NEWS regarding the October 2010 ANNUAL WATCHTOWER MEETING:
Four members of the Governing Body were present. The Governing Body determined that in 2011 those with children who quit Watchtower (or really anyone including dad’s ...and mom’s who quit Watchtower) are not to be socialized with under the provision of doing “necessary family business,” so as to better get them to want to return to Watchtower. Anointed Jehovah's Witnesses had recommended that active Jehovah Witnesses be moderate as to shunning, but as you know the Governing Body opposes regular Jehovah's Witnesses listening to non-Governing Body anointed ones.
Here is what the Shepherding Book has to say.......(Pg 116, Ch. 10, vs 6)
(*, **, *** were added by me for quicker reference)
6. If members of the congregation are known tohave undue association with disfellowsbippedor disassociated relatives who are not in thehousehold elders should counsel and reason withthose members of the congregation from the Scriptures.
Review with them information from the"God's Love book, pages 207-208 (*); The Watchtowerof April 15 1988, pages 26-30 (**); or the article "DisplayChristian Loyalty When a Relative Is Disfellowshipped"in the August 2002 Our Kingdom Ministry(***).
If it is clear that a Christian is violating the spirit of the disfellowshipping decree in this regard and does not respond to counsel, it may be that he would not qualify for congregation privileges, which requireone to be exemplary. He would not be dealt with judiciallyunless there is persistent spiritual association orhe openly criticizes the disfellowshipping decision.
The ironic thing is that witnesses are always declaring that they value the family. However, they actually show that they have little respect for families and that they can legislate how and under what circumstances a family can relate to one another.
Is this Biblical?
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
Watchtower February 15, 2011 Extends Length of Creative Day
New Light -
Page 7-8 paragraph 9,10:
Jehovah has, however, revealed essential details about his works. For instance, the Scriptures inform us that God's spirit was active on the earth aeons ago. (Read Genesis 1:2) At that time, there was no dry land, no light, and apparently no breathable air at the earth's surface. The Bible goes on to describe what God did during a series of creative days. These are not 24-hour days but are epochs.
Page 9 paragraph 13:
After aeons had passed and God had produced innumerable animate and in-animate works, the earth was no longer "formless and waste". Yet, Jehovah had not finiished using his spirit for creative purposes. He was about to produce his highest earthly creation. Toward the end of the sixth creative day, God created man...
According to these two paragraphs the earth had existed for aeons...which the WTS has allluded to before. Now, though, they're implying that the entire creative process took aeons, not just 7,000 years a day.
What's an aeon?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeon
Although the term aeon may be used in reference to a period of a billion years (especially in geology or astronomy), its more common usage is for any long, indefinite, period of time.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/aeon
1. an immeasurably long period of time; age
2. (Astronomy) a period of one thousand million years
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aeon
1: an immeasurably or indefinitely long period of time :age
2: a very large division of geologic time usually longer than an era b : a unit of geologic time equal to one billion years
I think we get the point...
The WTS has taken to subscribing the time period of aeons to the creative days...an immeasurable amount of time. The 7,000 year creative day is now defunct.
Page 7-8 paragraph 9,10:
Jehovah has, however, revealed essential details about his works. For instance, the Scriptures inform us that God's spirit was active on the earth aeons ago. (Read Genesis 1:2) At that time, there was no dry land, no light, and apparently no breathable air at the earth's surface. The Bible goes on to describe what God did during a series of creative days. These are not 24-hour days but are epochs.
Page 9 paragraph 13:
After aeons had passed and God had produced innumerable animate and in-animate works, the earth was no longer "formless and waste". Yet, Jehovah had not finiished using his spirit for creative purposes. He was about to produce his highest earthly creation. Toward the end of the sixth creative day, God created man...
According to these two paragraphs the earth had existed for aeons...which the WTS has allluded to before. Now, though, they're implying that the entire creative process took aeons, not just 7,000 years a day.
What's an aeon?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aeon
Although the term aeon may be used in reference to a period of a billion years (especially in geology or astronomy), its more common usage is for any long, indefinite, period of time.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/aeon
1. an immeasurably long period of time; age
2. (Astronomy) a period of one thousand million years
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aeon
1: an immeasurably or indefinitely long period of time :age
2: a very large division of geologic time usually longer than an era b : a unit of geologic time equal to one billion years
I think we get the point...
The WTS has taken to subscribing the time period of aeons to the creative days...an immeasurable amount of time. The 7,000 year creative day is now defunct.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Armenian Witness Kills Parents Because Jehovah Told Him To
By Gayane MkrtchyanArmeniaNow reporter
The murder of two parents by their own son, who is a member of Jehovah's Witnesses sect, caused heated public discussions in Armenia. Arman Torosyan, 23, killed his parents – 64-year-old Khachik Torosyan and 57-year-old Marietta Torosyan in their apartment in Sevan, as he says, "fulfilling the commandment of Jehovah.”
A criminal case was filed according to the Article of the Criminal Code of Armenia (“murder of two or more people”) in Sevan. The murderer must undergo a psychiatric examination; meanwhile a new wave of complaints against sects and the negative impact of their activities upon people rose in Yerevan. ‘Yerevan-Moscow-Tbilisi-Kiev’ teleconference, held on Wednesday, discussed the issue of the real threats sects carry, and the means of struggle against them. According to Alexander Amaryan, head of Center for Rehabilitation and Assistance to Victims of Destructive Cults, the number of people involved in sects in Armenia reaches 368,000. “The main goal of sectarian organizations is the ‘reprocessing’ of people. There are no corresponding specialists in Armenia; there are no independent centers, which may carry out a struggle against preachers,” Amaryan says.Psychiatrist Aram Hovsepyan, technical coordinator of the Armenian Psychiatric Association, says that murder and suicide cases, committed under the influence of sects, increases (even though there are no official data). “Such patients develop a kind of disorder of mental dependency upon other people,” Hovsepyan says. “We have acute psychotic disorders, which lead people to unconscious aggressive actions.”
source: http://armenianow.com/social/human_rights/25784/jehovah_witnesss_killed_parents
The murder of two parents by their own son, who is a member of Jehovah's Witnesses sect, caused heated public discussions in Armenia. Arman Torosyan, 23, killed his parents – 64-year-old Khachik Torosyan and 57-year-old Marietta Torosyan in their apartment in Sevan, as he says, "fulfilling the commandment of Jehovah.”
A criminal case was filed according to the Article of the Criminal Code of Armenia (“murder of two or more people”) in Sevan. The murderer must undergo a psychiatric examination; meanwhile a new wave of complaints against sects and the negative impact of their activities upon people rose in Yerevan. ‘Yerevan-Moscow-Tbilisi-Kiev’ teleconference, held on Wednesday, discussed the issue of the real threats sects carry, and the means of struggle against them. According to Alexander Amaryan, head of Center for Rehabilitation and Assistance to Victims of Destructive Cults, the number of people involved in sects in Armenia reaches 368,000. “The main goal of sectarian organizations is the ‘reprocessing’ of people. There are no corresponding specialists in Armenia; there are no independent centers, which may carry out a struggle against preachers,” Amaryan says.Psychiatrist Aram Hovsepyan, technical coordinator of the Armenian Psychiatric Association, says that murder and suicide cases, committed under the influence of sects, increases (even though there are no official data). “Such patients develop a kind of disorder of mental dependency upon other people,” Hovsepyan says. “We have acute psychotic disorders, which lead people to unconscious aggressive actions.”
source: http://armenianow.com/social/human_rights/25784/jehovah_witnesss_killed_parents
Watchtower Study November 21, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Watchtower Says That It Speaks For Jehovah
In the Sept 15, 2010 Watchtower, page 13 para 8 it says "Thus, what is taught [in the Watchtower] is not from men, but Jehovah".
If this is true then why does the Watchtower makes so many mistakes.
The bible teaches that Jesus is the mediator between God and men. It does not mention the Watchtower at all.
How does the Watchtower get the information from Jehovah? Does he speak to them? Do they hear voices? Do they channel Jehovah in some way? How exactly do the words in a magazine come from God?
It is ridiculous that they make such a claim.
If this is true then why does the Watchtower makes so many mistakes.
The bible teaches that Jesus is the mediator between God and men. It does not mention the Watchtower at all.
How does the Watchtower get the information from Jehovah? Does he speak to them? Do they hear voices? Do they channel Jehovah in some way? How exactly do the words in a magazine come from God?
It is ridiculous that they make such a claim.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Elders Can Hide Their Sins And Get Away With It!
I was shocked ( though I probably shouldn't have been ) when reading the new elders manual concerning whether elders have to confess up about former sins from a few years earlier. Notice this on pg. 38 of the new book, paragraph 19 : It states, " If it comes to light or an appointed brother confesses that he has committed a disfellowshipping offense years in the past : The body of elders may determine HE CAN CONTINUE TO SERVE if the following is true : The immorality or other serious wrongdoing occured more than a few years ago, and he is genuinely repentant, recognizing that he SHOULD HAVE come forward immediately when he sinned. ( Perhaps he has even confessed to his sin, seeking help with his guilty conscience . ) He has been serving faithfully for many years, HAS EVIDENCE of God's blessing, and has the respect of the congregation. "
Wait a minute, wait a minute. Time out here. What's all that talk about stifling Jehovah's holy spirit then about ? If an elder DID NOT confess or hid his sin and dishonestly continued as an elder while he knowingly committed sin - how in the HELL would he have EVIDENCE OF GOD"S BLESSING ? As the Watchtower society has mentioned before - if holy spirit is appointing these elders - wouldn't holy spirit have NOT BLESSED him and had him removed if he had been sinning ?
The information continues in paragraph 20 : " If the sin occured BEFORE he was appointed as an elder or a ministerial servant, the elders will need to take into consideration the fact that he should have mentioned this possible IMPEDIMENT to his being qualified when elders interviewed him just prior to announcing his appointment. ( duh, yeah- you think ? ) Moreover, the nature of the sin MAY REFLECT greatly on his qualifications to serve. (No, really ?) For example, the sin may involve past child abuse, and this would LIKELY disqualify him for many years. " ( how about forever Watchtower society ? )
The fact the WT society even states a child molester would LIKELY be disqualified leaves an opening that maybe in SOME circumstances a former child molester MAY serve again as an elder or MS. Disgusting.
Paragraph 21 continues : " If the wrongdoing occurred WITHIN THE PAST FEW YEARS WHILE HE WAS SERVING as an elder or a ministerial servant, he is disqualified from serving as such, not being " free from accusation ". Depending on the circumstances, the situation MAY also need to be handled by a judicial committee. " O.K. then. So if it is a RECENT offense by an elder he is not " free from accusation " , but if it hapened a long time ago - oh well, let's bury the hatchet boys and girls. Once again this shows that the WT society is only concerned about how things appear outwardly RIGHT NOW - and that they tend to get amnesia regarding travesty's of justice in the past, elders committing them or otherwise.
I ask you, if a rank & file publisher came out and confessed a disfellowshipping offense they committed years ago - would THEY be shown the same leniency as the Governing Body and elders show themselves? I highly doubt it. Once again it shows how many double standards exist in the Jehovah's Witness organization.
Wait a minute, wait a minute. Time out here. What's all that talk about stifling Jehovah's holy spirit then about ? If an elder DID NOT confess or hid his sin and dishonestly continued as an elder while he knowingly committed sin - how in the HELL would he have EVIDENCE OF GOD"S BLESSING ? As the Watchtower society has mentioned before - if holy spirit is appointing these elders - wouldn't holy spirit have NOT BLESSED him and had him removed if he had been sinning ?
The information continues in paragraph 20 : " If the sin occured BEFORE he was appointed as an elder or a ministerial servant, the elders will need to take into consideration the fact that he should have mentioned this possible IMPEDIMENT to his being qualified when elders interviewed him just prior to announcing his appointment. ( duh, yeah- you think ? ) Moreover, the nature of the sin MAY REFLECT greatly on his qualifications to serve. (No, really ?) For example, the sin may involve past child abuse, and this would LIKELY disqualify him for many years. " ( how about forever Watchtower society ? )
The fact the WT society even states a child molester would LIKELY be disqualified leaves an opening that maybe in SOME circumstances a former child molester MAY serve again as an elder or MS. Disgusting.
Paragraph 21 continues : " If the wrongdoing occurred WITHIN THE PAST FEW YEARS WHILE HE WAS SERVING as an elder or a ministerial servant, he is disqualified from serving as such, not being " free from accusation ". Depending on the circumstances, the situation MAY also need to be handled by a judicial committee. " O.K. then. So if it is a RECENT offense by an elder he is not " free from accusation " , but if it hapened a long time ago - oh well, let's bury the hatchet boys and girls. Once again this shows that the WT society is only concerned about how things appear outwardly RIGHT NOW - and that they tend to get amnesia regarding travesty's of justice in the past, elders committing them or otherwise.
I ask you, if a rank & file publisher came out and confessed a disfellowshipping offense they committed years ago - would THEY be shown the same leniency as the Governing Body and elders show themselves? I highly doubt it. Once again it shows how many double standards exist in the Jehovah's Witness organization.
Friday, November 5, 2010
2011 Special Talk: Bible Principles-Can They Help Us to Cope With Today's Problems?
2011 Special Talk!
Outline number 76 (yes this is a 'replacement' of the previous 'jealousy' outline)
Outline number 76 (yes this is a 'replacement' of the previous 'jealousy' outline)
You can download a clear copy of the new Special Talk here:
TO DOWNLOAD A PDF COPY: http://www.msucity.ru/upload/file/3867
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