Early October 2014 will mark precisely 100 years of Christ’s invisible rule from the heavens – according to the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
As this website has already pointed out, the passage of the centenary should be a cause of some embarrassment to the Watch Tower Society, who for decades have taught that the interval between Christ’s 1914 enthronement and Armageddon would only be a “short period of time.” (Rev. 12:12)
But rather than understate the significance, there has been a concerted effort in recent publications to capitalize on the year 2014 with the apparent aim of heightening expectations among Witnesses. A clear example of this can be found in the new March edition of the Witness-only journal, Our Kingdom Ministry.
The final paragraph on page 2, in an article about the forthcoming Memorial, reads as follows…
Witnesses will be quick to point out that the above paragraph doesn’t definitively say the 2014 Memorial WILL be the last. Even so, it is beyond reasonable doubt that its careful wording is intended as a nod towards the 1914 Centenary, since the writers describe the 2014 Memorial as a “unique opportunity to show gratitude.” Why should this year’s Memorial be more unique than any other year if not for the Centenary?
Though the writers are rightly careful about making any firm predictions, they can certainly be said to be toying with Witnesses – encouraging them to entertain the prospect of Armageddon coming in 2014.
Such teasing may produce a short-term effect, with perhaps some Witnesses deciding to muster one last push for the 2014 Memorial season. But in the long run, falsely building up expectations can only backfire, as we saw in the years following 1975 when significant numbers left the organization in the wake of its failed prediction for that year.
There will always be goldfish Witnesses with short memories who will readily respond to ANY goading from Watchtower over the nearness of Armageddon, no matter how repetitive it may be. But then there are elephant Witnesses who refuse to forget the past as readily as Watchtower would like them to.
As far as the latter are concerned, Watchtower needs to tread carefully.
Further reading…
Related video…
I can just visualize several writing dept editors agonizing over that little bombshell of a paragraph. Should we bother Anthony Morris III secretary before we go with this wording? Should we at least call one of the other GB secretaries to make sure it sounds nebulous enough? Or should we just scuttle this one?
All wringing their hands as they wonder out loud.
I don’t know much about the 1975 fiasco, and It surprises me how many of those in my former congregation , either chose to do a memory by-pass or just pretend it was nothing much. I had a look elsewhere and to my amazement found the most incredible amount of talks pushing the 1975. I think the usual wording is so typical of that one last push giving the brothers a real belief , that yes 100 . just maybe lol. I will try to sneak at look at my parents KM to see what kind of stuff it tells all, in this final push.
Well done again Ceders. I am confident that the human race will still be here in 2114.
Best wishes Carol!”
Yes, they will still be around. I was looking at my wifes mags she leaves around. and I came across Watchtower November 2013 , page 9, There is the story 1969 to 1975 all over again , ” How to give” I think they got 333 million that time. Why they need the money when world coming to end? I’m 81 years old will the fear and trauma , drams ever stop? Cedar I like your blog.
No, it can’t be the last.
By my reckoning, there’s at least two billion folks out there who don’t know a Jehovah’s Witness from a watermelon.
They have never heard the Good News.
Bit of a bounder of a God to kill folks who’ve never heard of him, I’d say.
A very unsubtle attempt to keep the tragic rank and file stumbling along for another few months.
Anyway, shouldn’t the Great Tribulation come before the end? When the governments of the world will all be incredibly stupid and ban religion? Oh, and then every other religious person will just shrug their shoulders and give up having faith, leaving JWs as the only ones still professing a faith.
When it’s spelt out like this, it really makes the whole idea of an end of days rather silly.
Peace be with you
Excelsior!
This is what the society say
“This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14; Mark 13:10) Has this prophecy been fulfilled? Indeed, it has.
w95 9/1 p. 17 par. 17 Christian Witnesses for Divine Sovereignty
It does not seem to matter to them that at least a third of the world has never even heard the JW message. They say if there are just a few witnesses in a country like China or Pakistan that is sufficient lol
Think I might go hang myself as no matter which way you look at this damned if do and damned if I don’t, I just don’t know anymore….confused.com
I know what you’re saying John Waynes, and I think we know eachother.
All I would say is, you’re definitely not “damned if you don’t.” You have so much to live and love for without having Watchtower control your life through previous generations of your family who didn’t know any better. You can pass on a lasting legacy of intellectual honesty and truth to the next generation, and that alone is something worth shouting about.
Reach out to us if you need to talk.
I am a little confused with your comments. You say you have not believed their doctrines for years and you are not a regular attendee, and yet you encourage your children to make the ‘truth’ their own, and follow the gov body.
If you no longer follow their doctrines and hardly ever attend, why would you encourage your children to do something that you have realized is false?
Just asking.
Most religious people believe they have the truth, so it is not enough to just feel you have it.
Certainly in the Watchtower’s case, much of what they have said was true or ‘truth’ has been shown to be nothing like the truth. That is why Cedars and others produce videos to actually prove to people that the JWs most certainly are not a true religion and that following them could well do them and their families a lot of harm.
Thanks John Waynes, I’m glad my videos/articles have benefited you in some way. Feel free to reach out to Mrs Cedars and I if you feel so inclined. I’m sure you can work out how! ;)
John Waynes Love Child Not
It is possible to get clarity and to be at peace. There is kindness and honesty out there. Many people are coming out right now and its okay to do that. You do not have to do this alone. Isolation through shunning is a tool that has worked in the past. It does not work these days as more are getting the courage to say No – this abuse of people has to stop.
I think I understand what John Wayne’s Love Child Not is saying.
Think back, folks. I’m sure you can recall when you did something kind prompted by a feeling you had, that led to something special. That is the truth that they are talking about.
Now, as an atheist, I could come up with a non spiritual explanation for this, but it I won’t.
There are many good hearted folks out there who follow a truth that they feel is right.
As Nietzsche said, “everything done out of love is done beyond good and evil”
We must follow our consciences, and do what we feel is right.
What is right and wrong is another debate…..
This poster did what they thought was right, and we must respect that.
I am glad that they have begun to find the truth about their religion. But it shouldn’t necessarily damage their faith.
Thanks for your posts, and I extend my desire to help you if I can.
Peace be with you
Excelsior!
Cedars,
Thanks for this article. I really appreciate your work
Kate xx
It’s the “End of Days.” EVERY memorial is their last. That’s why it’s called a “memorial” and “festival” or “celebration.”
There is nothing joyous about that religion. They mourn everything… including the fact that they’re still alive.
… and NOT “festival” or “celebration.”
Are there more JW’s partaking of the emblems in the lst 5 years or ha s it stayed about the same?
Even thought he JW’s claim they do not celebrate anything? Every Memorial season they act just like it is Easter? They all dress up in their Sunday Best, gewt their hair done, The sisters get new dresses, they put “SPRING” flowers everywhere and they get all excited just like a “worldly” holiday? They clean the KH in advance etc? Have others noticed this? The only difference is it is over in like 45 minutes as you watch people pass the unleavened bread and wine around and Nobody drinks or eats any? Then it is off to their homes inmost cases. Oh maybe a few might go to a local eatery but it is over for the most part. It is the closest they come to having any fun? After having gone thru like25 in my life I have to admit, it became quite uninspiring. Jw’s..the religion of no fun.Everything is bad with them. No partys, No sports, No cheerleaders, no clubs to join,No celebrations, No Mothers day, No Fathers day,No feeding the hungry,No Birthdays,
No college, No education,Only thing they are told to do is to Preach and make converts and go to meetings. I know to may depressed JW’s. I think they have a higher than normal mental issues than the general population. I was an elder for many yeas and I dealt with it and tried my besyt to help sincere people overcome it. The majority were depressed bc they felt they had no goals in life. The only goal the WT approves of is more “Service” be it knocking on doors, Bethel service, Pioneering etc.The reason is they are continually brandished in every aspect of their lives that everything around them is evil except for the Wt and its people. The truth is there are more unhappy JW’s around than the population in general.
The majority are nice people but so unhappy and living a life of fear.
Scriptually it doesnt say that the sheep need to attend, only the annointed.
I keep wondering just how utterly stupid the rank and file of Jehovah’s Witnesses must be. If they genuinely believe in Jehovah God then they must realise that the Governing Body is a scam taking them for a ride. Just like having a space ship behind the moon, remember that one.
All the leadership of the Winteness movemnet has done since its inception by Russell is to lie and cheat the innocent.
Its time for a clean out, if this latest round of pedophile cases does not do it for us, we have to!
I love God, I love the Bible I pray and read it every day. What the governing body is doing is scandalous and evil!
They say this every year”will this be your last memorial”or words near as, this is nothing more than tactics to cause a fear within the orgnisation,may be its a false flag to cover up the embarrassment of the failed predictions from the governing bodys feeble controling minds 100 years on,its a joke and why people don’t see the tactics the governing body do beats me,I was dissfelowshiped because I questioned the teachings of the governing body and would not accept them but i would Jehovah so really it shows there are more man worshipers than God,its very sad that others dont see this but hey thats a cult for you,and thts how they work by putting certain words in to make people feel its the end,and thats from man not God…
Why bother with the remembrance?
Just do as the bible says in 1 Corinthians 11.26.
For according the the JWs Jesus has already been here for a 100 years and the memorial was meant to be celebrated only until He returned!
Your very right there Carol. One of my main debates was with the faith full discreet slave and what came out at the AGM last year and said if the GB have been appointed then why are we still celebrating the memorial as this then is the appointed time as the scriptures say, I feel that was my ticket out of the congregation,the GB have a lot to answear for but time will tell…….
eve Jesus’s disciple at one point they didnt know the actual meaning of the scriptures–when jesus said they suposd to eat his flesh,bt later on they realised they were wrong only after jesus was gone
Jesus did not say that if you think he did please show me your reference!
“He said to them, ‘I have eagerly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.’” (Luke 22:15) “And he took bread, and when he had given thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’ (as in break the bread not eat my body, how could they in any event as Jesus was alive and before them),And likewise the cup after supper, saying, ‘This cup which is poured out for you is the new covenant in my blood.’ ” (Luke 22:19-20)
Why would they say that… it dont make sence because new people are claiming to be anointed. .and according to the Governing Body everyone must prove themselves Years before final sealing So how could they say they dont know if it will be the last memorial .Like their father satan they get caught in their contradictions.
Very interesting, this concept of memes… That is one reason why I believe so many JW’s don’t know WHAT they believe. They can’t find these things in their literature, yet they somehow are convinced it is true. Meeting attendance is required, to maintain your spiritual health. Time cards are necessary, so that men can keep track of you. All these methods of control, yet they are still losing their grips on the people. All they have left is fear.
I pray for the safety of the JW’s who are perched and ready to “obey.” My parents and sister are ready and waiting, unfortunately. Thanks for sharing your observations about the inner rooms. I don’t think the GB has the power and complete control that they think they do. There are too many JW’s who are waking up and telling the world what is happening inside their Kingdom Halls and even in the upper rooms of Bethel. Orchestrating anything on a mass scale, in more than one location, would take cooperation of many men. Are there enough men in this organization that can be trusted to keep such plans a secret, let alone have the stamina to carry them out, “helping those who are wavering in their faith?” I doubt it.
Their system is no longer functioning as it used to… It is coming to an end.
It is disturbing to hear some of the things people are thinking. These men can not be trusted, but I do not think they are quite as almighty and powerful as they say they are.
This is so true ! Another thing is that, never a single message would be so direct to get to this feeling but a combination of various statements, here and there. It’s only when you complete the puzzle with all these “hints” that you end up with the idea of approaching catastrophy. It’s so subtle that they don’t have to say it directly to you, they just put the seeds here and there and wait for them to grow in your mind. In such a way indeed, as you said, people even forget the basis and origins of all this and how “divine” the messages were.
Dear Fading Brother & Others, it would be imposible for them to have the pill, kool aid stuff in the western world, to many laws & people on the lookout for this type of stuff.
I have also heard many times the one about the interior rooms being the Khalls, yes it does make some sense but, the great tribulation will take some time to take place, so we would need lots of stuff at the hall, including bedding/bathrooms etc, many halls dont have that stuff, & also as one older sister said to me, when & if it hits the world, half the population will be asleep, so what then, their is no scripture to point out what you have said a bout pills & kool aid, they would have to make it up. i beleive now that they are wrong about 1914, & very shortly will have to move the goal posts again, we have just started to study the Jan 15 WT, with the article on “this generation”, the article basically say’s “these Generations”,they are contradicting the Bible, once 2014 is finished i beleive many will be turning of the GB.
Thanks Fading Brother, i agree, the door knock & run to the hall, as you know many brothers & sisters would go to a meeting every nite if they could, as of late they have been harping on the Jerusalem thing, get out & don’t come back, recall the drama, its all scare tactic’s, but unfortunatly a lot of the older ones have nothing else, i have lived in my home towm for 30 years now, we have only had a few come out of the field, in fact we have had more leave. My mother got the truth in 1974, so we lived through the 75 stuff, she is now 73 & dying of cancer but this is the year 100 years of kingdom rule, its quite sad, all the sacrifices she has made & we are left with nothing because they put the truth 1st, we are having to care for them, a lot of older ones who never bought a home, left on a pension renting if lucky.
Well my odds are you got more chance lord lucan rideing shergar at the cheltenham cup next week,let’s be serious about all this its nothing more than fear and control which the GB are good at,my mother phoned me from stockprt the other week to say it could be the last memorial which i agreed like it could be the last fa cup this year,but its saying “could this be the last memorial’like many who read this artical there not reading it properly and that seems to be those who are at the meetings,its twisted properganda in my mind,there’s a saying from years back”keep telling them lies and keep telling them and before you no it they will believe it(one of hitlers bench men said it),I feel many who are JW question big time but do so in private which shows how much control and ffear there is with in the org,many years back i worked n the bethal in London,and issues were cmng up on a bro decision on safety on the site but bro@sis were scared t challenge due to his position,I challenged and was ask to leave……..work it out as i could not,the whole concept of tjs being put in the km artical is to provoke a wave of fear and also emotional behavoiur with in the congregations which is instigated from the GB to keep people hanging on,I got DF last year because I did not agree with the governing bodys decision about the fasithfull dosscreet slave issue but as far as the bible and Jehovahs word I respcted 100% so really I was DF because of man and not god,this makes me very an grey but also proves my pint of false prophets,iam sorry for ranting but iam still very an grey from tis that I had to accept man before god which don’t make sence,and I read jennis write up and n that iam not being quite about it my name is Dean smith and iam originally from stockport cheshire so iam not going to use pseudo name from now on,thanks for letting me get this of my chest…hugs..Dean xx
Sorry about the spelling I was using a phone at the time xxxx
thanks for the kind words and support,but I find it very hard that I believe bible principles and love Jehovah but I only can if I accept a group of guys in the states as in the governing body,it blows my mmind to think that this is no different than what the pharasises were like,my only thing I don’t accept is what some of the governing body sprout out which to a point is outrageous I recently heard from a friend in Italy after the talk from GB member gave, my friend said it was like some weird school teacher giving his own opinion which in hinesite was,my past work has involved trauma and thst included abuse victims, in the past when I lived in stock port cheshire I have brought this to certain elders attention I was told to do it jehovahs way but I disagreed and said if your breaking a law of the land then hence you are in gods eyes,I was classed as a trouble causer but at the same time made sure the victims were protected, now can you see were and how I don’t like injustice,so therefore I question what the GB put out as policy,and really if this is so how would jesus have acted,please belive I feel everyone has a choice but when injustice comes to light in a professed organization which preeches lve the questions must be asked,also the faith full discreet slave thing from last year,why are there not many others questioning this beats me,thing is cedars I do remember a lot from many years back and the term cognative dissocence is a bbig thing in the org,and also to a point very dangerous for many,and if you want to go deeper I would say dissociateing as in a cognative form is rampent with in the org,the total mind control and fear indoctrinateing is terrible, anyway like I said I can talk but I also understand the pseudo name thing as well and understand,but hey iam a god please not a man please but sadly I hsve been punished for this,the Watch tower has a lot to an swear for but the easy way to deal with people is to DF once they start to rock the boat,funny really my issue is with men not scriptures or god so it shows who runs the ship hear,ok iam of now to spend some well earned time with my grandson and sort the world out with spider man…..Dean Smith xxx
Well said I feel exactly the same, it’s The GB who are causing the rot, and like any cancer it’s time to cut it out.
That is why I am here!
Good luck you you Carolx.
If you want, I’ll get you a copy of the Kingdom Ministry. My mother is a 40 yr plus JW. I was raised with them. She’d give you a copy of her kingdom ministry. Now if you ask her to interpret or even provide much of an opinion as to the meaning of something in it, you will not get much.
In all the years I was raised with them, my overwhelming opinion of most of them is that they simply do not understand most of their own doctrine. They think that they haven’t studied it hard enough and that every other JW understands it better than them. Even the otherwise intelligent ones are this way. It just never occurs to them that they don’t understand something because it just doesn’t make sense.
As far as the “is this the last Memorial?” I have a little insider insight into what makes most of them tick. No doubt, all of them secretly believe the society is telling them it is the last Memorial. When it doesn’t turn out to be, they will berate themselves for having misinterpretted what the society said and/or never admit they believed that for a minute. I happen to know my mother thought the end of the world was going to happen in 1975. I might have been young, but I was there. I remember the conversations among the adults. She never admits that she or anyone else believed that but they did. They all did. They pulled their kids out of school. They took menial jobs instead of getting any training or college. They discouraged their kids from pursuing any dream that didn’t revolve around pioneering or missionary work because the end was right around the corner. They all dove into pioneer work instead of starting families. They lived it. Every time the JW’s need a moral boost they post some little something something like this into their literature and their little sheep all double their efforts again, for a while. It’s how they work. I doubt that they’d even deny it. They’d say well “the hour is nigh and we must be vigilant” or some such.
Yes, I heard that before. JW’s would say “not everyone who thinks they are of the heavenly class actually are. Only Jehovah knows” I suppose that is one way to cover up your calculation mistake.
I am neither a believer or disbeliever , but something major is required to make our world a better place to live ! So I hope what the Watch Tower teaches , remains within our hearts , and our hope and faith continues to grow. We have all reached desperate measures in many ways to live happy and healthy , therefore if it takes Jesus Christ and his angels to do this , then let this be , it’s much better than bombs and wars , possibly world war 3 surely ! I have no problem with what the Bible offers I just pray it happens soon . So do not fear all you negative people I feel sure you want better things to come to .
so i was just invited just now (5 days from date), talk about short notice. like i don’t have any plans. “sure!” i say. this will give me an opportunity to spread the seed and maybe water a few planted already. surprisely, they haven’t marked me yet. oh that’s right! they are “winning me over without a word”, “…eventually he’ll come to his senses”, “o jehovah knows the heart”.
okay, i’m done now! going have alittle fun on the 14th, with a little friend in my pocket. i wonder what i mean?
Being brought up in the truth is hazardous for your happiness.I was in it til I was 28 , have been out for 30 years …..I’m only now just realizing that I was programmed not to be happy unless of course I was at a meeting or witnessing etc.It’s taken many years to unbrainwash myself and I’m still working on it .As to what is truth ..I’m still waiting to find out .I don’t believe the bible is inspired , but can’t believe the big bang.. .evolution either.
Life is complicated and the GB in America make it even more so for young kids unlucky to be born into it.
So trying to be HAPPY from now on , without guilt or Armageddon hanging over my head.
“For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.”~ 1 Corinthians 11:26 (New International Version)
No one should feel bad for, feel angry at, or defend Jehovah’s Witnesses. It’s their choice to follow this religion it is not like they are being forced to go the KH. Also, all the people who leave the religion need to be happy with their new lives, why are you guys so obsessed with all the new articles that come out. Keeping up with every new release as if you are still witnesses it is very weird. You all claim to hate the religion or (are not too fond of it) and then you wait for a new release just to tear it apart. Free yourself from this mental bondage already; Go live and enjoy the rest of your lives. Also, bashing the beliefs of others is not an effective tool to get people out. If you have found the truth in life then pursue it and offer people an alternative to follow rather than trying to find fault with the beliefs others. If going the KH is wrong, and the GB is wrong then present what is right so that people can follow that. For all of those who have suffered emotional scars from being disfellowshipped please seek some psychological help because it can’t be easy the pain you have to go through. I am sure letting go of all the trauma and bitter feelings will be easier after that.- Best wishes with everything!
Shannon, your comment is typical JW speak in that it’s perfectly ok for the JWs to rip apart ALL other religions on a consistent and malicious basis, but to then turn around and try to deflect, redirect and red herring the inevitable backlash that happens when they do what they do. They destroy families, they destroy lives, they perceive themselves to be the end all to all beliefs with no room for anyone or anything else. Those of us who have escaped, and escaped we did, as it was NOT optional to stay once you are baptized or you lose everything…we still have loved ones trapped inside. The saying is “keep your friends close and your enemies closer.” The Watchtower Society will, until they are destroyed, be the enemy of the people who’s lives they have shattered. I for one will never stop trying to keep people from getting sucked in by their deceit, and getting people out who are clawing their way to freedom. Of course the JWs would like us to just “go away”. So they can continue in their slimy ways undeterred. Aint happenin. Not now…not EVER.
@Shannon, really appreciate your comments. Most people here are like those pharisees of Jesus’ time. They do not want to be there because of their wayward life and they are also trying to prevent those that want to learn about the true God. Matt. 23:13. At least, they would have pointed out how many JW are participating in the wickedness of this world.
Well, am not really surprised because all these must also take place. 1Pet. 3: 3, 4.
Mercy, you really should read the comments above more closely. Shannon accused us commenters here at jwsurvey of being angry at JW’s and “defending” them etc. and you said most of us left because of our wayward ways and that is not true.
I left because of the Watchtower lies and no other reason and that is why Lloyd Evans left and started this web site and that is true of most of us commenters as well. This web site is for the Witnesses so they don’t lose another day of their life serving a company of lies, like the Watchtower publishing company.
Those who left so they could go their wayward ways, probably got disfellowshipped and still believe it’s the “truth” and I feel sorry for them too because it is not the “truth” and they are suffering from a guilty conscience for absolutely nothing and maybe, just maybe if they stumble on a web site like this, they may realize their guilty conscience is a waste of time and energy for them and no longer have to worry about being killed at Armageddon if they don’t come back into the “truth”. Nobody should feel guilty about not serving a publishing company for nothing, ie. free labor to build up a publishing company’s real estate empire.
Nobody here is angry at JW’s. We are here to save them but we are angry at the Governing Body.
We were Witness too and I am glad I finally realized I was wasting my life and can least salvage a little bit of my remaining years.
We hope this web site is a help to anybody else “trapped” in this religion, either making them realize they never did have the “truth” or helping them cope with the shunning once they decide to leave the “truth”.
Caroline, is that your way of helping people? Are you expecting perfection from imperfect humans, including GB? Even if you are having issues with humans, why not leave everything for the Supreme Judge of the universe instead of spreading lies and trying to mislead other?
Well, I just stumbled over this page and I may not be able to continue discussing here.
I am not a Jehovah’s Witness I am just studying the bible with them. So i personally am not offended by your comment. I just see a bunch of people who claim to be free and are so happy they have escaped but they are still stuck because they cannot let go. I just think it that if you have escaped your enemy then Run! Rather than spending your new found freedom obsessed and crazed reading all of the propaganda that you no longer want to be involved with. You should spend your time away from the bad memories and make happy new ones with the new free enlightened life you have. Tell your brainwashed family “see you on the flip side homie”. I’m sure you heard of “every man for them self.”
Hi Shannon, I can understand why you find it strange why ex JWs hang around still.
But what you need to remember is that many of us still have family members that we love trapped in the organisation.
Do you think we should just turn our backs on them when they are being misled on a daily basis?
Also many of us spent 20 years plus slaving for this organisation. Do you think we should just have the attitude that you live and learn?
Most of us do indeed have a great life outside the organisation, but I for one will not turn my back on my family, who have been totally taken in by the Watchtowers lies and double standards.
I strongly urge you to check everything you are told by them, and check out the 100% failure rate they have,whenever they attempt to interpret scripture that deals with future events.
Hi alanv, thanks for your understanding comment. I stumbled on this page by accident and i think cedar is working hard on this site. Not that i agree with everything posted but everyone is entitled to their opinion. Thanks for giving yours in a calm and respectful way unlike some of the fanatics on here.
Shannon, the main question is not about the religion itself, I mean the contents. The question is how its followers are affected by it and how they treat eachother and other people.
To give an example, I haven’t seen a comment critisizing the earthly paradise belief. People may disagree with this idea and leave JW religion because they no longer believe in an earthly paradise, but I couldn’t see any of such people coming here and mocking JW’s JUST for that.
Everyone has the right to believe in what they like. And this is respected here.
However, how can we explain a belief being “right” if it results harm in peoples’ lives ? Either the believers or the people surrounding him ?
Believing that the End of the World will come in 1975, in itself, is not something to be reproached. If someone wants to believe in this, they can just go ahead and believe. Although it might raise suspicion, people will not forbid you doing this. And many civilized ones, and many people commenting here are like this, will not humiliate you for this, even if they disagree with you.
But what if you would push this idea on someone else, based upon a complex (and unprovable) logic, and keep trying to influence them ? Eventually they have to believe things like this and some would radically change their lives upon a fake logic. Besides, if they disagree with your complex logic, you would humiliate them by refusing to speak to him and you would influence his/her family to do that too. Eventually if 1975 comes and goes, and this person realizes that he changed his life for hot air … Now things are not funny anymore …
Now, how innocent this doctrine has become ? For the person who decided to believe in 1975, it only affects this person and we could say kindly, “you see, it wasn’t right” … And that’s the end of the story. But in latter case, wouldn’t you feel the anger ? Being drawn into error is one thing, forcing others into it by blackmailing them constantly is another.
That’s all about the latter case here. Most people have nothing wrong against beliefs, no matter how different they may be, nor have they issues with specific lifestyle choices. But if this starts harming people, then there is a problem. I guess you can appreciate this.
The 1975 example, believe me, is only one in many, and one of the most innocent ones.
I am even not going that far, that with a few bible verses here and there, interpreted this and that way, you can let your own child die … Because that’s the loyalty Jehovah wants from you. And besides, if you don’t do this, you’ll be the next to be excommunicated, so basically you even cannot afford being a “coward” and save your child – they’ll be done with you.
It’s not about what people believe, it’s about how this affects themselves and their families, friends and their surroundings in general.
Shannon,
May I assume that you will stop studying with the JWs now that you have access to the real facts about this religion?
I think that other posters have covered your point about just letting it all go and getting on with our lives.
Ask your self these questions:
Do I want to be associated with a religion that covers up child sexual abuse, domestic violence and asks rape victims to describe just how they called out, so that the victim will not be disfellowshipped for fornication?
Do I want to be part of a group that shuns former members?
I wish you all the best in your personal journey, and thank you for your posts.
Peace be with you
Excelsior!
I will ask myself these questions and i also need to do some more research because i do not understand some of the things that i read on this site, it is very confusing to me. Like what happened in 1975? But to be honest i do like what i have studied with them so far. They have been very kind and helpful to my family and i so i have nothing bad to say about them. But i will be neutral when making my decision.
-Thanks again peace be with you too!
Shannon,
I was like you, and seriously considered becoming one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I was about to ask my husband if I could go out in field service with my friends, just to see what it was like. It was at that time, that we discovered some unfavorable history and facts about the Watchtower Society itself.
I’m sure your JW has encouraged you to examine the origins of things like Christmas, using the symbol of the cross, how the idea of teaching a Trinity doctrine came to be… Why then, do they not want you to examine the history of the Watchtower Society, namely its founder, Charles T. Russell. They have attempted to rewrite their history, but the facts remain, since they were proudly printing millions of copies and distributing them “worldwide” in so many languages.
There is a link at the top of this page for “Links” to related sites. Scroll down to the 2nd section, and you will find several sites listed, where documentation and proof of their exact words can be found. http://www.jwfacts.com is a good one. There are many others.
If your JW “teacher” gets offended that you are looking at information that is not coming from the source, see if they are willing to answer your questions. I found that my teacher refused to address any of the questions that were raised by the information I found.
JW’s will use a strange reasoning, to try to keep you from thinking for yourself, or listening to anyone who is outside the walls of the Watchtower. “If you want to know what someone believes, or something about them, should you ask them, or should you rely on information from an outside perspective?” I was given the following example: “If I wanted to know more details about how you ran your house or treated your children, should I ask you? Or would it be better to run around to all your neighbors and get their opinions?”
I told her she could ask me. Then I asked her, “What if you were thinking of leaving your children in my care? Wouldn’t you want to know if you could trust me to always feed them and care for them properly? How would you really know if your children would be safe with me? Would you ask other parents who had hired me, to see if I was a loving caregiver? If you heard rumors that my husband and I were child molestors, would you find it reasonable to check my references? Joining the Jehovah’s Witnesses is a serious decision. From what I understand, you are not allowed to change your mind after you are baptized. Wouldn’t it be wise to check out the reputation of an organization, who is asking you to dedicate your life, time and resources to them?”
Shannon, you may want to check out this video, or even better, ask the brother/sisters who study with you to comment on it. It’s a little long but there is truly abondance of information there about 1975.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8GrLHaxtsLg
I personally wouldn’t like to let you grow cold of JW’s just for the sake of it. It’s true there are good people among JW’s as there are actually anywhere. However, I personally find the influence of the overall “governance” of this movement dangerous.
My personal conclusions led me believe that there are other ways to follow God and Jesus, if we have faith in this, by other means than following earthly “leaders”.
@ Shannon, good conclusion. But also remember this 2 Pet. 3: 3, 4 when dealing with the 1975 issue that all these are bringing up. Please, do well to read the following scriptures. Proverbs 11:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:2,3.
I just stumbled on this page and I may not be able to continue discussing here. Please, I want you to allow God’s written word, the Bible, to guide you.
@ Shannon, good conclusion. But also remember this 2 Pet. 3: 3, 4 when dealing with the 1975 issue that all these are bringing up. Please, do well to read the following scriptures. Proverbs 11:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:2,3.
I just stumbled on this page and I may not be able to continue discussing here. Please, I want you to allow God’s written word, the Bible, to guide you.
Mercy, as long as you want to bring up scriptures, how about Deuteronomy 18:20-22: “‘However, the prophet who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded him to speak or who speaks in the name of the other gods, that prophet must die. And in case you should say in your heart: “How shall we know the word that Jehovah has not spoken?” when the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur or come true, that is the word that Jehovah did not speak. With presumptuousness the prophet spoke it. You must not get frightened at him.’
Mercy, you did not just “stumble” upon this page. You were here a couple of days ago and you came back. Me thinks you are counting your time coming onto this site, responding to comments when you should not be here since this site is considered apostate and off limits to you.
If you stick around, you might get “seduced” away from the “truth” so you are taking a great chance by coming here, but by all means, keep coming back. We want to save you from a life serving the Publishing company called Watchtower, just as much as you want to save Shannon from being seduced away from it.
HEY JB, THANKS FOR THE LINK. I WILL CHECK IT OUT. WHAT ARE THE OTHER WAYS YOU FOLLOW JEHOVAH AND JESUS. BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT I AM STRIVING TO DO WITH MY LIFE TOO.
Shannon, I’m happy to share my experiences and view on this, however I would still stress on the fact it’s probably best for each and every person to make their own conclusions.
In my case, different things that happened in my life made me turn back to more spiritual direction. I was out of the JW organization for a long time, and actually as I was born and raised as a JW, at first, I was really happy to be out of any kind of religious environment, specially so restrictive as JW organization. I didn’t want to hear a word about any spiritual topic, I had an overdose.
But over time, my life experience and some things that happened to me made me feel a gap. Actually I have always believed that a loving God exists, but I wasn’t too eager to find out much more. So my new desire for a more spiritual direction made me go back and read the whole bible (I must admit, with mixed feelings) and it also took me back to the meetings. Unfortunately, a more neutral look at things – after many years one gets undoctrinated somehow – made me feel disappointed about JW organization. Also I was exposed to more disturbing facts, thanks to the Internet and sites such as this.
At some point, actually quite recently, I decided I should rather trace my own route. I’m not saying being in a group of like minded people is not good, on the contrary ! But I couldn’t find such a group and the congregation didn’t work for me. So I’ve been feeling great delight to research and read about everything that raises questions in my mind, with an openness in a way it’s within my intellectual limits. With time it does raise some apetite for understanding more about things.
Also, I wanted to be free, totally free, for thinking and learning about what I cared for. Therefore, I wanted to point out any parts of the Bible that raise doubts in me, and there are many ! This is not a lack of respect, but a more realistic way to approach to the scriptures I believe. I also don’t mind about being curious and reading other scriptures. I took time to venture about other philosophies and religions as well just a little bit, to scratch the surface. After all, if I was born in China, or Saudi Arabia, I’d do the same to become a JW’s … So why not the opposite ?
In everything I came across, there is nothing that moves me more than Jesus and his teachings. He has such conscise, yet powerful statements that marked the history. I think reading and talking about these would be my “spiritual food”, but actually what really is the true worship for me is … doing what he did, not constantly repeating what he said. God’s word is never more alive, if it’s not part of our lives and actions.
This all is easier said than done of course, but I came to a point that spending 2 hours doing something good and useful seems to me a better use of my time than sitting in a meeting and listening about overlapping generations. This is why Jesus, in addition to his great teaching style, also helped people ! He showed love and mercy by example, this is the reason why he was so convincing !
I’m not saying I’m going around on the neighbourhood healing people though :-) But I’m quite convinced that, if somehow people can’t feel good in our presence, there is no point in preaching. There is no point talking about being a Jesus’ follower.
But Shannon, this is MY view of things. My stongest conviction is that no one should take a spiritual route because of a suggestion, coercion or anything similar, influenced by another person ! I personally make my comments about the issues I don’t like regarding the organization, but I would hate seeing if anyone decides to leave the organization just because “there are so many against it”.
My humble opinion is that it’s very important to be enthousiastic and spiritual, but also informed. As a result of this, I think each person should take a stand, as a result of THEIR view of life, and not upon the influence of other people, and never be ashamed about it.
Hey Shannon, imagine that I prepared a long reply about what I personally think about following Jesus but somehow my reply doesn’t appear.
I’ve been persecuted by the internet technology :-)
I’ll most certainly come back and rewrite my reply.
Ah, OK I see now my long reply :-)
So that’s what I wanted to say Shannon.
elephants squash goldfish
yea im the weird one, reading from the old, old, old posts, sorry i always forget to check dates.
i need to stay off the computer today.