1. Whom do Jehovah’s Witnesses recognize as Leader, and why?
Christendom’s churches have human leaders, such as the pope of Rome, the patriarchs and metropolitans of the Eastern Orthodox churches, and the heads of other religions. Jehovah’s Witnesses recognize no human as their leader. They are not disciples or followers of any man. This is in line with Jehovah’s prophetic utterance concerning his Son: “Look! As a witness to the national groups I have given him, as a leader and commander to the national groups.” (Isa. 55:4) The international congregation of anointed Christians and their “other sheep” companions want no leader other than the one Jehovah has given them. (John 10:16) They subscribe to Jesus’ statement: “Your Leader is one, the Christ.”—Matt. 23:10.
But is this true? Do Jehovah's Witnesses have leaders that are mere men? Take a look at these comments direct from the Watchtower publications:
(Hebrews 13:7) . . .Remember those who are taking the lead among YOU, who have spoken the word of God to YOU, and as YOU contemplate how [their] conduct turns out imitate [their] faith.
(Hebrews 13:17) . . .Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among YOU and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over YOUR souls as those who will render an account; that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to YOU.
(Hebrews 13:24) . . .Give my greetings to all those who are taking the lead among YOU and to all the holy ones. Those in Italy send YOU their greetings.
***w09 2/15 p. 28 par. 17 They “Keep Following the Lamb”***The members of the Governing Body are experienced, spirit-anointed elders. They in particular can be described as “those who are taking the lead” among us. (Heb. 13:7)
***w09 11/15 p. 14 par. 5 We need to guard against developing a spirit of independence. By word or action, may we never challenge the channel of communication that Jehovah is using today. (Num. 16:1-3) On the contrary, we should cherish our privilege to cooperate with the slave class. And should we not strive to be obedient and submissive to those taking the lead in our local congregation?—ReadHebrews13:7, 17.
***w08 1/15 p. 26 par. 6 In a symbolic way, Christians with an earthly hope today walk behind the anointed slave class and its Governing Body, following their leadership.
***w08 5/15 p. 29 The Head, Jesus Christ, supplies the body members with what is needed for good cooperation, coordination, and spiritual nourishment. (Eph. 4:15, 16; Col. 2:19) In such respects, the Governing Body is organized to take the lead as Jehovah directs them by holy spirit.
So, in essence, the Watchtower lied. They do have human leaders and there are men that the Witnesses look up to.
3 comments:
I am still recovering from an abusive relationship with a Jehovah’s Witness cult member who was my roommate in 2004. This organization has done so much damage to communities and families. There are countless ruined families and ruined lives due to the cult’s ritual shunning practices and other cultic mind control tools.
Note what the WT says...you even highlighted a crucial portion:
"Christendom’s churches have human leaders, such as the pope of Rome, the patriarchs and metropolitans of the Eastern Orthodox churches, and the heads of other religions. Jehovah’s Witnesses recognize no human as their leader. They are not disciples or followers of any man."
Witnesses are all considered to be brothers, even the ones that may take the lead. That WT publication is using leader in a qualified sense, in the way the churches use the term - meaning the Pope, patriarchs of the Eastern Orthodox church, most Reverend...titles that the churches use to distinguish individuals as being in a higher position than mere church members, and in the case of the Pope, a leader considered to be infallible. Witnesses, on the other hand, teach that all members are brothers, and anyone in a teaching position, such as an elder, is actually a servant of the brothers and sisters, not someone in high position...you should know that.
David, how long have you been going to the Kingdom Hall? The witnesses do indeed have leaders who makes the rules and if you do not follow their rules you can be disfellowshipped. Besides the Governing Body, there is Circuit Overseer. the District Overseet, the Coordinator of the Body of Elders, etc. All of these men are your leaders. You should know that.
Witnesses like to say that they are all equal but we know that is not true. To say tbat the watchtower leaders are servants is laughable. Take the Governing Body for example. They have their rooms cleaned, their meals cooked, doctors and dentists in residence. Doed they sound like they are servants to you? Actually, the brothers who are of a lesser status than them are their servants.
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