If ever you find yourself at a loose end with some time to kill, I highly recommend scrolling through the “jw_witnesses” account on instagram.
Scanning the heavily manicured pages of JW.org is one thing, but if you want a more realistic glimpse into the bizarre (and often troubling) world of Jehovah’s Witnesses, this web resource is as good as it gets.
Of particular interest is the array of photos showing the souvenirs that have been created and distributed for delegates at international conventions.
Then there are the various images showing elaborate painted backdrops and vintage cars emblazoned with ‘theocratic’ slogans, all apparently put on show simply to give convention delegates a gimmicky photo opportunity.
Here are some examples…
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As someone who spent more of his life in this religion than I now care to admit, it all seems rather perplexing. Just how can all the time and money invested in gimmicks, trinkets and souvenirs be justified by an organization that claims the end of the world is “imminent?”
Don’t forget the aim of Jehovah’s Witnesses, as emphasized by this year’s convention (and ironically emblazoned on many of the souvenirs) is to “seek first the kingdom.” Precisely how is this goal achieved by spending hours making elaborate pendants and fancy bookmarks for convention delegates when 7 billion non-Witnesses around the world are in line for wholesale annihilation at any moment?
“Ah, but none of this is sanctioned by the organization. This is just the work of a few over-enthusiastic individuals” – some of you may retort.
If only that were true.
Watch the JW.org video below, particularly from 0:28 to 1:34, and try to tell me that the making of souvenirs for international conventions does not have Watchtower’s approval and oversight…
Then look at the image below (which can be enlarged by clicking on it), and try telling me that this letter from the Hospitality Committee of the 2014 London International Convention, posted to a congregation notice board as far back as January, does not urge brothers to spend their time making gifts with a “theocratic or London-based theme.”
If you read the above letter you will notice that no less than 2,321 volunteered to make “memorabilia” for one convention alone. Imagine the total number of hours that were lavished by all these people stitching, gluing or painting the initials “JW” on whatever paraphernalia they could get their hands on.
And lest we forget, none of this is for the benefit of non-Witnesses who are awaiting divine execution for their unbelief, or even for regular Witnesses who happen to be attending the event. As the above letter expressly states, the souvenirs are intended for distribution to “delegates from other lands.”
As a recent JWsurvey article pointed out, those who are willing to spend big bucks on a week-long stay in a Watchtower-approved hotel are treated like rock stars. The usual rules and protocols, particularly governing ‘worldly’ music in kingdom halls, go out of the window if there are well-heeled brothers and sisters to be entertained.
Indeed, according to the above letter there was no shortage of volunteers at this year’s London International Convention to provide such entertainment.
But eyebrows must be raised among thinking Witnesses who are sincere in their beliefs. How is it possible to explain the veneration of a wealthy elite of worshippers in this way? And how can “Jehovah’s organization” commission the devoting of so much time and energy for the making of cheap paraphernalia when, according to the Governing Body, the clock is ticking and billions of lives are at stake?
Further reading…
- Partying in the kingdom hall – why OK for convention delegates, but not newlyweds?
- Watchtower announces new international conventions
- Anthony Morris III attends 2012 Special Convention
Related video…
Has anyone suggested running a Holy Water stall or selling Pardons?
William Booth of the Salvation Army had a neat phrase to justify the use of popular music with marching silver bands as a means to spread the Gospel: ‘Why should the Devil have all the best tunes?’
By analagy, why should Rome monopolise all the best cash raising scams?
Hi There, I am a non witness, never have been, but I am interested because I have family in this cult. I am looking at this from a different perspective.
What I see here, are seeds of change. How deep it is, is another matter. My view is that everything is inter-connected. Changes in one part of the organisation,will also effect changes in the rest of the organisation. The people in the video were not putting on a show. They were really enjoying the artwork etc. How it looks to me as an outsider ? it looks like the organisation are experimenting with making it all more human, more creative. And this will also make it more cohesive. I guess the issues will arise as to how JW’s react to this, and whether those in authority, addicted to power and control, will feel the need to tighten it all up again ?. I suspect that some people in the hierarchy are responding to their critics, by loosing up. I do not believe its a co-incidence that on the JW video, showing the band ( Theocratic Review ) they also showed people dancing to the rap music, ‘Happy’. I suspect this was a response to the ‘apostate’ video. The Society are allowing change so that they can survive. The Society has proved very adept at surviving. They have survived date failures ( 1914- 1915- 1925- ww2 leading to armagedon 1975 – the 1914 generation – etc) which would have lead other organisations to fail. In some ways i welcome it, because it means less pressure on witnesses, on the other hand it makes their false teachings more bearable which is a double edged sword. It may keep more people in and make it more attractive to outsiders. i may be wrong. And perhaps this ‘liberal’ period will be followed by repression. Time will tell.
Interesting observations John, and thanks for sharing them. I would like to think these are the green shoots of a mainstream renaissance, but I’m afraid this is just bending the rules for the acquisition of money. If Watchtower were really interested in becoming more liberal there are far more urgent areas in which they need to be doing this, i.e. getting rid of shunning and negligent child abuse policies. The shameful thing is that they won’t budge an inch in these areas, but are happy to bend the rules if there is a cash cow that needs milking.
On a very similar note, I’ve always been baffled by companies, such as Ministry Ideaz that make products exclusively for Jehovah’s Witnesses. And frankly, I’m even more puzzled by the Witnesses who purchase such products. The commercialization of religion has long been viewed as part of Christendom, correct? According to their site, “Ministry Ideaz has just about everything you might need to fulfill your spiritual goals or helping a loved one do the same. These fine ministry supplies for Jehovah’s Witnesses also make great gifts for any age and any occasion.”
Hi John, yes I agree with you that the issues you identify are more important, more urgent. However ‘ a little leaven- leavens the whole lump’. I don’t think they will be able to keep it into a separate
compartment. Those people who experience these changes, will tell others. In a way, what ever the motives of the Society, they are playing with fire. These changes may be less containable then the Society think. On a different issues, a friend of mine was told by a JW that the magazines are to have a name change. do you have any info on this ? Take care John T
A name change for the magazines and/or consolidation of Watchtower and Awake into one monthly issue really wouldn’t surprise me.
The paraphernalia and the rap music as any ex JW knows is a diversionary tactic. It is watchtowers doing and boy does it ever look staged which it is. Let no one be fooled by this, it is a mere sideshow. The elite will have their entertainment in costly hotels. The foot soldiers will be sweeping floors and cleaning toilets. Concern for the billions that await imminent slaughter is shelved. I hope it stays that way and stops the poisonous spread of propaganda. Shunning, withholding blood and paedophilia still goes on.
Folks,
My dear old Mum has been meeting up with other old sisters and making stuff for the International Convention.
She has enjoyed the experience a lot.
I agree with Cedars on this one. What a bunch of creeps! Using unpaid, pensioner labour to “love bomb” the International Delegates, whilst not giving a thing to Witnesses who come from the country that’s hosting the event!!
This is typical WTBTS behaviour! Take something nice and kind (making guests in your country feel welcome) and using it to further the spin and propoganda of their repulsive religion.
I hope that those lovingly made trinkets will indeed make the guests feel good, but at what cost? These Instagram pictures are PR gold for an organisation that is beset with child abuse scandals. They make the Witnesses look a lot more like Baptists and other cosier, nicer denominations in Christianity.
It wouldn’t be so revolting if every Witness was allowed to kick off in the Kingdom Hall to thumping beats, or if every attendee of an International Convention was presented with a nice, nan knitted doodad, but they most certainly are not.
Of course, the WTBTS would say there’s nothing wrong with making visitors to a Foreign land feel welcome, and they would be right, there isn’t. However, there is a whole heap of wrong when this kindness is but a tool of the PR department of Bethel to convince both Witnesses and others that the WTBTS is just a kind, cuddly part of Christianity.
Meanwhile, not a whisper of the Conti case on JW.org, or of any other case of child abuse in their religion.
Neither is there any mention on these various and sundry mementos of the IMMINENT destruction of billions of people for the crime of not attending District and International Conventions!
Cupboard love! We’ll give you a rocking party at the KH, shower you with trinkets and other mementos – but only if you are willing to pay over the odds for your accommodation!!
I think that the individual Witnesses who have made these things are doing it to be kind and thoughtful to their International Brothers and Sisters, but the WTBTS is using their free labour to provide a tsunami of trinkets to convince well heeled Witnesses to stay in their high control cult.
Peace be with you
Excelsior!
At least as far as I know they are not charging money for these trinkets, but certainly witnesses themselves are using their own time and money to produce them. So presuming the Watchtower get no money from these items, certainly there is a gain to them as it appears that that witnesses get a good feeling that they are part of an organisation that cares for its members.Of course the society have already made sure they will get plenty of donations with the new ‘pledge’ arrangement, so this just helps keep witnesses on side and having a nice fuzzy feeling of unity.
Thanks alanv. Hopefully I made it clear that my issue is not with the financial aspect of the gift-giving, but with the huge amounts of time invested by a group of people who insist the annihilation of all unbelievers is just around the corner.
recall John 2:15-16 ” stop making the house of my Father a house of commerce!” This was my first thought reading this post. The thought that a company “ministry ideaz” has been employed is troubling on its own. Those who travel from a distant land to attend a convention might be interested to return back with some sort of “ah hah”, i went to an international convention, but wouldnt the required name tag be enough?
Cedars,
Sadly, a significant minority of JWs look forward to Armageddon with relish!
I’m sure you met these kind of people when you were a Witness. They actively look forward to the deaths of potentially billions of peole! Why? Because they want Aunt Muriel resurrected, or they want to cuddle a panda and a tiger cub simultaneously, or some other fundamentally selfish reason.
So, making trinkets for the “friends” is a legitimate pastime, regardless if it takes away from their preaching activities.
This relish at the deaths of billions was one of the factors that helped me get away from this cult 20 years ago. I could never view ordinary people as enemies of God.
Some warped souls may even feel that trinket manufacture is part of their sacred service!!
Another great article, John!
Peace be with you
Excelsior!
I think there has been effort to ‘re-brand’ the organization for a while now, and the efforts to ‘re-brand’ are gaining more impetus. On the one hand, it is heartwarming to see such an outpouring of love among the brothers and sisters. Hooray for those who were able to participate. I know a local sister who managed to scrape up the money for a trip to Detroit for the international convention and I hope it was everything she dreamed it would be. I’m happy for her, that she got to experience the brotherhood on a whole different level. On the other hand, it seems like the organization is steadily creeping towards ‘mainstreaming’ itself, as part of its re-branding effort, which goes along with John’s thoughts about the Society going into survival mode. The Society has always adapted to change, it’s very skilled at producing the right kind of ‘carrot’ for continued success in bringing new ones into the organization. The problem is that they compromise what little integrity they have left.
I am sad to see what looks like the commercialization of this religion, but one day it will get back to its grassroots beginning (think 1st century), not because humans achieved the change, but because Jesus returned and cleaned house.
I feel too much insecurities in this article. Just saying. . .
This is glorified idolatry but because JW.org is all over everything it is given a ‘pass.’ I have to believe this is just part of the 100-year smokescreen, another ploy to take the focus off the whole 1914 end of things nonsense. Instead of giving out ‘spiritual food’ the delegates are getting swag, no doubt going home gushing over their score of goods instead of any substantial biblical teachings.
All I could think of when looking at the photos were how many of these things would make cute christmas decorations LOL
@kurapika – I was thinking same. But, as someone noted, the trinkets are given freely, but takes time, money and resources donated. However, for most “true believers” it is part of the normal ‘tithe’ to Jehovah’s work.
JW’s have so few “holidays” and “traditions” that seeing them go “all out” for an event is amusing–sweet–charming, even.
Once again, look beyond the pictures and videos to the true “beginning of sorrows” and “birth pangs” as others noted, mixed conscientious state of blood component use, lack of grievance process to address misbehavior among its “just human” leadership, and freedom of expression without retaliation in the form of shunning, or character assassination; and, the shifting sands on which many doctrines are laid.
well so much for unity worldwide, Ive never in my life saw anything other than a few items bought from a catalog like ministry ideaz. [which i was told by my aunt that they were not Jws but simply made stuff that jws could use] its a novelty in my area for people to get thier bibles engraved with thier names, or to have their paperback study books spiral bound at the local computer supply store.
so if in Europe the jws there do not have access to certain books that we in the US have , and then the US typically not having any type of trinkets being made and passed around,[at least in my area] means that there is is a cultural divide, just like the congs in the north in the US, are less freindly than the far southern congs and they have different rules too. up north, the drinking alchohol at least in my area, isnt looked upon as bad, in some areas of the south its frowned upon very much. so gee they are just like any other religious organization. if you dont like that cong, move to another. In my area doing this arts and crafts type of thing would be looked upon as commercialism and wrong to do. where i live congs do almost nothing for association people here are quite distant.
45 years a jw and not but one or two people have had any time to spare for me and my famiy. we would have been thrilled for a dinenr invite.
I guess maybe the reason the society doesnt say anything in this case is because it helps thier cause, free advertising, and since they arent worried about an armageddon ,they have to let jws have some sort of ‘Fun’ so they can detract attention from all the innocent people they disfellowship for thinking on thier own.
Hello everyone,
in my opinion it is a nice gesture to the delegates from abroad when they receive such little presents. From an interhuman standpoint there is nothing wrong with it. I think everyone would be delighted if one would receive welcome-gifts as a sign of appreciation. I think this is also the reason why so many witnesses participate in making those gifts. It is a possibility to show their humanity. The organization keeps such a pressure on them in always reminding them of spending their free-time in preaching and following the rules of the governing body, that their deeds have become very dull and repetetive. The preaching has become a mere formalistic act for many witnesses and deep in their hearts they feel that it is not very human to tell others that they have to join the JW, otherwise they will be annihilited.
The preperation for the convention shows that many JW are indeed sincere and good-hearted people that really want to do others good. I hope this incident will show the Governing Body that not everything is about spending hours in the field-ministry and keeping the legalistic rules of a man made organization. I really would wish that the organization will make room for a less legalistic approach of undertanding the bible, when everybody has the possibility to do others good in any way the wish (and not only by preaching the “good news” of the kingdom).
My heart goes out to all witnesses who have not given up humanity, sincerety and unconditional love.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts smiley face. Can I assume, based on the above, that you are a JW who does NOT believe that Jehovah and Jesus will slay all non-JWs at any moment?
When I saw the blue ‘JW’ M&M’s all I could think of was ‘The Matrix’. Just sayin’.
Wot?? No Sparlock toys……????
But bottle tops??? what could you do with a bottle top unless it has a full bottle underneath it??
I’ve been to numerous international conventions and while they may have had special literature, there was never anything like this.
Witness since 1988, but taking sabbatical!
Realised there are so many areas I’m not entirely happy with so
I needed to research them myself.
Have always believed the “truth should withstand any investigation” but sadly it doesn’t always.
grateful to you cedars for some interesting articles. …just interested to know whether you still believe in God or not despite your experience?
Hi life’s about choices – thank you for visiting and commenting! I’m glad you find our articles interesting.
In answer to your question, I now base my beliefs solely on evidence. If someone can show me evidence that a supreme being exists who is interested in the minutiae of our lives, including what we do with our genitalia and with whom, while allowing 9 million children to die every year before they reach the age of 5, I would be happy to look at it.
I’m going to tell you an interesting story of an international convention that was held in this country. I personally knew some of the delegates who were coming from a developing country to attend the convention here. With all the talks on hospitality and the hefty price tag of the motels I thought fantastic they can stay with me. It will save them money while we enjoy fine association. I was eagerly looking forward to it, when I was informed by an elder that they had to stay in the accommodation provided. I was curious about the claims made about accommodation been at a premium, so I investigated, and found motels that were closer to the city at a better price with no reservations. Armed with my concerns, and the information I had gathered I emailed them, asking if they could contact the branch in their home country expressing my concerns and ask if it would be ok if they could stay with me while been a delegate. At this stage I still had no idea of the motives of Wt. Anyway I latter caught up with them at the convention and enquired as to the reply they got. I was informed that the branch had made no effort to respond to their queries. This upset me a bit at the time because I knew what a big sacrifice it was for them to come, and the cost of things in this country as opposed to their home land. You can perhaps imagine how shocked I was when I uncovered what Wt was up to and how they had taken advantage of these people by their silence.
They are not going to be that happy after dancing in the kh.
look out for “to all congregations of jehovahs witnesses”!
I have to admit I have a moist eye commenting on this one.
My family was bitterly divided. Assemblies were time to join in and be part of a real family…the warmth of fellowship versus the cold heartlessness of day to day living, with parents at bitter loggerheads over religion.
I was a kid… excited by the coach trip each day to Twickenham. I remember the rain tipping down, the numb bum, the cold sores on my lips… even, on one occasion, fainting as the Sister in First aid poured neat Iodine onto an open boil on my waist…
It was worth it for the sense of “Family”… cleaning the Stadium, making the doughnuts, the sandwiches.. all those wonderful things that made me feel I wanted to help extend the family! The baptism clock, counting out new brothers and sisters every few seconds… the “electricity” and the zeal… that made us…”Family”.
And then, it all became Homogenised.. Clinical… sterile…and…. unloving. Just a function, a Sales drive a Marketing Opportunity and new ways to bring in funds.
I started not to like this anymore… and, losing focus.
Now it is baubles and trinkets to the Natives… Captain Cook wooing the natives of Polynesia in return for their devotions.
What has this outfit turned into? Why have my hopes and dreams been “canned” and “branded”?
Why did I not see through this at the beginning?
Because I was a little boy, full of hope for my Mum and Dad, that they would live forever in Paradise. My dream shattered… and a dark new reality dawned.
Watchtower has to rebrand and reform… or, it will soon go off into oblivion.
Just to add further to my above post. The society got just under $US3800 out of those witnesses for staying in a motel. When I could have shown them genuine hospitality and stayed at my place for nothing. So much for genuine hospitality when they can’t even respond to an email.
I think I get it, you have two things going on here, First the “group looove” deal, or “you in this deal too, well partner let’s circle the wagons, and love our bubble”. Just like kids collecting action figures, even elderly women who collect very expensive, Shirley Temple dolls, or those who take their baseball cards to an autograph show and pay a $100 for a former player’s signature, its a tangible part of a group unified around an area of great interest. You probably have 100+ organizations meeting in any small city around the collection of sports memorabilia, collectible dolls and many, many other interests, along with irrational religious ideas. In some ways I see Catholicism and the little statues on dashboards, wall pictures of the Virgin Mary, or really pained images of Christ on their version of the Cross. It adds tangibility to a very unbelievable story from long ago. In the JW case, all the great doings that were around the corner, the horror movie that was to be acted out in the sky above or on the ground where we stand, never, came through. So we sit as the years tick by, one prophesy after another unfulfilled, the days repeating themselves with no sign of Jehovah or his sidekick Jesus. Having something, like a Bible, or versecard or even a semi-sacred looking do-dad is a reminder to wait on the big J, stay united in the myth. The JW.org stickers and curio’s remind us that WE BELONG, in the mistaken idea that the fellow brothers and sisters are really JW.org. In reality, JW.org is Big Brother just as in the book 1984, we require confirmations continually
Ex-man, if you are not working full time as a writer, or commenting on society as a whole, in the media; you are missing a sizeable paycheck and the world is missing incredible insights. You got it, talent with a capital T.
I agree, I am a sucker for simple humanity, what’s warm and fuzzy, loving others and if a table filled with such trinkets adds to the joy you find in life, wonderful. The problem is changing a high control group that makes the world safe for child sexual abuse, teaching bizarre messages as with the soon to occur, deaths of all but us, do’s and don’ts that have no spiritual origins, the inescapable 1914-2014 failed prophecy, etc. is not warm and fuzzy. Neither is shunning, dfing for questioning or reporting spousal abuse. The curios are the proverbial lipstick on a pig, Oh and the brotherly love, its not all that warm and fuzzy, at least to the shunned and hurting. Why not a wall sampler that says, “A man who claims to love God, but hates his fellow man, is a liar, Love one Another Without Condition”
I think its odd that in one photo it shows the keep calm moniker that was invented by another website. And that sites main draw is their galleries of mostly naked girls. If they only knew! I’m sure whoever made that does.
In it’s self, the making and giving of gifts to delegates from
other countries is a kind and thoughtful thing to do, but it’s
only when all the hugging and gift giving is juxtaposed with
some of the talks given at assemblies, proclaiming the
nearness of Armeggedon which would mean the death of
billions of non J,W’s, that there’s a “Psychopathic” element
to it, No way am I applying that term to individuals, but it’s
the ambience that’s associated with the religion, the idea
that they are an exclusive people, and everyone else is only
fit for destruction.
In the W,T, publications, there’s often a callousness to other
people’s sufferings, I remember an article dealing with the
Holocaust where Matt,27,25 was cited, “Let his blood be on
our heads, and.on our children’s heads”. In effect saying
they got what they asked for, Then there was that
Shameful article in Awake, “Youths who put God first”
26 children dead, over an ancient dietary law on blood, and
no mention of the anguish of the parents, that must
naturally have resulted.
Exactly! Why make changes so we can now have souvenirs when changes really need to be made to keep children safe and quit dividing families.
cedars,
this whole pointing out of every tiny inconsistency will not help your cause. it is true that there is a double standard. however, this is such a tiny subject in the grand view. focus on the biggies, my friend.
Thanks jay j. I agree that the problems with shunning, blood transfusions and child abuse are of far more pressing concern, but an inconsistency is still an inconsistency however “tiny,” and discussing it still helpful in highlighting that Jehovah’s Witnesses are no more valid as God’s sole organization than any other faith.
Another terrific article John.
It’s years since I attended a convention but I don’t remember silly stuff like that being there. It just trivialises everything and is a complete waste of time, considering that Jehova is about to destroy 99% of the earths population “any day now”
I just had a thought, why don’t they produce a special limited edition convention souvenir KOOL AID, each bottle lovingly hand signed by a member of the governing body?
I just had a quick look at the Ministry Ideaz website that some posters have mentioned.They are run by JWs,” active and in good standing” but not affiliated with the org as they state in the About Us section. Lots of different stuff for JWs, nobody is left out, even the little kids. I cant make up my mind which is the cutest, the “Adorable Leatherette Toddlers Briefcase” or the “Lovely Little Girls Leatherette Briefcase” , part of the “Pioneer in Training” collection for 3-7 year olds.
Probably Armageddon is delayed. If they have the time to make Souvenirs and build new Bethels…
Hi jay j
I think it is important to relate the tiny inconsistencies for the reason that in my personal experience it was the small problems that lead me to finally wake up, those small things built up until it just could not be ignored. If someone had said to me (while I was still a witness) that Babylon fell in 586 not 607 I would have just brushed them off, thinking I don’t have time for this argument – but tell me about someone being deeply hurt by elders in the congregation, or a hypocritical stance, and I’ll listen. It was only after the small things being brought to light, that I could face the big things – well that is my experience anyway.
Yes, you are right :). But one that is well aware of the problems we have in the organization and yearns for a change. I have also looked at the other side of the coin by reading literatue that I was not supposed to read (R. Franz, J. Penton. C.O. Johnnson, P. Grundy, You).
I’m delighted to hear it! Hopefully you’ll appreciate that not all Witnesses are as open-minded and pragmatic as you are, and that it is such indoctrinated ones who need to understand the contradiction between insisting Armageddon will strike at any second and urging thousands of Witnesses to spend hours making fancy nick nacks and keep-sakes.
A trinket for your soul sir? Give them cake.
A piece of luckly heather sir? Bollocks I’m bored.
For all the bright young JW heads. Take it from an old ed. Subterranean home sick blues.;
Don’t sell your soul for a piece of bread & fish:-) Oooh I must be saved I have a bottle cap with God’s kingdom on it. . “thank you Jesus this must be the truth:-)”. . Hey, no offence, that’s sad. (Wouldn’t mind the cakes though :-) some wonderful & decent young folks:-) my advice? Never be owned.
“Outside in the distance a wildcat did growl”.
Cedars
You refer to the delegates for the international assembly as ‘elite’ so am I right in thinking it is invitation only. I went to an international assembly many years ago and I am sure I was not ‘elite’ lol. I am now mind.
Hi Patrice! I refer to them as “elite” in two respects: (1) because they can afford to stay in hotels of Watchtower’s choosing (read “Thinking of leaving”‘s comments to see what I mean), and (2) because in order to apply to be an international delegate you need to have “exemplary status” according to the July 30th, 2013 letter. The same letter even says that you can be stripped of being a delegate up to the day of departure if your exemplary status is lost.
Thankyou for reply. Exemplary doesn’t exist really. So will they wear a badge saying……I am exemplary. Well they thought Mark Sewell was exemplary. This is a disgusting seperating of the brothers into classes. Bearing in mind do we ever show our true colours. Should I look all starry eyed at the elite and consider myself lesser. Off topic I know…… but its allllllll wrong.