The Faithful and Discrete Slave "Class" Has Been Fired By The Governing Body

Yes, that is right, they fired the Faithful Slave "Class". Who makes up the Faithful and Discrete Slave "Class"? Why the anointed do, of course. What has the Watchtower told the Jehovah's Witnesses about the anointed? That they have no special spiritual insight over and above the elders or any other Jehovah Witness. Yes, they are out of work. The Governing Body has all the insight they need right in Bethel- no outside ideas from the anointed are requested or accepted- even if you claim to be one of the Faithful and Discreet Slave "Class".

Heartbreaking Account Showing the Watchtower Breaks Up Families

http://www3.cantonrep.com/printable.php?ID=251095

Family splits over sons' military service; war conflicts with their beliefs

By CHARITA GOSHAY

CANTON - The Marine Corps Reserve 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines returned home from Iraq to the open arms of grateful family members.

Jason and Johel Woodliff had only each other.

The brothers say they were not greeted by their family upon their return on Oct. 6, because of religion.

The Woodliffs' parents are devout Jehovah's Witnesses, who oppose war and military service.

Graduates of Washington High School in Massillon, the Woodliffs said they had a strict upbringing based on their parents' faith, and that the real trouble began when they announced their intentions to become Marines.

"When they found out I wanted to join, they were very upset about it," said Johel, 20, who turned down a college scholarship to join the Marines in 2003.

"I let them know that as I grew older, I had done some research on the religion, and that it didn't abide with my beliefs."

Jason, 23, claims that when he informed his parents in 2004 that he too intended to join the Marines, he was asked to leave the house.

"I was 18 years old, living by myself in a trailer," he said. "I haven't had a conversation with my dad in five years. For him, it's 100 percent about the religion."

Though the Bible is filled with accounts of battles and war imagery, J.R. Brown, director of public information for the Watchtower Bible Tract Society, confirmed that Jehovah's Witnesses don't participate in military service based on their interpretation of Scripture, and that the actions of the Woodliffs' parents are consistent with the faith.

"As Christians, we're neutral with respect to the conflicts that nations have," he said. "Our neutrality is just in regards to conflicts of men. This doesn't mean we're adversaries. We try to (convey) that to the person as best we can, but because they're usually partisan, they think we're against them. That's not the case. We're truly neutral."

Brown noted that numerous U.S. court decisions have recognized members' right to neutrality.

"We're not be feared," Brown said, adding that the church is merely adhering to Jesus' admonition to, "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's and unto God, the things that are God's."

disassociation

Brown acknowledged that family members who enter the military voluntarily, risk "disassociation."

"We as an organization or local congregation do not initiate this action," he explained. "Rather than 'disfellowship,' we use 'disassociation' as a term. That means the individual made a conscientious decision that he or she would no longer ascribe to the principles that we do. He or she has decided to take a side; the individual has left the position of 'neutral.' We look at disassociation as accepting the person's decision to take a side."

Given that the faith places a great deal of emphasis on the family, Brown concedes that others might see the policy as contradictory.

"It depends on how you look at your Christian responsibility," he said. "We look at our responsibility before God as our first and foremost responsibility. As our creator, he comes first. We feel our position of neutrality is based on our love for him. If a family member does not accept the same decision, we feel they have to bear the consequences. It pains us. We're human too."

Brown said members must prioritize their allegiances.

"You have to decide who's first in your life, is it God more than any human?" he said. "The fact is, we do not even put ourselves and our own interests ahead of God. He's our creator. Our allegiance is first to him. In making that decision, it does at times create problems within the family. Husbands, wives, parents can be torn; there's love there. But the apostle said we must obey God as ruler rather than man."

The brothers said that although they no longer embrace a particular faith, they believe in God and the Bible, adding that many Marines are deeply religious.

"There are Scriptures written all over Iraq," Johel said. "My favorite is John 15:13."

Attached to Johel's dog tags is a worn medallion of St. Michael, the warrior angel. He also carries a camouflage-paperback Bible.

"War shouldn't be necessary, but war has existed since the beginning of man," he said. "The Bible speaks of war constantly. King David was one of the greatest warriors. It shouldn't be a necessity, but it's a reality."

moral conflict?

The Rev. Wendy Bausman, a retired Navy chaplain and an associate pastor at Christ Presbyterian Church, ministered to Marines and sailors for 14 years.

"I didn't have a conflict serving in the military," she said. "But I was a non-combatant, which put me in different category. It would have been really challenging for me (in uniform), simply because of handling a weapon. I'm not comfortable with that."

Bausman said she did encounter service people who became conscientious objectors.

"The first person they go to outside their chain of command, is the chaplain," she explained. "A chaplain listens, counsels and writes a recommendation. They also must discern if the person is just trying to get out of the military, or it's something sincere."

She recalled one Marine who became an objector after joining a Mennonite church.

"It was really an honest introspection," she said. "He was struggling with the military once he became a Mennonite." unconditional love

The Woodliff brothers said they really didn't expect their parents to attend their homecoming.

"I begged my mother to come, but I knew she wouldn't," Johel said. "Several families know our situation and have taken us under their wing. My mom knows I'll always have love for her. I believe love is unconditional."

His brother is less forgiving.

"What's the most important thing in the Bible? Love and family," Jason asked.

"It's not like I blasphemed God or worshipped the devil. It's just ridiculous to me."

parents' reply

In a written statement, Thomas and Mia Woodliff respond: "We love our sons and are saddened that they have expressed public disappointment regarding what should be a private, family matter, that is, our choice not to attend the recent homecoming party for the 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines. As you know, we are Jehovah's Witnesses and are neutral as to the political and military affairs of the world. We base our beliefs on Scriptures such as John 17:14, 16, Matthew 5:43, 44 and Matthew 26:52 among others. This means we are neither for nor against the political involvements of the 200-plus nations that we can be found in. This does not mean that we do not love the land in which we live, or that we disrespect the government or those in authority. We recognize that each nations ruling authority has the right to enact and enforce laws, make foreign policy and to purse its own sovereign interests. We simply choose not to participate.

"However, we are generally known as exemplary taxpayers and citizens and we try to follow the laws of the land to the extent that our Bible-trained conscience will individually permit. Which leads us to the main point of our statement. Our two sons were taught to be peace-loving followers of Jesus Christ. Instead, they have chosen a different path. We respect their right to chose whatever lifestyle they wish. And we hope one day for reconciliation so that we can be a united family again. We have many fond memories of the abundant good times we shared together. In the meantime, please be assured that the current difference in point of view, and the separation in ties that has occurred as a result, does not mean that we love our children less." (Love? They are willing to forsake their children because of some man's interpretation of scripture.)

These poor people are deluded into thinking that their stance is neutral. If it were neutral they would not care one way or the other. No, they have taken a stand. A stand that is against war. Because of this sick religion they will not aloow their childreen the same freedom without repercussions set down by old men in Brooklyn.

Oct. 15th Watchtower Tells The Witnesses Not To Trust your Own Viewpoint.

In this magazine you'll observe the society REALLY making Jehovah's Witnesses question themselves, doubt themselves. Even if they are observing the organization doing something questionable, they are NOT to doubt Jehovah or the organization, but their own imperfect human judgments. In other words : " Don't trust your own mind - it's skewed ".

Under the article titled, " Keep on Seeking first his Righteousness " on pg.8 it lays the groundwork in stating, " Seeking His righteousness includes trying to live according to His values, and perfect standards, NOT OUR OWN. It is not a matter of obeying His laws out of FEAR of punishment. (Yeah right) Rather, our love for God motivates us to endeavor to please Him by upholding His standards, NOT establishing our own . " What they are really saying is that we should obey without question whatever the organization tells us to do. After all, they have taken the role of Jesus Christ in the lives of the witnesses.

It continues in paragraph 8,9 : " We need to remember, though, that if we question the fairness or rightness of Jehovah's decisions (substitute the society's decisions) , we are, in effect, starting to put OUR standard of righteousness above Jehovah's (Watchtower society's) standard. It is as if we put Jehovah (society) on trial and judged Him by our own standards of right and wrong. Jehovah (society) is the one who has the right to set the standard for righteousness, not us ! " It continues, "Our IMPERFECT nature can lead us down this path. This can easily happen when we see something that WE view as unfair or if we PERSONALLY suffer hardship. " Translation : If you suffer hardships it's only YOUR OWN fault - not the organization or Jehovah.

The next part is really weird. In the midst of an ensuing paragraph JUSTIFYING Jehovah forgiving King David & Bath Sheba's adulltery & David 's murdering her husband check THIS quote out, Under the subheading : " Our viewpoint May be Distorted or Limited " it states, " The second factor to remember when we are faced with a situation that APPEARS to be unfair is that OUR VIEWPOINT MAY BE DISTORTED OR LIMITED. It can be distorted by imperfection, prejudice, or cultural background. It is also limited by our inability to discern motives and to know what is really in people's hearts. In contrast, both Jehovah and Jesus have no such limitations. " Translation : You are imperfect , stupid idiots who allow prejudice sin, and your varied backgrounds to distort you. You are dirt. As dumb as rocks. Trust us the WT society and God- you can NEVER trust yourself !

It concludes by stating, " So if at times we see something that WE FEEL is unfair on Jehovah's part ( WT society's part ) whether we read it in the Bible account or experience it in OUR PERSONAL life - let us NEVER judge God ( WT society ) by our own standards of righteousness. Remember that we do NOT always have all the facts and that our viewpoint may be DISTORTED or LIMITED. " I want to get sick.

Once again the society makes it's members feel they CANNOT trust their own minds, heart, or judgment on ANYTHING that differs or seems unjust within the organization. It is a way to make members feel GUILTY and in FEAR if, in fact, they DO find themselves having doubts. If there is any doubt by anybody that this isn't a dangerous mind control organization, I think this article removes that doubt.

So even though the organization has been wrong so many times and has had to revised their publications many times to correct their mistakes, we have to trust everything they say without question because they are supposed to be spealing for God. How presumptuous. How frightening.

Annointed Disassociates Himself After 33 Years As A Jehovah's Witness

Early this year I requested disassociation from the org and have been meaning to publish some sort of statement. I was a member for over 33 years and partook of the emblems. Being an older widow it took some deliberation and guts to make the move but am currently very happy with the change. My exit contemplation actually began in 2006 with the examination of WTS chronology and wonderment why they are about the only organization on planet earth that claims 607 was the historic date for the destruction and burning of Jerusalem. It is well proven that 587 or close to that date is the historic fact. In the process I developed my own chronology which was great fun and submitted it to the brothers in the Writing Committee. After about 2 months they responded with a very polite correspondence suggesting I should "wait on the Faithful and Discrete Slave" for any changes but they made no effort at rebuttal of my facts. Of course I knew all about Carl Olof Jonsson's efforts and that they were well informed of the truth already. In fact they have known since 1906 if I am to believe the old WT volumes - so waiting any longer obviously ridiculous. The other humorous factor is I am (or was) considered part of the "faithful and discrete slave class" per their definition. Of course we know it is "only" the Governing Body but they don't put that in print so I found the response even more humorous since I would be waiting upon "myself." Enough for that subject. I would love to share the chronology if anyone has an interest - the Bible itself proves the point quite adequately in my opinion.

But for now I thought you might enjoy a short composition I prepared to explain my reasons for leaving - and if you think it worthy you may share with others though I haven't decided whether it is best to remain anonymous for such a contribution or use my "real name" - probably just list as "contributed" like WTS does - LOL. I'm still showing their influence in my actions. But it is the subject and not the person that is of value here.

10 Reasons to Leave
(Based on the same reasoning as found in the famous poem)
Children Learn What They Live

1) If an organization focuses much of its attention
on condemnation of other groups
it is teaching its members
to become judgmental of one another

2) If an organization is hostile to those outside itself
with differing opinions
its members may become contentious
among themselves, forming cliques of their own

3) If an organization focuses on persecution as proof
of their genuineness
its members may develop self-pity,
the martyrdom complex

4) If an organization is inflexible, rigid, and dogmatic,
creating myriads of rules,
its members become stubborn, defiant, authoritarian
crossing "t's" and dotting "i's" but losing the Spirit

5) If an organization is domineering and controlling
its members themselves will lack
mercy and kindness, empathy and understanding.
In short they will lack love for one another.

6) If an organization continually prods, pushes, and goads
its members to increase their commitment and service,
its members are being taught
to focus on works and achievement

7) If an organization uses guilt as a motivator,
its members may withdraw into protective shells
and joyous participation disappears

8) If an organization claims itself to be the "faithful and wise servant"
its members become self-righteous,
hoping for glory and exaltation of men

9) If an organization elevates itself
claiming to be the sole channel of God and truth,
its members themselves
may become proud and arrogant.

10) If an organization practices deceit,
its members will become guilty themselves of spiritism

People are often attracted to an authoritarian religion
Because of a lack of inner security, a feeling of powerlessness
Their need for structure and dogmatic certainty may be very high.
Principle-centered living will elude them.
They will seek their identity in works and prestige.
They may feel insignificant and easily become vulnerable to depression.
It is not unusual to see them lose balance and good sense,
Putting family or other priorities aside, even personal health needs,
Assuming all will understand they must be about God's work.
Once their emotional worth comes from their group affiliation,
They become incapable of an objective search for truth.
They lose their freedom or capacity to make independent decisions,
Become enslaved, a form of idolatry,
Restricted by attitudes, behavior and actions of others,
Ruled by fear rather than love.
Cognitive dissonance may result,
Inner compulsiveness, even immorality functioning as relief valves,
On rare occasions even the development of insanity.

The Jehovah's Witnesses Redefine Irony

http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/jw/friends/198477/1/PZ-Myers-mocks-Latest-Awake

Biologist and science blogger PZ Myers has commented on the upcoming Awake magazine in today's blog at Pharyngula.

You can now download the latest issue of Awake, the Jehovah's Witness's strange little magazine. The theme of this issue is those marching militant atheists, so it's a little bit personal.

"Unfortunately, I was only able to read as far as the second sentence before I was blinded by the irony." - PZ

A new group of atheists has arisen in society. Called the new atheists, they are not content to keep their views to themselves - Awake

A new group of atheists has arisen in society. Called the new atheists, they are not content to keep their views to themselves.
That's right. The door-knockin', rabidly proselytizing cult is rebuking atheists for not keeping their views to themselves.

I guess that's fair. Twice now I've watched in anticipation as the local JWs do their thing, working their way up the street, only to see them look at my house, check a piece of paper they carried with them, and turn around to leave. There was also a third time when a couple actually knocked on my door, started their little spiel, and I interrupted them to tell them I was an atheist, would they like to come in and talk about freedom from religion? And they ran away.

So it's true, I suppose, that they do have limits on the expression of their views.

Sad Consequences To The Two Witness Rule

written by an "Apostate" August 21, 2010

I was a Witness for 25 years and one of my best friends was an elder in a neighboring congregation. I'll call him 'Woody'. He was a single brother that was loved and repected by all. He was given many talk assignments and was used extensively on judicial committees. He had a gift for offering counsel particularlly to young ones. Much to the shock of the congregation and friends, Woody was suddenly removed and disfellowshipped. A mutual friend revealed to me that our 'brother' Woody had confided in him that he was battling homosexuality and had an affinity for young boys. He had acted on his desires and touched several boys inappropiately, some while offering counsel. Two or more of the boys had come forth and revealed that they had been abused by my former friend. Thus the 'two witness' rule led to his being disfellowshipped. However no one else in the congregation knew why he was df'd since the disfellowshipping offense is not to be spoken of outside the judicial committee. The majority thought as is the norm, that he was df'd for heterosexual fornication. And although I live in a clergy reporting state, the elders in his congo refused to report it to the authorities for fear of 'bringing reproach on Jehovah's name'.

Sound familiar? After 'demonstrating works that befit repentance', in other words attending meetings regularly for nearly a year, Woody was reinstated and allowed to go out in service immediately, sometimes in the company of young boys. About six months later he went to Walmart and purchased a tarp and a shotgun. He called a mutual friend and asked him to come by his house while he was out in service because he had something in his garage that he wanted him to see. He then went out to his garage, wrapped himself up in the tarp with the shotgun and blew his head off. Our mutual friend found a suicide note confessing that Woody had backslid, abused again and feared that it would become public knowledge and he would be df'd again.

I often wonder if my former friend would still be alive if the elders had only reported the child abuse to the authorities. Perhaps he could have gotten the professional help he needed. Here's the kicker....Woody's funeral was held in the Kingdom Hall and his memorial service was given by the presiding overseer. In the talk the P.O. described Woody's death an an 'emotional accident'. What about the kids he abused? Where was their loving counsel? It was nonexistent. They were hung out to dry so to speak.

I hate that Woody killed himself. I wish that he could have gotten help. At one time we shared a wonderful friendship but... at least he is no longer around to ruin the lives of other children. This experience was the first time I realized that the WT positon on molestation was seriously flawed. I resigned my position in the congo in '03 after 25 years of dedicated service and drifted into inactivity. Now that I'm on the outside of the microcosm that is the Watchtower, I see things for what they really are...bottom line......bullsh*t.

A Change To The Way Attendance Is Taken At The Meetings

A recent letter to the Body of Elders:

Beginning September 1, there will be a change to the way attendance is recorded at congregation meetings.

Currently, attendance is counted at 4 of the 5 meeting (Public Talk, WT Study, Congregation "Bible" Study, and Service Meeting).

But after Sept. 1, meeting attendance will only be taken at 2 of the meetings - during the "first quarter" of the WT study, and also at the Congregation Bible Study.

No reason in given for the change in the letter, and I can't figure out why myself.

The numbers are not published anywhere - the only "official" record is a 6 month average the Circuit Overseer puts together during his visit.

Why request less information from the congregations, especially when it "costs" nothing to accumulate it in the first place? It just doesn't make sense.