The Governing Body is sliding to new depths of self-adulation
The Governing Body is sliding to new depths of self-adulation

One of my final and most bizarre experiences as a Jehovah’s Witness came in November 2011 when I attended my father’s graduation ceremony for MTS (or “Bible School for Single Brothers,” as it was by then known).

Sitting in such a large audience of Witnesses despite having awoken from my indoctrination was itself surreal. But especially peculiar was a feature on the graduation program that had been absent during my own MTS graduation six years earlier.

One of the students stood on the stage and read out a letter of thanks, composed by the class, to the Governing Body. Maybe I was the only one in the audience to be bemused by this, but then I knew a little more about the school than most, having been through it myself.

You see, the program for all elements of the now-defunct Bible School for Single Brothers (including its MTS predecessor) was laid out by the Teaching Committee of the Governing Body.

Jesus is quoted as condemning the pharisees for their proud, haughty attitude
Jesus is quoted as condemning the pharisees for their proud, haughty attitude

What was essentially happening before my very eyes was this: the Governing Body were making the students of this school, my father included, give them thanks for providing it.

The whole thing reminded me of Christ’s observations about the pharisees. In Matthew 6:2 he urged his disciples: “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.”

My father’s graduation was thus a profound experience for me for all the wrong reasons. I hadn’t until that point seen a more obvious example of the Governing Body blowing their own trumpet and glorifying themselves.

Since then it is almost as though each year marks the breaking of some new record in that regard. Just when it seems the Governing Body can’t sink into self-adulation any further, they go right ahead and surpass my expectations.

Sliding into self-obsession

2012 saw the Governing Body out themselves as the “faithful slave” – the sole representatives of God on Earth. A year later they raised their profile among Witnesses still further through a number of clever publicity stunts, most notably the launch of the 2013 edition of the New World Translation.

A special video was also released, ostensibly to promote the new Warwick headquarters, in which all 8 members made appearances.

Geoffrey Jackson releasing the new bible edition last October
Geoffrey Jackson releasing the new bible edition last October

More recently, this winter the Governing Body sunk to new depths in their push for self-glorification with a special one-hour talk outline that was delivered only to pioneers and missionaries through December and January. The theme? “Remember Those Who Are Taking the Lead Among You and Imitate Their Faith.”

I first heard about this outline a few weeks ago when some of the text was leaked on the Ex-JW Reddit community and elsewhere, but I decided to hold off on writing an article until I had seen a copy for myself.

Now, thanks to another Watchtower insider who has bravely stepped forward, I have a PDF of the outline and have been able to verify that the rumours were true. The Governing Body’s egotism in this document is simply breathtaking.

“Imitate us!”

The outline starts off with five-minute opening remarks in which Paul’s words at Hebrews 13:7 are discussed, as quoted in the theme. The following application is then given…

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It is beyond any reasonable doubt that the Governing Body are indeed “taking the lead” among Witnesses. Whether they have a mandate to do so aside from a self-proclaimed one is another matter entirely.

Certainly no scripture is given to support the brazen supposition offered by the words: “Jesus has placed a weighty responsibility on the Governing Body.” This is because, apart from the convoluted “new light” about Matthew 24:45, no such bible verse is available.

A 10-minute section then follows, entitled “Imitate their faith as the scene of the world is changing.” Drawing on Paul’s words at 1 Corinthians 7:31, the writers explain how the “ever changing” world scene requires that the “faithful and discreet slave make adjustments from time to time in our preaching methods, use of resources, and understanding.” In doing so, they (the Governing Body) are said to “follow Jesus Christ’s example and wisely adapt to changes.”

Pioneers and missionaries are then reminded of the need to imitate their dear leaders in three main areas: (1) preaching methods, (2) Bible reading, and (3) use of resources…

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“Imitate our preaching methods”

Governing Body members are by no means renowned for their preaching work
Governing Body members are by no means renowned for their preaching work

The first area of imitation is perhaps the most baffling.

Aside from the occasional publicity shot showing a Governing Body member going door-to-door, personal preaching activity is not something the “faithful slave” are individually renowned for.

The next 17-minute section of the outline on “preaching methods” is thus a rather hollow one. The faithful slave is lauded for indicating that the house-to-house ministry is “our primary way of spreading the good news.”

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A rather bemusing question is then asked…

Untitled-2One could easily imagine the deafening silence in the pioneer meeting if the first part of the above question were to be read out without the latter. After all, how CAN pioneers imitate the Governing Body’s approach to the preaching work based on nothing more than a handful of photo-opportunities?

A second question is thus needed to reassure pioneers that the Governing Body members at least provide “suggestions” for overcoming preaching obstacles, even if they are seemingly above giving practical demonstrations.

A “do as I say, not as I do” approach.

“Imitate our Bible reading”

A second area of imitation is then addressed…

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It is noteworthy that, not just reading the Bible is stressed in this section, but keeping “up to date with new Bible understanding.”

To put this another way, by accepting the “new light” on the scriptures dreamt up by the Governing Body without question we are following their example.

Make sense of that, if you can.

“Imitate our use of resources”

The third and final area of imitation is, for me, the most astounding – as it will be for any who know a little of the Governing Body’s property schemes over the past few months.

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The section starts with an entirely false proposition, namely that the Governing Body are selling property in Brooklyn and moving their headquarters to Warwick because they are “not sentimentally attached to material things.”

Watchtower has made over a billion from selling off its Brooklyn real estate
Watchtower has made over a billion from selling off its Brooklyn real estate

In making this statement, the Governing Body relies on pioneers and missionaries to be oblivious to the fact that Watchtower has pocketed over a billion dollars from selling off its Brooklyn portfolio, while the cost of the new headquarters at Warwick has been estimated at a mere $11.5 million.

If you don’t believe me, click on this link to a third-party New York real estate website and scroll down to the section headed “Jehovah’s Witnesses.”

With this in mind, for the Governing Body to have the audacity to brag that they are spurning material things by moving to Warwick instead of amassing an eye-watering fortune for Watchtower is simply beyond comprehension.

Their statement is nothing short of shameless deception – made even more nauseating by the fact that it is aimed at further hoodwinking hard-working pioneers and missionaries into pursuing lives of austerity and servitude.

The bizarre self-congratulatory remarks on the Governing Body’s use of technology and how this fulfils prophecy in Isaiah will also leave many scratching their heads. But frankly it all pales into insignificance when compared with the shameful preceeding  comments about Warwick.

“Get ready for the great tribulation”

A minute is alloted for the outline to be wrapped up with a reminder to pioneers that their obedience is all the more important because the end is nigh.

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Having spent a total of eight years pioneering, I have sat through a number of these pioneer meeting outlines. I have even helped deliver one during my brief stint as an elder. But I have never seen such an overt piece of propaganda, in which the Governing Body has not only praised their achievements but encouraged their followers to be more like them.

And I find the comments on “use of resources,” which are so blatantly misleading to anyone who knows anything about the Warwick project and the Brooklyn sales, extremely troubling.

Whenever someone’s motives or character are brought into question, I always try as much as possible to give that person (or persons) the benefit of the doubt. Just because someone does something evil, does not necessarily make that person evil. It could simply be that they are deluded or otherwise oblivious to what they are doing.

This has been my approach thus far whenever I see injustice or harm brought about by the Governing Body’s words or actions.

But when I see such blatant misrepresentation of the facts, shrouded in self-praise and adulation, things become a little different. It becomes harder to excuse a group of men who exude all the hallmarks, not just of ignorant delusion, but of arrogance and dangerous calculated deception aimed at enforcing control and subservience.

It may be that there remain individuals on the Governing Body who can be excused as well-meaning but essentially misguided simpletons who have bought into their own publicity. But it is increasingly beyond doubt that, when this group of men act as one, the end product is often far from something to be imitated or admired.

 

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Further reading…

If you require a copy of the meeting outline in question, please email us and let us know.

86 thoughts on “The Self-praising Slave: Governing Body tells pioneers to be like them

  • February 25, 2014 at 6:02 am
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    During my struggle to learn what was wrong with the WT, I learned that the “end of the world” happened in the 1st century ( the Roman, Jewish world) or it never happened, Jesus failed.
    Amen, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things have taken place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. (Mark 13:30-31 NAB)

    He also said to them, “Amen, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the kingdom of God has come in power.” (Mark 9:1 NAB)

    For sure the GB and their predecessors carry the stigma of false prophets. Their arrogance and lordship is vain.

  • February 25, 2014 at 6:04 am
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    Amazing! So long as this is addressed exclusively to the pioneer and missionary elite, my guess is that they will get away with it. Those “privileged” to be addressed in this manner will probably understand it as conferring upon themselves some measure of the GB’s glory. So I would expect it to bolster elitist attitudes among the pioneers towards the rank and file JWs. But if ever the rank and file should also be routinely addressed in this manner then it must surely backfire upon the GB.

  • February 25, 2014 at 6:05 am
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    I continue to be amazed at the lengths these mere men will go, to reinforce their own status over millions of people who believe in them. How can we imitate them???

    RE the question: “How can you imitate them in their balanced use of technology?”

    Obviously the correct answer is to only visit the website approved by Jehovah and his slave, and not to visit websites where there is any possibility of interacting with Satan and those under his influence.

    Thanks for sharing this inside information. The more they say, the more convinced I become that the end of “this system” is indeed near. “This system” of self-appointed spokesmen for Jehovah God, ruling over millions of sheep.

    They have built their tower on the sand, and they know their time is running short. They are starting to lash out like a caged beast. You are brave to keep up your efforts.

    Thanks for another great article, Cedars!

  • February 25, 2014 at 6:10 am
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    I was always wondering what is the motivation of the GB? Do you think they are aware or totally indoctrinated? Is it the money or the power? Or they are just to old to quit?

    I would guess the power. I found that at many elders. GB may be a higher form of that mix.

  • February 25, 2014 at 6:15 am
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    Interesting facts about the real estate sales! Thanks for that link.

    $1 billion = $1,000 million

    What are they doing with the $988.5 million they have leftover from the sale of their Brooklyn real estate? Why are they asking for donations and for people to sacrifice for this project?

    Is this how Jehovah provides for his people in the time of the end??

    These men are drunk with power and fortune.

  • February 25, 2014 at 6:59 am
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    maybe th GB should follow the lead of the apostles and distribute that 988 million dollar surplus amongst the flock so that their is an equalization. Did they not tell us at one time that some of the African brothers only eat once a day?

  • February 25, 2014 at 6:59 am
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    Thank you Cedars so much for your new article I was waiting for. I have downloaded the PDF and will have a deep look at it tonight after playing piano. Your article will help me seeing better in future the faces of the eight “Warwick Popes”, I mean each one with a pharisee square box on his forehead. Thanks.

  • February 25, 2014 at 7:08 am
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    I would suggest that there are two important reasons why the GB has made the decision to move to Wakill (besides the obvious reason of money):

    1. To distance Bethelites from the temptations of city life. Although I’ve never been a Bethel volunteer, I have talked with those who have and who were honest with me about what life at Bethel is really like. From constant profanity to late nights at strip clubs. From what I understand, there are a lot of volunteers who arrive at Bethel that have never experienced big city life, especially one that is operational 24 hours a day. For many, the temptation to get involved in extracurricular activities that do not support, or are in direct opposition to, the goals and doctrines of the WTS is far to great. Many are sent home as a result. In Wakill, these volunteers will be far enough away from the city that the only thing they will have to do with their time is support WTS approved activites.

    2. Let’s face it. Brooklyn is awesome if you’re a die-hard urbanite like me. But it’s not exactly the cleaniest place on the planet. This must be obvious to those who eagerly come to tour Bethel from far away. So many of the magazines have illustrations that depict the beauty of life in paradise. The streets of Brooklyn don’t exactly fit in with this scheme. Wakill, however, is in the middle of a beautiful, green field. Not too much different from the illustrations of life in the new world in WTS publications. I am sure that Wakill will be designed to make an impression on visitors. I can just hear JWs returning to their home congregations and telling others, “It’s just like what paradise is going to be like!”.

    So in addition to the millions of dollars they will pocket from the sale of the Brooklyn offices, not to mention the millions they will save from living further from the city, they will use this as an opportunity to further delude JWs everywhere.

  • February 25, 2014 at 7:09 am
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    I find it hard to find a group of men that are worse as an example to follow.

    For a group of “slaves” they sure act as lord and master, don’t they?

    They should be more like Jesus. When someone called him good teacher, he admonished them, saying that only God is good. What a contrast with these men!

    Peace be with you

    Excelsior!

  • February 25, 2014 at 7:41 am
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    These men protect paedophiles and continue with policies in place that will allow more children to be raped and tortured. They are not rank and file members who have no say in the way are conducted, they ARE the ones making the decisions.

    Raymond Franz was right: “We have the option, of course, of surrounding our conscience with a sort of cocoon of complacency, passively “going along,” shielding our inner feelings from whatever might disturb them. When issues arise, rather than take a stand we can in effect say, “I’ll just sit this one out; others may be affected—even hurt—but I am not.” Some spend their whole life in a morally ‘sitting’ posture. But, when all is said and done, and when life finally draws near its close, it would seem that the one who can say, “At least I stood for something,” must feel greater satisfaction than the one who rarely stood for anything.”

    It’s becoming like North Korea, only Jehovah’s Witnesses have far greater chances of escaping this horrible dictatorship than those people. All they have to do is think for themselves.
    http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/feb/17/north-korea-human-rights-abuses-stories-un-brainwashed

  • February 25, 2014 at 7:50 am
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    Oh dear lord.

    When I started my own blog a few months ago, I thought I had 10, maybe 12 posts to write. I’m now past 40 entries with a laundry list of topics to go, and this is definitely one of them. The arrogance of these men is absolutely blinding.

  • February 25, 2014 at 7:56 am
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    Russell was a conman and its just continued down to the Governing body of today.

    Its not rocket science to see what these guys are up to.

    They obviously realise that Jehovah sees right into the hearts of man.

    If they ignore that and continue to deceive and abuse millions of trusting rank and file Witnesses then they must be Satan sent!

    Jesus knew he truly knew, and warned us all that many would come in my name!

    Be ever watchful one and all, ever watchful!

    • February 25, 2014 at 8:27 am
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      Carol, who wrote those words?…. but after all those false predictions the WT has 8 million plus devoted followers:

      “The fact that religions can be so shamelessly dishonest, so contemptuous of the intelligence of their adherents, and still flourish does not speak very well for the tough- mindedness of the believers. But it does indicate, if a demonstration was needed, that near the core of the religious experience is something remarkably resistant to rational inquiry”.

  • February 25, 2014 at 8:04 am
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    I do think that what gets GB carried away is the feeling of power and influence. I can’t really find another explanation to this.

  • February 25, 2014 at 8:12 am
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    I should add that recently my younger sister had a small surgery where she lost a lot of blood, but managed it, and now she’s got anemia. When I do come out of fading, most likely this weekend, I will go visit them and I’ll ask: “Would you really have the guts to die if your only chance was taking a blood transfusion?”

  • February 25, 2014 at 8:12 am
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    Good article, it shows how the venerating is passed down through the hierarchy. The pioneers are congratulated and given a little praise, and in turn worship the GB.

    The feel a little appreciated by being given an additional indoctrination session, I know I was one and felt privileged.

    It is a system of levers and pulleys that is well oiled. JWs all over the world are trapped in this system. Thankfully many also are leaving and gone for good.
    Kate xx

  • February 25, 2014 at 8:12 am
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    Words cannot express how much we appreciate the info you dig up!

  • February 25, 2014 at 8:28 am
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    Each of these men come from a background of special treatment and defference from jw members. Circuit and District overseers whose words were rarely if ever challenged or overridden. Not to mention those GB members who were ‘secretaries’ to now deceased members of the ‘faithful slave’. They knew exactly how much power their bosses weilded.

    Is it possible that they now having attained this heady power desire to exercise it? Within a very short time after attaining these powers, they declare themselves ‘the faithful slave’…sell off billions of dollars of RE, take pictures and videos of themselves. Dressed like Wall Street magnates they strut themselves out as the desired men to emulate and follow.

    Even though I left 30 years ago, I am baffled by this new breed of jw leadership. Almost giving fuel to those of us who are discovering or made the break years ago. They will only add to the evidence that this organization has never been chosen by God over any other man made organization. Even the best pr guys will soon be unable to cover up the firestorm of proof positive that the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is just what the name implies a faulty, blood guilty, publishing company whose time has come to answer for all it’s lies and deceptions.

  • February 25, 2014 at 8:37 am
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    How and why Christianity survived for almost 2000 years. Carl Sagan had it right:

    “The fact that religions can be so shamelessly dishonest, so contemptuous of the intelligence of their adherents, and still flourish does not speak very well for the tough- mindedness of the believers. But it does indicate, if a demonstration was needed, that near the core of the religious experience is something remarkably resistant to rational inquiry”.

  • February 25, 2014 at 9:02 am
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    Thanks again John for a nicely developed article of the Governing body. Having read both Raymond Franz’s books, one can only be reinforced with what their mission is really all about, and that is total control with or without bible verse backup of their own agenda.
    Perhaps this religious organization will go down in history as made up of the most prolific indoctrinating Governing Body known to man.
    Everything they do if you were to align them to the scriptures, parallels them to the likes of the Scribes and Pharisees of Jesus Day.
    Ray Franz put it best when he said they are like the Evil Slave Class beating themselves over at the delay of the coming of their master.
    lets face it they play to the emotions and stature of the people who end up following them.
    For there is nothing else anyone can legitimately contrive from them through association with them.
    In fact many have lost their physical, mental and emotional lives because of following them.
    And to anyone with a balanced mind looking in from the outside, they will see this as total mind control.

  • February 25, 2014 at 9:14 am
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    As I read this, words elude me as to my extreme frustration towards this organization, and their leaders. I wish so much, that the people and families would see whats Really going on, how theyre being misled and controlled. it seems like they sink to new depths over and over. It makes me scared about whats ultimately in store for their followers. When the end keeps..not coming, and their prophecies..keep not coming true…would they be so haughty as to take the Jim Jones way out.

  • February 25, 2014 at 9:19 am
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    So true. I enjoyed reading your comment.

  • February 25, 2014 at 9:25 am
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    Probably the worst “christian” scam in 2000 years.

    Powered by 8 control freaks with a very destructive agenda.

  • February 25, 2014 at 9:30 am
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    I saw a documentary about doctors who were trying to go to North Korea to do cataract surgeries. After a long time of dealing with the government, who was trying to block their efforts, they were finally able to go and perform the surgeries, giving sight to many blind people. As the patients were leaving from their check-ups, they genuflected before a picture of Kim Sr, thanking him for the surgery. They thanked the agent of their harm.

    The letter from the class reminded me of this episode.

  • February 25, 2014 at 9:31 am
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    Will it take a court appearance, in the prisoners’ dock, to shake the egos of these guys? Or will that simply give them that martyr feeling? What happens to the real estate fortunes? Does it simply get invested in Wall Street? I understand that new build Kingdom Halls depend, largely on donations and labour from run of the mill local door knockers.

  • February 25, 2014 at 10:25 am
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    It looks as if the GB resembles more and more to a 4th-5th century AD Christian organisation rather than a 1st century . Autocrat (heaven-on-earth type?), a new Pontifex Maximus !

  • February 25, 2014 at 10:45 am
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    I was perusing the charitable accounts – public info – for the WTBTS of Great Britain. They will be sending in the new accounts soon. 2011 and 2012 spending exceeds income –
    They have no employees – so presumably no National Insurance is paid for the workers –

    Does anyone know how to access this public account info in the USA? – It would be interesting to see the public accounts.

    http://opencharities.org/charities/1077961

    http://apps.charitycommission.gov.uk/Showcharity/RegisterOfCharities/CharityWithPartB.aspx?RegisteredCharityNumber=1077961&SubsidiaryNumber=0

  • February 25, 2014 at 10:49 am
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    Perplexing as it seems, someone quoted Raymond Franz, but I recall throughout his published works one facet he outlined regarding the Watchtower leadership (and this can be extrapolated to any leadership of a traditional enterprise or organization propagating abstract ideals) is a sense of being trapped in the “muck” years of Watchtowers with “new light” had generated. Also, with the new leadership by “committee”–that’s what the Governing Body is–it takes greater effort to reach consensus and to enact change as any “new idea” would convince a majority or unanimous vote. The leadership can take some liberties, but any one of the eight members which might be charismatic enough to vocalize their dissent/breakout of the mold would quickly be ostracized–even exiled. Thus, they’re as bound by the “fermentations” of the “Teaching and Education” team as the rest of the “sheep”. Once it appears in print, it is “the Truth”. Any vocalization or written statements otherwise equate to heresy, otherwise Cedars and the rest of us would have carte blanche to run dissenting blogs and remain JW’s in “good standing”.

    Even if someone is daring enough to write an article that bucks with tradition, it is likely to be vetoed by the Leadership whose main job is to “hold fast” to “the Truth” which hypocritically means enforcing traditional viewpoints. The most daring gymnastic is to take a traditional component and re-gift it; thus, the F&DS becomes re-gifted as “the Governing Body” not “the 144,000” aggregate. Same stale fruitcake with cream-cheese icing doesn’t make it a carrot cake [Easter].

    Proclaim it as a bold change all they want, it remains sleight of hand–smoke and mirrors–to disguise a lack of innovative, in-depth and enlightened historical and theological research which set trailblazing free-thinkers and progressives used to kick-start the “Jesus is coming, real soon” movement.

    Warwick – ” (By comparison, the organization’s new 253-acre campus in Warwick, N.Y., will cost an estimated $11.5 million to build.)” This quote doesn’t include land & building purchase. But, I can guess this was also on the cheap because the previous owners went into default during the 1980’s and have been converting fixed assets into liquid assets since the 1990’s–previous owners at Warwick build-site were “King’s College–Tuxedo Park”–a Christian-oriented education enterprise.

  • February 25, 2014 at 11:15 am
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    also add issue that the underlings–the flock–keep current momentum of beliefs going, so most “changes” have been held by the population for years, but putting it into writing standardizes the view as “the Truth”. Blood transfusions–conscience-led individuals refuse to partake, and leadership writes opinion that becomes “the Truth” killing thousands for years to come. Flag saluting. And, the list goes on and on.

  • February 25, 2014 at 11:36 am
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    Is it just me, or is the governing body seeking out more and more publicity these days? I’ve been away from the JWs for almost 12 years, but I grew up as one. I never remember even seeing pictures of the GB except maybe in a yearbook. I surely never knew their names. I suppose this surge in popularity has a lot to do with technology, but on another level, it seems like they are looking for fame. I wonder which convention will show the release of the GB Trading Cards for kids?

  • February 25, 2014 at 11:37 am
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    Good work John!

    You are my favorite internet apostate! (lol)

  • February 25, 2014 at 12:13 pm
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    I concur, Admin Jeni, they do seem to want to be “celebs” among not only JW’s but if public media would have them, equivalent to Warren Jeffs, David Koresh and/or Applewhite. Oh what? I was supposed to say Pope Francis?

  • February 25, 2014 at 12:16 pm
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    In the USA, all enterprises file with irs.gov and also are required if for-profit to file SEC filings and also filings with state departments of revenue/taxation. FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) could be used to seek those records. You might also find the info on Hoovers.com through google.com, or “topeka.com”.

  • February 25, 2014 at 12:24 pm
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    Thanks Jbob, I am sure someone has the info already – just wondered…….. how many millions they have…… employing no one, paying no salaries, paying no tax, no national insurance, just filling the coffers.

  • February 25, 2014 at 12:28 pm
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    It’s now official. They have outed themselves as having supplanted Jesus’ leadership position.

    About them not being “sentimentally attached to material things”: I suppose a JW with means could follow their lead by selling his home and buying a bigger one in a more scenic location. That would show that he was not sentimentally attached to his former home, wouldn’t it? LOL.

  • February 25, 2014 at 12:51 pm
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    Do you think this covers it?
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grandiose_delusions
    Grandiose delusions (GD) or delusions of grandeur is principally a subtype of delusional disorder that occurs in patients suffering from a wide range of mental illnesses, including two-thirds of patients in manic state of bipolar disorder, half of those with schizophrenia and a substantial portion of those with substance abuse disorders.[1][2] GDs are characterized by fantastical beliefs that one is famous, omnipotent, wealthy, or otherwise very powerful. The delusions are generally fantastic and typically have a supernatural, science-fictional, or religious theme. There is a relative lack of research into GD, in comparison to persecutory delusions and auditory hallucinations. About 10% of healthy people experience grandiose thoughts but do not meet full criteria for a diagnosis of GD.[2]

    • February 25, 2014 at 2:02 pm
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      @ So Glad- That seems to be a pretty good synopsis. What scares me is, unlike your average person, these men DO have followers. Real people with real lives have bought what they are selling. It’s a shame.

  • February 25, 2014 at 2:20 pm
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    The next revise NWT is going to change Gods name and Jesus with Goberning Body.
    I did attend this meething. am in spanish cong in the states, as i was talking to some pioneers i ask them about the last minute of this outline and how they dont talk about the GT as they use too.. I think they will go away with that understanding of the GT,

  • February 25, 2014 at 2:55 pm
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    So glad to be out

    Perhaps the following also applies to the GB and to others in positions of power in the Org;

    “Narcissistic personality disorder – characterized by dramatic, emotional behavior, and an over-inflated sense of self-importance…..
    In addition to these symptoms, the person may display arrogance, show superiority, and seek power.
    Narcissists have such an elevated sense of self-worth that they value themselves as inherently better than others, ….
    belittling or disparaging others in an attempt to validate their own self-worth. Comments and criticisms about others are vicious from sufferers of NPD…..
    Another narcissist symptom is a lack of empathy. They are unable to relate, understand, and rationalize the feelings of others.”

  • February 25, 2014 at 4:21 pm
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    There are 3 things that stand out in my mind here.
    (1)The changing of attitude between GB version .01 and GB version .02. I remember back in the 80s having a discussion with a house holder about how we follow men. I remember refuting this by proudly saying “well I dont know how this could be, when I dont even know what their names are.” Isnt this the reason for not putting names to any of their writings due to bringing undue importance to themselves. My!!! How times have changed.
    (2)There is a common perception amongst witnesses that the organization is at the cutting edge of technology and are quick to change when they see the need. It has taken them 19 years to finally realise the internet isn’t going away, and embrace it. I believe they have to be more proactive in this field if they are to survive. Like they were rubbishing the internet 19 years ago, so to they will eventually do an about change on social media e.g face book etc, as this become increasingly more common. But how this will pan out for them into the future will be telling.
    (3) I believe there is a greater need for transparency and openness with their members. For example I learnt more about the organization in 2 years of waking up to TTATT than I ever did in my whole life going to the meetings. I could perhaps be a bit more forgiving to the humanness of the GB if they openly admitted their short comings in the way moving forward.
    (4) I have to say ceders I am impressed with your writings and am just baffled by how you manage to get your information. But I also must say I find it dissopinting that you also have included information that you know is blatently wrong. You are fully aware that the construction of the new head quarters in Warwick for $11.5m is wrong, as I have read others questioning you about this figure and your reply to it.

    • February 25, 2014 at 11:58 pm
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      Thinking, thank you for your kind words about my work.

      You mention that I have already been challenged on the $11.5 million estimate. This is true, and I will repeat what I have said before if you really need me to while noting that my rebuttal was never answered the first time round.

      The first thing you need to realize is that it is a third-party real estate website that has published these figures. They have no motive to distort the information in any way, and they are real estate professionals. In the absense of any conflicting information from Watchtower, I am happy to accept their published estimate, low as it may be.

      This is one of many areas in which Watchtower’s lack of transparency may be doing them no favors, but that is not my problem but theirs.

      Secondly, you need to remember that the Warwick Headquarters is not the same size as the Brooklyn Headquarters. Many of the printing facilities etc have already been reallocated to Wallkill over the years, and Patterson is also taking on many of the roles once housed at Brooklyn.

      When you look at the actual plans for Warwick, you notice it isn’t big at all – about the size of a large school or hospital. But it will have none of the printing facilities – at least nowhere near on the same scale as Wallkill. It is essentially an office complex – built with volunteer labor to keep costs down. I understand they are even recycling some of the timber harvested from the surrounding woodland.

      So when you really start to mull it over, you will notice that the 11.5 million figure is not as far-fetched as you may have first thought.

      • February 26, 2014 at 2:58 pm
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        I heard from a JW that a lot of their printing is being done in Canada now.

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