many witnesses who no longer believe the nonsense that the Watchtower teaches,"
What does being one of Jehovah's Witnesses have to do with what the Watchtower teaches?
What a broken record! You're not fooling anyone. Leave the deception of new potential recruits to the pros at the Watchtower Society.
I am one of Jehovah's Witnesses because it is the true religion.
Sorry, you're not one of Jehovah's Witnesses. You tell us you have your own teachings all the time.
" treat the organization as a social club. They attend some meetings and go out in field service for a couple of hours a month, or just outright lie on their time slip."
I find that meetings and field service get in the way of spiritual things, such as battling with apostates and others. My ministry is about finding ones like that. My meetings and association are to help ones stay in the flock, thus battling apostates.
Oh my God! You must be one of those superfine apostles... single-handedly battling the apostates with his magic ring of circular reasoning.
It's good to know you don't go to the meetings for your own benefit... you'll be with us soon.
" They give a semblance of still being witnesses so that they are not shunned by family and friends, when in reality they are not witnesses at all. (Good for them!)"
No, how about being a Witness because one does not want to be an evil apostate. (Well, no such thing as a not evil apostate)
I see you've bought the Watchtower Society's umbrella ad hominem argument against anyone who would take issue with their deceit, hook, line and sinker. I guess you do follow the Watchtower Society when it gives you a chance to create some comic book version of the world.
"Blogger Voice of Reason said...
"Once a person comes to realize what Jehovah's Witnesses are taught is not the truth, why and how they proceed from that point is their choice."
And why is it that no one can ever say what it is that is not truth?"
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I will! I will!... and do.
http://wtsdissident.blogspot.com/
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