The results of the 2012 survey of Jehovah’s Witnesses are published, and the new 2013 survey is launched!

Many Witnesses are becoming aware that the Governing Body has no real interest in their needs or concerns

Just over a year ago, this website sent a package by UPS recorded delivery to the World Headquarters of the Watch Tower Society in Brooklyn New York.

Received on 15th February 2012, the package was marked for the attention of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It contained seven identical ring-bound copies of the results of our 2011 Global Survey of Jehovah’s Witnesses – the opinions of 1,118 people. Predictably, the Governing Body never replied.

Undeterred, we ran another survey last year,  and the results have now been published. They are available for download in PDF format on this link. They show that the overwhelming majority of 1,488 voters who participated disapprove with some or all of the Society’s teachings and practices. Some of the more shocking statistics are as follows:

  • Only 5% of active Witness voters agreed with ALL Watchtower beliefs and practices
  • 70% of inactive voters stopped attending meetings because they no longer believe that Jehovah’s Witnesses are the true religion
  • 61% of unbaptized voters believe Jehovah’s Witnesses are a cult
  • 31% of anointed voters do not believe 144,000 is a literal number
  • 65% of active Witness voters believe some apostates may have legitimate concerns
  • 31% of serving elder voters consider themselves to be “secret apostates”
  • 60% of former Witness “apostate” voters have nothing against Jehovah’s Witnesses but would like to see the Watch Tower Society dissolved
  • 49% of active Witness voters would either openly or secretly accept a blood transfusion
  • 60% of active Witness voters object to all forms of shunning
  • Three quarters of former Witness voters say they are being shunned by JW family members
  • 84% of inactive Witness voters would leave the organization if shunning were abolished
  • Three quarters of all inactive Witness voters experience “pre-emptive shunning” even though they are not disfellowshipped
  • Half of all serving elder voters feel elders are motivated by a desire for prominence and an ambition to succeed
  • More than 80% of active Witness voters DON’T believe elders are appointed by Holy Spirit
  • 58% of serving elder voters regret a decision they have reached on a judicial committee
  • Two thirds of active Witness voters don’t believe Jehovah’s Witnesses represent God’s spirit-directed organization
  • 81% of all voters have known or heard of a Jehovah’s Witness committing or attempting suicide
  • 60% of inactive voters experienced marital or family problems through their decision to become inactive

No doubt the Society would dismiss the above statistics as merely representing the opinions of a few “bitter apostates,” but one of the most interesting things about our survey is that even active Witnesses who attend meetings have had a share in making their voices heard. The Society cannot claim to have the unquestioned loyalty of all those in its kingdom halls while increasing numbers of such ones are venturing online and making their voices heard through websites such as this.

The 2013 survey is launched!

Whether the Governing Body acknowledges these hundreds of people or not, we will continue to run the survey and gather the opinions of the “silent majority.” Indeed, regular visitors to this website will be pleased to learn that the 2013 Global Survey is now online! I would encourage one-and-all to take part by clicking on this link to get started. If you are unfamiliar with how the survey works, please take your time to familiarize yourself with the instructions before proceeding – and be sure to read the questions carefully before casting your vote!

As to the results of last year’s survey, these will still get posted to Brooklyn even if they go straight in the Bethel mailroom’s bin. Why? Because when the media eventually takes an interest in our efforts (which we believe they will) we want to be able to tell them that we have mailed our surveys to the Governing Body each and every year, and they never replied. Of course, we would rather they DID reply – but this is out of our hands. And even if we can’t force the Governing Body to take an interest in the opinions of hundreds of current and former Witnesses, we can still produce our UPS tickets as proof that we tried!

Your support is appreciated

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of the 1,488 voters who took the time to participate in last year’s survey. I would also like to ask all of you voters to please vote again in our new-and-improved survey, which has been enhanced to incorporate many of the suggestions that we received from readers.

It may seem as though there is little point in voting if the Governing Body isn’t listening, but I honestly don’t see things that way. The more the Governing Body ignores our pleas for mercy and reasonableness, the more they prove themselves to be entirely unfit for the role they have assumed on our behalf. So, with that in mind, please continue to add your voices to our project – and spread the word among your friends too! Let the silent majority speak loud and clear…

 

 

42 thoughts on “The results of the 2012 survey of Jehovah’s Witnesses are published, and the new 2013 survey is launched!

  • March 3, 2013 at 2:48 pm
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    No problem Cedars, adding my voice right now. Thanks a lot for this.

    Alec

  • March 3, 2013 at 3:26 pm
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    I was raised on a Farm and did anyone here ever try having a conversation with a Rabbit as a Kid? No matter what you say or how emphatic or opinionated you may be a Rabbit is absolutely unfazed…as fully equipped for the task as Rabbits are, it will simply crinkle and toss it’s nose and continue circumspect in it’s own Rabbit interest of sniffing and hunting for something to eat and chew, content in his own Rabbit world…if not bothered to be pees hawed at your issues and complaints…

    The difference of a simple Rabbit is an innocent and harmless farm animal and often child’s pet. These are dangerous body of men who deceitfully took on an awesome responsibility of people’s lives and welfare only to abuse and exploit, consume and dispose as if so much offal and carrion…”Evil is as Evil does”

  • March 3, 2013 at 4:14 pm
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    “84% of inactive Witness voters would leave the organization if shunning were abolished”

    Can you please clarify this, please, Cedars. What do you mean by ‘inactive Witnesses’? Do you mean inactive in the preaching work but going to meetings or not doing either? Why would they LEAVE is shunning were abolished? Isn’t it more likely they would return if shunning were abolished? Obviously I’m not on your wavelength here.

    Frank V

    • March 3, 2013 at 4:19 pm
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      Hi Frank, it just needs a bit of thought! “Inactive” is the name given to Witnesses who stop being involved in the preaching work or going to meetings. If you have an “Od” book (Organized To Accomplish Jehovah’s Will) you will find “Inactive Christians” mentioned in the index. In the Ex-JW community they are commonly referred to as “faders.”

      The question “would you leave if shunning were abolished” refers to the fact that many “fade” or become inactive rather than resign (disassociate themselves) because they are afraid of being shunned by family members. Hence, if shunning were abolished, most faders would no longer have any reason to stay affiliated with the organization.

      You have been a Witness at some point haven’t you?!

  • March 3, 2013 at 5:41 pm
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    The many inactive (and even some that are active) who remain “Jehovah’s Witnesses,” even if in name only, primarily stay connected only because of the shunning policy. I have yet to communicate with even one JW who thinks the shunning policy is fair, does what it is supposed to do, or that it is something Jesus would do if he was in charge. I think the 84% may even be a bit conservative, especially if “inactives” could see an opportunity to make a break.

    I also feel strongly that the high number of both actual and potential suicides among those who are either being shunned or know that they will be shunned if they choose to make a break are a direct result of this policy. The Watchtower would like you to believe that it is Satan and their own guilt for doing immoral things that drives these people to self-destruction. They do not seem to care that one reason they (the Governing Body) and their traveling representatives are more feared than loved is directly connected to their shunning policy and its often unfair enforcement. It is being used as an act of terror, not as the “loving provision” the Governing Body claims it to be.

    They are not improving the appeal for anyone to become a JW by expanding their shunning practices to those “marked” but not judicially convicted for anything and to those who have decided to limit their field service and meeting attendance. This practice was unheard of until recent years and would have been unthinkable when I was active. Instead of limiting shunning to the worst offenders among them, Jehovah’s Witnesses have expanded the practice to almost anyone not fully living up to “active publisher in good standing” status.

    I’m sorry, but that is not only insane and self-destructive on the part of the Watchtower, it is also evil! Shun those who can not live up to service expectations – but welcome pedophiles? Are they nuts?

  • March 4, 2013 at 2:06 pm
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    Hi Cedars. I’m still a Witness, but looking from the outside in and not from the inside out.

    Frank V

  • March 4, 2013 at 4:19 pm
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    Thanks for explaining, Cedars. The sentence seemed to be contradictory to me as many might just as likely return if they knew they had the option to leave at any time after that. Of course, after being stabbed in the back in the early ’80’s by being told that the “new light” that those who voluntarily left (changed their minds) were to be treated like ‘deliberate sinners’ was retrospective.

    It is not insignificant that the words, “disfellowhip,” “judicial committee,” “shun,” and “theocratic (arrangement)” are not found anywhere in the Bible! This requires a cherry-picking expedition to create an entire culture of disdain (compare Jesus’ identifying mark of love of enemies) merely from a handful of eisegitically-interpreted scriptures.

    And since these sanctions starting in the early ’80s the system has become more and more difficult to distinguish from Catholic inquisitions or McCarthy UnAmerican trials. Basic human ethics took a dive let alone the light that should shine to the world.

    Frank V

  • March 4, 2013 at 4:24 pm
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    In fact, I would challenge anyone to show me in the Christian Greek Scriptures where it is clearly shown that the first-century Christians had any formal arrangement to discipline congregation members.

  • March 4, 2013 at 11:12 pm
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    Cedars, Good summary of the results. Interesting to know that “60% of inactive voters experienced marital or family problems through their decision to become inactive”. This finding comply with the article “Family Problems Solved by Bible Counsel ” in the Watchtower – November 1 1986 pp.26-30 which starts with these words “WIVES [choose] to be divorced, children to be disinherited, . . . rather than be unfaithful to Christ,”. WHICH CHRIST? Jehovah’s Witnesses’!

    If the WTS are not hypocrite, they will use this valuable finding in the talk “The Truth Brings“Not Peace, But a Sword” (Matthew10:32-38) you can find in 2013 PROGRAM of their District Convention. Download the program at http://www.jw.org/en/publications/

  • March 5, 2013 at 4:49 am
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    Thanks for the kind comments everyone. You will be pleased to know that we’ve already received 12% of last year’s votes (178 votes) inside the first 48 hours! Very encouraging indeed.

  • March 5, 2013 at 6:59 am
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    To be considered ‘inactive’ means, you are not turning in time. You could be attending meetings and if you are not turning in time, then you are inactive.

    • March 5, 2013 at 7:03 am
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      That’s true Mico. The onus is on ministry rather than meetings when it comes to determining whether one is “inactive.” Thanks for pointing that out.

  • March 6, 2013 at 2:19 am
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    I’ma gonna be df’d soon. The inquisition arrived at my house the other day and though I managed to skirt and evade the questions, I know it’s not over. However, I broke down emotionally after they left (held it together while they were here- we nutters know how to flick the ‘appearance of cool exterior’ switch when we have to) and now I have an excuse not to go that my husband buys.

    So now I consider myself officially inactive. Dfd soon too, probably. Shunned. 15 years of friends gone.

  • March 6, 2013 at 10:28 am
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    Do not make a mistake of being Dfd. Read carefully the secret book of Elders “Shepherd the Flock of God” and learn how to escape safely i mean with less long term injuries. My Dear, this religion is lead by the Angel of Abyss, The Destroyer!! (check it for yourself in their book “Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand!” chap 22 par. 20)!

    You know it’s not over! Yes it is not over and they will never get tired untill you fall in their hands! Please, read the book of Elders and see how to protect yourself! Please, leave this destructive cult with less injuries. Fight not to be labelled “Disfellowshiped”!!

  • March 6, 2013 at 4:09 pm
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    Cedars u are clearly an idiot.

    • March 6, 2013 at 4:12 pm
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      You can’t argue coherently so all you can do is resort to name-calling? Interesting!

  • March 6, 2013 at 11:43 pm
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    “Julia Orwell March 6, 2013 at 2:19 am
    I’ma gonna be df’d soon. The inquisition arrived at my house the other day…”

    Hi Julia. If this is your actual name, I wonder whether an indiscreet and ‘loyal’ brother or sister has whistleblown your Internet activity.

    Anyway, what’s done is done. Before any judicial action is taken, ask what it is you have been charged with. Then ask if they have at least 2 witnesses to your ‘deflection.’ If they are not forthcoming, ask them on what basis they are forming a judicial committee. If they ply the “are you refusing to co-operate with a theocratic arrangement?”, ask them where the arrangement is in the Bible and where the word ‘theocratic’ is found in the Bible.

    If they tell you that they have spoken to others and they have complained about your ‘apostasy,’ remind them that whoever the ‘witnesses’ are, they MUST appear in person to give their testimony so that you can cross-examine them (this will be necessary as you will be refused any sort of representation).

    When all is said and done, they will have the upper hand because that’s how the system was devised. Please do your best to audio record the judicial committee’s deliberation and post it on the Net.

    For further ideas go to the Matthew Barrie Judicial case that is fully transcribed and audio recorded at thegoverningbody.org. There is also an essay in which at least 21 ethical violations are outlined.

    All the best!

    Frank V

  • March 7, 2013 at 12:50 am
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    Good piece of advice! Julia Orwell needs more advice, more preparations!! These guys (elders) prepare themselves to attack and they have all weapons to use including their secret book “Shepherding”!!

    In the book, under “PREPARING FOR THE JUDICIAL HEARING” pp.81-86; material under “If the Acrused Threatens Suicide” and “If the Accused Threatens Legal Action” will be very helpful!!

  • March 7, 2013 at 4:45 pm
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    Hiy guys, I don’t go by my real name online so I might be right in that department. However, I’m sure one of those elders has smelled a ‘witch’ and won’t be happy until his inquisition gives results. I’ve been doing research and getting advice, and thankfully I have depression (what a mad situation I must be in if I’m actually THANKFUL I’ve got a debilitating condition!) and a couple of other problems so I can play the emotionally disturbed card for now.
    The next step is to ask them questions and therefore dismantle their power as inquisitors. I’m up against a window-washer for crying out loud! He’s not going to let a ‘higher’ educated WOMAN best him, so for that reason alone if no other he’ll see me gone. It will backfire though, I know.

  • March 10, 2013 at 9:34 am
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    The thought process allows some to read it as would you leave the religion if they stopped shunning other people doing wrong. Not everyone would read it as would you leave the religion if you didnt fear being shunned for it. It’s a selfish question, and says you want to leave but youre afraid to. Most of the stuff printed in this whole site is not about weighing concepts but rather let’s rip everyone away from that church. It would seem the evil is on both sides of this issue. I am looking for good in you people and not finding it. King David did not leave by choice. Things changed when he came back after Saul died. Was it so great that Moses brought Miriam and Aaron out of Egypt with all Israel? I don’t see an attack-the-problem or attack-the-issue plan, i just see in all of you the attack and bring it all down. So tell me, i wish to know, was Jesus a mind-control who needed to be brought down?

  • March 11, 2013 at 6:51 am
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    @Julia Orwell, If you are disfellowshipped it is better to be true to yourself than be an hypocrite! Following Hakizimana’s advice and to remain ‘inactive’ would just show that despite the whinging many inactive are lovers of the Watchtower. Remember, Jesus said you can only serve one. God or satan (& his deceptive religions)?

  • March 16, 2013 at 2:34 am
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    Cedars,

    This article was very interesting……….I have voted as a disfellowshiped one. Out of interest I would not have voted or visited your site otherwise, however I will continue voting regardless of my status……Disfellowshiped or Active witness…..If I figure out how to get reinstated that is…………

  • March 17, 2013 at 10:52 am
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    Hey Julia,
    How are you doing today? Did you stay home or go to the meeting? I have been Df’d * months and many of my true friends speak to me on necessary business, not all is lost…..
    Take care Julia
    Love your sister 70wksofyrs
    xxx

  • March 17, 2013 at 2:00 pm
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    RE Voter Categories

    In the first century in the Corinthian congregation an anointed brother was removed from the congregation.

    1Cor 5:1-12

    5 Actually fornication is reported among YOU, and such fornication as is not even among the nations, that a wife a certain [man] has of [his] father. 2 And are YOU puffed up, and did YOU not rather mourn, in order that the man that committed this deed should be taken away from YOUR midst? 3 I for one, although absent in body but present in spirit, have certainly judged already, as if I were present, the man who has worked in such a way as this, 4 that in the name of our Lord Jesus, when YOU are gathered together, also my spirit with the power of our Lord Jesus, 5 YOU hand such a man over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, in order that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord.

    6 YOUR [cause for] boasting is not fine. Do YOU not know that a little leaven ferments the whole lump? 7 Clear away the old leaven, that YOU may be a new lump, according as YOU are free from ferment. For, indeed, Christ our passover has been sacrificed. 8 Consequently let us keep the festival, not with old leaven, neither with leaven of badness and wickedness, but with unfermented cakes of sincerity and truth.

    9 In my letter I wrote YOU to quit mixing in company with fornicators, 10 not [meaning] entirely with the fornicators of this world or the greedy persons and extortioners or idolaters. Otherwise, YOU would actually have to get out of the world. 11 But now I am writing YOU to quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man. 12 For what do I have to do with judging those outside? Do YOU not judge those inside, 13 while God judges those outside? “Remove the wicked [man] from among yourselves.”

    Then he was forgiven and loved by his brothers again.

    2Cor 2:5-11

    5 Now if anyone has caused sadness, he has saddened, not me, but all of YOU to an extent—not to be too harsh in what I say. 6 This rebuke given by the majority is sufficient for such a man, 7 so that, on the contrary now, YOU should kindly forgive and comfort [him], that somehow such a man may not be swallowed up by his being overly sad. 8 Therefore I exhort YOU to confirm YOUR love for him. 9 For to this end also I write to ascertain the proof of YOU, whether YOU are obedient in all things. 10 Anything YOU kindly forgive anyone, I do too. In fact, as for me, whatever I have kindly forgiven, if I have kindly forgiven anything, it has been for YOUR sakes in Christ’s sight; 11 that we may not be overreached by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his designs.

    Could your voter possibly be

    Disfellowshipped and anointed?

    or

    Disfellowshipped Elder?

    These two additional sub groups I would find interesting. Especially as the Elders will have insight that other disfellowshipped ones do not, then many who have been disfellowshipped for their strong sense of justice may feel they have a heavenly hope to rule over those who “having their reward in full” now in the present GB system.

  • March 17, 2013 at 2:08 pm
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    Hello 70wksofyears. I personally feel the only way a voter category would NOT apply to someone would be if the person objected to being categorized in the way the survey requires.

    For example, a “disfellowshipped and anointed” person would vote under the “disfellowshipped” category, as would a “Disfellowshipped elder.” It’s better we do it that way than allow the anointed and elder categories to contain disfellowshipped persons, which would therefore make these categories more easy for critics to dismiss. In truth we could probably create a myriad of categories to fit each and every poster, but we need to draw the line somewhere.

    Even with the existing six categories, it takes an age to write and upload the survey, and an age to collate and summarize the results. We therefore appreciate people’s patience in picking a category that best suits them, even if they may personally object to being “pidgeon holed” in such a manner.

  • March 17, 2013 at 2:45 pm
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    Cedars, yes I agree with your point. You have set a HUGE goal of gathering data. I wish you all the best, you draw the line appropriately in my view

    70wks…(smile)

  • March 17, 2013 at 4:02 pm
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    Cedars,
    What about people who are “Disfellowshipped” but unrightiously and virtually thrown out when every and many attempts to be reinstated are refused or thwarted in an effort to keep the individual out of the organization? These are people who are virtually forcibly removed or ejected from the organization against their will and sometimes by physical force and abuse, inappropriate use of the police so what category would they fall under?

    • March 18, 2013 at 12:36 am
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      Hello Konrad

      I can only repeat what I’ve said in my last answer, which is that the problem doesn’t lie in our categories but in whether people wish to allow themselves to be classified according to our survey.

      The individual you’ve described should vote under our disfellowshipped category but perhaps tick the box to say “I still share the beliefs of JWs” if that is the case. He/she can even tick the box to say they were disfellowshipped unfairly.

      The problem seems to be whether it is right that he/she was disfellowshipped or not, but I obviously have no control over that. I cannot revoke someone’s disfellowshipping purely for the purpose of the survey. It would be dishonest to do so. The problem lies, not with the survey, but with the Society.

      I hope this answers your question.

      Cedars

  • March 17, 2013 at 5:33 pm
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    70wksofyrs
    Cedars,
    This article was very interesting……….I have voted as a disfellowshiped one. Out of interest I would not have voted or visited your site otherwise, however I will continue voting regardless of my status……Disfellowshiped or Active witness…..If I figure out how to get reinstated that is…………

    Hey there,

    I’ve been ok. Strange things are happening though, but I’ve been managing to avoid half the meetings. The other night, the inquisitor happened upon me and of all things he started asking me about my pets! I spoke politely about my pets, then excused myself from talking to him and went to get my car.

    Another elder came up to me and asked me about my antidepressants and what dosages I’ve been taking and whether I’ve changed them.

    And this morning, and elder came to my door to ask my husband if he wanted to come on a Bible study with him. My husband was getting ready for an appointment so thankfully couldn’t.

    Strange they’re coming out of the woodwork now.

    Did you get dfd for apostasy, 70Weeks?

    Cheers
    Julia

  • March 19, 2013 at 9:11 am
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    Hello Julia,

    “Did you get dfd for apostasy, 70Weeks?” No. It was categorised by the judicial committee as “reviling” and “abusive speech”

    This is a really lame attempt on their part. Everyone slips up now and then, but I am quite impertinent and have an IQ that may intimidate some on the committee.

    Acts 15:39 states “39 At this there occurred a sharp burst of anger, so that they separated from each other; and Bar′na•bas took Mark along and sailed away to Cy′prus.”

    The account does not say who shouted at whom just that two who both loved Jehovah shouted when they disagreed.

    The Bible has a lot of good experiences of ones accused of reviling and convicted of it and the results. I really do need to get reinstated and swear allegiance to the Watchtower in order to help my kids and very dear elderly or sick close friends.

    I still prepare for all the meetings, pray, have family worship with my youngest and attend all the meetings. The Watchtower and Awake mags contain a variety of information, which I enjoy reading and I apply to my circumstances using my power of reason, thinking ability and strong sense of justice.

    Thanks for your interest
    70wksofyrs

  • March 19, 2013 at 9:40 am
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    Hello Cedars,

    I found this question interesting in your poll………………….

    The Governing Body says there is no need to contact the
    anointed or find out who they are. Do you agree with this?

    Yes 50% 4
    No 50% 4
    Total voters: 8
    Surely the four who agree with the GB statement above just agree blindly to anything the GB say.

    In my view d’fd or not, Elder, servant, publisher or not I want to know who all the anointed are a some point. Regardless of our hope heavenly or earthly the Bible teaches that the chosen ones (anointed) will be gathered (Matt 24:31 . 31 And he will send forth his angels with a great trumpet sound, and they will gather his chosen ones together from the four winds, from one extremity of the heavens to their other extremity.) and revealed, actually so does the WT 3/15 2012 para 10 + 11

    “THE BASIS OF HOPE” FOR THE OTHER SHEEP

    10 The apostle Paul wrote of the glorious hope of the spirit-begotten “sons of God” as “joint heirs” of Christ. Then he mentioned the wonderful hope that Jehovah holds out to the unlimited number of other sheep: “The eager expectation of the [human] creation is waiting for the revealing of the sons of God [the anointed]. For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will but through him that subjected it, on the basis of hope that the creation itself also will be set free from enslavement to corruption and have the glorious freedom of the children of God.”—Rom. 8:14-21.
    11 “The basis of hope” for mankind was given by Jehovah when he promised deliverance from “the original serpent,” Satan the Devil, by means of the promised “seed.” (Rev. 12:9; Gen. 3:15) That “seed” was primarily Jesus Christ. (Gal. 3:16) By his death and resurrection, Jesus provided a solid basis for mankind’s hope to be set free from enslavement to sin and death. The realization of this hope is related to “the revealing of the sons of God.” The glorified anointed ones are the secondary part of the “seed.” They will be ‘revealed’ when they share with Christ in destroying Satan’s wicked system of things. (Rev. 2:26, 27) This will bring salvation to the other sheep who come out of the great tribulation.—Rev. 7:9, 10, 14.

    I do keep up with current magazines from the GB, thus far I have located the phrase “The anointed ones and their companions also keep spiritually clean by avoiding all contact with the pernicious ideas of apostates”

    But have not found “The Governing Body says there is no need to contact the anointed or find out who they are”

    Apologies for my asking but could you let me know where the GB state this in the publication’s please?

    Regards
    70wks…..

  • March 22, 2013 at 3:54 am
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    Hello Cedars,

    I found this question interesting in your poll………………….

    ………..The Governing Body says there is no need to contact the
    anointed or find out who they are. Do you agree with this?………..

    do keep up with current magazines from the GB, thus far I have located the phrase……. “The anointed ones and their companions also keep spiritually clean by avoiding all contact with the pernicious ideas of apostates”…………..

    But have not found …………….“The Governing Body says there is no need to contact the anointed or find out who they are”…………

    Apologies for my asking but could you let me know where the GB state this in the publication’s please?

    Regards
    70wks…..

    • March 22, 2013 at 4:02 am
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      Hello 70wksof years

      You also sent me this question in an email, here is my response…

      Here are a couple of quotes to answer your question…

      *** w11 8/15 p. 22 Questions From Readers ***

      We thus have no way of knowing the exact number of anointed ones on earth; nor do we need to know. The Governing Body does not keep a list of all partakers, for it does not maintain a global network of anointed ones.

      *** w09 6/15 p. 24 par. 16 The Faithful Steward and Its Governing Body ***

      Are all these anointed ones throughout the earth part of a global network that is somehow involved in revealing new spiritual truths? No. Although as a composite body the slave class is responsible for feeding the spiritual household, not all individuals of the slave class have the same responsibilities or work assignments. (Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-18.) As noted earlier, in the first century, all were involved in the vital preaching work. But only a very limited number were used to write the books of the Bible and oversee the Christian congregation.

      Warm regards,

      Cedars

  • March 22, 2013 at 4:24 am
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    Hello Cedars,
    Thanks for the quotes, I will read them.

    There are apparent contradictions here….with all these articles from WTS…….The 144,000 anointed either will or won’t be revealed by the GB or Jehovah, but the WTS do maintain this is a literal number.

    ……………..I suppose the GB could say that Jehovah has revealed the GB members as the chosen ones but there is only 7 on the GB……………

    My personal belief is that Jehovah will reveal all 144,000 at the right time and I believe it is a literal number. I believe any who need assistance from the anointed will get to know who they are and find refreshment for their souls by the assistance the anointed provide for all the needy sheep……

    I have hope, it helps us cope………
    70wks…….

  • March 22, 2013 at 4:52 am
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    Hi Cedars,

    w09 6/15 p. 24

    also states…………………..

    20 Whether we are “domestics,” who are part of the anointed remnant, or we are members of the great crowd, let it be our determination to cooperate fully with the faithful steward and its Governing Body. May each of us “keep on the watch” and prove ourselves faithful until the end.—Matt. 24:13, 42.

    ………………thus implying keep on doing the preaching work, and swear allegiance to the GB……………………

    ……………Having said this, though, I believe that within each congregation where an anointed member serves, they can help comfort and build up certain needy ones who may feel low in zeal and spirit, regardless how the GB attempt to discredit any who partake of the emblems…………..

    Likewise onse who feel they have an earthly hope can still be kind, loving and helpful to the needy downhearted sheep……..

    70wksofyrs
    ;-D

  • March 31, 2013 at 1:59 pm
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    everyone knows when you resort to name calling you’re admitting you’ve lost the argument. :) Cedars you’re a light in the darkness, keep up your good work!

  • April 12, 2013 at 3:42 pm
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    Why you acharner against Jehovah’s Witnesses they hold the truth and are guided by God

  • October 8, 2013 at 1:47 pm
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    @elijahovah – in the minds of some agnostics and atheists, yes, Jesus was a mind-control. I believe the sense that everyone is in attack-mode comes from the factoid that the “parent” (or Mother) is not in a negotiating mode on many deal-breaking issues. The Watchtower is a fiefdom and boasts itself as a theocratic monarchy which means, the people, the rank and file (r/f) have limited “input”. Aside from climate-control in kingdom halls, the flock have little influence, and even there you can freeze your nether-parts off as some hot-blooded femme fatale complain to the elders about the heat.

    There is no feedback loop, and there is a sense of powerless-to-stop-it.

  • January 11, 2014 at 12:13 am
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    They are only after what they think is right,based on the items/book wretten by the so called slaves,discreet,to hell with all there self centered doctrines….

  • November 2, 2014 at 12:47 am
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    hahaha. all your fake statistics are a joke. you should stop being concerned about another persons religion you are noting but a bunch of apostates. why dont you fund a site thats more productive like one on mental illness because it seems that you are retarded and may benefit from it . and dont worry im not scared of being blocked either because i wont be back. go stick your fake numbers and all your lies up your ass.

  • November 2, 2014 at 1:47 am
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    Unknown. What’s your real name??????

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