There was a big elders meeting in Columbia, South Carolina on Saturday June 9.
Around 240 congregations, 2000+ elders were in attendance.
The Society wants to build a brand new Assembly Hall in Columbia, South Carolina, to handle the huge influx of Jehovah's Witnesses moving to the US Southeast from up North.
They expect to have it done in 34 months (finished by April 2010). Total cost estimated to be approximately $8 - 9 million.
They want to have the whole thing paid for by the time the building is done - no long term loans.
They "strongly suggested" that each of the 240 congregations commit to supporting "their share" of the expense. $8.5 million divided by 240 congregations divided by 34 months works out to over $1000 per month per congregation. Congregations are to pass out "financial surveys" to members, to see how much each congregation can come up with.
That's right. The super rich Watchtower Society, sitting on $Billions of real estate and other investments, expects Sister Frail and Brother Window Washer to finance their own building project.
Lots of folderol about "Jehovah's blessing" etc. etc. to wrap it up.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Monday, July 7, 2008
Are You Afraid Of Demons?
I am always amazed at the Jehovah's Witnesses fear and fascination with demons. Occasionally at gatherings, they would exchange "demon" stories, which were just a Jehovah's Witness way of telling ghost stories, and you would usually hear a few "uhhs" and "oh my's" as the story was told. Although I had heard folks of other denominations mention demons, it was never with the "shock and awe" the Witnesses put into it. If Jehovah's Witnesses really have the truth and by extension, the full backing of Jesus and the protection of Jehovah God, why would they be so paranoid about demons? I find it ironic that an organization that claims to have Jehovah protecting it would have this thread of demonic fear weaving through it. According to Jehovah's Witnesses the demons are everywhere and they are out to get you. They are in television, the movies, the internet, thrift shops, garage sales, books, disfellowshipped people well.....everywhere.
It's a joke to the brothers who govern the witnesses. The leadership of Jehovah's Witnesses no more believes in the existence of demons than they can fly. It's simply a control mechanism for Jehovah's Witnesses. They realized early on that they can control their followers by introducing them to something they can be afraid of, The Big Bad Demons!
Knorr and the rest used to tour countries all over, going into the Catholic cathedrals during mass and bragging about it to the Bethel Family. They laugh at such things, but they know that it helps keeps the masses in line. The Watchtower organization holds out the carrot of everlasting life to its followers, but with that promise comes a ridiculous psychological bondage to stupidity, such as demons being constantly after you.
It's a joke to the brothers who govern the witnesses. The leadership of Jehovah's Witnesses no more believes in the existence of demons than they can fly. It's simply a control mechanism for Jehovah's Witnesses. They realized early on that they can control their followers by introducing them to something they can be afraid of, The Big Bad Demons!
Knorr and the rest used to tour countries all over, going into the Catholic cathedrals during mass and bragging about it to the Bethel Family. They laugh at such things, but they know that it helps keeps the masses in line. The Watchtower organization holds out the carrot of everlasting life to its followers, but with that promise comes a ridiculous psychological bondage to stupidity, such as demons being constantly after you.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
How Times Have Changed....
'Zion's Watch Tower' has, we believe, JEHOVAH for its backer, and while this is the case it will never beg nor petition men for support.
When He who says: 'All the gold and silver of the mountains are mine,' fails to provide necessary funds, we will understand it to be time to suspend the publication."
When He who says: 'All the gold and silver of the mountains are mine,' fails to provide necessary funds, we will understand it to be time to suspend the publication."
Saturday, July 5, 2008
The Watchtower Society Is Definitely Not A Cult
Combatting Cult Mind Control : The #1 Best-selling Guide to Protection, Rescue, and Recovery from Destructive Cultsby Steven HassanISBN: 0892813113
In his book, he uses a model called the "BITE" model: The "BITE" model of a cult is: Behaviour Control/Information Control/Thought Control/Emotional Control. Under each type of control, he lists identifying traits to determine if your group is being manipulated with any of the controls listed above (1-4). What I have done is taken each type of control (#'s 1-4 above) and taken each identifying trait under each one and supported each trait with quotes from the Society's publications.
The identifying traits of a cult from the book are in RED and the Society's quotes are in GREEN and BLACK.
Behavior Control
Most groups have a stringent schedule for members. There is always something to do in these groups. It has its own distinctive set of behaviours that bind it together.
KM 1/95 "Always Plenty To Do
"We must prepare for and attend weekly congregation meetings. We are encouraged not to let a week go by without having some share in the field ministry. Sufficient time must be regularly set aside for personal and family Bible study. Elders and ministerial servants have many congregation assignments. At times we are asked to help worthy ones in need. Occasionally, some of us may feel overwhelmed by all that we have to do. Yet, the busiest people can be among the happiest if balance and proper perspective are maintained.6 There is an added benefit in having plenty to do. When we are busy pursuing a healthy spiritual routine, time seems to go by much faster. Realizing that each day that passes brings us closer to the new world, we gladly accept the full life we enjoy now. We also realize the wisdom of staying busy, inasmuch as we have less time to get involved in futile worldly pursuits.
w94 9/1 p 13 Despite Being Made of Dust, Push Ahead!
20. Now, during the concluding years of Satan's world system, is not the time to slow down, not as far as Kingdom preaching is concerned and not as far as developing more fully the fruitage of God?s spirit is concerned. In both areas we have "plenty to do." Now is the time to push ahead because we know our "labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58) Jehovah will sustain us, for of him David said: Never will he allow the righteous one to totter. (Psalm 55:22) What a joy to know that Jehovah is permitting us personally to share in the grandest work imperfect human creatures have ever been assigned to do?and this despite our being made of dust!
Watchtower July 1, 1943 pages 204-6
Righteous Requirements
The territory now being covered one to two times in six months could very easily be covered four to six times in the same period if everyone took his Kingdom responsibilities seriously.
Constant reminding it's Followers of the authority of the Leaders
Watchtower 2001 August 1 p. 14 Make Your Advancement Manifest
8. First, since "oneness" is to be observed, a mature Christian must be in unity and full harmony with fellow believers as far as faith and knowledge are concerned. He does not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding. Rather, he has complete confidence in the truth as it is revealed by Jehovah God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and "the faithful and discreet slave." By regularly taking in the spiritual food provided "at the proper time"--through Christian publications, meetings, assemblies, and conventions--we can be sure that we maintain "oneness" with fellow Christians in faith and knowledge.--Matthew 24:45.
Watchtower 1983 January 15 p.27
Armed for the Fight Against Wicked Spirits
Fight Against Independent Thinking
Really, can we get along without the direction of God's organization?" No, we cannot!
The Watchtower, Feb. 15, 1981
We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the Scriptural guidance we need outside the faithful and discreet slave' organization.
Watchtower July 1, 1943 pages 204-6
Righteous Requirements
There is only one organization on earth today fulfilling the righteous requirements outlined in this commission from the Lord. The Society, represented by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, is the only one.
Obedience to human representation is the most important lesson they teach.
The Watchtower November 15, 1981, p.26"
Your attitude toward the anointed is the determining factor whether you go into everlasting cutting off or everlasting life.
"The Watchtower December 1, 1981 p.21"
Unless we are in touch with this channel of communication (the Society - my notes) that God is using, we will not progress along the road to life, no matter how much Bible reading we do."
The Watchtower, February 1, 1952, pp. 79-80
We should eat and digest and assimilate what is set before us, without shying away from parts of the food because it may not suit the fancy of our mental taste...We should meekly go along with the Lord's theocratic organization and wait for further clarification, rather than balk at the first mention of a thought unpalatable to us and proceed to quibble and mouth our criticisms and opinions as though they were worth more than the slave's provision of spiritual food.
Theocratic ones will appreciate the Lord's visible organization and not be so foolish as to put against Jehovah's channel their own human reasoning and sentiment and personal feelings.
Controlled behavior makes the group feel particularly spiritual and appear spiritual to outsiders
g94 7/22 p27 Where Parents and Children Listen and Learn Together
An elementary-school teacher, saw something different at the convention. Those children were sitting up straight for long periods of time. And what is more, they were holding their pencils tight in their hands and taking notes, writing characters correctly despite having to write on their laps. The Witness children are different from other children, even at school, in their way of speaking and listening and in their dress and grooming.? She then added: I think it is because of their daily training, their praising Jehovah, and their families working together toward one end.w02 11/1 p12 Maintain Fine Conduct The success of most of Jehovah?s Witnesses in maintaining exemplary standards is seen in comments about them that have been published over the years. For example, Il Tempo of Italy reported: People who have Jehovah's Witnesses as workmates describe them as honest workers, so convinced of their faith that they may appear obsessed by it; nevertheless, they command respect for their moral integrity.? The Herald of Buenos Aires, Argentina, said: Jehovah?s Witnesses have proved through the years to be hardworking, sober, thrifty, and God-fearing citizens. The Russian scholar Sergei Ivanenko stated: ?Jehovah?s Witnesses are known throughout the world as impeccably law-abiding people and particularly for their scrupulous attitude toward paying taxes. The manager of a facility in Zimbabwe used by Jehovah?s Witnesses for their convention said: I see some Witnesses picking up paper and cleaning toilets. The showgrounds are left cleaner than before. Your teenagers are principled. I wish the whole world was full of Jehovah?s Witnesses.?
The leaders link their control of behavior to "special" spiritual insight of scripture.
The Watchtower; July 1, 1973, pp. 402
Only this organization functions for Jehovah's purpose and to his praise. To it alone God's Sacred Word, the Bible, is not a sealed book.
The Watchtower, Oct. 1, 1967. p. 587.
Thus the Bible is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the Bible.
If a person has trouble conforming (especially young ones) they may be urged to become more like an older group member; to follow the leaders' "example".
Awake! May 22, 1998 p. 13 Young People Ask . . .Who Should Be My Role Model?How a Good Role Model Can Help YouBut usually it?s not hard to figure out who in the congregation are truly ?walking in the truth.? The principle at Hebrews 13:7 states: ?As you contemplate how their conduct turns out imitate their faith.? For most of your peers, how their conduct will turn out remains to be seen. But there are older ones in the congregation who have proved their faithfulness, and it?s wise to get to know them.
Our Kingdom Ministry July 1994 p. 2
Younger Ones Need a Good Example
We rejoice to have with us a growing number of young people who are praising Jehovah?s name.(Ps. 148:12, 13)
Many of them are still quite young in years. Their progress is largely determined by the training and example provided by their parents and other older ones in the congregation.
WORDS THAT MAKE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES FEEL SPECIAL:
More words to make JW?s feel special. Publisher, District Overseer, Circuit Overseer, Kingdom Hall, the Truth, the Society, Service Department, Field Service, turning in your Time, Return Visit, Placement, Magazine route, Territory Card, perfection / imperfection, Paradise earth, anointed, little flock, other sheep, bethel home, bethel elder, Bethelite, monthly average, national average, inactive, Field service report, conversation stopper, elder meeting, theocratic ministry school, talk assignment, spirit-directed Organization, whole-souled service, Pioneer, Need-Greater, Ministerial Servants w/ specific titles (e.g. Literature, Accounts), Shepherding Call, Reinstate, Disfellowship, Disassociate, Private Reproof, marked, Judicial Committee, Appeal Committee, Governing Body, Faithful and Discreet Slave, Spiritual Virgins, Channel (also Channel of Holy Spirit), Envoys (underlings of the Ambassadors of Christ), worldling, sticktoitiveness, Wait on Jehovah!, Opposer, Foregleam, Divided Household, NEW LIGHT, Mother organization, Honest hearted-one, Old system of things. (To those whom claim that the Watchtower strictly follows the Bible, it seems to me that the entire religion was built by going beyond the teachings of the Bible)
In his book, he uses a model called the "BITE" model: The "BITE" model of a cult is: Behaviour Control/Information Control/Thought Control/Emotional Control. Under each type of control, he lists identifying traits to determine if your group is being manipulated with any of the controls listed above (1-4). What I have done is taken each type of control (#'s 1-4 above) and taken each identifying trait under each one and supported each trait with quotes from the Society's publications.
The identifying traits of a cult from the book are in RED and the Society's quotes are in GREEN and BLACK.
Behavior Control
Most groups have a stringent schedule for members. There is always something to do in these groups. It has its own distinctive set of behaviours that bind it together.
KM 1/95 "Always Plenty To Do
"We must prepare for and attend weekly congregation meetings. We are encouraged not to let a week go by without having some share in the field ministry. Sufficient time must be regularly set aside for personal and family Bible study. Elders and ministerial servants have many congregation assignments. At times we are asked to help worthy ones in need. Occasionally, some of us may feel overwhelmed by all that we have to do. Yet, the busiest people can be among the happiest if balance and proper perspective are maintained.6 There is an added benefit in having plenty to do. When we are busy pursuing a healthy spiritual routine, time seems to go by much faster. Realizing that each day that passes brings us closer to the new world, we gladly accept the full life we enjoy now. We also realize the wisdom of staying busy, inasmuch as we have less time to get involved in futile worldly pursuits.
w94 9/1 p 13 Despite Being Made of Dust, Push Ahead!
20. Now, during the concluding years of Satan's world system, is not the time to slow down, not as far as Kingdom preaching is concerned and not as far as developing more fully the fruitage of God?s spirit is concerned. In both areas we have "plenty to do." Now is the time to push ahead because we know our "labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58) Jehovah will sustain us, for of him David said: Never will he allow the righteous one to totter. (Psalm 55:22) What a joy to know that Jehovah is permitting us personally to share in the grandest work imperfect human creatures have ever been assigned to do?and this despite our being made of dust!
Watchtower July 1, 1943 pages 204-6
Righteous Requirements
The territory now being covered one to two times in six months could very easily be covered four to six times in the same period if everyone took his Kingdom responsibilities seriously.
Constant reminding it's Followers of the authority of the Leaders
Watchtower 2001 August 1 p. 14 Make Your Advancement Manifest
8. First, since "oneness" is to be observed, a mature Christian must be in unity and full harmony with fellow believers as far as faith and knowledge are concerned. He does not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding. Rather, he has complete confidence in the truth as it is revealed by Jehovah God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and "the faithful and discreet slave." By regularly taking in the spiritual food provided "at the proper time"--through Christian publications, meetings, assemblies, and conventions--we can be sure that we maintain "oneness" with fellow Christians in faith and knowledge.--Matthew 24:45.
Watchtower 1983 January 15 p.27
Armed for the Fight Against Wicked Spirits
Fight Against Independent Thinking
Really, can we get along without the direction of God's organization?" No, we cannot!
The Watchtower, Feb. 15, 1981
We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the Scriptural guidance we need outside the faithful and discreet slave' organization.
Watchtower July 1, 1943 pages 204-6
Righteous Requirements
There is only one organization on earth today fulfilling the righteous requirements outlined in this commission from the Lord. The Society, represented by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, is the only one.
Obedience to human representation is the most important lesson they teach.
The Watchtower November 15, 1981, p.26"
Your attitude toward the anointed is the determining factor whether you go into everlasting cutting off or everlasting life.
"The Watchtower December 1, 1981 p.21"
Unless we are in touch with this channel of communication (the Society - my notes) that God is using, we will not progress along the road to life, no matter how much Bible reading we do."
The Watchtower, February 1, 1952, pp. 79-80
We should eat and digest and assimilate what is set before us, without shying away from parts of the food because it may not suit the fancy of our mental taste...We should meekly go along with the Lord's theocratic organization and wait for further clarification, rather than balk at the first mention of a thought unpalatable to us and proceed to quibble and mouth our criticisms and opinions as though they were worth more than the slave's provision of spiritual food.
Theocratic ones will appreciate the Lord's visible organization and not be so foolish as to put against Jehovah's channel their own human reasoning and sentiment and personal feelings.
Controlled behavior makes the group feel particularly spiritual and appear spiritual to outsiders
g94 7/22 p27 Where Parents and Children Listen and Learn Together
An elementary-school teacher, saw something different at the convention. Those children were sitting up straight for long periods of time. And what is more, they were holding their pencils tight in their hands and taking notes, writing characters correctly despite having to write on their laps. The Witness children are different from other children, even at school, in their way of speaking and listening and in their dress and grooming.? She then added: I think it is because of their daily training, their praising Jehovah, and their families working together toward one end.w02 11/1 p12 Maintain Fine Conduct The success of most of Jehovah?s Witnesses in maintaining exemplary standards is seen in comments about them that have been published over the years. For example, Il Tempo of Italy reported: People who have Jehovah's Witnesses as workmates describe them as honest workers, so convinced of their faith that they may appear obsessed by it; nevertheless, they command respect for their moral integrity.? The Herald of Buenos Aires, Argentina, said: Jehovah?s Witnesses have proved through the years to be hardworking, sober, thrifty, and God-fearing citizens. The Russian scholar Sergei Ivanenko stated: ?Jehovah?s Witnesses are known throughout the world as impeccably law-abiding people and particularly for their scrupulous attitude toward paying taxes. The manager of a facility in Zimbabwe used by Jehovah?s Witnesses for their convention said: I see some Witnesses picking up paper and cleaning toilets. The showgrounds are left cleaner than before. Your teenagers are principled. I wish the whole world was full of Jehovah?s Witnesses.?
The leaders link their control of behavior to "special" spiritual insight of scripture.
The Watchtower; July 1, 1973, pp. 402
Only this organization functions for Jehovah's purpose and to his praise. To it alone God's Sacred Word, the Bible, is not a sealed book.
The Watchtower, Oct. 1, 1967. p. 587.
Thus the Bible is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the Bible.
If a person has trouble conforming (especially young ones) they may be urged to become more like an older group member; to follow the leaders' "example".
Awake! May 22, 1998 p. 13 Young People Ask . . .Who Should Be My Role Model?How a Good Role Model Can Help YouBut usually it?s not hard to figure out who in the congregation are truly ?walking in the truth.? The principle at Hebrews 13:7 states: ?As you contemplate how their conduct turns out imitate their faith.? For most of your peers, how their conduct will turn out remains to be seen. But there are older ones in the congregation who have proved their faithfulness, and it?s wise to get to know them.
Our Kingdom Ministry July 1994 p. 2
Younger Ones Need a Good Example
We rejoice to have with us a growing number of young people who are praising Jehovah?s name.(Ps. 148:12, 13)
Many of them are still quite young in years. Their progress is largely determined by the training and example provided by their parents and other older ones in the congregation.
WORDS THAT MAKE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES FEEL SPECIAL:
More words to make JW?s feel special. Publisher, District Overseer, Circuit Overseer, Kingdom Hall, the Truth, the Society, Service Department, Field Service, turning in your Time, Return Visit, Placement, Magazine route, Territory Card, perfection / imperfection, Paradise earth, anointed, little flock, other sheep, bethel home, bethel elder, Bethelite, monthly average, national average, inactive, Field service report, conversation stopper, elder meeting, theocratic ministry school, talk assignment, spirit-directed Organization, whole-souled service, Pioneer, Need-Greater, Ministerial Servants w/ specific titles (e.g. Literature, Accounts), Shepherding Call, Reinstate, Disfellowship, Disassociate, Private Reproof, marked, Judicial Committee, Appeal Committee, Governing Body, Faithful and Discreet Slave, Spiritual Virgins, Channel (also Channel of Holy Spirit), Envoys (underlings of the Ambassadors of Christ), worldling, sticktoitiveness, Wait on Jehovah!, Opposer, Foregleam, Divided Household, NEW LIGHT, Mother organization, Honest hearted-one, Old system of things. (To those whom claim that the Watchtower strictly follows the Bible, it seems to me that the entire religion was built by going beyond the teachings of the Bible)
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Watchtower History Lesson
Let's pause a moment and consider the actual history of the Watchtower Society.
Until his death, Pastor C.T.Russell was the driving force behind the publication of the Watchtower. Russell controlled it and made provisions in his will for what would happen to the Watchtower in the event of his death. Russell's writings, theology, teachings, predictions and intentions were attractive to those who joined his Bible Students movement.
Fred Franz signed on as a baptised adherent of Russellism in 1913 because he was strongly attracted and persuaded by Russell's message.
Franz knew Russell for three years until the Pastor's death in 1916.
Franz was ambitious to become a Presbyterian minister. Russell had been reared in a Scottish Presbyterian household. Both Franz and Russell were attracted to logical arguments which deconstructed scripture into current event urgency for the impending fulfillment of prophetic apocalyptic ends.
Pyramidology, Dispensational charts and Gentile Times explanations appealed to both men in a strong and lasting way. There was a naive superstitious gullibility in their psychology. Russell laid out every piece of the jigsaw puzzle in his Studies in the Scriptures and planned to open up Revelation in the final volume. Fred Franz had studied New Testament Greek in college--but--due to Russell's prophetic predictions about the urgency of 1914--Franz dropped out of college and became a Full Time Pioneer.
This is noteworthy for two reasons.
Franz had been nominated as an outstanding student for a Rhodes Scholarship. Had Franz remained in college, this prestigious scholarship might well have been awarded to him. Yet, ambitious as he was, Franz's True Believer psychology drove him to warn as many people as he could in the colporteur (Pioneer) work that Armageddon was about to occur. (According to Russell's theology.)
Further, the uncanny excitement of being on the cusp of such a revelatory work while assisting the Faithful, Discreet Slave himself must have appealed mightily!
When Pastor Russell suddenly died on a train in Pampas, Texas before the final book was finished (Finished Mystery), it was 2 years past the designated date for Armageddon! 1914 came and went. Now it was 1916. Had Russell made some marginal error? Was there some missing element overlooked? Would the work continue?
Judge Rutherford stepped in and completely violated Pastor Russell's last Will and Testament. Russell expressly mandated that NO FURTHER WRITINGS were to issue from the point of his death under the ageis of the Watchtower. Russell listed who the men would be to succeed him in adminstering his writings and designated their office and duties. Rutherford pulled the rug out from under these men and set himself as the controlling agent.
Within the next 10 years, 78% of the Bible Students would leave never to return or to become (eventually) Rutherford's newly coined Jehovah's Witnesses. The thrust of the new message was mean-spirited, contrarian and insubordinate. It was provocative and brought down considerable backlash on the rank and file from imprisonments to deaths by medical refusal. Franz watch this unfold with approval and keen interest.
Until his death, Pastor C.T.Russell was the driving force behind the publication of the Watchtower. Russell controlled it and made provisions in his will for what would happen to the Watchtower in the event of his death. Russell's writings, theology, teachings, predictions and intentions were attractive to those who joined his Bible Students movement.
Fred Franz signed on as a baptised adherent of Russellism in 1913 because he was strongly attracted and persuaded by Russell's message.
Franz knew Russell for three years until the Pastor's death in 1916.
Franz was ambitious to become a Presbyterian minister. Russell had been reared in a Scottish Presbyterian household. Both Franz and Russell were attracted to logical arguments which deconstructed scripture into current event urgency for the impending fulfillment of prophetic apocalyptic ends.
Pyramidology, Dispensational charts and Gentile Times explanations appealed to both men in a strong and lasting way. There was a naive superstitious gullibility in their psychology. Russell laid out every piece of the jigsaw puzzle in his Studies in the Scriptures and planned to open up Revelation in the final volume. Fred Franz had studied New Testament Greek in college--but--due to Russell's prophetic predictions about the urgency of 1914--Franz dropped out of college and became a Full Time Pioneer.
This is noteworthy for two reasons.
Franz had been nominated as an outstanding student for a Rhodes Scholarship. Had Franz remained in college, this prestigious scholarship might well have been awarded to him. Yet, ambitious as he was, Franz's True Believer psychology drove him to warn as many people as he could in the colporteur (Pioneer) work that Armageddon was about to occur. (According to Russell's theology.)
Further, the uncanny excitement of being on the cusp of such a revelatory work while assisting the Faithful, Discreet Slave himself must have appealed mightily!
When Pastor Russell suddenly died on a train in Pampas, Texas before the final book was finished (Finished Mystery), it was 2 years past the designated date for Armageddon! 1914 came and went. Now it was 1916. Had Russell made some marginal error? Was there some missing element overlooked? Would the work continue?
Judge Rutherford stepped in and completely violated Pastor Russell's last Will and Testament. Russell expressly mandated that NO FURTHER WRITINGS were to issue from the point of his death under the ageis of the Watchtower. Russell listed who the men would be to succeed him in adminstering his writings and designated their office and duties. Rutherford pulled the rug out from under these men and set himself as the controlling agent.
Within the next 10 years, 78% of the Bible Students would leave never to return or to become (eventually) Rutherford's newly coined Jehovah's Witnesses. The thrust of the new message was mean-spirited, contrarian and insubordinate. It was provocative and brought down considerable backlash on the rank and file from imprisonments to deaths by medical refusal. Franz watch this unfold with approval and keen interest.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Elders Are Chosen By Jehovah's Holy Spirit and Should Be Honored and Obeyed
Bethel member arrested for nude photos and other crimes against children**Bethel is a term to describe the headquarters for Jehovah's Witnesses
J. Manuel Cano was a member of the Walkill Bethel Family for sixteen years. He was a Bethel Elder until the arrangement was discarded last year and simply remained an elder as were all elders at Bethel. He was a book Study Conductor and assisted in the Kingdom Ministry School in the Newburg Spanish Congregation. He was regarded as a very studious man and spiritual leader that was very active in the door to door work of Jehovah's Witnesses. Cano was arrested by police for passing out nude pictures of himself that were sexually suggestive to minors that included his telephone number. The enclosed news stories provide the details of the case.
By Dianna Cahn
Times Herald-Record October 23, 2006
Goshen — A 50-year-old Jehovah's Witness has been found guilty of trying to lure underage boys in Middletown to have anal sex with him and pose for nude photographs.Jesus Cano was detained by Middletown police on June 24. Cano had been handing out a small packet of papers that included a written note, several pictures of his naked buttocks and a name, phone number and e-mail address.When the aunt of one of the boys called police, Det. Tom Miller posed as the boy, called the number on the card, and set up a meeting with Cano for later that night. When he arrived at the agreed meeting place, police took Cano in and later arrested him.Cano was indicted on two felony counts and seven misdemeanor counts, two of which were dismissed by Judge Jeffrey Berry ahead of trial.During the two-day, non-jury trial, Cano's lawyer John Ingrassia tried to show that there was insufficient evidence to prove Cano planned to go through with his intent to have sex of take naked photographs of a minor.But Berry ruled today that there was sufficient evidence to find Cano guilty on five of the seven counts against him, including the two felonies.He will be sentenced on Nov. 27. Assistant District Attorney Melissa Ferraro said she will be asking for the maximum of 2 2/3 to 7 years in prison.Cano is a Mexican national with a valid visa to reside in the U.S. That visa will be revoked now that he's been convicted of a felony, and he will be deported after he serves his sentence.
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