The mistakes of bible characters are owned up to in the scriptures
The mistakes of bible characters like Peter are owned up to in the scriptures

Everyone makes mistakes. The Bible characters certainly did. Think of the Apostle Peter, denying Jesus three times on the night of his arrest, his faith and courage failing him at the critical moment, leaving him a weeping, emotionally shattered wreck. (John 18:13-27)

Think of King David, sleeping with Bathsheba then panicking over the resulting pregnancy, so desperate to avoid scandal that he ultimately orchestrates events to get Bathsheba’s husband killed. (2 Samuel chapter 11)

Or think of Jonah, getting a commission from God to condemn the Ninevites, but instead running away in terror from that commission as fast as he can. (Jonah 1:3) After God readjusts Jonah’s thinking via the rather humiliating use of a whale’s digestive tract, Jonah finally gets his act together and goes forth to condemn the Ninavites. (Jonah 1:17-2:2)

Except the Ninivites promptly repent and God forgives them, so Jonah throws a hissy fit about how he will now look like a fool when all that fire and judgement he prophesied doesn’t show up on time. (Jonah 3:10) God rolls his eyes and has to school him again about not being a sulky little child, especially where people’s lives are concerned. (Jonah 4: 9-11)

Faithful men of old made some horrific mistakes, and Watchtower makes mistakes too. Think of prophecy.

1914 will be the end of the world! Oh, that didn’t happen. Hmmm. We meant to say 1925, and Moses will be resurrected then as well! Huh, the world didn’t end and Moses is a no-show (but we can still use that lovely house we built for him). Wait right, 1975 will be the year it all ends! Oh…. well it’ll certainly come before the end of the 20th century!…huh…erm…before the generation that saw 1914 passes away? OH COME ON!”

Or think of medical advice.

For example, from 1921 to 1952, the Watchtower campaigned against vaccination, presenting it as unsuitable for Christians and nothing more than a malicious con on the part of the medical establishment.

During an era when mankind was poised to make great strides in eliminating diseases such as smallpox, Watchtower recklessly stood in the way, endangering not only the lives of its followers but of all those who came into contact with them. Only in the 1950’s did they start to reverse this position, apparently due to legal concerns more than anything else. It’s hard to argue that lives were not lost or ruined as a result.

What about organ transplants? From 1967 to 1980, the Watchtower considered transplants to be cannibalism, thus putting this life-saving and life-changing treatment out of the reach of its followers. This position was reversed after 13 years, but again it’s hard to argue that witnesses would not have suffered and even died as a result of this mistake

And how could we not mention child abuse? In Austraila alone, it was recently disclosed that over 1,006 alleged child abusers were known to Watchtower since the 1950’s as operating in their congregations. None of them were reported to the authorities.

None.

As a result of this inaction, Watchtower’s own internal records show that a significant number of these molesters continued to offend and re-offend with apparent impunity, and with no recourse available to the abuse survivors.

Of all their errors of judgement, this seems to be one of the gravest Watchtower has ever made.

So, just like the faithful men of old, Watchtower has made some terrible mistakes. There is, however, one significant difference between the faithful men of God in the bible, and Watchtower today.

In the bible, God’s people admitted their mistakes.

Peter, for example, is never recorded as having contested the accounts of his failure on the night of Jesus’ arrest. Rather, the bible narrative makes clear that he fully admitted his failures and did his best to atone for them.

Additionally, all in the congregations of the first century would be aware of Peter’s history. There was no whitewashing, no denial. Peter owned his mistake and learned from it, later being recorded as a courageous man who successfully stood firm in situations similar to the one in which he succumbed.

Likewise David, upon being confronted with the gravity of his sins, tore his garments apart and went into mourning.

If one assumes the bible as being the word of God and accepts the biblical narrative of who wrote what, then it was David himself who recorded the full depths of his mistakes in Psalm 51, acknowledging the full horror and human cost of his error. No excuses. No passing the buck. No editing of his personal history. David took it full on the chin, accepting whatever consequences God felt fitting.

Likewise, according to the religious text, Jonah himself is the author of the book that bares his name – even if most bible scholars consider the book allegorical. But assuming it is a historical account with Jonah as the writer, as befitting a humble man of God he did not attempt to whitewash his own history, or belittle his mistakes. Rather, he recorded them in excruciating detail, presenting a brutally honest chronicle of his worst failures that often cast him in a poor light.

Jonah didn’t care that it made him look bad. He knew that it was more important to acknowledge his serious mistakes, own them, and learn from them.

How does this compare to Watchtower? Let’s start with the succession of failed prophecies littering the feet of the Organization.

It has to be said, the founder of the religion, Charles Taze Russell, did occasionally admit that he’d blundered in this regard, although this didn’t stop him from setting new dates to replace the failed ones with seemingly endless enthusiasm and very little self reflection.

However as time went by and the leadership changed, this trait faded from Watchtower’s skill set. For example, the only acknowledgement of the 1975 debacle was a single published article that essentially threw the rank and file Witnesses under the bus for believing what they were told by Watchtower from the platform and in publications (never mind the fact that they are not allowed to dispute what they are told from the platform and in publications by Watchtower).

Since then, failed prophecies have not even been acknowledged as errors. They have instead been re-framed as “new understandings” or “new light.”

So the next time I leave home without my wallet, that’s not a mistake. That’s new light about the location of my wallet. And the next time I burn the toast it is not a mistake, just a new understanding about the desired status of the toast. I mean yes, I still had to eat carbonized bread for breakfast, and I’m standing at the bus stop with no money to pay the fare, but I didn’t make any mistakes, you see…

What about the other subjects? Issues where Watchtower mistakes have had a grave cost in physical and mental health? A cost in human lives? Issues such as banning vaccination and organ transplants? Or the covering up of numerous cases of child sexual abuse?

Watchtower has never apologized for these mistakes. Ever.

In fact, if you are a Jehovah’s Witness reading this, it might be the first you’ve even heard of some of these issues, so thoroughly has Watchtower whitewashed them from history and made sure that the congregation does not know.

Y’know, exactly the way Peter didn’t.

And the way David didn’t.

And the way Jonah didn’t.

I guess you can draw your own conclusions from that.

 

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187 thoughts on “The Friday Column: Everyone makes mistakes – except Watchtower

  • December 18, 2015 at 5:25 am
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    Mr. Covert Fade, everything you wrote is old news.

    • December 18, 2015 at 5:37 am
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      Yep. The Friday Column isn’t a “breaking news” style article, it’s more a free ranging look at general topics about Watchtower and JW issues.

      Also, keep in mind that JW stumble across this site on a regular basis, and for them a lot of this won’t be old news, it will be the first they’ve heard of it. That was certainly the case when I began my awakening, articles like this were old news to the exJW’s but stunning revelations to me.

      Always good to keep discussion on these topics in the spotlight.

    • December 18, 2015 at 5:44 am
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      Markie I certainly hope that you aren’t implying that this history doesn’t matter. It speaks directly to watchtowers stubborn refusal to admit and correct mistakes even when they’re harming people.

      Its hard to tell from your one sentence what you meant. So I’ll show some restraint.

      • December 18, 2015 at 8:20 am
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        Gosh! Good for you. Thanks for showing me some restraint. Give yourself a nice pat on the back.

        • December 19, 2015 at 5:40 pm
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          There are three facts I didn’t know about until I read this. It isn’t old news for me.

      • December 18, 2015 at 8:23 am
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        Chiafade, I echo your comment. This is important history that needs to be brought front and center, Markie.

        Excellent job Covert Fade!

    • December 18, 2015 at 6:03 am
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      Hey Markie…..this is not about “preaching to the choir”…of course old timers know this stuff. It’s for a newbie who is thinking about getting out of the Matrix….I wish my niece and nephew knew about the WT hall of shame, but hey never will as it’s an organization that practices revisionist history….anyway, did you ever learn anything “new”at the kingdom fall? This is more of a validation for us and an awakening for new ones who have the nerve and courage to look at the borg.

      • December 19, 2015 at 8:06 am
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        I remember learning something new. “Taking lifesaving blood components is now OK” last week you should have refused them even if it meant an early grave for you but this week It’s OK.

    • December 18, 2015 at 8:25 am
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      #Markie, Din’t you ever heard that’s what is old becomes new again especially when it’s revelant to the situation now at hand ? The situation now at hand is the information age made powerful by the internet. Because of this medium many have access to information they can’t get at the kingdom halls where information is spoon fed. It was articles such as this that awoken my critical thinking skills when I accidentally stumbled onto this website and started searching for more information on other sites..I never knew about Beth sarin , The Menlo park scandals as well as other nefarious things going on behind the scenes in the organization. As I observed the things in the watchtower publications get more And more delusional..So it may be old to you, because you know about the wackiness. But don’t you think in all fairness that others has a right to have this vital information made readily available to them? Well: I certainly do!!!

    • December 18, 2015 at 9:26 am
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      Old facts that are needed here on a loop for new visitors to the site. Everything can’t be the latest scandal at WT. Would love to see Throw back Thursdays, where articles focus on the false prophecies and old scandals in the Watchtowers history.

      • December 18, 2015 at 4:39 pm
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        Haha, great comment Robert67, throwback thursdays, love it! The good news is there is no end of material to work with!

        And the more the watchtower tries to bury its history the more activist sites like this need to dig it up, whether it’s old news or not. Until the watchtower shows the same candour it praises the bible writers for it needs to be exposed and held to account.

    • December 18, 2015 at 9:35 am
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      Yes much of this is old news but to a point. For those just now breaking from the psychosis it provokes thought. Isn’t that the point? Why do commercials run and present the same “old news” as they did 30 minutes prior? Because some may have been in the kitchen, the bathroom or just flat missed it. The same can be said of those waking. What if today is the day a person just happens to see this “old news” and it causes them to not “critically think” but just plain think?

      You could run this article once a month for the next 10 years and it would be appropriate. So although it might be old news to you or stale others may have just opened the door and for them it takes on that “new car” smell.

    • December 19, 2015 at 1:36 am
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      Its new to all the Jokers who wrongfully put their faith in a Organization that’s left them entirely broke now their approaching retirement.

      It’s bad enough regular employees who worked 30-40 years for Large Corporations are wondering how their going to make it during retirement with unstable pensions or volatile Economics in our Global Economy. What about the JWs who put their trust in the Watchtower?

      Will the Watchtower Apologize the Janitors and Window Washers who cheated on their taxes by not reporting their income or never paid Self-Employment Tax will probably be collecting $900 a month in Social Security once they turn 65 years old? Oh, that’s right, JWs can file for Disability and Pioneer because its cool sucking off the Government’s Tits like Rutherford’s men said.

      Yes, it’s New to all the JW “Baby Boomers” approaching retirement without pensions, 401k plans and hoping the Republicans don’t repel Obamacare because that’s the only way they will have any decent insurance they can afford.

      Thank’s for your article, JWs can look at the New Light of having no Retirement Accounts as a “Vow of Poverty” like the Governing Body take. Their “Vow of Poverty is quite different from their members, they will be taking the monies for their poor members and telling their members to “pay your vows” so we can get that adjustable Lake fixed!

    • December 19, 2015 at 2:57 am
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      Actually, I have only just “awoken” this year and discovered all of this “old news.” I wish I had discovered it all years ago, but even though I had doubts and concerns over many things, I fell for the Watchtower’s Jedi mind trick and remained loyal to the organisation (to my dying shame) by refusing to look outside. Well, fortunately this year that spell was broken thanks to sites like this. I undedicated myself in May, and this site has been central to me coping with the transition back into the human race, and healing from 25 years of captivity.

      And for the record anyway, this is current news because they still refuse to apologise, that’s the point. It is what they are doing now that is the issue. Even in the face of overwhelming evidence presented to them at the ARC (and that’s just the tip of the global iceberg,) this very month they still remain entrenched in their position and insist on defending the indefensible. So as far as I’m concerned, as long as they refer to their religion as the “THE truth,” then all the truths regarding it should be exposed so they can considered by everybody, and their bold claims scrutinised properly.

      • December 19, 2015 at 8:17 am
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        Great comment Eric I couldn’t agree more. I’ve been out for a little while and have given some public talks in the community which I spent not a little effort researching and yet I was recently shocked to discover contrary to what I had been told the New World Translation is not considered a masterpiece of translating work. The real experts in the field consider it very poor work! I am coming across things I didn’t know all the time about this organization.

        • January 2, 2016 at 6:41 am
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          Adam – Yes, this is another falsehood – their wonderful translation!
          The NWT, (based on the translation of Spiritualists Westcott & Hort by the way) is full of errors. This has been manipulated to fit Watchtower beliefs.
          Their current ‘silver sword’ for example, quotes the crowd as shouting’ “to the stake, to the stake!” to confirm their belief that the Christ did not die on a crucifix.
          They have picked and chosen alternative words to fit their agenda. It is a minefield of deception.

  • December 18, 2015 at 5:29 am
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    Even Darth Vader admitted he had made mistakes and came around in the end.
    Looks like the GB are the Evil Emperor and will never admit wrong .

    ;-D

    • December 18, 2015 at 5:48 am
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      “Can I learn the power of the resurrection?”

      “(Geoffrey Jackson glares over and says)
      Not from a Jedi/apostate”

      • December 18, 2015 at 6:23 am
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        Han Solo: “No reward is worth THIS.”

        • December 18, 2015 at 6:27 am
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          “Now witness the firepower of these FULLLY TIGHTENED and HOMOSEXUAL PANTS! Mince at will, brother Lett!”

          • December 18, 2015 at 6:40 am
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            Beware of The Watchtower…
            “IT’S A TRAP”

          • December 18, 2015 at 9:25 am
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            O.K. I’m officially dying now LOL. BTW from one fade to another these recent articles…crushed it!

          • December 18, 2015 at 9:31 am
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            May the farce be with you

          • December 18, 2015 at 5:38 pm
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            I’m gonna start sprinkling “midichlorians” on my breakfast cereal so I can be more like the GB. :)

    • December 18, 2015 at 7:04 am
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      When the GB announced that they themselves are the ‘Faithful and Discrete Slave’, they should have been saying, “We meet again self-anointed, delusional people. Now WE are the master!!!”

      • December 18, 2015 at 9:03 am
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        Of course, I’m speaking of the ‘remnant’ of the 144,000 self-anointed delusionists and not the ‘Greater Crowd’ that are looked upon as slave-labor commoners and not capable of thought for themselves.

        • December 18, 2015 at 5:44 pm
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          “Self-ANOINTED” — Good one!

          • December 19, 2015 at 7:39 am
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            Idea… We appostates should all find a KH unfamiliar to us this coming memorial and go partake… See if we can inflate their growing number of delusionists past 20,000….lol

          • December 19, 2015 at 10:59 am
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            Brett,
            I can see it now, Caleb and Sophia pretake, then Dad has to explain how there not part of that Class, their part of the lower class..the secondary, earthly class where Jesus is not your mediator and his blood is not apply to your sins….After alot of crying, the children are reminded that they can eat ice cream in the new system, seeing how they had to give it up to support the building of the new warwick club med.

      • December 18, 2015 at 2:15 pm
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        I was beginning to question the truth when the GB became self appointed FDS. This put me over the edge. I woke up. I began to investigate the organization. I stumbled upon this site and others. I learned about the numerous failed prophecy, and horrible mistakes they made. The fact the GB has never once admitted their wrong, and apologized seriously angered me. I hope they will be brought to justice one day. I am very grateful for the Friday Column.

    • December 18, 2015 at 12:02 pm
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      Spoiling bast*d!!

    • December 19, 2015 at 8:41 am
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      Obi Wan Kenobi looking down over Warwick…. ‘You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious.”

      Master Yoda ‘The dark side it is’.

      • December 19, 2015 at 12:43 pm
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        Spot on. Yub-yub.

        WS

  • December 18, 2015 at 5:31 am
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    Its actually a very good point that many may have not thought of by many. You are right, the bible accounts of mistakes made were recorded for all to read about.
    With Watchtower, it is very rare indeed that they admit their mistakes, and most often simply blame the sheep for reading too much into what was said. There is no humility at all, and when they do change something, they just stop writing about the old idea they had and start writing about what they now believe, as if they had always believed that.

  • December 18, 2015 at 6:57 am
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    Difference in making mistakes admitting them than lying and covering them up. The GB have lied to JW and the public by publishing over a 100 yrs of vomit, I think this article is current because they continue to publish lie about their history.

    And what was the final straw for me waking was research on their quotes after reading JW. facts looking up all those quotes to find they had misrepresented the scholars and lied, this is new news to many JW that may be viewing this site.

    Once you know you have been lied to that is it, you cannot trust those claiming such a high position as appointed by Christ himself to be un repented liars.

    Thank you covered excellent material.

    • December 18, 2015 at 5:49 pm
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      “Over 100 yrs of vomit” — LOL — That pretty much sums it up.

  • December 18, 2015 at 7:01 am
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    Very good article. There is a world of difference between imperfect human beings making mistakes and the “only organization on earth through whom Jehovah reveals his will.” How can we rely on God if he keeps getting it wrong? (He doesn’t, of course, but we do.)

    • December 18, 2015 at 8:24 am
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      Your point regarding the difference between imperfect humans & God’s only organization on earth is SPOT ON James (to speak with Searcher’s words below). Yesterday a concerned brother (wrongly assuming I’m only taking a temporary break from WT activities) visited me at home for a cup of coffee and some encouragement (lol!). He told me he knew about Australia and I told him I saw only fear and denial in the elders’ eyes and facial expressions, not the power of Holy Spirit (Matth. 10:10-16). I also asked him if he had heard Geoffrey Jackson’s denial before the Royal Commission that “they” (the GB) are God’s only mouthpiece on earth. This brother compared Geoffrey’s shocking statement with the apostle Peter, denying Christ three times. I told him that this was something completely different and today I found out why, according to the WT’s own literature: *** w03 8/15 p. 5 How Some Are Remembered ***
      When Peter realized his mistake, he wept bitterly. He was not afraid to express his sorrow and regret. … He was humble enough to admit his failings. Do you have that virtue?—
      Would we see Geoffrey jackson admit and regret his mistakes the same way as Peter? It’s a rhetorical question… we know the answer, don’t we?

      • December 18, 2015 at 1:08 pm
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        Great reply! By referencing the apostle Peter you showed a stark contrast between the apostles and the gb.

        That’s one thing that really gets under my skin. The audacity to claim to be the modern day apostles and NEVER EVER admit or apologize about anything.

  • December 18, 2015 at 7:09 am
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    I conclude from your observations and study that it is all made up manmade bullshit!! With that said: I choose to live in this word and not adhere to some fearful delusional bull crap preached by men.

  • December 18, 2015 at 7:11 am
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    This article is SPOT ON! I know I harp on this, but this is the examples of how the GB and WTS leadership have no concept of RESPONSIBILITY of their policy or actions. Of course they won’t admit to any of the deadly and dangerous policies of this destructive cult. The WTS would be held liable in so many courts and class-action suits, the whole organization would collapse. Maybe the internet information, ARC hearings, vids like Cedars make, and reminders like this article will do that job for the GB’s cowardly irresponsibility. Then the WTS will burn to ground! Good riddance!

  • December 18, 2015 at 7:24 am
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    Nice article. I think the point that was missed is that all the mistakes on the part of actors in the Bible were due to ‘human imperfection’ not misinterpretation of what their message was. David gave in to temptation, Peter gave in to fear of man etc. I would wager that the individual members of the GB would freely admit that they make mistakes on a personal level. They are, after all, human but one of their biggest problems is that together they think they speak for god and give themselves equal footing. Through the magic of Orwellian ‘doublethink’ they claim they are not divinely inspired and simultaneously claim to be god’s sole channel of communication. The abused, indoctrinated masses blindly follow along and happily disregard any seeming contradiction, failed prediction or poorly implemented practices and procedures because this same group of men claim that any changes are a result of ‘revealed truth’ which is just a refined version of their former ‘present truth’. If the GB were to all of a sudden admit that they have made mistakes in the past this would likely open many eyes to the fact that what they say is no more than conjecture or at best an educated guess. That does not take into consideration the downright falsehood that they propagate through fabricated history including their stubborn and impossible to reverse insistence on 607BCE as the date for the fall of Jerusalem. It is as untenable a position as they could possibly find and yet they cannot reverse it because their entire claim to authority rests on that house of cards. I feel this is one of the reasons that they have upped the fear meter, telling people to beware of apostates on risk of shunning. They cannot justify their position with any logical reasoning based on facts so they force people to accept it with threat of punishment.

    • December 18, 2015 at 11:25 am
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      Wow. Could not have said it better myself. 2 thumbs up.

    • December 18, 2015 at 9:34 pm
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      @Malachi
      Great points! “Oh we are not inspired, just spirit directed.” What’s the friggin difference? Nothing, just a bunch of word games. This was one of the first things to become clear to me during my awakening. Great tie in to 1984
      – WAR IS PEACE
      FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
      IGNORANCE IS STRENGTH

      WS

    • December 18, 2015 at 9:40 pm
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      Malachi good point reasoning & conclusion ! Thanks!

  • December 18, 2015 at 7:24 am
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    Awesome article. I am bookmarking it into my favorites. Thanks!

  • December 18, 2015 at 7:43 am
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    The watchtower GB expect from his followers 100% obey. When you claim True Religion than you claim True Mankind Religion included your rules. The 7 of Brooklyn makes Synodes, Concillies ( 15-03-2015 WT Study articles) and never tell “sorry”. No they claim that Jehovah gave them more “light”…..

  • December 18, 2015 at 7:54 am
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    Humility is admitting your shortcomings and mistakes openly. Humility is knowing that you have limitations and know that you are dealing with them in a human way. Humility is knowing that the organization has made mistakes and trying to change course to prevent other mistakes of the same nature.

    The Watchtower leadership has no humility. They use the juvenile defense mechanism, deflection. For example, they tell parents whose children are in the university that it was not their fault that their child is no longer a witness. One GB even stated asked the question, who dropped them off at the university in the first place. My question is what shepherd is partial enough to choose which sheep he wants to shepherd and what ones he doesn’t. I’m sure Jesus was not too thrilled by these remarks either.

    In addition, have you ever heard the Watchtower explain what humility is. Their version is quite confusing.

    The Apostles had their issues and were spiritually strong men to admit they have made mistakes during their life by writing it in the Bible.

  • December 18, 2015 at 7:56 am
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    This is an article well researched and expertly presented in a way that’s easily understood.#Consise and on point.This article should serve as a light bulb moment for all present jws.There’s nothing more I can say, except to say thank you and well done.

  • December 18, 2015 at 8:51 am
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    Well written article. Thanks. A review of history is very necessary. I have decades in the org and there are certainly things I wasn’t aware of. Also in some respects the org is quite young when you consider most of the growth has been, what, the last 15 years perhaps. My husband recently quoted James T Kirk referring to the gb he said “sounds like they have delusions of grandeur and tin plated godship”. Not sure if that’s an exact quote but I like it. Keep up the good writing.
    Regards

    • December 18, 2015 at 9:39 pm
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      Another great ‘Kirk’ moment…”Excuse me..excuse.. I’d like to ask a question…What does God need with a Starship?” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnxvKJAv5Ik What does God need with an organization? Doesn’t he desire all to be saved?
      Surely, he has the will and the power. He ’causes to become’. If you wouldn’t hold your child’s hand over a flame for punishment (see Reasoning with Scriptures – Hell) why would the God who IS LOVE destroy billions, who simply didn’t have the opportunity to know the ‘truth’ or didn’t choose to be governed by a group of delusional men. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o14DOOlsOkY GB – “Why have you done this to my friend?” Shakari = Spitual Pardigm

  • December 18, 2015 at 8:59 am
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    For those who are aware of Rutherfords letter to Hitler as shown in the 1934 yearbook, even Hitler was smart enough not to get involved with the witnesses. You don’t read much about that major faux pas. It got some mention in an awake article around 1995. They admitted there was increased persecution after that letter. How many lives lost? Yet we are to believe Rutherford would be counted as a faithful and discreet slave. Hmm.

    • December 18, 2015 at 9:13 am
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      Eyes Opened, you are correct. Rutherford was neither ‘Faithful’ nor ‘Discreet’. Rutherford may not have started the cult, but he was the bombastic blowhard that set up the destructive cult as it is today along with his little demented minion Fred Franz.

      • December 18, 2015 at 9:40 pm
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        @Searcher: Well said!

        WS

      • December 19, 2015 at 7:53 am
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        Very true… Russell may have believed the delusional dates of 1874 (parousia) and 1914 (Great tribulation) but at least he taught the Ransom covers every human and all would be resurrected to a probational period even those destroyed at Armegeddon. Rutherford’s reign of terror and cult mind control began with a scheme aka fear fobia… All who do not follow the big “O”, will be destroyed forever either Armegeddon or second death and no resurrection if you die before Armegeddon during the seperating of the “Sheep and Goats”..,
        That terrorists kept me and my family captive for over 20 years in constant fear.. Yes Rutherfords reign of terror constitutes him a terrorist….

    • December 18, 2015 at 12:12 pm
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      The 1995 confession about Nazi relationships was not some noble act that the Watchtower initiated of its own will. About this time many major corporations were being unveiled regarding ties to Nazi regime–many USA-based, some German, and some UK. A major PR move to get ahead of an incoming tsunami of “disgust” expressed by the public. But, who knew child molestation would be coming in from the other direction?

    • December 18, 2015 at 6:08 pm
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      “Even Hitler was smart enough NOT to get involved with the Witnesses” — LMAO
      PS: Can you picture Hitler going door-to-door with the “Watchtower”? :)

      • December 19, 2015 at 4:40 pm
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        Yes, I lmao too. I think this is going to become a catchphrase in our household from today. Thanks for brightening my day eyes opened.

  • December 18, 2015 at 9:24 am
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    Umm! Guess what folks I made a mistake. I was in error ,I blundered made a fool of myself, jumped through endless hoops to please my parents, in laws, husband,and anyone else who presumed I was less than a human being. Now then to err is human and to forgive is divine. Where I went wrong was believing all and everything I ever read by the watchtower and I mean that most sincerely folks. When the stirrings of awakening came upon me I realised that I have genuinely been in error for the very best part of my life all the flower of my youth and ignorance. So where does this leave me! I’m at the place where I ask the watchtower bible and tract society to truly forgive me for believing all that they printed and I mean I read the lot since my baptism until this year. I unconditionally loved them and gave them my life my wealth and my health and I was sincerely wrong I hope they understand my plea and will let me go with a warm smile and a wave. Because now iv’e seen the light I read THE HOLY BIBLE daily and it’s not what they taught me so I hope to die an ignorant fool who can quote the Bible and not watchtower. Tears fading away……… ruthlee

    • December 18, 2015 at 6:14 pm
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      U’re forgiven. :)

    • December 19, 2015 at 5:06 am
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      @ruthlee. Heart felt Ruthlee. I did the same and I feel the same. My best youth years 20-39 were given pretty much to the WT although I raised 3 kids and that was part of the equation. The good news is 2 of my kids cannot stand the WT . My 3rd one Is still in and no doubt is under pressure bc her moms a fanatic and would have a heart attack if she left.

      I personally did apologize to my 2 boys for raising them as JW’s and depriving them of many things and a “normal” life. They said no problem Dad, it wasn’t 100% bad it was just down right STUPID and ignorant and We know you were sincere and wanted the best for us at that time and you thought you were doing the right thing. WE love you Dad. You worked so hard for the family and still took us many awesome places and spent time with us. It is just that JW’s and the WT are like some CULT. No problem Dad life is better than ever and we love you and we did learn some things in the JW’s that are ok and we can take that with us and throw all the other BS away!

    • December 31, 2015 at 7:12 am
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      Me too ruthlee.

  • December 18, 2015 at 10:06 am
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    Covert Fade Nice name, I like it.
    For 25 years I have been playing a mental chess game with the church Service dept. Knowing the history is very important for the purpose of closing all the escape routes. There is a researcher who has taken on scriptural basis and has stated that with what I started with they were able to uncover information that “is sure to amaze”. So after all these years I get to see if I have just been pissing in the wind or have emulated the guy in Eccl.9: 15.
    Hopefully I will have put the church in a position to where they have to go through the same judicial process they force on women, kids and the rank and file of their church, to where the church has to confess sins, repent and right the wrong. If successful it is the knowledge of church history, especially the past two years that is a important part. It has been a long fight made difficult by the out of the box thinking and that I am challenged in writing skills.

    Again nice name Bill Covert

  • December 18, 2015 at 10:47 am
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    Always very well written articles. I think it’s so interesting to see that WT always reference historical information when condemning things, for example “the original Greek word is such and such and because of that we can’t do A B and C”. Clearly history
    matters, albeit not at all when it comes to dark(er) WT history. That’s out the window and no longer important…unless of course that dark light one day turns into bright light! What recently did it for me was the overlapping generation nonsense. Good grief.

    • December 18, 2015 at 11:15 am
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      That’s what tipped the balance for me as well…after a long time stuffing doubts down and ignoring them…that was the last straw….what utter bilge!!
      DA’ed sept 3rd this year

      • December 18, 2015 at 9:54 pm
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        Just few months ago my bro . I’m sure it’s not ease especially if you have family or close friends in! best wishes hugs & peace

    • December 19, 2015 at 5:05 pm
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      Yes, they also have been running a series in the mags called “from our archives.” This is selective history of course – they are guilty of all the things they have blamed governments for and those throughout history who have written their own convenient history. I would love to see a similar series online pulling out all the stuff in their archives they ignore “from their archives”!

      The honesty of the bible writers is one of the things that still gives the bible some credibility in my eyes. It’s ironic they use this as evidence to draw people in, ensnare them, and then never display the same kind of honesty they apparently regard so highly. This is very sinister.

      The same sad irony is there with their handling of sexual abuse victims. They form their policies based on their non-negotiable interpretation of selective scriptures (which is itself ironic given the amount of times they have changed their teachings on so many other things of lesser import). These policies then provide the perfect environment for predators to operate with impunity, and when the WTS is held to account for all of this by a “worldly” organisation, they claim that they are being persecuted by Satan’ system and apostates, and this is further evidence that they are gods organisation.

      So they are effectively arguing that their policies and handling of child sexual abuse is PROOF they are God’s organisation. That’s beyond sinister, it’s just sick. I consider the entire organisation to be a paedophile ring. And the GB to be its ringleaders. I’m just glad I left seven months ago.

  • December 18, 2015 at 11:44 am
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    In some cases, mistakes and crimes are MADE “courage”….

    *** w12 2/15 p. 12 par. 9 “Be Courageous and Very Strong” ***
    Sisera himself sought refuge in the tent of Jael, but she killed him while he slept. In line with Deborah’s prophetic words to Barak, “the beautifying thing” of this victory went to the woman Jael. Because Deborah, Barak, and Jael acted courageously, Israel “had no further disturbance for forty years.” (Judg. 4:1-9, 14-22; 5:20, 21, 31) Many godly men and women have displayed similar faith and courage.

    • December 18, 2015 at 12:16 pm
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      Read between the lines of Judges… Deborah (word of the Lord) “Look here girl, this fool man ain’t gonna be taking down Sisera–playing around; I’m gonna have to get your girl to do it. Send her some Jimmy Choo’s when you can.”

    • December 18, 2015 at 6:24 pm
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      Seems to be an awful lot o’ killin’ in the Old Testament!

  • December 18, 2015 at 12:16 pm
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    #Brightlightbulb..that overlapping generation BS was the last straw for me. It shows just how desperate they are to keep some fire lit under their drones….how can anyone swallow that? Its embarassing for them and they don’t even realize it .

    • December 18, 2015 at 9:00 pm
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      Their reasoning is “where else will we go, you speak of everlasting life”, sadly they have forgotten it is Jesus, not this self appointed slave that is offering that. When judgement day does come these people are going to realize they were in the Enron section of Christianity. Foundation completely built on clay and mud, perfect for molding temporarily into whatever moves the product.

      • December 18, 2015 at 9:57 pm
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        well said :-) or :-(

      • December 19, 2015 at 12:39 pm
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        Well Said Robert67!!

  • December 18, 2015 at 12:27 pm
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    The only answer for me is to close down all religions including mine and start over. No more paid clergy or collection plates. Everyone chip in and pay the gas bill. Just meet and discuss faithful men like David and Peter and Jonah. Learn from them. All property gets taxed. How peaceful that would be.

    • December 18, 2015 at 6:27 pm
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      Sounds like that might make too much sense. ;)

  • December 18, 2015 at 12:42 pm
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    So true. Great job. I look forward to these Friday columns.

  • December 18, 2015 at 1:12 pm
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    I recently read about truly great leaders and the “window or the mirror” analogy. When a greater leader experiences success, he/she ‘looks out the window’ for the team members he/she can give credit to. But when failure occurs he/she ‘looks in the mirror’ taking responsibility for their mistakes.

    The Wathtower Org is the polar opposite. Gives testimony to their leadership skills.

    WS

    • December 18, 2015 at 9:59 pm
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      yap ur right bro !

  • December 18, 2015 at 1:53 pm
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    The next big thing will be the current “generation” teaching. It appears that Watchtower is continually having to explain and support its position. There have been 3 broadcasts in the last few months trying to explain and reconfirm the current understanding. Many JW’s I talk to are confused, others reject the notion of an overlapping generation outright as wholly unsupported by scripture and still others are questioning the ridiculous attempts to justify the current teaching. Compare Matthew 24:34, Luke 17:25, Mark 8:31, 38. Make sure your read these verses in context. You will notice that although the accounts are not parallel ( that is they are not reporting the same event) the subject matter is identical. These verses clearly show that Jesus was referring to a wicked generation. If you take the time to read these accounts carefully and in context you will see very clearly that Matthew 24:34 cannot apply to the anointed.

    • December 19, 2015 at 7:34 am
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      @Scag
      They have to keep re-explaining the overlapping generation teaching because it is complete BS. But as we have seen with their other erroneous teachings if they repeat them enough the rank & file drones eventually accept it. It’s just a form of brain washing.

      My advice to the R&F: Set your BS detectors to ON.

      WS

      • December 19, 2015 at 1:51 pm
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        What you say is right. People abdicate their thinking and responsibility so easily without blinking an eye. Instead of checking things out for themselves they just roll over and accept whatever slop they are fed. It’s really quite sad, alarming and disheartening.

  • December 18, 2015 at 1:55 pm
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    Many thanks to Covert Fade for a well written and informative article.

    Although this Adventist cult was started by C.T Russell it now bares little markings of his original teachings and if were possible to resurrect him today he would not recognize what it has become.

    What it has become is an avarice, corrupt, manipulative cult.

    Historically speaking, the Jehovah’s Witnesses today evolved from the teachings of a drunken sot, namely J.F. (the Judge) Rutherford.

    Examples: the door to door ministry. Although having no trouble sending others out to “advertise, advertise, advertise the King and his kingdom” was to busy himself going from drink to drink.

    The year of 1914 went from being the end of the Gentile times (as Charles Taze Russell believed) to the start of Jesus Christ’s invisible reign.

    The erroneous teaching that the “other sheep”, mentioned by Jesus in the Gospels and the “great crowd”, mentioned in Revelation that survive Armageddon, are one in the same group is also his legacy.

    The name Jehovah’s Witnesses and the meeting places themselves (Kingdom Halls) were also contrived during his tenure as President (changed from International Bible Student Association).

    To everyone reading my comments and to all seekers of the truth about the “Truth” let me point out my following observations;
    1. no religion, that I am aware of, advises its adherents to reject the sacraments during their communion services;
    2.no religion, that I am aware of, asks that their adherents of how much time is spent serving their religion and keep records of it;
    3.no scripture I have read says that Jesus died only for the “slave class” and “other sheep” are a ‘secondary beneficiary’;
    4.no scripture instructs me to follow this self-appointed “faithful and discrete slave” class that has absolute power over medical decisions, internet or television viewing, literature reading, what movies, sporting events, shows and hobbies I can participate in, what standards in dress and grooming I should adhere to, how much secular education and what career choices I can pursue, who is worthy of consideration as a marriage mate and what sort of sexual acts can married consenting adults perform in the privacy of their bedroom;
    5. and finally what questions of ever-changing doctrine I am allowed to ask and which people are worthy or non-worthy of my association.

    What finally convinced me that “something was rotten in Denmark” was the New Light doctrine of overlapping generations, followed by the ten year membership to the United Nations. The icing on the cake was these child molestation cases.

    I, for one, am fully convinced that this doomsday “Armageddon is just around the corner”, pedophile protecting, time bandit, money hungry, self-serving cult has no more relationship with God than any other religion, denomination, cult or sect-Christian or otherwise.

    Finally “to thy own self be true” do your research and see just how far the rabbit hole goes; if you can stomach it.

    • December 18, 2015 at 2:52 pm
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      Well put Big B!

      What you say here is a full account of all the rants and anger that I have felt after disassociating myself from this cult. How can people that are in this circus of a religion not see these problems?

      The rabbit hole and any other investigation into the true creation of this monstrous cult machine boils down to a greedy, drunken, arrogant blowhard named Rutherford. He’s been dead for decades and his style and intimidation tactics live on. The chain of leaders from Rutherford to the newly self-appointed ‘F&D Slave’ have perpetuated this control freak’s method of lie upon lie and arrogant all-knowing behavior. The current governing body must either really buy in to their delusion of grandeur for themselves, or know this whole religion is a farce and continue to live off the power they get from it. Once you peel the layers of the onion (so to speak), you really see what this ‘religion’ is and the lies that are behind it. No wonder they strongly forbid people from asking questions, reading other literature about JW’s, and seeing the real truth on the internet sites upon pain of DF and fear. They would truly loose control. If Rutherford tried to run the religion today as he did in the early 20th century, he would have been called out and shown to be a real con-artist extraordinaire.

      • December 19, 2015 at 7:50 am
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        I agree with the comments about Rutherford. From everything I have read, I believe that all the major issues, including the use of the cult mind control, start with him.

        IF, and this is a BIG IF, the organization Russell started ever had God’s favor, it was surely lost with Rutherford at the helm. He took control through slick legalistic maneuvering and had all his rivals figuratively “killed off” (thrown out of the Org) in order to maintain control. It’s reminiscent of Queen Athaliah in the OT. How could such behavior ever receive divine favor?

        WS

    • December 18, 2015 at 4:12 pm
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      So Big B, just a question–to play part of challenger–what if some “truth seeking JDubs” are saying to self, but this group does positive things–turning prostitutes and thugs and substance-abusers into “silk purses” (from wretch to saved)? True the dogma is somewhat murky, but look at the end results… Doesn’t every religion have some bit of non-sense going on when given deep-thought and scrutiny?

      • December 18, 2015 at 5:47 pm
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        Great Comment Big B!

        @Jbob: Not to steal Big B’s Thunder but my response to a challenger with that kind of straw man argument would be this…(after laughing hysterically)

        To say the watchtower does some good in “cleaning up” the lives of those leading a self destructive lifestyle is ridiculous…especially when viewed from a subjective standpoint.

        Considering that the Watchtower could care less about their individual members…case in point child molestation…the Watchtower only indoctrinates people so that they can use and abuse them for the rest of that person’s natural life.

        That challenger’s argument is reminiscent of the “Civilized Savage” and “White Man’s Burden” argument used by American slave-holders and European Imperialists. Yes…the ingenuous peoples have no rights, liberty, or freedoms of any kind what-so-ever…BUT…at-least they are not living like a bunch of mindless, third world savages and have the benefits of “white man’s society”.

        So, the Watchtower only cleans people up so that they can, in turn, be abused and used for the selfish purposes of peddling the Watchtower’s interests for the rest of their lives…like a slave.

        To exchange one self destructive lifestyle for another is not an improvement…but merely a change of scenery and self denial.

        For every so called “good dead” the Watchtower does…it in turn does 10 horrible, unspeakable things.

        • December 18, 2015 at 6:47 pm
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          Well put!!
          Going from smoking crack to following a mindless cult is just switching one drug for another. And let’s not forget WT IS a cult, not a “religion”. Watchtower does not go around the world building schools, hospitals, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, charities, etc. As you stated, compared to the all the NEGATIVES, the good they do is MINIMAL.

        • December 18, 2015 at 7:12 pm
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          @JBob, Justin, anonymous 4

          Just about every Christian religion can claim that they do some good in cleaning up the lives of those leading a self destructive lifestyle. This is not something unique to JWs.

        • December 18, 2015 at 9:45 pm
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          @Justin – amazing, you answered without underlining anything? or reading the paragraphs above my questions?

  • December 18, 2015 at 4:07 pm
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    Great information!. Appreciate all your efforts!.

    I informed my father-in-law about the child sex abuse cases from BBC and CNN, he says, its all completely FAKE, never believe all that and never watch any of that. !… what a joke!.. they are so much spiritually blind. Me and my wife are not having any interest to attend the meetings anymore, I was baptised in 2011 and my wife is a born JW we got married 6 months ago, but when i told her all the truth, she agreed. she also says she used to ask many questions when she was younger but she never got a meaningful answer and always been told that they should do only what the organization says and never think anything against. Now we are not interested to attend the meetings but still going to the meetings just for her parents and her dumb JW family. Recently we were unable to attend couple of meetings because of some work schedule etc, but one of her relative in our congregation reported this to her parents, and they are getting very much worried and bugging us everyday on the phone and keep advising to attend meetings. i am getting very much uncomfortable, time is getting wasted everyday talking about this and worriying for no real reason! . the problem is, the engligh news channels have no big reach in my country so people are not at all aware of what is happening with the JW cases and warwick development. JW’s here are too much dumb. So i was planning couple of ideas and i need some advice from you friends in executing!.

    #1. I am preparing a letter and have collected all the address newspapers and News TV channels of my country, and going to post the hardcopy with all the references on the child sex abuse cases to check the policies of watchtower could be a threat to our country. I will also send an email regarding this.

    #2. I plan to consult an attorney to find if there are possibilities to make this as a pulic issue and file a complaint to check and re-evaluate the JW policies for the welfare of the country.

    I would like to know if this will work out? or if you have any better ideas? I cannot tell which country i am from now, I can explain more in detail in personal emails. This is my first priority, as this has started to cause lots of trouble in our family. i want to get this news to my family as they are not going to believe if i try to explain them.

    • December 19, 2015 at 8:13 am
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      Jake,

      Keep in mind that the JWs are under the undue influence of a cult that employs methods of mind control. A single stroke will not usually wake them up, but only a sustained effort to slowly overturn cult thinking.

      I highly recommend the book “Freedom Of Mind: Helping Loved Ones Leave Controlling People, Cults, and Beliefs” by Steve Hassan. It has some excellent strategies for getting people to awaken to cult mind control.

      If your wife does not want to loose her family connections, a slow fade from the organization might be your best bet. It sounds like you have woken up and now you just want to shout out all that has come to light. BE CAUTIOUS. If you start spreading information, make sure you remain anonymous. Although your wife agrees with you, she may not be ready to choose you over her family. It is amazing the amount of control this org can have over someone, especially if they were raised in it.

      WS

    • December 19, 2015 at 8:55 am
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      Jake, as Winston said:

      “your wife … may not … choose you over her family … it is amazing the amount of control this org can have over someone.”

      To keep your wife, be careful and “keep a a low profile.” Avoid becoming a target for enemy fire.

      But if you can abandon family and possessions for the sake of Jesus name, the reward, and suffering, are yours to choose.

      • December 20, 2015 at 3:49 am
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        @ Jake.Listen to Simon. I know from experience. My Wife has Chosen the WT over a happy married life. Our entire marriage has been for her to serve the WT. She would not do her responsibilities bc she always had to go in FS first! Or go to the meetings etc.I would go to work for 10-12 hrs a day and come home to a dirty house, unpaid bills,many times no food in the house bc she was in FS or doing some other “theocratic” activity. If a CO or GB came to town all hell would break lose bc she acted like Jesus Christ himself was here. I am not exaggerating.
        I will never have a happy normal family bc she is in mind control from a dangerous cult. So if you can live with it fine if not you need to accept it and somehow make a life around it. She will never change as long as she is in the Borg. I know I am living through it. Choose your battles.

    • December 19, 2015 at 11:01 am
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      Take it softly softly. Chose only battles that you can win and are worth winning. Enjoy a happy married life.

    • December 20, 2015 at 7:33 am
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      Hi Jake,

      I’m with the others that have responded to you. Please take a deep breath and take this with some wisdom from the others. I agree with you, that we need to get this cult exposed publicly, but I also agree that you should do this anonymously. You can be a better help to your family if you don’t make them martyrs (we all know that JW’s LOVE to be martyrs) or yourself a pariah to your family.

  • December 18, 2015 at 4:26 pm
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    Yes this is old news, but I thank the floating teapot that there is something different to read at least once a week. Thank you all at jwsurvey for guest writers who contribute their stories. I remember back when I would check daily to see if there were new articles…now I know that every Friday there will be something.

  • December 18, 2015 at 5:46 pm
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    The UN debacle was a classic case of Watch Tower denial. Instead of design up, they created a story about joining in order to qualify for a library card. It was the response to that mess that focused my mind on their pride, their refusal to admit error, and the fact that this is an entirely human organization led by humans with the usual human flaws.

    • December 18, 2015 at 10:09 pm
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      @Graeme – whoa… I just had a chill go down my spine, again, because you mention the excuse that it was to qualify for a UN Library card, but a few scant decades earlier, they boasted about “brothers and [mostly] sisters” being raped and beaten in Malawi for resisting government demands to register for a political party card [nevermind about Mexico, just now].

      And, maybe the registrant realized that demons jumping out of the UN was “fake magic” but the literature (especially the “You May Survive Armaggedon” book and others up through the 1960’s) ranted on and on about the UN being a spawn of Satan–literally–and near-to equal of a demonized Babylon the Great church. JW’s expected a demon to swoop down and seize them just putting a toe across the threshhold of a church parking lot [some wouldn’t use a church lot to turn car around on a one-lane road bounded by flood ditches], so UN Library visit would be like feasting with the “King of Apostates”.

      OTOH, if the intent was to follow-up with an easing of UN = Satan rhetoric, the boat sailed without that accomplishment.

      So, integrity–window–out flying of.

      But, that’s one example of JW conflicted thoughts, the literature also made it apparent that commercial entities (corporations and legal partnerships–apparently over a certain asset value on the books(?)) were also “spawns of Satan,” but Watchtower, Inc. and now so many “daughters of Watchtower, Inc” apparently exceeding the same asset value [J* adjusts for inflation?] as the previous mentioned demonic corporations are “divine instruments (entities)”? Same amount of ‘paper-chase’ to form as the “demonic” entities, yet somehow set apart. Was there a libation poured out to sanctify these entities? Or, maybe it’s the “dedication ceremony” to expunge unclean spirits?

  • December 18, 2015 at 7:02 pm
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    @ Jake
    I think your ideas are awesome! I have done similar things, and plan to do more. My advice is: DO IT!!!
    I always say, There’s no harm in trying. You can’t win the lottery if you don’t play. Other than that, all I can say is talk about this stuff to “worldly” people when you have a chance (they don’t have a clue either) and keep coming to this site.
    PS: I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to inform “worldly” folks of this site, either. Who knows, some may be curious enough to check it out. Word spreads fast.

    • December 18, 2015 at 7:11 pm
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      P.S.
      Does your father-in-law believe the Moon Landings were fake too? :))

  • December 18, 2015 at 7:22 pm
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    I have nothing to add to the “overlapping” argument, except the blatantly obvious: Jesus did say “THIS generation will by no means pass away…”, NOT “The OVERLAPPING generation…”. I don’t believe the word “overlapping” even exists in the New Testament. I certainly do not recall Jesus EVER using that word. Adding a word or concept like that would seem to be an act of, oh, I don’t know………..APOSTASY??! :)

    • December 20, 2015 at 7:42 am
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      Good point! The overlapping generation thing is the biggest ‘tap-dance’ I have ever seen come out of the WTS leadership yet. It’s all I could do not to split my gut laughing at David Splane explain the overlapping generation. It’s a pathetically desperate attempt by the current GB body trying their level-best to cover the complete _ _ _ _ ups their predecessors set up for them. (insert your expletive at the blank) It showed this is definitely not God’s one and only spokespeople for the earth.

  • December 18, 2015 at 7:29 pm
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    Watchtower considers itself to be Guardians Of Doctrine — G.O.D.
    They are more like Guardians Of Old Forgotten Scrolls — G.O.O.F.S.

  • December 18, 2015 at 7:36 pm
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    As long as I’m being silly, here’s a suggested name for a (conceivable) Watchtower Casino: Jehovah’s Awesome Christian Casino Of Victory — J.A.C.C.O.V.
    P.S. This post may get deleted (justifiably so). But it was worth it. ;)

  • December 18, 2015 at 9:24 pm
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    Jesus would teach “the way” to live during his ministry, not “the denomination” to belong to.

    36 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?”
    37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

    Love above all else in the law or prophets words. The Watchtower teaches pharisaical conditional love, pending amount of hours dedicated to pushing magazines.

    The Watchtower conditions its members to seek glory and applause for themselves and deals harshly with those not interested in praise from their “platforms”. Their faithful and discreet slave is anything but faithful to Gods word or discreet about their service. They love being under lights in front of cameras, receiving the praise and let’s face it worship of the rank and file wherever they go. Jesus refused to be called good, because only God in heaven was good. Jesus showed his disciples humility by washing their feet and repeated what he thought of those wanting all the attention.

    1″Take care not to practice your righteousness in front of men to be noticed by them; otherwise you will have no reward with your Father who is in the heavens. 2 So when you make gifts of mercy, do not blow a trumpet ahead of you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be glorified by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full”.

  • December 18, 2015 at 10:20 pm
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    Thank you for this even previous articles CF !
    Any individual,company or entity who lost the ability of self reflection or self critique it’s on the way to oblivion.
    This apply to WT and JW.org as we know it.
    The question is not IF just WHEN.
    MENE MENE TEKEL

    • December 18, 2015 at 10:23 pm
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      UPHARSIN …. I forgot to finisht it….

  • December 19, 2015 at 12:51 am
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    Rather than admit wrongdoing, the Watchtower’s Guardians Of Doctrine (GOD) use endless self-adulating repetition as a powerful brainwashing tool. The Governing Body’s mind bending technique is to continually state that Jehovah’s Witnesses have the only true religion, which is being directed by the seven self-appointed (and self-anointed) members of Jesus’ faithful slave. The “new light” explanations, which previously painted over failed prophesy, are now called “adjustments.”

    The claim is made that this faithful slave directs congregations which are overseen by spirit-appointed elders and ministerial servants who must be obeyed. Bible laws are then mixed with Watchtower laws which must be strictly followed if cult members are to have Jehovah’s approval. The constant repetition of these key points has the effect of negating all past and present Watchtower mistakes.

    As a loving provision, the Governing Body is now providing its published propaganda in PDF format, which allows global word searches. The key words found in the March 2016 Watchtower Study Edition reveal a lot about what Jehovah’s Witnesses are expected to think and what they are expected to believe. Certain key words appear in this issue:

    congregation: 51
    law: 26
    baptism: 41
    dedication: 20
    young ones: 15
    elder: 11
    servant: 14
    unity: 10
    obey: 6

    This issue of the Watchtower is designed to lure young and impressionable ones into getting baptized as soon as possible. Too young to be aware of the Watchtower’s dubious past and present, these youths are a vulnerable target. The message clear: Young ones (particularly boys) need to get baptized now and reach out for positions of responsibility in their congregations, or risk being killed during the great tribulation.

    Paragraph 18, page 21: “Indeed, to keep receiving God’s blessing, we need to pay attention to all the directions provided through the Christian congregation. Having an obedient spirit now will help us to follow directions during the “great tribulation,” which will eliminate Satan’s entire evil system.” (Matt. 24:21)

    http://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/watchtower-study-march-2016/

    • December 20, 2015 at 4:09 am
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      @Scotwm. It is amazing the BS they can come up with in the articles.In the March 2016 WT questions from readers? They are back to making claims again and bible prophecy of greater full- fillment etc. I thought the WT had said a few months ago the types and anti types were no longer believed? Now they are saying it again. Flip flopping some more. I am highlighting some current non sense they are saying.See below. IN it they accuse the Clergy of treating harshly anyone who had a “DIFFERENT OPINION” then they had? Who does that sound like to you? Read below from 2016 WT. They talk about being in spiritual captivity from the churches up to 1919.

      “During that extended period of spiritual captivity, the clergy and their political associates, who were desirous of maintaining their power, kept the Word of God from the people under their control. At times, it was a crime to read the Bible in a common language. Some people who did so were even burned at the stake. Any who expressed an opinion contrary to what the clergy taught were dealt with harshly, thus stifling any attempts to spread the light of the truth”. ( WT March 2016 )

      Let he who has eyes read nd understand! They are describing themselves in their attack on the clergy.

  • December 19, 2015 at 5:07 am
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    “Listen, obey, and be enslaved…”

  • December 19, 2015 at 5:47 am
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    jehovah’s witnesses (Fred franz 1975 discourses)
    the first minute is not very clear,but after the first minute you can here, the and will come on OCT/05/1975.Bles is those who left this organization.

  • December 19, 2015 at 6:53 am
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    It is the Devil’s latest historical trick to mix Watcthtower Witnesses with the biblical name ”Jehovahs Witnesses”. They call themselves spiritual jews. Therefore WW fits the Pharisees perfect. They say one thing, and does another”.

  • December 19, 2015 at 7:59 am
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    Great article and You could write it all over again and using a whole other set of mistakes not mentioned here. Mistakes that like some of these mentioned have ruined the lives if not ended the lives of countless individuals. Then You could write it again with yet another set of mistakes. I’m not sure how many times this could be rewritten using a whole new set of mistakes.

  • December 19, 2015 at 12:00 pm
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    Very well written article. Simple to the point. JWs have a saying, ‘new things learned’. Also known as ‘old things remembered’. I think this article should be put on this website and other JW ones (such as forums) every year to increase the chance of new persons learning the real Truth about ‘the truth’

Comments are closed.