Watchtower is trying to prepare Witnesses for the disappointment of reaching 2014 with Armageddon nowhere in sight

For decades Witnesses have been taught that 1914 marked the beginning of a “short period of time” before Christ would banish Satan to the abyss at Armageddon and establish his kingdom on the Earth.

As decade after decade has passed with the promised apocalypse nowhere in sight, many Witnesses are now beginning to realize that perhaps the basis for the 1914 doctrine is not as solid as they were led to believe.

Witnesses now stand on the brink of the year 2014, which will mark 100 years since Christ supposedly took charge in the heavens – a century-long “short period of time!” In response to the disappointment already being experienced by many, Watchtower is ramping up its rhetoric with its latest November 15th magazine (click here for download).

Witnesses are being urged to “close ranks against Satan and the demons,” and elders are warned that they must follow the Society’s instructions “whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not.”

“Show a waiting attitude”

An article entitled “How Can We Maintain a Waiting Attitude?” stirs the emotions on page 10 of the new magazine with a rather psychedelic picture of an angel “holding back the destructive winds of the great tribulation.” The first two paragraphs warn the reader against being impatient.

“Satan knows that he has only ‘a short period of time.’ (Rev. 12:12) However, that ‘period of time’ has gone on for decades, and some may feel that the last days have lasted a long time. As we wait for Jehovah to act, have we personally become impatient?
Impatience can be dangerous, for it can cause us to behave rashly. How can we maintain a waiting attitude?” (w13 11/15 p.10)

The article goes on to discuss the prophet Micah, who is held aloft as an example of loyally waiting on Jehovah despite not seeing the final fulfilment of God’s promises. The reader is then reminded of future events, including the cry of “peace and security,” said to be imminent.

Finally the article concludes by urging Witnesses to “close ranks against the Devil and the demons” by drawing close to one another and displaying “confidence in Jehovah’s leadership.”

A stirring image reminds Witnesses where their loyalties lie

Throughout the magazine, the reader is reminded of how “imminent” Armageddon is.

“God’s promised new world is near, and our salvation is nearer than we may think.” (w13 11/15 p.7)

“Our way of life will thus reveal that we are staying awake spiritually and that we really believe that the end of this wicked system of things is imminent.” (w13 11/15 p.7)

“If we are busy helping others to gain accurate knowledge about God, the time remaining before the coming of Jehovah’s judgment will pass more quickly. Soon—even suddenly—time will run out. When it does, how glad we will be that we kept busy in the Kingdom preaching work!” (w13 11/15 p.12)

In the near future, the nations will say ‘Peace and security!'” (w13 11/15 p.12)

“Already we see indications that her [false religion’s] demise is near.” (w13 11/15 p.13)

Soon, Jehovah’s day will come.” (w13 11/15 p.14)

In the near future, Jehovah’s apparently vulnerable people will come under attack…” (w13 11/15 p.20)

The aim of the magazine is obvious. The reader is to be kept in a heightened state of expectation despite the fact that the Society has been making the same promises as those quoted above for generations. No acknowledgment is made that, just perhaps, the reason why Witnesses are becoming “impatient” is because they have now been hearing these promises for decades, and appear to be no closer to seeing any fulfilment.

Reaching out to inactive ones

Every year an unknown number of Witnesses are so disillusioned that they become “inactive” and drift away from the organization. In doing so they often learn the real truth about Watchtower’s history or teachings from websites such as this, but they decide against formally disassociating themselves in order to avoid the harmful repercussions of doing so, i.e. shunning by relatives.

Now, in this latest article, it seems the Society is trying to bolster their numbers by reaching out to so-called “faders” and beckoning them to return. The writers plead directly with inactive ones on pages 13 and 14…

“Are you among those who are not now actively serving God? Perhaps someone in the congregation hurt you and as a result you stopped associating with Jehovah’s organization. Since some time may have passed, ask yourself: ‘Is my life now more meaningful, and am I happier? Was it Jehovah who offended me, or was it an imperfect human? Has Jehovah God ever done anything to harm me?’ Really, he has always done good toward us. Even if we are not living up to our dedication to him, he allows us to enjoy the good things he provides. (Jas. 1:16, 17) Soon, Jehovah’s day will come. Now is the time to return to our heavenly Father’s loving arms and to the congregation—the only safe haven in these last days.—Deut. 33:27; Heb. 10:24, 25.” (w13 11/15 pp.13,14)

Of course, inactive ones like myself must answer these questions for themselves. However, I for one have difficulty even taking the questions seriously. For example, I may not attend meetings or preach as a Witness anymore, but I do not consider myself to be no longer “serving God.” I am neither serving nor ‘disserving’ God any more now than when I was an active Witness, because I have done research and satisfied myself that the organization is no more associated with God than any other religion.

Once beyond the organization’s grip, it is easier for inactive ones to do research and realize that there is nothing special about the organization

Another question asks, “Was it Jehovah who offended me, or was it an imperfect human?” Again, the question sidesteps any need to prove whether or not the organization has anything to do with God, and simply equates Jehovah with the organization. In the mind of the writer, the two are apparently indistinguishable.

Finally, as to the question “Is my life now more meaningful, and am I happier?” I can answer emphatically that yes, I am much happier. I may not have all the answers, and not everything in my life may be perfect, but what problems I do experience mostly stem from the harm caused by an authoritarian religion robbing many of my family members of the ability to think for themselves.

Apart from that, I am certainly happier because I am no longer wasting time and money running around and getting stressed attending meetings and preaching to people solely to satisfy the demands of a religion that teaches things that are demonstrably false, and even harmful.

All in all, I find it baffling that Watchtower should encourage Witnesses to reach out to inactive ones in this way, and risk exposing them to individuals who have discovered the real truth about the organization. The naivety with which this part of the magazine is written suggests to me that the Watchtower writer in question is completely deluded. He believes that Watchtower is almost synonymous with Jehovah, and that deep down those who fade from the organization retain a similar devotion. If only he knew the real truth!

“Obey any instructions”

At various points in the magazine the reader is reminded of the need to obey the elders regardless of any mistakes they may make. An article on page 16 entitled “Seven Shepherds, Eight Dukes—What They Mean for Us Today” gives a lengthy discussion of events during the time of Hezekiah when the Jews came under attack from Assyrian forces.

The prophecy in Micah regarding seven shepherds and eight dukes is then claimed to be a foregleam of the role of elders during the time of the end. Elders are said to be a provision from Jehovah to protect against the “modern-day Assyrian.” Nowhere is this “Assyrian” clearly identified, rather he is referred to as being either one or all of a number of potential foes, including “Gog of Magog,” “the king of the north,” and “the kings of the earth.”

If the above application of Micah’s prophecy sounds baffling and cryptic, the ensuing instructions to elders are even more so. Consider the guidance given in paragraph 17…

“Elders who are reading this article can draw some useful conclusions from the account we have just considered: (1) The most practical step that we can take to prepare for the coming attack of ‘the Assyrian’ is that of strengthening our faith in God and helping our brothers to do the same. (2) When ‘the Assyrian’ attacks, the elders must be absolutely convinced that Jehovah will deliver us. (3) At that time, the lifesaving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not. (4) Now is the time for any who may be putting their trust in secular education, material things, or human institutions to adjust their thinking. The elders must stand ready to help any who may now be wavering in their faith.” (w13 11/15 p.20)

Aside from the usual broadside against higher education, a more worrying aspect of the above quote is found in the sentences highlighted in bold. You see, Watchtower is already issuing elders with directions that are not “sound” or “practical,” most notably in its harmful approach to child abuse, which is already yielding multiple lawsuits, some of which are only now being publicized.

Is Watchtower trying to further radicalize elders by using Micah’s prophecy of the “seven shepherds, eight dukes?”

The idea that elders can expect yet more controversial orders from their Brooklyn masters in the near future is disturbing to say the least. It leads me to wonder, is there a strategy behind this? Is the Governing Body trying to prepare elders to show unflinching loyalty during some future situation that they have already mapped out? I guess we’ll have to wait and see on that score.

Regardless of what the future holds, the siege mentality encouraged in this latest article and encouragement to accept Watchtower’s authority at all costs is there for all to see. The very expression “close ranks” encourages a divisive “us against them” approach that I’m sure will be played out in countless homes and families around the world wherever there are stray family members to be shunned.

As depressing as it is to see Watchtower becoming increasingly radicalized, I can only hope the ramped-up rhetoric will strike a chord and prove to indoctrinated Witness friends and relatives that all is not as it should be. One thing is certain – if they are expecting something to happen between now and October 2014, they will end up sorely disappointed. And Watchtower knows it.

 

 

 

 

 

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81 thoughts on ““Close ranks against Satan!”: Watchtower prepares Witnesses for 2014 disappointment

  • August 15, 2013 at 1:24 pm
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    At that time, the lifesaving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not.

    Jim Jones ring any bells?

  • August 15, 2013 at 1:37 pm
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    It seems that they are scaring the Rank and file into thinking that tribulation is at hand, yet they are building a new facility? “May not appear practical from a human standpoint?”….Jehu slaughter?

  • August 15, 2013 at 1:53 pm
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    It is only a matter of time before Inactive and Disfellowshipped are one in the same. I think the Watchtower are on to the fact that most Inactive people are just avoiding the official shunning, and its just a matter of time before they “protect the sheep” and only allow association with active publishers.

  • August 15, 2013 at 1:54 pm
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    On a side note, did anyone see the end, where it was praising those who were willing to be homeless and preach from their cars for the cause? All while the Watchtower built palaces like beth sarim.

  • August 15, 2013 at 2:11 pm
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    I fear for my children and grandchildren in the Organization. They must be scared by all this rhetoric. Unfortunately, I an no longer able to reach them. They have erased me from their lives. It is insane. It is evil. It should be against the law. I feel ill.

  • August 15, 2013 at 2:41 pm
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    It should. Recently, some congregations are receiving instructions to make survivalist preparations. On surface practical for hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, power outages that will happen as infrastructure breaks down, but I pinpoint that other millenialist groups like Branch Davidians, the Ruby Ridge family and other paranoid groups all prefaced their extreme standoffs with preparations. Given a 500+ acre compound in upstate NY, at this time, maybe far-fetched notion, but under the unquestionable directives and the bold POINT 4 highlighted [abandon secular pursuits], we are setting the stage for major isolation in the future by a more charismatic leadership, or the present ones reaching a desperate fever pitch.

    We can not dally with the notion that this group does some good and thus its “warts” can be overlooked. I am reminded that Hitler’s Nazi regime provided science with a foundation for major advances in medicine and technology but we do not hesitate to label that administration as “evil”.

    This organization is pure evil and is a totalitarian and authoritarian group that dominates individuals, even when they withdraw through ties to family and perceived threat to family members’ community status. It should be wiped out!

  • August 15, 2013 at 2:54 pm
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    Part 4 of 4–extending my comments on the ancestry of the Witness movement and its links to Adventism.

    I saw a comment about Branch Davidians, and I thought I’d bring in another coincidental “what-if” scenario. Suppose 2014, the Centennial Disappointment, creates some schisms led by charismatic elders or GB members with extreme viewpoints on “setting up events” to “prepare the way” for Jehovah’s Day of Judgement? Let’s also presume, these individuals made some major advances in their grand scheme many years ago by salvaging military weapons–perhaps a conventional warhead or nuke that got lost when a USAF tactical jet crashed on a mountainside? They would be setting the stage for major confrontation on a scale beyond that of Ruby Ridge or Branch Davidians or Warren Steed Jeffs’ Mormon commune ever could have achieved. The Watchtower has basically laid down the crack for a schism — those who accept waiting patiently vs. others. The others should be of concern. In the years to come, as the Watchtower transitions into the same stance as the SDA group, some hardcore “just around the corner” true believers could be expected to create schism just as some Bible Students in past years did when Russell, Rutherford and Knorr/Franz caused consternation with “new light”.

  • August 15, 2013 at 3:05 pm
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    I am anxious to read this magazine. Thank you for the preview.
    I don’t think it’s smart to try to guess what these fanatics are going to do, but they clearly have something dangerous in mind. Soon. I am frightened for my family members and friends who are under the rule of these powerful manipulators.

  • August 15, 2013 at 3:08 pm
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    Interesting about “Eight Dukes”…. could this mean the Eight GB members? Are they trying to draw/force one of their “prophetic parables”?

    And the “Seven Elders”… since they use the number seven to indicate “spiritual completeness”, this probably falls in line nicely with this “prophetic prophecy” or type/anti-type thing, as the “seven elders” would then apply to be meaning all the elders worldwide.

    Some sort of B.S. like that….

  • August 15, 2013 at 3:12 pm
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    “Recently, some congregations are receiving instructions to make survivalist preparations. On surface practical for hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, power outages that will happen as infrastructure breaks down, but I pinpoint that other millenialist groups like Branch Davidians, the Ruby Ridge family and other paranoid groups all prefaced their extreme standoffs with preparations. Given a 500+ acre compound in upstate NY, at this time, maybe far-fetched notion, but under the unquestionable directives and the bold POINT 4 highlighted [abandon secular pursuits], we are setting the stage for major isolation in the future by a more charismatic leadership, or the present ones reaching a desperate fever pitch”

    I’ve been warning you all for some time to be watchful of the extremism to keep extending and escalating to the point that the cult characteristics and features become more and more classic and typical and also to be concerned about the potential for a climactic conclusion!

    My comment and link to the very informative Jim Jones/Leo Ryan US Senate report:
    http://jwsurvey.org/cedars-blog/operation-e-shunning-aawa-goes-after-watchtower-over-its-destructive-practice

  • August 15, 2013 at 4:00 pm
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    I would be interested to know of the demonic subliminals in the picture of the angel. I know they’re there, but I don’t see them offhand. Does anyone else?

  • August 15, 2013 at 4:05 pm
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    I remember a convention back in 1986. That year was declared the International Year of Peace. That convention pointed out to how all the “worldly religions” were gathering together to pray for peace and how the Witnesses were to stay away from any form of inter religious efforts because they could not participate in futile efforts for peace in a world that would soon be destroyed. That was almost 28 years ago, and at that time they were waiting for the moment the nations were declaring Peace and Security. Many years after they would not even mentioning that so called “prophecy” thinking it might have happened already and started to focus on how “Babylon the Great’s destruction was imminent”. Again they are saying that the declaration of Peace and Security is still in the future. What could be going through the rank and file’s mind at this moment? That’s why this article is declaring that they should “close ranks” so as to not start fading due to the many failed promises and prophecies.

    With Jehu’s article I think they are just trying to hardened their hearts to the point that they no longer feel for their fading friends and family members and keep close to their “spiritual family”. It is disgusting to say the least.

  • August 15, 2013 at 6:32 pm
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    A point I forgot on the shunning article earlier, but even if you’re baptized, publishing (active) Witness it doesn’t guarantee you’re “in” the community because there’s still tiers and caste system based on HOW active a Witness you are. So, even if you get baptized, publisher, the pressure is on for “next steps” (the next degree) to become an MS, or females to pioneer in some aspect. And, so on and on until you windup isolated from friends, relatives and abandoning all property and wealth at Bethel or some foreign country’s Bethel branch “joyfully serving Jehovah” until your mind’s single cell finally kicks on and you realize–oh, this isn’t joy I’m feeling, it’s disgust and a sense of obligation and feeling trapped!

    The other tangent on this is that you can be baptized, but as seen in previous “secret letters” to gain access to the tantalizing nuggets of international convention delegate, foreign missionary, elder- select, MS-select, etc. etc. etc. you need to be in “good standing and/or exemplary” (typically defined by some baseline of activities expected AND then how well you brown-nose your elder body and campaign for the duty). Of course, if you’ve been around long enough to know how to spell “rendezvous” as in “field service rendezvous point,” you’ll probably be selected as long as you’re soiling the timesheet each month, voicing something each meeting, and on-point for every elder-needs-a-volunteer item, OR you have accumulated enough dirt on the elder body they wince when they see you coming…

  • August 15, 2013 at 7:09 pm
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    I particularly like the way the WTS devotes AN ENTIRE page of this Watchtower issue on page 9 to ways that their followers can donate, such as stocks, gift annuities etc. Yet the WTS HAS NEVER devoted a single page that explains what parents should do if their child has been the victim of abuse by another JW. Nor has the WTS devoted A SINGLE PAGE as an apology for the all the children who have suffered abuse. The so-called Governing Body should be ashamed, but they do not know what shame is. They are blinded by greed and power.

  • August 15, 2013 at 8:31 pm
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    Despite this article there are still local press write ups in in JW Convention towns which continue to portray the JWs as well behaved and neatly dressed religious enthusiasts who bring welcome revenue to the host town. The gap between the grisly JW reality and the general public image gets wider as the Watchtower lurches ever further towards society’s fanatic fringe. A string of well publicised child abuse cases may change the general percept. Pariah status, as opposed to oddball joke, would, of course reflect the reality of this foul cult and bring satisfaction to those of us who have escaped its clutches. Would it, though, make it even more difficult to build bridges to those within who are seeking an exit? Jim Jones, Aum Shrinko and the Branch Davidians are no more. As the Watchtower morphs into something yet more crazy and extreme, we who look forward to its implosion can only hope, and where appropriate or possible act in such a way, that its end follows the model of Soviet as opposed to National (aka Nazi) Socialism.

  • August 15, 2013 at 9:09 pm
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    “The gap between the grisly JW reality and the general public image gets wider as the Watchtower lurches ever further towards society’s fanatic fringe. A string of well publicised child abuse cases may change the general percept”

    I’m afraid that is true and I’m afraid as well that it does not seem to be working out that way!
    If the persistent barrage of horrendous cases to point have had no impact? I don’t think much at this point will!
    It’s not just the child abuse and other crime and abuse in the congregations but the crime and brazen conduct that is taking place across the Internet on the forums in the way of Watchtower planted agents, saboteurs and operatives which is being reported directly to the authorities and has been for some time but has seemingly had no impact whatsoever as well.
    People outside of the ex-Jehovah’s Witness community itself, (and some of those with some forums are counter productive and oppose the efforts) have any real understanding of it’s dealings and the threat that it poses… Or care to!
    With all the publicity and tweeting and facebooking and everything that has been done to make known what this organization is all about? Especially to those who can and should do something about it? I think very serious questions need to be asked at this point about our government, law enforcement and their priorities!

  • August 15, 2013 at 10:49 pm
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    Libby Parteidge : tenez bon, je suis dans le même cas que vous. Mais je ne regrette pas mon départ. Je suis libre (54ans dans la secte) de penser par moi-même. J’ai hésité à partir pendant 16 ans (pour la famille) mais finalement j’ai compris qu’ils se moquaient pas mal des liens du sang. Quand ils seront vieux, comme tout le monde, ils seront jetés à leur tour. Car ils n’échapperont pas à la déception que j’ai eu moi-même. De toute façon il n’y a rien de bon à attendre de gens démoniaques car à leur tête c’est satan qui est adoré mais la base ne le sait pas du tout. Faites des recherches sur internet, vous ne serez pas décu des révélations.

  • August 15, 2013 at 10:52 pm
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    Dude, the angel in the picture has a funky 1Direction haircut! He should go on pop idol. What a legend.

    Also i decided I’m gonna start my ministry soon. I’m gonna get “No visits from JW/Mormons please” stickers printed then im going to go round and give them to people for free.. i will also tell them to specifically ask for no RVs. Maybe i will follow a group around and helpfully inform the householders that they can stop the menace forever. If they ask my religious views i will tell them but this is more about protecting people from the horrors of this predatory best of a cult.

  • August 15, 2013 at 11:01 pm
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    OK super effectivement la coupe de cheveux ! mais il en a aussi un coup dans l’aile…. droite.

  • August 15, 2013 at 11:10 pm
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    Let us remember what these “Mentally diseased” wrote towards 1975:
    Does that not warm our hearts? Reports are heard of brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world’s end.—1 John 2:17. (***km 5/74 p. 3 How Are You Using Your Life? ***

  • August 16, 2013 at 12:28 am
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    I never knew all that happened to you Wayne. Your dad had me convinced he was a ‘good guy’. I wish I had your courage.

  • August 16, 2013 at 3:34 am
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    Great article. Thanks Cedars.

  • August 16, 2013 at 3:46 am
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    Oh no! Here we go again! I was wondering how those idiots would cope with the centenary. If the GB look at the current political cycle, they will see that there is no chance of the UN saying peace and security. There is no appetite to ban religion. The only persecution is rightly applied due to their many crimes. In reality there are 7 million witnesses who won’t vote, and who generally have little money. They are simply politically and economically unimportant. No one really cares.

    As for them all holing up in their new compound – well it’s possible but I don’t think it’s going to happen. If they did, I am sure that the authorities would be able to handle them.

    Mainly, I just feel profound pity for all those who believe, as we once did. Still, have courage! If we can escape then so can many many more. With the aid of this web site and others, the general public and thinking witnesses have access to unparalleled information. The justice delayed to those dear people who were abused is coming. The truth will set us free.

  • August 16, 2013 at 7:35 am
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    They are in effect saying the same thing that Rutherford said at the convention at Cedar Point Ohio in 1922 …

    “The kingdom of heaven is at hand; the King reigns; Satan’s empire is falling; millions now living will never die. Do you believe it?”

    The sad part is that the vast majority will believe it.
    Just like they did in 1922!!

    BeenMislead

  • August 16, 2013 at 12:22 pm
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    A good article, thank you Cedars.
    I hope with all the hope I have left that this religion implodes.
    x Amie

  • August 16, 2013 at 12:25 pm
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    présence d’images subliminales : dans la chevelure, dans les ailes, en haut dans l’angle droit très sombre, tête d’animal (chien?) avec oreilles très pointues comme dans toutes les publications de la wachtower, il faut avoir l’habitude de faire pivoter l’image. C’est de la manipulation mentale, peu de personne le voient. les maquettistes connaissent cela.
    Soyez vigilants vous aussi. Cela est fait pour développer un sentiment de peur.
    Merci à Cèdre pour son bon travail.

  • August 17, 2013 at 4:24 am
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    “All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not.”

    This statement shows how controlling the organisation is. I personally know elders who with the best intentions will follow any and all instructions from the organisation no matter what.

    Your article is really well written Cedars and puts things into real perspective

  • August 17, 2013 at 9:06 am
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    Hi Cedar! I do enjoy visiting your well-documented website. By the way, I am disfellowshipped. After reading your last article concerning W.11/15/2013, I am wondering:”What if you, I and other Ex-JW were wrong?” In 1914, the early B.S. were wrong concerning Harmaguedon. But something did happen, didn’t it? And now, the G.B. (i.e the F.D.S.) may be wrong concerning 1914. And so? What should we do then? I personally came to, somewhat, distrust the Organization. But, sometimes, I can not prevent myself from thinking about the “spiritual paradise” I have lost since 2011…

    • August 17, 2013 at 9:15 am
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      Hello Alain, thanks for your comment and for visiting JWsurvey! :) As to your question about 1914, just because a World War started in that year does not mean the Bible Students were right in any way shape or form. It was just a coincidence – unfortunately a coincidence that Watchtower has capitalized on for decades. As to the “spiritual paradise,” everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I don’t call it a paradise when you are robbed of the ability to think for yourself, ask questions, or have unconditional love for your family. I would much rather be free from the organization and believe in what I know to be true, even if it means losing the close-knit JW social community and feeling of “belonging.” There are friendships to be made outside the organization that can give you just the same feeling, but without forcing you to believe and preach things that are demonstrably false.

    • August 18, 2013 at 12:55 pm
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      Alain B.
      I personally came to, somewhat, distrust the Organization. But, sometimes, I can not prevent myself from thinking about the “spiritual paradise” I have lost since 2011…

      Alain: I’m new to this blog, but I wanted to reach out to you. Your comment really tugged at my heart, and I have been thinking about you. It is understandable that you feel scared and unsure. I left the JW’s, because of things I discovered about them, but it has taken me almost 3 years to speak up about any of it. In the meantime, my parents and my sister, and her entire family, are now lost to the watchtower society. I am being shunned by my sister. You are not alone in how you are feeling right now!!

      Have you visited [link to evangelical website removed] yet? There is help and encouragement at this website. I found a lot of reassuring and comforting information here, as well as a few new friends. People who have not been there, simply can not understand. Leaving the JW’s is a process, and it will take time for you to recover. Jehovah is patient, and Jesus is here with you on this new path. I will be praying for you, that you can find comfort, and someone to support you when you are feeling unsure and alone.

      Hugs! -Val

      • August 18, 2013 at 1:02 pm
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        Hi folks! While I appreciate the enthusiasm to give Alain a big “JWsurvey welcome” and lend support, please keep in mind that I am against people being redirected to sites of an evangelical nature. If people want to know what evangelical/christian sites are out there, they can find these on the links page. I hope this reminder is accepted in the spirit in which it is given.

  • August 17, 2013 at 1:58 pm
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    In the talk “Human Apostates” there was made mention of someone writing letters to the loyal ones, I am that person and have been writing those letters since 2004. It is not the number of pages written through the years but the substance as regards of WTBS involvement of securties fraud and the length gone to cover the issues of Isa.1:23. Cedars you work has been featured in those letters starting with the Candace Conti case, I print out you blog and include them in those letters. This article will be printed and sent out to about 40 address on my mailing list. Realize that your workmanship is greatly respected on my part and is having a impact on the minds on the other side of the “walled city” of WTBS mental captivity.
    Rabshakeh

  • August 17, 2013 at 9:01 pm
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    The angel is a demon. LOLOLOLOL

  • August 18, 2013 at 3:36 am
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    This reminds me of those who been institutionalised by the prison. When given freedom in the outside world they can not cope, they need the controlling environment they are used to. Alain, I suggest you find a good counsellor who has experience of working with cults, you may find help through ICSA or an internet search of “cult deprogramming”.

  • August 18, 2013 at 12:24 pm
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    Alain B,
    Firstly I’m glad that you are able to voice your concerns and doubts about the “what if” quandry. For me, when I found out what the WTBTS was teaching prior to 1914 about what would happen in 1914 and then compared it to what they now say they were teaching, it just removed any doubt in my mind that thy were a gods chosen channel for communicating to his people.
    Why would a god, allow his religion to think of, write down and print so many false prophecies, failed predictions for future humans ( you and me) to read about and decide that THIS religion is false? The vast majority of thinking humans would see the historical information about the WTBTS and simply walk away laughing at how anyone could believe this group. How could this be conducive to having people choose this religion?
    The only people that want to believe that this group has some backing from a god are the ones that have something to lose by NOT believing in their doctrine. Things that a person loses by not buying into these beliefs are. Stop, let me clarify, “perceived losses are” because if the groups is not correct, you really are not losing these things, as they were never theirs to dole out to us.
    So perceived losses are eternal perfection in mind and body(not theirs to give), regaining lost loved ones from death(not theirs to give) no fear of wild animals (not theirs to give) etc etc etc. these things are all future promises that can ever be awarded but cable promised, if you obey. Things that you can actually lose now if you continue to investigate and use critical thinking are fear of man, fear of being held over a barrel, fear of never doing enough to make it into that perceived paradise, fear of children being raised into a high control group,etc etc etc, you see where I’m going with this.
    Please read Combatting Cult Mind Control from Steven Hassan especially as it relates to irrational fears aka phobias and how groups keep the members in line with fear.
    Sorry so long,..
    I would also suggest you visit jwfacts.com and Jehovahswitnessrecovery.com for additional help in bettering yourself with information on why we believe the things we believe.

  • August 18, 2013 at 1:25 pm
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    Nah…They already got me once. 2006 Our deliverance is near…I was on heightened alert for a year. Um…It is now 2013. 7 years is NOT FUCKING SOON assholes! I left in 2010 never to return. False promises and prophecies.

  • August 18, 2013 at 4:03 pm
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    Sorry! I didn’t realize this guideline. It won’t happen again. Thanks for the clarification.

    • August 19, 2013 at 12:56 am
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      No worries, thanks Faithful Witness! :)

  • August 19, 2013 at 4:29 am
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    Wow, I just had this conversation with my mum last week… Reading the Watchtower I was specially suprised about page 9! The exposed and shameless examples how to contribute financial to the organization. But, it’s completely voluntary……. ( about giving someone a guilty conscience!!)

  • August 19, 2013 at 9:44 am
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    The aim of the magazine is obvious. The reader is to be kept in a heightened state of expectation despite the fact that the Society has been making the same promises as those quoted above for generations.

    The following quote comes to mind with all of their ‘very soon’ promises:

    ‘Fool me once, shame on you; fool me twice, shame on me.’

    I won’t be fooled a second time !!!!

    ——————————————————————

    “Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father.” – Matthew 24:36

    “Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming.” – Matthew 24:42

    “He said to them: “It does not belong to YOU to get knowledge of the times or seasons which the Father has placed in his own jurisdiction.” – (Or, “appointed times.” Footnote) – Acts 1:7

  • August 19, 2013 at 9:48 am
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    I was thinking the same thing…

  • August 19, 2013 at 4:48 pm
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    I share your exact sediment!!!! It should be abolished!!! Why do you think so many goverments have tried to Ban them? Their ideology is so far from reality its insane!

  • August 20, 2013 at 1:30 pm
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    Alain, Please take the advice of those who’ve gone before… go the sites, do the research, get all of the proof that you need that the JW’s are teaching and preaching false doctrine. It’s there, abundantly, over and over, it would take years to compile all of it.. You can even use their own material to find the lies and false teaching such as comparing their own Kingdom Interlinear to their own NWT Bible, they leave out and change scripture to fit their doctrine. Satisfy yourself that you need not have any thoughts any longer that they might be right, then ask for guidance from God, he will lead you! Part of their cult indoctrination is to scare people away from searching for the truth. The Bible says “Tests all things!” Not “all things outside of the WT”. I am only sorry I let their propaganda circulate in my thoughts for 25 years before I summoned the courage to seek the truth. Prayers for you

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