When the JW Broadcasting website was first announced at last year’s annual meeting I immediately relished the prospect of seeing Tony Morris in front of the camera in glorious technicolor for an hour-long show.
I consider myself Tony’s number 1 troll. He is, in my opinion, the most deluded, controversial and intellectually-challenged of all the Governing Body members, and I unashamedly thrive on his misadventures.
As Tony’s train-wreck performance at the 2014 U.S. branch visit showed (which has yet to find a place in the “on demand” section of tv.jw.org), his unguarded rants are an Achilles heel when it comes to exposing the authoritarian, backwards thinking of the Governing Body.
I was nearing the end of my recent stay in Belgium when the news came through that the new January 2015 episode of JW Broadcasting was Tony’s slot. I immediately watched the first 10 minutes with one question on my mind: “Would they let him speak his mind, or would they write his script for him and keep him on a tight leash?”
To watch the Tony Morris presentation without my comments, click here.
I was pleasantly surprised to discover that this was indeed an authentic Tony Morris offering of verbal flatulence of the type other Governing Body members struggle to replicate. Here was a man whose ignorance was on show for all to see; who had no qualms about uttering such ‘pearls’ as…
“If we are in continued association with those who do not believe the same, it can erode our thinking and convictions.”
“It is one thing to work on a job with others, and quite another matter to immerse oneself in an institution of ‘learning’!”
“I have long said: the better the university, the greater the danger. The most intelligent and eloquent professors will be trying to reshape the thinking of your child, and their influence can be tremendous.”
The above three quotes show in a nutshell why Watchtower is so terrified of young Witnesses going to college and university. They know full well that the critical thinking skills gained, which are an essential part of learning, can equip a person to quickly see through their propaganda.
Put simply, education is Watchtower’s enemy. Knowledge is the antidote to their indoctrination techniques.
Nothing spells this out more clearly than the scripture chosen by Tony as a ‘basis’ for the prohibition on higher education. When the Apostle Paul, himself the beneficiary of a good education (or so we are told), spoke about “bad associations spoiling useful habits” he was apparently issuing a call to arms against the Ivy League. (1 Cor. 15:33)
The flimsiness of this scriptural invocation should by itself tell parents and budding students everything they need to know about Watchtower’s motives. Watchtower’s notion of “bad association” in this context is spending time with clever, well-read people who will help you to think for yourself.
But if there is one thing you should never underestimate, it is the potency of Watchtower’s coercion techniques on its indoctrinated prey. And in Tony Morris’ half-hour rant against eduction, these were out in full force.
A classic example can be found between 07:25 and 08:20, where Tony regurgitates a hypothetical scenario (repeated from earlier talks, see video below) in which parents drop off their child to attend university, and enroll him/her at the local kingdom hall only for ‘disaster’ to ensue once the child makes a break for it and starts missing meetings.
“My question is,” bellows an indignant Tony, “who dropped them off at the university?”
Thus the “three F’s” of a Tony Morris talk are deployed:
- FEAR MONGERING – “Let me tell you about a nightmare scenario that could happen to you one day unless you shape up.”
- FINGER POINTING – “Allow me to single out those who fell short of Jehovah’s expectations in this scenario, and who will pay the price for doing so.”
- FAULT FINDING – “Most importantly, here are the main culprits in this whole sad story who bear the most responsibility and need to explain themselves to God.”
- There is a fourth “F” in a quintessential Tony Morris talk, but to spare your blushes I will refrain from telling you it.
As transparent as these methods may be to you and I, it is sad to consider that they will work only too well on Witnesses who are stricken deep within their indoctrination.
As I express in my video rebuttal to Tony’s speech, Watchtower’s prohibition on higher education is an abhorrent manifestation of the organization’s all-encompassing greed and solipsism. To hijack the hope, promise and potential of young people in this grotesque manner by stifling their opportunities and assimilating them into their propaganda machinery as “pioneers” is utterly reprehensible and immoral.
I can only hope that a fortunate few among the ranks of young Witnesses will see straight through Tony’s nasal oratory and seize their chance to make a break for it, and make something of themselves before the opportunity passes them by.
Further reading…
- Friendly Atheist article on Tony’s higher education rant
- Deluded or dangerous? My thoughts on Anthony Morris III following his Rome visit
- After his branch visit performance, is “Tight Pants Tony” now a liability for the Governing Body?
- Watchtower continues crusade against higher education
Related video…
I believe that Tony Morris has, what I would describe as, the rock star syndrome. The Watchtower has always been duplicitous in nature. Has anyone seen that film, Sunset boulevard?
Seems to me , he is not able to untangle fantasy from fiction, doesn’t necessarily mean he’s a bad person, however his thoughts often are poor, The Watchtower needs people and beliefs like Tony (s) to perpetuate the delusion of authority. Very sad indeed and shame on you Watchtower.
@Liam. Thank you for explaining. Your comment was puzzling to me because on the one hand you said you were fading but on the other hand were saying we should get a life and so on. I am sorry that I went off half-cocked against you without a full explanation from you.
I wanted to add another thought about the “happy” video from the Society about Bethelites. I actually found that video to be repulsive. These people are supposed to be there to produce literature. That is supposed to be the real purpose of Bethel, isn’t it? Is it to have a good time? Donations are being sent in to support the work so that all people can come to a knowledge of Jehovah before the end of the world. I thought it was supposed to be a serious sacrifice, not a place to have a “good time and to party” like what Anthony Morris said was the reason by kids supposedly want to go to college for, to have a “good time” and party.
I take this video to indicate that maybe the Society is either losing Bethelites or maybe youngsters are wising up and not going anymore and the older ones are dying off.
If it wasn’t for the free labor of the Bethelites, the Society would die off overnight. It’s the young Bethelites who make the whole thing possible. I am hoping it means they are losing Bethelites and it’s a desperation call for them to find more free labor.
@anonymous, no worries, big hug to you :-)
brandnew, hahaha that Bethel video!! Seems like they saw Cedars’ video and thought: “We can do that better!” They really have sooo many shots of people dancing it’s almost overwhelming… That took quite some time to shoot and edit I think if it was just “payback”.
Let me please also share some of the comments on the video. Quite illuminating.
“Unfortunately, the worldly view of fun seems to need to involve drunk people. Many think they couldn’t have had a good night if they actually remember it. How sad. Drinking and vomiting and swearing etc. Love our fun where whole families of any nationality can get together, play music, games, enjoy food and great company amongst friends and everyone leaves with happy memories. We absolutely have the best life ever.”
“What a beautiful video! It brought tears to my eyes. Only Jehovah’s people are genuinely happy. Soon will come the time when we will experience a permanent, worldwide happiness.” (notice “genuinely”)
“Actually, it makes me want to seek re-instatement. I just want to be HAPPY, like these happy people.”
“Love this! Anyone slaving for Jehovah is happy because Jehovah is a happy God! Psalms 144:15”
“This video makes me feel all sorts of emotions I’m struggling to express.”
“I’m so glad my daughter sent me this link. I’m at working laughing and crying because we serve an Awesome and Amazing Happy God, Jehovah. Thanks so much for sharing”
“Ezekiel 11:17: I will also collect you from the peoples… and I will give you the land of Israel….” (Bible prophecies are being fulfilled in this video!! although New York != Israel to me, but who’s reading the bible fully anyway… lol)
Without prejudice to anyone’s personal beliefs let’s look at the Watchtower. Many people like to claim that they represent the faithful slave. According to the Watchtowers own teachings that has to be a 50/50 punt. Don’t put your eggs all in one basket, or , to quote Bob Dylan, “dont follow leaders, watch your parking meters”.
That is why I am saying that Tony Morris and others like him are deluded. How could they be faithful if that designation has not, according to their own beliefs, be assigned yet?
A room for error that the Watchtower does not allow for. . . Of course their frightened of education.
@Liam, smiles to you too. I don’t know how to do that from my keyboard.
I just can’t thinking about that “happy” video about the “happy” Bethelites. The more I think about it, the more it irritates me and I wonder why? It shouldn’t bother me so much to see these people having a good time, should it? Why does that bother me so much? I wonder if it’s because isn’t the name Bethel supposed to stand for “House of God”? It feels like when they are doing the Happy Dance in a Kingdom Hall or “House of God” it seems extremely sacrilegious to me.
@anonymous, I hear ya. I actually enjoyed the video but I was too was irritated. I kept thinking…
I just wish they were doing something worthwhile like building houses for the poor, feeding the hungry, working for social equality, etc. Wouldn’t it be great to take all of those resources, and people, and energy and focus them into those things?
Wow. After watching this video I am totally confused and don’t recognize this religion anymore. Not nitpicking or criticizing the people on the video. I would never want to take away from anyone’s fun. Goodness knows they probably need it. But I am puzzled because the “Organization” I grew up with had a very “Old Testament”/no-nonsense view of dancing and listening to worldly music. If this video had been done when I was in the “Organization” every single person on that video would have been counseled/chastised for participating in it. Didn’t they just have a discussion on how the JWs need to learn to appreciate Kingdom Melodies and move away from worldly music? Also, it is my understanding that the “Organization” is trying to discourage independent productions/materials that represent them.
If the video was not sanctioned by the GB are they going to take the names of each person and have a “little talk” with them? In which case, they are not going to be very “happy” for long.
If the video was sanctioned by the GB then I am really confused cause this is a music video with worldly dancing and music. Or it could be that the GB is turning a “blind eye” to stuff like this if it suits them. In which case, any JW wanting to do something similar may want to get the rules before they do so (e.g. maybe consult the elders to get an OK on music and choreography? I would love to hear that conversation).
Again, not nitpicking. And, if you are a JW I am not trying to take your fun away. Just trying to get a handle on what the “Organization” saying vs. what the Rank and File are doing. There seems to be a disconnect here.
On a side note: I actually liked the video. The music is good, the choreography wasn’t half bad, and the level of energy is very high. But then again, I am easily amused and my tastes are questionable. Plus these people used to be my “Brothers” and “Sisters” so I think there is a weird emotion that comes up (even after so many years ) to care for them and protect them. I know, crazy…right?
I also see a lot of hypocrisy in that video because of the way the girls are dressed. Didn’t Anthony Morris go on and on about how women in the Org. aren’t supposed to wear “tight” pants while they are out and about? I thought I saw some tight jeans on those girls. It’s not that I am against tight jeans on girls. It just seems like a double standard to me.
Without having 1st listened to Lloyd’s commentary, here goes,
The 1st scripture that Tony uses is in 1cor15.
He uses this to portray universities as a place where there is “bad association”, however, reading the context , Paul is referring to members of the congregation, primarily those who were denying the resurrection hope. . .those who sought to dominant and indoctrinate against the Christian hope .2nd scripture slighted is Rom 12. Paul, so the scriptures say, encourages the Christian to make their “mind over”, or to make up the mind or inculcate. How is a Christian expected to do this (prove to themselves, Greek) if they are unwilling or prepared to listen? Both scriptures are taken out of their original context.
Lloyd that is simply the best rebuttal I have ever heard. Simply superb. Though we may differ in beliefs, open ears are the key.
Simply superb.
Glad you approve! :)
2 Thessalonians chapter 2 verse 11
The ORG has been self conflicted since its beginning, but a declining supply of Bethel candidates will add desperation to the mix. It could become quite bizarre …
Some JWs recognize a failure of leadership on the question of university education. But they don’t have the courage to take a stand and abandon the leadership. They want the WT to lead them to paradise, but they don’t trust them enough to sacrifice a university education.
Wanting it both ways, is self deceptive and hypocritical. Is that the kind of follower Jesus wants? And if you can’t be true to yourself, how can you teach truth to anyone else?
@Stephen G , I assume you are referring to the false, deluding lie, the 1914 parusia?
Off topic one liners are not interesting. And a series of them is distracting.
Please desist. I hope you know who you are.
Cool:-), I’ve learnt to make 3f’s with my fingers. . . .”live long a prosper”;
The main thing is not to panik ! ! ! !
I totally made a reply, at four – fourty – four….. Woooooo Hoooooo.
I AM TOTALLY SHOCKED & HORRIFIED at the total HYPOCRISY of the Happy Video at Bethel on Youtube!! Until a few years ago before the international conventions last year you would have been REPROVED for Dancing in the HOUSE of GOD. & Singing a WORLDLY SONG by Pharrell Williams!! What is IRONIC some worldly universities have BANNED Pharrell Williams songs being played because in one of them encourages DATE RAPE!! We were told back in the 1980s to chuck out of our record collections any music played by people who had worldly lifestyles & only play kingdom melodies in the House of God i.e. Kingdom Halls & especially Bethel!! Are the GB so desperate for workers that they are Lowering their Standards !!’ What does Jehovah think or is this just a PROPERTY EMPIRE?? Masquerading as a Religion!!!
Happy in the kingdom hall?, interesting. Couldn’t find the link, could someone repost link? Much appreciated.x
Watching the ‘Happy @ Bethel’ video makes me wonder if the WT has possibly hired the same company that does McDonalds PR? That video totally smack of a McD’s commercial.
“Happy @ Bethel’.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWOU6e5VwBo
Permission granted to realise the coiled spring, now back to work you lackeys.
Honestly were all normal here.
That’s bizarre.
How easily people can be manipulated.
There’s very little doubt that the Society is painfully aware of Lloyd’s site. Good.
A while back a poster had said they were at a circuit assembly with over 4,000 in attendance and I think they said there were only 3 who got baptized. I can’t remember for sure, but it was only a few. That says a lot if it’s a trend and if it is a trend, I hope it gets a whole lot worse and maybe if it is a trend, that is the reason for the disgusting (my opinion) happy video and I hope the Society is well aware of Cedar’s website. If they aren’t aware of it, they are foolish not to know.
Cedar’s video of the happy dance, I LOVED!!!
Yeah – I was one of those Witnesses that got grilled by the Presiding Overseer in 1984 for playing worldly music and as a result, chucked an entire collection or 350+ LPs and almost as many tape recordings, in near MINT condition ( as I was a music collector ) in the garbage bin, only to be taken by the garbo the next day. I’m still having difficulty trying to down load the same VERSION of certain music even now, as some of it was never made digital. No compensation from the Watchtower Organization for that lot.
I have been Pharrell Williams fan for many years and used to secretly own and listen to his early N.E.R.D (no one ever really dies) albums in my bedroom as a teen. I’m fairly sure that anyone who was familiar with the lyrics to ‘lap dance’, ‘tape you’ or ‘am I high’ from his ‘In search of’ album would not find him a suitable artist to be playing the music of and dancing to in ‘the house of God’. Another illustration on lack of research…..
It’s the grand parade. Genesis (group)
Take it from an old dude. IT is all there is , IT is love and loyalty, if you think IT is pretentious you’ve been taken for a ride. It is rael. Genesis IT.
Understand it. Don’t ever be owned.x
Just a quickie, it was me who mentioned the assembly, and at a convention with anthony morris on the satellite screen,.as his name is announced, i could hear people wispering ” tight pants tony” hillarious ! ! !
@anonymous. At my last four circuit assemblies 4,7,9&5 were baptised. most were bought up in the truth.Most were teenagers,one 11 year old. Most get baptised because of family & friends . The GB encourage Young ones so figures look good in yearbook .Another 2% rise Brothers ! Praise JEHOVAH . If young ones waited until they could do research independently at say 21 years of age! They would realise the TRUTH constantly changes!! What is truth today isn’t tomorrow e.g. 1874,1878,1914,1915,1918,1925,1942,1975,before end of 20th century. Sheep& goats,Generation,Gog,F&D Slave,pyramids,Beth SARIM ,Blood Fractions ,etc I could give another 20 changes.The LIGHT GETS LIGHTER??? Give me my SUNGLASSES before I go BLIND
The happy video is clever. Reminds me of the red paradise book from the 80s. They put on a happy face to lure people in, and hook them with a promise of paradise on earth.
I’m not against paradise on earth, but the WT is not qualified to lead the way. Their house of “truth” is built on a foundation of lies.
If this old world survives long enough, WT may establish a university of their own, to retain young people. Warwick University, imagine that.
This link below shows the bethel dressing code
http://www.jehovahswitnessblog.com/cult/dress-code-for-bethel/
The point is to respect the house of God.
The fact that they feel happy is something cool. The world is full of terrible news. Having fun together is something really good.
The only wrong thing is that they are playing a wordly song at bethel, the House of God. How is that possible???!??
The amazing thing is that they all (or majority) forget that that’s wrong and they do it. How easily they do something they preached as wrong! Do they use their own brain? It doesn’t seem so!
A stable point with JWs is that everything you believed 10-15 years earlier is thrown away.
You believed that excommunication is not scriptural…thrown away
You believed that baptism is between you and God…thrown away
You believed 1975…thrown away
You believed the generation from 1914…thrown away
You believed that kingdom halls and bethels are places of worship or devotion…thrown away
This is really surreal!
Respect the house of God? That would imply WT ACTUALLY IS the house of God.
But it’s not. And the happy video is just another step in WT’s evolution towards mainstream acceptance. Warwick University, here we come …
@David. Your comment is excellent regarding constant changing of standards .Couldnt put it better myself!!
@White rabbit. I enjoy your comments. Very astute about what next ? Warwick University!! You could be so right ! I think Cedars is the Real F&D Slave ! Why not any of us?? We all make wrong conclusions & statements !! And sometimes we get it right! What the Heck. We probably get interpretation of scripture right more often than GB so let’s all that comment on here be called F&D Slave . Oh Praise the Lord!! I think I am Spirit Directed!!!
Being in this “thing” called the “truth” for so many years, I can sure remember how the Society railed against the charismatic churches for how those churches were appealing to the young with their playing of guitars and their singing etc. in those churches and that is what I am seeing happening in the organization now. I guess what ever works for the goose, works for the gander. what ever works is what they will go with as long as they can keep the money and the free labor coming in.
From what I am hearing, those charismatic churches are growing at a phenomenal pace and the Society wants to keep up with them and I think that is why they are adopting their practices of the music that they allow in the Kingdom Halls and at Bethel.
The young people today, don’t remember like we older ones do how that would never have been accepted just a few years ago and so they are probably really happy about how the Society has been liberalized and are resorting to Christendom’s practices in order to draw in new converts.
The young ones are turning the religion into what they want it to be and the Society is perfectly willing to stoop to those low standards if it means the fooling of the next generation into being believers.
Whatever works…..
@brandnew, when I saw that comment that you posted about how many were baptized, it really struck me and made me really hopeful as far as the implosion of the Society and Pickled brain, it also made me wonder just how many of those few that were baptized were kids that didn’t know anything about anything and were just “numbers” that would look good on the next year’s report card.