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Governing Body instructs congregations to pledge fixed monthly donations
avatar
Posted on April 7, 2014

Congregations will be ordered to pledge a fixed monthly amount to the organization
Congregations will be ordered to pledge a fixed monthly amount to the organization

A leaked letter dated March 29, 2014, has been circulated to all elders advising of a huge shake-up in financing arrangements for kingdom hall and assembly hall construction.
The letter is four pages long, but only the first page is to be read out to publishers. The three-page postscript, containing further details of how the new arrangement is to be implemented, includes the sentence (in bold): “This postscript should not be read to the congregation, and this letter should not be posted on the information board.”
The first page is due to be read out at congregation service meetings for the week of May 5, 2014.
“Having sufficient, adequate places of worship is vital, as Jehovah continues to ‘speed up’ the gathering of ‘a mighty nation,'” it reads. “In order to meet these ever increasing needs, the Governing Body has directed that an adjustment be made in the way Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction projects are financed.”
Congregations now have the "opportunity" to commit to sending a monthly amount to Watchtower
Congregations now have the “opportunity” to commit to sending a monthly amount to Watchtower

What is this adjustment? “In harmony with 2 Corinthians 8:12-14, congregations will now be asked to pool their resources worldwide to support the construction of theocratic facilities wherever they are needed.”
What will this “pooling” of resources involve? “…all congregations will have the opportunity to support Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction work worldwide by resolving to make a monthly donation from congregation funds.”
Once the letter has been read, congregations will have just four weeks (with a final deadline of May 31) to agree on a monthly figure to be sent to Watchtower, ostensibly for the construction of kingdom halls and assembly halls worldwide.
Figures that don’t add up
“The need for Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls is greater than ever before,” the letter insists. “At this time, over 13,000 Kingdom Hall projects and 35 Assembly Hall projects are needed worldwide.”
After listening to the above statement, publishers would be forgiven for assuming that more than 13,000 new Kingdom Halls are needed each year to keep pace with publisher growth.
However, when you compare the number of congregations in 2013 (113,823) with the number of congregations the year before (111,719), you note that there has been an increase of only 2,104 congregations worldwide – some of which will be sharing existing kingdom hall infrastructure. The 13,000 figure is therefore either a gross exaggeration, or kingdom halls are being refurbished and rebuilt at an astonishing rate – faster than is actually required.
Never-ending loan repayments
According to the leaked letter, “Congregation and Assembly Halls will no longer be asked to repay a loan.” However, in the elders-only part of the letter, congregations are instructed that their new monthly pledge must be “at least the same amount as the current monthly loan repayment” for congregations repaying loans for building work.
In other words, if your congregation is paying off a kingdom hall build or refurbishment, your loan repayments must effectively continue indefinitely.
If a congregation isn’t already making loan repayments, then a confidential survey is to be taken by passing out slips of paper to determine how much local brothers are willing to pledge.
Room for maneuver
Congregation elders will have at least some flexibility to alter the congregation’s monthly pledge in the future according to circumstances, but this works both ways.

“Elders should review this resolution annually in May to ensure the amount is what the congregation is realistically able to donate on a monthly basis. For example, there may be a significant increase or decrease in the number of publishers in the congregation, or the local economic conditions may appreciably improve or deteriorate, thus affecting the amount that the congregation can reasonably contribute. If necessary, the elders may take a new financial survey, as described above, to determine whether the resolved monthly contribution to Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide should be adjusted for the coming year.” – March 29, 2014 BOE letter, page 2
The monthly pledge can thus be adjusted downwards or upwards at the elders’ discretion on an annual basis.
But who actually owns a kingdom hall, and thus bears responsibility for paying for it?
Who owns a kingdom hall?
Most congregations now have arrangements in place where kingdom halls are under the legal ownership of a board of trustees made up of local elders. But this doesn’t give elders the freedom to do what they want, even if they are all in agreement. Watchtower ultimately holds all the aces.
The Menlo Park scandal exposed that Watchtower effectively owns kingdom halls, not the local congregation
The Menlo Park scandal exposed that Watchtower effectively owns kingdom halls

You see, elders can only BE elders if they are approved by Watchtower. Elders who are removed by Watchtower are automatically no longer trustees, and will have no say in how their kingdom hall is run.
This state of affairs was recently highlighted by the Menlo Park scandal, in which an entire body of elders in California was removed by the organization for failing to comply with the circuit overseer’s insistence that their kingdom hall be refurbished, even though a refurbishment wasn’t deemed necessary.
A lengthy legal battle ensued in which some of the ousted elders argued for their reappointment, but they proved to be ill-prepared. They assumed they were victims of one or two rogue individuals in the organization, and thus failed to grasp that the problems they were trying to address were systemic.
Their true foe was Watchtower itself.
Perhaps the most poignant moment from the Menlo Park case came when Watchtower’s legal representative, Calvin Rouse, made the following declaration in court…

“Ordinarily I wouldn’t be here, but this is one of our 13,000 congregations in the United States. We are a hierarchical religion structured just like the Catholic Church. And when the order from the Pope comes down in the church defrocking a priest and kicking him out, he no longer has any say in any matter in the local parish priest – in the parish. The same situation as here. In his complaint he brings one claim. He claims that he wants to be reinstated as a director and an officer in the Menlo Park Congregation. This is contrary to our church rules and regulations and bylaws. We brought our organizational bylaws book, our rule book here, and we are prepared to present witnesses that this is a hierarchical organization.”
The court transcript featuring the above statement is available on this link.
Hence the organization, which is a self-confessed hierarchy, has an over-riding controlling interest respecting kingdom hall buildings, but congregation members are still expected to pick up the tab.
No more “surplus funds”
The final undermining of any vestiges of financial autonomy at congregation level is accomplished on page 4 of this new letter, where a section headed “Surplus funds” effectively ends any possibility of the existence of wealthy, self-reliant congregations.
surplus-fundsCongregations are thus to financially surrender themselves to the organization. There is no longer any excuse for the amassing of funds for a rainy day. Only “minor renovations or repairs” are to be cared for locally. If there are surplus funds, elders must discuss sending these to Watchtower.
Such reliance on ‘big brother’ may seem refreshing in the eyes of many Witnesses, but it has its risks. If Watchtower is ever declared bankrupt, individual congregations will be on their own, and without any nest egg to fall back on when their kingdom halls start to deteriorate.
An “opportunity” taken under compulsion?
The idea that congregations should become perpetually indebted to Watchtower in this manner by means of a monthly pledge, which they are being ordered to agree to within a four-week window, is a strange one – at least by bible standards.
According to the bible, Jesus Christ encouraged the forgiving of debts (Matt. 6:12; 18:23-35), and the Apostle Paul counseled that Christians should not have to give “under compulsion.” – 2 Cor 9:7
For the Governing Body to be so forthright in pursuing congregations for funding under whatever pretext will be curious to some, especially after it has been revealed that the organization is set to pocket a staggering 1 billion dollars in proceeds from the sale of its Brooklyn property.
But when you consider Watchtower’s apparent financial woes as evidenced by the unprecedented organizational downsizing, not to mention the increasing threat posed by child abuse lawsuits, the Governing Body’s assault on congregation coffers for extra cash is all too predictable.

new-cedars-signature2






To protect the anonymity of my source, a scan of the letter will not be made available. However, you can read the text from the full letter below…

***PAGE ONE***
March 29, 2014
TO ALL CONGREGATIONS
Re: Adjustment to financing Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide
Dear Brothers:
On September 1, 1983, the Kingdom Hall Fund was created to help finance the increasing need for Kingdom Halls. For more than 30 years, this arrangement has served to expand the construction of Kingdom Halls worldwide in a tremendous way by means of Regional Building Committees and the program for lands with limited resources. Having sufficient, adequate places of worship is vital, as Jehovah continues to ‘speed up’ the gathering of “a mighty nation.” (Isa. 60:22) In order to meet these ever-increasing needs, the Governing Body has directed that an adjustment be made in the way Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction projects are financed.
In harmony with the principle at 2 Corinthians 8:12-14, congregations will now be asked to pool their resources worldwide to support the construction of theocratic facilities wherever they are needed. Congregations and Assembly Halls will no longer be asked to repay a loan, and use of the separate contribution box labeled “Kingdom Hall Construction Worldwide” has been discontinued. Instead, all congregations will have the opportunity to support Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide by resolving to make a monthly donation from congregation funds. If individual publishers wish to donate specifically to support Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide, such donations will be accepted gladly and used wisely by the branch office. From now on, all funding for approved projects will be provided by the branch office from the funds that have been donated by you dear brothers and sisters.
The need for Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls is greater than ever before. At this time, over 13,000 Kingdom Hall projects and 35 Assembly Hall projects are needed worldwide. Much of this need is in parts of the world where the cost of property and building materials is high. A tremendous amount of funds is needed to care for this work. However, we are confident that Jehovah will provide what is needed by your generous support. Time and again we have seen this take place. For example, it has been 24 years since we began offering literature under the donation arrangement, yet Jehovah’s blessing on this adjustment has been obvious. We are confident that by means of Jehovah’s continued blessing and the generosity of the worldwide brotherhood, the new arrangement for financing Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction will be a success as well.—1 Chron. 29:11-14; Ps. 127:1.
May Jehovah continue to richly bless your hard work and loyal service as you generously support Kingdom interests.
Your brothers,
Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses
***PAGE TWO***
Re: Adjustment to financing Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide March 29, 2014 Page 2
PS to body of elders:
At the Service Meeting for the week of April 28, 2014, the congregation should be informed that use of the contribution box labeled “Kingdom Hall Construction Worldwide” will be discontinued on May 1, 2014. and that further information will be provided at the following Service Meeting. This letter should be read to the congregation during the local needs part on the Service Meeting for the week of May 5, 2014. (Congregations having an assembly the week of May 5 should have the letter read the following week.) This postscript should not be read to the congregation, and this letter should not be posted on the information board. After the reading of the letter, either a resolution should be presented to the congregation or the survey described below should be taken. The December 7, 2009, letter to all congregations should be removed from the congregation permanent file of policy letters and be destroyed. Updated congregation accounting instructions and forms will begin to be provided in May 2014.
Resolved donations: All congregations are asked to establish a monthly resolved donation to support Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide by no later than May 31, 2014.
•    What amount should be used for this new resolved monthly donation?
The elders in congregations currently making loan repayments would likely propose a resolution that is at least the same amount as the current monthly loan repayment, keeping in mind that donations will no longer be received from the “Kingdom Hall Construction Worldwide” contribution box. The elders in congregations without loans or those having standing resolutions to support Kingdom Hall construction worldwide should take a confidential survey of all publishers to determine the amount of the new resolution. This can be done by passing out slips of paper to be filled out anonymously by the publishers indicating how much they are able to contribute monthly toward local congregation expenses, including the resolution to support Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide. At the time the survey is taken, it may be helpful to also review with the congregation the average monthly operating expenses that need to be covered.
Elders should review this resolution annually in May to ensure the amount is what the congregation is realistically able to donate on a monthly basis. For example, there may be a significant increase or decrease in the number of publishers in the congregation, or the local economic conditions may appreciably improve or deteriorate, thus affecting the amount that the congregation can reasonably contribute. If necessary, the elders may take a new financial survey, as described above, to determine whether the resolved monthly contribution to Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide should be adjusted for the coming year.
•    What should be done with other existing resolutions?
Any previous resolution to support Kingdom Hall construction should be discontinued. All other resolutions, such as those for contributing to the worldwide work, the Convention Fund, the Traveling Overseer Assistance Arrangement, and the Kingdom Hall Assistance Arrangement, should continue to be honored. Where more than one congregation shares a Kingdom Hall, resolutions to contribute to a shared Kingdom
***PAGE THREE***
Re: Adjustment to financing Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide March 29,2014 Page 3
Hall operating account to cover the operating costs, minor renovations, and repairs may be adjusted as needed.
•    How should this new resolved amount be submitted to the branch office?
Each congregation should establish its own resolution to contribute to Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide and submit the resolved amount with its monthly remittance to the branch office. These resolved amounts should not be submitted through Kingdom Hall operating accounts. If revised forms for congregation accounting are not yet available in the language of the congregation, the resolved donation amount for Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide may be recorded on the line “Kingdom Hall Construction Worldwide (Resolution)” that appears on the form(s) currently being used.
•    What should be done if congregation funds are not sufficient to cover resolved donations?
If sufficient funds are not available for all resolved donations in a particular month, additional funds should not be solicited. The elders should determine what amounts from the congregation funds that are available at the end of the month will be applied toward the resolved monthly donation(s) and whether the shortfall should be made up in future months. However, it would be appropriate for the elders to remind the congregation of the resolved monthly commitments. If the congregation can no long¬er contribute the amount(s) they resolved on a regular basis, the elders may consider the situation at the next annual review of the resolution for Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide.
Contribution boxes: As noted above, on May 1, 2014, each Kingdom Hall should have only two types of contribution boxes, one labeled “Local Congregation Expenses” and one labeled “Worldwide Work.”
•    What should be done with existing “Kingdom Hall Construction Worldwide” boxes or boxes set up to accept donations for a local building project?
These boxes will no longer be used for accepting donations in support of Kingdom Hall or Assembly Hall construction. They should be removed or relabeled to accept donations for the worldwide work on May 1, 2014.
•    What type of expenses can be paid from funds received in the “Local Congregation Expenses” box?
These funds should be used to pay approved congregation expenses, including Kingdom Hall operating expenses, minor renovations, and repairs (through the operating committee, if applicable), as well as for all monthly resolved donations that are sent to the branch office.
•    Are there any changes to the existing “Worldwide Work” box?
No. Funds received in the “Worldwide Work” box will continue to be forwarded to the branch office each month. No congregation expenses or monthly resolutions should be paid from these funds.
***PAGE FOUR***
[as shown above, see “Surplus funds”]
Further reading…
◾Are Jehovah’s Witnesses a hierarchical religion? And does it matter?
◾JWsurvey articles on Watchtower’s organizational downsizing
◾Ex-JW.com article: “Another View of a Kingdom Hall Takeover”


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278 Responses to Governing Body instructs congregations to pledge fixed monthly donations

← Older Comments

 anonymous says:

 January 6, 2015 at 3:06 am

@Jacob. I don’t know if your Kingdom Hall had a renovation but ours did and it wasn’t that old but they borrowed $39,000 from the Society to do the renovations. From what I am understanding, most Kingdom Halls are now owned by the Society and it had to do with those renovations that the Society went around telling all these Kingdom Halls that they needed and then inflating the costs so the Kingdom Halls would have to repay these inflated costs back to the Society even though all the labor was free. It was a trick to get all these Kingdom Halls to sign over their deeds to the Society and so if a Kingdom Hall is sold, even though the brothers and sisters paid for the Kingdom Hall and the property, the ownership goes to the Society.
If this is all true, this was one of the biggest frauds ever done to a trusting society of innocent people, even worse than what Bernie Madoff did to his so-called “friends”. The Society has it’s ways of extorting money, without passing the plate.
If you are the trusting sort, would you be brave enough to ask your presiding overseer if your Kingdom Hall now belongs to the Society?
I think every one of Jehovah’s Witnesses should know how they have been taken advantage of.
It’s not only your life that they Society has stollen from you, but it’s your trust and your money.
Reply
 

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← Prevention order for jailed Jehovah’s Witness who fled to the Caribbean to molest kids
Watchtower continues assault on ‘devious’ and ‘hypocritical’ former believers →

Governing Body instructs congregations to pledge fixed monthly donations
avatar
Posted on April 7, 2014

Congregations will be ordered to pledge a fixed monthly amount to the organization
Congregations will be ordered to pledge a fixed monthly amount to the organization

A leaked letter dated March 29, 2014, has been circulated to all elders advising of a huge shake-up in financing arrangements for kingdom hall and assembly hall construction.
The letter is four pages long, but only the first page is to be read out to publishers. The three-page postscript, containing further details of how the new arrangement is to be implemented, includes the sentence (in bold): “This postscript should not be read to the congregation, and this letter should not be posted on the information board.”
The first page is due to be read out at congregation service meetings for the week of May 5, 2014.
“Having sufficient, adequate places of worship is vital, as Jehovah continues to ‘speed up’ the gathering of ‘a mighty nation,'” it reads. “In order to meet these ever increasing needs, the Governing Body has directed that an adjustment be made in the way Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction projects are financed.”
Congregations now have the "opportunity" to commit to sending a monthly amount to Watchtower
Congregations now have the “opportunity” to commit to sending a monthly amount to Watchtower

What is this adjustment? “In harmony with 2 Corinthians 8:12-14, congregations will now be asked to pool their resources worldwide to support the construction of theocratic facilities wherever they are needed.”
What will this “pooling” of resources involve? “…all congregations will have the opportunity to support Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction work worldwide by resolving to make a monthly donation from congregation funds.”
Once the letter has been read, congregations will have just four weeks (with a final deadline of May 31) to agree on a monthly figure to be sent to Watchtower, ostensibly for the construction of kingdom halls and assembly halls worldwide.
Figures that don’t add up
“The need for Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls is greater than ever before,” the letter insists. “At this time, over 13,000 Kingdom Hall projects and 35 Assembly Hall projects are needed worldwide.”
After listening to the above statement, publishers would be forgiven for assuming that more than 13,000 new Kingdom Halls are needed each year to keep pace with publisher growth.
However, when you compare the number of congregations in 2013 (113,823) with the number of congregations the year before (111,719), you note that there has been an increase of only 2,104 congregations worldwide – some of which will be sharing existing kingdom hall infrastructure. The 13,000 figure is therefore either a gross exaggeration, or kingdom halls are being refurbished and rebuilt at an astonishing rate – faster than is actually required.
Never-ending loan repayments
According to the leaked letter, “Congregation and Assembly Halls will no longer be asked to repay a loan.” However, in the elders-only part of the letter, congregations are instructed that their new monthly pledge must be “at least the same amount as the current monthly loan repayment” for congregations repaying loans for building work.
In other words, if your congregation is paying off a kingdom hall build or refurbishment, your loan repayments must effectively continue indefinitely.
If a congregation isn’t already making loan repayments, then a confidential survey is to be taken by passing out slips of paper to determine how much local brothers are willing to pledge.
Room for maneuver
Congregation elders will have at least some flexibility to alter the congregation’s monthly pledge in the future according to circumstances, but this works both ways.

“Elders should review this resolution annually in May to ensure the amount is what the congregation is realistically able to donate on a monthly basis. For example, there may be a significant increase or decrease in the number of publishers in the congregation, or the local economic conditions may appreciably improve or deteriorate, thus affecting the amount that the congregation can reasonably contribute. If necessary, the elders may take a new financial survey, as described above, to determine whether the resolved monthly contribution to Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide should be adjusted for the coming year.” – March 29, 2014 BOE letter, page 2
The monthly pledge can thus be adjusted downwards or upwards at the elders’ discretion on an annual basis.
But who actually owns a kingdom hall, and thus bears responsibility for paying for it?
Who owns a kingdom hall?
Most congregations now have arrangements in place where kingdom halls are under the legal ownership of a board of trustees made up of local elders. But this doesn’t give elders the freedom to do what they want, even if they are all in agreement. Watchtower ultimately holds all the aces.
The Menlo Park scandal exposed that Watchtower effectively owns kingdom halls, not the local congregation
The Menlo Park scandal exposed that Watchtower effectively owns kingdom halls

You see, elders can only BE elders if they are approved by Watchtower. Elders who are removed by Watchtower are automatically no longer trustees, and will have no say in how their kingdom hall is run.
This state of affairs was recently highlighted by the Menlo Park scandal, in which an entire body of elders in California was removed by the organization for failing to comply with the circuit overseer’s insistence that their kingdom hall be refurbished, even though a refurbishment wasn’t deemed necessary.
A lengthy legal battle ensued in which some of the ousted elders argued for their reappointment, but they proved to be ill-prepared. They assumed they were victims of one or two rogue individuals in the organization, and thus failed to grasp that the problems they were trying to address were systemic.
Their true foe was Watchtower itself.
Perhaps the most poignant moment from the Menlo Park case came when Watchtower’s legal representative, Calvin Rouse, made the following declaration in court…

“Ordinarily I wouldn’t be here, but this is one of our 13,000 congregations in the United States. We are a hierarchical religion structured just like the Catholic Church. And when the order from the Pope comes down in the church defrocking a priest and kicking him out, he no longer has any say in any matter in the local parish priest – in the parish. The same situation as here. In his complaint he brings one claim. He claims that he wants to be reinstated as a director and an officer in the Menlo Park Congregation. This is contrary to our church rules and regulations and bylaws. We brought our organizational bylaws book, our rule book here, and we are prepared to present witnesses that this is a hierarchical organization.”
The court transcript featuring the above statement is available on this link.
Hence the organization, which is a self-confessed hierarchy, has an over-riding controlling interest respecting kingdom hall buildings, but congregation members are still expected to pick up the tab.
No more “surplus funds”
The final undermining of any vestiges of financial autonomy at congregation level is accomplished on page 4 of this new letter, where a section headed “Surplus funds” effectively ends any possibility of the existence of wealthy, self-reliant congregations.
surplus-fundsCongregations are thus to financially surrender themselves to the organization. There is no longer any excuse for the amassing of funds for a rainy day. Only “minor renovations or repairs” are to be cared for locally. If there are surplus funds, elders must discuss sending these to Watchtower.
Such reliance on ‘big brother’ may seem refreshing in the eyes of many Witnesses, but it has its risks. If Watchtower is ever declared bankrupt, individual congregations will be on their own, and without any nest egg to fall back on when their kingdom halls start to deteriorate.
An “opportunity” taken under compulsion?
The idea that congregations should become perpetually indebted to Watchtower in this manner by means of a monthly pledge, which they are being ordered to agree to within a four-week window, is a strange one – at least by bible standards.
According to the bible, Jesus Christ encouraged the forgiving of debts (Matt. 6:12; 18:23-35), and the Apostle Paul counseled that Christians should not have to give “under compulsion.” – 2 Cor 9:7
For the Governing Body to be so forthright in pursuing congregations for funding under whatever pretext will be curious to some, especially after it has been revealed that the organization is set to pocket a staggering 1 billion dollars in proceeds from the sale of its Brooklyn property.
But when you consider Watchtower’s apparent financial woes as evidenced by the unprecedented organizational downsizing, not to mention the increasing threat posed by child abuse lawsuits, the Governing Body’s assault on congregation coffers for extra cash is all too predictable.

new-cedars-signature2






To protect the anonymity of my source, a scan of the letter will not be made available. However, you can read the text from the full letter below…

***PAGE ONE***
March 29, 2014
TO ALL CONGREGATIONS
Re: Adjustment to financing Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide
Dear Brothers:
On September 1, 1983, the Kingdom Hall Fund was created to help finance the increasing need for Kingdom Halls. For more than 30 years, this arrangement has served to expand the construction of Kingdom Halls worldwide in a tremendous way by means of Regional Building Committees and the program for lands with limited resources. Having sufficient, adequate places of worship is vital, as Jehovah continues to ‘speed up’ the gathering of “a mighty nation.” (Isa. 60:22) In order to meet these ever-increasing needs, the Governing Body has directed that an adjustment be made in the way Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction projects are financed.
In harmony with the principle at 2 Corinthians 8:12-14, congregations will now be asked to pool their resources worldwide to support the construction of theocratic facilities wherever they are needed. Congregations and Assembly Halls will no longer be asked to repay a loan, and use of the separate contribution box labeled “Kingdom Hall Construction Worldwide” has been discontinued. Instead, all congregations will have the opportunity to support Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide by resolving to make a monthly donation from congregation funds. If individual publishers wish to donate specifically to support Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide, such donations will be accepted gladly and used wisely by the branch office. From now on, all funding for approved projects will be provided by the branch office from the funds that have been donated by you dear brothers and sisters.
The need for Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls is greater than ever before. At this time, over 13,000 Kingdom Hall projects and 35 Assembly Hall projects are needed worldwide. Much of this need is in parts of the world where the cost of property and building materials is high. A tremendous amount of funds is needed to care for this work. However, we are confident that Jehovah will provide what is needed by your generous support. Time and again we have seen this take place. For example, it has been 24 years since we began offering literature under the donation arrangement, yet Jehovah’s blessing on this adjustment has been obvious. We are confident that by means of Jehovah’s continued blessing and the generosity of the worldwide brotherhood, the new arrangement for financing Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction will be a success as well.—1 Chron. 29:11-14; Ps. 127:1.
May Jehovah continue to richly bless your hard work and loyal service as you generously support Kingdom interests.
Your brothers,
Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses
***PAGE TWO***
Re: Adjustment to financing Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide March 29, 2014 Page 2
PS to body of elders:
At the Service Meeting for the week of April 28, 2014, the congregation should be informed that use of the contribution box labeled “Kingdom Hall Construction Worldwide” will be discontinued on May 1, 2014. and that further information will be provided at the following Service Meeting. This letter should be read to the congregation during the local needs part on the Service Meeting for the week of May 5, 2014. (Congregations having an assembly the week of May 5 should have the letter read the following week.) This postscript should not be read to the congregation, and this letter should not be posted on the information board. After the reading of the letter, either a resolution should be presented to the congregation or the survey described below should be taken. The December 7, 2009, letter to all congregations should be removed from the congregation permanent file of policy letters and be destroyed. Updated congregation accounting instructions and forms will begin to be provided in May 2014.
Resolved donations: All congregations are asked to establish a monthly resolved donation to support Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide by no later than May 31, 2014.
•    What amount should be used for this new resolved monthly donation?
The elders in congregations currently making loan repayments would likely propose a resolution that is at least the same amount as the current monthly loan repayment, keeping in mind that donations will no longer be received from the “Kingdom Hall Construction Worldwide” contribution box. The elders in congregations without loans or those having standing resolutions to support Kingdom Hall construction worldwide should take a confidential survey of all publishers to determine the amount of the new resolution. This can be done by passing out slips of paper to be filled out anonymously by the publishers indicating how much they are able to contribute monthly toward local congregation expenses, including the resolution to support Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide. At the time the survey is taken, it may be helpful to also review with the congregation the average monthly operating expenses that need to be covered.
Elders should review this resolution annually in May to ensure the amount is what the congregation is realistically able to donate on a monthly basis. For example, there may be a significant increase or decrease in the number of publishers in the congregation, or the local economic conditions may appreciably improve or deteriorate, thus affecting the amount that the congregation can reasonably contribute. If necessary, the elders may take a new financial survey, as described above, to determine whether the resolved monthly contribution to Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide should be adjusted for the coming year.
•    What should be done with other existing resolutions?
Any previous resolution to support Kingdom Hall construction should be discontinued. All other resolutions, such as those for contributing to the worldwide work, the Convention Fund, the Traveling Overseer Assistance Arrangement, and the Kingdom Hall Assistance Arrangement, should continue to be honored. Where more than one congregation shares a Kingdom Hall, resolutions to contribute to a shared Kingdom
***PAGE THREE***
Re: Adjustment to financing Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide March 29,2014 Page 3
Hall operating account to cover the operating costs, minor renovations, and repairs may be adjusted as needed.
•    How should this new resolved amount be submitted to the branch office?
Each congregation should establish its own resolution to contribute to Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide and submit the resolved amount with its monthly remittance to the branch office. These resolved amounts should not be submitted through Kingdom Hall operating accounts. If revised forms for congregation accounting are not yet available in the language of the congregation, the resolved donation amount for Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide may be recorded on the line “Kingdom Hall Construction Worldwide (Resolution)” that appears on the form(s) currently being used.
•    What should be done if congregation funds are not sufficient to cover resolved donations?
If sufficient funds are not available for all resolved donations in a particular month, additional funds should not be solicited. The elders should determine what amounts from the congregation funds that are available at the end of the month will be applied toward the resolved monthly donation(s) and whether the shortfall should be made up in future months. However, it would be appropriate for the elders to remind the congregation of the resolved monthly commitments. If the congregation can no long¬er contribute the amount(s) they resolved on a regular basis, the elders may consider the situation at the next annual review of the resolution for Kingdom Hall and Assembly Hall construction worldwide.
Contribution boxes: As noted above, on May 1, 2014, each Kingdom Hall should have only two types of contribution boxes, one labeled “Local Congregation Expenses” and one labeled “Worldwide Work.”
•    What should be done with existing “Kingdom Hall Construction Worldwide” boxes or boxes set up to accept donations for a local building project?
These boxes will no longer be used for accepting donations in support of Kingdom Hall or Assembly Hall construction. They should be removed or relabeled to accept donations for the worldwide work on May 1, 2014.
•    What type of expenses can be paid from funds received in the “Local Congregation Expenses” box?
These funds should be used to pay approved congregation expenses, including Kingdom Hall operating expenses, minor renovations, and repairs (through the operating committee, if applicable), as well as for all monthly resolved donations that are sent to the branch office.
•    Are there any changes to the existing “Worldwide Work” box?
No. Funds received in the “Worldwide Work” box will continue to be forwarded to the branch office each month. No congregation expenses or monthly resolutions should be paid from these funds.
***PAGE FOUR***
[as shown above, see “Surplus funds”]
Further reading…
◾Are Jehovah’s Witnesses a hierarchical religion? And does it matter?
◾JWsurvey articles on Watchtower’s organizational downsizing
◾Ex-JW.com article: “Another View of a Kingdom Hall Takeover”


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278 Responses to Governing Body instructs congregations to pledge fixed monthly donations

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 anonymous says:

 January 6, 2015 at 3:06 am

@Jacob. I don’t know if your Kingdom Hall had a renovation but ours did and it wasn’t that old but they borrowed $39,000 from the Society to do the renovations. From what I am understanding, most Kingdom Halls are now owned by the Society and it had to do with those renovations that the Society went around telling all these Kingdom Halls that they needed and then inflating the costs so the Kingdom Halls would have to repay these inflated costs back to the Society even though all the labor was free. It was a trick to get all these Kingdom Halls to sign over their deeds to the Society and so if a Kingdom Hall is sold, even though the brothers and sisters paid for the Kingdom Hall and the property, the ownership goes to the Society.
If this is all true, this was one of the biggest frauds ever done to a trusting society of innocent people, even worse than what Bernie Madoff did to his so-called “friends”. The Society has it’s ways of extorting money, without passing the plate.
If you are the trusting sort, would you be brave enough to ask your presiding overseer if your Kingdom Hall now belongs to the Society?
I think every one of Jehovah’s Witnesses should know how they have been taken advantage of.
It’s not only your life that they Society has stollen from you, but it’s your trust and your money.
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Secrecy and deception: Watchtower fights dirty in its war against “apostates”
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Posted on February 23, 2013

The Watchtower uses secrecy, deception, and even hate speech in its battle against those who dare to oppose it

Jehovah’s Witnesses are conditioned to fear and distrust any information on the internet that scrutinizes the Watch Tower Society in a critical or objective manner. For years I was gripped by such paranoia, and the very thought of venturing onto a so-called “apostate” website put a knot in my stomach.
It was only when, some time in 2011, I summoned the audacity to sit down and write a list of nine “grievances” against the Society and its teachings that something clicked inside me. Once I saw all my doubts and uncertainties unravelling before me on a sheet of paper I began to conclude that, most likely, the Society wasn’t giving me the full story. If it was just one or two questionable doctrines or practices, that would be one thing. But nine? In a religion I had dedicated my life to serving alongside as God’s spirit-directed organization? Something wasn’t right.
It was then that something unthinkable happened. I consciously “gave myself permission” to violate the Society’s rules on apostate websites. Tentatively, and with overwhelming feelings of guilt and anxiety, I started searching on websites such as JWfacts.com to see what critics of the Watchtower had to say. Sure enough, my worst fears were confirmed. It soon became apparent that my grievances weren’t only justified – they were just the tip of the iceberg. The more it became clear that I had been lied to for decades, the more my feelings of trepidation and anxiety morphed into a strong sense of anger and betrayal.
Surprising Openness and Transparency
One of the things that immediately impressed me about the information presented on JWfacts.com was the way the writer (Paul Grundy) had researched everything and clearly bent over backwards to supply quotes from the Society’s own literature to support his conclusions.
JWfacts.com is an excellent source of accurate information about the Society, with logical analysis of its teachings

This went against the grain of what I had been trained to expect from an “apostate” website. After all, aren’t apostates supposed to be liars who seek to draw off followers after themselves? So why would one go to the trouble of quoting from the Society in making his argument if everything the Society writes is true and incontrovertible? Surely, as an evil conniving apostate slanderer, Grundy should be directing me away from the Society’s publications, rather than urging me to read them?
Still quite skeptical from my indoctrination, I thought I should check the quotes being used by Grundy in his articles to see whether they had been twisted in any way. If I found so much as a comma out of place, I would reject the whole thing as an elaborate hoax. However, sure enough, when I cross-checked the quotes on JWfacts.com, I found that each and every one was word-for-word accurate. Paul Grundy wasn’t trying to pull the wool over my eyes. He was proving his arguments and supporting his reasoning using the Society’s own publications.
A difference in tactics
This is where something immediately becomes noticeable, and highlights the sharp contrast between the strategies of two warring factions – the Watch Tower Society at one end of the battlefield, and their “apostate” foes at the other.
On the one hand, you have the Society who will ONLY let you look at information that they have approved. On the other, you have websites such as JWfacts.com (not to mention this one) that will happily show you BOTH sides of the argument. My illustration below highlights this disparity…


The above should immediately raise a red flag for any thinking Witnesses who wonder whether the Society is truly being honest and transparent with them. So-called “apostate” websites want you to read both sides of the argument, but the Society only wants you to hear their side – and pretend their opponents don’t exist. But why should it be that way? If the truth is so cut-and-dried, should it not stand up to the closest possible scrutiny? Just what are they so desperately trying to hide?
Vilification and mud-slinging
The following quotes underscore the voracity with which the Society has poured scorn on those it classes as “apostate” over the last few decades, not to mention its clever insistence that Witnesses should not even check to see whether the writings of former believers (whether in books or online) are based on truth…

“Noticeably, there have been a number of individuals who have created Web sites ostensibly to preach the good news. Many of these sites are sponsored by indiscreet brothers. Other sites may be sponsored by apostates who wish to lure unsuspecting ones. (2 John 9-11) Commenting on whether there is a need for our brothers to create such Web sites, Our Kingdom Ministry, November 1997, page 3, stated: ‘There is no need for any individual to prepare Internet pages about Jehovah’s Witnesses, our activities, or our beliefs. Our official site [www.watchtower.org] presents accurate information for any who want it.‘” – km 11/99 pp.4-5 par. 18
“Interestingly, a circuit overseer in France observes: ‘Some brothers are deceived because they lack accurate knowledge.’ That is why Proverbs 11:9 states: ‘By knowledge are the righteous rescued.’ This does not mean giving apostates a hearing ear or delving into their writings. Rather, it means coming to ‘an accurate knowledge of the sacred secret of God’ through diligent personal study of the Bible and the Society’s Bible-based publications. Having this accurate knowledge, who would become so curious as to pay any attention to apostate mouthings? May no man ‘delude you with persuasive arguments’! (Colossians 2:2-4) False religious propaganda from any source should be avoided like poison! Really, since our Lord has used ‘the faithful and discreet slave’ to convey to us ‘sayings of everlasting life,’ why should we ever want to look anywhere else?—John 6:68.” – w87 11/1 p.20 par. 16
“The obligation to hate lawlessness also applies to all activity by apostates. Our attitude toward apostates should be that of David, who declared: ‘Do I not hate those who are intensely hating you, O Jehovah, and do I not feel a loathing for those revolting against you? With a complete hatred I do hate them. They have become to me real enemies.’ (Psalm 139:21, 22) Modern-day apostates have made common cause with ‘the man of lawlessness,’ the clergy of Christendom. (2 Thessalonians 2:3) As loyal Witnesses of Jehovah, we therefore have absolutely nothing in common with them. Being imperfect, our hearts could easily have a tendency toward being critical of our brothers. As individuals, those of ‘the faithful and discreet slave’ are imperfect humans. (Matthew 24:45-47) But this class is faithful and discreet. Apostates capitalize on errors or seeming mistakes made by brothers who take the lead. Our safety lies in avoiding apostate propaganda as though it were poison, which in fact it is.—Romans 16:17, 18.” – w92 7/15 pp.12-13 par. 19
“Wise King Solomon wrote: ‘Take a warning: To the making of many books there is no end, and much devotion to them is wearisome to the flesh.’ (Ecclesiastes 12:12) One might add that the reading of many books published today is not only wearisome to the flesh but, frankly, dangerous to the mind.” – w00 10/1 p. 10 par. 9
“Apostates too speak valueless words, claiming to have greater wisdom than the appointed ‘faithful and discreet slave.’ (Matt. 24:45-47) However, apostates speak their own wisdom, and their words are valueless, a stumbling block to any who might listen.” – w08 4/15 p.6 par.17
“Yes, to all who are faithfully and loyally enduring in the Christian way, we are sure that Jehovah’s truth is still beautiful, satisfying—even more so than when they first heard it. Therefore, resolve in your heart that you will never even touch the poison that apostates want you to sip. Heed the wise but firm commands of Jehovah to avoid completely those who would deceive you, mislead you, turn you aside into the ways of death. If we love Jehovah with our whole heart, soul, and mind, while loving our neighbor as we love ourselves, we will leave no room for penetration by apostate thinking. (Matthew 22:37-39) We will not ‘allow place for the Devil’ and will have no desire to look elsewhere. We will not ‘be quickly shaken from our reason’ by some counterfeit teaching.—2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2.” – w86 3/15 p. 20 par. 18
“The talk ‘Guard Against Deception’ showed that we wisely treat as poison the distortions, half-truths, and outright falsehoods propagated by apostates.” – w03 1/15 p.23
It’s difficult for even the most hardened Witness to read the above quotes without feeling at least a tinge of embarrassment at the abject hatred and venom directed by the Society toward those who dare to contradict its teachings. In falsely misrepresenting apostates as those who must automatically “hate Jehovah,” the Society deliberately neglects to acknowledge that, in order to be an apostate, all you need to do is think differently to the organization. As discussed in a previous article, it doesn’t matter whether you love Jehovah and Jesus. If you disagree with even ONE of the Society’s teachings, you are, by their thinking, an apostate.
In stark contrast to such mud-slinging, sites such as JWfacts.com demonstrate nothing but love and respect for those who choose to believe the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The following quote from the homepage of JWfacts is typical of the tolerance displayed on that website…

“Being a Jehovah’s Witness has benefited many lives, as following Christian standards on morality and love can be beneficial. There is no attempt here to point the finger at any individual, as in general Jehovah’s Witnesses sincerely believe they are doing what is right and are genuinely nice people.”
The following email from a visitor to that website highlights that the information is based on Watchtower publications rather than being written in a way that attempts to hide or misrepresent the Society’s words…

“Your writing is the first JW material I have read, pro or con, since returning from Bethel. Your amazing collection of work is truly inspired. The true validating point for me is your use of the Watchtower publications own information as your predominating resource.” (Emails from readers)
There is even an offer on the part of the writer, Paul Grundy, for readers to email him if they spot anything incorrect so that he can fix it…

“The reason for this site is to make it as simple as possible to determine if Jehovah’s Witnesses have “the truth”. I have tried to be accurate in everything contained here. Please email me if there is anything you feel may not be correct.”
Again, it’s difficult to conceive of a more marked contrast with the Society’s publications, which ban you from reading anything contradictory, and do not allow you to point out anything that is false. Of course, no one is stopping you from writing the headquarters to draw attention to some inaccuracy, but when was the last time you saw a full retraction or apology printed in the literature over some doctrinal point?
True, the following “apology” was printed on page 8 of the January 1st 2013 Watchtower (public edition), but take a careful look at the wording…

“HAVE JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES GIVEN INCORRECT DATES FOR THE END?
“Jehovah’s Witnesses have had wrong expectations about when the end would come. Like Jesus’ first-century disciples, we have sometimes looked forward to the fulfillment of prophecy ahead of God’s timetable. (Luke 19:11; Acts 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2) We agree with the sentiment of longtime Witness A. H. Macmillan, who said: ‘I learned that we should admit our mistakes and continue searching God’s Word for more enlightenment.’
“Why, then, do we continue to highlight the nearness of the end? Because we take seriously Jesus’ words: ‘Keep looking, keep awake.’ The alternative, to be found ‘sleeping’ by Jesus, would prevent us from gaining his favor. (Mark 13:33, 36) Why?
“Consider this example: A lookout in a fire tower might see what he thinks is a wisp of smoke on the horizon and sound what proves to be a false alarm. Later, though, his alertness could save lives.
“Likewise, we have had some wrong expectations about the end. But we are more concerned with obeying Jesus and saving lives than with avoiding criticism. Jesus’ command to ‘give a thorough witness’ compels us to warn others about the end.—Acts 10:42. We believe that even more important than focusing on when the end will come, we must be confident that it will come, and we must act accordingly.
“We take seriously the words of Habakkuk 2:3, which says: ‘Even if [the end] should delay [compared to what you thought], keep in expectation of it; for it will without fail come true. It will not be late.'”
You will note that…
1.Nowhere in the above does the Society actually apologise, they merely acknowledge “wrong expectations.”
2.No attempt is made to atone for the consequences of incorrect doctrinal interpretation, i.e. brothers selling their homes and quitting their jobs pre-1975, or those who may be disfellowshipped and shunned for disagreeing with the Society’s narrow interpretations of prophecy.
3.No guarantee is given that they will stop making the same mistakes by printing further wrong interpretations. Rather, they excuse themselves saying they are “more concerned with obeying Jesus and saving lives than with avoiding criticism.” Surely this could be the mantra of ANY Christian denomination. Accuracy and truth are seemingly dispensable so long as, in the view of your church, you are “obeying Jesus.”
“Let him that is without sin cast the first stone”
The above words, attributed to Jesus (but not found in all bibles), perfectly summarize the vain hypocrisy of criticizing others when you are imperfect yourself. The saying is particularly apt when one considers the unrelenting criticism levelled at the internet by the Society regarding how factual it is. Here are three examples…

“There are no limits or checks on the kind of information that is maintained by and accessible to Internet users.” – km 11/99, p. 4 par. 16.
“Do not become an “Internet Eve.” Be critical and suspicious of the information. Before trusting it, ask: (1) Who published this material? What are the author’s credentials? (2) Why was this published? What motivated the writer? Is there any bias? (3) Where did the author get the information? Does he supply sources that can be checked? (4) Is the information current?” – w11 8/15 p.4
“The Writing Department follows the pattern of ‘tracing all things with accuracy.’ But where can reliable information be found? While the Internet is a convenient and quick source of vast amounts of information, our researchers do not rely on blogs or poorly documented Web entries written by unidentified or unqualified persons. For example, Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia, warns that some articles on its own site ‘contain significant misinformation, unencyclopedic content, or vandalism,’ adding that ‘users need to be aware of this.’ Thus, the Writing Department looks to standard reference works, articles written by recognized experts, and books produced by respected publishers.” – 2011 Yearbook, pages 9 and 10.
It is curious that the Society should criticize internet articles for being biased and having “no limits or checks” to ensure accuracy when Watchtower writers themselves are hugely biased towards elevating the organization, and allow nobody to question their assertions – even if these subsequently turn out to be false.
The Society slams websites such as Wikipedia for using unscholarly sources of information when its own writers are anonymous and likely unqualified, and it has been found guilty of misquoting experts

Also, the above Yearbook quote scorns Wikipedia for using references from web entries by “unidentified or unqualified persons.” Obviously, anyone who is familiar with Watchtower publications will know that the writers of doctrinal material are never identified by name, nor are we ever given any assurances of their academic credentials or qualifications. We must simply “trust” that they know what they are talking about. Apparently it is one rule for the internet, another rule for the Watchtower.
Indeed, on reading the above quotes, you would be forgiven for assuming that everything written by the Society is truthful and accurate. However, as already discussed in a previous article, there are numerous examples of deliberate falsehood and deception on the Society’s very own website in the FAQs section of JW.org…
◾In response to the question “Do you feel that you are the only people who will be saved?” the writer begins his answer with “No.” and then proceeds to identify Armageddon survivors as being (apart from JWs): (1) those who lived in the past before JWs existed, and (2) those who will become JWs in the future. Finally the explanation rounds off with a vague “it’s not our job to judge” line of reasoning – but the overall message is clear. If you want to survive annihilation at Armageddon, you’d better become a JW.
◾In response to the question “Are you tolerant of other religions?” the writer responds “We follow the Bible’s advice to ‘respect everyone’ —regardless of their religious beliefs,” adding, “we extend to others the same tolerance that we appreciate receiving from them.” This answer ignores the Society’s labelling of former believers as “mentally diseased” (w11 7/15 p.16) and of their beliefs as “gangrenous” (w13 4/15 p.11). It also conveniently forgets the vilification of the Catholic Church as a part of the “gross fornicatrix” Babylon The Great, or the suggestion that the policy of celibacy in that religion resulted in “not a few” Catholic priests “today contracting AIDS.” If you were a Catholic and read the Revelation Climax book from cover to cover, would you conclude that JWs are tolerant of your beliefs?
◾In response to the question “Do you shun former members of your religion?” the writer deliberately avoids giving a direct answer and goes straight into a description of the precious few instances in which a former believer would not be shunned by his family. The answer is a perfect example of deception by omission, because it fails to acknowledge that those who leave the organization are routinely shunned by family members, irrespective of whether or not they have broken the “Bible’s moral code.” A recent Watchtower article even admonished: “Do not look for excuses to associate with a disfellowshipped family member, for example, through e-mail.” (w13 1/15 p.16) The answer to the FAQ should therefore be an honest and straightforward “yes” – but it isn’t. The reason? The writers are biased, and don’t want to make their religion look bad.
You might be surprised to learn that JW.org is not the only source of misinformation published by the Society. On his website, Paul Grundy has put together an article cataloguing a number of occasions throughout its history where the Society has been caught red-handed misquoting sources, lying about its former teachings, and even plagiarizing material from other publications. If you are a Jehovah’s Witness and you are still under the impression that the Society is above such dirty tricks, I would encourage you to visit the article and verify the information for yourself. Prepare to be astonished!
Concealing its own writings
Amazingly, it isn’t just non-Watchtower books and websites that the Society dissuades ordinary Witnesses from reading, or limits access to. For varying reasons, ordinary publishers are essentially blocked from reading some of the very publications that have rolled off the Society’s own printing presses over the decades – at least one of which is even credited with a role in the fulfilment of prophecy. I can provide three examples.
In a previous article I featured the Finished Mystery book, first published in 1917. You would expect a book containing “spiritual food” that was personally inspected and approved by Christ in 1919 to be made widely available to Witnesses today, so that they can see for themselves what made the Bible Students so unique during that crucial period of inspection. However, though it is admittedly still possible to track down a copy (either by downloading it here, or spending between $50 to $200 on Amazon for a hardcopy), the book is no longer in print by the Society. The reason? They are deeply ashamed of the frankly outrageous notions that are contained in its pages, including the following…
◾Charles Taze Russell was the “seventh angel” mentioned in Revelation
◾Jehovah separated Russell from his wife, Maria, and made her dead in his eyes
◾Russell spoke from beyond the grave through the pages of the Finished Mystery
◾The precise distance between the place where the Finished Mystery was written and where it was printed held prophetic significance
The more you delve into the pages of this bizarre book, which is so clearly a product of the over-active imaginations of two of Russell’s followers, the more you realise why the Society would never dream of making it available for publishers to read today. If they were to print and distribute it, thinking Witnesses would soon connect the dots and reach the glaringly obvious conclusion that Christ didn’t actually choose this organization in 1919 after all.
The Finished Mystery reads like a love letter to Russell, penned by his mourning followers

Therefore, the Society has done something very cunning. It has repeatedly given its own glowing endorsement of the Finished Mystery, even attributing it with a role in fulfilling bible prophecy. That way, publishers who have never read the book are able to respect it as being “a powerful commentary on Revelation and Ezekiel” (Revelation Climax, p. 165), the distribution of which was approved by Christ himself – and even foretold in the scriptures! (Revelation Climax, p. 208 box)
Ironically, even the Revelation Climax book, which sings the praises of its predecessor the Finished Mystery, has been the subject of some degree of censure by the Society. Many of you will remember that in 2006 it underwent extensive “adjustments” (a list of which was published in the September Kingdom Ministry of that year). Many found it curious that a book published in 1988, designed to be the final word on the coming Great Tribulation, needed to be revised because certain apocalyptic events had not proved as “imminent” as its writers anticipated.
Even certain books printed by the Society are difficult or impossible for ordinary Witnesses to examine

In any case, many publishers will be oblivious to the fact that the Society went so far as to issue a document directing elders to arrange for older versions of that book kept in stock on the literature desk to be “discarded.” This raises the question, how can a book hailed as “food at the proper time” when it was written fall from grace so quickly that it needs to be destroyed (if certain revisions have not been made to it) only 18 years later?
Again, we have a book once endorsed by the Society and produced on its printing presses that is now out of print in its original form, and that ordinary publishers should ideally discard. It seems “new light” from the Watchtower has a shelf life. Indoctrinated Witnesses would argue that this is just evidence of the “light getting brighter,” but a more objective analysis would conclude that the Society is making things up as they go along, and only producing new interpretations of prophecy once it becomes obvious that the previous ones have failed.
Finally, there is the most secretive Society book of all – the elder’s guidebook, Shepherd The Flock of God. This book is so secretive that, when it was published in 2010, an accompanying letter to all elders read (in part)…

“We would like to emphasise the importance of keeping these new textbooks secured and confidential, both before and after they are distributed.  The textbooks should not be left on tops of desks or in other places where they are easily accessible by family members or other individuals.  The information is designed for use by the elders only, and other individuals should not have any opportunity to read the information.” – Letter to all bodies of elders, dated August 23rd 2010
Most ordinary Witnesses are conditioned over time to think that it is perfectly normal and proper for their spiritual shepherds to carry around a rulebook that they are expressly forbidden from reading. Nobody stops to consider for a moment that in Ancient Israel the hundreds of laws governing the minutiae of everyday life were not hidden or concealed from ordinary Israelites – but read aloud for all to hear. (Joshua 8:34; Nehemiah 9:3) Even in Christian times, there is no record of elders or apostles having secret guidelines that were to be kept hidden from others. Any information on presiding over judicial matters was made available to all.
In short, there is really no scriptural justification for there to be ANY secret elder’s manual, and yet that is precisely what we have grown accustomed to having in our organization. The reason? As with the Finished Mystery, there are things in that book that are simply far too embarrassing (perhaps even incriminating) for ordinary Witnesses or members of the public to see. One increasingly notorious example is as follows…


Many Witness parents who are unfamiliar with organizational policy would be horrified to think that, if a fellow brother molests their child and denies it, elders should simply “leave matters in Jehovah’s hands.” It is therefore understandable, if wholly despicable, that the Society should cover up and conceal this information from ordinary publishers. It is simply too damaging.
And elder’s books aren’t the only sources of information from the Society that are subject to strict secrecy. Those who follow this website will be aware of the Society’s recent successful attempt to shut down JWsurvey for 24 hours. The reason? Because we published a Body of Elders letter (dated October 1st 2012) detailing some of the more shocking elements of Society policy in relation to the handling of cases of child abuse.
This incident furnished a striking example of how so-called “apostate” websites are trying desperately hard to get credible information into the hands of thinking Witnesses, while the Society is bending over backwards to snatch it back out of their hands. Again, you have to ask yourself, does that not sound suspicious? If this is the truth, what are they so keen on hiding from you?
When you start to look at other religious organizations that many class as “cults” you notice exactly the same tendency towards secrecy and deception. For example, just as with the madness contained in the pages of the Finished Mystery, the Church of Scientology has its own embarrassing writings from its early history that it seeks to brush under the rug, safely hidden from the public’s gaze.
Watchtower is not the only religious organization that will resort to deception and half-truths when its beliefs are brought under scrutiny

Those who progress in that particular religion to “O.T. level 3″ have certain writings of the founder, L. Ron. Hubbard, disclosed to them in which the true origin of humans is supposedly revealed. The shocking revelation given to Scientologists at this level is that 75 million years ago the bodies of frozen space aliens were dumped into volcanoes in Hawaii, whereupon the souls escaped to be trapped, brainwashed, and finally left to roam the planet and attach themselves to early humans.
This teaching is clearly preposterous, and for many years it was kept a closely guarded secret until being exposed in a court case in the 1980s, instantly meeting with public ridicule that has continued ever since (most notably on a 2005 episode of South Park). Since this secret was leaked, Scientology has done its best to keep it out of the spotlight. One prominent church representative even publicly denied it on camera when questioned in a TV interview.
My point in relating the above is to show that deception is really nothing unusual among high control religious organizations, or “cults.” They have a habit of dispensing sensitive information only on a “need to know basis,” and covering over embarrassing or potentially incriminating details with the aim of keeping the majority of their followers in total ignorance.
This was NOT how the early Christian congregation conducted themselves according to the Bible. The apostles made “ALL scripture” available to the congregations, so that their writings could make Christians “fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16,17) There was no such thing as so-called “old light,” or out-dated teachings that had to be disposed of. There certainly weren’t any secret documents or rulebooks to be circulated only among elders.
Again, in total contrast, most websites that are critical of the organization want you to see ALL of the available information so that you can reach an informed decision on what to believe. This can never be truly said of the Society.
An organization that fights dirty
In summary, one should never assume that those who dare to stand up to the Watch Tower Society are fighting them on a level playing field. Here we have an organization that will happily resort to hate speech if necessary against its “poisonous” “mentally diseased” opponents and their “gangrenous” accusations, urging loyal Witnesses to “feel a loathing” against such ones. (w93 10/1 p. 19 par. 15)
The Society will also stop at nothing to prevent sensitive information from getting into the hands of its adherents, even resorting to threatening legal action against this website or issuing copyright takedown notices on YouTube if sufficiently agitated. Thinking Witnesses are right to question why, if the organization is truly following the First Century model, it needs to have any confidential information at all?
Then there is the stigmatization of the internet, and the abject fear instilled into the hearts of Witnesses when it comes to viewing information that is remotely critical of the organization. Having awakened recently, I can remember only too well how frightening it was to venture onto an unapproved website for the first time. It is shocking to consider that the Society wields so much control over people’s minds, but we know why this is so. If you control the source of information, then you control the person.
Considering all of the above, I am reminded of a scene towards the end of the film Gladiator. Russell Crowe’s character, Maximus, is captured by his enemy, the evil Emperor Commodus (played by Joaquin Phoenix). The two characters are due to share a final duel in the arena – a fight to the death. Ordinarily Maximus would have no problem winning this fight, but Commodus has other plans.
Like the fictional character Commodus from the movie Gladiator, the Society uses dirty tricks in furtherance of its agenda

Maximus is chained up when, away from the public gaze, Commodus approaches him and stabs him in the side. He then orders the wound covered up, so that nobody can see that he is fighting an injured opponent.
In my mind, this perfectly encapsulates the struggle between so-called “apostates” and the Watch Tower Society. We are fighting opponents who have no basic decency, and who will stop at nothing to gain victory – even if it means resorting to lies, vicious insults, and the concealing of information from their own people.
Regardless of this, I personally view it as almost inevitable that the real “truth” will triumph in the end. It is always easier to fight a war of information when the facts are on your side. It may take years, it may take decades, with those like me and Paul Grundy fighting with a “wounded side” so-to-speak. However, eventually the lies and half-truths will catch up with the Society and it will be forced to admit defeat. In the meantime, they can throw as many insults at us as they want. It makes no difference – it only strengthens our case against them. To coin the words of another fictional movie hero, “they will never take our freedom!”







Further reading…
◾Governing Body breaks its own name-calling rules in “human apostates” Convention talk
Related videos…




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48 Responses to Secrecy and deception: Watchtower fights dirty in its war against “apostates”

 alan says:

 February 23, 2013 at 4:30 am

Once again another great article Cedars. I was exactly like you a few years ago when I first started having doubts. I was terrified of reading anything that spoke against the society. Thankfully like you I finally had the courage to check things for myself, exactly as the bible tells us we should. It is so obvious to anyone who is not biased that the society do all they can to stop the real truth from coming out. As you say, most anti witness writers tells us to look at both sides rather than just what the society say. Whenever I speak to witnesses I always whenever possible, quote the societies own words. That is the only way a witness will accept what is said. Any other quotes etc will be rejected as false by a witness, but they can hardly say the societies words are false when it can be so easily checked, both online and in the publications.
 Let’s hope many current witnesses will read your article and check for themselves if you speak the truth or not.
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 Julia says:

 February 23, 2013 at 7:02 am

Wow! This article is jaw-dropping. Thank you for this important expose!
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 Hakizimana Jean de Dieu says:

 February 23, 2013 at 7:53 am

What a wonderful article! “they will never take our freedom!”. Now I am free to share with you this, Cedars! are you aware of it? I mean the article ” At Which Table Are You Feeding?”. Under subheading “Beware of the Poisonous Food on the Table of Demons” you will find these provocative words, THE WTS referring to “APOSTATES”. The words are: “They seem inoculated with madness, Satanic hydrophobia [rabies]. Some of them smite us and then claim that we did the smiting. They are ready to say and write contemptible falsities and to stoop to do meanness.” (w94 7/1 p. 12 par. 11).
 A thinking normal person will absolutely share your BELIEF that the real “truth” will triumph in the end!!!!!
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 Cedars says:

 February 23, 2013 at 7:57 am

Thanks Hakizimana. That is a truly remarkable quote you’ve brought to my attention. Ironically, those appear to be the words of none other than C. T. Russell himself – a man who, if somehow brought back to life today, would be disfellowshipped for apostasy if he failed to accept the Society’s latest teachings!
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 Julia Orwell says:

 February 25, 2013 at 12:45 am

Nutbags!
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 Helen L. Gauthier says:

 February 23, 2013 at 8:51 am

When i got involved with the witnesses in Oct 1974, i wished i had paid attention to all the apostates that were stocking the conventions instead of hissing at them. It would have saved me many years of aggravation from there controlling borg. My research and studies in my two levels of my Shamanism Apprentice programs doing journey work I discovered with my teacher that jehovah god is a demented alien. i share this on exjws posting sites.
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 KtotheRAD "Konrad" says:

 February 23, 2013 at 8:56 am

All anyone has to do, and I really encourage is go back to the Jehovah’s Witness forum on topix.com and follow the posts of FH Chandler who is the brutally cruel “cleanup man” for the Society on that forum…His tactics to mitigate liability and discredit anyone are not reserved or restrained in the slightest and are criminal…He will and has openly advocated child rape and abuse to support and vindicate JW abusers and defend them while suppress and slander any who dare speak out ..they (his tactics) involve among many, the use of hacking and spy ware, criminal abuse and stalking/trolling both on and off that forum and behaviour that has been reported to the Federal authorities in the US and Australia and who knows where else… other such operatives have been encountered elsewhere on other sites…
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 Quendi says:

 February 23, 2013 at 9:58 am

I really appreciate all the hard work that went into this monograph, my friend. I was a loyal Witness for more than thirty years, even striving for reinstatement after being disfellowshipped. I finally woke up thanks to the efforts and research of a good friend who once was an elder. After his sudden death, I decided to never have anything to do with this cult again. Websites like yours and Paul Grundy’s have enabled me to keep on course in my own spiritual journey.
Keep up the good work. You are helping many others to see that there are healthy and viable alternatives to the Society’s twisted and perverted thinking. Honest inquirers can reclaim both their God-given consciences and powers of reason if they are willing to put aside fear and hysteria. It takes courage to do so, but the rewards make it all worth while.
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 John Hoyle says:

 February 23, 2013 at 11:39 am

Another well-written article, Cedars. As you clearly point out, there are at least two sides to every disagreement. Whether it be politics, religion or science, those who present clearly documented facts and sound logic will usually win the day. Websites like Paul Grundy’s JWFacts.com and Barbara Anderson’s WatchtowerDocuments.com – along with a few other notable sites – are valuable resources to those who are actually looking for the truth. They are 180 degrees from the faulty resources used by the Watchtower Society and its writing staff.
It’s not a stretch to imagine the Governing Body telling the editorial staff supervising the writers to, “Find something – anything – secular to support this new position we are taking!” I am often amazed to see the Watchtower using quotes from encyclopedias, outdated history books, and even discredited articles from several decades old scientific magazines. The one thing they rarely do is quote from their own older publications anytime before 1980.
It’s interesting that even the new version of JW.org, the Society’s “official website,” only provides access to Watchtowers and Awake! magazines back to 2000. That alone speaks volumes about the credibility of their writing staff.
This article should be shared with anyone with any interest at all in becoming a JW. Thanks again for taking the time to do it right.
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 AssumeNothing says:

 February 23, 2013 at 12:30 pm

“If the truth is so cut-and-dried, should it not stand up to the closest possible scrutiny?”
This. This. A billion times this.
Awesome write up.
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 FutureMan says:

 February 23, 2013 at 4:52 pm

Cedars that is a good article you have written here which should be much food for thought for those who do read it.
And unfortunately the Watchtower Society “does not” want it’s members to think outside the “spiritual box” that it has created for it’s members over that last 120 years or so of it’s existence.
And it is very sad for those who belong to Jehovah’s Witnesses because there individual enlightenment is very much dependent on what the organization presents to them in the form of spiritual food and “increasing light” as they now term it.
Jesus gave us “all” the “spirit of truth” for a reason, and that is so we can all individually learn the truth about God and what he does really expect of us as human sons of him, with eternal life in view.
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 Helen L. Gauthier says:

 February 23, 2013 at 4:59 pm

Please cancel my signing up , way too many emails
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 Cedars says:

 February 24, 2013 at 1:39 am

Thanks Helen, I’ll try and get your email address removed.
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 KtotheRAD "Konrad" says:

 February 23, 2013 at 5:40 pm

@ Helen L. Gauthier ~ Not that important huh? Or at least anymore? *shrug*
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 Willows says:

 February 23, 2013 at 9:19 pm

A well reasoned article Cedars, people need to be informed. An informed person can make a balanced decision.
 The Watchtower are doing themselves a disservice. In that they
 fail a vital mental attitude in debating. Never…, never abuse verbally those opposing your viewpoint. It’s a bully tactic, that to a seasoned debater shows they have run out of steam, failing to agree with reason.
On the 22nd day of September, AD. 1862 The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by the President of the United States Abraham Lincoln. In part to quote…”That on the 1st day of January, AD. 1863, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States shall be then, henceforward, and forever free, and the executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom.” ………………..
……………….” And by virtue of the power and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States and parts of States are, and henceforth shall be, free; and that the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons. ”
… ” And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted by the Constitution upon military necessity, I invoke the considerate judgement of mankind and the gracious favor of Almighty God. ”
The end to slavery was heralded as a great victory for the equality of all mankind. Today organizations have no right to hold in slavery the minds of their members. They should be free to leave without obstruction or abuse, based on the principles of the Bible and the Constitution. As Lincoln said..” I invoke the considerate judgement of mankind and the gracious favor of Almighty God.”
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 Denis says:

 February 24, 2013 at 8:49 pm

Tanks Cedars. I alws anticipate ur enlightening posts. Wot pains me most is seeing hundreds of people still roam the streets with bags claiming to be representing the only organisation of truths while been fed with so much lies from the society. Most of them dont even preach wot dey teach. Oh God, why so long?
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 Frank says:

 February 24, 2013 at 11:46 pm

Cedars: “Regardless of this, I personally view it as almost inevitable that the real “truth” will triumph in the end. It is always easier to fight a war of information when the facts are on your side…”
There is a saying: “All things must pass.” There is nothing eternal in the material universe – not even solipsistic religions.
I have a book (one for WTBTS book-burning?) called Cults – Secret Sects and Radical Religions, by Robert Schroeder. It says on page 107: “(J F Rutherford) and other members were arrested during World War I and charged with sedition because of his pacifist stance against priests who were supporting the USA’s involvement in the war.”
I once had downloaded a scanned pdf copy of an actual paper-cutting that reported this very incident mentioned above. Do you think I can find it anywhere now on the Internet? I wonder why that is?
If anyone can find the cutting again and post a URL on this site I would be very grateful.
Frank V
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 Julia Orwell says:

 February 25, 2013 at 12:43 am

So many ‘awakening’ stories parallel my own. I also must give credit to Mr Grundy’s site, because he is not a hate monger like the WT always said ‘apostates’ were. And the fact he is my own countryman too, and I used to know his father…yes, he’s not a bitter, twisted crack pot, but just lays the facts out. People like Mr Grundy and you, Cedars, systematise knowledge so we who’ve had our brains addled by WT propaganda can connect the dots better. Thanks to you!
“If the truth is so cut-and-dried, should it not stand up to the closest possible scrutiny?”
I’ve thought that for years. If someone tells you Santa is real, you laugh because it’s preposterous. So if someone told me the ‘truth’ was bunk, I’d laugh if there was no evidence. But the ‘truth’ is bunk, and there’s evidence within the WT publications themselves.
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 DB says:

 February 25, 2013 at 2:16 am

Another article that sums it all up perfectly. It may take a long time but I agree that, gradually, the WTS will be held accountable for all the lives it has ruined and continues to ruin. All cults basically start with one arrogant, ignorant person who thinks they know better than everyone else, and unfortunately, are very good at convincing others that they are right. In a way, Russell himself could be considered a victim, as he himself was taught by another cult – The Seventh Day Adventists. The same pattern is repeated with all the other cults too. An endless cycle: Cults beget cults. Instead of admitting they are wrong, they just dig their holes deeper… and deeper… and deeper…
This article reminds me of yet another contradiction regarding the sources the WTS deceptively quotes from. According to the WTS all outsiders are “deceived by Satan”, so what are they doing quoting from all the experts outside the WTS, who agree with almost nothing the WTS teaches in the first place? As outsiders, these experts are supposedly “deceived by Satan”, so by Watchtower logic, nothing they say can be trusted… I wonder what the writers the WTS employ are actually thinking as they do their “research”. Are they actually “believers” too? Their writing department must surely have a high turnover rate if they actually read what experts outside the WTS write. I doubt that they can use most material, as it contradicts what the WTS teaches, hence the need to misquote and lazily rehash old material all the time. The WTS reminds me of one of those children’s toys where the child has to put matching shapes through matching holes, but instead the child keeps trying to ram the wrong shape into the wrong hole – forcing it to fit is the same approach the WTS takes to research.
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 Hakizimana Jean de Dieu says:

 February 25, 2013 at 8:33 am

Cedars! Thank you very much for the article! Thanks to your efforts, the Finished Mystery book is now my hands! I have just skimmed it and cannot believe my eyes!! THE Watch Tower Society HAS PERFORMED THE GREATEST MIRACLES OF ALL AGES: CHANGING SATAN INTO JESUS IN LESS THAN A CENTURY!!! What a miracle!!
the Finished Mystery says, on page 217, that Abaddon, the Destroyer, Apollyon in the Greek is “a bad one,” referring to 2 Cor. 4:4. It says In plain English his name is Satan, the Devil. The book continues “As a means for preventing people from seeing the Truth, Methodism has been as efficient as any of the five systems previously described, or any that follow. All have been sadly misled and deceived by our great and wily Adversary; “Taken captive by him at his will”— 2 Tim. 2:26.”
Take just a few minutes and have a look in the book “Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand!”. On page 148 paragraph 20 you read “Rather than announce the incoming Kingdom of God, Christendom’s clergy have chosen to remain with Satan’s world. They want no part with the locust band and their King, concerning whom John now observes: “They have over them a king, the angel of the abyss. In Hebrew his name is Abaddon [meaning “Destruction”], but in Greek he has the name Apollyon [meaning “Destroyer”].” (Revelation 9:11) As “angel of the abyss” and “Destroyer,” Jesus had truly released a plaguing woe on Christendom. But more is to follow!”
Here is the summarized miracle is, from the “the Finished Mystery” to the “Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand!”
1) SATAN became JESUS
 2) METHODISTS became JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
 3) Methodism WAS the first woe and TODAY, the First Woe IS the Watch Tower!
Pictures have also changed to convey the ideas of the “New light”! What a miracle! I can’t believe the “new light” could transform SATAN INTO JESUS so easily and, in less than 100 years!!
When we celebrate 100 year anniversary of the Watch Tower Society declaration: “The Gentile Times have ended.” October 2nd, 2014 (see w07 11/1 p. 24), I hope we celebrate this WONDER, this MIRACLE, too!
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 messenger4truth says:

 February 25, 2013 at 10:42 am

It was JWfacts.com that helped me see that the WT.org was fake.
 And that Jehovah and Jesus are the same person.
 Making it far more easier in my mind that I did do the best thing
 leaving such a cult as the Watchtower.
I also recently find that David Ickes investigations with help of
 his friends, who shows that that the mormons and JWs, belong to
 a segment of the illuminati. Though there are one or two things I do disagree entirely with him on that show signs off madness to believe. Out of ignorance that such ideas have not been ‘proven’ yet. However, his 2012 wembley (youtube) tour showed how all these cults are working together to bring its members under mind control thats seems to be ‘freedom’ yet it is not but complete lies and deception. But secretly all under a pyramid state of control that also controls banking and politics.
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 WildeLover says:

 February 25, 2013 at 3:14 pm

Incredibly well written! it makes me so angry to think I was blinded for so long. Better late than never!
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 Aunt Fancy says:

 February 25, 2013 at 11:01 pm

Thanks again Cedars! I felt the same way you did when I saw so much nonscense and I started to do my research. I remember I bought a book on Kindle and I shook when I started to read it, talk about control and being brainwashed!! I find your articles very interesting and always look forward to receiving the latest information. It is very much appreciated.
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 mokihermida says:

 February 28, 2013 at 11:37 pm

What i have learned Biblically i consider to be the truth,
 some people that just need to leave do so bashing everything associated with the society.
Basically you can do the same with different areas of your life, pick apart your parents and blame them for they’re rules and policy
I don’t believe blindly in everything they say.
 i don’t do that for anyone no matter what they like to call themselves.
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 DB says:

 March 1, 2013 at 3:11 am

Good for you Mokihermida!
Seeing as you don’t follow anyone blindly, I presume your biblical research has shown you that core Watchtower concepts such as “paradise earth”, “Jesus being the Archangel Michael”, “Shunning”, “1914”, “No blood transfusions”, “Apostates” and “144,000” (among many others) are all completely unbiblical. Surely all these “truths” don’t come from the Bible, but instead are biased ideas given to you second-hand from WTS books? Glad you can see that.
Reply
 

 rickisteel says:

 March 8, 2013 at 5:58 am

You are just the same you only publish what promotes and furthers your interests and shun those who disagree with you how are you any better than the watchtower ? I know you wont post this but i know you will have read it
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 March 24, 2013 at 4:17 am

So you’re suggesting I should publish things I don’t agree with? That’s madness by anyone’s standards. Of course I am going to write what I think, and whether people agree with it or not is up to them.
As for shunning those who disagree with me, I don’t see it that way at all. Anyone is entitled to use the comments section to disagree with me so long as their comments are factually-based and respectful. Those who knowingly misrepresent the facts or are disrespectful or abusive to either myself or other posters won’t be welcome on this site.
I fail to see how I can be compared to Watchtower when I allow reasoned debate of my articles and show both sides of the story by incorporating information straight from Watchtower publications. When was the last time you saw a quote from JWsurvey in the Watchtower?
Reply
 
 

 Elijahovah says:

 March 10, 2013 at 9:49 am

Hollywood and theatre and drama has total power and total control on what they want you to think. They brain-wash, they indoctrinate in movies like any church or state does. THEN if you are free to fight in a public arena, and no one ties you down. Take the cover off the wound that everyone should see it. The concept of fighting with a wound and looking like a loser is your own fault for not unveiling a wound they gave you. Show the wound and shout out they have wounded me so i lose, do you now watch the fight against this wounded man. Of course, the world of Satan is in JW Halls just like in all of YOU, because the reply is Oh poor baby, youre wounded, should we care, should we cry.
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 March 10, 2013 at 11:45 am

Sorry Elijahovah but I don’t even see anything resembling a logical argument in this comment that I can respond to. All I see is desperation and vitriol. It isn’t easy springing to the defence of an organization that is lying to you, is it.
Reply
 
 

 Lane Yarbrough says:

 March 11, 2013 at 4:00 pm


accurate information
Is subjective, based on seven men, who most JWs have no idea who they are. Yes, they rely on Caller I.D., but eat up “new information” from seven unknowns.
I lived through the 68/74 Armageddon scare, an not the first time the “end” has been predicted. In their bible.
Mark 13:32
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
This is FALSE WITNESSING: How can any witness be blind to this, it’s one of the 6 things their God hates and calls and abomination.
Proverbs 6:16/19
There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him:
 haughty eyes,
 a lying tongue,
 hands that shed innocent blood,
 a heart that devises wicked plans,
 feet that make haste to run to evil,
 a false witness who breathes out lies,
 one who sows discord among brothers.
I knew this when I was 12, and shut my brain against them. I was doing exactly what the bible instructed me to. I don’t understand why an adult can’t.
Reply
 

 les says:

 March 18, 2013 at 3:33 am

i dont know what to think im totally confused and by the way cedars no offence meant im having a nervous breakdown and alcohol issues and the memorial is approaching and the elders are visiting etc
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 March 18, 2013 at 4:01 am

Hello les. I’m sorry you’re having a hard time. Some of the information on this website can come as a shock, and it can be difficult to process. If you are having a nervous breakdown and alcohol issues, you really should seek professional help if at all possible. I hope the elder’s visit isn’t too stressful for you. Remember, you don’t have to tell them anything – just what they want to hear. These men are not appointed by holy spirit and are effectively just line managers for a corporation. They have no power or authority over you. I should know, I was one.
Reply
 
 

 Hal Gerber says:

 March 18, 2013 at 8:15 am

Here goes: I wonder why all the hype or concern about being rejected, shunned, expelled or dis-fellowship by the J.W.’s aka WTBTS? Why would any person care what that malicious Satanic cult thinks? They are sides to everything in the universe, for every push there is an opposite e.g. a ‘a pull’. The light bulb is either on or off. Good or bad. Their is electricity or their is no electrcity. Hope your getting my point so far.
 Have you ever wondered if and who the Jevovah Witnesses are really following? Could it be Satan himself? If you with Satan only negative things come out of the matter; your actually ‘CURSED”. If you worship or follow the true God of the universe, well then, your “BLESSED” and only good things or manifications will come your way.
 My physical parents and sisters have been staunch Jehovah’s Witnesses for decades.
 They are ‘cursed’ or don’t have God’s ;blessings’ for their intregity or loyalty. I’ll now prove my theory:
 My father was an elder. After giving the concluding prayer at the Kingdom Hall, he was filled with Jehovah’s “blessing’, sat down and immediately had a fatal stroke.
 My eldest sister was a pioneer with her husband. Her husband hadjust left the meeting at the Kingdom hall, driven about a block on his moped, and was hit by a car and instantly decapitate. He too was ‘blessed’ by Jehovah’s spirit as he had just attended a worship meeting.
 My same sister, still “blessed” has since been married 3 times and suffered 2 mis-carriages.
 My youngest sister, also an adamant J.W. has gone through 2 unsuccessful marriage to 2 high -profile Jehovah’s Wtnesses.
 So were they truly “blessed’ or were they “cursed”. They were attached or worshipping the wrong identity or God of this universe.
 It says somewhere Satan comes & masquerades himself as an angel of light to deceive and turn people away from the true God.
 Myself, l’ve turned myself away from the WTBTS or Jehovah’s Witnesses; and my life has gotton better and l’m happy once again, free from that malicious dangerous cult.
 Thankyou. Harold Gerber
Reply
 

 rickisteel says:

 March 20, 2013 at 11:16 am

Thanks for bothering x
Reply
 

 rickisteel says:

 March 23, 2013 at 6:04 am

Im sorry john
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 March 24, 2013 at 4:18 am

It’s ok!
Reply
 
 

 thinkinghard says:

 April 12, 2013 at 6:47 am

I’m thinking about all I have read on your site over the last two days and I’m feeling so mixed up. I thought it was bad enough to be in a disassociated state but now i’m going to be apostate too?! I can’t help but see the truth in what you have said. I just don’t know what the alternative is…and that isn’t an invitation for everybody to dump unscriptural beliefs on me.
Reply
 
 Hal Gerber says:

 April 12, 2013 at 8:28 am

See, that organization ‘punishes’ you for rejecting and leaving them. I worship the Lord out of love and free choice, not out of ‘fear or manipulation.” Be happy your ‘free’ and not waisting any more of your precious life with that organization.
Reply
 
 

 Fred Hall says:

 April 21, 2013 at 4:19 am

All
Here is what funny. You apostates argue about 607 and 587 and try to argue about it. You all refer to historians and astronomers; etc in order to prove your case, yet the historians and astronomers cannot agree among themselves!!
Reply
 

 Jen says:

 April 21, 2013 at 10:42 am

@Fred Hall:
 This book is reportedly a good one:
“The Bible Unearthed: Archaeology’s New Vision of Ancient Israel and the Origin of Its Sacred Texts”. The authors are Silberman and Finkelstein.
Reply
 

 KtotheRAD "Konrad" says:

 April 21, 2013 at 1:50 pm

“Here is what funny” and “You apostates” is funny to you Fred?
 That’s all you can find to make an issue out of?
All of the brutal crimes and violence and Rights violations that are perpetrated throughout that organization to which I personally have been both victim and witness for close to 30 years and are attested across this forum and the Internet and THIS is why people on HERE are “apostates” and “funny” to you?
This is the only topic you can find contention with Fred?
 Why aren’t you out in Field Service?
Reply
 

 John says:

 June 19, 2013 at 9:36 am

Acts 17:11 tells us “These(Boreans) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” The Bible also tells us to keep testing our faith as to if it’s right or wrong. So if Gods Holy Bible tells us to keep checking our faith in relation to him and what we believe to be right then why would a organization of men(WTBS) have to hide behind a iron curtain and not alow their followers to read(including their own previous publications), see or hear anything that would disprove there own doctrines? Because they would be exposed for what they really are. THIS IS THE ONLY REASON AND GOES CONTRARY TO GODS WORD. So this man made, not spirit directed evil slave class puts themselves above Gods own written word. This is outright Blasphemy( A contemptuous or profane act, utterance, or writing concerning God or a sacred entity.
 b. The act of claiming for oneself the attributes and rights of God)
 They put themselves above God and men in proclaiming what they believe to be true but will not alow their own followers to test the validity of their words. I had a conversation with a young person who has a father that was a elder regarding many doctrines and the asserting of 1975 to be at the onset of the 1,000 yr rule of Jesus Christ as eluded to in the pages of the watchtower and awake back in the late 60’s and early 70’s. I caused quite a stir with me just asking the questions of why they keep predicitng false dates about the time of the end. Then it really hit me when i was told i had been reading watchtowers that were made by false apostates and were distributed among the people in the kingdom hall. I nearly fell over as i proceeded to ask them for their own personal Watchtower Disc of bound volumes and proceeded to show them what they actually said was coming from the Governing Body of JW’s and not some subverts who were publishing their own watchtowers. At this point i do find it kind of ironic that the JW’s produce a watchtower for them and one for the public. Does this sound like Gods annointed slave and that he would want us to have all of the “Meat” and just not some of it? Hardly Not! Or like” Sheparding the Flock of God” book what are you trying to hide? Wouldn’t your followers be better served knowing how they were going to be dealt with when it came to Elder matter’s? If you went to a doctor who by the way is imperfect and he or she told you that you had 6 month’s to live so go live it up. Would you not seek a second opinion or perhaps alternative treatment that might extend your life or would you put all your faith and hope in that one Doctor that this was all true? Better yet do you think if you got a second opinion and it was a mis-diagnosis that it would be a good idea to let the first Doctor know so that other people he diagnosed might not be mis-informed as well? If the Doctor threw you out of his office after imforming him of your findings i’m sure you would not recommend him or give him a second chance because of his attitude. So it goes with the WTBS that they self proclaim themselves as the Grand spiritual Slave who gives limited spiritual food in it’s time when it fit’s their cause and the furthering of their billion dollar enterprise. So it’s no wonder they don’t want their follower’s to read,hear,see anything that would disprove their own findings on scriptual matter. The time of the end has come for this self propheting man made religion. My son told me 6 yrs ago that the downfall of the JW’s would be by the information super highway known to us as the internet. How ironic that he actually works for the x cio of Google Now. While many remain staunch advocates of there doctrines and decree’s that are in direct conflict to God’s word it just goes to show how deeply brainwashed a person could be. If you walk around with the i’m always right attitude then you will never learn the real truth about thing’s. To there death they will go believeing in the Great lie and lies they Publish about God’s own word the Bible. Just like a former governing body member of the 80’s said in his books that most of what was decided on as policy didn’t really have to do with scripture to begin with. No doubt he felt Guilty writing such stuff and wrote over 1200 pages to possibly reverse the bad that already had been done including the loss of life. How very sad for all that they just can’t see past their noses and wake up to reality. It is my hope that many more JW’s or those thinking about getting involved will test that faith to see if it really hold’s up to God’s word the Bible. Keep on the watch as the end is near for the WTBS.
Reply
 

 FutureMan says:

 July 20, 2013 at 10:53 pm

Fred Hall said :
 (Quote)
“Here is what funny. You apostates argue about 607 and 587 and try to argue about it. You all refer to historians and astronomers; etc in order to prove your case, yet the historians and astronomers cannot agree among themselves!!(End of quote)
Maybe it would be an eye opener to listen in on one of the Governing body members meetings when they come together to decide on doctrinal matters or interpretation of prophecy.
 You do not need to go far to do this just read the writings of a so-called apostate who was a governing body member and on the writing committee as well.
 Yes go on read it.
 It is entitled “Crisis of conscience”.
Perhaps after reading this particular book written by an ex-governing body member, you might come to a different conclusion.
Reply
 

 Aman Ofgod says:

 August 21, 2013 at 2:46 pm

Do you really think that satan would really fight clean? lol come on brother cedar.
Reply
 

 Brian says:

 December 13, 2013 at 3:51 pm

Some interesting info there dude i like yourself am very cautious because as you say were supposed to wary of apostates however when you look up the meaning it just means those that have left there former belief correct me if I’m wrong but that pretty much applies to almost every JW if you left your former church and speak out against it e.g. Catholic which i was then i automatically became an apostate. I personally think Apostate is the wrong word to use because it seems to have the emphasis on someone really evil. Considering Bro Russel himself left the Adventists would that no also based on the Dictionary meaning make him an apostate ? Recently i wrote to the local body of elders i reported bullying and racism they met with me and have done nothing sense i also wrote to the CO who again checked things out and reportedly told me “how all the brothers love Me” if that was true i wouldn’t of written the letter , i then ring up Brooklyn Bethel world headquarters spoke to some nameless person (they’ll never give out there names) i described how the CO had decided how everything was ok i proceeded to say how he wouldn’t know the facts because he is given the Red carpet treatment showered with lots of love so of course he can’t see a thing, the anonymous brother proceeds to tell me “i don’t believe you and i have to end this conversation” amazing such love huh. Again i’m seeking the truth i’ve always tried to speak truth what i said to the elders and the CO plus Service dept in Bethel was the total truth yet i’m branded a Slander , Apostate. very interesting indeed so yeah I’m kind of in a whole world of confusion right now
Reply
 

 Caminante says:

 January 7, 2014 at 6:57 pm

Definitely, one of my favorite articles on JWsurvey!
RO version here: http://martorii-lui-iehova.ro/2013/10/05/discretie-amagitoare-tactici-murdare/
Reply
 

 Jerry O Connor says:

 July 1, 2014 at 12:41 pm

John, a brilliant use of watchtowers own publications to show how many lies they tell. As an ex JW and being free to use my intellect it is so easy to see the lengths they go to. They sink to abysmal depths by calling us mentally diseased. The lie is so big that they dare not admit it. Can you imagine the reaction if they were found out? They terrify the foot soldiers of watchtowers organization with dire warnings to avoid “apostates”. This word really scares them and that is why it is abused, not used. We are slowly but surely eroding the once monolithic watchtower. By removing my family they were sure that they had taken all. Not true, I am a sentient being capable of deciding what is best for me. The boys in Brooklyn no longer pull my strings and boy am I glad. Stay strong John so many need to see the lies behind the “truth”
Reply
 

 ENLIGHTENED says:

 December 31, 2014 at 9:55 am

I have a copy of the 1917 Finished Mystery, Vol. 7. I have a huge library of older JW books, the original bound volumes, etc. I have no idea what to do with them, as we are seniors now and downsizing. Any suggestions appreciated.. I have Vol. 4 “Battle of Armageddon” dated 1913, also 1908 version of Vol. 2, “The time is at Hand”…a long typed list of my library is available.
Reply
 

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Secrecy and deception: Watchtower fights dirty in its war against “apostates”
avatar
Posted on February 23, 2013

The Watchtower uses secrecy, deception, and even hate speech in its battle against those who dare to oppose it

Jehovah’s Witnesses are conditioned to fear and distrust any information on the internet that scrutinizes the Watch Tower Society in a critical or objective manner. For years I was gripped by such paranoia, and the very thought of venturing onto a so-called “apostate” website put a knot in my stomach.
It was only when, some time in 2011, I summoned the audacity to sit down and write a list of nine “grievances” against the Society and its teachings that something clicked inside me. Once I saw all my doubts and uncertainties unravelling before me on a sheet of paper I began to conclude that, most likely, the Society wasn’t giving me the full story. If it was just one or two questionable doctrines or practices, that would be one thing. But nine? In a religion I had dedicated my life to serving alongside as God’s spirit-directed organization? Something wasn’t right.
It was then that something unthinkable happened. I consciously “gave myself permission” to violate the Society’s rules on apostate websites. Tentatively, and with overwhelming feelings of guilt and anxiety, I started searching on websites such as JWfacts.com to see what critics of the Watchtower had to say. Sure enough, my worst fears were confirmed. It soon became apparent that my grievances weren’t only justified – they were just the tip of the iceberg. The more it became clear that I had been lied to for decades, the more my feelings of trepidation and anxiety morphed into a strong sense of anger and betrayal.
Surprising Openness and Transparency
One of the things that immediately impressed me about the information presented on JWfacts.com was the way the writer (Paul Grundy) had researched everything and clearly bent over backwards to supply quotes from the Society’s own literature to support his conclusions.
JWfacts.com is an excellent source of accurate information about the Society, with logical analysis of its teachings

This went against the grain of what I had been trained to expect from an “apostate” website. After all, aren’t apostates supposed to be liars who seek to draw off followers after themselves? So why would one go to the trouble of quoting from the Society in making his argument if everything the Society writes is true and incontrovertible? Surely, as an evil conniving apostate slanderer, Grundy should be directing me away from the Society’s publications, rather than urging me to read them?
Still quite skeptical from my indoctrination, I thought I should check the quotes being used by Grundy in his articles to see whether they had been twisted in any way. If I found so much as a comma out of place, I would reject the whole thing as an elaborate hoax. However, sure enough, when I cross-checked the quotes on JWfacts.com, I found that each and every one was word-for-word accurate. Paul Grundy wasn’t trying to pull the wool over my eyes. He was proving his arguments and supporting his reasoning using the Society’s own publications.
A difference in tactics
This is where something immediately becomes noticeable, and highlights the sharp contrast between the strategies of two warring factions – the Watch Tower Society at one end of the battlefield, and their “apostate” foes at the other.
On the one hand, you have the Society who will ONLY let you look at information that they have approved. On the other, you have websites such as JWfacts.com (not to mention this one) that will happily show you BOTH sides of the argument. My illustration below highlights this disparity…


The above should immediately raise a red flag for any thinking Witnesses who wonder whether the Society is truly being honest and transparent with them. So-called “apostate” websites want you to read both sides of the argument, but the Society only wants you to hear their side – and pretend their opponents don’t exist. But why should it be that way? If the truth is so cut-and-dried, should it not stand up to the closest possible scrutiny? Just what are they so desperately trying to hide?
Vilification and mud-slinging
The following quotes underscore the voracity with which the Society has poured scorn on those it classes as “apostate” over the last few decades, not to mention its clever insistence that Witnesses should not even check to see whether the writings of former believers (whether in books or online) are based on truth…

“Noticeably, there have been a number of individuals who have created Web sites ostensibly to preach the good news. Many of these sites are sponsored by indiscreet brothers. Other sites may be sponsored by apostates who wish to lure unsuspecting ones. (2 John 9-11) Commenting on whether there is a need for our brothers to create such Web sites, Our Kingdom Ministry, November 1997, page 3, stated: ‘There is no need for any individual to prepare Internet pages about Jehovah’s Witnesses, our activities, or our beliefs. Our official site [www.watchtower.org] presents accurate information for any who want it.‘” – km 11/99 pp.4-5 par. 18
“Interestingly, a circuit overseer in France observes: ‘Some brothers are deceived because they lack accurate knowledge.’ That is why Proverbs 11:9 states: ‘By knowledge are the righteous rescued.’ This does not mean giving apostates a hearing ear or delving into their writings. Rather, it means coming to ‘an accurate knowledge of the sacred secret of God’ through diligent personal study of the Bible and the Society’s Bible-based publications. Having this accurate knowledge, who would become so curious as to pay any attention to apostate mouthings? May no man ‘delude you with persuasive arguments’! (Colossians 2:2-4) False religious propaganda from any source should be avoided like poison! Really, since our Lord has used ‘the faithful and discreet slave’ to convey to us ‘sayings of everlasting life,’ why should we ever want to look anywhere else?—John 6:68.” – w87 11/1 p.20 par. 16
“The obligation to hate lawlessness also applies to all activity by apostates. Our attitude toward apostates should be that of David, who declared: ‘Do I not hate those who are intensely hating you, O Jehovah, and do I not feel a loathing for those revolting against you? With a complete hatred I do hate them. They have become to me real enemies.’ (Psalm 139:21, 22) Modern-day apostates have made common cause with ‘the man of lawlessness,’ the clergy of Christendom. (2 Thessalonians 2:3) As loyal Witnesses of Jehovah, we therefore have absolutely nothing in common with them. Being imperfect, our hearts could easily have a tendency toward being critical of our brothers. As individuals, those of ‘the faithful and discreet slave’ are imperfect humans. (Matthew 24:45-47) But this class is faithful and discreet. Apostates capitalize on errors or seeming mistakes made by brothers who take the lead. Our safety lies in avoiding apostate propaganda as though it were poison, which in fact it is.—Romans 16:17, 18.” – w92 7/15 pp.12-13 par. 19
“Wise King Solomon wrote: ‘Take a warning: To the making of many books there is no end, and much devotion to them is wearisome to the flesh.’ (Ecclesiastes 12:12) One might add that the reading of many books published today is not only wearisome to the flesh but, frankly, dangerous to the mind.” – w00 10/1 p. 10 par. 9
“Apostates too speak valueless words, claiming to have greater wisdom than the appointed ‘faithful and discreet slave.’ (Matt. 24:45-47) However, apostates speak their own wisdom, and their words are valueless, a stumbling block to any who might listen.” – w08 4/15 p.6 par.17
“Yes, to all who are faithfully and loyally enduring in the Christian way, we are sure that Jehovah’s truth is still beautiful, satisfying—even more so than when they first heard it. Therefore, resolve in your heart that you will never even touch the poison that apostates want you to sip. Heed the wise but firm commands of Jehovah to avoid completely those who would deceive you, mislead you, turn you aside into the ways of death. If we love Jehovah with our whole heart, soul, and mind, while loving our neighbor as we love ourselves, we will leave no room for penetration by apostate thinking. (Matthew 22:37-39) We will not ‘allow place for the Devil’ and will have no desire to look elsewhere. We will not ‘be quickly shaken from our reason’ by some counterfeit teaching.—2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2.” – w86 3/15 p. 20 par. 18
“The talk ‘Guard Against Deception’ showed that we wisely treat as poison the distortions, half-truths, and outright falsehoods propagated by apostates.” – w03 1/15 p.23
It’s difficult for even the most hardened Witness to read the above quotes without feeling at least a tinge of embarrassment at the abject hatred and venom directed by the Society toward those who dare to contradict its teachings. In falsely misrepresenting apostates as those who must automatically “hate Jehovah,” the Society deliberately neglects to acknowledge that, in order to be an apostate, all you need to do is think differently to the organization. As discussed in a previous article, it doesn’t matter whether you love Jehovah and Jesus. If you disagree with even ONE of the Society’s teachings, you are, by their thinking, an apostate.
In stark contrast to such mud-slinging, sites such as JWfacts.com demonstrate nothing but love and respect for those who choose to believe the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The following quote from the homepage of JWfacts is typical of the tolerance displayed on that website…

“Being a Jehovah’s Witness has benefited many lives, as following Christian standards on morality and love can be beneficial. There is no attempt here to point the finger at any individual, as in general Jehovah’s Witnesses sincerely believe they are doing what is right and are genuinely nice people.”
The following email from a visitor to that website highlights that the information is based on Watchtower publications rather than being written in a way that attempts to hide or misrepresent the Society’s words…

“Your writing is the first JW material I have read, pro or con, since returning from Bethel. Your amazing collection of work is truly inspired. The true validating point for me is your use of the Watchtower publications own information as your predominating resource.” (Emails from readers)
There is even an offer on the part of the writer, Paul Grundy, for readers to email him if they spot anything incorrect so that he can fix it…

“The reason for this site is to make it as simple as possible to determine if Jehovah’s Witnesses have “the truth”. I have tried to be accurate in everything contained here. Please email me if there is anything you feel may not be correct.”
Again, it’s difficult to conceive of a more marked contrast with the Society’s publications, which ban you from reading anything contradictory, and do not allow you to point out anything that is false. Of course, no one is stopping you from writing the headquarters to draw attention to some inaccuracy, but when was the last time you saw a full retraction or apology printed in the literature over some doctrinal point?
True, the following “apology” was printed on page 8 of the January 1st 2013 Watchtower (public edition), but take a careful look at the wording…

“HAVE JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES GIVEN INCORRECT DATES FOR THE END?
“Jehovah’s Witnesses have had wrong expectations about when the end would come. Like Jesus’ first-century disciples, we have sometimes looked forward to the fulfillment of prophecy ahead of God’s timetable. (Luke 19:11; Acts 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2) We agree with the sentiment of longtime Witness A. H. Macmillan, who said: ‘I learned that we should admit our mistakes and continue searching God’s Word for more enlightenment.’
“Why, then, do we continue to highlight the nearness of the end? Because we take seriously Jesus’ words: ‘Keep looking, keep awake.’ The alternative, to be found ‘sleeping’ by Jesus, would prevent us from gaining his favor. (Mark 13:33, 36) Why?
“Consider this example: A lookout in a fire tower might see what he thinks is a wisp of smoke on the horizon and sound what proves to be a false alarm. Later, though, his alertness could save lives.
“Likewise, we have had some wrong expectations about the end. But we are more concerned with obeying Jesus and saving lives than with avoiding criticism. Jesus’ command to ‘give a thorough witness’ compels us to warn others about the end.—Acts 10:42. We believe that even more important than focusing on when the end will come, we must be confident that it will come, and we must act accordingly.
“We take seriously the words of Habakkuk 2:3, which says: ‘Even if [the end] should delay [compared to what you thought], keep in expectation of it; for it will without fail come true. It will not be late.'”
You will note that…
1.Nowhere in the above does the Society actually apologise, they merely acknowledge “wrong expectations.”
2.No attempt is made to atone for the consequences of incorrect doctrinal interpretation, i.e. brothers selling their homes and quitting their jobs pre-1975, or those who may be disfellowshipped and shunned for disagreeing with the Society’s narrow interpretations of prophecy.
3.No guarantee is given that they will stop making the same mistakes by printing further wrong interpretations. Rather, they excuse themselves saying they are “more concerned with obeying Jesus and saving lives than with avoiding criticism.” Surely this could be the mantra of ANY Christian denomination. Accuracy and truth are seemingly dispensable so long as, in the view of your church, you are “obeying Jesus.”
“Let him that is without sin cast the first stone”
The above words, attributed to Jesus (but not found in all bibles), perfectly summarize the vain hypocrisy of criticizing others when you are imperfect yourself. The saying is particularly apt when one considers the unrelenting criticism levelled at the internet by the Society regarding how factual it is. Here are three examples…

“There are no limits or checks on the kind of information that is maintained by and accessible to Internet users.” – km 11/99, p. 4 par. 16.
“Do not become an “Internet Eve.” Be critical and suspicious of the information. Before trusting it, ask: (1) Who published this material? What are the author’s credentials? (2) Why was this published? What motivated the writer? Is there any bias? (3) Where did the author get the information? Does he supply sources that can be checked? (4) Is the information current?” – w11 8/15 p.4
“The Writing Department follows the pattern of ‘tracing all things with accuracy.’ But where can reliable information be found? While the Internet is a convenient and quick source of vast amounts of information, our researchers do not rely on blogs or poorly documented Web entries written by unidentified or unqualified persons. For example, Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia, warns that some articles on its own site ‘contain significant misinformation, unencyclopedic content, or vandalism,’ adding that ‘users need to be aware of this.’ Thus, the Writing Department looks to standard reference works, articles written by recognized experts, and books produced by respected publishers.” – 2011 Yearbook, pages 9 and 10.
It is curious that the Society should criticize internet articles for being biased and having “no limits or checks” to ensure accuracy when Watchtower writers themselves are hugely biased towards elevating the organization, and allow nobody to question their assertions – even if these subsequently turn out to be false.
The Society slams websites such as Wikipedia for using unscholarly sources of information when its own writers are anonymous and likely unqualified, and it has been found guilty of misquoting experts

Also, the above Yearbook quote scorns Wikipedia for using references from web entries by “unidentified or unqualified persons.” Obviously, anyone who is familiar with Watchtower publications will know that the writers of doctrinal material are never identified by name, nor are we ever given any assurances of their academic credentials or qualifications. We must simply “trust” that they know what they are talking about. Apparently it is one rule for the internet, another rule for the Watchtower.
Indeed, on reading the above quotes, you would be forgiven for assuming that everything written by the Society is truthful and accurate. However, as already discussed in a previous article, there are numerous examples of deliberate falsehood and deception on the Society’s very own website in the FAQs section of JW.org…
◾In response to the question “Do you feel that you are the only people who will be saved?” the writer begins his answer with “No.” and then proceeds to identify Armageddon survivors as being (apart from JWs): (1) those who lived in the past before JWs existed, and (2) those who will become JWs in the future. Finally the explanation rounds off with a vague “it’s not our job to judge” line of reasoning – but the overall message is clear. If you want to survive annihilation at Armageddon, you’d better become a JW.
◾In response to the question “Are you tolerant of other religions?” the writer responds “We follow the Bible’s advice to ‘respect everyone’ —regardless of their religious beliefs,” adding, “we extend to others the same tolerance that we appreciate receiving from them.” This answer ignores the Society’s labelling of former believers as “mentally diseased” (w11 7/15 p.16) and of their beliefs as “gangrenous” (w13 4/15 p.11). It also conveniently forgets the vilification of the Catholic Church as a part of the “gross fornicatrix” Babylon The Great, or the suggestion that the policy of celibacy in that religion resulted in “not a few” Catholic priests “today contracting AIDS.” If you were a Catholic and read the Revelation Climax book from cover to cover, would you conclude that JWs are tolerant of your beliefs?
◾In response to the question “Do you shun former members of your religion?” the writer deliberately avoids giving a direct answer and goes straight into a description of the precious few instances in which a former believer would not be shunned by his family. The answer is a perfect example of deception by omission, because it fails to acknowledge that those who leave the organization are routinely shunned by family members, irrespective of whether or not they have broken the “Bible’s moral code.” A recent Watchtower article even admonished: “Do not look for excuses to associate with a disfellowshipped family member, for example, through e-mail.” (w13 1/15 p.16) The answer to the FAQ should therefore be an honest and straightforward “yes” – but it isn’t. The reason? The writers are biased, and don’t want to make their religion look bad.
You might be surprised to learn that JW.org is not the only source of misinformation published by the Society. On his website, Paul Grundy has put together an article cataloguing a number of occasions throughout its history where the Society has been caught red-handed misquoting sources, lying about its former teachings, and even plagiarizing material from other publications. If you are a Jehovah’s Witness and you are still under the impression that the Society is above such dirty tricks, I would encourage you to visit the article and verify the information for yourself. Prepare to be astonished!
Concealing its own writings
Amazingly, it isn’t just non-Watchtower books and websites that the Society dissuades ordinary Witnesses from reading, or limits access to. For varying reasons, ordinary publishers are essentially blocked from reading some of the very publications that have rolled off the Society’s own printing presses over the decades – at least one of which is even credited with a role in the fulfilment of prophecy. I can provide three examples.
In a previous article I featured the Finished Mystery book, first published in 1917. You would expect a book containing “spiritual food” that was personally inspected and approved by Christ in 1919 to be made widely available to Witnesses today, so that they can see for themselves what made the Bible Students so unique during that crucial period of inspection. However, though it is admittedly still possible to track down a copy (either by downloading it here, or spending between $50 to $200 on Amazon for a hardcopy), the book is no longer in print by the Society. The reason? They are deeply ashamed of the frankly outrageous notions that are contained in its pages, including the following…
◾Charles Taze Russell was the “seventh angel” mentioned in Revelation
◾Jehovah separated Russell from his wife, Maria, and made her dead in his eyes
◾Russell spoke from beyond the grave through the pages of the Finished Mystery
◾The precise distance between the place where the Finished Mystery was written and where it was printed held prophetic significance
The more you delve into the pages of this bizarre book, which is so clearly a product of the over-active imaginations of two of Russell’s followers, the more you realise why the Society would never dream of making it available for publishers to read today. If they were to print and distribute it, thinking Witnesses would soon connect the dots and reach the glaringly obvious conclusion that Christ didn’t actually choose this organization in 1919 after all.
The Finished Mystery reads like a love letter to Russell, penned by his mourning followers

Therefore, the Society has done something very cunning. It has repeatedly given its own glowing endorsement of the Finished Mystery, even attributing it with a role in fulfilling bible prophecy. That way, publishers who have never read the book are able to respect it as being “a powerful commentary on Revelation and Ezekiel” (Revelation Climax, p. 165), the distribution of which was approved by Christ himself – and even foretold in the scriptures! (Revelation Climax, p. 208 box)
Ironically, even the Revelation Climax book, which sings the praises of its predecessor the Finished Mystery, has been the subject of some degree of censure by the Society. Many of you will remember that in 2006 it underwent extensive “adjustments” (a list of which was published in the September Kingdom Ministry of that year). Many found it curious that a book published in 1988, designed to be the final word on the coming Great Tribulation, needed to be revised because certain apocalyptic events had not proved as “imminent” as its writers anticipated.
Even certain books printed by the Society are difficult or impossible for ordinary Witnesses to examine

In any case, many publishers will be oblivious to the fact that the Society went so far as to issue a document directing elders to arrange for older versions of that book kept in stock on the literature desk to be “discarded.” This raises the question, how can a book hailed as “food at the proper time” when it was written fall from grace so quickly that it needs to be destroyed (if certain revisions have not been made to it) only 18 years later?
Again, we have a book once endorsed by the Society and produced on its printing presses that is now out of print in its original form, and that ordinary publishers should ideally discard. It seems “new light” from the Watchtower has a shelf life. Indoctrinated Witnesses would argue that this is just evidence of the “light getting brighter,” but a more objective analysis would conclude that the Society is making things up as they go along, and only producing new interpretations of prophecy once it becomes obvious that the previous ones have failed.
Finally, there is the most secretive Society book of all – the elder’s guidebook, Shepherd The Flock of God. This book is so secretive that, when it was published in 2010, an accompanying letter to all elders read (in part)…

“We would like to emphasise the importance of keeping these new textbooks secured and confidential, both before and after they are distributed.  The textbooks should not be left on tops of desks or in other places where they are easily accessible by family members or other individuals.  The information is designed for use by the elders only, and other individuals should not have any opportunity to read the information.” – Letter to all bodies of elders, dated August 23rd 2010
Most ordinary Witnesses are conditioned over time to think that it is perfectly normal and proper for their spiritual shepherds to carry around a rulebook that they are expressly forbidden from reading. Nobody stops to consider for a moment that in Ancient Israel the hundreds of laws governing the minutiae of everyday life were not hidden or concealed from ordinary Israelites – but read aloud for all to hear. (Joshua 8:34; Nehemiah 9:3) Even in Christian times, there is no record of elders or apostles having secret guidelines that were to be kept hidden from others. Any information on presiding over judicial matters was made available to all.
In short, there is really no scriptural justification for there to be ANY secret elder’s manual, and yet that is precisely what we have grown accustomed to having in our organization. The reason? As with the Finished Mystery, there are things in that book that are simply far too embarrassing (perhaps even incriminating) for ordinary Witnesses or members of the public to see. One increasingly notorious example is as follows…


Many Witness parents who are unfamiliar with organizational policy would be horrified to think that, if a fellow brother molests their child and denies it, elders should simply “leave matters in Jehovah’s hands.” It is therefore understandable, if wholly despicable, that the Society should cover up and conceal this information from ordinary publishers. It is simply too damaging.
And elder’s books aren’t the only sources of information from the Society that are subject to strict secrecy. Those who follow this website will be aware of the Society’s recent successful attempt to shut down JWsurvey for 24 hours. The reason? Because we published a Body of Elders letter (dated October 1st 2012) detailing some of the more shocking elements of Society policy in relation to the handling of cases of child abuse.
This incident furnished a striking example of how so-called “apostate” websites are trying desperately hard to get credible information into the hands of thinking Witnesses, while the Society is bending over backwards to snatch it back out of their hands. Again, you have to ask yourself, does that not sound suspicious? If this is the truth, what are they so keen on hiding from you?
When you start to look at other religious organizations that many class as “cults” you notice exactly the same tendency towards secrecy and deception. For example, just as with the madness contained in the pages of the Finished Mystery, the Church of Scientology has its own embarrassing writings from its early history that it seeks to brush under the rug, safely hidden from the public’s gaze.
Watchtower is not the only religious organization that will resort to deception and half-truths when its beliefs are brought under scrutiny

Those who progress in that particular religion to “O.T. level 3″ have certain writings of the founder, L. Ron. Hubbard, disclosed to them in which the true origin of humans is supposedly revealed. The shocking revelation given to Scientologists at this level is that 75 million years ago the bodies of frozen space aliens were dumped into volcanoes in Hawaii, whereupon the souls escaped to be trapped, brainwashed, and finally left to roam the planet and attach themselves to early humans.
This teaching is clearly preposterous, and for many years it was kept a closely guarded secret until being exposed in a court case in the 1980s, instantly meeting with public ridicule that has continued ever since (most notably on a 2005 episode of South Park). Since this secret was leaked, Scientology has done its best to keep it out of the spotlight. One prominent church representative even publicly denied it on camera when questioned in a TV interview.
My point in relating the above is to show that deception is really nothing unusual among high control religious organizations, or “cults.” They have a habit of dispensing sensitive information only on a “need to know basis,” and covering over embarrassing or potentially incriminating details with the aim of keeping the majority of their followers in total ignorance.
This was NOT how the early Christian congregation conducted themselves according to the Bible. The apostles made “ALL scripture” available to the congregations, so that their writings could make Christians “fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16,17) There was no such thing as so-called “old light,” or out-dated teachings that had to be disposed of. There certainly weren’t any secret documents or rulebooks to be circulated only among elders.
Again, in total contrast, most websites that are critical of the organization want you to see ALL of the available information so that you can reach an informed decision on what to believe. This can never be truly said of the Society.
An organization that fights dirty
In summary, one should never assume that those who dare to stand up to the Watch Tower Society are fighting them on a level playing field. Here we have an organization that will happily resort to hate speech if necessary against its “poisonous” “mentally diseased” opponents and their “gangrenous” accusations, urging loyal Witnesses to “feel a loathing” against such ones. (w93 10/1 p. 19 par. 15)
The Society will also stop at nothing to prevent sensitive information from getting into the hands of its adherents, even resorting to threatening legal action against this website or issuing copyright takedown notices on YouTube if sufficiently agitated. Thinking Witnesses are right to question why, if the organization is truly following the First Century model, it needs to have any confidential information at all?
Then there is the stigmatization of the internet, and the abject fear instilled into the hearts of Witnesses when it comes to viewing information that is remotely critical of the organization. Having awakened recently, I can remember only too well how frightening it was to venture onto an unapproved website for the first time. It is shocking to consider that the Society wields so much control over people’s minds, but we know why this is so. If you control the source of information, then you control the person.
Considering all of the above, I am reminded of a scene towards the end of the film Gladiator. Russell Crowe’s character, Maximus, is captured by his enemy, the evil Emperor Commodus (played by Joaquin Phoenix). The two characters are due to share a final duel in the arena – a fight to the death. Ordinarily Maximus would have no problem winning this fight, but Commodus has other plans.
Like the fictional character Commodus from the movie Gladiator, the Society uses dirty tricks in furtherance of its agenda

Maximus is chained up when, away from the public gaze, Commodus approaches him and stabs him in the side. He then orders the wound covered up, so that nobody can see that he is fighting an injured opponent.
In my mind, this perfectly encapsulates the struggle between so-called “apostates” and the Watch Tower Society. We are fighting opponents who have no basic decency, and who will stop at nothing to gain victory – even if it means resorting to lies, vicious insults, and the concealing of information from their own people.
Regardless of this, I personally view it as almost inevitable that the real “truth” will triumph in the end. It is always easier to fight a war of information when the facts are on your side. It may take years, it may take decades, with those like me and Paul Grundy fighting with a “wounded side” so-to-speak. However, eventually the lies and half-truths will catch up with the Society and it will be forced to admit defeat. In the meantime, they can throw as many insults at us as they want. It makes no difference – it only strengthens our case against them. To coin the words of another fictional movie hero, “they will never take our freedom!”







Further reading…
◾Governing Body breaks its own name-calling rules in “human apostates” Convention talk
Related videos…




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48 Responses to Secrecy and deception: Watchtower fights dirty in its war against “apostates”

 alan says:

 February 23, 2013 at 4:30 am

Once again another great article Cedars. I was exactly like you a few years ago when I first started having doubts. I was terrified of reading anything that spoke against the society. Thankfully like you I finally had the courage to check things for myself, exactly as the bible tells us we should. It is so obvious to anyone who is not biased that the society do all they can to stop the real truth from coming out. As you say, most anti witness writers tells us to look at both sides rather than just what the society say. Whenever I speak to witnesses I always whenever possible, quote the societies own words. That is the only way a witness will accept what is said. Any other quotes etc will be rejected as false by a witness, but they can hardly say the societies words are false when it can be so easily checked, both online and in the publications.
 Let’s hope many current witnesses will read your article and check for themselves if you speak the truth or not.
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 Julia says:

 February 23, 2013 at 7:02 am

Wow! This article is jaw-dropping. Thank you for this important expose!
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 Hakizimana Jean de Dieu says:

 February 23, 2013 at 7:53 am

What a wonderful article! “they will never take our freedom!”. Now I am free to share with you this, Cedars! are you aware of it? I mean the article ” At Which Table Are You Feeding?”. Under subheading “Beware of the Poisonous Food on the Table of Demons” you will find these provocative words, THE WTS referring to “APOSTATES”. The words are: “They seem inoculated with madness, Satanic hydrophobia [rabies]. Some of them smite us and then claim that we did the smiting. They are ready to say and write contemptible falsities and to stoop to do meanness.” (w94 7/1 p. 12 par. 11).
 A thinking normal person will absolutely share your BELIEF that the real “truth” will triumph in the end!!!!!
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 Cedars says:

 February 23, 2013 at 7:57 am

Thanks Hakizimana. That is a truly remarkable quote you’ve brought to my attention. Ironically, those appear to be the words of none other than C. T. Russell himself – a man who, if somehow brought back to life today, would be disfellowshipped for apostasy if he failed to accept the Society’s latest teachings!
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 Julia Orwell says:

 February 25, 2013 at 12:45 am

Nutbags!
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 Helen L. Gauthier says:

 February 23, 2013 at 8:51 am

When i got involved with the witnesses in Oct 1974, i wished i had paid attention to all the apostates that were stocking the conventions instead of hissing at them. It would have saved me many years of aggravation from there controlling borg. My research and studies in my two levels of my Shamanism Apprentice programs doing journey work I discovered with my teacher that jehovah god is a demented alien. i share this on exjws posting sites.
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 KtotheRAD "Konrad" says:

 February 23, 2013 at 8:56 am

All anyone has to do, and I really encourage is go back to the Jehovah’s Witness forum on topix.com and follow the posts of FH Chandler who is the brutally cruel “cleanup man” for the Society on that forum…His tactics to mitigate liability and discredit anyone are not reserved or restrained in the slightest and are criminal…He will and has openly advocated child rape and abuse to support and vindicate JW abusers and defend them while suppress and slander any who dare speak out ..they (his tactics) involve among many, the use of hacking and spy ware, criminal abuse and stalking/trolling both on and off that forum and behaviour that has been reported to the Federal authorities in the US and Australia and who knows where else… other such operatives have been encountered elsewhere on other sites…
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 Quendi says:

 February 23, 2013 at 9:58 am

I really appreciate all the hard work that went into this monograph, my friend. I was a loyal Witness for more than thirty years, even striving for reinstatement after being disfellowshipped. I finally woke up thanks to the efforts and research of a good friend who once was an elder. After his sudden death, I decided to never have anything to do with this cult again. Websites like yours and Paul Grundy’s have enabled me to keep on course in my own spiritual journey.
Keep up the good work. You are helping many others to see that there are healthy and viable alternatives to the Society’s twisted and perverted thinking. Honest inquirers can reclaim both their God-given consciences and powers of reason if they are willing to put aside fear and hysteria. It takes courage to do so, but the rewards make it all worth while.
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 John Hoyle says:

 February 23, 2013 at 11:39 am

Another well-written article, Cedars. As you clearly point out, there are at least two sides to every disagreement. Whether it be politics, religion or science, those who present clearly documented facts and sound logic will usually win the day. Websites like Paul Grundy’s JWFacts.com and Barbara Anderson’s WatchtowerDocuments.com – along with a few other notable sites – are valuable resources to those who are actually looking for the truth. They are 180 degrees from the faulty resources used by the Watchtower Society and its writing staff.
It’s not a stretch to imagine the Governing Body telling the editorial staff supervising the writers to, “Find something – anything – secular to support this new position we are taking!” I am often amazed to see the Watchtower using quotes from encyclopedias, outdated history books, and even discredited articles from several decades old scientific magazines. The one thing they rarely do is quote from their own older publications anytime before 1980.
It’s interesting that even the new version of JW.org, the Society’s “official website,” only provides access to Watchtowers and Awake! magazines back to 2000. That alone speaks volumes about the credibility of their writing staff.
This article should be shared with anyone with any interest at all in becoming a JW. Thanks again for taking the time to do it right.
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 AssumeNothing says:

 February 23, 2013 at 12:30 pm

“If the truth is so cut-and-dried, should it not stand up to the closest possible scrutiny?”
This. This. A billion times this.
Awesome write up.
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 FutureMan says:

 February 23, 2013 at 4:52 pm

Cedars that is a good article you have written here which should be much food for thought for those who do read it.
And unfortunately the Watchtower Society “does not” want it’s members to think outside the “spiritual box” that it has created for it’s members over that last 120 years or so of it’s existence.
And it is very sad for those who belong to Jehovah’s Witnesses because there individual enlightenment is very much dependent on what the organization presents to them in the form of spiritual food and “increasing light” as they now term it.
Jesus gave us “all” the “spirit of truth” for a reason, and that is so we can all individually learn the truth about God and what he does really expect of us as human sons of him, with eternal life in view.
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 Helen L. Gauthier says:

 February 23, 2013 at 4:59 pm

Please cancel my signing up , way too many emails
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 Cedars says:

 February 24, 2013 at 1:39 am

Thanks Helen, I’ll try and get your email address removed.
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 KtotheRAD "Konrad" says:

 February 23, 2013 at 5:40 pm

@ Helen L. Gauthier ~ Not that important huh? Or at least anymore? *shrug*
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 Willows says:

 February 23, 2013 at 9:19 pm

A well reasoned article Cedars, people need to be informed. An informed person can make a balanced decision.
 The Watchtower are doing themselves a disservice. In that they
 fail a vital mental attitude in debating. Never…, never abuse verbally those opposing your viewpoint. It’s a bully tactic, that to a seasoned debater shows they have run out of steam, failing to agree with reason.
On the 22nd day of September, AD. 1862 The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by the President of the United States Abraham Lincoln. In part to quote…”That on the 1st day of January, AD. 1863, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States shall be then, henceforward, and forever free, and the executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom.” ………………..
……………….” And by virtue of the power and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States and parts of States are, and henceforth shall be, free; and that the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons. ”
… ” And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted by the Constitution upon military necessity, I invoke the considerate judgement of mankind and the gracious favor of Almighty God. ”
The end to slavery was heralded as a great victory for the equality of all mankind. Today organizations have no right to hold in slavery the minds of their members. They should be free to leave without obstruction or abuse, based on the principles of the Bible and the Constitution. As Lincoln said..” I invoke the considerate judgement of mankind and the gracious favor of Almighty God.”
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 Denis says:

 February 24, 2013 at 8:49 pm

Tanks Cedars. I alws anticipate ur enlightening posts. Wot pains me most is seeing hundreds of people still roam the streets with bags claiming to be representing the only organisation of truths while been fed with so much lies from the society. Most of them dont even preach wot dey teach. Oh God, why so long?
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 Frank says:

 February 24, 2013 at 11:46 pm

Cedars: “Regardless of this, I personally view it as almost inevitable that the real “truth” will triumph in the end. It is always easier to fight a war of information when the facts are on your side…”
There is a saying: “All things must pass.” There is nothing eternal in the material universe – not even solipsistic religions.
I have a book (one for WTBTS book-burning?) called Cults – Secret Sects and Radical Religions, by Robert Schroeder. It says on page 107: “(J F Rutherford) and other members were arrested during World War I and charged with sedition because of his pacifist stance against priests who were supporting the USA’s involvement in the war.”
I once had downloaded a scanned pdf copy of an actual paper-cutting that reported this very incident mentioned above. Do you think I can find it anywhere now on the Internet? I wonder why that is?
If anyone can find the cutting again and post a URL on this site I would be very grateful.
Frank V
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 Julia Orwell says:

 February 25, 2013 at 12:43 am

So many ‘awakening’ stories parallel my own. I also must give credit to Mr Grundy’s site, because he is not a hate monger like the WT always said ‘apostates’ were. And the fact he is my own countryman too, and I used to know his father…yes, he’s not a bitter, twisted crack pot, but just lays the facts out. People like Mr Grundy and you, Cedars, systematise knowledge so we who’ve had our brains addled by WT propaganda can connect the dots better. Thanks to you!
“If the truth is so cut-and-dried, should it not stand up to the closest possible scrutiny?”
I’ve thought that for years. If someone tells you Santa is real, you laugh because it’s preposterous. So if someone told me the ‘truth’ was bunk, I’d laugh if there was no evidence. But the ‘truth’ is bunk, and there’s evidence within the WT publications themselves.
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 DB says:

 February 25, 2013 at 2:16 am

Another article that sums it all up perfectly. It may take a long time but I agree that, gradually, the WTS will be held accountable for all the lives it has ruined and continues to ruin. All cults basically start with one arrogant, ignorant person who thinks they know better than everyone else, and unfortunately, are very good at convincing others that they are right. In a way, Russell himself could be considered a victim, as he himself was taught by another cult – The Seventh Day Adventists. The same pattern is repeated with all the other cults too. An endless cycle: Cults beget cults. Instead of admitting they are wrong, they just dig their holes deeper… and deeper… and deeper…
This article reminds me of yet another contradiction regarding the sources the WTS deceptively quotes from. According to the WTS all outsiders are “deceived by Satan”, so what are they doing quoting from all the experts outside the WTS, who agree with almost nothing the WTS teaches in the first place? As outsiders, these experts are supposedly “deceived by Satan”, so by Watchtower logic, nothing they say can be trusted… I wonder what the writers the WTS employ are actually thinking as they do their “research”. Are they actually “believers” too? Their writing department must surely have a high turnover rate if they actually read what experts outside the WTS write. I doubt that they can use most material, as it contradicts what the WTS teaches, hence the need to misquote and lazily rehash old material all the time. The WTS reminds me of one of those children’s toys where the child has to put matching shapes through matching holes, but instead the child keeps trying to ram the wrong shape into the wrong hole – forcing it to fit is the same approach the WTS takes to research.
Reply
 

 Hakizimana Jean de Dieu says:

 February 25, 2013 at 8:33 am

Cedars! Thank you very much for the article! Thanks to your efforts, the Finished Mystery book is now my hands! I have just skimmed it and cannot believe my eyes!! THE Watch Tower Society HAS PERFORMED THE GREATEST MIRACLES OF ALL AGES: CHANGING SATAN INTO JESUS IN LESS THAN A CENTURY!!! What a miracle!!
the Finished Mystery says, on page 217, that Abaddon, the Destroyer, Apollyon in the Greek is “a bad one,” referring to 2 Cor. 4:4. It says In plain English his name is Satan, the Devil. The book continues “As a means for preventing people from seeing the Truth, Methodism has been as efficient as any of the five systems previously described, or any that follow. All have been sadly misled and deceived by our great and wily Adversary; “Taken captive by him at his will”— 2 Tim. 2:26.”
Take just a few minutes and have a look in the book “Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand!”. On page 148 paragraph 20 you read “Rather than announce the incoming Kingdom of God, Christendom’s clergy have chosen to remain with Satan’s world. They want no part with the locust band and their King, concerning whom John now observes: “They have over them a king, the angel of the abyss. In Hebrew his name is Abaddon [meaning “Destruction”], but in Greek he has the name Apollyon [meaning “Destroyer”].” (Revelation 9:11) As “angel of the abyss” and “Destroyer,” Jesus had truly released a plaguing woe on Christendom. But more is to follow!”
Here is the summarized miracle is, from the “the Finished Mystery” to the “Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand!”
1) SATAN became JESUS
 2) METHODISTS became JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
 3) Methodism WAS the first woe and TODAY, the First Woe IS the Watch Tower!
Pictures have also changed to convey the ideas of the “New light”! What a miracle! I can’t believe the “new light” could transform SATAN INTO JESUS so easily and, in less than 100 years!!
When we celebrate 100 year anniversary of the Watch Tower Society declaration: “The Gentile Times have ended.” October 2nd, 2014 (see w07 11/1 p. 24), I hope we celebrate this WONDER, this MIRACLE, too!
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 messenger4truth says:

 February 25, 2013 at 10:42 am

It was JWfacts.com that helped me see that the WT.org was fake.
 And that Jehovah and Jesus are the same person.
 Making it far more easier in my mind that I did do the best thing
 leaving such a cult as the Watchtower.
I also recently find that David Ickes investigations with help of
 his friends, who shows that that the mormons and JWs, belong to
 a segment of the illuminati. Though there are one or two things I do disagree entirely with him on that show signs off madness to believe. Out of ignorance that such ideas have not been ‘proven’ yet. However, his 2012 wembley (youtube) tour showed how all these cults are working together to bring its members under mind control thats seems to be ‘freedom’ yet it is not but complete lies and deception. But secretly all under a pyramid state of control that also controls banking and politics.
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 WildeLover says:

 February 25, 2013 at 3:14 pm

Incredibly well written! it makes me so angry to think I was blinded for so long. Better late than never!
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 Aunt Fancy says:

 February 25, 2013 at 11:01 pm

Thanks again Cedars! I felt the same way you did when I saw so much nonscense and I started to do my research. I remember I bought a book on Kindle and I shook when I started to read it, talk about control and being brainwashed!! I find your articles very interesting and always look forward to receiving the latest information. It is very much appreciated.
Reply
 

 mokihermida says:

 February 28, 2013 at 11:37 pm

What i have learned Biblically i consider to be the truth,
 some people that just need to leave do so bashing everything associated with the society.
Basically you can do the same with different areas of your life, pick apart your parents and blame them for they’re rules and policy
I don’t believe blindly in everything they say.
 i don’t do that for anyone no matter what they like to call themselves.
Reply
 

 DB says:

 March 1, 2013 at 3:11 am

Good for you Mokihermida!
Seeing as you don’t follow anyone blindly, I presume your biblical research has shown you that core Watchtower concepts such as “paradise earth”, “Jesus being the Archangel Michael”, “Shunning”, “1914”, “No blood transfusions”, “Apostates” and “144,000” (among many others) are all completely unbiblical. Surely all these “truths” don’t come from the Bible, but instead are biased ideas given to you second-hand from WTS books? Glad you can see that.
Reply
 

 rickisteel says:

 March 8, 2013 at 5:58 am

You are just the same you only publish what promotes and furthers your interests and shun those who disagree with you how are you any better than the watchtower ? I know you wont post this but i know you will have read it
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 March 24, 2013 at 4:17 am

So you’re suggesting I should publish things I don’t agree with? That’s madness by anyone’s standards. Of course I am going to write what I think, and whether people agree with it or not is up to them.
As for shunning those who disagree with me, I don’t see it that way at all. Anyone is entitled to use the comments section to disagree with me so long as their comments are factually-based and respectful. Those who knowingly misrepresent the facts or are disrespectful or abusive to either myself or other posters won’t be welcome on this site.
I fail to see how I can be compared to Watchtower when I allow reasoned debate of my articles and show both sides of the story by incorporating information straight from Watchtower publications. When was the last time you saw a quote from JWsurvey in the Watchtower?
Reply
 
 

 Elijahovah says:

 March 10, 2013 at 9:49 am

Hollywood and theatre and drama has total power and total control on what they want you to think. They brain-wash, they indoctrinate in movies like any church or state does. THEN if you are free to fight in a public arena, and no one ties you down. Take the cover off the wound that everyone should see it. The concept of fighting with a wound and looking like a loser is your own fault for not unveiling a wound they gave you. Show the wound and shout out they have wounded me so i lose, do you now watch the fight against this wounded man. Of course, the world of Satan is in JW Halls just like in all of YOU, because the reply is Oh poor baby, youre wounded, should we care, should we cry.
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 March 10, 2013 at 11:45 am

Sorry Elijahovah but I don’t even see anything resembling a logical argument in this comment that I can respond to. All I see is desperation and vitriol. It isn’t easy springing to the defence of an organization that is lying to you, is it.
Reply
 
 

 Lane Yarbrough says:

 March 11, 2013 at 4:00 pm


accurate information
Is subjective, based on seven men, who most JWs have no idea who they are. Yes, they rely on Caller I.D., but eat up “new information” from seven unknowns.
I lived through the 68/74 Armageddon scare, an not the first time the “end” has been predicted. In their bible.
Mark 13:32
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
This is FALSE WITNESSING: How can any witness be blind to this, it’s one of the 6 things their God hates and calls and abomination.
Proverbs 6:16/19
There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him:
 haughty eyes,
 a lying tongue,
 hands that shed innocent blood,
 a heart that devises wicked plans,
 feet that make haste to run to evil,
 a false witness who breathes out lies,
 one who sows discord among brothers.
I knew this when I was 12, and shut my brain against them. I was doing exactly what the bible instructed me to. I don’t understand why an adult can’t.
Reply
 

 les says:

 March 18, 2013 at 3:33 am

i dont know what to think im totally confused and by the way cedars no offence meant im having a nervous breakdown and alcohol issues and the memorial is approaching and the elders are visiting etc
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 March 18, 2013 at 4:01 am

Hello les. I’m sorry you’re having a hard time. Some of the information on this website can come as a shock, and it can be difficult to process. If you are having a nervous breakdown and alcohol issues, you really should seek professional help if at all possible. I hope the elder’s visit isn’t too stressful for you. Remember, you don’t have to tell them anything – just what they want to hear. These men are not appointed by holy spirit and are effectively just line managers for a corporation. They have no power or authority over you. I should know, I was one.
Reply
 
 

 Hal Gerber says:

 March 18, 2013 at 8:15 am

Here goes: I wonder why all the hype or concern about being rejected, shunned, expelled or dis-fellowship by the J.W.’s aka WTBTS? Why would any person care what that malicious Satanic cult thinks? They are sides to everything in the universe, for every push there is an opposite e.g. a ‘a pull’. The light bulb is either on or off. Good or bad. Their is electricity or their is no electrcity. Hope your getting my point so far.
 Have you ever wondered if and who the Jevovah Witnesses are really following? Could it be Satan himself? If you with Satan only negative things come out of the matter; your actually ‘CURSED”. If you worship or follow the true God of the universe, well then, your “BLESSED” and only good things or manifications will come your way.
 My physical parents and sisters have been staunch Jehovah’s Witnesses for decades.
 They are ‘cursed’ or don’t have God’s ;blessings’ for their intregity or loyalty. I’ll now prove my theory:
 My father was an elder. After giving the concluding prayer at the Kingdom Hall, he was filled with Jehovah’s “blessing’, sat down and immediately had a fatal stroke.
 My eldest sister was a pioneer with her husband. Her husband hadjust left the meeting at the Kingdom hall, driven about a block on his moped, and was hit by a car and instantly decapitate. He too was ‘blessed’ by Jehovah’s spirit as he had just attended a worship meeting.
 My same sister, still “blessed” has since been married 3 times and suffered 2 mis-carriages.
 My youngest sister, also an adamant J.W. has gone through 2 unsuccessful marriage to 2 high -profile Jehovah’s Wtnesses.
 So were they truly “blessed’ or were they “cursed”. They were attached or worshipping the wrong identity or God of this universe.
 It says somewhere Satan comes & masquerades himself as an angel of light to deceive and turn people away from the true God.
 Myself, l’ve turned myself away from the WTBTS or Jehovah’s Witnesses; and my life has gotton better and l’m happy once again, free from that malicious dangerous cult.
 Thankyou. Harold Gerber
Reply
 

 rickisteel says:

 March 20, 2013 at 11:16 am

Thanks for bothering x
Reply
 

 rickisteel says:

 March 23, 2013 at 6:04 am

Im sorry john
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 March 24, 2013 at 4:18 am

It’s ok!
Reply
 
 

 thinkinghard says:

 April 12, 2013 at 6:47 am

I’m thinking about all I have read on your site over the last two days and I’m feeling so mixed up. I thought it was bad enough to be in a disassociated state but now i’m going to be apostate too?! I can’t help but see the truth in what you have said. I just don’t know what the alternative is…and that isn’t an invitation for everybody to dump unscriptural beliefs on me.
Reply
 
 Hal Gerber says:

 April 12, 2013 at 8:28 am

See, that organization ‘punishes’ you for rejecting and leaving them. I worship the Lord out of love and free choice, not out of ‘fear or manipulation.” Be happy your ‘free’ and not waisting any more of your precious life with that organization.
Reply
 
 

 Fred Hall says:

 April 21, 2013 at 4:19 am

All
Here is what funny. You apostates argue about 607 and 587 and try to argue about it. You all refer to historians and astronomers; etc in order to prove your case, yet the historians and astronomers cannot agree among themselves!!
Reply
 

 Jen says:

 April 21, 2013 at 10:42 am

@Fred Hall:
 This book is reportedly a good one:
“The Bible Unearthed: Archaeology’s New Vision of Ancient Israel and the Origin of Its Sacred Texts”. The authors are Silberman and Finkelstein.
Reply
 

 KtotheRAD "Konrad" says:

 April 21, 2013 at 1:50 pm

“Here is what funny” and “You apostates” is funny to you Fred?
 That’s all you can find to make an issue out of?
All of the brutal crimes and violence and Rights violations that are perpetrated throughout that organization to which I personally have been both victim and witness for close to 30 years and are attested across this forum and the Internet and THIS is why people on HERE are “apostates” and “funny” to you?
This is the only topic you can find contention with Fred?
 Why aren’t you out in Field Service?
Reply
 

 John says:

 June 19, 2013 at 9:36 am

Acts 17:11 tells us “These(Boreans) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” The Bible also tells us to keep testing our faith as to if it’s right or wrong. So if Gods Holy Bible tells us to keep checking our faith in relation to him and what we believe to be right then why would a organization of men(WTBS) have to hide behind a iron curtain and not alow their followers to read(including their own previous publications), see or hear anything that would disprove there own doctrines? Because they would be exposed for what they really are. THIS IS THE ONLY REASON AND GOES CONTRARY TO GODS WORD. So this man made, not spirit directed evil slave class puts themselves above Gods own written word. This is outright Blasphemy( A contemptuous or profane act, utterance, or writing concerning God or a sacred entity.
 b. The act of claiming for oneself the attributes and rights of God)
 They put themselves above God and men in proclaiming what they believe to be true but will not alow their own followers to test the validity of their words. I had a conversation with a young person who has a father that was a elder regarding many doctrines and the asserting of 1975 to be at the onset of the 1,000 yr rule of Jesus Christ as eluded to in the pages of the watchtower and awake back in the late 60’s and early 70’s. I caused quite a stir with me just asking the questions of why they keep predicitng false dates about the time of the end. Then it really hit me when i was told i had been reading watchtowers that were made by false apostates and were distributed among the people in the kingdom hall. I nearly fell over as i proceeded to ask them for their own personal Watchtower Disc of bound volumes and proceeded to show them what they actually said was coming from the Governing Body of JW’s and not some subverts who were publishing their own watchtowers. At this point i do find it kind of ironic that the JW’s produce a watchtower for them and one for the public. Does this sound like Gods annointed slave and that he would want us to have all of the “Meat” and just not some of it? Hardly Not! Or like” Sheparding the Flock of God” book what are you trying to hide? Wouldn’t your followers be better served knowing how they were going to be dealt with when it came to Elder matter’s? If you went to a doctor who by the way is imperfect and he or she told you that you had 6 month’s to live so go live it up. Would you not seek a second opinion or perhaps alternative treatment that might extend your life or would you put all your faith and hope in that one Doctor that this was all true? Better yet do you think if you got a second opinion and it was a mis-diagnosis that it would be a good idea to let the first Doctor know so that other people he diagnosed might not be mis-informed as well? If the Doctor threw you out of his office after imforming him of your findings i’m sure you would not recommend him or give him a second chance because of his attitude. So it goes with the WTBS that they self proclaim themselves as the Grand spiritual Slave who gives limited spiritual food in it’s time when it fit’s their cause and the furthering of their billion dollar enterprise. So it’s no wonder they don’t want their follower’s to read,hear,see anything that would disprove their own findings on scriptual matter. The time of the end has come for this self propheting man made religion. My son told me 6 yrs ago that the downfall of the JW’s would be by the information super highway known to us as the internet. How ironic that he actually works for the x cio of Google Now. While many remain staunch advocates of there doctrines and decree’s that are in direct conflict to God’s word it just goes to show how deeply brainwashed a person could be. If you walk around with the i’m always right attitude then you will never learn the real truth about thing’s. To there death they will go believeing in the Great lie and lies they Publish about God’s own word the Bible. Just like a former governing body member of the 80’s said in his books that most of what was decided on as policy didn’t really have to do with scripture to begin with. No doubt he felt Guilty writing such stuff and wrote over 1200 pages to possibly reverse the bad that already had been done including the loss of life. How very sad for all that they just can’t see past their noses and wake up to reality. It is my hope that many more JW’s or those thinking about getting involved will test that faith to see if it really hold’s up to God’s word the Bible. Keep on the watch as the end is near for the WTBS.
Reply
 

 FutureMan says:

 July 20, 2013 at 10:53 pm

Fred Hall said :
 (Quote)
“Here is what funny. You apostates argue about 607 and 587 and try to argue about it. You all refer to historians and astronomers; etc in order to prove your case, yet the historians and astronomers cannot agree among themselves!!(End of quote)
Maybe it would be an eye opener to listen in on one of the Governing body members meetings when they come together to decide on doctrinal matters or interpretation of prophecy.
 You do not need to go far to do this just read the writings of a so-called apostate who was a governing body member and on the writing committee as well.
 Yes go on read it.
 It is entitled “Crisis of conscience”.
Perhaps after reading this particular book written by an ex-governing body member, you might come to a different conclusion.
Reply
 

 Aman Ofgod says:

 August 21, 2013 at 2:46 pm

Do you really think that satan would really fight clean? lol come on brother cedar.
Reply
 

 Brian says:

 December 13, 2013 at 3:51 pm

Some interesting info there dude i like yourself am very cautious because as you say were supposed to wary of apostates however when you look up the meaning it just means those that have left there former belief correct me if I’m wrong but that pretty much applies to almost every JW if you left your former church and speak out against it e.g. Catholic which i was then i automatically became an apostate. I personally think Apostate is the wrong word to use because it seems to have the emphasis on someone really evil. Considering Bro Russel himself left the Adventists would that no also based on the Dictionary meaning make him an apostate ? Recently i wrote to the local body of elders i reported bullying and racism they met with me and have done nothing sense i also wrote to the CO who again checked things out and reportedly told me “how all the brothers love Me” if that was true i wouldn’t of written the letter , i then ring up Brooklyn Bethel world headquarters spoke to some nameless person (they’ll never give out there names) i described how the CO had decided how everything was ok i proceeded to say how he wouldn’t know the facts because he is given the Red carpet treatment showered with lots of love so of course he can’t see a thing, the anonymous brother proceeds to tell me “i don’t believe you and i have to end this conversation” amazing such love huh. Again i’m seeking the truth i’ve always tried to speak truth what i said to the elders and the CO plus Service dept in Bethel was the total truth yet i’m branded a Slander , Apostate. very interesting indeed so yeah I’m kind of in a whole world of confusion right now
Reply
 

 Caminante says:

 January 7, 2014 at 6:57 pm

Definitely, one of my favorite articles on JWsurvey!
RO version here: http://martorii-lui-iehova.ro/2013/10/05/discretie-amagitoare-tactici-murdare/
Reply
 

 Jerry O Connor says:

 July 1, 2014 at 12:41 pm

John, a brilliant use of watchtowers own publications to show how many lies they tell. As an ex JW and being free to use my intellect it is so easy to see the lengths they go to. They sink to abysmal depths by calling us mentally diseased. The lie is so big that they dare not admit it. Can you imagine the reaction if they were found out? They terrify the foot soldiers of watchtowers organization with dire warnings to avoid “apostates”. This word really scares them and that is why it is abused, not used. We are slowly but surely eroding the once monolithic watchtower. By removing my family they were sure that they had taken all. Not true, I am a sentient being capable of deciding what is best for me. The boys in Brooklyn no longer pull my strings and boy am I glad. Stay strong John so many need to see the lies behind the “truth”
Reply
 

 ENLIGHTENED says:

 December 31, 2014 at 9:55 am

I have a copy of the 1917 Finished Mystery, Vol. 7. I have a huge library of older JW books, the original bound volumes, etc. I have no idea what to do with them, as we are seniors now and downsizing. Any suggestions appreciated.. I have Vol. 4 “Battle of Armageddon” dated 1913, also 1908 version of Vol. 2, “The time is at Hand”…a long typed list of my library is available.
Reply
 

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← Secrecy and deception: Watchtower fights dirty in its war against “apostates”
The results of the 2012 survey of Jehovah’s Witnesses are published, and the new 2013 survey is launched! →

Connect the dots of terror: JW.org releases gruesome image for kids to color in
avatar
Posted on February 27, 2013

JW.org’s latest activity for young Witness children is to reconstruct the death of the biblical character Lot’s wife

It was the stuff of nightmares for many Witness children over the decades – the Genesis account of Lot’s wife. In the story, related in Genesis chapter 19, Lot and his family flee the doomed city of Sodom and Gomorrah under strict instructions from their angelic messengers to not “look behind” while escaping to the mountains.
As the fireballs of sulphur begin to rain down on the stricken city, Lot’s wife glances back to view the destruction and is turned into a pillar of salt. – Genesis 19:26
It seems an astonishingly heavy-handed punishment by anyone’s standards, but evidently the intended message from the passage is that absolute obedience must be observed when one is given instructions from God or his messengers.
A morbid task
Few would blame the Society for wanting to gloss over this story, particularly given other extremely unsavory details contained in the biblical account. At one point in the narrative, Lot shows an apparent willingness to allow the men of Sodom to gang rape his two daughters if they agree to leave his angelic messengers alone. (Genesis 19:6-11) Later on in the account, after fleeing Sodom, Lot’s daughters have incestuous relations with their father while he is drunk. (Genesis 19:32-36) This is clearly not a Bible account deserving of close scrutiny as far as morals are concerned. Even so, JW.org has astonishingly challenged young visitors to its official website to help recreate the moment of Lot’s wife’s demise in this story. (To see this for yourself, please click here.)
In a downloadable PDF, Witness youngsters are given the morbid task of joining the dots to finish a depiction of Lot’s wife with a look of anguish on her face as her body turns to salt. Apparently the Society feels there is nothing inappropriate in revelling in the death of a person who has been killed by God by making her agonizing execution the subject of a coloring-in exercise.

The death of Lot’s wife as depicted in the Society’s children’s book “My Book of Bible Stories”
Witness parents should be seriously concerned about material such as this, which carries the potential to desensitize children to cruel violence and retribution.
As another example, on the same page on JW.org a comic-book version of the story of Lot’s family is published. The turning of Lot’s wife into a pillar of salt is portrayed in a shockingly graphic way, with her leg first becoming trapped, and then her arm becoming encrusted with salt. All the while there is an expression of horror on her face, and a tear rolls down her cheek as the salt consumes her body. The clear impression is that, rather than dying instantly, Lot’s wife is dying in great pain and trauma – and that this pain is deserved.

A graphic depiction on the JW.org website shows the trauma and agony experienced by Lot’s wife as she turns into a pillar of salt
All of the above only serves to stigmatize disobedient people as being worthy of a cruel and painful death in the minds of loyal worshippers. No mercy should be shown toward those who dare to “disobey.” Witness parents need to ask, do they want their children to grow up as cruel and vindictive people who revel in the suffering of others?
The Society has already ramped up its hate speech towards so-called “apostates” in recent magazine articles, labelling such ones “mentally diseased” (w11 7/15 p.16) and “gangrenous” (w13 4/15 p.11). It would not be a huge stretch to suggest that this new material on JW.org is aimed at portraying precisely the sort of fate it has in mind for those who dare to challenge the directives of the Governing Body, or fail to render it unquestioned obedience.
Out of touch
Amazingly, this is not the only questionable material for children to be found on the new JW.org. Elsewhere on the website, there is another gruesome “connect the dots” challenge featuring the Bible account where King Solomon demonstrates his “wisdom” by ordering a baby to be cut in two to resolve an argument between two women both claiming to be the baby’s mother. Here is the image (to download the PDF, click here)…


Supporters of the Society would argue that the baby wasn’t actually cut in two in this account, because the whole thing was a test to prove the identity of the baby’s true mother. Nonetheless, it was an extremely reckless way to resolve a custody dispute, showing a shocking disregard for human life. Few would disagree that the graphic portrayal of a baby about to be butchered with a knife by a soldier is wholly inappropriate imagery for young children to be exposed to.
Just because an account is mentioned in the Bible, does not necessarily make it appropriate educational material for children. For example, the Bible also mentions David’s adulterous sexual relations with Bathsheba, but this is not depicted in “connect the dot” exercises for children to recreate with their crayons. Despite this, the Society evidently feels there is nothing wrong with graphically exposing young minds to the agonizing death of a women simply for looking in the wrong direction, or the violent threats made toward a defenceless infant.
The portrayal of sex is rightly deemed off limits, but it seems violence is perfectly fine if a point needs to be made. It is almost as though the brothers responsible for producing this material are completely out of touch, or have no parental experience or instincts to tell them what is appropriate for children and what isn’t.
Indoctrinating a new generation
All of this comes less than nine months after the Society released its notorious children’s DVD “Become Jehovah’s Friend: Listen, Obey and Be Blessed,” which featured the exploits of young Caleb and his ill-fated Sparlock wizard toy. The DVD met with widespread condemnation towards the Society’s blatant attempt at controlling the minds of young ones by compromising their logical reasoning ability and stigmatizing such harmless items as magical toys.
These latest apparent attempts at moulding young minds by desensitizing Witness children to brutal justice and the death of disobedient people are just as appalling. It all represents further evidence that there are no depths the Society will not sink to in their efforts to draw total obedience from future generations.







A related Youtube video…




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← Secrecy and deception: Watchtower fights dirty in its war against “apostates”
The results of the 2012 survey of Jehovah’s Witnesses are published, and the new 2013 survey is launched! →

49 Responses to Connect the dots of terror: JW.org releases gruesome image for kids to color in

← Older Comments

 Excelsior! says:

 October 13, 2014 at 2:45 am

dare tick,
Sorry, but you have misunderstood the posting guidelines. You can offer an opinion, an alternative view, if you want to. You can defend the WTBTS if you so wish. There are no posting rules as you describe in your opening statement.
The belief in God is not what is at issue here. John has at no time either confirmed or denied that God exists.
This site is about a HUMAN ORGANISATION. This site is about the practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It does not support any denomination.
We do not dispute the physical reality of anyone. Your comment does not make sense, I’m afraid.
We do offer advice to the WTBTS! Candace Conti has offered to advise on the child protection policy, for example.
We do not preach, we have no religious message. We simply discuss and expose the teachings and practices of JWs. Why should we have to offer an alternative truth? You have the bible, do you not?
“Without charge or tithes”? Have you read the articles on this topic? You do have tithes, in a sneaky way. Please do your research.
Do you have evidence that the gb clean at bethel? Do you have evidence that they go door to door?
Boasting about the Watchtower and Awake is rather poor taste. It’s not the number of copies, it’s about what’s in them, surely?
I would humbly suggest that YOU DO YOUR RESEARCH.
Peace be with you
Excelsior!
Reply
 

 anonymous says:

 October 13, 2014 at 6:27 am

Daretick, I wanted to add to my last comment. If you examine the literature that was being printed after 1919, you might be interested in a book by Joseph Rutherford called Creation printed in 1927. On page 267, there is a color painting depicting the crucifixion of Jesus on a cross and directly behind him are 2 naked men having anal sex. Do you really believe that Jesus would have chosen this organization is his one and only true spokesman to man on earth????? Check it out for yourself. These books are available on Ebay……
Reply
 

 Renia Renes says:

 February 20, 2015 at 6:27 pm

Could you please send me some DVD for kids 3 and 5 years old, I Whant children bible history too for my 2 girls . My adress is 3986 Orkney av, Orlando FLorida 32809 . Thank a lot
Reply
 

← Older Comments

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◾LINKS - You may post links to third party websites, so long as (1) you limit these to 2 links per comment, and (2) the content on these links doesn't contravene ANY of the first four points. Specifically, you may not post URLs to websites that are evangelical in nature. Our links page has an extensive list of such sites for any who are curious about Christian beliefs in the context of Jehovah's Witnesses.
JWSurvey.org thanks all visitors in advance for respectfully observing these guidelines. Any who persistently fail to do so, despite warnings, may find themselves blocked from making further comments at the discretion of the site moderators, whose decision will be final and not open for debate.

  


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Top Posts & Pages
Cough up, kids - Watchtower needs your ice cream money! 
 Cough up, kids - Watchtower needs your ice cream money! 
Stephen Lett admits income/expenditure shortfall as he reminds Witnesses to donate "valuable things" 
 Stephen Lett admits income/expenditure shortfall as he reminds Witnesses to donate "valuable things" 
Governing Body instructs congregations to pledge fixed monthly donations 
 Governing Body instructs congregations to pledge fixed monthly donations 
Links 
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Why it is morally wrong for Watchtower to push baptism on children 
 Why it is morally wrong for Watchtower to push baptism on children 
Videos 
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Key Articles

Is JWsurvey.org an apostate website?
What is the new light on the faithful slave?
Has Watchtower ever lied or withheld informatiion?

Open Offer

Open Offer to all bethelites
 Do you work at Brooklyn, Patterson or Wallkill? If so, please click here.

Our Promise
Making corrections
 Is there something incorrect or unfactual on this website? If so, please let us know and we will correct it.

2015 results at a glance
Number of respondents to the 2015 Global Survey
Site Stats
Visitor stats for JWsurvey

Like us on Facebook!

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◾37 Guests.

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◾Everyday Explorer on Cough up, kids – Watchtower needs your ice cream money!
◾Everyday Explorer on Cough up, kids – Watchtower needs your ice cream money!
◾Thinking of leaving on Cough up, kids – Watchtower needs your ice cream money!
◾Finn Sawyer on Cough up, kids – Watchtower needs your ice cream money!

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← Secrecy and deception: Watchtower fights dirty in its war against “apostates”
The results of the 2012 survey of Jehovah’s Witnesses are published, and the new 2013 survey is launched! →

Connect the dots of terror: JW.org releases gruesome image for kids to color in
avatar
Posted on February 27, 2013

JW.org’s latest activity for young Witness children is to reconstruct the death of the biblical character Lot’s wife

It was the stuff of nightmares for many Witness children over the decades – the Genesis account of Lot’s wife. In the story, related in Genesis chapter 19, Lot and his family flee the doomed city of Sodom and Gomorrah under strict instructions from their angelic messengers to not “look behind” while escaping to the mountains.
As the fireballs of sulphur begin to rain down on the stricken city, Lot’s wife glances back to view the destruction and is turned into a pillar of salt. – Genesis 19:26
It seems an astonishingly heavy-handed punishment by anyone’s standards, but evidently the intended message from the passage is that absolute obedience must be observed when one is given instructions from God or his messengers.
A morbid task
Few would blame the Society for wanting to gloss over this story, particularly given other extremely unsavory details contained in the biblical account. At one point in the narrative, Lot shows an apparent willingness to allow the men of Sodom to gang rape his two daughters if they agree to leave his angelic messengers alone. (Genesis 19:6-11) Later on in the account, after fleeing Sodom, Lot’s daughters have incestuous relations with their father while he is drunk. (Genesis 19:32-36) This is clearly not a Bible account deserving of close scrutiny as far as morals are concerned. Even so, JW.org has astonishingly challenged young visitors to its official website to help recreate the moment of Lot’s wife’s demise in this story. (To see this for yourself, please click here.)
In a downloadable PDF, Witness youngsters are given the morbid task of joining the dots to finish a depiction of Lot’s wife with a look of anguish on her face as her body turns to salt. Apparently the Society feels there is nothing inappropriate in revelling in the death of a person who has been killed by God by making her agonizing execution the subject of a coloring-in exercise.

The death of Lot’s wife as depicted in the Society’s children’s book “My Book of Bible Stories”
Witness parents should be seriously concerned about material such as this, which carries the potential to desensitize children to cruel violence and retribution.
As another example, on the same page on JW.org a comic-book version of the story of Lot’s family is published. The turning of Lot’s wife into a pillar of salt is portrayed in a shockingly graphic way, with her leg first becoming trapped, and then her arm becoming encrusted with salt. All the while there is an expression of horror on her face, and a tear rolls down her cheek as the salt consumes her body. The clear impression is that, rather than dying instantly, Lot’s wife is dying in great pain and trauma – and that this pain is deserved.

A graphic depiction on the JW.org website shows the trauma and agony experienced by Lot’s wife as she turns into a pillar of salt
All of the above only serves to stigmatize disobedient people as being worthy of a cruel and painful death in the minds of loyal worshippers. No mercy should be shown toward those who dare to “disobey.” Witness parents need to ask, do they want their children to grow up as cruel and vindictive people who revel in the suffering of others?
The Society has already ramped up its hate speech towards so-called “apostates” in recent magazine articles, labelling such ones “mentally diseased” (w11 7/15 p.16) and “gangrenous” (w13 4/15 p.11). It would not be a huge stretch to suggest that this new material on JW.org is aimed at portraying precisely the sort of fate it has in mind for those who dare to challenge the directives of the Governing Body, or fail to render it unquestioned obedience.
Out of touch
Amazingly, this is not the only questionable material for children to be found on the new JW.org. Elsewhere on the website, there is another gruesome “connect the dots” challenge featuring the Bible account where King Solomon demonstrates his “wisdom” by ordering a baby to be cut in two to resolve an argument between two women both claiming to be the baby’s mother. Here is the image (to download the PDF, click here)…


Supporters of the Society would argue that the baby wasn’t actually cut in two in this account, because the whole thing was a test to prove the identity of the baby’s true mother. Nonetheless, it was an extremely reckless way to resolve a custody dispute, showing a shocking disregard for human life. Few would disagree that the graphic portrayal of a baby about to be butchered with a knife by a soldier is wholly inappropriate imagery for young children to be exposed to.
Just because an account is mentioned in the Bible, does not necessarily make it appropriate educational material for children. For example, the Bible also mentions David’s adulterous sexual relations with Bathsheba, but this is not depicted in “connect the dot” exercises for children to recreate with their crayons. Despite this, the Society evidently feels there is nothing wrong with graphically exposing young minds to the agonizing death of a women simply for looking in the wrong direction, or the violent threats made toward a defenceless infant.
The portrayal of sex is rightly deemed off limits, but it seems violence is perfectly fine if a point needs to be made. It is almost as though the brothers responsible for producing this material are completely out of touch, or have no parental experience or instincts to tell them what is appropriate for children and what isn’t.
Indoctrinating a new generation
All of this comes less than nine months after the Society released its notorious children’s DVD “Become Jehovah’s Friend: Listen, Obey and Be Blessed,” which featured the exploits of young Caleb and his ill-fated Sparlock wizard toy. The DVD met with widespread condemnation towards the Society’s blatant attempt at controlling the minds of young ones by compromising their logical reasoning ability and stigmatizing such harmless items as magical toys.
These latest apparent attempts at moulding young minds by desensitizing Witness children to brutal justice and the death of disobedient people are just as appalling. It all represents further evidence that there are no depths the Society will not sink to in their efforts to draw total obedience from future generations.







A related Youtube video…




Share this:



















in
Share
.

Print
.
Like this:



Bookmark the permalink.
 
← Secrecy and deception: Watchtower fights dirty in its war against “apostates”
The results of the 2012 survey of Jehovah’s Witnesses are published, and the new 2013 survey is launched! →

49 Responses to Connect the dots of terror: JW.org releases gruesome image for kids to color in

← Older Comments

 Excelsior! says:

 October 13, 2014 at 2:45 am

dare tick,
Sorry, but you have misunderstood the posting guidelines. You can offer an opinion, an alternative view, if you want to. You can defend the WTBTS if you so wish. There are no posting rules as you describe in your opening statement.
The belief in God is not what is at issue here. John has at no time either confirmed or denied that God exists.
This site is about a HUMAN ORGANISATION. This site is about the practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses. It does not support any denomination.
We do not dispute the physical reality of anyone. Your comment does not make sense, I’m afraid.
We do offer advice to the WTBTS! Candace Conti has offered to advise on the child protection policy, for example.
We do not preach, we have no religious message. We simply discuss and expose the teachings and practices of JWs. Why should we have to offer an alternative truth? You have the bible, do you not?
“Without charge or tithes”? Have you read the articles on this topic? You do have tithes, in a sneaky way. Please do your research.
Do you have evidence that the gb clean at bethel? Do you have evidence that they go door to door?
Boasting about the Watchtower and Awake is rather poor taste. It’s not the number of copies, it’s about what’s in them, surely?
I would humbly suggest that YOU DO YOUR RESEARCH.
Peace be with you
Excelsior!
Reply
 

 anonymous says:

 October 13, 2014 at 6:27 am

Daretick, I wanted to add to my last comment. If you examine the literature that was being printed after 1919, you might be interested in a book by Joseph Rutherford called Creation printed in 1927. On page 267, there is a color painting depicting the crucifixion of Jesus on a cross and directly behind him are 2 naked men having anal sex. Do you really believe that Jesus would have chosen this organization is his one and only true spokesman to man on earth????? Check it out for yourself. These books are available on Ebay……
Reply
 

 Renia Renes says:

 February 20, 2015 at 6:27 pm

Could you please send me some DVD for kids 3 and 5 years old, I Whant children bible history too for my 2 girls . My adress is 3986 Orkney av, Orlando FLorida 32809 . Thank a lot
Reply
 

← Older Comments

Leave a Reply

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Comment posting guidelines:
Kindly observe the following requirements before posting any comments to our articles or pages:
◾ABUSIVE COMMENTS - Do not post comments that include swear words or may be considered abusive, lewd, blasphemous, obscene or threatening
◾ILLEGAL COMMENTS - Do not post comments that condone or propose illegal activity, or that breach copyright law
◾OFF-TOPIC COMMENTS - Do not post comments that are off-topic and bear no relation to the page or article
◾RELIGIOUS NEUTRALITY - Do not post comments that are evangelical in nature or may be construed as imposing one person's religious beliefs (or lack thereof) over those of another
◾LANGUAGE - Visitors from all countries and language groups are welcome. You may post comments in languages other than English, but we would appreciate if you could make any such comments brief. We would also be grateful if you could run any such comments through Google Translate and convert these to English, but this is not an absolute requirement.
◾LINKS - You may post links to third party websites, so long as (1) you limit these to 2 links per comment, and (2) the content on these links doesn't contravene ANY of the first four points. Specifically, you may not post URLs to websites that are evangelical in nature. Our links page has an extensive list of such sites for any who are curious about Christian beliefs in the context of Jehovah's Witnesses.
JWSurvey.org thanks all visitors in advance for respectfully observing these guidelines. Any who persistently fail to do so, despite warnings, may find themselves blocked from making further comments at the discretion of the site moderators, whose decision will be final and not open for debate.

  


 Notify me of new posts by email.
  
 



Click on 
Visit JWalumni.org for help and advice with leaving Jehovah's Witnesses
Visit JWfacts.com for more information on JW beliefs
Advocates for Awareness of Watchtower Abuses
JW Recovery forum
Visit JWstruggle.com for helpful information on exiting JW mind control

 

Support JWsurvey
Help us make continued improvements to this website and its content.

       

Article Categories
◾Apostates (23)
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◾Cedars' Blog (201)
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◾Divine Direction (4)
◾Domestic Abuse (2)
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◾Downsizing (6)
◾Evolution and creation (6)
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Search JWsurvey

  

Subscribe to JW Survey


Enter your email address to receive notices of new posts by email.
Join 760 other subscribers
Email Address  
    

Listen to JWpodcast

Check out the latest episode of JW podcast! 

Latest John Cedars video


Popular JW sites in other languages
Languages         
More languages...

Select... Croatian Czech Dutch Estonian Finnish 1 Finnish 2 French 1 French 2 French 3 German 1 German 2 Hungarian Italian 1 Italian 2 Italian 3 Japanese Polish 1 Polish 2 Polish 3 Portuguese 1 Portuguese 2 Romanian Russian 1 Russian 2 Russian 3 Serbian 1 Serbian 2 Serbian 3 Slovak Spanish 1 Spanish 2

Top Posts & Pages
Cough up, kids - Watchtower needs your ice cream money! 
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“New light” Watchtower magazine leaked from organization weeks ahead of general release
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Posted on March 27, 2013

The July 15 2013 Watchtower, which has been leaked weeks in advance of its scheduled release, offers more questions than answers regarding the Governing Body’s “new light”

Three weeks ahead of its expected release date in mid-April, a scanned copy of the July 15 2013 “Study Edition” of the Watchtower was leaked to the office of JWsurvey by a conscientious active Witness within the organization. I have spent the last two days analyzing its contents.
The magazine in question details the “new light” unveiled at the October 5th 2012 Annual Meeting, at which it was announced that the Governing Body is now considered the “faithful and discreet slave” – the spiritual overlords of the nearly 8 million Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide.
By the time the magazine is finally released, ordinary Witnesses will have waited six months since the Annual Meeting for a written explanation of the new understanding. However, such ones will be disappointed to discover that this key Watchtower (which Bethelites have been instructed by their superiors to study in detail) offers more questions than answers. As many expected, the magazine writers give explanations for key doctrinal understandings that are unsupported and speculative at best.
Here follows a brief overview of the four main study articles…
◾Tell Us, When Will These Things Be? (September 2-8) – This article first whets the appetite of the reader by discussing bible prophecy related to the “Great Tribulation,” which will commence with an attack on religion by the “disgusting thing” (the United Nations) and climax with Armageddon. The article then provides a re-cap of the understanding, held since 1995, that the separation of the sheep and the goats will happen during the Great Tribulation. The writers expand on this to provide “new light” on Christ’s “arrival” as bridegroom. Whereas this was once thought to have occurred in 1918, the arrival of Christ as “master” or “bridegroom” is now scheduled to happen at some point during the Great Tribulation.
◾Look! I Am With You All the Days (September 9-15) – Christ’s parable of the “wheat and the weeds” is applied directly to the long period between 33 CE and Armageddon. The separating work is said to have commenced in 1914, when Christ undertook a period of “inspection and cleansing” of the organization that lasted until 1919, when the Bible Students were approved as being “true Christian wheat.”
◾Feeding Many Through the Hands of a Few (September 16-22) – Christ’s miracle of the loaves and fishes is held aloft as a foregleam of his intentions to appoint only a small group of men over the spiritual feeding work. The article discusses the “apostles and older men” as being forerunners to the Governing Body arrangement. Russell and his associates (pre-1914) are precluded from representing the appointed channel through which Christ would feed his sheep.
◾“Who Really Is the Faithful and Discreet Slave?” (September 23-29) – The article begins by sweeping aside the previous understanding that the faithful slave was appointed in 33 CE, and goes on to explain how the words of the “prophecy” began to be fulfilled only after 1914. The faithful slave is identified specifically as being “a small group of anointed brothers” currently comprising the Governing Body as a “composite slave.” The article concludes by boldly insisting that Christ WILL appoint the Governing Body, along with other anointed Christians, “over all his belongings” when he comes in judgment during the Great Tribulation.
The “disgusting” United Nations – a former partner
The UN has come under fire from Watchtower publications repeatedly over the decades, but rarely has the denunciation been so forthright as in this latest magazine. On page 4 in the first study article, Witnesses are reminded that the United Nations, which is declared to be the modern-day “disgusting thing,” WILL attack Christendom and the rest of “false religion” to signal the outbreak of the Great Tribulation.
Witnesses will be familiar with Watchtower labelling the UN as the “disgusting thing” of Matthew 24:15, but rarely has the assertion been made with such forthrightness that the UN (and not merely its “members”) will be solely responsible for an attack on all religion. Over the last few decades, Watchtower publications have described the UN’s involvement as executioner of false religion in a variety of ways, some more obscure than others…
Question: Who will destroy Babylon The Great?
Answer…
◾1975 – “the United Nations” (w75 5/1 pp. 274-275 par. 11)
◾1976 – “beastlike radical powers from within the United Nations” (gh chap. 16 p. 147 par. 12)
◾1977 – “The members of the U.N. and other nations not members of it…” (go chap. 11 p. 177 par. 7)
◾1980 – “the political backers of the United Nations” (w80 7/1 p. 17 par. 23)
◾1982 – “The ‘ten horns’ of the United Nations ‘beast'” (w82 5/1 p. 18 par. 9)
◾1985 – “political elements, represented in the United Nations” (g85 4/8 p. 13)
◾1985 – “antireligious elements within the United Nations” (w85 6/15 p. 18 par. 19)
◾1987 – “The ten horns [governmental powers within the United Nations organization] that you saw, and the wild beast [United Nations]…” (w87 11/1 p. 28)
◾1988 – “the nations will use the scarlet-colored wild beast, the United Nations…” (re chap. 35 p. 258 par. 21)
◾1989 – “the political powers associated with the United Nations” (w89 5/15 p. 6)
◾1993 – “political elements, including the United Nations” (g93 1/8 p. 12)
◾1994 – “militarized members of the United Nations” (w94 3/1 p. 20 par. 11)
◾1994 – “members of the United Nations” (w94 11/1 p. 17 par. 5)
◾1997 – “the United Nations… will have a principal role” (w97 9/15 p. 19 par. 14)
◾2005 – “militarized powers within the United Nations” (w05 9/15 p. 19 par. 13)
◾2013 – “the United Nations” (w13 7/15 p.4 par. 6)
And so the declaration last heard with such conviction in the 70s and 80s is now voiced again in 2013 – namely that the United Nations organization directly (and not necessarily its “members”) WILL attack and destroy false religion.
The Watchtower has once again labelled the UN a “disgusting thing” despite being affiliated with it for nine years as an NGO

This should raise eyebrows among personnel within the UN, whose own Declaration of Human Rights enshrines the “freedom of religion” – a fact noted by the Society in past publications. (g86 10/22 p. 31)
It will also be a source of unending bewilderment to those within the Ex-JW community that Watchtower continues to slam the UN as being a “disgusting thing” despite having enjoyed a formal relationship with it as an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) between 1992 and 2001. Watchtower only ended its illicit association when it received unwanted exposure from the UK’s Guardian newspaper. (For more information, click here.)
This latest brief foray into attacking the United Nations in the first few pages of the July magazine sets the stage for what is to follow, as the reader is dragged deeper into the murky madness of the doctrinal maze that Watchtower has created, along with its heavily revised organizational history.
An overview of the changes

Before I begin my rundown of the “new light” regarding the faithful slave, I feel it’s important to avoid potential confusion by clarifying elements of the verse in Matthew 24:45-47 and summarizing what the Society claims to be its fulfilment. Here is what the scripture in question says in the New World Translation:

“Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to YOU, He will appoint him over all his belongings.”
As you can see, the above verse effectively has two elements to it. First, Christ appoints his faithful slave to watch over his “domestics.” Then, only later, does Christ “arrive” and appoint the slave over all his “belongings.” Clearly, both of these things cannot happen at the same time. One part of the verse is described in the present tense, and the other in the future tense. Therefore, a period of time is implied between these two events. The question, at least as far as Watchtower is concerned, is “when was this time period?”
In an effort to make all of this as simple as possible, I have produced the following table. It shows the new understanding of the “faithful slave” teaching side-by-side with the old one. Feel free to refer to it when reading this article if things get a little too complicated to take in.


Please bear in mind that if you are expecting explanations in this article that do not appear, this is not my fault. Any such frustration should be directed at the Watchtower writers, who have ignored a number of key questions arising from this “new light.” I will do my best to highlight all pertinent parts of the Watchtower that I feel are of interest using selected quotes. However, for reasons of copyright and personal trust, I cannot and will not reproduce the entire article. Readers are reminded that the full article will be available online in PDF format on (or around) April 15th. (Update: the article is now available for download on this link.)
Christ’s “arrival” in 1918 scrapped

It has long been proclaimed by the Society that the references to Christ’s “arriving” as “master” and “bridegroom” in Matthew 24 and 25 occurred in 1918 when he came to inspect his faithful and discreet slave. It was said that the following year, 1919, Christ completed his inspection and decided to appoint the early Bible Students as his faithful slave over all of this belongings.
Under this new understanding, however, 1914 is now earmarked as being the year that Christ began to inspect and cleanse the organization – with this “inspection period” ending in 1919 when Christ supposedly approved the directors of the Watch Tower Society as his faithful slave by appointing them over his domestics.
1918 has therefore fallen by the wayside and lost any real significance – at least as far as the “end time” prophecies in Matthew are concerned. This is made clear on pages 7 and 8 of the new magazine, where we are informed that all eight references to Christ’s “coming” or “arrival” between Matthew 24:29 and the end of chapter 25 refer to the “future time of judgment during the great tribulation.”
An eventful “inspection and cleansing” period
In the minds of many, one of the most intriguing aspects of this new understanding is the fact that Charles Taze Russell, once considered part of the Slave Class, has been effectively written out of having any real biblical significance in Witness history. This is confirmed on page 19, where it says:

“Were the Bible Students in the years that lead up to 1914 the appointed channel through which Christ would feed his sheep? No. They were still in the growing season, and the arrangement for a channel to provide spiritual food was taking shape. The time had not yet come for the weedlike imitation Christians to be separated from the true Christian wheat.” (w13 7/15 p.19)
Christ’s parable of the wheat and weeds (Matt 13:24-30, 37-43) forms the basis of the second study article, entitled “Look! I Am With You All the Days,” and is referenced throughout the magazine, as above. The scripture and its “fulfilment” is explained by means of an illustrative timeline that stretches from pages 10 to 11. Key elements of the timeline are as follows:
◾33CE – Sowing begins
◾Sower: Jesus
◾Fine seed is sown: Anointing with holy spirit
◾The field: The world of mankind
◾Enemy: The devil
◾Men were sleeping: death of the apostles
◾Wheat: Anointed Christians
◾Weeds: Imitation Christians
◾1914 – Harvest begins
◾Slaves/reapers: Angels
◾Weedlike Christians are separated from the anointed “sons of the kingdom”
◾1919 – Gathering into the storehouse, Anointed Christians are gathered into the restored congregation
◾Shining brightly: Shortly before Armageddon, the remaining faithful anointed ones are gathered to the heavens
◾Armageddon: At Armageddon, the weeds are pitched into the fire
It seems the Society is using the wheat and the weeds parable in this magazine as a useful replacement to fill the vacuum left by the previous understanding of the faithful slave “prophecy.” The illustration has been drafted in to build a makeshift scriptural bridge between the organization’s history and the outset of the Christian congregation in 33CE.
Another scripture that is referenced is Malachi 3:1-4, already associated in the minds of Witnesses as discussing Christ’s visit to his “spiritual temple” at the end of the First World War. The second study article adjusts this understanding by explaining that Christ visited the organization (invisibly, of course) in 1914 after the weeds (imitation Christians) had been allowed to grow for centuries among the wheat (anointed Christians). So, what position, if any, did Russell occupy when Christ visited in 1914?

“During the decades leading up to 1914, C. T. Russell and his close associates did a work like that of John the Baptizer. That vital work involved restoring Bible truths. The Bible Students taught the true meaning of Christ’s ransom sacrifice, exposed the hellfire lie, and proclaimed the coming end of the Gentile Times.” (w13 7/15 p.11)
Having been stripped of any meaningful role in God’s purpose, C.T. Russell has received the consolation of being likened to John the Baptizer

Thus, Russell is awarded the peculiar role of “John the Baptizer” in Watchtower’s new convoluted melodrama – forging the path ahead of Christ’s inspection of the organization in 1914. However, Russell and his early organization is stripped of having any meaningful role in God’s purpose. One is left wondering, if Russell’s death in 1916 happened during the “cleansing” period, does this mean that his demise was all part of God’s plan?! Regardless, only after the 1914-1919 “inspection and cleansing period” was the organization recognized as God’s organized channel, as explained on page 19…

“From 1914 to the early part of 1919, Jesus accompanied his Father to the spiritual temple to do a much-needed inspection and cleansing work. (Mal. 3:1-4) Then, starting in 1919, it was time to begin gathering the wheat. Was it finally the time for Christ to appoint one organized channel to dispense spiritual food? Yes, indeed!” (w13 7/15 p.19)
The tumultuous period in the organization’s history between 1914 and 1919 thus becomes the focus of doctrine perhaps more than ever before. There is no longer a “seamless” transition from the time of the apostles through to today. Prior to 1914, there was NO “organized channel” on the Earth. By 1919, one had been suddenly and miraculously formed – by none other than Christ himself.
A Questionable Character
There is just one small problem with hanging so much doctrinally on this murky period in Watchtower’s history. The more we delve into historical documents, the more we realise that Watchtower cannot be proud of its activities during that time – not to mention the literature that was produced. To compensate for this, the Society must reach for its eraser and smudge out some of the less savoury details of its past. This it does with reckless abandon on page 12…

“In late 1914, some Bible Students were disheartened because they had not gone to heaven. During 1915 and 1916, opposition from outside the organization slowed down the preaching work. Worse, after Russell’s death in October 1916, opposition arose from inside the organization. Four of the seven directors of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society rebelled against the decision to have Brother Rutherford take the lead. They tried to cause division among the brothers, but in August 1917, they left bethel – a cleansing indeed! Also, some Bible Students gave in to fear of man. Still, as a whole they willingly responded to Jesus’ cleansing work and made the needed changes. Hence, Jesus judged them to be true Christian wheat, but he rejected all imitation Christians, including all those found within the churches of Christendom. (Mal. 3:5; 2 Tim. 2:19)” (w13 7/15 p.12 par.8)
To those who are even remotely familiar with organizational events between 1914 and 1919, the above depiction of the Society’s exploits during that period is flattering at best and heavily revisionist at worst. For example, there is more to the story of the “four directors” than is told above. Note the following words from page 9 of the booklet “Light After Darkness” published by opponents of Brother Rutherford in September 1917…

The account of the four directors concerning their ousting from Bethel in 1917, from page 9 of the booklet “Light After Darkness”
As you can see, simply saying that the four directors left bethel does not tell the full story of what happened. The directors were threatened with forcible ejection by Rutherford, and finally left after it was negotiated for them to receive $300 dollars each rather than be turned out onto the street without a dime to their name. What crime had led to four directors of the Watch Tower Society being treated in this way? They had dared to object to Rutherford effectively tearing up C.T. Russell’s will, which stipulated that power should be shared evenly between Watchtower’s board of directors.
Writer and Watchtower historian, Rud Persson

In a spectacular grab for power following Russell’s death in late 1916, Rutherford used his legal knowledge to enact bylaws in early 1917 that would give him total control over the Society, and render the role of Society director all but meaningless. This was what the “four directors” spoke out against, and they were effectively evicted from their home, Brooklyn Bethel, for their troubles. You can read more about what really happened during those dark days in the above-quoted booklet “Light After Darkness,” which is available in PDF form by clicking here.
Rud Persson is a Swedish Watchtower historian who has copiously analyzed all available documents from this very episode in the organization’s history, and is compiling a book to summarize his research. I approached him by email with the above paragraph from this new Watchtower, and he made this comment…

“It is certainly true that four Directors opposed ‘the decision to have Brother Rutherford take the lead.’ They should do that, for it meant a complete departure from the way Russell, the then recognized ‘faithful and wise servant’, had arranged for matters after his death. It is not true that they ‘tried to cause division among the brothers’. That was not their purpose which was to rectify what was wrong. If spreading information was necessary to do this, then of course they felt that wisdom from above is first of all clean, thereafter peaceful. It was Rutherford with the aid of his yes-men who went public first, publicly blackening the four Directors and then Paul S.L. Johnson. It is true that the four directors left Bethel in August 1917, on August 8 to be specific, but that was not the end of the story.” – Rud Persson
I for one cannot wait for Rud’s book to come out, because I am sure it will shed much light on these events, and further undermine Watchtower’s astonishingly misplaced trust and confidence in the character of “Judge” Rutherford, not to mention this highly questionable and well-documented period in the organization’s early history.
Documented evidence shows Rutherford to have been a ruthless bigoted bully rather than a clean-cut figurehead for the fledgling Watch Tower Society

As previously mentioned on this website, during his presidency Rutherford distinguished himself as a bully and a tyrant. He allowed an atmosphere of alcoholism to permeate Bethel, and used abusive and demeaning language to intimidate and belittle any who fell short of his standards. He also lived in luxury at a time of national austerity, while many of his co-workers at Bethel lived in squalid conditions.
All of this was documented during the Olin Moyle libel lawsuit in the early 1940s, which Rutherford lost. A copy of Moyle’s resignation letter which sparked the lawsuit is available to read on this link. It gives an astonishing glimpse into what life was like in Bethel under Rutherford’s presidency, and casts serious doubt over whether Christ could really have supported such a man as custodian over his organization.
It may be that you, the reader, are so determined to think of Rutherford as a good man that you will not accept information unless it is within the Society’s own literature – even if it is documented information from a lawsuit. If that is the case, I would urge you to read my article on racism in Watchtower literature during both Russell and Rutherford’s presidency. Some of the bigoted statements made by Rutherford and his writers in the Society’s own publications defy belief, and should leave you beyond any doubt of Rutherford’s questionable character.
Despite all this, the Watch Tower Society of the 21st Century insists on ascribing Rutherford with a prominent role in the fulfilment of bible prophecy – one of the very first members of the faithful and discreet slave! Even so, it is perhaps noteworthy that Rutherford’s name is only mentioned once in all of the four study articles – and that is in the quote reproduced above. I feel this may be telling. Watchtower wants you, the reader, to focus on the date, 1919, rather than the bigoted bully behind it.
A tenuous link
Witnesses will be familiar with the Governing Body‘s constant attempts to draw parallels between themselves and Christ’s First Century apostles. The third study article, “Feeding Many Through the Hands of a Few” represents yet another example of this.
The magazine suggests that Christ’s miraculous feeding of the five thousand supports the Governing Body arrangement

The opening paragraphs remind the reader of Christ’s miracle where he fed the five thousand using just a few loaves and fishes, with his disciples distributing the miraculously produced food. (Matt 14:14-21) The writer then expands on this by explaining that spiritual feeding was of more importance to Christ than providing physical food, and it was for this reason that Christ chose his apostles.
We are then reminded in paragraph 9 of an incident in the book of Acts where a physical food shortage arose among the early Christians. The apostles sprung into action to appoint responsible brothers to ensure that food was being distributed evenly. So far the reader is thinking “Yes, but these were Christ’s apostles. There is no mention in Acts of a Governing Body.” But it doesn’t take long (paragraph 10, in fact) for the writer to make the connection…

“By 49 CE, the surviving apostles had been joined by certain other qualified elders. (Read Acts 15:1,2.) ‘The apostles and older men in Jerusalem’ served as a governing body. As the Head of the congregation, Christ used this small group of qualified men to settle doctrinal issues and to oversee and direct the preaching and teaching of the Kingdom good news.-Acts 15:6-29; 21:17-19; Col. 1:18.” (w13 7/15 p.17)
The above statement makes an unfounded assumption. It implies that, once the circumcision issue arose, the apostles were permanently “joined” by the “older men” in the making of any and all subsequent decisions related to the early congregation. There is absolutely no evidence of this. In the entire Bible, the phrase “apostles and older men” appears only six times – and all six times are in chapters 15 and 16 of Acts. It therefore seems that the involvement of the “older men” in this matter was a one-off “ad hoc” event that was borne from necessity and the uniqueness of the situation. To suggest that the apostles were unable to reach decisions without the older men from that point onwards is making an assertion that simply isn’t contained in the scriptures.
Once again the Governing Body holds aloft the account of the “apostles and older men” in Acts 15 and 16 as their mandate to rule unopposed

The next paragraph goes on to imply that, from this point onwards, the Apostle Paul was tasked with carrying out the orders of this newly formed “governing body.” It cites Acts 16:4,5 where Paul is described as delivering “for observance the decrees that had been decided upon by the apostles and older men who were in Jerusalem.”
Only when the reader looks up the scripture and notes its proximity to the circumcision issue in the previous chapter does he realise that, rather than being a permanent arrangement, Paul was merely passing on the instructions related to this particular matter. But the way the Society quotes the scriptures suggests to the reader that this was an ongoing permanent “arrangement,” and that Paul was subservient to the “apostles and older men” from then on – which, again, is asserting something that is simply not supported by scripture. Paragraph 11 then draws the reader to the following conclusion…

“Notice that those congregations prospered as a result of their loyal cooperation with the governing body in Jerusalem. Is that not proof of Jehovah’s blessing on the arrangement by means of which his Son fed the congregations? Let us remember that spiritual prosperity is possible only with Jehovah’s rich blessing.-Prov. 10:22; 1 Cro. 3:6,7.” (w13 7/15 p.18 par.11)
And so, like an accomplished magician, the writer succeeds in duping the reader into drawing two false assumptions: (1) that there was a first century governing body, which there wasn’t (and bible writers were perfectly capable of coming up with their own term in Greek to describe such an arrangement if it existed without the Watchtower adding to the scriptures), and (2) that it was a permanent ongoing arrangement rather than a one-off way of dealing with a particular problem that arose, namely circumcision.
The next paragraph is one of the most intriguing in the magazine, but it serves a very deliberate purpose. It states…

“Thus far we have seen that Jesus followed a pattern when feeding his followers: He fed many through the hands of a few. The channel he used for spiritual feeding was clearly recognizable. After all, the apostles – the original members of the governing body – could provide visible proof of heavenly backing. ‘Through the hands of the apostles many signs and portents continued to occur among the people,’ states Acts 5:12. Hence, there was no reason for those who became Christian to wonder, ‘Who really are the ones through whom Christ is feeding his sheep?’ But by the end of the first century, the situation changed.” (w13 7/15 p.18 par.12)
The paragraphs that follow go on to describe Christianity’s slide into apostasy following the death of the apostles, but rather than allowing ourselves to be swept along by the rhetoric, the true purpose of the above paragraph must be fully recognized. The Society is now trying to make the point, which it repeats more clearly on page 21, that the faithful slave scripture COULD NOT have applied to the apostles because their authority was unmistakable due to their “signs and portents.”
The magazine twice tries to argue that the “faithful slave” could not have applied to the apostles because it was mentioned in the form of a question

Simply put, the Society now argues that, because Matthew 24:45 is written in the form of a question (i.e. “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave…?”), Jesus could not have been referring to his apostles. They say that, because it was so obvious that the apostles were in charge, such a question would be irrelevant. However, as I will argue later in this article, this reasoning is so flawed it is almost laughable.
In reality, all the Society achieves with the above paragraph is to inadvertently remind thinking Witnesses that the Governing Body really has no “visible proof” of their appointment by Christ. Sure, they have an organization that is expanding at an underwhelming annual growth rate of 1.9% (as of 2012), but it is also an organization that imposes the torturous shunning of family members and is increasingly making itself the subject of legal pressure on account of its damaging child abuse policies. The idea that the individual Governing Body members are somehow invisibly hand-picked by Christ is therefore unthinkable – so unthinkable that even the Society evades articulating this idea in print. So where does the Governing Body get its mandate from?
I wish I could answer that question by quoting a series of paragraphs in this magazine through which the Society coherently justifies the Governing Body’s new Pope-like status. Sadly, however, there is no such material to draw from. Nowhere in these study articles is it described how Governing Body members are selected, or how it can be proven that Christ has any role in this process whatsoever. Rather, the mandate for the Governing Body to rule unquestioned over nearly 8 million people apparently hinges on three scriptures:
1.Christ’s miracle of the loaves and the fishes in Matthew 14
2.Two chapters in Acts, namely chapters 15 and 16 (a historical narrative about the handling of the circumcision issue by the “apostles and older men”)
3.The verses in Matthew 24 about the faithful slave – which many argue were intended purely as a parable.
Having established such a shaky foundation for justifying the present Governing Body arrangement in the first three articles, the fourth and final article is left to drive home the message that the Governing Body is to be loyally obeyed without question, because its future approval by Christ is already set in stone. This is underlined by the final words of the second paragraph, which states:

“It is vital that we recognize the faithful slave. Our spiritual health and our relationship with God depend on this channel.” – Matthew 4:4; John 17:3.
I looked up both scriptures. As you would expect, neither was remotely connected with the faithful and discreet slave.
Who really is the faithful and discreet slave?

It doesn’t take long for the final article to answer the above question, which forms its title. A box is provided at the top of page 22 that spells out the answer succinctly, as follows:

“‘The faithful and discreet slave': A small group of brothers who are directly involved in preparing and dispensing spiritual food during Christ’s presence. Today, these anointed brothers make up the Governing Body.” (w13 7/15 p.22 box)
This answer is elaborated on in the text beneath, in paragraph 10…

“Who then is the faithful and discreet slave? In keeping with Jesus’ pattern of feeding many through the hands of a few, that slave is made up of a small group of anointed brothers who are directly involved in preparing and dispensing spiritual food during Christ’s presence. Throughout the last days, the anointed brothers who make up the faithful slave have served together at headquarters. In recent decades, that slave has been closely associated with the Governing body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Note, however, that the word “slave” in Jesus’ illustration is singular, indicating that this is a composite slave. The decisions of the Governing Body are thus made collectively.” (w13 7/15 p.22, par.10)
Having unequivocally assumed such a lofty title, the Governing Body members probably felt that they needed to make some token show of humility. It was noted during the Annual Meeting that, in his talk, David Splane went to great lengths to “sell” the new teaching to the audience by pushing the new understanding of the domestics – now considered to be both anointed christians, and those of the great crowd.
David Splane extols the teaching of the domestics during the Annual Meeting

“And brothers, we LOVE this teaching.” Splane enthused, adding, “We LOVE this idea, because it really truly does dignify the members of the Great Crowd.” Many of us who watched those words being spoken on the slick JW.org promotional video have been left unconvinced. It seems obvious that the “faithful slave” has far more to “love” about this new teaching than the domestics do.
The issue of the domestics is given similar prominence in a section entitled “Who are the domestics?” on pages 22 and 23. A picture is shown at the top of page 23 in which Gerrit Lösch and his wife are seated at a congregation meeting. Gerrit glances inquisitively as a young child answers into the outstretched microphone. The message is unmistakeable. “We are normal, everyday brothers – just like anyone else!” Not everyone will be buying it.
A selection that has already been made
A key reason why the previous teaching regarding the faithful and discreet slave almost served its purpose (to some extent) was that it referred to events in the murky past that nobody could remember, and made assertions that few could authoritatively argue with unless they were prepared to do some research. For example, the Society argued that Jesus selected a Slave in 1919 that had already existed for centuries, and appointed it over all his “belongings.” Therefore, no matter what flaws the organization may now have, the argument could be made that the Slave Class had ALREADY received final approval from Christ – so any perceived flaws were irrelevant.
But now, the teaching is that Christ has YET to finally approve the Governing Body in its role as the composite slave. With this in mind, you would expect the Governing Body members to exercise a bit of humility, and not try to second guess the decision that Christ is due to make in the future during the Great Tribulation when he finally arrives to inspect his slave class. Instead, the Governing Body boldly makes Christ’s decision for him in advance. Note what is said on page 25…

“In view of the foregoing, what can we conclude? When Jesus comes for judgment during the great tribulation, he will find that the faithful slave has been loyally dispensing timely spiritual food to the domestics. Jesus will then delight in making the second appointment – over all his belongings.” (w13 7/15 p.25 par.18, bold mine)
I was amazed at the arrogance when reading the above words. One would think that, if they have any true Christ-like humility about them, the Governing Body would say words to the effect of “we will do our best to provide spiritual food, and if Christ is pleased with our efforts when he comes, he promises to appoint us over all his belongings.” Instead, as mentioned, the decision has evidently already been made by the Governing Body on Christ’s behalf that he WILL choose them when he comes.
The scriptures themselves indicate that the appointment over the belongings is not to be considered a foregone conclusion. One is reminded of the very next words in Matthew 24:48-51 (New World Translation)…

“But if ever that evil slave should say in his heart, ‘My master is delaying,’ and should start to beat his fellow slaves and should eat and drink with the confirmed drunkards, the master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect and in an hour that he does not know, and will punish him with the greatest severity and will assign him his part with the hypocrites. There is where [his] weeping and the gnashing of [his] teeth will be.”
Ironically, the Society addresses this scripture by means of a box on page 24, on the page just before it makes the bold assertion that it WILL be selected. The box begins by discussing the “evil slave” and makes the following statement…

“Was Jesus foretelling that there would be an evil slave class in the last days? No. Granted, some individuals have manifested a spirit similar to that of the evil slave described by Jesus. We would call them apostates, whether they were of the anointed or of the “great crowd.” (Rev. 7:9) But such ones do not make up an evil slave class. Jesus did not say that he would appoint an evil slave. His words here are actually a warning directed to the faithful and discreet slave.” (w13 7/15 p.24 box)
And so a warning directed at the faithful and discreet slave is cunningly turned into an opportunity to lampoon apostates for “beating their fellow slaves.” Even though the box acknowledges that apostates are not the evil slave, it still leaps on the opportunity to misrepresent and stigmatize those who are guilty of nothing more than disagreeing with the teachings and practices of the Governing Body.
Meanwhile, the Governing Body neatly sidesteps Christ’s warning about the “evil slave.” An unnamed “scholar” makes a brief cameo, and is quoted as saying: “for all practical purposes [the evil slave warning] is a hypothetical condition.” (bold and brackets mine) The writer thus dismisses the entire portion of scripture, declaring further on in the box that the Governing Body “has continued to keep on the watch and to provide nourishing spiritual food.” This part of the discussion is summed up as follows…

“The anointed brothers who together serve as the faithful slave recognize that they are accountable to the Master for the way they care for his domestics. The hearfelt desire of these anointed brothers is to fulfill their responsibility loyally so that they might hear a ‘well done’ from the Master when he finally arrives.” (w13 7/15 p.24 box)
Whatever the Governing Body may profess their “heartfelt desire” to be, they cannot escape the fact that their actions and decisions have caused misery and heartache to countless thousands through their cruel insistence on unscriptural policies such as the shunning of family members.
Jesus said that his followers would be identified by the love they have among themselves (John 13:35), and yet the breaking up of families purely because somebody decides to leave his or her former religion is anything but loving. Those labelled “apostates” and slandered with hate speech merely for daring to disagree with the Governing Body have every reason to think of these men as an “evil slave,” whether such ones still consider themselves Christians or not. It is therefore difficult to fathom how the Governing Body can boldly consider Christ’s approval of their methods to be a foregone conclusion. (Matt. 7:21-23)

The 2013 Governing Body, as they appear on page 26 of the July 15th Watchtower
More questions than answers
In total there are 23 pages in the four study articles combined. And yet, for all the sleek illustrations, carefully worded paragraphs and prophetic timelines, the magazine leaves key questions regarding the organization’s new doctrines unanswered. Here are just a few…
◾What scripture supports the fact that the “inspection and cleansing work” would take Christ four and a half years (from late 1914 to early 1919)?” (p.11) – Repeatedly the magazine insists that the four and a half years between late 1914 and early 1919 was a period of “inspection and cleansing” by Christ. However, nowhere is any scripture provided to explain why Christ would need this specific length of time to achieve this purpose. Rather, it seems that events in the organization’s history have been taken as the “evidence” – and the scriptures just have to fit around them.
The early Bible Students were said to commit an “organizational sin” by ripping out fiercely political pages of this book

◾What were the circumstances under which the early Bible Students “gave in to the fear of man?” (p.12) – This statement is found on page 12, but not elaborated on. If you have the time, I would encourage you to do research on this if you haven’t already done so. In a previous article, I explored the events surrounding the publication of the Finished Mystery, and how the Bible Students were ordered by the authorities to tear out pages 247 to 253 of the book – pages that were fiercly political and critical of America’s war effort. This compromise was deemed an “organizational sin.” However, the more you research the ludicrous statements contained in the Finished Mystery, the more you reach the conclusion that Christ would actually have praised the Bible Students for ripping out its pages rather than chastising them for it.
◾If Russell and his associates were not part of God’s channel (or even the “slave class”) then why did Christ choose only to inspect them in 1914 and not any other Christian denominations? (p.19) – To put this question another way – why would Christ “inspect” one Christian denomination rather than several, or even all of them? If there was nothing special about Russell or his associates, then why did Christ effectively set up camp at Watchtower HQ for four and a half years and “inspect” them over this period? “Cleansing” is one thing, but “inspection” is something altogether different. Inspection is something you do BEFORE you are satisfied of the nature of something. Would it not have made more sense to “inspect” multiple denominations first, choose one of them, and then “cleanse” it accordingly?
There is no scriptural support for the notion that authority can somehow be passed on from one generation to the next

◾If all of the original 1919 members of the slave chosen by Christ are now dead, how can it be said that subsequent members of the slave were chosen? – As mentioned in a previous article, a key problem with the “new light” is the question of succession. Previously, the Governing Body claimed that they were merely the representatives of a cloud-like mass of “anointed” ones that has always existed since the time of the apostles. Now, however, they have effectively evaporated this “cloud” and insisted that their appointment came directly from Christ in 1919. But all of the 1919 board of directors are now dead and buried, so how can it be assumed that their position as “faithful slave” was passed on to their successors? The Society has roundly condemned the catholic principle of apostolic succession in their literature – including the Reasoning Book. It is one thing to suggest that Christ came and selected Rutherford and his associates in 1919 (despite the connotations of this, once you look at Rutherford’s character and what they were printing at the time). It is another thing entirely to assume that this status of “the faithful and discreet slave” was somehow passed like a baton to successive generations down through the decades since 1919 based purely on the necessity caused by people dying. No explanation is given as to how this was achieved, other than the suggestion that it “just did” – which is essentially Watchtower’s version of apostolic succession. With this new teaching, Watchtower has become more like the catholic church than it would care to admit.
◾Why can it be said with certainty that Christ’s original apostles were not at least part of the faithful and discreet slave? (p.21) – This question is posed on page 21 of the magazine, but nowhere is it satisfactorily answered. The only explanation offered is that the “faithful and discreet slave” statement by Jesus was posed in the form of a question, and therefore it couldn’t possibly have applied to the apostles since there was no doubt at all that these ones had Christ’s authority. However, the asking of a question does not necessarily imply doubt. For example, what about “rhetorical questions” where the answer is known before the question is asked? And if it was such a foregone conclusion that the apostles would live up to Christ’s expectations, then why did Jesus go to such lengths to tell Peter to “feed my little sheep” after his resurrection? (John 21:15-19) The article insists that there was “hardly a reason to ask such a question” regarding the apostles, yet recognizing the authority of the apostles as the “faithful slave” was as much a choice for early Christians as it is for Witnesses regarding the Governing Body today. This is highlighted by the fact that some early Christians deviated from the apostles’ leadership. (2 Tim 2:16-18) The Society’s reasoning is thus SO flawed that the question is effectively left unanswered.
It seems that working at World Headquarters in New York is a key criterion for being considered part of the Faithful Slave, even though there is no scriptural basis for this assertion

◾Just what is so special about headquarters? (p.22) – According to the new explanation of the faithful slave, it seems that a key identifying feature of a composite slave member is not WHO he is, or even whether he has a heavenly hope or not. What apparently matters is WHERE he happens to work. Nowhere in Christ’s discussion of the slave does it hint that “location, location, location” would be at all important in identifying who the faithful slave is, so how can the organization be so dogmatic in insisting that “headquarters” in New York carries such relevance in making this biblical determination?
◾How can the Governing Body justify insisting that they WILL be appointed by Christ over “all of this belongings” in advance of this event? (p.25) – As discussed above, many sincere Witnesses will be left scratching their heads at the brazenness of the Governing Body in insisting they WILL be appointed by Christ over his belongings before he has even come in judgment. The decision has been effectively snatched out of Christ’s hands, and made for him.
An organization as porous as its teachings
By now you have probably reached the conclusion that most of what is discussed in the four articles of this new magazine either makes no sense at all, or was already covered at the Annual Meeting nearly six months ago – an event at which some 15,000 privileged Witnesses were treated to a glimpse of the “new light” before millions of their brothers around the world.
The Governing Body preferred to receive applause and fanfare at their Annual Meeting than go to any efforts to make sure their “new light” reached the global brotherhood simultaneously

As discussed in a previous article, it took more than a month following the Annual Meeting for news of the “new light” to be finally confirmed on the Society’s official web pages, and nearly two months for this information to be made available in languages other than English. Finally, six months after the information was divulged from a New Jersey platform, the worldwide brotherhood are finally getting to hear about this doctrine in print – a doctrine that carries profound implications regarding the authority of the Governing Body.
No longer are the Governing Body self-appointed representatives of a some obscure cloud of anointed Witnesses that has always existed in some form stretching back to the time of the apostles. They are now self-appointed representatives, not of heaven-bound Christians, but of Christ himself. They answer to no one, not even Christ whom they represent! After all, they have made his decision to appoint them over “all his belongings” for him in advance. Any meaningful evidence to support their claims is deemed irrelevant.
True, it may be that even before this announcement a good number of Witnesses considered the Governing Body to be the faithful and discreet slave, but this would only realistically have been for one (or both) of two reasons: (1) ignorance on the part of individuals regarding Watchtower doctrine, or (2) confusion as a result of the way in which the Governing Body increasingly presented themselves over many years as being synonymous with the Slave Class. The fact that the rhetoric coming down from the Society led many to predict the announcement in advance does not lessen the fact that the new teaching carries profound implications. It consolidates the authority of the Governing Body, and effectively elevates them to Pope-like status.
The leaking of this magazine and other documents proves that more thinking Witnesses are finding the courage to take action

With all this considered, perhaps we learn more from the fact that this magazine has been leaked weeks ahead of its release than from anything contained in its pages. The Watch Tower Society now seems unable to hold water both in terms of its doctrines and in keeping information confidential, as more and more information is leaked by conscientious individuals within the growing ranks of thinking Witnesses.
It is exhilarating to think that so many within the organization are waking from their indoctrination and finding the courage to take risks by getting information like this article into the hands of those who will make use of it. I only hope that this pattern continues, so that more and more true light can shine down on this quirky organization with its dubious history, shady practices and tangled teachings.








This article has been translated into: Russian | Hungarian | Italian | Romanian
A four-page PDF of unknown authorship showing “adjustments in understanding” is available on this link.


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148 Responses to “New light” Watchtower magazine leaked from organization weeks ahead of general release

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 JBob says:

 December 26, 2013 at 4:12 pm

Realizing I never left a hard-hitting commentary here… sigh–how did I ever make it through Sunday Watchtower Studies?
So, now the scoop is out, the GB=FDS–the de facto is now documented and authorized teaching. A few assumptions in the July article were made to stucco the image of the GB smoothly being appointed in, or about, 1914–the early apostles had no challengers to authority, as they performed miracles. Point of fact, Jesus raised the dead, but did everyone believe? The apostle Paul cites numerous examples of persons challenges his qualifications as an apostle, and then, there’s that whole Acts 15:5, 6 (the inspiration for naming the GB in the first place) which spins on certain former Pharisees rising up and raising the spectre of being circumcised (and keeping the Sabbath–no, I just threw that in for the 7DA’s), which pulled together a council, not only of apostles but elders and bishops from the Jerusalem synod. So, counterpoint to the premise that no challenges, or question of “who really is the FDS” to be answered resolutely, was made in first century.
Basically, what the Watchtower is laying the foundation to do is distance itself very promptly from certain weak points the current “helpers” and GB are finding in the foundations laid by the Advent Christian influences on Russell’s studies in scripture, even selling land that the founder purchased from H Ward Beecher’s church to establish Brooklyn Tabernacle. The new HQ being far, far away from this albatross and the other anvil in Pittsburgh where a pyramid headstone is lain.
Speculation could abound on how the Watchtower will spin 1914 as the “turning point” and “beginning of the last days” and why such a delay to the final judgement, but if history repeats, it will follow a story arch similar to other Adventist groups in spinning 1844 expectations into a fulfillment, but based on 1914 AD. Mainly the same arguments used, now, which is “refining” and “this good news to be preached in all the earth”.
Perhaps Henry A Grew will be available to provide these runaway “slaves” an underground route to liberation from their sordid history?
Reply
 

 john - banned says:

 April 15, 2014 at 5:33 am

Good to see new light on the United Nations being provided. It appears from this website that they’re not so bad after all and maybe apostates are the whore of Babylon. Interesting, we will see.
Reply
 

 Dagobert says:

 August 7, 2014 at 3:52 pm

Good article. The WTS is going for total control over its members, so much is clear. It is a step-by-step proces, gradually tightening the controls. Another decade into the future and CT Russell and JF Rutherford will be vague memories at best. Not that that is a bad thing, though. The WTS has become too cult-like and it is time to leave. WTS is a sinking ship. It brings its members down with it.
Reply
 

 steven says:

 September 5, 2014 at 7:08 am

I was brought a Jehovah’s witness and seen many changes in there stand to Armageddon and the discreet slave I must say out of experience that there is something missing in this organization always waiting for something to take place and nothing occurs. they have always been making changes to there viewpoint on the new system and the sheep and the goats and Babylon the great by printing loads of books like the truth book in 1980s was a book which made into the record books. and know in the kingdom hall library’s never to be used again for reference then the revelation book again same as truth book. they keep printing and producing magazines and booklets because they are always changing al the time there views because they have no idea. look at the history of this organization and it shows that is no foundation and based on ever changing viewpoints with no foundation to the scriptures it like they are running a business they need to connect to gods word the bible and be spirit lead that is how god works through spirit god is organized and when you look at the history of this organization there is complete changing of policy’s and viewpoint al the time nothing stable very confusing and complex nothing simple very demanding on a person or family life god would not expect this and be opposite to this!!!!
Reply
 

 Mark Andrews says:

 March 30, 2015 at 6:44 am

Sometimes I wonder who is more bonkers…
The people who come up with this completely off the wall mad material or the individuals who try to decipher it to make some semblance of sense out of it.
Only commonsense is commonsense and this lot above (of which I got about halfway through) is just plain gobbledegook.
You can’t sound intelligent talking about convoluted gibberish, although I suspect my comments will fly over the foreheads of many here. Which is rather unfortunate to say the very least.
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 March 30, 2015 at 7:09 am

“Sometimes I wonder who is more bonkers…
The people who come up with this completely off the wall mad material or the individuals who try to decipher it to make some semblance of sense out of it.”
…or the rather sad individual who takes time out of his day to read online material that he finds pointless so that he can leave comments to say how pointless it is, when he could be looking up and enjoying information that he doesn’t find pointless.
Reply
 
 

 Marcus says:

 April 10, 2015 at 10:18 am

They have to change their teachings, how else can they explain the wrong teachings to begin with. Time will catch up with them and they will have to change again in the future. I guarantee it.
Reply
 

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“New light” Watchtower magazine leaked from organization weeks ahead of general release
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Posted on March 27, 2013

The July 15 2013 Watchtower, which has been leaked weeks in advance of its scheduled release, offers more questions than answers regarding the Governing Body’s “new light”

Three weeks ahead of its expected release date in mid-April, a scanned copy of the July 15 2013 “Study Edition” of the Watchtower was leaked to the office of JWsurvey by a conscientious active Witness within the organization. I have spent the last two days analyzing its contents.
The magazine in question details the “new light” unveiled at the October 5th 2012 Annual Meeting, at which it was announced that the Governing Body is now considered the “faithful and discreet slave” – the spiritual overlords of the nearly 8 million Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide.
By the time the magazine is finally released, ordinary Witnesses will have waited six months since the Annual Meeting for a written explanation of the new understanding. However, such ones will be disappointed to discover that this key Watchtower (which Bethelites have been instructed by their superiors to study in detail) offers more questions than answers. As many expected, the magazine writers give explanations for key doctrinal understandings that are unsupported and speculative at best.
Here follows a brief overview of the four main study articles…
◾Tell Us, When Will These Things Be? (September 2-8) – This article first whets the appetite of the reader by discussing bible prophecy related to the “Great Tribulation,” which will commence with an attack on religion by the “disgusting thing” (the United Nations) and climax with Armageddon. The article then provides a re-cap of the understanding, held since 1995, that the separation of the sheep and the goats will happen during the Great Tribulation. The writers expand on this to provide “new light” on Christ’s “arrival” as bridegroom. Whereas this was once thought to have occurred in 1918, the arrival of Christ as “master” or “bridegroom” is now scheduled to happen at some point during the Great Tribulation.
◾Look! I Am With You All the Days (September 9-15) – Christ’s parable of the “wheat and the weeds” is applied directly to the long period between 33 CE and Armageddon. The separating work is said to have commenced in 1914, when Christ undertook a period of “inspection and cleansing” of the organization that lasted until 1919, when the Bible Students were approved as being “true Christian wheat.”
◾Feeding Many Through the Hands of a Few (September 16-22) – Christ’s miracle of the loaves and fishes is held aloft as a foregleam of his intentions to appoint only a small group of men over the spiritual feeding work. The article discusses the “apostles and older men” as being forerunners to the Governing Body arrangement. Russell and his associates (pre-1914) are precluded from representing the appointed channel through which Christ would feed his sheep.
◾“Who Really Is the Faithful and Discreet Slave?” (September 23-29) – The article begins by sweeping aside the previous understanding that the faithful slave was appointed in 33 CE, and goes on to explain how the words of the “prophecy” began to be fulfilled only after 1914. The faithful slave is identified specifically as being “a small group of anointed brothers” currently comprising the Governing Body as a “composite slave.” The article concludes by boldly insisting that Christ WILL appoint the Governing Body, along with other anointed Christians, “over all his belongings” when he comes in judgment during the Great Tribulation.
The “disgusting” United Nations – a former partner
The UN has come under fire from Watchtower publications repeatedly over the decades, but rarely has the denunciation been so forthright as in this latest magazine. On page 4 in the first study article, Witnesses are reminded that the United Nations, which is declared to be the modern-day “disgusting thing,” WILL attack Christendom and the rest of “false religion” to signal the outbreak of the Great Tribulation.
Witnesses will be familiar with Watchtower labelling the UN as the “disgusting thing” of Matthew 24:15, but rarely has the assertion been made with such forthrightness that the UN (and not merely its “members”) will be solely responsible for an attack on all religion. Over the last few decades, Watchtower publications have described the UN’s involvement as executioner of false religion in a variety of ways, some more obscure than others…
Question: Who will destroy Babylon The Great?
Answer…
◾1975 – “the United Nations” (w75 5/1 pp. 274-275 par. 11)
◾1976 – “beastlike radical powers from within the United Nations” (gh chap. 16 p. 147 par. 12)
◾1977 – “The members of the U.N. and other nations not members of it…” (go chap. 11 p. 177 par. 7)
◾1980 – “the political backers of the United Nations” (w80 7/1 p. 17 par. 23)
◾1982 – “The ‘ten horns’ of the United Nations ‘beast'” (w82 5/1 p. 18 par. 9)
◾1985 – “political elements, represented in the United Nations” (g85 4/8 p. 13)
◾1985 – “antireligious elements within the United Nations” (w85 6/15 p. 18 par. 19)
◾1987 – “The ten horns [governmental powers within the United Nations organization] that you saw, and the wild beast [United Nations]…” (w87 11/1 p. 28)
◾1988 – “the nations will use the scarlet-colored wild beast, the United Nations…” (re chap. 35 p. 258 par. 21)
◾1989 – “the political powers associated with the United Nations” (w89 5/15 p. 6)
◾1993 – “political elements, including the United Nations” (g93 1/8 p. 12)
◾1994 – “militarized members of the United Nations” (w94 3/1 p. 20 par. 11)
◾1994 – “members of the United Nations” (w94 11/1 p. 17 par. 5)
◾1997 – “the United Nations… will have a principal role” (w97 9/15 p. 19 par. 14)
◾2005 – “militarized powers within the United Nations” (w05 9/15 p. 19 par. 13)
◾2013 – “the United Nations” (w13 7/15 p.4 par. 6)
And so the declaration last heard with such conviction in the 70s and 80s is now voiced again in 2013 – namely that the United Nations organization directly (and not necessarily its “members”) WILL attack and destroy false religion.
The Watchtower has once again labelled the UN a “disgusting thing” despite being affiliated with it for nine years as an NGO

This should raise eyebrows among personnel within the UN, whose own Declaration of Human Rights enshrines the “freedom of religion” – a fact noted by the Society in past publications. (g86 10/22 p. 31)
It will also be a source of unending bewilderment to those within the Ex-JW community that Watchtower continues to slam the UN as being a “disgusting thing” despite having enjoyed a formal relationship with it as an NGO (Non-Governmental Organization) between 1992 and 2001. Watchtower only ended its illicit association when it received unwanted exposure from the UK’s Guardian newspaper. (For more information, click here.)
This latest brief foray into attacking the United Nations in the first few pages of the July magazine sets the stage for what is to follow, as the reader is dragged deeper into the murky madness of the doctrinal maze that Watchtower has created, along with its heavily revised organizational history.
An overview of the changes

Before I begin my rundown of the “new light” regarding the faithful slave, I feel it’s important to avoid potential confusion by clarifying elements of the verse in Matthew 24:45-47 and summarizing what the Society claims to be its fulfilment. Here is what the scripture in question says in the New World Translation:

“Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to YOU, He will appoint him over all his belongings.”
As you can see, the above verse effectively has two elements to it. First, Christ appoints his faithful slave to watch over his “domestics.” Then, only later, does Christ “arrive” and appoint the slave over all his “belongings.” Clearly, both of these things cannot happen at the same time. One part of the verse is described in the present tense, and the other in the future tense. Therefore, a period of time is implied between these two events. The question, at least as far as Watchtower is concerned, is “when was this time period?”
In an effort to make all of this as simple as possible, I have produced the following table. It shows the new understanding of the “faithful slave” teaching side-by-side with the old one. Feel free to refer to it when reading this article if things get a little too complicated to take in.


Please bear in mind that if you are expecting explanations in this article that do not appear, this is not my fault. Any such frustration should be directed at the Watchtower writers, who have ignored a number of key questions arising from this “new light.” I will do my best to highlight all pertinent parts of the Watchtower that I feel are of interest using selected quotes. However, for reasons of copyright and personal trust, I cannot and will not reproduce the entire article. Readers are reminded that the full article will be available online in PDF format on (or around) April 15th. (Update: the article is now available for download on this link.)
Christ’s “arrival” in 1918 scrapped

It has long been proclaimed by the Society that the references to Christ’s “arriving” as “master” and “bridegroom” in Matthew 24 and 25 occurred in 1918 when he came to inspect his faithful and discreet slave. It was said that the following year, 1919, Christ completed his inspection and decided to appoint the early Bible Students as his faithful slave over all of this belongings.
Under this new understanding, however, 1914 is now earmarked as being the year that Christ began to inspect and cleanse the organization – with this “inspection period” ending in 1919 when Christ supposedly approved the directors of the Watch Tower Society as his faithful slave by appointing them over his domestics.
1918 has therefore fallen by the wayside and lost any real significance – at least as far as the “end time” prophecies in Matthew are concerned. This is made clear on pages 7 and 8 of the new magazine, where we are informed that all eight references to Christ’s “coming” or “arrival” between Matthew 24:29 and the end of chapter 25 refer to the “future time of judgment during the great tribulation.”
An eventful “inspection and cleansing” period
In the minds of many, one of the most intriguing aspects of this new understanding is the fact that Charles Taze Russell, once considered part of the Slave Class, has been effectively written out of having any real biblical significance in Witness history. This is confirmed on page 19, where it says:

“Were the Bible Students in the years that lead up to 1914 the appointed channel through which Christ would feed his sheep? No. They were still in the growing season, and the arrangement for a channel to provide spiritual food was taking shape. The time had not yet come for the weedlike imitation Christians to be separated from the true Christian wheat.” (w13 7/15 p.19)
Christ’s parable of the wheat and weeds (Matt 13:24-30, 37-43) forms the basis of the second study article, entitled “Look! I Am With You All the Days,” and is referenced throughout the magazine, as above. The scripture and its “fulfilment” is explained by means of an illustrative timeline that stretches from pages 10 to 11. Key elements of the timeline are as follows:
◾33CE – Sowing begins
◾Sower: Jesus
◾Fine seed is sown: Anointing with holy spirit
◾The field: The world of mankind
◾Enemy: The devil
◾Men were sleeping: death of the apostles
◾Wheat: Anointed Christians
◾Weeds: Imitation Christians
◾1914 – Harvest begins
◾Slaves/reapers: Angels
◾Weedlike Christians are separated from the anointed “sons of the kingdom”
◾1919 – Gathering into the storehouse, Anointed Christians are gathered into the restored congregation
◾Shining brightly: Shortly before Armageddon, the remaining faithful anointed ones are gathered to the heavens
◾Armageddon: At Armageddon, the weeds are pitched into the fire
It seems the Society is using the wheat and the weeds parable in this magazine as a useful replacement to fill the vacuum left by the previous understanding of the faithful slave “prophecy.” The illustration has been drafted in to build a makeshift scriptural bridge between the organization’s history and the outset of the Christian congregation in 33CE.
Another scripture that is referenced is Malachi 3:1-4, already associated in the minds of Witnesses as discussing Christ’s visit to his “spiritual temple” at the end of the First World War. The second study article adjusts this understanding by explaining that Christ visited the organization (invisibly, of course) in 1914 after the weeds (imitation Christians) had been allowed to grow for centuries among the wheat (anointed Christians). So, what position, if any, did Russell occupy when Christ visited in 1914?

“During the decades leading up to 1914, C. T. Russell and his close associates did a work like that of John the Baptizer. That vital work involved restoring Bible truths. The Bible Students taught the true meaning of Christ’s ransom sacrifice, exposed the hellfire lie, and proclaimed the coming end of the Gentile Times.” (w13 7/15 p.11)
Having been stripped of any meaningful role in God’s purpose, C.T. Russell has received the consolation of being likened to John the Baptizer

Thus, Russell is awarded the peculiar role of “John the Baptizer” in Watchtower’s new convoluted melodrama – forging the path ahead of Christ’s inspection of the organization in 1914. However, Russell and his early organization is stripped of having any meaningful role in God’s purpose. One is left wondering, if Russell’s death in 1916 happened during the “cleansing” period, does this mean that his demise was all part of God’s plan?! Regardless, only after the 1914-1919 “inspection and cleansing period” was the organization recognized as God’s organized channel, as explained on page 19…

“From 1914 to the early part of 1919, Jesus accompanied his Father to the spiritual temple to do a much-needed inspection and cleansing work. (Mal. 3:1-4) Then, starting in 1919, it was time to begin gathering the wheat. Was it finally the time for Christ to appoint one organized channel to dispense spiritual food? Yes, indeed!” (w13 7/15 p.19)
The tumultuous period in the organization’s history between 1914 and 1919 thus becomes the focus of doctrine perhaps more than ever before. There is no longer a “seamless” transition from the time of the apostles through to today. Prior to 1914, there was NO “organized channel” on the Earth. By 1919, one had been suddenly and miraculously formed – by none other than Christ himself.
A Questionable Character
There is just one small problem with hanging so much doctrinally on this murky period in Watchtower’s history. The more we delve into historical documents, the more we realise that Watchtower cannot be proud of its activities during that time – not to mention the literature that was produced. To compensate for this, the Society must reach for its eraser and smudge out some of the less savoury details of its past. This it does with reckless abandon on page 12…

“In late 1914, some Bible Students were disheartened because they had not gone to heaven. During 1915 and 1916, opposition from outside the organization slowed down the preaching work. Worse, after Russell’s death in October 1916, opposition arose from inside the organization. Four of the seven directors of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society rebelled against the decision to have Brother Rutherford take the lead. They tried to cause division among the brothers, but in August 1917, they left bethel – a cleansing indeed! Also, some Bible Students gave in to fear of man. Still, as a whole they willingly responded to Jesus’ cleansing work and made the needed changes. Hence, Jesus judged them to be true Christian wheat, but he rejected all imitation Christians, including all those found within the churches of Christendom. (Mal. 3:5; 2 Tim. 2:19)” (w13 7/15 p.12 par.8)
To those who are even remotely familiar with organizational events between 1914 and 1919, the above depiction of the Society’s exploits during that period is flattering at best and heavily revisionist at worst. For example, there is more to the story of the “four directors” than is told above. Note the following words from page 9 of the booklet “Light After Darkness” published by opponents of Brother Rutherford in September 1917…

The account of the four directors concerning their ousting from Bethel in 1917, from page 9 of the booklet “Light After Darkness”
As you can see, simply saying that the four directors left bethel does not tell the full story of what happened. The directors were threatened with forcible ejection by Rutherford, and finally left after it was negotiated for them to receive $300 dollars each rather than be turned out onto the street without a dime to their name. What crime had led to four directors of the Watch Tower Society being treated in this way? They had dared to object to Rutherford effectively tearing up C.T. Russell’s will, which stipulated that power should be shared evenly between Watchtower’s board of directors.
Writer and Watchtower historian, Rud Persson

In a spectacular grab for power following Russell’s death in late 1916, Rutherford used his legal knowledge to enact bylaws in early 1917 that would give him total control over the Society, and render the role of Society director all but meaningless. This was what the “four directors” spoke out against, and they were effectively evicted from their home, Brooklyn Bethel, for their troubles. You can read more about what really happened during those dark days in the above-quoted booklet “Light After Darkness,” which is available in PDF form by clicking here.
Rud Persson is a Swedish Watchtower historian who has copiously analyzed all available documents from this very episode in the organization’s history, and is compiling a book to summarize his research. I approached him by email with the above paragraph from this new Watchtower, and he made this comment…

“It is certainly true that four Directors opposed ‘the decision to have Brother Rutherford take the lead.’ They should do that, for it meant a complete departure from the way Russell, the then recognized ‘faithful and wise servant’, had arranged for matters after his death. It is not true that they ‘tried to cause division among the brothers’. That was not their purpose which was to rectify what was wrong. If spreading information was necessary to do this, then of course they felt that wisdom from above is first of all clean, thereafter peaceful. It was Rutherford with the aid of his yes-men who went public first, publicly blackening the four Directors and then Paul S.L. Johnson. It is true that the four directors left Bethel in August 1917, on August 8 to be specific, but that was not the end of the story.” – Rud Persson
I for one cannot wait for Rud’s book to come out, because I am sure it will shed much light on these events, and further undermine Watchtower’s astonishingly misplaced trust and confidence in the character of “Judge” Rutherford, not to mention this highly questionable and well-documented period in the organization’s early history.
Documented evidence shows Rutherford to have been a ruthless bigoted bully rather than a clean-cut figurehead for the fledgling Watch Tower Society

As previously mentioned on this website, during his presidency Rutherford distinguished himself as a bully and a tyrant. He allowed an atmosphere of alcoholism to permeate Bethel, and used abusive and demeaning language to intimidate and belittle any who fell short of his standards. He also lived in luxury at a time of national austerity, while many of his co-workers at Bethel lived in squalid conditions.
All of this was documented during the Olin Moyle libel lawsuit in the early 1940s, which Rutherford lost. A copy of Moyle’s resignation letter which sparked the lawsuit is available to read on this link. It gives an astonishing glimpse into what life was like in Bethel under Rutherford’s presidency, and casts serious doubt over whether Christ could really have supported such a man as custodian over his organization.
It may be that you, the reader, are so determined to think of Rutherford as a good man that you will not accept information unless it is within the Society’s own literature – even if it is documented information from a lawsuit. If that is the case, I would urge you to read my article on racism in Watchtower literature during both Russell and Rutherford’s presidency. Some of the bigoted statements made by Rutherford and his writers in the Society’s own publications defy belief, and should leave you beyond any doubt of Rutherford’s questionable character.
Despite all this, the Watch Tower Society of the 21st Century insists on ascribing Rutherford with a prominent role in the fulfilment of bible prophecy – one of the very first members of the faithful and discreet slave! Even so, it is perhaps noteworthy that Rutherford’s name is only mentioned once in all of the four study articles – and that is in the quote reproduced above. I feel this may be telling. Watchtower wants you, the reader, to focus on the date, 1919, rather than the bigoted bully behind it.
A tenuous link
Witnesses will be familiar with the Governing Body‘s constant attempts to draw parallels between themselves and Christ’s First Century apostles. The third study article, “Feeding Many Through the Hands of a Few” represents yet another example of this.
The magazine suggests that Christ’s miraculous feeding of the five thousand supports the Governing Body arrangement

The opening paragraphs remind the reader of Christ’s miracle where he fed the five thousand using just a few loaves and fishes, with his disciples distributing the miraculously produced food. (Matt 14:14-21) The writer then expands on this by explaining that spiritual feeding was of more importance to Christ than providing physical food, and it was for this reason that Christ chose his apostles.
We are then reminded in paragraph 9 of an incident in the book of Acts where a physical food shortage arose among the early Christians. The apostles sprung into action to appoint responsible brothers to ensure that food was being distributed evenly. So far the reader is thinking “Yes, but these were Christ’s apostles. There is no mention in Acts of a Governing Body.” But it doesn’t take long (paragraph 10, in fact) for the writer to make the connection…

“By 49 CE, the surviving apostles had been joined by certain other qualified elders. (Read Acts 15:1,2.) ‘The apostles and older men in Jerusalem’ served as a governing body. As the Head of the congregation, Christ used this small group of qualified men to settle doctrinal issues and to oversee and direct the preaching and teaching of the Kingdom good news.-Acts 15:6-29; 21:17-19; Col. 1:18.” (w13 7/15 p.17)
The above statement makes an unfounded assumption. It implies that, once the circumcision issue arose, the apostles were permanently “joined” by the “older men” in the making of any and all subsequent decisions related to the early congregation. There is absolutely no evidence of this. In the entire Bible, the phrase “apostles and older men” appears only six times – and all six times are in chapters 15 and 16 of Acts. It therefore seems that the involvement of the “older men” in this matter was a one-off “ad hoc” event that was borne from necessity and the uniqueness of the situation. To suggest that the apostles were unable to reach decisions without the older men from that point onwards is making an assertion that simply isn’t contained in the scriptures.
Once again the Governing Body holds aloft the account of the “apostles and older men” in Acts 15 and 16 as their mandate to rule unopposed

The next paragraph goes on to imply that, from this point onwards, the Apostle Paul was tasked with carrying out the orders of this newly formed “governing body.” It cites Acts 16:4,5 where Paul is described as delivering “for observance the decrees that had been decided upon by the apostles and older men who were in Jerusalem.”
Only when the reader looks up the scripture and notes its proximity to the circumcision issue in the previous chapter does he realise that, rather than being a permanent arrangement, Paul was merely passing on the instructions related to this particular matter. But the way the Society quotes the scriptures suggests to the reader that this was an ongoing permanent “arrangement,” and that Paul was subservient to the “apostles and older men” from then on – which, again, is asserting something that is simply not supported by scripture. Paragraph 11 then draws the reader to the following conclusion…

“Notice that those congregations prospered as a result of their loyal cooperation with the governing body in Jerusalem. Is that not proof of Jehovah’s blessing on the arrangement by means of which his Son fed the congregations? Let us remember that spiritual prosperity is possible only with Jehovah’s rich blessing.-Prov. 10:22; 1 Cro. 3:6,7.” (w13 7/15 p.18 par.11)
And so, like an accomplished magician, the writer succeeds in duping the reader into drawing two false assumptions: (1) that there was a first century governing body, which there wasn’t (and bible writers were perfectly capable of coming up with their own term in Greek to describe such an arrangement if it existed without the Watchtower adding to the scriptures), and (2) that it was a permanent ongoing arrangement rather than a one-off way of dealing with a particular problem that arose, namely circumcision.
The next paragraph is one of the most intriguing in the magazine, but it serves a very deliberate purpose. It states…

“Thus far we have seen that Jesus followed a pattern when feeding his followers: He fed many through the hands of a few. The channel he used for spiritual feeding was clearly recognizable. After all, the apostles – the original members of the governing body – could provide visible proof of heavenly backing. ‘Through the hands of the apostles many signs and portents continued to occur among the people,’ states Acts 5:12. Hence, there was no reason for those who became Christian to wonder, ‘Who really are the ones through whom Christ is feeding his sheep?’ But by the end of the first century, the situation changed.” (w13 7/15 p.18 par.12)
The paragraphs that follow go on to describe Christianity’s slide into apostasy following the death of the apostles, but rather than allowing ourselves to be swept along by the rhetoric, the true purpose of the above paragraph must be fully recognized. The Society is now trying to make the point, which it repeats more clearly on page 21, that the faithful slave scripture COULD NOT have applied to the apostles because their authority was unmistakable due to their “signs and portents.”
The magazine twice tries to argue that the “faithful slave” could not have applied to the apostles because it was mentioned in the form of a question

Simply put, the Society now argues that, because Matthew 24:45 is written in the form of a question (i.e. “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave…?”), Jesus could not have been referring to his apostles. They say that, because it was so obvious that the apostles were in charge, such a question would be irrelevant. However, as I will argue later in this article, this reasoning is so flawed it is almost laughable.
In reality, all the Society achieves with the above paragraph is to inadvertently remind thinking Witnesses that the Governing Body really has no “visible proof” of their appointment by Christ. Sure, they have an organization that is expanding at an underwhelming annual growth rate of 1.9% (as of 2012), but it is also an organization that imposes the torturous shunning of family members and is increasingly making itself the subject of legal pressure on account of its damaging child abuse policies. The idea that the individual Governing Body members are somehow invisibly hand-picked by Christ is therefore unthinkable – so unthinkable that even the Society evades articulating this idea in print. So where does the Governing Body get its mandate from?
I wish I could answer that question by quoting a series of paragraphs in this magazine through which the Society coherently justifies the Governing Body’s new Pope-like status. Sadly, however, there is no such material to draw from. Nowhere in these study articles is it described how Governing Body members are selected, or how it can be proven that Christ has any role in this process whatsoever. Rather, the mandate for the Governing Body to rule unquestioned over nearly 8 million people apparently hinges on three scriptures:
1.Christ’s miracle of the loaves and the fishes in Matthew 14
2.Two chapters in Acts, namely chapters 15 and 16 (a historical narrative about the handling of the circumcision issue by the “apostles and older men”)
3.The verses in Matthew 24 about the faithful slave – which many argue were intended purely as a parable.
Having established such a shaky foundation for justifying the present Governing Body arrangement in the first three articles, the fourth and final article is left to drive home the message that the Governing Body is to be loyally obeyed without question, because its future approval by Christ is already set in stone. This is underlined by the final words of the second paragraph, which states:

“It is vital that we recognize the faithful slave. Our spiritual health and our relationship with God depend on this channel.” – Matthew 4:4; John 17:3.
I looked up both scriptures. As you would expect, neither was remotely connected with the faithful and discreet slave.
Who really is the faithful and discreet slave?

It doesn’t take long for the final article to answer the above question, which forms its title. A box is provided at the top of page 22 that spells out the answer succinctly, as follows:

“‘The faithful and discreet slave': A small group of brothers who are directly involved in preparing and dispensing spiritual food during Christ’s presence. Today, these anointed brothers make up the Governing Body.” (w13 7/15 p.22 box)
This answer is elaborated on in the text beneath, in paragraph 10…

“Who then is the faithful and discreet slave? In keeping with Jesus’ pattern of feeding many through the hands of a few, that slave is made up of a small group of anointed brothers who are directly involved in preparing and dispensing spiritual food during Christ’s presence. Throughout the last days, the anointed brothers who make up the faithful slave have served together at headquarters. In recent decades, that slave has been closely associated with the Governing body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Note, however, that the word “slave” in Jesus’ illustration is singular, indicating that this is a composite slave. The decisions of the Governing Body are thus made collectively.” (w13 7/15 p.22, par.10)
Having unequivocally assumed such a lofty title, the Governing Body members probably felt that they needed to make some token show of humility. It was noted during the Annual Meeting that, in his talk, David Splane went to great lengths to “sell” the new teaching to the audience by pushing the new understanding of the domestics – now considered to be both anointed christians, and those of the great crowd.
David Splane extols the teaching of the domestics during the Annual Meeting

“And brothers, we LOVE this teaching.” Splane enthused, adding, “We LOVE this idea, because it really truly does dignify the members of the Great Crowd.” Many of us who watched those words being spoken on the slick JW.org promotional video have been left unconvinced. It seems obvious that the “faithful slave” has far more to “love” about this new teaching than the domestics do.
The issue of the domestics is given similar prominence in a section entitled “Who are the domestics?” on pages 22 and 23. A picture is shown at the top of page 23 in which Gerrit Lösch and his wife are seated at a congregation meeting. Gerrit glances inquisitively as a young child answers into the outstretched microphone. The message is unmistakeable. “We are normal, everyday brothers – just like anyone else!” Not everyone will be buying it.
A selection that has already been made
A key reason why the previous teaching regarding the faithful and discreet slave almost served its purpose (to some extent) was that it referred to events in the murky past that nobody could remember, and made assertions that few could authoritatively argue with unless they were prepared to do some research. For example, the Society argued that Jesus selected a Slave in 1919 that had already existed for centuries, and appointed it over all his “belongings.” Therefore, no matter what flaws the organization may now have, the argument could be made that the Slave Class had ALREADY received final approval from Christ – so any perceived flaws were irrelevant.
But now, the teaching is that Christ has YET to finally approve the Governing Body in its role as the composite slave. With this in mind, you would expect the Governing Body members to exercise a bit of humility, and not try to second guess the decision that Christ is due to make in the future during the Great Tribulation when he finally arrives to inspect his slave class. Instead, the Governing Body boldly makes Christ’s decision for him in advance. Note what is said on page 25…

“In view of the foregoing, what can we conclude? When Jesus comes for judgment during the great tribulation, he will find that the faithful slave has been loyally dispensing timely spiritual food to the domestics. Jesus will then delight in making the second appointment – over all his belongings.” (w13 7/15 p.25 par.18, bold mine)
I was amazed at the arrogance when reading the above words. One would think that, if they have any true Christ-like humility about them, the Governing Body would say words to the effect of “we will do our best to provide spiritual food, and if Christ is pleased with our efforts when he comes, he promises to appoint us over all his belongings.” Instead, as mentioned, the decision has evidently already been made by the Governing Body on Christ’s behalf that he WILL choose them when he comes.
The scriptures themselves indicate that the appointment over the belongings is not to be considered a foregone conclusion. One is reminded of the very next words in Matthew 24:48-51 (New World Translation)…

“But if ever that evil slave should say in his heart, ‘My master is delaying,’ and should start to beat his fellow slaves and should eat and drink with the confirmed drunkards, the master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect and in an hour that he does not know, and will punish him with the greatest severity and will assign him his part with the hypocrites. There is where [his] weeping and the gnashing of [his] teeth will be.”
Ironically, the Society addresses this scripture by means of a box on page 24, on the page just before it makes the bold assertion that it WILL be selected. The box begins by discussing the “evil slave” and makes the following statement…

“Was Jesus foretelling that there would be an evil slave class in the last days? No. Granted, some individuals have manifested a spirit similar to that of the evil slave described by Jesus. We would call them apostates, whether they were of the anointed or of the “great crowd.” (Rev. 7:9) But such ones do not make up an evil slave class. Jesus did not say that he would appoint an evil slave. His words here are actually a warning directed to the faithful and discreet slave.” (w13 7/15 p.24 box)
And so a warning directed at the faithful and discreet slave is cunningly turned into an opportunity to lampoon apostates for “beating their fellow slaves.” Even though the box acknowledges that apostates are not the evil slave, it still leaps on the opportunity to misrepresent and stigmatize those who are guilty of nothing more than disagreeing with the teachings and practices of the Governing Body.
Meanwhile, the Governing Body neatly sidesteps Christ’s warning about the “evil slave.” An unnamed “scholar” makes a brief cameo, and is quoted as saying: “for all practical purposes [the evil slave warning] is a hypothetical condition.” (bold and brackets mine) The writer thus dismisses the entire portion of scripture, declaring further on in the box that the Governing Body “has continued to keep on the watch and to provide nourishing spiritual food.” This part of the discussion is summed up as follows…

“The anointed brothers who together serve as the faithful slave recognize that they are accountable to the Master for the way they care for his domestics. The hearfelt desire of these anointed brothers is to fulfill their responsibility loyally so that they might hear a ‘well done’ from the Master when he finally arrives.” (w13 7/15 p.24 box)
Whatever the Governing Body may profess their “heartfelt desire” to be, they cannot escape the fact that their actions and decisions have caused misery and heartache to countless thousands through their cruel insistence on unscriptural policies such as the shunning of family members.
Jesus said that his followers would be identified by the love they have among themselves (John 13:35), and yet the breaking up of families purely because somebody decides to leave his or her former religion is anything but loving. Those labelled “apostates” and slandered with hate speech merely for daring to disagree with the Governing Body have every reason to think of these men as an “evil slave,” whether such ones still consider themselves Christians or not. It is therefore difficult to fathom how the Governing Body can boldly consider Christ’s approval of their methods to be a foregone conclusion. (Matt. 7:21-23)

The 2013 Governing Body, as they appear on page 26 of the July 15th Watchtower
More questions than answers
In total there are 23 pages in the four study articles combined. And yet, for all the sleek illustrations, carefully worded paragraphs and prophetic timelines, the magazine leaves key questions regarding the organization’s new doctrines unanswered. Here are just a few…
◾What scripture supports the fact that the “inspection and cleansing work” would take Christ four and a half years (from late 1914 to early 1919)?” (p.11) – Repeatedly the magazine insists that the four and a half years between late 1914 and early 1919 was a period of “inspection and cleansing” by Christ. However, nowhere is any scripture provided to explain why Christ would need this specific length of time to achieve this purpose. Rather, it seems that events in the organization’s history have been taken as the “evidence” – and the scriptures just have to fit around them.
The early Bible Students were said to commit an “organizational sin” by ripping out fiercely political pages of this book

◾What were the circumstances under which the early Bible Students “gave in to the fear of man?” (p.12) – This statement is found on page 12, but not elaborated on. If you have the time, I would encourage you to do research on this if you haven’t already done so. In a previous article, I explored the events surrounding the publication of the Finished Mystery, and how the Bible Students were ordered by the authorities to tear out pages 247 to 253 of the book – pages that were fiercly political and critical of America’s war effort. This compromise was deemed an “organizational sin.” However, the more you research the ludicrous statements contained in the Finished Mystery, the more you reach the conclusion that Christ would actually have praised the Bible Students for ripping out its pages rather than chastising them for it.
◾If Russell and his associates were not part of God’s channel (or even the “slave class”) then why did Christ choose only to inspect them in 1914 and not any other Christian denominations? (p.19) – To put this question another way – why would Christ “inspect” one Christian denomination rather than several, or even all of them? If there was nothing special about Russell or his associates, then why did Christ effectively set up camp at Watchtower HQ for four and a half years and “inspect” them over this period? “Cleansing” is one thing, but “inspection” is something altogether different. Inspection is something you do BEFORE you are satisfied of the nature of something. Would it not have made more sense to “inspect” multiple denominations first, choose one of them, and then “cleanse” it accordingly?
There is no scriptural support for the notion that authority can somehow be passed on from one generation to the next

◾If all of the original 1919 members of the slave chosen by Christ are now dead, how can it be said that subsequent members of the slave were chosen? – As mentioned in a previous article, a key problem with the “new light” is the question of succession. Previously, the Governing Body claimed that they were merely the representatives of a cloud-like mass of “anointed” ones that has always existed since the time of the apostles. Now, however, they have effectively evaporated this “cloud” and insisted that their appointment came directly from Christ in 1919. But all of the 1919 board of directors are now dead and buried, so how can it be assumed that their position as “faithful slave” was passed on to their successors? The Society has roundly condemned the catholic principle of apostolic succession in their literature – including the Reasoning Book. It is one thing to suggest that Christ came and selected Rutherford and his associates in 1919 (despite the connotations of this, once you look at Rutherford’s character and what they were printing at the time). It is another thing entirely to assume that this status of “the faithful and discreet slave” was somehow passed like a baton to successive generations down through the decades since 1919 based purely on the necessity caused by people dying. No explanation is given as to how this was achieved, other than the suggestion that it “just did” – which is essentially Watchtower’s version of apostolic succession. With this new teaching, Watchtower has become more like the catholic church than it would care to admit.
◾Why can it be said with certainty that Christ’s original apostles were not at least part of the faithful and discreet slave? (p.21) – This question is posed on page 21 of the magazine, but nowhere is it satisfactorily answered. The only explanation offered is that the “faithful and discreet slave” statement by Jesus was posed in the form of a question, and therefore it couldn’t possibly have applied to the apostles since there was no doubt at all that these ones had Christ’s authority. However, the asking of a question does not necessarily imply doubt. For example, what about “rhetorical questions” where the answer is known before the question is asked? And if it was such a foregone conclusion that the apostles would live up to Christ’s expectations, then why did Jesus go to such lengths to tell Peter to “feed my little sheep” after his resurrection? (John 21:15-19) The article insists that there was “hardly a reason to ask such a question” regarding the apostles, yet recognizing the authority of the apostles as the “faithful slave” was as much a choice for early Christians as it is for Witnesses regarding the Governing Body today. This is highlighted by the fact that some early Christians deviated from the apostles’ leadership. (2 Tim 2:16-18) The Society’s reasoning is thus SO flawed that the question is effectively left unanswered.
It seems that working at World Headquarters in New York is a key criterion for being considered part of the Faithful Slave, even though there is no scriptural basis for this assertion

◾Just what is so special about headquarters? (p.22) – According to the new explanation of the faithful slave, it seems that a key identifying feature of a composite slave member is not WHO he is, or even whether he has a heavenly hope or not. What apparently matters is WHERE he happens to work. Nowhere in Christ’s discussion of the slave does it hint that “location, location, location” would be at all important in identifying who the faithful slave is, so how can the organization be so dogmatic in insisting that “headquarters” in New York carries such relevance in making this biblical determination?
◾How can the Governing Body justify insisting that they WILL be appointed by Christ over “all of this belongings” in advance of this event? (p.25) – As discussed above, many sincere Witnesses will be left scratching their heads at the brazenness of the Governing Body in insisting they WILL be appointed by Christ over his belongings before he has even come in judgment. The decision has been effectively snatched out of Christ’s hands, and made for him.
An organization as porous as its teachings
By now you have probably reached the conclusion that most of what is discussed in the four articles of this new magazine either makes no sense at all, or was already covered at the Annual Meeting nearly six months ago – an event at which some 15,000 privileged Witnesses were treated to a glimpse of the “new light” before millions of their brothers around the world.
The Governing Body preferred to receive applause and fanfare at their Annual Meeting than go to any efforts to make sure their “new light” reached the global brotherhood simultaneously

As discussed in a previous article, it took more than a month following the Annual Meeting for news of the “new light” to be finally confirmed on the Society’s official web pages, and nearly two months for this information to be made available in languages other than English. Finally, six months after the information was divulged from a New Jersey platform, the worldwide brotherhood are finally getting to hear about this doctrine in print – a doctrine that carries profound implications regarding the authority of the Governing Body.
No longer are the Governing Body self-appointed representatives of a some obscure cloud of anointed Witnesses that has always existed in some form stretching back to the time of the apostles. They are now self-appointed representatives, not of heaven-bound Christians, but of Christ himself. They answer to no one, not even Christ whom they represent! After all, they have made his decision to appoint them over “all his belongings” for him in advance. Any meaningful evidence to support their claims is deemed irrelevant.
True, it may be that even before this announcement a good number of Witnesses considered the Governing Body to be the faithful and discreet slave, but this would only realistically have been for one (or both) of two reasons: (1) ignorance on the part of individuals regarding Watchtower doctrine, or (2) confusion as a result of the way in which the Governing Body increasingly presented themselves over many years as being synonymous with the Slave Class. The fact that the rhetoric coming down from the Society led many to predict the announcement in advance does not lessen the fact that the new teaching carries profound implications. It consolidates the authority of the Governing Body, and effectively elevates them to Pope-like status.
The leaking of this magazine and other documents proves that more thinking Witnesses are finding the courage to take action

With all this considered, perhaps we learn more from the fact that this magazine has been leaked weeks ahead of its release than from anything contained in its pages. The Watch Tower Society now seems unable to hold water both in terms of its doctrines and in keeping information confidential, as more and more information is leaked by conscientious individuals within the growing ranks of thinking Witnesses.
It is exhilarating to think that so many within the organization are waking from their indoctrination and finding the courage to take risks by getting information like this article into the hands of those who will make use of it. I only hope that this pattern continues, so that more and more true light can shine down on this quirky organization with its dubious history, shady practices and tangled teachings.








This article has been translated into: Russian | Hungarian | Italian | Romanian
A four-page PDF of unknown authorship showing “adjustments in understanding” is available on this link.


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148 Responses to “New light” Watchtower magazine leaked from organization weeks ahead of general release

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 JBob says:

 December 26, 2013 at 4:12 pm

Realizing I never left a hard-hitting commentary here… sigh–how did I ever make it through Sunday Watchtower Studies?
So, now the scoop is out, the GB=FDS–the de facto is now documented and authorized teaching. A few assumptions in the July article were made to stucco the image of the GB smoothly being appointed in, or about, 1914–the early apostles had no challengers to authority, as they performed miracles. Point of fact, Jesus raised the dead, but did everyone believe? The apostle Paul cites numerous examples of persons challenges his qualifications as an apostle, and then, there’s that whole Acts 15:5, 6 (the inspiration for naming the GB in the first place) which spins on certain former Pharisees rising up and raising the spectre of being circumcised (and keeping the Sabbath–no, I just threw that in for the 7DA’s), which pulled together a council, not only of apostles but elders and bishops from the Jerusalem synod. So, counterpoint to the premise that no challenges, or question of “who really is the FDS” to be answered resolutely, was made in first century.
Basically, what the Watchtower is laying the foundation to do is distance itself very promptly from certain weak points the current “helpers” and GB are finding in the foundations laid by the Advent Christian influences on Russell’s studies in scripture, even selling land that the founder purchased from H Ward Beecher’s church to establish Brooklyn Tabernacle. The new HQ being far, far away from this albatross and the other anvil in Pittsburgh where a pyramid headstone is lain.
Speculation could abound on how the Watchtower will spin 1914 as the “turning point” and “beginning of the last days” and why such a delay to the final judgement, but if history repeats, it will follow a story arch similar to other Adventist groups in spinning 1844 expectations into a fulfillment, but based on 1914 AD. Mainly the same arguments used, now, which is “refining” and “this good news to be preached in all the earth”.
Perhaps Henry A Grew will be available to provide these runaway “slaves” an underground route to liberation from their sordid history?
Reply
 

 john - banned says:

 April 15, 2014 at 5:33 am

Good to see new light on the United Nations being provided. It appears from this website that they’re not so bad after all and maybe apostates are the whore of Babylon. Interesting, we will see.
Reply
 

 Dagobert says:

 August 7, 2014 at 3:52 pm

Good article. The WTS is going for total control over its members, so much is clear. It is a step-by-step proces, gradually tightening the controls. Another decade into the future and CT Russell and JF Rutherford will be vague memories at best. Not that that is a bad thing, though. The WTS has become too cult-like and it is time to leave. WTS is a sinking ship. It brings its members down with it.
Reply
 

 steven says:

 September 5, 2014 at 7:08 am

I was brought a Jehovah’s witness and seen many changes in there stand to Armageddon and the discreet slave I must say out of experience that there is something missing in this organization always waiting for something to take place and nothing occurs. they have always been making changes to there viewpoint on the new system and the sheep and the goats and Babylon the great by printing loads of books like the truth book in 1980s was a book which made into the record books. and know in the kingdom hall library’s never to be used again for reference then the revelation book again same as truth book. they keep printing and producing magazines and booklets because they are always changing al the time there views because they have no idea. look at the history of this organization and it shows that is no foundation and based on ever changing viewpoints with no foundation to the scriptures it like they are running a business they need to connect to gods word the bible and be spirit lead that is how god works through spirit god is organized and when you look at the history of this organization there is complete changing of policy’s and viewpoint al the time nothing stable very confusing and complex nothing simple very demanding on a person or family life god would not expect this and be opposite to this!!!!
Reply
 

 Mark Andrews says:

 March 30, 2015 at 6:44 am

Sometimes I wonder who is more bonkers…
The people who come up with this completely off the wall mad material or the individuals who try to decipher it to make some semblance of sense out of it.
Only commonsense is commonsense and this lot above (of which I got about halfway through) is just plain gobbledegook.
You can’t sound intelligent talking about convoluted gibberish, although I suspect my comments will fly over the foreheads of many here. Which is rather unfortunate to say the very least.
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 March 30, 2015 at 7:09 am

“Sometimes I wonder who is more bonkers…
The people who come up with this completely off the wall mad material or the individuals who try to decipher it to make some semblance of sense out of it.”
…or the rather sad individual who takes time out of his day to read online material that he finds pointless so that he can leave comments to say how pointless it is, when he could be looking up and enjoying information that he doesn’t find pointless.
Reply
 
 

 Marcus says:

 April 10, 2015 at 10:18 am

They have to change their teachings, how else can they explain the wrong teachings to begin with. Time will catch up with them and they will have to change again in the future. I guarantee it.
Reply
 

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Secrecy and deception: Watchtower fights dirty in its war against “apostates”
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Posted on February 23, 2013

The Watchtower uses secrecy, deception, and even hate speech in its battle against those who dare to oppose it

Jehovah’s Witnesses are conditioned to fear and distrust any information on the internet that scrutinizes the Watch Tower Society in a critical or objective manner. For years I was gripped by such paranoia, and the very thought of venturing onto a so-called “apostate” website put a knot in my stomach.
It was only when, some time in 2011, I summoned the audacity to sit down and write a list of nine “grievances” against the Society and its teachings that something clicked inside me. Once I saw all my doubts and uncertainties unravelling before me on a sheet of paper I began to conclude that, most likely, the Society wasn’t giving me the full story. If it was just one or two questionable doctrines or practices, that would be one thing. But nine? In a religion I had dedicated my life to serving alongside as God’s spirit-directed organization? Something wasn’t right.
It was then that something unthinkable happened. I consciously “gave myself permission” to violate the Society’s rules on apostate websites. Tentatively, and with overwhelming feelings of guilt and anxiety, I started searching on websites such as JWfacts.com to see what critics of the Watchtower had to say. Sure enough, my worst fears were confirmed. It soon became apparent that my grievances weren’t only justified – they were just the tip of the iceberg. The more it became clear that I had been lied to for decades, the more my feelings of trepidation and anxiety morphed into a strong sense of anger and betrayal.
Surprising Openness and Transparency
One of the things that immediately impressed me about the information presented on JWfacts.com was the way the writer (Paul Grundy) had researched everything and clearly bent over backwards to supply quotes from the Society’s own literature to support his conclusions.
JWfacts.com is an excellent source of accurate information about the Society, with logical analysis of its teachings

This went against the grain of what I had been trained to expect from an “apostate” website. After all, aren’t apostates supposed to be liars who seek to draw off followers after themselves? So why would one go to the trouble of quoting from the Society in making his argument if everything the Society writes is true and incontrovertible? Surely, as an evil conniving apostate slanderer, Grundy should be directing me away from the Society’s publications, rather than urging me to read them?
Still quite skeptical from my indoctrination, I thought I should check the quotes being used by Grundy in his articles to see whether they had been twisted in any way. If I found so much as a comma out of place, I would reject the whole thing as an elaborate hoax. However, sure enough, when I cross-checked the quotes on JWfacts.com, I found that each and every one was word-for-word accurate. Paul Grundy wasn’t trying to pull the wool over my eyes. He was proving his arguments and supporting his reasoning using the Society’s own publications.
A difference in tactics
This is where something immediately becomes noticeable, and highlights the sharp contrast between the strategies of two warring factions – the Watch Tower Society at one end of the battlefield, and their “apostate” foes at the other.
On the one hand, you have the Society who will ONLY let you look at information that they have approved. On the other, you have websites such as JWfacts.com (not to mention this one) that will happily show you BOTH sides of the argument. My illustration below highlights this disparity…


The above should immediately raise a red flag for any thinking Witnesses who wonder whether the Society is truly being honest and transparent with them. So-called “apostate” websites want you to read both sides of the argument, but the Society only wants you to hear their side – and pretend their opponents don’t exist. But why should it be that way? If the truth is so cut-and-dried, should it not stand up to the closest possible scrutiny? Just what are they so desperately trying to hide?
Vilification and mud-slinging
The following quotes underscore the voracity with which the Society has poured scorn on those it classes as “apostate” over the last few decades, not to mention its clever insistence that Witnesses should not even check to see whether the writings of former believers (whether in books or online) are based on truth…

“Noticeably, there have been a number of individuals who have created Web sites ostensibly to preach the good news. Many of these sites are sponsored by indiscreet brothers. Other sites may be sponsored by apostates who wish to lure unsuspecting ones. (2 John 9-11) Commenting on whether there is a need for our brothers to create such Web sites, Our Kingdom Ministry, November 1997, page 3, stated: ‘There is no need for any individual to prepare Internet pages about Jehovah’s Witnesses, our activities, or our beliefs. Our official site [www.watchtower.org] presents accurate information for any who want it.‘” – km 11/99 pp.4-5 par. 18
“Interestingly, a circuit overseer in France observes: ‘Some brothers are deceived because they lack accurate knowledge.’ That is why Proverbs 11:9 states: ‘By knowledge are the righteous rescued.’ This does not mean giving apostates a hearing ear or delving into their writings. Rather, it means coming to ‘an accurate knowledge of the sacred secret of God’ through diligent personal study of the Bible and the Society’s Bible-based publications. Having this accurate knowledge, who would become so curious as to pay any attention to apostate mouthings? May no man ‘delude you with persuasive arguments’! (Colossians 2:2-4) False religious propaganda from any source should be avoided like poison! Really, since our Lord has used ‘the faithful and discreet slave’ to convey to us ‘sayings of everlasting life,’ why should we ever want to look anywhere else?—John 6:68.” – w87 11/1 p.20 par. 16
“The obligation to hate lawlessness also applies to all activity by apostates. Our attitude toward apostates should be that of David, who declared: ‘Do I not hate those who are intensely hating you, O Jehovah, and do I not feel a loathing for those revolting against you? With a complete hatred I do hate them. They have become to me real enemies.’ (Psalm 139:21, 22) Modern-day apostates have made common cause with ‘the man of lawlessness,’ the clergy of Christendom. (2 Thessalonians 2:3) As loyal Witnesses of Jehovah, we therefore have absolutely nothing in common with them. Being imperfect, our hearts could easily have a tendency toward being critical of our brothers. As individuals, those of ‘the faithful and discreet slave’ are imperfect humans. (Matthew 24:45-47) But this class is faithful and discreet. Apostates capitalize on errors or seeming mistakes made by brothers who take the lead. Our safety lies in avoiding apostate propaganda as though it were poison, which in fact it is.—Romans 16:17, 18.” – w92 7/15 pp.12-13 par. 19
“Wise King Solomon wrote: ‘Take a warning: To the making of many books there is no end, and much devotion to them is wearisome to the flesh.’ (Ecclesiastes 12:12) One might add that the reading of many books published today is not only wearisome to the flesh but, frankly, dangerous to the mind.” – w00 10/1 p. 10 par. 9
“Apostates too speak valueless words, claiming to have greater wisdom than the appointed ‘faithful and discreet slave.’ (Matt. 24:45-47) However, apostates speak their own wisdom, and their words are valueless, a stumbling block to any who might listen.” – w08 4/15 p.6 par.17
“Yes, to all who are faithfully and loyally enduring in the Christian way, we are sure that Jehovah’s truth is still beautiful, satisfying—even more so than when they first heard it. Therefore, resolve in your heart that you will never even touch the poison that apostates want you to sip. Heed the wise but firm commands of Jehovah to avoid completely those who would deceive you, mislead you, turn you aside into the ways of death. If we love Jehovah with our whole heart, soul, and mind, while loving our neighbor as we love ourselves, we will leave no room for penetration by apostate thinking. (Matthew 22:37-39) We will not ‘allow place for the Devil’ and will have no desire to look elsewhere. We will not ‘be quickly shaken from our reason’ by some counterfeit teaching.—2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2.” – w86 3/15 p. 20 par. 18
“The talk ‘Guard Against Deception’ showed that we wisely treat as poison the distortions, half-truths, and outright falsehoods propagated by apostates.” – w03 1/15 p.23
It’s difficult for even the most hardened Witness to read the above quotes without feeling at least a tinge of embarrassment at the abject hatred and venom directed by the Society toward those who dare to contradict its teachings. In falsely misrepresenting apostates as those who must automatically “hate Jehovah,” the Society deliberately neglects to acknowledge that, in order to be an apostate, all you need to do is think differently to the organization. As discussed in a previous article, it doesn’t matter whether you love Jehovah and Jesus. If you disagree with even ONE of the Society’s teachings, you are, by their thinking, an apostate.
In stark contrast to such mud-slinging, sites such as JWfacts.com demonstrate nothing but love and respect for those who choose to believe the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The following quote from the homepage of JWfacts is typical of the tolerance displayed on that website…

“Being a Jehovah’s Witness has benefited many lives, as following Christian standards on morality and love can be beneficial. There is no attempt here to point the finger at any individual, as in general Jehovah’s Witnesses sincerely believe they are doing what is right and are genuinely nice people.”
The following email from a visitor to that website highlights that the information is based on Watchtower publications rather than being written in a way that attempts to hide or misrepresent the Society’s words…

“Your writing is the first JW material I have read, pro or con, since returning from Bethel. Your amazing collection of work is truly inspired. The true validating point for me is your use of the Watchtower publications own information as your predominating resource.” (Emails from readers)
There is even an offer on the part of the writer, Paul Grundy, for readers to email him if they spot anything incorrect so that he can fix it…

“The reason for this site is to make it as simple as possible to determine if Jehovah’s Witnesses have “the truth”. I have tried to be accurate in everything contained here. Please email me if there is anything you feel may not be correct.”
Again, it’s difficult to conceive of a more marked contrast with the Society’s publications, which ban you from reading anything contradictory, and do not allow you to point out anything that is false. Of course, no one is stopping you from writing the headquarters to draw attention to some inaccuracy, but when was the last time you saw a full retraction or apology printed in the literature over some doctrinal point?
True, the following “apology” was printed on page 8 of the January 1st 2013 Watchtower (public edition), but take a careful look at the wording…

“HAVE JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES GIVEN INCORRECT DATES FOR THE END?
“Jehovah’s Witnesses have had wrong expectations about when the end would come. Like Jesus’ first-century disciples, we have sometimes looked forward to the fulfillment of prophecy ahead of God’s timetable. (Luke 19:11; Acts 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2) We agree with the sentiment of longtime Witness A. H. Macmillan, who said: ‘I learned that we should admit our mistakes and continue searching God’s Word for more enlightenment.’
“Why, then, do we continue to highlight the nearness of the end? Because we take seriously Jesus’ words: ‘Keep looking, keep awake.’ The alternative, to be found ‘sleeping’ by Jesus, would prevent us from gaining his favor. (Mark 13:33, 36) Why?
“Consider this example: A lookout in a fire tower might see what he thinks is a wisp of smoke on the horizon and sound what proves to be a false alarm. Later, though, his alertness could save lives.
“Likewise, we have had some wrong expectations about the end. But we are more concerned with obeying Jesus and saving lives than with avoiding criticism. Jesus’ command to ‘give a thorough witness’ compels us to warn others about the end.—Acts 10:42. We believe that even more important than focusing on when the end will come, we must be confident that it will come, and we must act accordingly.
“We take seriously the words of Habakkuk 2:3, which says: ‘Even if [the end] should delay [compared to what you thought], keep in expectation of it; for it will without fail come true. It will not be late.'”
You will note that…
1.Nowhere in the above does the Society actually apologise, they merely acknowledge “wrong expectations.”
2.No attempt is made to atone for the consequences of incorrect doctrinal interpretation, i.e. brothers selling their homes and quitting their jobs pre-1975, or those who may be disfellowshipped and shunned for disagreeing with the Society’s narrow interpretations of prophecy.
3.No guarantee is given that they will stop making the same mistakes by printing further wrong interpretations. Rather, they excuse themselves saying they are “more concerned with obeying Jesus and saving lives than with avoiding criticism.” Surely this could be the mantra of ANY Christian denomination. Accuracy and truth are seemingly dispensable so long as, in the view of your church, you are “obeying Jesus.”
“Let him that is without sin cast the first stone”
The above words, attributed to Jesus (but not found in all bibles), perfectly summarize the vain hypocrisy of criticizing others when you are imperfect yourself. The saying is particularly apt when one considers the unrelenting criticism levelled at the internet by the Society regarding how factual it is. Here are three examples…

“There are no limits or checks on the kind of information that is maintained by and accessible to Internet users.” – km 11/99, p. 4 par. 16.
“Do not become an “Internet Eve.” Be critical and suspicious of the information. Before trusting it, ask: (1) Who published this material? What are the author’s credentials? (2) Why was this published? What motivated the writer? Is there any bias? (3) Where did the author get the information? Does he supply sources that can be checked? (4) Is the information current?” – w11 8/15 p.4
“The Writing Department follows the pattern of ‘tracing all things with accuracy.’ But where can reliable information be found? While the Internet is a convenient and quick source of vast amounts of information, our researchers do not rely on blogs or poorly documented Web entries written by unidentified or unqualified persons. For example, Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia, warns that some articles on its own site ‘contain significant misinformation, unencyclopedic content, or vandalism,’ adding that ‘users need to be aware of this.’ Thus, the Writing Department looks to standard reference works, articles written by recognized experts, and books produced by respected publishers.” – 2011 Yearbook, pages 9 and 10.
It is curious that the Society should criticize internet articles for being biased and having “no limits or checks” to ensure accuracy when Watchtower writers themselves are hugely biased towards elevating the organization, and allow nobody to question their assertions – even if these subsequently turn out to be false.
The Society slams websites such as Wikipedia for using unscholarly sources of information when its own writers are anonymous and likely unqualified, and it has been found guilty of misquoting experts

Also, the above Yearbook quote scorns Wikipedia for using references from web entries by “unidentified or unqualified persons.” Obviously, anyone who is familiar with Watchtower publications will know that the writers of doctrinal material are never identified by name, nor are we ever given any assurances of their academic credentials or qualifications. We must simply “trust” that they know what they are talking about. Apparently it is one rule for the internet, another rule for the Watchtower.
Indeed, on reading the above quotes, you would be forgiven for assuming that everything written by the Society is truthful and accurate. However, as already discussed in a previous article, there are numerous examples of deliberate falsehood and deception on the Society’s very own website in the FAQs section of JW.org…
◾In response to the question “Do you feel that you are the only people who will be saved?” the writer begins his answer with “No.” and then proceeds to identify Armageddon survivors as being (apart from JWs): (1) those who lived in the past before JWs existed, and (2) those who will become JWs in the future. Finally the explanation rounds off with a vague “it’s not our job to judge” line of reasoning – but the overall message is clear. If you want to survive annihilation at Armageddon, you’d better become a JW.
◾In response to the question “Are you tolerant of other religions?” the writer responds “We follow the Bible’s advice to ‘respect everyone’ —regardless of their religious beliefs,” adding, “we extend to others the same tolerance that we appreciate receiving from them.” This answer ignores the Society’s labelling of former believers as “mentally diseased” (w11 7/15 p.16) and of their beliefs as “gangrenous” (w13 4/15 p.11). It also conveniently forgets the vilification of the Catholic Church as a part of the “gross fornicatrix” Babylon The Great, or the suggestion that the policy of celibacy in that religion resulted in “not a few” Catholic priests “today contracting AIDS.” If you were a Catholic and read the Revelation Climax book from cover to cover, would you conclude that JWs are tolerant of your beliefs?
◾In response to the question “Do you shun former members of your religion?” the writer deliberately avoids giving a direct answer and goes straight into a description of the precious few instances in which a former believer would not be shunned by his family. The answer is a perfect example of deception by omission, because it fails to acknowledge that those who leave the organization are routinely shunned by family members, irrespective of whether or not they have broken the “Bible’s moral code.” A recent Watchtower article even admonished: “Do not look for excuses to associate with a disfellowshipped family member, for example, through e-mail.” (w13 1/15 p.16) The answer to the FAQ should therefore be an honest and straightforward “yes” – but it isn’t. The reason? The writers are biased, and don’t want to make their religion look bad.
You might be surprised to learn that JW.org is not the only source of misinformation published by the Society. On his website, Paul Grundy has put together an article cataloguing a number of occasions throughout its history where the Society has been caught red-handed misquoting sources, lying about its former teachings, and even plagiarizing material from other publications. If you are a Jehovah’s Witness and you are still under the impression that the Society is above such dirty tricks, I would encourage you to visit the article and verify the information for yourself. Prepare to be astonished!
Concealing its own writings
Amazingly, it isn’t just non-Watchtower books and websites that the Society dissuades ordinary Witnesses from reading, or limits access to. For varying reasons, ordinary publishers are essentially blocked from reading some of the very publications that have rolled off the Society’s own printing presses over the decades – at least one of which is even credited with a role in the fulfilment of prophecy. I can provide three examples.
In a previous article I featured the Finished Mystery book, first published in 1917. You would expect a book containing “spiritual food” that was personally inspected and approved by Christ in 1919 to be made widely available to Witnesses today, so that they can see for themselves what made the Bible Students so unique during that crucial period of inspection. However, though it is admittedly still possible to track down a copy (either by downloading it here, or spending between $50 to $200 on Amazon for a hardcopy), the book is no longer in print by the Society. The reason? They are deeply ashamed of the frankly outrageous notions that are contained in its pages, including the following…
◾Charles Taze Russell was the “seventh angel” mentioned in Revelation
◾Jehovah separated Russell from his wife, Maria, and made her dead in his eyes
◾Russell spoke from beyond the grave through the pages of the Finished Mystery
◾The precise distance between the place where the Finished Mystery was written and where it was printed held prophetic significance
The more you delve into the pages of this bizarre book, which is so clearly a product of the over-active imaginations of two of Russell’s followers, the more you realise why the Society would never dream of making it available for publishers to read today. If they were to print and distribute it, thinking Witnesses would soon connect the dots and reach the glaringly obvious conclusion that Christ didn’t actually choose this organization in 1919 after all.
The Finished Mystery reads like a love letter to Russell, penned by his mourning followers

Therefore, the Society has done something very cunning. It has repeatedly given its own glowing endorsement of the Finished Mystery, even attributing it with a role in fulfilling bible prophecy. That way, publishers who have never read the book are able to respect it as being “a powerful commentary on Revelation and Ezekiel” (Revelation Climax, p. 165), the distribution of which was approved by Christ himself – and even foretold in the scriptures! (Revelation Climax, p. 208 box)
Ironically, even the Revelation Climax book, which sings the praises of its predecessor the Finished Mystery, has been the subject of some degree of censure by the Society. Many of you will remember that in 2006 it underwent extensive “adjustments” (a list of which was published in the September Kingdom Ministry of that year). Many found it curious that a book published in 1988, designed to be the final word on the coming Great Tribulation, needed to be revised because certain apocalyptic events had not proved as “imminent” as its writers anticipated.
Even certain books printed by the Society are difficult or impossible for ordinary Witnesses to examine

In any case, many publishers will be oblivious to the fact that the Society went so far as to issue a document directing elders to arrange for older versions of that book kept in stock on the literature desk to be “discarded.” This raises the question, how can a book hailed as “food at the proper time” when it was written fall from grace so quickly that it needs to be destroyed (if certain revisions have not been made to it) only 18 years later?
Again, we have a book once endorsed by the Society and produced on its printing presses that is now out of print in its original form, and that ordinary publishers should ideally discard. It seems “new light” from the Watchtower has a shelf life. Indoctrinated Witnesses would argue that this is just evidence of the “light getting brighter,” but a more objective analysis would conclude that the Society is making things up as they go along, and only producing new interpretations of prophecy once it becomes obvious that the previous ones have failed.
Finally, there is the most secretive Society book of all – the elder’s guidebook, Shepherd The Flock of God. This book is so secretive that, when it was published in 2010, an accompanying letter to all elders read (in part)…

“We would like to emphasise the importance of keeping these new textbooks secured and confidential, both before and after they are distributed.  The textbooks should not be left on tops of desks or in other places where they are easily accessible by family members or other individuals.  The information is designed for use by the elders only, and other individuals should not have any opportunity to read the information.” – Letter to all bodies of elders, dated August 23rd 2010
Most ordinary Witnesses are conditioned over time to think that it is perfectly normal and proper for their spiritual shepherds to carry around a rulebook that they are expressly forbidden from reading. Nobody stops to consider for a moment that in Ancient Israel the hundreds of laws governing the minutiae of everyday life were not hidden or concealed from ordinary Israelites – but read aloud for all to hear. (Joshua 8:34; Nehemiah 9:3) Even in Christian times, there is no record of elders or apostles having secret guidelines that were to be kept hidden from others. Any information on presiding over judicial matters was made available to all.
In short, there is really no scriptural justification for there to be ANY secret elder’s manual, and yet that is precisely what we have grown accustomed to having in our organization. The reason? As with the Finished Mystery, there are things in that book that are simply far too embarrassing (perhaps even incriminating) for ordinary Witnesses or members of the public to see. One increasingly notorious example is as follows…


Many Witness parents who are unfamiliar with organizational policy would be horrified to think that, if a fellow brother molests their child and denies it, elders should simply “leave matters in Jehovah’s hands.” It is therefore understandable, if wholly despicable, that the Society should cover up and conceal this information from ordinary publishers. It is simply too damaging.
And elder’s books aren’t the only sources of information from the Society that are subject to strict secrecy. Those who follow this website will be aware of the Society’s recent successful attempt to shut down JWsurvey for 24 hours. The reason? Because we published a Body of Elders letter (dated October 1st 2012) detailing some of the more shocking elements of Society policy in relation to the handling of cases of child abuse.
This incident furnished a striking example of how so-called “apostate” websites are trying desperately hard to get credible information into the hands of thinking Witnesses, while the Society is bending over backwards to snatch it back out of their hands. Again, you have to ask yourself, does that not sound suspicious? If this is the truth, what are they so keen on hiding from you?
When you start to look at other religious organizations that many class as “cults” you notice exactly the same tendency towards secrecy and deception. For example, just as with the madness contained in the pages of the Finished Mystery, the Church of Scientology has its own embarrassing writings from its early history that it seeks to brush under the rug, safely hidden from the public’s gaze.
Watchtower is not the only religious organization that will resort to deception and half-truths when its beliefs are brought under scrutiny

Those who progress in that particular religion to “O.T. level 3″ have certain writings of the founder, L. Ron. Hubbard, disclosed to them in which the true origin of humans is supposedly revealed. The shocking revelation given to Scientologists at this level is that 75 million years ago the bodies of frozen space aliens were dumped into volcanoes in Hawaii, whereupon the souls escaped to be trapped, brainwashed, and finally left to roam the planet and attach themselves to early humans.
This teaching is clearly preposterous, and for many years it was kept a closely guarded secret until being exposed in a court case in the 1980s, instantly meeting with public ridicule that has continued ever since (most notably on a 2005 episode of South Park). Since this secret was leaked, Scientology has done its best to keep it out of the spotlight. One prominent church representative even publicly denied it on camera when questioned in a TV interview.
My point in relating the above is to show that deception is really nothing unusual among high control religious organizations, or “cults.” They have a habit of dispensing sensitive information only on a “need to know basis,” and covering over embarrassing or potentially incriminating details with the aim of keeping the majority of their followers in total ignorance.
This was NOT how the early Christian congregation conducted themselves according to the Bible. The apostles made “ALL scripture” available to the congregations, so that their writings could make Christians “fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16,17) There was no such thing as so-called “old light,” or out-dated teachings that had to be disposed of. There certainly weren’t any secret documents or rulebooks to be circulated only among elders.
Again, in total contrast, most websites that are critical of the organization want you to see ALL of the available information so that you can reach an informed decision on what to believe. This can never be truly said of the Society.
An organization that fights dirty
In summary, one should never assume that those who dare to stand up to the Watch Tower Society are fighting them on a level playing field. Here we have an organization that will happily resort to hate speech if necessary against its “poisonous” “mentally diseased” opponents and their “gangrenous” accusations, urging loyal Witnesses to “feel a loathing” against such ones. (w93 10/1 p. 19 par. 15)
The Society will also stop at nothing to prevent sensitive information from getting into the hands of its adherents, even resorting to threatening legal action against this website or issuing copyright takedown notices on YouTube if sufficiently agitated. Thinking Witnesses are right to question why, if the organization is truly following the First Century model, it needs to have any confidential information at all?
Then there is the stigmatization of the internet, and the abject fear instilled into the hearts of Witnesses when it comes to viewing information that is remotely critical of the organization. Having awakened recently, I can remember only too well how frightening it was to venture onto an unapproved website for the first time. It is shocking to consider that the Society wields so much control over people’s minds, but we know why this is so. If you control the source of information, then you control the person.
Considering all of the above, I am reminded of a scene towards the end of the film Gladiator. Russell Crowe’s character, Maximus, is captured by his enemy, the evil Emperor Commodus (played by Joaquin Phoenix). The two characters are due to share a final duel in the arena – a fight to the death. Ordinarily Maximus would have no problem winning this fight, but Commodus has other plans.
Like the fictional character Commodus from the movie Gladiator, the Society uses dirty tricks in furtherance of its agenda

Maximus is chained up when, away from the public gaze, Commodus approaches him and stabs him in the side. He then orders the wound covered up, so that nobody can see that he is fighting an injured opponent.
In my mind, this perfectly encapsulates the struggle between so-called “apostates” and the Watch Tower Society. We are fighting opponents who have no basic decency, and who will stop at nothing to gain victory – even if it means resorting to lies, vicious insults, and the concealing of information from their own people.
Regardless of this, I personally view it as almost inevitable that the real “truth” will triumph in the end. It is always easier to fight a war of information when the facts are on your side. It may take years, it may take decades, with those like me and Paul Grundy fighting with a “wounded side” so-to-speak. However, eventually the lies and half-truths will catch up with the Society and it will be forced to admit defeat. In the meantime, they can throw as many insults at us as they want. It makes no difference – it only strengthens our case against them. To coin the words of another fictional movie hero, “they will never take our freedom!”







Further reading…
◾Governing Body breaks its own name-calling rules in “human apostates” Convention talk
Related videos…




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48 Responses to Secrecy and deception: Watchtower fights dirty in its war against “apostates”

 alan says:

 February 23, 2013 at 4:30 am

Once again another great article Cedars. I was exactly like you a few years ago when I first started having doubts. I was terrified of reading anything that spoke against the society. Thankfully like you I finally had the courage to check things for myself, exactly as the bible tells us we should. It is so obvious to anyone who is not biased that the society do all they can to stop the real truth from coming out. As you say, most anti witness writers tells us to look at both sides rather than just what the society say. Whenever I speak to witnesses I always whenever possible, quote the societies own words. That is the only way a witness will accept what is said. Any other quotes etc will be rejected as false by a witness, but they can hardly say the societies words are false when it can be so easily checked, both online and in the publications.
 Let’s hope many current witnesses will read your article and check for themselves if you speak the truth or not.
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 Julia says:

 February 23, 2013 at 7:02 am

Wow! This article is jaw-dropping. Thank you for this important expose!
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 Hakizimana Jean de Dieu says:

 February 23, 2013 at 7:53 am

What a wonderful article! “they will never take our freedom!”. Now I am free to share with you this, Cedars! are you aware of it? I mean the article ” At Which Table Are You Feeding?”. Under subheading “Beware of the Poisonous Food on the Table of Demons” you will find these provocative words, THE WTS referring to “APOSTATES”. The words are: “They seem inoculated with madness, Satanic hydrophobia [rabies]. Some of them smite us and then claim that we did the smiting. They are ready to say and write contemptible falsities and to stoop to do meanness.” (w94 7/1 p. 12 par. 11).
 A thinking normal person will absolutely share your BELIEF that the real “truth” will triumph in the end!!!!!
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 Cedars says:

 February 23, 2013 at 7:57 am

Thanks Hakizimana. That is a truly remarkable quote you’ve brought to my attention. Ironically, those appear to be the words of none other than C. T. Russell himself – a man who, if somehow brought back to life today, would be disfellowshipped for apostasy if he failed to accept the Society’s latest teachings!
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 Julia Orwell says:

 February 25, 2013 at 12:45 am

Nutbags!
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 Helen L. Gauthier says:

 February 23, 2013 at 8:51 am

When i got involved with the witnesses in Oct 1974, i wished i had paid attention to all the apostates that were stocking the conventions instead of hissing at them. It would have saved me many years of aggravation from there controlling borg. My research and studies in my two levels of my Shamanism Apprentice programs doing journey work I discovered with my teacher that jehovah god is a demented alien. i share this on exjws posting sites.
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 KtotheRAD "Konrad" says:

 February 23, 2013 at 8:56 am

All anyone has to do, and I really encourage is go back to the Jehovah’s Witness forum on topix.com and follow the posts of FH Chandler who is the brutally cruel “cleanup man” for the Society on that forum…His tactics to mitigate liability and discredit anyone are not reserved or restrained in the slightest and are criminal…He will and has openly advocated child rape and abuse to support and vindicate JW abusers and defend them while suppress and slander any who dare speak out ..they (his tactics) involve among many, the use of hacking and spy ware, criminal abuse and stalking/trolling both on and off that forum and behaviour that has been reported to the Federal authorities in the US and Australia and who knows where else… other such operatives have been encountered elsewhere on other sites…
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 Quendi says:

 February 23, 2013 at 9:58 am

I really appreciate all the hard work that went into this monograph, my friend. I was a loyal Witness for more than thirty years, even striving for reinstatement after being disfellowshipped. I finally woke up thanks to the efforts and research of a good friend who once was an elder. After his sudden death, I decided to never have anything to do with this cult again. Websites like yours and Paul Grundy’s have enabled me to keep on course in my own spiritual journey.
Keep up the good work. You are helping many others to see that there are healthy and viable alternatives to the Society’s twisted and perverted thinking. Honest inquirers can reclaim both their God-given consciences and powers of reason if they are willing to put aside fear and hysteria. It takes courage to do so, but the rewards make it all worth while.
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 John Hoyle says:

 February 23, 2013 at 11:39 am

Another well-written article, Cedars. As you clearly point out, there are at least two sides to every disagreement. Whether it be politics, religion or science, those who present clearly documented facts and sound logic will usually win the day. Websites like Paul Grundy’s JWFacts.com and Barbara Anderson’s WatchtowerDocuments.com – along with a few other notable sites – are valuable resources to those who are actually looking for the truth. They are 180 degrees from the faulty resources used by the Watchtower Society and its writing staff.
It’s not a stretch to imagine the Governing Body telling the editorial staff supervising the writers to, “Find something – anything – secular to support this new position we are taking!” I am often amazed to see the Watchtower using quotes from encyclopedias, outdated history books, and even discredited articles from several decades old scientific magazines. The one thing they rarely do is quote from their own older publications anytime before 1980.
It’s interesting that even the new version of JW.org, the Society’s “official website,” only provides access to Watchtowers and Awake! magazines back to 2000. That alone speaks volumes about the credibility of their writing staff.
This article should be shared with anyone with any interest at all in becoming a JW. Thanks again for taking the time to do it right.
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 AssumeNothing says:

 February 23, 2013 at 12:30 pm

“If the truth is so cut-and-dried, should it not stand up to the closest possible scrutiny?”
This. This. A billion times this.
Awesome write up.
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 FutureMan says:

 February 23, 2013 at 4:52 pm

Cedars that is a good article you have written here which should be much food for thought for those who do read it.
And unfortunately the Watchtower Society “does not” want it’s members to think outside the “spiritual box” that it has created for it’s members over that last 120 years or so of it’s existence.
And it is very sad for those who belong to Jehovah’s Witnesses because there individual enlightenment is very much dependent on what the organization presents to them in the form of spiritual food and “increasing light” as they now term it.
Jesus gave us “all” the “spirit of truth” for a reason, and that is so we can all individually learn the truth about God and what he does really expect of us as human sons of him, with eternal life in view.
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 Helen L. Gauthier says:

 February 23, 2013 at 4:59 pm

Please cancel my signing up , way too many emails
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 Cedars says:

 February 24, 2013 at 1:39 am

Thanks Helen, I’ll try and get your email address removed.
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 KtotheRAD "Konrad" says:

 February 23, 2013 at 5:40 pm

@ Helen L. Gauthier ~ Not that important huh? Or at least anymore? *shrug*
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 Willows says:

 February 23, 2013 at 9:19 pm

A well reasoned article Cedars, people need to be informed. An informed person can make a balanced decision.
 The Watchtower are doing themselves a disservice. In that they
 fail a vital mental attitude in debating. Never…, never abuse verbally those opposing your viewpoint. It’s a bully tactic, that to a seasoned debater shows they have run out of steam, failing to agree with reason.
On the 22nd day of September, AD. 1862 The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by the President of the United States Abraham Lincoln. In part to quote…”That on the 1st day of January, AD. 1863, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States shall be then, henceforward, and forever free, and the executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom.” ………………..
……………….” And by virtue of the power and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States and parts of States are, and henceforth shall be, free; and that the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons. ”
… ” And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted by the Constitution upon military necessity, I invoke the considerate judgement of mankind and the gracious favor of Almighty God. ”
The end to slavery was heralded as a great victory for the equality of all mankind. Today organizations have no right to hold in slavery the minds of their members. They should be free to leave without obstruction or abuse, based on the principles of the Bible and the Constitution. As Lincoln said..” I invoke the considerate judgement of mankind and the gracious favor of Almighty God.”
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 Denis says:

 February 24, 2013 at 8:49 pm

Tanks Cedars. I alws anticipate ur enlightening posts. Wot pains me most is seeing hundreds of people still roam the streets with bags claiming to be representing the only organisation of truths while been fed with so much lies from the society. Most of them dont even preach wot dey teach. Oh God, why so long?
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 Frank says:

 February 24, 2013 at 11:46 pm

Cedars: “Regardless of this, I personally view it as almost inevitable that the real “truth” will triumph in the end. It is always easier to fight a war of information when the facts are on your side…”
There is a saying: “All things must pass.” There is nothing eternal in the material universe – not even solipsistic religions.
I have a book (one for WTBTS book-burning?) called Cults – Secret Sects and Radical Religions, by Robert Schroeder. It says on page 107: “(J F Rutherford) and other members were arrested during World War I and charged with sedition because of his pacifist stance against priests who were supporting the USA’s involvement in the war.”
I once had downloaded a scanned pdf copy of an actual paper-cutting that reported this very incident mentioned above. Do you think I can find it anywhere now on the Internet? I wonder why that is?
If anyone can find the cutting again and post a URL on this site I would be very grateful.
Frank V
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 Julia Orwell says:

 February 25, 2013 at 12:43 am

So many ‘awakening’ stories parallel my own. I also must give credit to Mr Grundy’s site, because he is not a hate monger like the WT always said ‘apostates’ were. And the fact he is my own countryman too, and I used to know his father…yes, he’s not a bitter, twisted crack pot, but just lays the facts out. People like Mr Grundy and you, Cedars, systematise knowledge so we who’ve had our brains addled by WT propaganda can connect the dots better. Thanks to you!
“If the truth is so cut-and-dried, should it not stand up to the closest possible scrutiny?”
I’ve thought that for years. If someone tells you Santa is real, you laugh because it’s preposterous. So if someone told me the ‘truth’ was bunk, I’d laugh if there was no evidence. But the ‘truth’ is bunk, and there’s evidence within the WT publications themselves.
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 DB says:

 February 25, 2013 at 2:16 am

Another article that sums it all up perfectly. It may take a long time but I agree that, gradually, the WTS will be held accountable for all the lives it has ruined and continues to ruin. All cults basically start with one arrogant, ignorant person who thinks they know better than everyone else, and unfortunately, are very good at convincing others that they are right. In a way, Russell himself could be considered a victim, as he himself was taught by another cult – The Seventh Day Adventists. The same pattern is repeated with all the other cults too. An endless cycle: Cults beget cults. Instead of admitting they are wrong, they just dig their holes deeper… and deeper… and deeper…
This article reminds me of yet another contradiction regarding the sources the WTS deceptively quotes from. According to the WTS all outsiders are “deceived by Satan”, so what are they doing quoting from all the experts outside the WTS, who agree with almost nothing the WTS teaches in the first place? As outsiders, these experts are supposedly “deceived by Satan”, so by Watchtower logic, nothing they say can be trusted… I wonder what the writers the WTS employ are actually thinking as they do their “research”. Are they actually “believers” too? Their writing department must surely have a high turnover rate if they actually read what experts outside the WTS write. I doubt that they can use most material, as it contradicts what the WTS teaches, hence the need to misquote and lazily rehash old material all the time. The WTS reminds me of one of those children’s toys where the child has to put matching shapes through matching holes, but instead the child keeps trying to ram the wrong shape into the wrong hole – forcing it to fit is the same approach the WTS takes to research.
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 Hakizimana Jean de Dieu says:

 February 25, 2013 at 8:33 am

Cedars! Thank you very much for the article! Thanks to your efforts, the Finished Mystery book is now my hands! I have just skimmed it and cannot believe my eyes!! THE Watch Tower Society HAS PERFORMED THE GREATEST MIRACLES OF ALL AGES: CHANGING SATAN INTO JESUS IN LESS THAN A CENTURY!!! What a miracle!!
the Finished Mystery says, on page 217, that Abaddon, the Destroyer, Apollyon in the Greek is “a bad one,” referring to 2 Cor. 4:4. It says In plain English his name is Satan, the Devil. The book continues “As a means for preventing people from seeing the Truth, Methodism has been as efficient as any of the five systems previously described, or any that follow. All have been sadly misled and deceived by our great and wily Adversary; “Taken captive by him at his will”— 2 Tim. 2:26.”
Take just a few minutes and have a look in the book “Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand!”. On page 148 paragraph 20 you read “Rather than announce the incoming Kingdom of God, Christendom’s clergy have chosen to remain with Satan’s world. They want no part with the locust band and their King, concerning whom John now observes: “They have over them a king, the angel of the abyss. In Hebrew his name is Abaddon [meaning “Destruction”], but in Greek he has the name Apollyon [meaning “Destroyer”].” (Revelation 9:11) As “angel of the abyss” and “Destroyer,” Jesus had truly released a plaguing woe on Christendom. But more is to follow!”
Here is the summarized miracle is, from the “the Finished Mystery” to the “Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand!”
1) SATAN became JESUS
 2) METHODISTS became JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
 3) Methodism WAS the first woe and TODAY, the First Woe IS the Watch Tower!
Pictures have also changed to convey the ideas of the “New light”! What a miracle! I can’t believe the “new light” could transform SATAN INTO JESUS so easily and, in less than 100 years!!
When we celebrate 100 year anniversary of the Watch Tower Society declaration: “The Gentile Times have ended.” October 2nd, 2014 (see w07 11/1 p. 24), I hope we celebrate this WONDER, this MIRACLE, too!
Reply
 

 messenger4truth says:

 February 25, 2013 at 10:42 am

It was JWfacts.com that helped me see that the WT.org was fake.
 And that Jehovah and Jesus are the same person.
 Making it far more easier in my mind that I did do the best thing
 leaving such a cult as the Watchtower.
I also recently find that David Ickes investigations with help of
 his friends, who shows that that the mormons and JWs, belong to
 a segment of the illuminati. Though there are one or two things I do disagree entirely with him on that show signs off madness to believe. Out of ignorance that such ideas have not been ‘proven’ yet. However, his 2012 wembley (youtube) tour showed how all these cults are working together to bring its members under mind control thats seems to be ‘freedom’ yet it is not but complete lies and deception. But secretly all under a pyramid state of control that also controls banking and politics.
Reply
 

 WildeLover says:

 February 25, 2013 at 3:14 pm

Incredibly well written! it makes me so angry to think I was blinded for so long. Better late than never!
Reply
 

 Aunt Fancy says:

 February 25, 2013 at 11:01 pm

Thanks again Cedars! I felt the same way you did when I saw so much nonscense and I started to do my research. I remember I bought a book on Kindle and I shook when I started to read it, talk about control and being brainwashed!! I find your articles very interesting and always look forward to receiving the latest information. It is very much appreciated.
Reply
 

 mokihermida says:

 February 28, 2013 at 11:37 pm

What i have learned Biblically i consider to be the truth,
 some people that just need to leave do so bashing everything associated with the society.
Basically you can do the same with different areas of your life, pick apart your parents and blame them for they’re rules and policy
I don’t believe blindly in everything they say.
 i don’t do that for anyone no matter what they like to call themselves.
Reply
 

 DB says:

 March 1, 2013 at 3:11 am

Good for you Mokihermida!
Seeing as you don’t follow anyone blindly, I presume your biblical research has shown you that core Watchtower concepts such as “paradise earth”, “Jesus being the Archangel Michael”, “Shunning”, “1914”, “No blood transfusions”, “Apostates” and “144,000” (among many others) are all completely unbiblical. Surely all these “truths” don’t come from the Bible, but instead are biased ideas given to you second-hand from WTS books? Glad you can see that.
Reply
 

 rickisteel says:

 March 8, 2013 at 5:58 am

You are just the same you only publish what promotes and furthers your interests and shun those who disagree with you how are you any better than the watchtower ? I know you wont post this but i know you will have read it
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 March 24, 2013 at 4:17 am

So you’re suggesting I should publish things I don’t agree with? That’s madness by anyone’s standards. Of course I am going to write what I think, and whether people agree with it or not is up to them.
As for shunning those who disagree with me, I don’t see it that way at all. Anyone is entitled to use the comments section to disagree with me so long as their comments are factually-based and respectful. Those who knowingly misrepresent the facts or are disrespectful or abusive to either myself or other posters won’t be welcome on this site.
I fail to see how I can be compared to Watchtower when I allow reasoned debate of my articles and show both sides of the story by incorporating information straight from Watchtower publications. When was the last time you saw a quote from JWsurvey in the Watchtower?
Reply
 
 

 Elijahovah says:

 March 10, 2013 at 9:49 am

Hollywood and theatre and drama has total power and total control on what they want you to think. They brain-wash, they indoctrinate in movies like any church or state does. THEN if you are free to fight in a public arena, and no one ties you down. Take the cover off the wound that everyone should see it. The concept of fighting with a wound and looking like a loser is your own fault for not unveiling a wound they gave you. Show the wound and shout out they have wounded me so i lose, do you now watch the fight against this wounded man. Of course, the world of Satan is in JW Halls just like in all of YOU, because the reply is Oh poor baby, youre wounded, should we care, should we cry.
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 March 10, 2013 at 11:45 am

Sorry Elijahovah but I don’t even see anything resembling a logical argument in this comment that I can respond to. All I see is desperation and vitriol. It isn’t easy springing to the defence of an organization that is lying to you, is it.
Reply
 
 

 Lane Yarbrough says:

 March 11, 2013 at 4:00 pm


accurate information
Is subjective, based on seven men, who most JWs have no idea who they are. Yes, they rely on Caller I.D., but eat up “new information” from seven unknowns.
I lived through the 68/74 Armageddon scare, an not the first time the “end” has been predicted. In their bible.
Mark 13:32
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
This is FALSE WITNESSING: How can any witness be blind to this, it’s one of the 6 things their God hates and calls and abomination.
Proverbs 6:16/19
There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him:
 haughty eyes,
 a lying tongue,
 hands that shed innocent blood,
 a heart that devises wicked plans,
 feet that make haste to run to evil,
 a false witness who breathes out lies,
 one who sows discord among brothers.
I knew this when I was 12, and shut my brain against them. I was doing exactly what the bible instructed me to. I don’t understand why an adult can’t.
Reply
 

 les says:

 March 18, 2013 at 3:33 am

i dont know what to think im totally confused and by the way cedars no offence meant im having a nervous breakdown and alcohol issues and the memorial is approaching and the elders are visiting etc
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 March 18, 2013 at 4:01 am

Hello les. I’m sorry you’re having a hard time. Some of the information on this website can come as a shock, and it can be difficult to process. If you are having a nervous breakdown and alcohol issues, you really should seek professional help if at all possible. I hope the elder’s visit isn’t too stressful for you. Remember, you don’t have to tell them anything – just what they want to hear. These men are not appointed by holy spirit and are effectively just line managers for a corporation. They have no power or authority over you. I should know, I was one.
Reply
 
 

 Hal Gerber says:

 March 18, 2013 at 8:15 am

Here goes: I wonder why all the hype or concern about being rejected, shunned, expelled or dis-fellowship by the J.W.’s aka WTBTS? Why would any person care what that malicious Satanic cult thinks? They are sides to everything in the universe, for every push there is an opposite e.g. a ‘a pull’. The light bulb is either on or off. Good or bad. Their is electricity or their is no electrcity. Hope your getting my point so far.
 Have you ever wondered if and who the Jevovah Witnesses are really following? Could it be Satan himself? If you with Satan only negative things come out of the matter; your actually ‘CURSED”. If you worship or follow the true God of the universe, well then, your “BLESSED” and only good things or manifications will come your way.
 My physical parents and sisters have been staunch Jehovah’s Witnesses for decades.
 They are ‘cursed’ or don’t have God’s ;blessings’ for their intregity or loyalty. I’ll now prove my theory:
 My father was an elder. After giving the concluding prayer at the Kingdom Hall, he was filled with Jehovah’s “blessing’, sat down and immediately had a fatal stroke.
 My eldest sister was a pioneer with her husband. Her husband hadjust left the meeting at the Kingdom hall, driven about a block on his moped, and was hit by a car and instantly decapitate. He too was ‘blessed’ by Jehovah’s spirit as he had just attended a worship meeting.
 My same sister, still “blessed” has since been married 3 times and suffered 2 mis-carriages.
 My youngest sister, also an adamant J.W. has gone through 2 unsuccessful marriage to 2 high -profile Jehovah’s Wtnesses.
 So were they truly “blessed’ or were they “cursed”. They were attached or worshipping the wrong identity or God of this universe.
 It says somewhere Satan comes & masquerades himself as an angel of light to deceive and turn people away from the true God.
 Myself, l’ve turned myself away from the WTBTS or Jehovah’s Witnesses; and my life has gotton better and l’m happy once again, free from that malicious dangerous cult.
 Thankyou. Harold Gerber
Reply
 

 rickisteel says:

 March 20, 2013 at 11:16 am

Thanks for bothering x
Reply
 

 rickisteel says:

 March 23, 2013 at 6:04 am

Im sorry john
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 March 24, 2013 at 4:18 am

It’s ok!
Reply
 
 

 thinkinghard says:

 April 12, 2013 at 6:47 am

I’m thinking about all I have read on your site over the last two days and I’m feeling so mixed up. I thought it was bad enough to be in a disassociated state but now i’m going to be apostate too?! I can’t help but see the truth in what you have said. I just don’t know what the alternative is…and that isn’t an invitation for everybody to dump unscriptural beliefs on me.
Reply
 
 Hal Gerber says:

 April 12, 2013 at 8:28 am

See, that organization ‘punishes’ you for rejecting and leaving them. I worship the Lord out of love and free choice, not out of ‘fear or manipulation.” Be happy your ‘free’ and not waisting any more of your precious life with that organization.
Reply
 
 

 Fred Hall says:

 April 21, 2013 at 4:19 am

All
Here is what funny. You apostates argue about 607 and 587 and try to argue about it. You all refer to historians and astronomers; etc in order to prove your case, yet the historians and astronomers cannot agree among themselves!!
Reply
 

 Jen says:

 April 21, 2013 at 10:42 am

@Fred Hall:
 This book is reportedly a good one:
“The Bible Unearthed: Archaeology’s New Vision of Ancient Israel and the Origin of Its Sacred Texts”. The authors are Silberman and Finkelstein.
Reply
 

 KtotheRAD "Konrad" says:

 April 21, 2013 at 1:50 pm

“Here is what funny” and “You apostates” is funny to you Fred?
 That’s all you can find to make an issue out of?
All of the brutal crimes and violence and Rights violations that are perpetrated throughout that organization to which I personally have been both victim and witness for close to 30 years and are attested across this forum and the Internet and THIS is why people on HERE are “apostates” and “funny” to you?
This is the only topic you can find contention with Fred?
 Why aren’t you out in Field Service?
Reply
 

 John says:

 June 19, 2013 at 9:36 am

Acts 17:11 tells us “These(Boreans) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” The Bible also tells us to keep testing our faith as to if it’s right or wrong. So if Gods Holy Bible tells us to keep checking our faith in relation to him and what we believe to be right then why would a organization of men(WTBS) have to hide behind a iron curtain and not alow their followers to read(including their own previous publications), see or hear anything that would disprove there own doctrines? Because they would be exposed for what they really are. THIS IS THE ONLY REASON AND GOES CONTRARY TO GODS WORD. So this man made, not spirit directed evil slave class puts themselves above Gods own written word. This is outright Blasphemy( A contemptuous or profane act, utterance, or writing concerning God or a sacred entity.
 b. The act of claiming for oneself the attributes and rights of God)
 They put themselves above God and men in proclaiming what they believe to be true but will not alow their own followers to test the validity of their words. I had a conversation with a young person who has a father that was a elder regarding many doctrines and the asserting of 1975 to be at the onset of the 1,000 yr rule of Jesus Christ as eluded to in the pages of the watchtower and awake back in the late 60’s and early 70’s. I caused quite a stir with me just asking the questions of why they keep predicitng false dates about the time of the end. Then it really hit me when i was told i had been reading watchtowers that were made by false apostates and were distributed among the people in the kingdom hall. I nearly fell over as i proceeded to ask them for their own personal Watchtower Disc of bound volumes and proceeded to show them what they actually said was coming from the Governing Body of JW’s and not some subverts who were publishing their own watchtowers. At this point i do find it kind of ironic that the JW’s produce a watchtower for them and one for the public. Does this sound like Gods annointed slave and that he would want us to have all of the “Meat” and just not some of it? Hardly Not! Or like” Sheparding the Flock of God” book what are you trying to hide? Wouldn’t your followers be better served knowing how they were going to be dealt with when it came to Elder matter’s? If you went to a doctor who by the way is imperfect and he or she told you that you had 6 month’s to live so go live it up. Would you not seek a second opinion or perhaps alternative treatment that might extend your life or would you put all your faith and hope in that one Doctor that this was all true? Better yet do you think if you got a second opinion and it was a mis-diagnosis that it would be a good idea to let the first Doctor know so that other people he diagnosed might not be mis-informed as well? If the Doctor threw you out of his office after imforming him of your findings i’m sure you would not recommend him or give him a second chance because of his attitude. So it goes with the WTBS that they self proclaim themselves as the Grand spiritual Slave who gives limited spiritual food in it’s time when it fit’s their cause and the furthering of their billion dollar enterprise. So it’s no wonder they don’t want their follower’s to read,hear,see anything that would disprove their own findings on scriptual matter. The time of the end has come for this self propheting man made religion. My son told me 6 yrs ago that the downfall of the JW’s would be by the information super highway known to us as the internet. How ironic that he actually works for the x cio of Google Now. While many remain staunch advocates of there doctrines and decree’s that are in direct conflict to God’s word it just goes to show how deeply brainwashed a person could be. If you walk around with the i’m always right attitude then you will never learn the real truth about thing’s. To there death they will go believeing in the Great lie and lies they Publish about God’s own word the Bible. Just like a former governing body member of the 80’s said in his books that most of what was decided on as policy didn’t really have to do with scripture to begin with. No doubt he felt Guilty writing such stuff and wrote over 1200 pages to possibly reverse the bad that already had been done including the loss of life. How very sad for all that they just can’t see past their noses and wake up to reality. It is my hope that many more JW’s or those thinking about getting involved will test that faith to see if it really hold’s up to God’s word the Bible. Keep on the watch as the end is near for the WTBS.
Reply
 

 FutureMan says:

 July 20, 2013 at 10:53 pm

Fred Hall said :
 (Quote)
“Here is what funny. You apostates argue about 607 and 587 and try to argue about it. You all refer to historians and astronomers; etc in order to prove your case, yet the historians and astronomers cannot agree among themselves!!(End of quote)
Maybe it would be an eye opener to listen in on one of the Governing body members meetings when they come together to decide on doctrinal matters or interpretation of prophecy.
 You do not need to go far to do this just read the writings of a so-called apostate who was a governing body member and on the writing committee as well.
 Yes go on read it.
 It is entitled “Crisis of conscience”.
Perhaps after reading this particular book written by an ex-governing body member, you might come to a different conclusion.
Reply
 

 Aman Ofgod says:

 August 21, 2013 at 2:46 pm

Do you really think that satan would really fight clean? lol come on brother cedar.
Reply
 

 Brian says:

 December 13, 2013 at 3:51 pm

Some interesting info there dude i like yourself am very cautious because as you say were supposed to wary of apostates however when you look up the meaning it just means those that have left there former belief correct me if I’m wrong but that pretty much applies to almost every JW if you left your former church and speak out against it e.g. Catholic which i was then i automatically became an apostate. I personally think Apostate is the wrong word to use because it seems to have the emphasis on someone really evil. Considering Bro Russel himself left the Adventists would that no also based on the Dictionary meaning make him an apostate ? Recently i wrote to the local body of elders i reported bullying and racism they met with me and have done nothing sense i also wrote to the CO who again checked things out and reportedly told me “how all the brothers love Me” if that was true i wouldn’t of written the letter , i then ring up Brooklyn Bethel world headquarters spoke to some nameless person (they’ll never give out there names) i described how the CO had decided how everything was ok i proceeded to say how he wouldn’t know the facts because he is given the Red carpet treatment showered with lots of love so of course he can’t see a thing, the anonymous brother proceeds to tell me “i don’t believe you and i have to end this conversation” amazing such love huh. Again i’m seeking the truth i’ve always tried to speak truth what i said to the elders and the CO plus Service dept in Bethel was the total truth yet i’m branded a Slander , Apostate. very interesting indeed so yeah I’m kind of in a whole world of confusion right now
Reply
 

 Caminante says:

 January 7, 2014 at 6:57 pm

Definitely, one of my favorite articles on JWsurvey!
RO version here: http://martorii-lui-iehova.ro/2013/10/05/discretie-amagitoare-tactici-murdare/
Reply
 

 Jerry O Connor says:

 July 1, 2014 at 12:41 pm

John, a brilliant use of watchtowers own publications to show how many lies they tell. As an ex JW and being free to use my intellect it is so easy to see the lengths they go to. They sink to abysmal depths by calling us mentally diseased. The lie is so big that they dare not admit it. Can you imagine the reaction if they were found out? They terrify the foot soldiers of watchtowers organization with dire warnings to avoid “apostates”. This word really scares them and that is why it is abused, not used. We are slowly but surely eroding the once monolithic watchtower. By removing my family they were sure that they had taken all. Not true, I am a sentient being capable of deciding what is best for me. The boys in Brooklyn no longer pull my strings and boy am I glad. Stay strong John so many need to see the lies behind the “truth”
Reply
 

 ENLIGHTENED says:

 December 31, 2014 at 9:55 am

I have a copy of the 1917 Finished Mystery, Vol. 7. I have a huge library of older JW books, the original bound volumes, etc. I have no idea what to do with them, as we are seniors now and downsizing. Any suggestions appreciated.. I have Vol. 4 “Battle of Armageddon” dated 1913, also 1908 version of Vol. 2, “The time is at Hand”…a long typed list of my library is available.
Reply
 

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Secrecy and deception: Watchtower fights dirty in its war against “apostates”
avatar
Posted on February 23, 2013

The Watchtower uses secrecy, deception, and even hate speech in its battle against those who dare to oppose it

Jehovah’s Witnesses are conditioned to fear and distrust any information on the internet that scrutinizes the Watch Tower Society in a critical or objective manner. For years I was gripped by such paranoia, and the very thought of venturing onto a so-called “apostate” website put a knot in my stomach.
It was only when, some time in 2011, I summoned the audacity to sit down and write a list of nine “grievances” against the Society and its teachings that something clicked inside me. Once I saw all my doubts and uncertainties unravelling before me on a sheet of paper I began to conclude that, most likely, the Society wasn’t giving me the full story. If it was just one or two questionable doctrines or practices, that would be one thing. But nine? In a religion I had dedicated my life to serving alongside as God’s spirit-directed organization? Something wasn’t right.
It was then that something unthinkable happened. I consciously “gave myself permission” to violate the Society’s rules on apostate websites. Tentatively, and with overwhelming feelings of guilt and anxiety, I started searching on websites such as JWfacts.com to see what critics of the Watchtower had to say. Sure enough, my worst fears were confirmed. It soon became apparent that my grievances weren’t only justified – they were just the tip of the iceberg. The more it became clear that I had been lied to for decades, the more my feelings of trepidation and anxiety morphed into a strong sense of anger and betrayal.
Surprising Openness and Transparency
One of the things that immediately impressed me about the information presented on JWfacts.com was the way the writer (Paul Grundy) had researched everything and clearly bent over backwards to supply quotes from the Society’s own literature to support his conclusions.
JWfacts.com is an excellent source of accurate information about the Society, with logical analysis of its teachings

This went against the grain of what I had been trained to expect from an “apostate” website. After all, aren’t apostates supposed to be liars who seek to draw off followers after themselves? So why would one go to the trouble of quoting from the Society in making his argument if everything the Society writes is true and incontrovertible? Surely, as an evil conniving apostate slanderer, Grundy should be directing me away from the Society’s publications, rather than urging me to read them?
Still quite skeptical from my indoctrination, I thought I should check the quotes being used by Grundy in his articles to see whether they had been twisted in any way. If I found so much as a comma out of place, I would reject the whole thing as an elaborate hoax. However, sure enough, when I cross-checked the quotes on JWfacts.com, I found that each and every one was word-for-word accurate. Paul Grundy wasn’t trying to pull the wool over my eyes. He was proving his arguments and supporting his reasoning using the Society’s own publications.
A difference in tactics
This is where something immediately becomes noticeable, and highlights the sharp contrast between the strategies of two warring factions – the Watch Tower Society at one end of the battlefield, and their “apostate” foes at the other.
On the one hand, you have the Society who will ONLY let you look at information that they have approved. On the other, you have websites such as JWfacts.com (not to mention this one) that will happily show you BOTH sides of the argument. My illustration below highlights this disparity…


The above should immediately raise a red flag for any thinking Witnesses who wonder whether the Society is truly being honest and transparent with them. So-called “apostate” websites want you to read both sides of the argument, but the Society only wants you to hear their side – and pretend their opponents don’t exist. But why should it be that way? If the truth is so cut-and-dried, should it not stand up to the closest possible scrutiny? Just what are they so desperately trying to hide?
Vilification and mud-slinging
The following quotes underscore the voracity with which the Society has poured scorn on those it classes as “apostate” over the last few decades, not to mention its clever insistence that Witnesses should not even check to see whether the writings of former believers (whether in books or online) are based on truth…

“Noticeably, there have been a number of individuals who have created Web sites ostensibly to preach the good news. Many of these sites are sponsored by indiscreet brothers. Other sites may be sponsored by apostates who wish to lure unsuspecting ones. (2 John 9-11) Commenting on whether there is a need for our brothers to create such Web sites, Our Kingdom Ministry, November 1997, page 3, stated: ‘There is no need for any individual to prepare Internet pages about Jehovah’s Witnesses, our activities, or our beliefs. Our official site [www.watchtower.org] presents accurate information for any who want it.‘” – km 11/99 pp.4-5 par. 18
“Interestingly, a circuit overseer in France observes: ‘Some brothers are deceived because they lack accurate knowledge.’ That is why Proverbs 11:9 states: ‘By knowledge are the righteous rescued.’ This does not mean giving apostates a hearing ear or delving into their writings. Rather, it means coming to ‘an accurate knowledge of the sacred secret of God’ through diligent personal study of the Bible and the Society’s Bible-based publications. Having this accurate knowledge, who would become so curious as to pay any attention to apostate mouthings? May no man ‘delude you with persuasive arguments’! (Colossians 2:2-4) False religious propaganda from any source should be avoided like poison! Really, since our Lord has used ‘the faithful and discreet slave’ to convey to us ‘sayings of everlasting life,’ why should we ever want to look anywhere else?—John 6:68.” – w87 11/1 p.20 par. 16
“The obligation to hate lawlessness also applies to all activity by apostates. Our attitude toward apostates should be that of David, who declared: ‘Do I not hate those who are intensely hating you, O Jehovah, and do I not feel a loathing for those revolting against you? With a complete hatred I do hate them. They have become to me real enemies.’ (Psalm 139:21, 22) Modern-day apostates have made common cause with ‘the man of lawlessness,’ the clergy of Christendom. (2 Thessalonians 2:3) As loyal Witnesses of Jehovah, we therefore have absolutely nothing in common with them. Being imperfect, our hearts could easily have a tendency toward being critical of our brothers. As individuals, those of ‘the faithful and discreet slave’ are imperfect humans. (Matthew 24:45-47) But this class is faithful and discreet. Apostates capitalize on errors or seeming mistakes made by brothers who take the lead. Our safety lies in avoiding apostate propaganda as though it were poison, which in fact it is.—Romans 16:17, 18.” – w92 7/15 pp.12-13 par. 19
“Wise King Solomon wrote: ‘Take a warning: To the making of many books there is no end, and much devotion to them is wearisome to the flesh.’ (Ecclesiastes 12:12) One might add that the reading of many books published today is not only wearisome to the flesh but, frankly, dangerous to the mind.” – w00 10/1 p. 10 par. 9
“Apostates too speak valueless words, claiming to have greater wisdom than the appointed ‘faithful and discreet slave.’ (Matt. 24:45-47) However, apostates speak their own wisdom, and their words are valueless, a stumbling block to any who might listen.” – w08 4/15 p.6 par.17
“Yes, to all who are faithfully and loyally enduring in the Christian way, we are sure that Jehovah’s truth is still beautiful, satisfying—even more so than when they first heard it. Therefore, resolve in your heart that you will never even touch the poison that apostates want you to sip. Heed the wise but firm commands of Jehovah to avoid completely those who would deceive you, mislead you, turn you aside into the ways of death. If we love Jehovah with our whole heart, soul, and mind, while loving our neighbor as we love ourselves, we will leave no room for penetration by apostate thinking. (Matthew 22:37-39) We will not ‘allow place for the Devil’ and will have no desire to look elsewhere. We will not ‘be quickly shaken from our reason’ by some counterfeit teaching.—2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2.” – w86 3/15 p. 20 par. 18
“The talk ‘Guard Against Deception’ showed that we wisely treat as poison the distortions, half-truths, and outright falsehoods propagated by apostates.” – w03 1/15 p.23
It’s difficult for even the most hardened Witness to read the above quotes without feeling at least a tinge of embarrassment at the abject hatred and venom directed by the Society toward those who dare to contradict its teachings. In falsely misrepresenting apostates as those who must automatically “hate Jehovah,” the Society deliberately neglects to acknowledge that, in order to be an apostate, all you need to do is think differently to the organization. As discussed in a previous article, it doesn’t matter whether you love Jehovah and Jesus. If you disagree with even ONE of the Society’s teachings, you are, by their thinking, an apostate.
In stark contrast to such mud-slinging, sites such as JWfacts.com demonstrate nothing but love and respect for those who choose to believe the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The following quote from the homepage of JWfacts is typical of the tolerance displayed on that website…

“Being a Jehovah’s Witness has benefited many lives, as following Christian standards on morality and love can be beneficial. There is no attempt here to point the finger at any individual, as in general Jehovah’s Witnesses sincerely believe they are doing what is right and are genuinely nice people.”
The following email from a visitor to that website highlights that the information is based on Watchtower publications rather than being written in a way that attempts to hide or misrepresent the Society’s words…

“Your writing is the first JW material I have read, pro or con, since returning from Bethel. Your amazing collection of work is truly inspired. The true validating point for me is your use of the Watchtower publications own information as your predominating resource.” (Emails from readers)
There is even an offer on the part of the writer, Paul Grundy, for readers to email him if they spot anything incorrect so that he can fix it…

“The reason for this site is to make it as simple as possible to determine if Jehovah’s Witnesses have “the truth”. I have tried to be accurate in everything contained here. Please email me if there is anything you feel may not be correct.”
Again, it’s difficult to conceive of a more marked contrast with the Society’s publications, which ban you from reading anything contradictory, and do not allow you to point out anything that is false. Of course, no one is stopping you from writing the headquarters to draw attention to some inaccuracy, but when was the last time you saw a full retraction or apology printed in the literature over some doctrinal point?
True, the following “apology” was printed on page 8 of the January 1st 2013 Watchtower (public edition), but take a careful look at the wording…

“HAVE JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES GIVEN INCORRECT DATES FOR THE END?
“Jehovah’s Witnesses have had wrong expectations about when the end would come. Like Jesus’ first-century disciples, we have sometimes looked forward to the fulfillment of prophecy ahead of God’s timetable. (Luke 19:11; Acts 1:6; 2 Thessalonians 2:1, 2) We agree with the sentiment of longtime Witness A. H. Macmillan, who said: ‘I learned that we should admit our mistakes and continue searching God’s Word for more enlightenment.’
“Why, then, do we continue to highlight the nearness of the end? Because we take seriously Jesus’ words: ‘Keep looking, keep awake.’ The alternative, to be found ‘sleeping’ by Jesus, would prevent us from gaining his favor. (Mark 13:33, 36) Why?
“Consider this example: A lookout in a fire tower might see what he thinks is a wisp of smoke on the horizon and sound what proves to be a false alarm. Later, though, his alertness could save lives.
“Likewise, we have had some wrong expectations about the end. But we are more concerned with obeying Jesus and saving lives than with avoiding criticism. Jesus’ command to ‘give a thorough witness’ compels us to warn others about the end.—Acts 10:42. We believe that even more important than focusing on when the end will come, we must be confident that it will come, and we must act accordingly.
“We take seriously the words of Habakkuk 2:3, which says: ‘Even if [the end] should delay [compared to what you thought], keep in expectation of it; for it will without fail come true. It will not be late.'”
You will note that…
1.Nowhere in the above does the Society actually apologise, they merely acknowledge “wrong expectations.”
2.No attempt is made to atone for the consequences of incorrect doctrinal interpretation, i.e. brothers selling their homes and quitting their jobs pre-1975, or those who may be disfellowshipped and shunned for disagreeing with the Society’s narrow interpretations of prophecy.
3.No guarantee is given that they will stop making the same mistakes by printing further wrong interpretations. Rather, they excuse themselves saying they are “more concerned with obeying Jesus and saving lives than with avoiding criticism.” Surely this could be the mantra of ANY Christian denomination. Accuracy and truth are seemingly dispensable so long as, in the view of your church, you are “obeying Jesus.”
“Let him that is without sin cast the first stone”
The above words, attributed to Jesus (but not found in all bibles), perfectly summarize the vain hypocrisy of criticizing others when you are imperfect yourself. The saying is particularly apt when one considers the unrelenting criticism levelled at the internet by the Society regarding how factual it is. Here are three examples…

“There are no limits or checks on the kind of information that is maintained by and accessible to Internet users.” – km 11/99, p. 4 par. 16.
“Do not become an “Internet Eve.” Be critical and suspicious of the information. Before trusting it, ask: (1) Who published this material? What are the author’s credentials? (2) Why was this published? What motivated the writer? Is there any bias? (3) Where did the author get the information? Does he supply sources that can be checked? (4) Is the information current?” – w11 8/15 p.4
“The Writing Department follows the pattern of ‘tracing all things with accuracy.’ But where can reliable information be found? While the Internet is a convenient and quick source of vast amounts of information, our researchers do not rely on blogs or poorly documented Web entries written by unidentified or unqualified persons. For example, Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia, warns that some articles on its own site ‘contain significant misinformation, unencyclopedic content, or vandalism,’ adding that ‘users need to be aware of this.’ Thus, the Writing Department looks to standard reference works, articles written by recognized experts, and books produced by respected publishers.” – 2011 Yearbook, pages 9 and 10.
It is curious that the Society should criticize internet articles for being biased and having “no limits or checks” to ensure accuracy when Watchtower writers themselves are hugely biased towards elevating the organization, and allow nobody to question their assertions – even if these subsequently turn out to be false.
The Society slams websites such as Wikipedia for using unscholarly sources of information when its own writers are anonymous and likely unqualified, and it has been found guilty of misquoting experts

Also, the above Yearbook quote scorns Wikipedia for using references from web entries by “unidentified or unqualified persons.” Obviously, anyone who is familiar with Watchtower publications will know that the writers of doctrinal material are never identified by name, nor are we ever given any assurances of their academic credentials or qualifications. We must simply “trust” that they know what they are talking about. Apparently it is one rule for the internet, another rule for the Watchtower.
Indeed, on reading the above quotes, you would be forgiven for assuming that everything written by the Society is truthful and accurate. However, as already discussed in a previous article, there are numerous examples of deliberate falsehood and deception on the Society’s very own website in the FAQs section of JW.org…
◾In response to the question “Do you feel that you are the only people who will be saved?” the writer begins his answer with “No.” and then proceeds to identify Armageddon survivors as being (apart from JWs): (1) those who lived in the past before JWs existed, and (2) those who will become JWs in the future. Finally the explanation rounds off with a vague “it’s not our job to judge” line of reasoning – but the overall message is clear. If you want to survive annihilation at Armageddon, you’d better become a JW.
◾In response to the question “Are you tolerant of other religions?” the writer responds “We follow the Bible’s advice to ‘respect everyone’ —regardless of their religious beliefs,” adding, “we extend to others the same tolerance that we appreciate receiving from them.” This answer ignores the Society’s labelling of former believers as “mentally diseased” (w11 7/15 p.16) and of their beliefs as “gangrenous” (w13 4/15 p.11). It also conveniently forgets the vilification of the Catholic Church as a part of the “gross fornicatrix” Babylon The Great, or the suggestion that the policy of celibacy in that religion resulted in “not a few” Catholic priests “today contracting AIDS.” If you were a Catholic and read the Revelation Climax book from cover to cover, would you conclude that JWs are tolerant of your beliefs?
◾In response to the question “Do you shun former members of your religion?” the writer deliberately avoids giving a direct answer and goes straight into a description of the precious few instances in which a former believer would not be shunned by his family. The answer is a perfect example of deception by omission, because it fails to acknowledge that those who leave the organization are routinely shunned by family members, irrespective of whether or not they have broken the “Bible’s moral code.” A recent Watchtower article even admonished: “Do not look for excuses to associate with a disfellowshipped family member, for example, through e-mail.” (w13 1/15 p.16) The answer to the FAQ should therefore be an honest and straightforward “yes” – but it isn’t. The reason? The writers are biased, and don’t want to make their religion look bad.
You might be surprised to learn that JW.org is not the only source of misinformation published by the Society. On his website, Paul Grundy has put together an article cataloguing a number of occasions throughout its history where the Society has been caught red-handed misquoting sources, lying about its former teachings, and even plagiarizing material from other publications. If you are a Jehovah’s Witness and you are still under the impression that the Society is above such dirty tricks, I would encourage you to visit the article and verify the information for yourself. Prepare to be astonished!
Concealing its own writings
Amazingly, it isn’t just non-Watchtower books and websites that the Society dissuades ordinary Witnesses from reading, or limits access to. For varying reasons, ordinary publishers are essentially blocked from reading some of the very publications that have rolled off the Society’s own printing presses over the decades – at least one of which is even credited with a role in the fulfilment of prophecy. I can provide three examples.
In a previous article I featured the Finished Mystery book, first published in 1917. You would expect a book containing “spiritual food” that was personally inspected and approved by Christ in 1919 to be made widely available to Witnesses today, so that they can see for themselves what made the Bible Students so unique during that crucial period of inspection. However, though it is admittedly still possible to track down a copy (either by downloading it here, or spending between $50 to $200 on Amazon for a hardcopy), the book is no longer in print by the Society. The reason? They are deeply ashamed of the frankly outrageous notions that are contained in its pages, including the following…
◾Charles Taze Russell was the “seventh angel” mentioned in Revelation
◾Jehovah separated Russell from his wife, Maria, and made her dead in his eyes
◾Russell spoke from beyond the grave through the pages of the Finished Mystery
◾The precise distance between the place where the Finished Mystery was written and where it was printed held prophetic significance
The more you delve into the pages of this bizarre book, which is so clearly a product of the over-active imaginations of two of Russell’s followers, the more you realise why the Society would never dream of making it available for publishers to read today. If they were to print and distribute it, thinking Witnesses would soon connect the dots and reach the glaringly obvious conclusion that Christ didn’t actually choose this organization in 1919 after all.
The Finished Mystery reads like a love letter to Russell, penned by his mourning followers

Therefore, the Society has done something very cunning. It has repeatedly given its own glowing endorsement of the Finished Mystery, even attributing it with a role in fulfilling bible prophecy. That way, publishers who have never read the book are able to respect it as being “a powerful commentary on Revelation and Ezekiel” (Revelation Climax, p. 165), the distribution of which was approved by Christ himself – and even foretold in the scriptures! (Revelation Climax, p. 208 box)
Ironically, even the Revelation Climax book, which sings the praises of its predecessor the Finished Mystery, has been the subject of some degree of censure by the Society. Many of you will remember that in 2006 it underwent extensive “adjustments” (a list of which was published in the September Kingdom Ministry of that year). Many found it curious that a book published in 1988, designed to be the final word on the coming Great Tribulation, needed to be revised because certain apocalyptic events had not proved as “imminent” as its writers anticipated.
Even certain books printed by the Society are difficult or impossible for ordinary Witnesses to examine

In any case, many publishers will be oblivious to the fact that the Society went so far as to issue a document directing elders to arrange for older versions of that book kept in stock on the literature desk to be “discarded.” This raises the question, how can a book hailed as “food at the proper time” when it was written fall from grace so quickly that it needs to be destroyed (if certain revisions have not been made to it) only 18 years later?
Again, we have a book once endorsed by the Society and produced on its printing presses that is now out of print in its original form, and that ordinary publishers should ideally discard. It seems “new light” from the Watchtower has a shelf life. Indoctrinated Witnesses would argue that this is just evidence of the “light getting brighter,” but a more objective analysis would conclude that the Society is making things up as they go along, and only producing new interpretations of prophecy once it becomes obvious that the previous ones have failed.
Finally, there is the most secretive Society book of all – the elder’s guidebook, Shepherd The Flock of God. This book is so secretive that, when it was published in 2010, an accompanying letter to all elders read (in part)…

“We would like to emphasise the importance of keeping these new textbooks secured and confidential, both before and after they are distributed.  The textbooks should not be left on tops of desks or in other places where they are easily accessible by family members or other individuals.  The information is designed for use by the elders only, and other individuals should not have any opportunity to read the information.” – Letter to all bodies of elders, dated August 23rd 2010
Most ordinary Witnesses are conditioned over time to think that it is perfectly normal and proper for their spiritual shepherds to carry around a rulebook that they are expressly forbidden from reading. Nobody stops to consider for a moment that in Ancient Israel the hundreds of laws governing the minutiae of everyday life were not hidden or concealed from ordinary Israelites – but read aloud for all to hear. (Joshua 8:34; Nehemiah 9:3) Even in Christian times, there is no record of elders or apostles having secret guidelines that were to be kept hidden from others. Any information on presiding over judicial matters was made available to all.
In short, there is really no scriptural justification for there to be ANY secret elder’s manual, and yet that is precisely what we have grown accustomed to having in our organization. The reason? As with the Finished Mystery, there are things in that book that are simply far too embarrassing (perhaps even incriminating) for ordinary Witnesses or members of the public to see. One increasingly notorious example is as follows…


Many Witness parents who are unfamiliar with organizational policy would be horrified to think that, if a fellow brother molests their child and denies it, elders should simply “leave matters in Jehovah’s hands.” It is therefore understandable, if wholly despicable, that the Society should cover up and conceal this information from ordinary publishers. It is simply too damaging.
And elder’s books aren’t the only sources of information from the Society that are subject to strict secrecy. Those who follow this website will be aware of the Society’s recent successful attempt to shut down JWsurvey for 24 hours. The reason? Because we published a Body of Elders letter (dated October 1st 2012) detailing some of the more shocking elements of Society policy in relation to the handling of cases of child abuse.
This incident furnished a striking example of how so-called “apostate” websites are trying desperately hard to get credible information into the hands of thinking Witnesses, while the Society is bending over backwards to snatch it back out of their hands. Again, you have to ask yourself, does that not sound suspicious? If this is the truth, what are they so keen on hiding from you?
When you start to look at other religious organizations that many class as “cults” you notice exactly the same tendency towards secrecy and deception. For example, just as with the madness contained in the pages of the Finished Mystery, the Church of Scientology has its own embarrassing writings from its early history that it seeks to brush under the rug, safely hidden from the public’s gaze.
Watchtower is not the only religious organization that will resort to deception and half-truths when its beliefs are brought under scrutiny

Those who progress in that particular religion to “O.T. level 3″ have certain writings of the founder, L. Ron. Hubbard, disclosed to them in which the true origin of humans is supposedly revealed. The shocking revelation given to Scientologists at this level is that 75 million years ago the bodies of frozen space aliens were dumped into volcanoes in Hawaii, whereupon the souls escaped to be trapped, brainwashed, and finally left to roam the planet and attach themselves to early humans.
This teaching is clearly preposterous, and for many years it was kept a closely guarded secret until being exposed in a court case in the 1980s, instantly meeting with public ridicule that has continued ever since (most notably on a 2005 episode of South Park). Since this secret was leaked, Scientology has done its best to keep it out of the spotlight. One prominent church representative even publicly denied it on camera when questioned in a TV interview.
My point in relating the above is to show that deception is really nothing unusual among high control religious organizations, or “cults.” They have a habit of dispensing sensitive information only on a “need to know basis,” and covering over embarrassing or potentially incriminating details with the aim of keeping the majority of their followers in total ignorance.
This was NOT how the early Christian congregation conducted themselves according to the Bible. The apostles made “ALL scripture” available to the congregations, so that their writings could make Christians “fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.” (2 Tim 3:16,17) There was no such thing as so-called “old light,” or out-dated teachings that had to be disposed of. There certainly weren’t any secret documents or rulebooks to be circulated only among elders.
Again, in total contrast, most websites that are critical of the organization want you to see ALL of the available information so that you can reach an informed decision on what to believe. This can never be truly said of the Society.
An organization that fights dirty
In summary, one should never assume that those who dare to stand up to the Watch Tower Society are fighting them on a level playing field. Here we have an organization that will happily resort to hate speech if necessary against its “poisonous” “mentally diseased” opponents and their “gangrenous” accusations, urging loyal Witnesses to “feel a loathing” against such ones. (w93 10/1 p. 19 par. 15)
The Society will also stop at nothing to prevent sensitive information from getting into the hands of its adherents, even resorting to threatening legal action against this website or issuing copyright takedown notices on YouTube if sufficiently agitated. Thinking Witnesses are right to question why, if the organization is truly following the First Century model, it needs to have any confidential information at all?
Then there is the stigmatization of the internet, and the abject fear instilled into the hearts of Witnesses when it comes to viewing information that is remotely critical of the organization. Having awakened recently, I can remember only too well how frightening it was to venture onto an unapproved website for the first time. It is shocking to consider that the Society wields so much control over people’s minds, but we know why this is so. If you control the source of information, then you control the person.
Considering all of the above, I am reminded of a scene towards the end of the film Gladiator. Russell Crowe’s character, Maximus, is captured by his enemy, the evil Emperor Commodus (played by Joaquin Phoenix). The two characters are due to share a final duel in the arena – a fight to the death. Ordinarily Maximus would have no problem winning this fight, but Commodus has other plans.
Like the fictional character Commodus from the movie Gladiator, the Society uses dirty tricks in furtherance of its agenda

Maximus is chained up when, away from the public gaze, Commodus approaches him and stabs him in the side. He then orders the wound covered up, so that nobody can see that he is fighting an injured opponent.
In my mind, this perfectly encapsulates the struggle between so-called “apostates” and the Watch Tower Society. We are fighting opponents who have no basic decency, and who will stop at nothing to gain victory – even if it means resorting to lies, vicious insults, and the concealing of information from their own people.
Regardless of this, I personally view it as almost inevitable that the real “truth” will triumph in the end. It is always easier to fight a war of information when the facts are on your side. It may take years, it may take decades, with those like me and Paul Grundy fighting with a “wounded side” so-to-speak. However, eventually the lies and half-truths will catch up with the Society and it will be forced to admit defeat. In the meantime, they can throw as many insults at us as they want. It makes no difference – it only strengthens our case against them. To coin the words of another fictional movie hero, “they will never take our freedom!”







Further reading…
◾Governing Body breaks its own name-calling rules in “human apostates” Convention talk
Related videos…




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48 Responses to Secrecy and deception: Watchtower fights dirty in its war against “apostates”

 alan says:

 February 23, 2013 at 4:30 am

Once again another great article Cedars. I was exactly like you a few years ago when I first started having doubts. I was terrified of reading anything that spoke against the society. Thankfully like you I finally had the courage to check things for myself, exactly as the bible tells us we should. It is so obvious to anyone who is not biased that the society do all they can to stop the real truth from coming out. As you say, most anti witness writers tells us to look at both sides rather than just what the society say. Whenever I speak to witnesses I always whenever possible, quote the societies own words. That is the only way a witness will accept what is said. Any other quotes etc will be rejected as false by a witness, but they can hardly say the societies words are false when it can be so easily checked, both online and in the publications.
 Let’s hope many current witnesses will read your article and check for themselves if you speak the truth or not.
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 Julia says:

 February 23, 2013 at 7:02 am

Wow! This article is jaw-dropping. Thank you for this important expose!
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 Hakizimana Jean de Dieu says:

 February 23, 2013 at 7:53 am

What a wonderful article! “they will never take our freedom!”. Now I am free to share with you this, Cedars! are you aware of it? I mean the article ” At Which Table Are You Feeding?”. Under subheading “Beware of the Poisonous Food on the Table of Demons” you will find these provocative words, THE WTS referring to “APOSTATES”. The words are: “They seem inoculated with madness, Satanic hydrophobia [rabies]. Some of them smite us and then claim that we did the smiting. They are ready to say and write contemptible falsities and to stoop to do meanness.” (w94 7/1 p. 12 par. 11).
 A thinking normal person will absolutely share your BELIEF that the real “truth” will triumph in the end!!!!!
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 Cedars says:

 February 23, 2013 at 7:57 am

Thanks Hakizimana. That is a truly remarkable quote you’ve brought to my attention. Ironically, those appear to be the words of none other than C. T. Russell himself – a man who, if somehow brought back to life today, would be disfellowshipped for apostasy if he failed to accept the Society’s latest teachings!
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 Julia Orwell says:

 February 25, 2013 at 12:45 am

Nutbags!
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 Helen L. Gauthier says:

 February 23, 2013 at 8:51 am

When i got involved with the witnesses in Oct 1974, i wished i had paid attention to all the apostates that were stocking the conventions instead of hissing at them. It would have saved me many years of aggravation from there controlling borg. My research and studies in my two levels of my Shamanism Apprentice programs doing journey work I discovered with my teacher that jehovah god is a demented alien. i share this on exjws posting sites.
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 KtotheRAD "Konrad" says:

 February 23, 2013 at 8:56 am

All anyone has to do, and I really encourage is go back to the Jehovah’s Witness forum on topix.com and follow the posts of FH Chandler who is the brutally cruel “cleanup man” for the Society on that forum…His tactics to mitigate liability and discredit anyone are not reserved or restrained in the slightest and are criminal…He will and has openly advocated child rape and abuse to support and vindicate JW abusers and defend them while suppress and slander any who dare speak out ..they (his tactics) involve among many, the use of hacking and spy ware, criminal abuse and stalking/trolling both on and off that forum and behaviour that has been reported to the Federal authorities in the US and Australia and who knows where else… other such operatives have been encountered elsewhere on other sites…
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 Quendi says:

 February 23, 2013 at 9:58 am

I really appreciate all the hard work that went into this monograph, my friend. I was a loyal Witness for more than thirty years, even striving for reinstatement after being disfellowshipped. I finally woke up thanks to the efforts and research of a good friend who once was an elder. After his sudden death, I decided to never have anything to do with this cult again. Websites like yours and Paul Grundy’s have enabled me to keep on course in my own spiritual journey.
Keep up the good work. You are helping many others to see that there are healthy and viable alternatives to the Society’s twisted and perverted thinking. Honest inquirers can reclaim both their God-given consciences and powers of reason if they are willing to put aside fear and hysteria. It takes courage to do so, but the rewards make it all worth while.
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 John Hoyle says:

 February 23, 2013 at 11:39 am

Another well-written article, Cedars. As you clearly point out, there are at least two sides to every disagreement. Whether it be politics, religion or science, those who present clearly documented facts and sound logic will usually win the day. Websites like Paul Grundy’s JWFacts.com and Barbara Anderson’s WatchtowerDocuments.com – along with a few other notable sites – are valuable resources to those who are actually looking for the truth. They are 180 degrees from the faulty resources used by the Watchtower Society and its writing staff.
It’s not a stretch to imagine the Governing Body telling the editorial staff supervising the writers to, “Find something – anything – secular to support this new position we are taking!” I am often amazed to see the Watchtower using quotes from encyclopedias, outdated history books, and even discredited articles from several decades old scientific magazines. The one thing they rarely do is quote from their own older publications anytime before 1980.
It’s interesting that even the new version of JW.org, the Society’s “official website,” only provides access to Watchtowers and Awake! magazines back to 2000. That alone speaks volumes about the credibility of their writing staff.
This article should be shared with anyone with any interest at all in becoming a JW. Thanks again for taking the time to do it right.
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 AssumeNothing says:

 February 23, 2013 at 12:30 pm

“If the truth is so cut-and-dried, should it not stand up to the closest possible scrutiny?”
This. This. A billion times this.
Awesome write up.
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 FutureMan says:

 February 23, 2013 at 4:52 pm

Cedars that is a good article you have written here which should be much food for thought for those who do read it.
And unfortunately the Watchtower Society “does not” want it’s members to think outside the “spiritual box” that it has created for it’s members over that last 120 years or so of it’s existence.
And it is very sad for those who belong to Jehovah’s Witnesses because there individual enlightenment is very much dependent on what the organization presents to them in the form of spiritual food and “increasing light” as they now term it.
Jesus gave us “all” the “spirit of truth” for a reason, and that is so we can all individually learn the truth about God and what he does really expect of us as human sons of him, with eternal life in view.
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 Helen L. Gauthier says:

 February 23, 2013 at 4:59 pm

Please cancel my signing up , way too many emails
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 Cedars says:

 February 24, 2013 at 1:39 am

Thanks Helen, I’ll try and get your email address removed.
Reply
 
 

 KtotheRAD "Konrad" says:

 February 23, 2013 at 5:40 pm

@ Helen L. Gauthier ~ Not that important huh? Or at least anymore? *shrug*
Reply
 

 Willows says:

 February 23, 2013 at 9:19 pm

A well reasoned article Cedars, people need to be informed. An informed person can make a balanced decision.
 The Watchtower are doing themselves a disservice. In that they
 fail a vital mental attitude in debating. Never…, never abuse verbally those opposing your viewpoint. It’s a bully tactic, that to a seasoned debater shows they have run out of steam, failing to agree with reason.
On the 22nd day of September, AD. 1862 The Emancipation Proclamation was issued by the President of the United States Abraham Lincoln. In part to quote…”That on the 1st day of January, AD. 1863, all persons held as slaves within any State or designated part of a State the people whereof shall then be in rebellion against the United States shall be then, henceforward, and forever free, and the executive government of the United States, including the military and naval authority thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of such persons and will do no act or acts to repress such persons, or any of them, in any efforts they may make for their actual freedom.” ………………..
……………….” And by virtue of the power and for the purpose aforesaid, I do order and declare that all persons held as slaves within said designated States and parts of States are, and henceforth shall be, free; and that the Executive Government of the United States, including the military and naval authorities thereof, will recognize and maintain the freedom of said persons. ”
… ” And upon this act, sincerely believed to be an act of justice, warranted by the Constitution upon military necessity, I invoke the considerate judgement of mankind and the gracious favor of Almighty God. ”
The end to slavery was heralded as a great victory for the equality of all mankind. Today organizations have no right to hold in slavery the minds of their members. They should be free to leave without obstruction or abuse, based on the principles of the Bible and the Constitution. As Lincoln said..” I invoke the considerate judgement of mankind and the gracious favor of Almighty God.”
Reply
 

 Denis says:

 February 24, 2013 at 8:49 pm

Tanks Cedars. I alws anticipate ur enlightening posts. Wot pains me most is seeing hundreds of people still roam the streets with bags claiming to be representing the only organisation of truths while been fed with so much lies from the society. Most of them dont even preach wot dey teach. Oh God, why so long?
Reply
 

 Frank says:

 February 24, 2013 at 11:46 pm

Cedars: “Regardless of this, I personally view it as almost inevitable that the real “truth” will triumph in the end. It is always easier to fight a war of information when the facts are on your side…”
There is a saying: “All things must pass.” There is nothing eternal in the material universe – not even solipsistic religions.
I have a book (one for WTBTS book-burning?) called Cults – Secret Sects and Radical Religions, by Robert Schroeder. It says on page 107: “(J F Rutherford) and other members were arrested during World War I and charged with sedition because of his pacifist stance against priests who were supporting the USA’s involvement in the war.”
I once had downloaded a scanned pdf copy of an actual paper-cutting that reported this very incident mentioned above. Do you think I can find it anywhere now on the Internet? I wonder why that is?
If anyone can find the cutting again and post a URL on this site I would be very grateful.
Frank V
Reply
 

 Julia Orwell says:

 February 25, 2013 at 12:43 am

So many ‘awakening’ stories parallel my own. I also must give credit to Mr Grundy’s site, because he is not a hate monger like the WT always said ‘apostates’ were. And the fact he is my own countryman too, and I used to know his father…yes, he’s not a bitter, twisted crack pot, but just lays the facts out. People like Mr Grundy and you, Cedars, systematise knowledge so we who’ve had our brains addled by WT propaganda can connect the dots better. Thanks to you!
“If the truth is so cut-and-dried, should it not stand up to the closest possible scrutiny?”
I’ve thought that for years. If someone tells you Santa is real, you laugh because it’s preposterous. So if someone told me the ‘truth’ was bunk, I’d laugh if there was no evidence. But the ‘truth’ is bunk, and there’s evidence within the WT publications themselves.
Reply
 

 DB says:

 February 25, 2013 at 2:16 am

Another article that sums it all up perfectly. It may take a long time but I agree that, gradually, the WTS will be held accountable for all the lives it has ruined and continues to ruin. All cults basically start with one arrogant, ignorant person who thinks they know better than everyone else, and unfortunately, are very good at convincing others that they are right. In a way, Russell himself could be considered a victim, as he himself was taught by another cult – The Seventh Day Adventists. The same pattern is repeated with all the other cults too. An endless cycle: Cults beget cults. Instead of admitting they are wrong, they just dig their holes deeper… and deeper… and deeper…
This article reminds me of yet another contradiction regarding the sources the WTS deceptively quotes from. According to the WTS all outsiders are “deceived by Satan”, so what are they doing quoting from all the experts outside the WTS, who agree with almost nothing the WTS teaches in the first place? As outsiders, these experts are supposedly “deceived by Satan”, so by Watchtower logic, nothing they say can be trusted… I wonder what the writers the WTS employ are actually thinking as they do their “research”. Are they actually “believers” too? Their writing department must surely have a high turnover rate if they actually read what experts outside the WTS write. I doubt that they can use most material, as it contradicts what the WTS teaches, hence the need to misquote and lazily rehash old material all the time. The WTS reminds me of one of those children’s toys where the child has to put matching shapes through matching holes, but instead the child keeps trying to ram the wrong shape into the wrong hole – forcing it to fit is the same approach the WTS takes to research.
Reply
 

 Hakizimana Jean de Dieu says:

 February 25, 2013 at 8:33 am

Cedars! Thank you very much for the article! Thanks to your efforts, the Finished Mystery book is now my hands! I have just skimmed it and cannot believe my eyes!! THE Watch Tower Society HAS PERFORMED THE GREATEST MIRACLES OF ALL AGES: CHANGING SATAN INTO JESUS IN LESS THAN A CENTURY!!! What a miracle!!
the Finished Mystery says, on page 217, that Abaddon, the Destroyer, Apollyon in the Greek is “a bad one,” referring to 2 Cor. 4:4. It says In plain English his name is Satan, the Devil. The book continues “As a means for preventing people from seeing the Truth, Methodism has been as efficient as any of the five systems previously described, or any that follow. All have been sadly misled and deceived by our great and wily Adversary; “Taken captive by him at his will”— 2 Tim. 2:26.”
Take just a few minutes and have a look in the book “Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand!”. On page 148 paragraph 20 you read “Rather than announce the incoming Kingdom of God, Christendom’s clergy have chosen to remain with Satan’s world. They want no part with the locust band and their King, concerning whom John now observes: “They have over them a king, the angel of the abyss. In Hebrew his name is Abaddon [meaning “Destruction”], but in Greek he has the name Apollyon [meaning “Destroyer”].” (Revelation 9:11) As “angel of the abyss” and “Destroyer,” Jesus had truly released a plaguing woe on Christendom. But more is to follow!”
Here is the summarized miracle is, from the “the Finished Mystery” to the “Revelation Its Grand Climax At Hand!”
1) SATAN became JESUS
 2) METHODISTS became JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES
 3) Methodism WAS the first woe and TODAY, the First Woe IS the Watch Tower!
Pictures have also changed to convey the ideas of the “New light”! What a miracle! I can’t believe the “new light” could transform SATAN INTO JESUS so easily and, in less than 100 years!!
When we celebrate 100 year anniversary of the Watch Tower Society declaration: “The Gentile Times have ended.” October 2nd, 2014 (see w07 11/1 p. 24), I hope we celebrate this WONDER, this MIRACLE, too!
Reply
 

 messenger4truth says:

 February 25, 2013 at 10:42 am

It was JWfacts.com that helped me see that the WT.org was fake.
 And that Jehovah and Jesus are the same person.
 Making it far more easier in my mind that I did do the best thing
 leaving such a cult as the Watchtower.
I also recently find that David Ickes investigations with help of
 his friends, who shows that that the mormons and JWs, belong to
 a segment of the illuminati. Though there are one or two things I do disagree entirely with him on that show signs off madness to believe. Out of ignorance that such ideas have not been ‘proven’ yet. However, his 2012 wembley (youtube) tour showed how all these cults are working together to bring its members under mind control thats seems to be ‘freedom’ yet it is not but complete lies and deception. But secretly all under a pyramid state of control that also controls banking and politics.
Reply
 

 WildeLover says:

 February 25, 2013 at 3:14 pm

Incredibly well written! it makes me so angry to think I was blinded for so long. Better late than never!
Reply
 

 Aunt Fancy says:

 February 25, 2013 at 11:01 pm

Thanks again Cedars! I felt the same way you did when I saw so much nonscense and I started to do my research. I remember I bought a book on Kindle and I shook when I started to read it, talk about control and being brainwashed!! I find your articles very interesting and always look forward to receiving the latest information. It is very much appreciated.
Reply
 

 mokihermida says:

 February 28, 2013 at 11:37 pm

What i have learned Biblically i consider to be the truth,
 some people that just need to leave do so bashing everything associated with the society.
Basically you can do the same with different areas of your life, pick apart your parents and blame them for they’re rules and policy
I don’t believe blindly in everything they say.
 i don’t do that for anyone no matter what they like to call themselves.
Reply
 

 DB says:

 March 1, 2013 at 3:11 am

Good for you Mokihermida!
Seeing as you don’t follow anyone blindly, I presume your biblical research has shown you that core Watchtower concepts such as “paradise earth”, “Jesus being the Archangel Michael”, “Shunning”, “1914”, “No blood transfusions”, “Apostates” and “144,000” (among many others) are all completely unbiblical. Surely all these “truths” don’t come from the Bible, but instead are biased ideas given to you second-hand from WTS books? Glad you can see that.
Reply
 

 rickisteel says:

 March 8, 2013 at 5:58 am

You are just the same you only publish what promotes and furthers your interests and shun those who disagree with you how are you any better than the watchtower ? I know you wont post this but i know you will have read it
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 March 24, 2013 at 4:17 am

So you’re suggesting I should publish things I don’t agree with? That’s madness by anyone’s standards. Of course I am going to write what I think, and whether people agree with it or not is up to them.
As for shunning those who disagree with me, I don’t see it that way at all. Anyone is entitled to use the comments section to disagree with me so long as their comments are factually-based and respectful. Those who knowingly misrepresent the facts or are disrespectful or abusive to either myself or other posters won’t be welcome on this site.
I fail to see how I can be compared to Watchtower when I allow reasoned debate of my articles and show both sides of the story by incorporating information straight from Watchtower publications. When was the last time you saw a quote from JWsurvey in the Watchtower?
Reply
 
 

 Elijahovah says:

 March 10, 2013 at 9:49 am

Hollywood and theatre and drama has total power and total control on what they want you to think. They brain-wash, they indoctrinate in movies like any church or state does. THEN if you are free to fight in a public arena, and no one ties you down. Take the cover off the wound that everyone should see it. The concept of fighting with a wound and looking like a loser is your own fault for not unveiling a wound they gave you. Show the wound and shout out they have wounded me so i lose, do you now watch the fight against this wounded man. Of course, the world of Satan is in JW Halls just like in all of YOU, because the reply is Oh poor baby, youre wounded, should we care, should we cry.
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 March 10, 2013 at 11:45 am

Sorry Elijahovah but I don’t even see anything resembling a logical argument in this comment that I can respond to. All I see is desperation and vitriol. It isn’t easy springing to the defence of an organization that is lying to you, is it.
Reply
 
 

 Lane Yarbrough says:

 March 11, 2013 at 4:00 pm


accurate information
Is subjective, based on seven men, who most JWs have no idea who they are. Yes, they rely on Caller I.D., but eat up “new information” from seven unknowns.
I lived through the 68/74 Armageddon scare, an not the first time the “end” has been predicted. In their bible.
Mark 13:32
“But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.”
This is FALSE WITNESSING: How can any witness be blind to this, it’s one of the 6 things their God hates and calls and abomination.
Proverbs 6:16/19
There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him:
 haughty eyes,
 a lying tongue,
 hands that shed innocent blood,
 a heart that devises wicked plans,
 feet that make haste to run to evil,
 a false witness who breathes out lies,
 one who sows discord among brothers.
I knew this when I was 12, and shut my brain against them. I was doing exactly what the bible instructed me to. I don’t understand why an adult can’t.
Reply
 

 les says:

 March 18, 2013 at 3:33 am

i dont know what to think im totally confused and by the way cedars no offence meant im having a nervous breakdown and alcohol issues and the memorial is approaching and the elders are visiting etc
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 March 18, 2013 at 4:01 am

Hello les. I’m sorry you’re having a hard time. Some of the information on this website can come as a shock, and it can be difficult to process. If you are having a nervous breakdown and alcohol issues, you really should seek professional help if at all possible. I hope the elder’s visit isn’t too stressful for you. Remember, you don’t have to tell them anything – just what they want to hear. These men are not appointed by holy spirit and are effectively just line managers for a corporation. They have no power or authority over you. I should know, I was one.
Reply
 
 

 Hal Gerber says:

 March 18, 2013 at 8:15 am

Here goes: I wonder why all the hype or concern about being rejected, shunned, expelled or dis-fellowship by the J.W.’s aka WTBTS? Why would any person care what that malicious Satanic cult thinks? They are sides to everything in the universe, for every push there is an opposite e.g. a ‘a pull’. The light bulb is either on or off. Good or bad. Their is electricity or their is no electrcity. Hope your getting my point so far.
 Have you ever wondered if and who the Jevovah Witnesses are really following? Could it be Satan himself? If you with Satan only negative things come out of the matter; your actually ‘CURSED”. If you worship or follow the true God of the universe, well then, your “BLESSED” and only good things or manifications will come your way.
 My physical parents and sisters have been staunch Jehovah’s Witnesses for decades.
 They are ‘cursed’ or don’t have God’s ;blessings’ for their intregity or loyalty. I’ll now prove my theory:
 My father was an elder. After giving the concluding prayer at the Kingdom Hall, he was filled with Jehovah’s “blessing’, sat down and immediately had a fatal stroke.
 My eldest sister was a pioneer with her husband. Her husband hadjust left the meeting at the Kingdom hall, driven about a block on his moped, and was hit by a car and instantly decapitate. He too was ‘blessed’ by Jehovah’s spirit as he had just attended a worship meeting.
 My same sister, still “blessed” has since been married 3 times and suffered 2 mis-carriages.
 My youngest sister, also an adamant J.W. has gone through 2 unsuccessful marriage to 2 high -profile Jehovah’s Wtnesses.
 So were they truly “blessed’ or were they “cursed”. They were attached or worshipping the wrong identity or God of this universe.
 It says somewhere Satan comes & masquerades himself as an angel of light to deceive and turn people away from the true God.
 Myself, l’ve turned myself away from the WTBTS or Jehovah’s Witnesses; and my life has gotton better and l’m happy once again, free from that malicious dangerous cult.
 Thankyou. Harold Gerber
Reply
 

 rickisteel says:

 March 20, 2013 at 11:16 am

Thanks for bothering x
Reply
 

 rickisteel says:

 March 23, 2013 at 6:04 am

Im sorry john
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 March 24, 2013 at 4:18 am

It’s ok!
Reply
 
 

 thinkinghard says:

 April 12, 2013 at 6:47 am

I’m thinking about all I have read on your site over the last two days and I’m feeling so mixed up. I thought it was bad enough to be in a disassociated state but now i’m going to be apostate too?! I can’t help but see the truth in what you have said. I just don’t know what the alternative is…and that isn’t an invitation for everybody to dump unscriptural beliefs on me.
Reply
 
 Hal Gerber says:

 April 12, 2013 at 8:28 am

See, that organization ‘punishes’ you for rejecting and leaving them. I worship the Lord out of love and free choice, not out of ‘fear or manipulation.” Be happy your ‘free’ and not waisting any more of your precious life with that organization.
Reply
 
 

 Fred Hall says:

 April 21, 2013 at 4:19 am

All
Here is what funny. You apostates argue about 607 and 587 and try to argue about it. You all refer to historians and astronomers; etc in order to prove your case, yet the historians and astronomers cannot agree among themselves!!
Reply
 

 Jen says:

 April 21, 2013 at 10:42 am

@Fred Hall:
 This book is reportedly a good one:
“The Bible Unearthed: Archaeology’s New Vision of Ancient Israel and the Origin of Its Sacred Texts”. The authors are Silberman and Finkelstein.
Reply
 

 KtotheRAD "Konrad" says:

 April 21, 2013 at 1:50 pm

“Here is what funny” and “You apostates” is funny to you Fred?
 That’s all you can find to make an issue out of?
All of the brutal crimes and violence and Rights violations that are perpetrated throughout that organization to which I personally have been both victim and witness for close to 30 years and are attested across this forum and the Internet and THIS is why people on HERE are “apostates” and “funny” to you?
This is the only topic you can find contention with Fred?
 Why aren’t you out in Field Service?
Reply
 

 John says:

 June 19, 2013 at 9:36 am

Acts 17:11 tells us “These(Boreans) were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” The Bible also tells us to keep testing our faith as to if it’s right or wrong. So if Gods Holy Bible tells us to keep checking our faith in relation to him and what we believe to be right then why would a organization of men(WTBS) have to hide behind a iron curtain and not alow their followers to read(including their own previous publications), see or hear anything that would disprove there own doctrines? Because they would be exposed for what they really are. THIS IS THE ONLY REASON AND GOES CONTRARY TO GODS WORD. So this man made, not spirit directed evil slave class puts themselves above Gods own written word. This is outright Blasphemy( A contemptuous or profane act, utterance, or writing concerning God or a sacred entity.
 b. The act of claiming for oneself the attributes and rights of God)
 They put themselves above God and men in proclaiming what they believe to be true but will not alow their own followers to test the validity of their words. I had a conversation with a young person who has a father that was a elder regarding many doctrines and the asserting of 1975 to be at the onset of the 1,000 yr rule of Jesus Christ as eluded to in the pages of the watchtower and awake back in the late 60’s and early 70’s. I caused quite a stir with me just asking the questions of why they keep predicitng false dates about the time of the end. Then it really hit me when i was told i had been reading watchtowers that were made by false apostates and were distributed among the people in the kingdom hall. I nearly fell over as i proceeded to ask them for their own personal Watchtower Disc of bound volumes and proceeded to show them what they actually said was coming from the Governing Body of JW’s and not some subverts who were publishing their own watchtowers. At this point i do find it kind of ironic that the JW’s produce a watchtower for them and one for the public. Does this sound like Gods annointed slave and that he would want us to have all of the “Meat” and just not some of it? Hardly Not! Or like” Sheparding the Flock of God” book what are you trying to hide? Wouldn’t your followers be better served knowing how they were going to be dealt with when it came to Elder matter’s? If you went to a doctor who by the way is imperfect and he or she told you that you had 6 month’s to live so go live it up. Would you not seek a second opinion or perhaps alternative treatment that might extend your life or would you put all your faith and hope in that one Doctor that this was all true? Better yet do you think if you got a second opinion and it was a mis-diagnosis that it would be a good idea to let the first Doctor know so that other people he diagnosed might not be mis-informed as well? If the Doctor threw you out of his office after imforming him of your findings i’m sure you would not recommend him or give him a second chance because of his attitude. So it goes with the WTBS that they self proclaim themselves as the Grand spiritual Slave who gives limited spiritual food in it’s time when it fit’s their cause and the furthering of their billion dollar enterprise. So it’s no wonder they don’t want their follower’s to read,hear,see anything that would disprove their own findings on scriptual matter. The time of the end has come for this self propheting man made religion. My son told me 6 yrs ago that the downfall of the JW’s would be by the information super highway known to us as the internet. How ironic that he actually works for the x cio of Google Now. While many remain staunch advocates of there doctrines and decree’s that are in direct conflict to God’s word it just goes to show how deeply brainwashed a person could be. If you walk around with the i’m always right attitude then you will never learn the real truth about thing’s. To there death they will go believeing in the Great lie and lies they Publish about God’s own word the Bible. Just like a former governing body member of the 80’s said in his books that most of what was decided on as policy didn’t really have to do with scripture to begin with. No doubt he felt Guilty writing such stuff and wrote over 1200 pages to possibly reverse the bad that already had been done including the loss of life. How very sad for all that they just can’t see past their noses and wake up to reality. It is my hope that many more JW’s or those thinking about getting involved will test that faith to see if it really hold’s up to God’s word the Bible. Keep on the watch as the end is near for the WTBS.
Reply
 

 FutureMan says:

 July 20, 2013 at 10:53 pm

Fred Hall said :
 (Quote)
“Here is what funny. You apostates argue about 607 and 587 and try to argue about it. You all refer to historians and astronomers; etc in order to prove your case, yet the historians and astronomers cannot agree among themselves!!(End of quote)
Maybe it would be an eye opener to listen in on one of the Governing body members meetings when they come together to decide on doctrinal matters or interpretation of prophecy.
 You do not need to go far to do this just read the writings of a so-called apostate who was a governing body member and on the writing committee as well.
 Yes go on read it.
 It is entitled “Crisis of conscience”.
Perhaps after reading this particular book written by an ex-governing body member, you might come to a different conclusion.
Reply
 

 Aman Ofgod says:

 August 21, 2013 at 2:46 pm

Do you really think that satan would really fight clean? lol come on brother cedar.
Reply
 

 Brian says:

 December 13, 2013 at 3:51 pm

Some interesting info there dude i like yourself am very cautious because as you say were supposed to wary of apostates however when you look up the meaning it just means those that have left there former belief correct me if I’m wrong but that pretty much applies to almost every JW if you left your former church and speak out against it e.g. Catholic which i was then i automatically became an apostate. I personally think Apostate is the wrong word to use because it seems to have the emphasis on someone really evil. Considering Bro Russel himself left the Adventists would that no also based on the Dictionary meaning make him an apostate ? Recently i wrote to the local body of elders i reported bullying and racism they met with me and have done nothing sense i also wrote to the CO who again checked things out and reportedly told me “how all the brothers love Me” if that was true i wouldn’t of written the letter , i then ring up Brooklyn Bethel world headquarters spoke to some nameless person (they’ll never give out there names) i described how the CO had decided how everything was ok i proceeded to say how he wouldn’t know the facts because he is given the Red carpet treatment showered with lots of love so of course he can’t see a thing, the anonymous brother proceeds to tell me “i don’t believe you and i have to end this conversation” amazing such love huh. Again i’m seeking the truth i’ve always tried to speak truth what i said to the elders and the CO plus Service dept in Bethel was the total truth yet i’m branded a Slander , Apostate. very interesting indeed so yeah I’m kind of in a whole world of confusion right now
Reply
 

 Caminante says:

 January 7, 2014 at 6:57 pm

Definitely, one of my favorite articles on JWsurvey!
RO version here: http://martorii-lui-iehova.ro/2013/10/05/discretie-amagitoare-tactici-murdare/
Reply
 

 Jerry O Connor says:

 July 1, 2014 at 12:41 pm

John, a brilliant use of watchtowers own publications to show how many lies they tell. As an ex JW and being free to use my intellect it is so easy to see the lengths they go to. They sink to abysmal depths by calling us mentally diseased. The lie is so big that they dare not admit it. Can you imagine the reaction if they were found out? They terrify the foot soldiers of watchtowers organization with dire warnings to avoid “apostates”. This word really scares them and that is why it is abused, not used. We are slowly but surely eroding the once monolithic watchtower. By removing my family they were sure that they had taken all. Not true, I am a sentient being capable of deciding what is best for me. The boys in Brooklyn no longer pull my strings and boy am I glad. Stay strong John so many need to see the lies behind the “truth”
Reply
 

 ENLIGHTENED says:

 December 31, 2014 at 9:55 am

I have a copy of the 1917 Finished Mystery, Vol. 7. I have a huge library of older JW books, the original bound volumes, etc. I have no idea what to do with them, as we are seniors now and downsizing. Any suggestions appreciated.. I have Vol. 4 “Battle of Armageddon” dated 1913, also 1908 version of Vol. 2, “The time is at Hand”…a long typed list of my library is available.
Reply
 

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Is JWsurvey.org an apostate website?
avatar
Posted on December 2, 2012

New visitors to this website might wonder whether it contains reliable information, or “apostasy”

I am occasionally asked by visitors to JWsurvey.org what my personal religious beliefs are, particularly since my articles are often critical of the Watch Tower Society. Jehovah’s Witnesses are understandably concerned as to whether the information they read online is accurate. They are particularly wary of visiting so-called “apostate” websites due to the Society’s repeated counsel in this regard.
I thought I would write a brief article explaining my current spiritual outlook, with the aim of clarifying the approach and tone of this website for any newcomers who are curious. I am hopeful that this will go some way to reassuring visitors to JWsurvey.org that my motives in running it are genuine.
One accusation I sometimes hear levelled against this website is that it is “apostate” in nature. The terms “apostate” and “apostasy” have come to be loathed and feared by Jehovah’s Witnesses who read Watchtower literature. Witnesses generally associate those words with anyone who contradicts the Society’s official teachings. But is this an accurate view of what “apostasy” really means?
What is an “apostate”?
The word “apostate” basically has three definitions depending on your outlook. There is (1) the Bible’s definition of an apostate, (2) the Watch Tower Society’s definition, and finally there is (3) the secular (or dictionary) definition. There are subtle differences between all three definitions.
The Bible’s Definition
The Bible’s definition of apostasy is summarized for us on page 126 of the book Insight On The Scriptures (Volume 1), where the opening paragraph under the heading “Apostasy” reads as follows:

“This term in Greek (a·po·sta·si′a) comes from the verb a·phi′ste·mi, literally meaning ‘stand away from.’ The noun has the sense of ‘desertion, abandonment or rebellion.’ (Ac 21:21, ftn) In classical Greek the noun was used to refer to political defection, and the verb is evidently employed in this sense at Acts 5:37, concerning Judas the Galilean who ‘drew off’ (a·pe′ste·se, form of a·phi′ste·mi) followers. The Greek Septuagint uses the term at Genesis 14:4 with reference to such a rebellion. However, in the Christian Greek Scriptures it is used primarily with regard to religious defection; a withdrawal or abandonment of the true cause, worship, and service of God, and hence an abandonment of what one has previously professed and a total desertion of principles or faith. The religious leaders of Jerusalem charged Paul with such an apostasy against the Mosaic Law.”
And so, at least according to the Insight book, the Bible refers to “apostasy” as a “withdrawal or abandonment of the true cause, worship, and service of God”. Specifically, there are connotations about apostates drawing off followers after themselves, which I will address later in this article – but the basic meaning is a rejection of true faith in God.
If this was the only definition by which someone accused of apostasy would be judged, it would be relatively simple to determine whether the person was guilty or innocent. If the person’s beliefs about God contradicted what is contained in the scriptures, then he would be classed as an “apostate”.
The Society’s Definition
The Watch Tower Society has a slightly more specific idea as to what “apostasy” means. To find it (in a way that is expressed in clear terms), we must consult a letter that was sent out to all Circuit and District Overseers, dated September 1st, 1980. One paragraph in the letter reads as follows:


Notice how the Society’s definition of “apostasy” (or “apostatizing”) differs substantially from the basic biblical definition in two key areas:
1.An apostate is not just someone who “promotes” apostate views (i.e. by trying to “draw off followers” after themselves) – he is someone who believes things that run contrary to the “faithful and discreet slave”.
2.An apostate is not just someone who disagrees with what the Bible teaches about God – he is someone who rejects “what he has been provided through the slave class”.
Just thinking differently to any of the Governing Body’s teachings is enough to be an “apostate”

Hence, the Watchtower’s view of apostasy is different, and more specific, than the Bible’s definition. To be an apostate, all you need to do is view things differently to the “faithful and discreet slave” (now identified as the Governing Body). Period. It doesn’t even matter whether you go to strenuous efforts to promote or convince others of your beliefs. You simply have to view Bible teachings differently to how they are expressed in Watchtower publications, and you are automatically considered an “apostate”, worthy of disfellowshipping.
It is for this reason that many are disfellowshipped for apostasy even if they go to strenuous efforts during their judicial committee to demonstrate that their beliefs do not contradict what is written in the Bible. In the minds of elders who stick to the Society’s guidelines, it is irrelevant whether your beliefs can be backed up by the scriptures. What matters most is that you agree with the Governing Body and everything that it teaches. If you don’t, you are an “apostate” according to the Society’s definition of that term.
The Secular Definition
The secular (or dictionary) definition of apostasy is very succinct and easy to understand. The Oxford Dictionary that I keep on my desk simply describes the word as follows:


And so, from a purely secular context, apostasy is simply an abandonment or rejection of one’s former religious beliefs. Nothing more, nothing less. In this strict context, Christianity can be considered as an “apostasy” from Judaism (which clings to the Mosaic law covenant and awaits the arrival of the Messiah). The early Bible Students (who later became Jehovah’s Witnesses) could be considered as “apostates” from Christendom – because, rightly or wrongly, they rejected many traditional beliefs of mainstream Christianity.
Every time the Governing Body presents a “new understanding”, it apostatizes from the organization’s former teachings

If you want to apply the secular definition at a minute level, you could even say that each time a new belief or understanding is published that replaces a former teaching (as with the “new light” about the faithful and discreet slave) this represents an “apostasy” from the former teachings of the organization. Conversely, if a Jehovah’s Witness refused to accept a “new understanding” as published in the organization’s literature, preferring instead to cling to the former teachings on the matter, he would be disfellowshipped for apostasy – for abandoning the new beliefs of his religion.
A matter of perspective
This is the strange irony about apostasy – it is all a matter of perspective. For example, Charles Taze Russell and Joseph Rutherford are regarded as being among the founders of our organization. However, if they were miraculously resurrected and materialized in the lobby of the World Headquarters in Brooklyn, they would not be immediately embraced into the organization with seats on the Governing Body because their beliefs would be very different from the beliefs expressed in Watchtower literature today.
Both these men would need to have bible studies to educate them about the various changes in understanding over the many decades since they both died. If, after studying all these changes, they refused to accept the version of “truth” currently published in Watchtower literature, they would be unceremoniously disfellowshipped and cast out of the very organization they helped to establish. It is a strange and perplexing irony, but this is essentially what would happen in such an albeit impossible scenario.
So, to summarize all three definitions of apostasy, these are:
◾The Bible’s definition: abandoning the true faith in God.
◾The Watch Tower Society’s definition: abandoning the teachings of the Faithful Slave.
◾The secular definition: abandoning one’s former beliefs.
Now that we have considered all three definitions of “apostasy”, we can address the title of this thread and answer the question: Is JWsurvey.org an apostate website?
◾According to the Bible’s definition, no it isn’t an apostate website. JWsurvey.org does not encourage anyone to abandon their faith in God according to the Bible. In fact, each of my articles dealing with scriptural matters attempt to use scriptural reasoning. They establish what the Bible says, and show how this differs from the teachings or practices of the Watch Tower Society. If anyone can identify anything in any of these articles that contradicts or misrepresents what is said in the Bible itself (and not just according to the Watchtower’s interpretation of the scriptures), they are welcome to email me and I will immediately correct the article accordingly.
◾According to the Watch Tower Society’s definition, yes it is an apostate website – because I very much disagree with (or have abandoned) some of the key teachings and practices of the Watchtower organization. In particular, I find the cruel shunning of disfellowshipped family members unloving and unscriptural, and I find the mishandling of accusations of child abuse according to a misapplication of the “two witness” rule despicable and negligent in the extreme. I also see no objective evidence to suggest that the Watch Tower Society enjoys any special divine favor or guidance that would justify its harsh and authoritarian approach towards Witnesses who disagree with the Governing Body.
◾According to the secular definition – yes it is an apostate website, because (for the reasons discussed above) I am no longer in agreement with all of the beliefs and practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses as defined in the publications of the Watch Tower Society. However, as I have explained, according to the strict dictionary definition of the term “apostasy”, the Watch Tower Society can be said to have apostatized from Christianity, and even from its own former teachings (every time it releases a “new understanding”).
I hope the above consideration of the various definitions of “apostasy” clarifies things for visitors to this website. Basically, if you are the type of person who will blindly follow the Watch Tower Society simply because they claim to be God’s sole channel of communication with mankind, then this website probably isn’t for you.
If, on the other hand, you are interested in the real truth and wish to research factual information about the beliefs and practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Watchtower organization, then you have no reason to fear or be distrustful of the information presented on these web pages. My articles are written and prepared with a whole-hearted committment to revealing truth, regardless of whether this conflicts with what has been published in Watchtower literature.
Even having considered the above, you may still be curious about my personal beliefs and motivations, and how these might influence my writing. I will now try my best to elaborate on these honestly.
So, what does Cedars believe?
As far as my status with Jehovah’s Witnesses is concerned, I am still technically one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. To date, I have not been disfellowshipped, neither have I disassociated myself in writing. However, I no longer attend meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and I no longer participate in the preaching work. In that respect, I am considered by my local elders as an “inactive” one. They are obviously unaware of my work on this website and elsewhere. I have a fairly unique set of circumstances making it difficult for them to pry into my affairs or investigate my personal views.
As far as my religious beliefs are concerned, I have only recently (in the past two years) mentally escaped the iron-like grip of what I perceive to be an extremely controlling religious organization. I am therefore extremely reticent to plunge into yet another belief system (or set of religious or atheistic assumptions) that could be mistaken, or based purely on faith in things that cannot be proven or verified.
I don’t believe a God of love would punish someone for having genuine doubts about his word

I still have a respect for the Bible, which is why I often refer to it and cite scriptures in my articles. However, I am completely open-minded as to what God’s purpose for mankind might be – or even whether there is a God who is interested in Earth’s affairs at all.
If this shocks or stumbles anyone, I can only apologize – but I feel it is important to be honest. I personally believe that the reasons for any doubts I have are well founded (being the product of careful thought and research), and a loving “God of truth” would not punish me for asking the honest questions I ask. (Psalm 31:5; 1 John 4:8)
As an example of just one of these “doubts”, you can read an article I wrote for another website discussing the first three chapters of Genesis – although this is just one part of the Bible that causes me to ponder.
Regardless of my personal questions related to the Bible, I still feel qualified to comment about the Watch Tower Society and the beliefs and practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses from a scriptural standpoint because, as a former elder and Bible School graduate, I have a relatively in-depth understanding of the scriptures and Watchtower theology. I am also still technically a Jehovah’s Witness, although admittedly I only remain one because many of my family are Witnesses, and these would shun me if I ever disassociated myself.
Irrespective of my own personal beliefs or “doubts” about certain passages of scripture, I am profoundly affected in a very negative way by the organization, which has mentally trapped multiple generations of my family. I therefore feel a certain duty to use my knowledge and experience to help others awaken from what I perceive to be a damaging and destructive belief system. This is the only way I can think of to find a productive application for my negative experiences.
Drawing off followers?
If, even after reading the above, you feel that my personal doubts about the scriptures make it inappropriate or wrong for me to comment on the Bible or Watchtower teachings, you should be reassured of one thing: I can never rightly be accused of trying to “draw off followers” after myself, because I do not have a set of beliefs to promote, and I am strongly opposed to anyone who tries to impose their own unproven beliefs on those who leave the Watchtower organization.
Some YouTube videos that are critical of the Watch Tower Society are merely trying to “draw off followers” by promoting their own alternative interpretations of scripture

For example, there are many videos on YouTube that have been produced by those who oppose the teachings of the Watch Tower Society, and you will often find that some of these videos have been made by those who seek to replace Watchtower doctrines with their own interpretation of the Bible.
I can understand why, if you genuinely feel you have a correct understanding of the Bible, you might want to convince others of this (especially if you feel that salvation by Christ is at stake). However, by specifically targeting Jehovah’s Witnesses and trying to pull them out of a damaging cult and into your own alternative belief system, you are merely living up to the Watchtower’s definition and stereotype of an apostate – namely, by “drawing off followers” after yourself.
Ultimately, it is impossible for any of us to be assertive about any particular interpretation of the Bible – especially in such a way as to imply that only WE have the one true faith, and only WE enjoy God’s direction and blessing.
The one Church claiming to have a direct unbroken line throughout history with Christ’s apostles (through “apostolic succession”) is the Catholic Church. Not only is the history of Roman Catholicism riddled with scandal – their beliefs are based on unscriptural teachings and traditions. Those who choose to become Catholics in spite of this (as many millions do) must make this personal choice in the knowledge that it is a matter of faith. Any Christian organization or church claiming to have replaced or supplanted the Catholic Church as enjoying God’s divine favor is ALSO asking its followers to accept their claims based on faith rather than hard facts.
I am not saying that we shouldn’t be Christians or observers of the Bible command to preach and share one’s beliefs with others. After all, preaching is a key element of any Christian’s faith. However, I believe modern Christians should humbly be mindful of the fact that nearly two thousand years have passed since Christ’s death, and nineteen centuries have passed since the last of his apostles died without any obvious and indisputable acts of God to provide irrefutable evidence of his purpose, or his backing of any individual or group of worshippers.
It is therefore inappropriate for any Christian to dogmatically insist that HE has the only true faith based on the Bible, and that to enjoy salvation everyone must follow HIS interpretation of the Bible, and no one else’s.
It would obviously be different if God were to dramatically intervene in Earth’s affairs and make his purposes irrefutably clear to the masses – but until this happens we are all in the same state of relative uncertainty as to God’s purpose, and we shouldn’t insist on beliefs that are based purely on personal interpretation, or faith in things that cannot be proven or verified.
For this reason, you will never find any attempt made on this website to “draw off followers” or persuade visitors to enter some alternative belief system, whether it is religious or atheistic. Those who try to do this using the comments beneath each article will find their comment removed, especially any links that are posted to websites of a blatantly religious nature.
Like a Himalayan Sherpa, this website will not tell you where to go next or what to believe. It is only trying to get you to safety.

I view it as my role, or the role of this website, to report on verifiable facts and nothing else. If I have any higher role or ambition, this is merely to lead people out of what I perceive as an extremely damaging cult, just as a Himalayan Sherpa would lead a mountaineer down from a perilous mountain slope to safety. What the mountaineer does once he has reached safety is his own decision. He and his Sherpa will part ways – hopefully as friends. This is all I am interested in doing – leading you to the facts, and (if possible) helping you to gain mental freedom from a controlling organization. What you do next is your decision, and no one else’s.







If you are a Christian, and you struggle with feelings of uncertainty regarding what to do next after leaving the organization, you may find one of my past articles helpful. I wrote it not long after experiencing my own “awakening”. It is called “Lord, whom shall we go away to?“
A translation of the above article into Hungarian is available by clicking here.


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75 Responses to Is JWsurvey.org an apostate website?

← Older Comments

 Alden says:

 June 30, 2013 at 11:29 pm

Hi Zeebo,
 As understandable your mirth and irony is, your description fits exactly the impression that the WTS openly gives of itself! That’s one of the things we are fussing about. The truth is only Jesus is our Lord and all glory be to his Father in heaven. Respect to earthly worshipers, yes; adoration – no!
Reply
 

 Zeebo says:

 August 2, 2013 at 4:17 am

But you have to admit at least the governing body make baldness sexy. They are like bruce willis! ambassadors for baldness or hairloss. Also if you’re a pretty average guy with no money, you can become a JW, work hard and become an Elder and get hot women. Its an alternative to the rich ugly guy route (for those not rich), powerful ugly guy route! If i was 20 years older and single i would be the most autocratic elder you can imagine. Listen to my voice!! Thats GOD’s words in my mouth.. I’m the channel.. feel the power!!! aaahhhh YOUR DARE QUESTION MEEEEE???
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 August 2, 2013 at 4:28 am

Erm, not really. Sanderson is the only GB member with hair loss problems with the good sense to shave his head. Lett, Splane and Jackson (AKA the “comb-over crew”) have all opted for arguably the most embarrassing and conspicuous means of “disguising” their issues. Herd doesn’t have much of a choice, since he doesn’t have hair suited to comb-overs. Taken as a whole, they are a bad example to men when it comes to dealing with hair loss.
Reply
 
 

 Zeebo says:

 August 2, 2013 at 4:33 am

I know :-) they are so bad that its good! I mean they are God’s chosen crew, so if they have comb-overs it must be God’s appointed method to deal with the horrors of MPB. So they give hope to the millions by showing that God approves and indeed dresses his channel with comb-overs! Maybe in the new system we will all have comb-overs by default.
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 August 2, 2013 at 4:34 am

“Maybe in the new system we will all have comb-overs by default.”
– a chilling vision indeed!
Reply
 
 Martine says:

 March 19, 2015 at 2:17 am

I just love this comment, it was a real laugh out loud moment, but mirth aside I was raised a JW and I am an ‘apostate’ bu the dictionary definition and I am disfellowshipped and ‘shunned’ by my family – I don’t have the inclination to argue scripturally with them as I feel it is their decision to lead their lives as they see fit but I agree wholeheartedly with your comment that this practice is “unloving and unscriptural” I am staggered that this simple premise is not grasped by seemingly intelligent and well intentioned people.
Reply
 
 
 

 Steve says:

 August 4, 2013 at 6:54 pm

Thanks so much for this site. There was nothing for us who left and then were disfellowshipped after leaving when I left the organization. I was told when I was 15 that I had to be baptized. The elders worked on me for months to make sure I was baptized at the next convention. I was and when I was 18 I wanted out. As soon as I could, I stopped going to meetings because I just couldn’t believe half of what we were being told was the truth. The only was I could leave was to be disfellowshipped so I was. I was 22 when I was disfellowshipped. I am 55 now and still shunned by my family and everyone who knew me growing up. After this time, I believe it’s their loss, not mine, but it is a cruel thing to do to people and to families and definitely NOT Christian. Jesus came to save sinners, not to make them part of the ruling class of religious leaders who insisted on making a show of their faith instead of actually living it.
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 whatevs says:

 September 18, 2013 at 6:29 pm

The word apostate is part of their “spiritual warfare.” It’s a slur that’s used to create fear and loathing, the “us versus them” mentality. Those who have left are not just innocent people with questions or those who object to child molestation, domestic violence and its endorsement, and the shunning of rape victims; they’re diseased, they’re devious, and their sole purpose is to trick you into leaving the JW. If they can create that fear and loathing with a horrific label, you’re more likely to avoid them or immediately dismiss anything they say.
Reply
 

 anon says:

 October 8, 2013 at 11:47 pm

Your articles and the comments above gave me goose bumps. I am not good in speaking English and I am just 15 so I hope you’d understand what I wanted to say. I never thought someone would have the guts to make a website like this and that many would agree with you. By questioning what he bible says, you are now an apostate. I am not yet one but I do believe with Jehovah’s Witnesses teachings because I, myself, have read it in the bible. I’ve never seen them teaching without letting you see it in the bible. I think you better read the bible further, so you would know what the truth is. Cedar, I hope you could think about this, please, because you have Jehovah’s name with you for calling yourself a Jehovah’s Witness. I’ll pray for you. Don’t be blinded by YOUR OWN knowledge. We are human, we are not perfect. So let Him guide you.
“I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.” -Jeremiah 10:23
Reply
 

 Acadianlion says:

 October 17, 2013 at 6:03 pm

An excellent summary. Perhaps you might well describe yourself as a Deist. Years ago when I was a college student, I believed that I was probably a Deist and completely abandoned any pretext at belonging to any “mainstream” Christian organization. (I was raised a traditional (Calvinist) Congregationalist. Currently my wife is a “re-joined” JW and I have studied with an elder although discontinued when it became obvious that the literature was intending to convert me to their way of believing. Since I had NO overt religion and desired none, I dropped out of the studies although I still read and study the Bible and the JW’s in general. As I believed in college that I was more likely a Deist, and then largely forgot about it, now with the added impetus of my wife’s re-establishing herself as a publisher, I am thinking more and more that I probably AM a Deist.
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 Justinus says:

 October 18, 2013 at 12:06 am

Hello Cedars. I’m happy to find your site. (but first, pardon me if my English is bad)
I’m active Witness from southeast Asian nation. I’m agree with you, that the real apostate is not believe that different with what someone teaching, but believe that different with what Bible teaching. We cannot judge people an apostacy just because he/she believe something different with our believe.
Especially, we cannot judge someone as an apostacy, just based on teaching that are just speculation or interpretation (like 1914’s teaching, etc).
Reply
 

 PONSIAN ELIASI says:

 October 18, 2013 at 9:02 pm

Be aware of JWsurvey.org….!!
Please see Jehovah’s witness to clarify what you read from here!!! Judas was among apostles but quieted to gain 30 pieces!! What we believe since 1914 and before are all public under http://www.jw.org…. Just to type on search bar and prove on your own time!!
Thanks for being curious when you search for a true GOD JEHOVAH and his NARROW GATE TODAY (PSALM 83:18, MATHEW 7:13–16). <3 (Y)
Reply
 

 eye-use-2-b-a-dub says:

 October 23, 2013 at 11:25 am

Hi Cedars,
 Been following your comments for a few years and cudos to you.
 I am 66 yo and have been a ‘dub’ since 4 yo. Baptized at 12 in 1959 and an ‘elder’ at 25 back in 1972. Have always had doubts about dates and symbolic vs literal numbers and of course the WTBTS wild interpretations of Revelations and Ezekiel. Have pretty much left the org. for past 5 years after decades of struggle with what I now know was cognitive dissonance. Staying under the ‘radar’ until my family sees ttatt. Wife and 4 children and 5 grandchildren are still in but I know that they see me and are starting to doubt also.
 Your Bro,
 eye-use-2-b-a-dub
Reply
 

 Silver words says:

 February 3, 2014 at 6:50 am

New understanding? lol They have not had any new understanding for years now, all the governing body been doing is to print new releases with the same thoughts over and over again. The God has no such a think as a Governing body, Jehovah or Yahweh does not need a imperfect organisation to represent him. He talk to the world through the bible and only the Bible. The Governing Body is controlled by satan and his demons. Its all written in the prophecies. The JW and Bethel will soon fall apart and the entire world will know they were just controlling and badly treating people. Now If you don’t believe me, see why the body Elders etc..are so jumpy as soon as anyone stand up to them. If you want talk to Jehovah and he will tell you that the organisation is all fake. We don’t need the watchtower …just Jesus who is directing his angels to help the ones in the organisation to get out for the final cleansing of Gods Temple. Yes he is the true God but they are not his representative. The Pharisees were doing the same with their doctrines…flee from this cult and stay close to Jehovah and Jesus..they are busy The end of JW is all in the bible..don’t be fulled
Reply
 

 Silver words says:

 February 3, 2014 at 7:00 am

Well done Bro,
You have done the right thing. The Governing Body is fake and it has been for years now. The JW have the basics of true faith. Yes they introduced us to the true God Jehovah but no they are not representing Jehovah But the Demons and Satan. Your family will get out too if they are close enough to Jehovah, he will get them out. No one on earth needs to be in any Adamic sinful organisation to be accepted by God and Christ Jesus. Its all about the heart..yes the heart that is how Jesus will come and cleans Gods house. God has no organisation Brother just the Bible and prayer we have to stay close to him. Now I have experience things as a XJW…That makes me talk this way…The closer you are to Jehovah then you will start having doubts..it all part of the prophecies brother
Reply
 

 Silver words says:

 February 3, 2014 at 7:04 am

All we need to exposes them. We should not stop believing in Jehovah but stay close to him by just refusing to read their articles, books etc. What is happening now is all written in the scriptures…Soon the world will know that it was a doctrine created by men not God. Stay close to God bro that is were are strength is
Reply
 

 Art Fern says:

 April 30, 2014 at 8:11 pm

Excellent, I agree with every word you wrote. I continue to be amazed by the humble, clear and concise way you express yourself. If only I had just a little of your talent.
 You are providing a comfortable, non threatening place for JW’s, ex-JWs, interested persons and others dealing with cultish religion.
Reply
 

 Arimatthewdavies says:

 August 3, 2014 at 3:51 pm

In the bible their is a story were some men were preaching and casting out demons in the name of jesus yet did not belong to the apostle or close by group of jesus.
The apostles said teacher go forbid them to do this! Jesus said no leave them alone because if they are not against you they are for you. And no one can do work in my name and soon speak evil..
That tells you plainly that not every person who preaches outside of the w.b.t.s. is an apostate. This may be an honest god loveing person who read his own bible and decided to obey it.
An apostate is someone who declares that the way of jesus and the bible is wrong and points people toward a belief or person that does not want to honor god the bible jesus and is hostile toward them!
I don’t agree that an apostate is a person that went to the kingdom hall studied and then decided that he or she could not follow that path and politely left.
That’s not always an apostate! Maybe that person suffered physical or mental cruelty from some member that posed as a Christian and found a victim. Maybe the person simply prefers bible only church and goes out to preach the bible gospel on a Saturday or Sunday.
My point is simple saying that a person is an apostate is saying that that person belongs to Satan! Be very careful about judging because judges get judged! Maybe your church rules say don’t associate with people who believe different than you.
OK do obey those rules but say we don’t associate with outsiders so that we may be peaceable and not argue doctrine! Not your of the devil because you won’t join my church
 Or help place my church’s literature!
Reply
 

 Hala says:

 August 4, 2014 at 9:45 am

Well, first of all, I appreciate that you can be so caring to concern the safety of others. If JWs are crazy about preaching their belief, no matter it’s good or bad, you are crazy too. You are nuts for being an anti-JW and they’re nuts for being JWs. And this is your “belief”, I think. Allow me to call it anti-Jehovah’s Witnessm or whatever.
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 August 4, 2014 at 9:51 am

I’m not anti-Jehovah’s Witness at all. I’m anti-Watchtower. Do I really need to explain the difference between the two? If anything I am more interested in the welfare of Jehovah’s Witnesses than your dear leaders, the Governing Body, because I at least give them an opportunity to express themselves honestly on our Global Survey. The Governing Body, on the other hand, seemingly couldn’t care less about the problems or concerns of ordinary rank and file Witnesses.
Reply
 

 alanv says:

 August 4, 2014 at 9:59 am

Hala if anyone is nuts here it is you. The reason Cedars and other ex JWs speak out against the Watchtower is because they have damaged so many people’s lives and continue doing so to this day. Many of us have families trapped in the religion, so clearly we have an interest to help them free themselves from it. If we did not care we would keep quiet but today there are many, many websites and blogs where JWs and others can read about the secrets of the Watchtower and the things they would rather were kept quiet.
Reply
 
 

 Leanne Young says:

 November 10, 2014 at 7:57 am

Hello I enjoy your website and did read what you said.. excuse my ignorance please but am just curious. If you no longer believe in the Truth and have your own doubts as you say then why do you not stick up for what you believe in now? Is it fear of man only that you won’t leave? Thanks xo
Reply
 

 William Draper says:

 November 16, 2014 at 8:53 pm

Your posting above, I believe is right on the money , I am considered an apostate because I did not continue in accepting all of the teachings . It dawned on me one Sunday when I heard that thing about the 5 fingers of one hand and we have a meeting for each of our fingers, after hearing this for a few years , I go like what am I doing listening to grown men actually saying this . So I go like, I need to step back a bit and really look at my religion here . So I started really studying with much more earnestness ….. just the Bible to see if I would come to the same conclusions as the ‘ ORGANIZATION ‘ ; mostly I did , but not all things , I made hand written notations of more than 500 scriptures against the Trinity Doctrine ( but it wasn’t from the Watchtower ) , and then another study of more than 500 hand written scripture notations about the 7th Day Sabbath that was severely against the teaching by Jehovah Witnesses . So although I am studying much more and believe still mostly like Jw’s I am treated as an Apostate . Although my life is more pure I am treated like the Devil himself . I have come to find a few more things that just don’t add up, and just can’t believe you can’t at all have any kind of reasonable discussion with any Jehovah Witness about these things because they are trained to just look at certain scriptures and justify twisting other scriptures just as it is explained in the Watchtower they will explain it away just the way a parrot repeats words that it hears . What does it say in scripture about women speaking in the Congregation , even though the language found in scripture is some of the most straight forward simple language that you will find in scripture , Jw’s will just say the society looks at it this way…. so it’s ok . really ?
William Draper JW 1975 – 2000 850-532-5053
Reply
 

 William Draper says:

 November 16, 2014 at 9:06 pm

I agree with you on the point of this scripture it is telling us that not all are exactly connected in the same way, like the “disciples of John” ( the baptizer ) , John asked them to go and speak to Yahshua in regards to who He really was ; evidently John had somewhat gotten disconnected from the other disciples in some way ; and the people with him were referred to as the disciples of John . Also Isaiah speaks of more than one mountain and that one mountain that is boastful and full of pride gets destroyed .
Reply
 

 arimatthewdavies says:

 November 22, 2014 at 10:46 am

Just because you disagree with something that is taught at the kingdom hall or watchtower doctrine does not make you an apostate. For example I disagree with the small amount of singing and no band at the hall I disagree with turning in proof of how much I went preaching. Now that doesn’t make me an apostate. But if I openly complained at the kingdom hall. I would soon get disfellowshiped for it. An apostate is someone that says Jesus is not gods son.nor the saviour. Or some person that sets out to prove that everything is all wrong with you believing in jehovah and Jesus in the congregation. That’s an apostate. Politely show him the door or else he will surely preach that you expelled him rudely!
Reply
 

 MARIA says:

 December 14, 2014 at 1:45 pm

You took the words out of my mouth. I love to sing and I wish we could praise Jehovah with a live band and be open to all kinds of songs and not only ones approved by the Governing Body. I never liked reporting my time even though I truly witnessed to people. Now I am inactive, sort of lost looking in the internet for some light but really not finding much. It is very lonely outhere….
Reply
 

 MARIA says:

 December 14, 2014 at 2:03 pm

I agree with arimatthewdavies. I never liked reporting the time even when I was pioneering and I thought the publisher’s card was a way of keeping tract of how “spiritual” you were since the more hours the more “spiritual” you should be. I would have loved to sing live at the KH with a band and to include other songs that wonderful but not in the GB repertoire. All we needed was a little updating and change. But that will be considered also apostasy. Now I am inactive, looking for answers in the net but there is so much that doesnt make sense either. I trust that God will help me as I search. In the mean time…is pretty lonely outhere.
Reply
 

 anonymous says:

 December 14, 2014 at 3:35 pm

HI Maria. Have you read Crisis of Conscience by Ray Franz yet? That will help you a lot. Ray was part of the Governing Body for 9 years and he had an inside view of the Society and it took him a while to realize it, but God has nothing to do with Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Go on Youtube videos and read, read, read. There is no way that any God could be backing the Watchtower with all their lies and cover ups of the real history.
The love at the Kingdom Hall, is conditional. It feels lonely, leaving all those so-called friends, but having friends like that, is not having real friends anyway.
The people in the “world” aren’t wicked, like the Watchtower says it is. It was just a paranoid trick to keep us in and afraid of making friends outside the organization.
I have been inactive for about 7 months now and at first I was scared Jehovah would kill me at Armageddon but now I am feeling freed from being in an organization that a depressing straight jacket and I was a JW for 50 years.
I’d rather be out here alone, than going to the Kingdom Hall, just to keep those fake friends. Coming to JW survey, helps because we can comment about our experiences and doubts and see that we aren’t alone. Probably 95% of all Witnesses have doubts but are all afraid to even speak up for fear of being disfellowshipped, just as you said.
Nobody should be afraid to test out their religion and nobody should ever be afraid to express their opinions on what 7 very imperfect and human men have to say about their interpretation of what the Bible means.
We all have a brain in our head and the Bible isn’t an algebra textbook but was written for the common man in the common language. We don’t need them to tell us what it says. We can see it for ourselves.
The Governing Body is no different than the Catholic Church was all those years, insisting on their sermons being in Latin. They wanted it in Latin so that the common man would think that the priests had some “inside” knowledge from God. All that adulation came to an end when the sermons went to English. The same holds true for the Governing Body. They are no different or smarter than the average Witness. The whole thing is a farce and you can be glad you got out when you did and please don’t ever look back.
Reply
 

 Brice Repolt says:

 December 14, 2014 at 3:35 pm

As a former regular pioneer, at a time when 100 hrs was the monthly requirement (have I dated myself?), I totally agree with you.
In addition to being a tool to measure so-called “spirituality” (how banal & superfluous!), the monthly service report also provided the foundation for the ‘bean counters’ at the B-Org to produce its annual Worldwide Publisher Report, as its bragging rights, enabling them to claim fulfillment of “this good news shall be preached in all the inhabited earth…..”! And yet, they haven’t scratched the surface, with entire nations without any JW presence.
That it takes, on average, in the US, 7500 hrs of preaching/teaching to create one single convert escapes them totally and, having no financial responsibility in this effort, makes the publisher’s own personal expenditures of time, costs involving vehicle maintenance, fuel etc…. irrelevant to the B-Org. They’re not financially responsible for any of it so…. carry on you slaves!!
Sorry, but after 23+ years of service to this apostate religion, I am somewhat angry at myself for having been duped for that many years.
Reply
 

 Brice Repolt says:

 December 14, 2014 at 3:44 pm

Anonymous,
What a great post! I especially loved your comment that the Org was a “depressing straight jacket”. That is so true and have never thought of it in those terms. With your permission, I shall use that expression in the future. Again, thank you for sharing!
Reply
 

 anonymous says:

 December 14, 2014 at 4:40 pm

@Brice. Thank you for saying that and I am also somewhat angry at myself for letting myself be duped for 50 years of my life.
One thing we can console ourselves though, is that the Watchtower is the best of the best when it comes to mind control. If only we would have had the internet 50 years ago so we could have known then what we know now.
All we can do now, is try out best to inform anyone and everyone we can so they don’t waste their lives like we did. Hopefully, with the help of the internet and all the good books out there, we will see the end of this ugly, life-destroying cult in our lifetime.
Reply
 
 Brice says:

 December 14, 2014 at 6:07 pm

Agreed, hopefully, it will take place sooner than later.
If the pedophilia/child abuse lawsuits continue to pile up, as more and more previously abused ex-JWs have filed, collectively, this may prove to be the death-knell for the arrogant, pompous, the “King Has no Clothes” WT Society. The financial penalties issued by the courts may do them in. They will have deserved it, in more ways than one!
Stay strong, there is an entire community out engaged in both support for those that have ‘awakened” as well as those participating in some type of activism to bring down this apostate B-Org.
Be well… live, love and laugh as often as you can!!! The B-Org’s reach can only go so far….
Reply
 
 

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← “You can’t use Patterson!” – Court denies Watchtower’s bond motion
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Is JWsurvey.org an apostate website?
avatar
Posted on December 2, 2012

New visitors to this website might wonder whether it contains reliable information, or “apostasy”

I am occasionally asked by visitors to JWsurvey.org what my personal religious beliefs are, particularly since my articles are often critical of the Watch Tower Society. Jehovah’s Witnesses are understandably concerned as to whether the information they read online is accurate. They are particularly wary of visiting so-called “apostate” websites due to the Society’s repeated counsel in this regard.
I thought I would write a brief article explaining my current spiritual outlook, with the aim of clarifying the approach and tone of this website for any newcomers who are curious. I am hopeful that this will go some way to reassuring visitors to JWsurvey.org that my motives in running it are genuine.
One accusation I sometimes hear levelled against this website is that it is “apostate” in nature. The terms “apostate” and “apostasy” have come to be loathed and feared by Jehovah’s Witnesses who read Watchtower literature. Witnesses generally associate those words with anyone who contradicts the Society’s official teachings. But is this an accurate view of what “apostasy” really means?
What is an “apostate”?
The word “apostate” basically has three definitions depending on your outlook. There is (1) the Bible’s definition of an apostate, (2) the Watch Tower Society’s definition, and finally there is (3) the secular (or dictionary) definition. There are subtle differences between all three definitions.
The Bible’s Definition
The Bible’s definition of apostasy is summarized for us on page 126 of the book Insight On The Scriptures (Volume 1), where the opening paragraph under the heading “Apostasy” reads as follows:

“This term in Greek (a·po·sta·si′a) comes from the verb a·phi′ste·mi, literally meaning ‘stand away from.’ The noun has the sense of ‘desertion, abandonment or rebellion.’ (Ac 21:21, ftn) In classical Greek the noun was used to refer to political defection, and the verb is evidently employed in this sense at Acts 5:37, concerning Judas the Galilean who ‘drew off’ (a·pe′ste·se, form of a·phi′ste·mi) followers. The Greek Septuagint uses the term at Genesis 14:4 with reference to such a rebellion. However, in the Christian Greek Scriptures it is used primarily with regard to religious defection; a withdrawal or abandonment of the true cause, worship, and service of God, and hence an abandonment of what one has previously professed and a total desertion of principles or faith. The religious leaders of Jerusalem charged Paul with such an apostasy against the Mosaic Law.”
And so, at least according to the Insight book, the Bible refers to “apostasy” as a “withdrawal or abandonment of the true cause, worship, and service of God”. Specifically, there are connotations about apostates drawing off followers after themselves, which I will address later in this article – but the basic meaning is a rejection of true faith in God.
If this was the only definition by which someone accused of apostasy would be judged, it would be relatively simple to determine whether the person was guilty or innocent. If the person’s beliefs about God contradicted what is contained in the scriptures, then he would be classed as an “apostate”.
The Society’s Definition
The Watch Tower Society has a slightly more specific idea as to what “apostasy” means. To find it (in a way that is expressed in clear terms), we must consult a letter that was sent out to all Circuit and District Overseers, dated September 1st, 1980. One paragraph in the letter reads as follows:


Notice how the Society’s definition of “apostasy” (or “apostatizing”) differs substantially from the basic biblical definition in two key areas:
1.An apostate is not just someone who “promotes” apostate views (i.e. by trying to “draw off followers” after themselves) – he is someone who believes things that run contrary to the “faithful and discreet slave”.
2.An apostate is not just someone who disagrees with what the Bible teaches about God – he is someone who rejects “what he has been provided through the slave class”.
Just thinking differently to any of the Governing Body’s teachings is enough to be an “apostate”

Hence, the Watchtower’s view of apostasy is different, and more specific, than the Bible’s definition. To be an apostate, all you need to do is view things differently to the “faithful and discreet slave” (now identified as the Governing Body). Period. It doesn’t even matter whether you go to strenuous efforts to promote or convince others of your beliefs. You simply have to view Bible teachings differently to how they are expressed in Watchtower publications, and you are automatically considered an “apostate”, worthy of disfellowshipping.
It is for this reason that many are disfellowshipped for apostasy even if they go to strenuous efforts during their judicial committee to demonstrate that their beliefs do not contradict what is written in the Bible. In the minds of elders who stick to the Society’s guidelines, it is irrelevant whether your beliefs can be backed up by the scriptures. What matters most is that you agree with the Governing Body and everything that it teaches. If you don’t, you are an “apostate” according to the Society’s definition of that term.
The Secular Definition
The secular (or dictionary) definition of apostasy is very succinct and easy to understand. The Oxford Dictionary that I keep on my desk simply describes the word as follows:


And so, from a purely secular context, apostasy is simply an abandonment or rejection of one’s former religious beliefs. Nothing more, nothing less. In this strict context, Christianity can be considered as an “apostasy” from Judaism (which clings to the Mosaic law covenant and awaits the arrival of the Messiah). The early Bible Students (who later became Jehovah’s Witnesses) could be considered as “apostates” from Christendom – because, rightly or wrongly, they rejected many traditional beliefs of mainstream Christianity.
Every time the Governing Body presents a “new understanding”, it apostatizes from the organization’s former teachings

If you want to apply the secular definition at a minute level, you could even say that each time a new belief or understanding is published that replaces a former teaching (as with the “new light” about the faithful and discreet slave) this represents an “apostasy” from the former teachings of the organization. Conversely, if a Jehovah’s Witness refused to accept a “new understanding” as published in the organization’s literature, preferring instead to cling to the former teachings on the matter, he would be disfellowshipped for apostasy – for abandoning the new beliefs of his religion.
A matter of perspective
This is the strange irony about apostasy – it is all a matter of perspective. For example, Charles Taze Russell and Joseph Rutherford are regarded as being among the founders of our organization. However, if they were miraculously resurrected and materialized in the lobby of the World Headquarters in Brooklyn, they would not be immediately embraced into the organization with seats on the Governing Body because their beliefs would be very different from the beliefs expressed in Watchtower literature today.
Both these men would need to have bible studies to educate them about the various changes in understanding over the many decades since they both died. If, after studying all these changes, they refused to accept the version of “truth” currently published in Watchtower literature, they would be unceremoniously disfellowshipped and cast out of the very organization they helped to establish. It is a strange and perplexing irony, but this is essentially what would happen in such an albeit impossible scenario.
So, to summarize all three definitions of apostasy, these are:
◾The Bible’s definition: abandoning the true faith in God.
◾The Watch Tower Society’s definition: abandoning the teachings of the Faithful Slave.
◾The secular definition: abandoning one’s former beliefs.
Now that we have considered all three definitions of “apostasy”, we can address the title of this thread and answer the question: Is JWsurvey.org an apostate website?
◾According to the Bible’s definition, no it isn’t an apostate website. JWsurvey.org does not encourage anyone to abandon their faith in God according to the Bible. In fact, each of my articles dealing with scriptural matters attempt to use scriptural reasoning. They establish what the Bible says, and show how this differs from the teachings or practices of the Watch Tower Society. If anyone can identify anything in any of these articles that contradicts or misrepresents what is said in the Bible itself (and not just according to the Watchtower’s interpretation of the scriptures), they are welcome to email me and I will immediately correct the article accordingly.
◾According to the Watch Tower Society’s definition, yes it is an apostate website – because I very much disagree with (or have abandoned) some of the key teachings and practices of the Watchtower organization. In particular, I find the cruel shunning of disfellowshipped family members unloving and unscriptural, and I find the mishandling of accusations of child abuse according to a misapplication of the “two witness” rule despicable and negligent in the extreme. I also see no objective evidence to suggest that the Watch Tower Society enjoys any special divine favor or guidance that would justify its harsh and authoritarian approach towards Witnesses who disagree with the Governing Body.
◾According to the secular definition – yes it is an apostate website, because (for the reasons discussed above) I am no longer in agreement with all of the beliefs and practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses as defined in the publications of the Watch Tower Society. However, as I have explained, according to the strict dictionary definition of the term “apostasy”, the Watch Tower Society can be said to have apostatized from Christianity, and even from its own former teachings (every time it releases a “new understanding”).
I hope the above consideration of the various definitions of “apostasy” clarifies things for visitors to this website. Basically, if you are the type of person who will blindly follow the Watch Tower Society simply because they claim to be God’s sole channel of communication with mankind, then this website probably isn’t for you.
If, on the other hand, you are interested in the real truth and wish to research factual information about the beliefs and practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Watchtower organization, then you have no reason to fear or be distrustful of the information presented on these web pages. My articles are written and prepared with a whole-hearted committment to revealing truth, regardless of whether this conflicts with what has been published in Watchtower literature.
Even having considered the above, you may still be curious about my personal beliefs and motivations, and how these might influence my writing. I will now try my best to elaborate on these honestly.
So, what does Cedars believe?
As far as my status with Jehovah’s Witnesses is concerned, I am still technically one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. To date, I have not been disfellowshipped, neither have I disassociated myself in writing. However, I no longer attend meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and I no longer participate in the preaching work. In that respect, I am considered by my local elders as an “inactive” one. They are obviously unaware of my work on this website and elsewhere. I have a fairly unique set of circumstances making it difficult for them to pry into my affairs or investigate my personal views.
As far as my religious beliefs are concerned, I have only recently (in the past two years) mentally escaped the iron-like grip of what I perceive to be an extremely controlling religious organization. I am therefore extremely reticent to plunge into yet another belief system (or set of religious or atheistic assumptions) that could be mistaken, or based purely on faith in things that cannot be proven or verified.
I don’t believe a God of love would punish someone for having genuine doubts about his word

I still have a respect for the Bible, which is why I often refer to it and cite scriptures in my articles. However, I am completely open-minded as to what God’s purpose for mankind might be – or even whether there is a God who is interested in Earth’s affairs at all.
If this shocks or stumbles anyone, I can only apologize – but I feel it is important to be honest. I personally believe that the reasons for any doubts I have are well founded (being the product of careful thought and research), and a loving “God of truth” would not punish me for asking the honest questions I ask. (Psalm 31:5; 1 John 4:8)
As an example of just one of these “doubts”, you can read an article I wrote for another website discussing the first three chapters of Genesis – although this is just one part of the Bible that causes me to ponder.
Regardless of my personal questions related to the Bible, I still feel qualified to comment about the Watch Tower Society and the beliefs and practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses from a scriptural standpoint because, as a former elder and Bible School graduate, I have a relatively in-depth understanding of the scriptures and Watchtower theology. I am also still technically a Jehovah’s Witness, although admittedly I only remain one because many of my family are Witnesses, and these would shun me if I ever disassociated myself.
Irrespective of my own personal beliefs or “doubts” about certain passages of scripture, I am profoundly affected in a very negative way by the organization, which has mentally trapped multiple generations of my family. I therefore feel a certain duty to use my knowledge and experience to help others awaken from what I perceive to be a damaging and destructive belief system. This is the only way I can think of to find a productive application for my negative experiences.
Drawing off followers?
If, even after reading the above, you feel that my personal doubts about the scriptures make it inappropriate or wrong for me to comment on the Bible or Watchtower teachings, you should be reassured of one thing: I can never rightly be accused of trying to “draw off followers” after myself, because I do not have a set of beliefs to promote, and I am strongly opposed to anyone who tries to impose their own unproven beliefs on those who leave the Watchtower organization.
Some YouTube videos that are critical of the Watch Tower Society are merely trying to “draw off followers” by promoting their own alternative interpretations of scripture

For example, there are many videos on YouTube that have been produced by those who oppose the teachings of the Watch Tower Society, and you will often find that some of these videos have been made by those who seek to replace Watchtower doctrines with their own interpretation of the Bible.
I can understand why, if you genuinely feel you have a correct understanding of the Bible, you might want to convince others of this (especially if you feel that salvation by Christ is at stake). However, by specifically targeting Jehovah’s Witnesses and trying to pull them out of a damaging cult and into your own alternative belief system, you are merely living up to the Watchtower’s definition and stereotype of an apostate – namely, by “drawing off followers” after yourself.
Ultimately, it is impossible for any of us to be assertive about any particular interpretation of the Bible – especially in such a way as to imply that only WE have the one true faith, and only WE enjoy God’s direction and blessing.
The one Church claiming to have a direct unbroken line throughout history with Christ’s apostles (through “apostolic succession”) is the Catholic Church. Not only is the history of Roman Catholicism riddled with scandal – their beliefs are based on unscriptural teachings and traditions. Those who choose to become Catholics in spite of this (as many millions do) must make this personal choice in the knowledge that it is a matter of faith. Any Christian organization or church claiming to have replaced or supplanted the Catholic Church as enjoying God’s divine favor is ALSO asking its followers to accept their claims based on faith rather than hard facts.
I am not saying that we shouldn’t be Christians or observers of the Bible command to preach and share one’s beliefs with others. After all, preaching is a key element of any Christian’s faith. However, I believe modern Christians should humbly be mindful of the fact that nearly two thousand years have passed since Christ’s death, and nineteen centuries have passed since the last of his apostles died without any obvious and indisputable acts of God to provide irrefutable evidence of his purpose, or his backing of any individual or group of worshippers.
It is therefore inappropriate for any Christian to dogmatically insist that HE has the only true faith based on the Bible, and that to enjoy salvation everyone must follow HIS interpretation of the Bible, and no one else’s.
It would obviously be different if God were to dramatically intervene in Earth’s affairs and make his purposes irrefutably clear to the masses – but until this happens we are all in the same state of relative uncertainty as to God’s purpose, and we shouldn’t insist on beliefs that are based purely on personal interpretation, or faith in things that cannot be proven or verified.
For this reason, you will never find any attempt made on this website to “draw off followers” or persuade visitors to enter some alternative belief system, whether it is religious or atheistic. Those who try to do this using the comments beneath each article will find their comment removed, especially any links that are posted to websites of a blatantly religious nature.
Like a Himalayan Sherpa, this website will not tell you where to go next or what to believe. It is only trying to get you to safety.

I view it as my role, or the role of this website, to report on verifiable facts and nothing else. If I have any higher role or ambition, this is merely to lead people out of what I perceive as an extremely damaging cult, just as a Himalayan Sherpa would lead a mountaineer down from a perilous mountain slope to safety. What the mountaineer does once he has reached safety is his own decision. He and his Sherpa will part ways – hopefully as friends. This is all I am interested in doing – leading you to the facts, and (if possible) helping you to gain mental freedom from a controlling organization. What you do next is your decision, and no one else’s.







If you are a Christian, and you struggle with feelings of uncertainty regarding what to do next after leaving the organization, you may find one of my past articles helpful. I wrote it not long after experiencing my own “awakening”. It is called “Lord, whom shall we go away to?“
A translation of the above article into Hungarian is available by clicking here.


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75 Responses to Is JWsurvey.org an apostate website?

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 Alden says:

 June 30, 2013 at 11:29 pm

Hi Zeebo,
 As understandable your mirth and irony is, your description fits exactly the impression that the WTS openly gives of itself! That’s one of the things we are fussing about. The truth is only Jesus is our Lord and all glory be to his Father in heaven. Respect to earthly worshipers, yes; adoration – no!
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 Zeebo says:

 August 2, 2013 at 4:17 am

But you have to admit at least the governing body make baldness sexy. They are like bruce willis! ambassadors for baldness or hairloss. Also if you’re a pretty average guy with no money, you can become a JW, work hard and become an Elder and get hot women. Its an alternative to the rich ugly guy route (for those not rich), powerful ugly guy route! If i was 20 years older and single i would be the most autocratic elder you can imagine. Listen to my voice!! Thats GOD’s words in my mouth.. I’m the channel.. feel the power!!! aaahhhh YOUR DARE QUESTION MEEEEE???
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 Cedars says:

 August 2, 2013 at 4:28 am

Erm, not really. Sanderson is the only GB member with hair loss problems with the good sense to shave his head. Lett, Splane and Jackson (AKA the “comb-over crew”) have all opted for arguably the most embarrassing and conspicuous means of “disguising” their issues. Herd doesn’t have much of a choice, since he doesn’t have hair suited to comb-overs. Taken as a whole, they are a bad example to men when it comes to dealing with hair loss.
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 Zeebo says:

 August 2, 2013 at 4:33 am

I know :-) they are so bad that its good! I mean they are God’s chosen crew, so if they have comb-overs it must be God’s appointed method to deal with the horrors of MPB. So they give hope to the millions by showing that God approves and indeed dresses his channel with comb-overs! Maybe in the new system we will all have comb-overs by default.
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 Cedars says:

 August 2, 2013 at 4:34 am

“Maybe in the new system we will all have comb-overs by default.”
– a chilling vision indeed!
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 Martine says:

 March 19, 2015 at 2:17 am

I just love this comment, it was a real laugh out loud moment, but mirth aside I was raised a JW and I am an ‘apostate’ bu the dictionary definition and I am disfellowshipped and ‘shunned’ by my family – I don’t have the inclination to argue scripturally with them as I feel it is their decision to lead their lives as they see fit but I agree wholeheartedly with your comment that this practice is “unloving and unscriptural” I am staggered that this simple premise is not grasped by seemingly intelligent and well intentioned people.
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 Steve says:

 August 4, 2013 at 6:54 pm

Thanks so much for this site. There was nothing for us who left and then were disfellowshipped after leaving when I left the organization. I was told when I was 15 that I had to be baptized. The elders worked on me for months to make sure I was baptized at the next convention. I was and when I was 18 I wanted out. As soon as I could, I stopped going to meetings because I just couldn’t believe half of what we were being told was the truth. The only was I could leave was to be disfellowshipped so I was. I was 22 when I was disfellowshipped. I am 55 now and still shunned by my family and everyone who knew me growing up. After this time, I believe it’s their loss, not mine, but it is a cruel thing to do to people and to families and definitely NOT Christian. Jesus came to save sinners, not to make them part of the ruling class of religious leaders who insisted on making a show of their faith instead of actually living it.
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 whatevs says:

 September 18, 2013 at 6:29 pm

The word apostate is part of their “spiritual warfare.” It’s a slur that’s used to create fear and loathing, the “us versus them” mentality. Those who have left are not just innocent people with questions or those who object to child molestation, domestic violence and its endorsement, and the shunning of rape victims; they’re diseased, they’re devious, and their sole purpose is to trick you into leaving the JW. If they can create that fear and loathing with a horrific label, you’re more likely to avoid them or immediately dismiss anything they say.
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 anon says:

 October 8, 2013 at 11:47 pm

Your articles and the comments above gave me goose bumps. I am not good in speaking English and I am just 15 so I hope you’d understand what I wanted to say. I never thought someone would have the guts to make a website like this and that many would agree with you. By questioning what he bible says, you are now an apostate. I am not yet one but I do believe with Jehovah’s Witnesses teachings because I, myself, have read it in the bible. I’ve never seen them teaching without letting you see it in the bible. I think you better read the bible further, so you would know what the truth is. Cedar, I hope you could think about this, please, because you have Jehovah’s name with you for calling yourself a Jehovah’s Witness. I’ll pray for you. Don’t be blinded by YOUR OWN knowledge. We are human, we are not perfect. So let Him guide you.
“I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.” -Jeremiah 10:23
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 Acadianlion says:

 October 17, 2013 at 6:03 pm

An excellent summary. Perhaps you might well describe yourself as a Deist. Years ago when I was a college student, I believed that I was probably a Deist and completely abandoned any pretext at belonging to any “mainstream” Christian organization. (I was raised a traditional (Calvinist) Congregationalist. Currently my wife is a “re-joined” JW and I have studied with an elder although discontinued when it became obvious that the literature was intending to convert me to their way of believing. Since I had NO overt religion and desired none, I dropped out of the studies although I still read and study the Bible and the JW’s in general. As I believed in college that I was more likely a Deist, and then largely forgot about it, now with the added impetus of my wife’s re-establishing herself as a publisher, I am thinking more and more that I probably AM a Deist.
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 Justinus says:

 October 18, 2013 at 12:06 am

Hello Cedars. I’m happy to find your site. (but first, pardon me if my English is bad)
I’m active Witness from southeast Asian nation. I’m agree with you, that the real apostate is not believe that different with what someone teaching, but believe that different with what Bible teaching. We cannot judge people an apostacy just because he/she believe something different with our believe.
Especially, we cannot judge someone as an apostacy, just based on teaching that are just speculation or interpretation (like 1914’s teaching, etc).
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 PONSIAN ELIASI says:

 October 18, 2013 at 9:02 pm

Be aware of JWsurvey.org….!!
Please see Jehovah’s witness to clarify what you read from here!!! Judas was among apostles but quieted to gain 30 pieces!! What we believe since 1914 and before are all public under http://www.jw.org…. Just to type on search bar and prove on your own time!!
Thanks for being curious when you search for a true GOD JEHOVAH and his NARROW GATE TODAY (PSALM 83:18, MATHEW 7:13–16). <3 (Y)
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 eye-use-2-b-a-dub says:

 October 23, 2013 at 11:25 am

Hi Cedars,
 Been following your comments for a few years and cudos to you.
 I am 66 yo and have been a ‘dub’ since 4 yo. Baptized at 12 in 1959 and an ‘elder’ at 25 back in 1972. Have always had doubts about dates and symbolic vs literal numbers and of course the WTBTS wild interpretations of Revelations and Ezekiel. Have pretty much left the org. for past 5 years after decades of struggle with what I now know was cognitive dissonance. Staying under the ‘radar’ until my family sees ttatt. Wife and 4 children and 5 grandchildren are still in but I know that they see me and are starting to doubt also.
 Your Bro,
 eye-use-2-b-a-dub
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 Silver words says:

 February 3, 2014 at 6:50 am

New understanding? lol They have not had any new understanding for years now, all the governing body been doing is to print new releases with the same thoughts over and over again. The God has no such a think as a Governing body, Jehovah or Yahweh does not need a imperfect organisation to represent him. He talk to the world through the bible and only the Bible. The Governing Body is controlled by satan and his demons. Its all written in the prophecies. The JW and Bethel will soon fall apart and the entire world will know they were just controlling and badly treating people. Now If you don’t believe me, see why the body Elders etc..are so jumpy as soon as anyone stand up to them. If you want talk to Jehovah and he will tell you that the organisation is all fake. We don’t need the watchtower …just Jesus who is directing his angels to help the ones in the organisation to get out for the final cleansing of Gods Temple. Yes he is the true God but they are not his representative. The Pharisees were doing the same with their doctrines…flee from this cult and stay close to Jehovah and Jesus..they are busy The end of JW is all in the bible..don’t be fulled
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 Silver words says:

 February 3, 2014 at 7:00 am

Well done Bro,
You have done the right thing. The Governing Body is fake and it has been for years now. The JW have the basics of true faith. Yes they introduced us to the true God Jehovah but no they are not representing Jehovah But the Demons and Satan. Your family will get out too if they are close enough to Jehovah, he will get them out. No one on earth needs to be in any Adamic sinful organisation to be accepted by God and Christ Jesus. Its all about the heart..yes the heart that is how Jesus will come and cleans Gods house. God has no organisation Brother just the Bible and prayer we have to stay close to him. Now I have experience things as a XJW…That makes me talk this way…The closer you are to Jehovah then you will start having doubts..it all part of the prophecies brother
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 Silver words says:

 February 3, 2014 at 7:04 am

All we need to exposes them. We should not stop believing in Jehovah but stay close to him by just refusing to read their articles, books etc. What is happening now is all written in the scriptures…Soon the world will know that it was a doctrine created by men not God. Stay close to God bro that is were are strength is
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 Art Fern says:

 April 30, 2014 at 8:11 pm

Excellent, I agree with every word you wrote. I continue to be amazed by the humble, clear and concise way you express yourself. If only I had just a little of your talent.
 You are providing a comfortable, non threatening place for JW’s, ex-JWs, interested persons and others dealing with cultish religion.
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 Arimatthewdavies says:

 August 3, 2014 at 3:51 pm

In the bible their is a story were some men were preaching and casting out demons in the name of jesus yet did not belong to the apostle or close by group of jesus.
The apostles said teacher go forbid them to do this! Jesus said no leave them alone because if they are not against you they are for you. And no one can do work in my name and soon speak evil..
That tells you plainly that not every person who preaches outside of the w.b.t.s. is an apostate. This may be an honest god loveing person who read his own bible and decided to obey it.
An apostate is someone who declares that the way of jesus and the bible is wrong and points people toward a belief or person that does not want to honor god the bible jesus and is hostile toward them!
I don’t agree that an apostate is a person that went to the kingdom hall studied and then decided that he or she could not follow that path and politely left.
That’s not always an apostate! Maybe that person suffered physical or mental cruelty from some member that posed as a Christian and found a victim. Maybe the person simply prefers bible only church and goes out to preach the bible gospel on a Saturday or Sunday.
My point is simple saying that a person is an apostate is saying that that person belongs to Satan! Be very careful about judging because judges get judged! Maybe your church rules say don’t associate with people who believe different than you.
OK do obey those rules but say we don’t associate with outsiders so that we may be peaceable and not argue doctrine! Not your of the devil because you won’t join my church
 Or help place my church’s literature!
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 Hala says:

 August 4, 2014 at 9:45 am

Well, first of all, I appreciate that you can be so caring to concern the safety of others. If JWs are crazy about preaching their belief, no matter it’s good or bad, you are crazy too. You are nuts for being an anti-JW and they’re nuts for being JWs. And this is your “belief”, I think. Allow me to call it anti-Jehovah’s Witnessm or whatever.
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 Cedars says:

 August 4, 2014 at 9:51 am

I’m not anti-Jehovah’s Witness at all. I’m anti-Watchtower. Do I really need to explain the difference between the two? If anything I am more interested in the welfare of Jehovah’s Witnesses than your dear leaders, the Governing Body, because I at least give them an opportunity to express themselves honestly on our Global Survey. The Governing Body, on the other hand, seemingly couldn’t care less about the problems or concerns of ordinary rank and file Witnesses.
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 alanv says:

 August 4, 2014 at 9:59 am

Hala if anyone is nuts here it is you. The reason Cedars and other ex JWs speak out against the Watchtower is because they have damaged so many people’s lives and continue doing so to this day. Many of us have families trapped in the religion, so clearly we have an interest to help them free themselves from it. If we did not care we would keep quiet but today there are many, many websites and blogs where JWs and others can read about the secrets of the Watchtower and the things they would rather were kept quiet.
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 Leanne Young says:

 November 10, 2014 at 7:57 am

Hello I enjoy your website and did read what you said.. excuse my ignorance please but am just curious. If you no longer believe in the Truth and have your own doubts as you say then why do you not stick up for what you believe in now? Is it fear of man only that you won’t leave? Thanks xo
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 William Draper says:

 November 16, 2014 at 8:53 pm

Your posting above, I believe is right on the money , I am considered an apostate because I did not continue in accepting all of the teachings . It dawned on me one Sunday when I heard that thing about the 5 fingers of one hand and we have a meeting for each of our fingers, after hearing this for a few years , I go like what am I doing listening to grown men actually saying this . So I go like, I need to step back a bit and really look at my religion here . So I started really studying with much more earnestness ….. just the Bible to see if I would come to the same conclusions as the ‘ ORGANIZATION ‘ ; mostly I did , but not all things , I made hand written notations of more than 500 scriptures against the Trinity Doctrine ( but it wasn’t from the Watchtower ) , and then another study of more than 500 hand written scripture notations about the 7th Day Sabbath that was severely against the teaching by Jehovah Witnesses . So although I am studying much more and believe still mostly like Jw’s I am treated as an Apostate . Although my life is more pure I am treated like the Devil himself . I have come to find a few more things that just don’t add up, and just can’t believe you can’t at all have any kind of reasonable discussion with any Jehovah Witness about these things because they are trained to just look at certain scriptures and justify twisting other scriptures just as it is explained in the Watchtower they will explain it away just the way a parrot repeats words that it hears . What does it say in scripture about women speaking in the Congregation , even though the language found in scripture is some of the most straight forward simple language that you will find in scripture , Jw’s will just say the society looks at it this way…. so it’s ok . really ?
William Draper JW 1975 – 2000 850-532-5053
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 William Draper says:

 November 16, 2014 at 9:06 pm

I agree with you on the point of this scripture it is telling us that not all are exactly connected in the same way, like the “disciples of John” ( the baptizer ) , John asked them to go and speak to Yahshua in regards to who He really was ; evidently John had somewhat gotten disconnected from the other disciples in some way ; and the people with him were referred to as the disciples of John . Also Isaiah speaks of more than one mountain and that one mountain that is boastful and full of pride gets destroyed .
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 arimatthewdavies says:

 November 22, 2014 at 10:46 am

Just because you disagree with something that is taught at the kingdom hall or watchtower doctrine does not make you an apostate. For example I disagree with the small amount of singing and no band at the hall I disagree with turning in proof of how much I went preaching. Now that doesn’t make me an apostate. But if I openly complained at the kingdom hall. I would soon get disfellowshiped for it. An apostate is someone that says Jesus is not gods son.nor the saviour. Or some person that sets out to prove that everything is all wrong with you believing in jehovah and Jesus in the congregation. That’s an apostate. Politely show him the door or else he will surely preach that you expelled him rudely!
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 MARIA says:

 December 14, 2014 at 1:45 pm

You took the words out of my mouth. I love to sing and I wish we could praise Jehovah with a live band and be open to all kinds of songs and not only ones approved by the Governing Body. I never liked reporting my time even though I truly witnessed to people. Now I am inactive, sort of lost looking in the internet for some light but really not finding much. It is very lonely outhere….
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 MARIA says:

 December 14, 2014 at 2:03 pm

I agree with arimatthewdavies. I never liked reporting the time even when I was pioneering and I thought the publisher’s card was a way of keeping tract of how “spiritual” you were since the more hours the more “spiritual” you should be. I would have loved to sing live at the KH with a band and to include other songs that wonderful but not in the GB repertoire. All we needed was a little updating and change. But that will be considered also apostasy. Now I am inactive, looking for answers in the net but there is so much that doesnt make sense either. I trust that God will help me as I search. In the mean time…is pretty lonely outhere.
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 anonymous says:

 December 14, 2014 at 3:35 pm

HI Maria. Have you read Crisis of Conscience by Ray Franz yet? That will help you a lot. Ray was part of the Governing Body for 9 years and he had an inside view of the Society and it took him a while to realize it, but God has nothing to do with Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Go on Youtube videos and read, read, read. There is no way that any God could be backing the Watchtower with all their lies and cover ups of the real history.
The love at the Kingdom Hall, is conditional. It feels lonely, leaving all those so-called friends, but having friends like that, is not having real friends anyway.
The people in the “world” aren’t wicked, like the Watchtower says it is. It was just a paranoid trick to keep us in and afraid of making friends outside the organization.
I have been inactive for about 7 months now and at first I was scared Jehovah would kill me at Armageddon but now I am feeling freed from being in an organization that a depressing straight jacket and I was a JW for 50 years.
I’d rather be out here alone, than going to the Kingdom Hall, just to keep those fake friends. Coming to JW survey, helps because we can comment about our experiences and doubts and see that we aren’t alone. Probably 95% of all Witnesses have doubts but are all afraid to even speak up for fear of being disfellowshipped, just as you said.
Nobody should be afraid to test out their religion and nobody should ever be afraid to express their opinions on what 7 very imperfect and human men have to say about their interpretation of what the Bible means.
We all have a brain in our head and the Bible isn’t an algebra textbook but was written for the common man in the common language. We don’t need them to tell us what it says. We can see it for ourselves.
The Governing Body is no different than the Catholic Church was all those years, insisting on their sermons being in Latin. They wanted it in Latin so that the common man would think that the priests had some “inside” knowledge from God. All that adulation came to an end when the sermons went to English. The same holds true for the Governing Body. They are no different or smarter than the average Witness. The whole thing is a farce and you can be glad you got out when you did and please don’t ever look back.
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 Brice Repolt says:

 December 14, 2014 at 3:35 pm

As a former regular pioneer, at a time when 100 hrs was the monthly requirement (have I dated myself?), I totally agree with you.
In addition to being a tool to measure so-called “spirituality” (how banal & superfluous!), the monthly service report also provided the foundation for the ‘bean counters’ at the B-Org to produce its annual Worldwide Publisher Report, as its bragging rights, enabling them to claim fulfillment of “this good news shall be preached in all the inhabited earth…..”! And yet, they haven’t scratched the surface, with entire nations without any JW presence.
That it takes, on average, in the US, 7500 hrs of preaching/teaching to create one single convert escapes them totally and, having no financial responsibility in this effort, makes the publisher’s own personal expenditures of time, costs involving vehicle maintenance, fuel etc…. irrelevant to the B-Org. They’re not financially responsible for any of it so…. carry on you slaves!!
Sorry, but after 23+ years of service to this apostate religion, I am somewhat angry at myself for having been duped for that many years.
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 Brice Repolt says:

 December 14, 2014 at 3:44 pm

Anonymous,
What a great post! I especially loved your comment that the Org was a “depressing straight jacket”. That is so true and have never thought of it in those terms. With your permission, I shall use that expression in the future. Again, thank you for sharing!
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 anonymous says:

 December 14, 2014 at 4:40 pm

@Brice. Thank you for saying that and I am also somewhat angry at myself for letting myself be duped for 50 years of my life.
One thing we can console ourselves though, is that the Watchtower is the best of the best when it comes to mind control. If only we would have had the internet 50 years ago so we could have known then what we know now.
All we can do now, is try out best to inform anyone and everyone we can so they don’t waste their lives like we did. Hopefully, with the help of the internet and all the good books out there, we will see the end of this ugly, life-destroying cult in our lifetime.
Reply
 
 Brice says:

 December 14, 2014 at 6:07 pm

Agreed, hopefully, it will take place sooner than later.
If the pedophilia/child abuse lawsuits continue to pile up, as more and more previously abused ex-JWs have filed, collectively, this may prove to be the death-knell for the arrogant, pompous, the “King Has no Clothes” WT Society. The financial penalties issued by the courts may do them in. They will have deserved it, in more ways than one!
Stay strong, there is an entire community out engaged in both support for those that have ‘awakened” as well as those participating in some type of activism to bring down this apostate B-Org.
Be well… live, love and laugh as often as you can!!! The B-Org’s reach can only go so far….
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← Is JWsurvey.org an apostate website?
Why is God’s earthly organization so slow? →

Mark Sanderson confirmed as new Governing Body member
avatar
Posted on December 3, 2012

Mark Sanderson is not just a member of the Governing Body, he is also one eighth of the “faithful and discreet slave” – God’s sole channel with mankind

It has finally been confirmed on JW.org that Mark Sanderson is the latest brother to be appointed as a member of the Governing Body. The news comes an astonishing two and a half months after the announcement was first made to the bethel family in New York on September 5th 2012, and subsequently leaked online.
Sanderson, 47, has thus completed a meteoric rise to prominence. Only a few months ago he considered himself as only one of 12,000 anointed members of the “faithful and discreet slave” class, with no special role in dispensing “spiritual food”. Now, thanks to the “new understanding” unveiled at the Annual Meeting in October, he is officially one of only eight members of a reduced slave class, which is now only composed of members of the Governing Body (in other words, the small group of anointed brothers during Jesus’ presence serving at Watchtower Headquarters who are directly involved in the preparing and dispensing of spiritual food).
“Need to know” basis

As with the announcement about the “new understanding” on the slave class, the Society has been painfully slow when it comes to confirming information to lowly rank-and-file members of the worldwide brotherhood. Rather than being open and transparent about new developments, information seems to be being drip fed on a “need to know” basis.
The dramatic news about the slave class “new light” was in circulation online for over a month before finally being confirmed on JW.org – and even then it was only first made available in the English language to brothers with internet access. Similarly, the announcement about a new Governing Body member has been in circulation on the internet for two and a half months before official confirmation was belatedly provided in late November 2012 by means of a passing mention in an informational video.
In one of the latest videos to be uploaded to the new-look JW.org website, two members of the 133rd Gilead Class are interviewed during a meal at the Watchtower Educational Center at Patterson, New York (which was recently offered by the Society as surety in appealing against a verdict in a case involving child abuse).
The news is confirmed by way of a passing mention in a promotional video on the new-look JW.org website

Early in the video, at 00:19, the narrator Anthony Morris III says: “Brother Mark Sanderson, serving as Chairman for the noon program, made his first televised appearance to the bethel family as a newly appointed member of the Governing Body.”
To view the video for yourself, please click on this link.
This is the first and (thus far) ONLY mention of the appointment in any of the Society’s official channels. Some witnesses would argue that the understated way in which the news was released demonstrates how humble and lowly the Governing Body considers itself. However, the Governing Body could never be described as downplaying its role when the members demand such prominence on the Society’s DVDs, and have their positions announced every time they appear in public. Rather, the lack of timeliness and transparency in delivering the news clearly demonstrates that information is being dispensed on a “need to know” basis, and in that respect the worldwide brotherhood is not as unified as we are often led to believe.
An Unknown Quantity
As with all members of the Governing Body, little is known about Mark Sanderson by those outside the privileged circle of informed brothers serving at Worldwide Headquarters. It is hoped that, at some future point, the Society might finally get round to making a printed announcement in the publications that will shed some light on Sanderson’s background, even if this is just a brief summary of his accomplishments within the organization.
Many old-timers who have been in the organization for decades will be surprised at how young their new Governing Body member is

What is known is that Sanderson is extremely young when considering the normal age at which Governing Body members are usually appointed. He was born on February 4th 1965, making him only 47 years old (at the time of writing).
Obviously, such relative youthfulness would be considered normal for someone in a position of leadership at most worldwide organizations. However, many older long-serving Witnesses who have been in the organization for decades (and who expected Armageddon to have been and gone by now) will be at least slightly bemused to learn that someone young enough to be their son is now in a lofty position of oversight over them as one of only eight members of God’s chosen channel with mankind.
To shed more light on the appointment, Blog writer and Watchtower researcher Marvin Shilmer has written a short piece on Sanderson detailing his background in defending the blood issue. In the article, which can be found on this link, Shilmer reveals that Sanderson worked in the Society’s Hospital Information Services Department prior to being appointed. During his time in this position, Sanderson is said to have responded to a question about the number of fatalities among Witnesses who have refused blood transfusions by saying that it was difficult to estimate such a figure.
In the same blog, Marvin Shilmer conservatively estimates the number in question to be somewhere in the region of 50,000 deaths based on an extrapolation of Witness mortality figures provided in New Zealand. One could rightly ask: “If it is so easy for a blog writer to figure out the approximate number of deaths, why did Mark Sanderson say it was difficult when he has arguably more information at his disposal?”
A job that will get tougher…
I obviously do not know Mark Sanderson personally, and for that reason it would be unfair of me to judge his character. I can well remember how easy it is as an indoctrinated publisher to jump to the defence of the organization, even if this means distorting or exaggerating what one knows to be true. For all I know, Mark Sanderson may well be a perfectly nice brother who, like the rest of the Governing Body members, is simply deluded into thinking that he really truly is serving in a prominent role in God’s chosen organization.
Like other members of the Governing Body, Sanderson will be deluded into thinking he has a special role to play in God’s purpose

It is such delusion that will ensure that, like the rest of the Governing Body members, Sanderson will do whatever is necessary in the coming months and years to try to guarantee the Society’s growth and longevity as the decades tick by without any sign of Armageddon’s arrival. One thing is certain – it is now harder to fulfil this role than it was in recent years.
The worsening saga of legal battles in defence of the Society’s negligent child abuse policies, not to mention the continuing havoc that the internet is wreaking on the worldwide growth figures, will ensure that Sanderson has his work cut out for a good few years to come. We can only hope that his increasingly high-pressured role will be somewhat easier to bear with the knowledge that, as one eighth of the slave class, he now carries Jehovah’s direct approval and authority!





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← Is JWsurvey.org an apostate website?
Why is God’s earthly organization so slow? →

37 Responses to Mark Sanderson confirmed as new Governing Body member

 BeenMislead says:

 December 3, 2012 at 8:50 am

That is a good question … What qualifies Mark Sanderson to be of this now confirmed elite/elavated group above any other of the 12,000 anointed? Maybe it is because he proofed he can dodge questions like a politician!
Reply
 

 Yan Bibiyan says:

 December 3, 2012 at 10:22 am

Cedars, funny detail in the video clip from JW (dot) org are the closing credits, where the copywrite notice is 2013.
They sure run ahead of Jehovah, don’t they…
Reply
 

 00DAD says:

 December 3, 2012 at 10:36 am

Good, well-written article. I appreciate the way you highlight the MAJOR problems with this appointment, but do so in (as much as possible) a respectful way.
Seriously, how could a 47 year old guy be a GB member?
It just doesn’t make sense.
00DAD
Reply
 

 Rob Crompton says:

 December 4, 2012 at 12:00 pm

“Some witnesses would argue that the understated way in which the news was released demonstrates how humble and lowly the Governing Body considers itself.”
Hmm… A group of guys who believe that they have a God-given right to demand that their published opinions must be accepted without question, have banished the last trace of humility from their midst.
Reply
 

 Willows says:

 December 5, 2012 at 4:46 pm

Some questions I would like answered. A 47 year old in any congregation, would they be taken aside and given advice regarding those who take the emblems?
 Also I was under the impression those who partake of the emblems know their calling when baptized. Those who change their calling at a later date, the Elders like to talk to. Those of the current Governing Body, have they when baptized, always been of the heavenly calling?
Reply
 

 Newly Enlightened says:

 December 6, 2012 at 1:39 pm

One interesting thing about the ‘NEW light’ and the changes mentioned on the official JW website, not everyone has thought of, is this: If the GB is not going to be appointed over the ‘belongings/domestics’ until the great tribulation, then that means that Jesus did not cleanse his temple yet and that evil slave is still in the household! And according to Luke 12:35-59 is at a high position as to be able to beat his fellow slaves. An interesting side point about those vss in Luke 12:57-59 that because they did not settle matters speedily, they will be thrown into prison and pay to very last penny. There is no evidence that any of this happened in the 1914-1919 time frame. But there is now with all the child abuse cases being filed against the WB$TS
Reply
 
 EnochEnochEnoch says:

 December 7, 2012 at 8:07 pm

Hello Newly Enlightened. I believe you are absolutely right that the Evil Slave is within the household. Also, I believe the Evil Slave is not only lurking within the WTS, but also within all religions. I’d hate to give any credibility to the WTS by confining the Evil Slave only to the WTS. That would possibly justify the GB’s claim that the Faithful and Discreet Slave is only associated with their organization.
Reply
 
 

 EnochEnochEnoch says:

 December 7, 2012 at 7:54 pm

Hello Cedars. Thanks for all you are doing to educate us of the Governing Body’s workings. Even after almost 40 years in the WTS, I didn’t know alot of the things you and this website uncovers.
Thanks too for the link to Ray Franz’s book, “Crisis of Conscience”. The opportunity to receive inside information from a Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses member is huge in helping me understand the whys of the policy within the organization. I didn’t even consider asking why about anything while a member. I’m sure you know why I wouldn’t know to even ask, let alone what to ask.
My mission has been to inform my siblings and children of the WTS deception have fallen on blocked ears in the past and awarded me with the label “Apostate”. Now, I’m calling on the worldwide community to either help or pray the Governing Body releases its iron grip on the minds of the 7 million members under its control. With the valuable information that the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses is publicly admitting they are the policy makers (disguised as providers of proper food at the proper time, ie, the Faithful and Discreet Slave), I now legally perceive a face behind the organizational deceit.
What do you suggest may be done to appeal to whoever will help free Jehovah’s Witnesses from GB mind control? Waiting on Jehovah or being used by Jehovah is always a concern as well.
Reply
 
 Erik says:

 December 28, 2012 at 1:35 am

I think it is just the little things you say….as cheerfully as possible…I’ve stressed the noble-mindedness of us checking up on what our BIBLE says…toldem ‘I’m not a robot…plant happy little seeds : )
Reply
 
 rob valenti says:

 July 7, 2013 at 5:36 pm

because it’s not for any man to direct his own step according to jeremiah 10:23 planting little happy seeds will only get you alot of misdirection on your own.
Reply
 
 

 rob valenti says:

 July 7, 2013 at 5:34 pm

when the end time does come, who will you rely on to save you, yourself?
Reply
 
 

 Newly Enlightened says:

 December 8, 2012 at 2:56 pm

I agree, it appears that the evil slave is in all other religions also. I didn’t mean to make it sound like the WTS was special or have any channel to Jehovah.
Reply
 

 "oftaccused" says:

 December 9, 2012 at 9:26 am

Is everyone aware of the new $3 Billion Dollar Class Action Lawsuit in Australia? This could put the Society on the brink and anymore of the like which are surely on the way will place it in insolvency!
http://www.jwleaks.org/
Reply
 

 Erik says:

 December 28, 2012 at 1:29 am

I like the way you think…keep on truckin’….
Reply
 

 Mbouks says:

 January 21, 2013 at 10:41 am

I wonder why you people who condemn WTS can’t just form your own organization and leave Jehovah’s organization alone. It’s shocking that you have even infiltrated it by pretending to be its members and use its information for misleading purposes. You shall never ever find the organization that compares to it and has global appeal and direction. It may have made mistakes like Moses, Jonah, Peter who despite their shortcomings continued to be used by Jehovah. I hope you wake up from your delusions as this global outfit continues to grow by leaps and bounds because it is under the power of the Most High.
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 January 21, 2013 at 10:47 am

When you say “leaps and bounds” are you referring to the 1.9% growth in 2012? Hmm.
Also, YOU may think this is God’s organization, but those who muster the courage and take the time to research the history of the Watch Tower Society objectively often don’t see it that way. It’s interesting that you parrot the “where else would we go to” line of reasoning that your Brooklyn masters have taught you. Hopefully one day you will realise that God doesn’t demand that you attach yourself to an organization in order to be considered a good person.
Cedars
Reply
 
 

 Mbouks says:

 January 21, 2013 at 7:42 pm

You deliberately ignore the clear cut issue that ‘those who muster the courage’ ‘form your own organization’ and return to Christendom lies. Form you our organisation that shall stand against the likes of Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, Banda, Bokassa and should be found in every locality and has 7 million dedicated preachers globally. That also gets rid of apostate like you and your ilk that hide their faces and names to exist. I should havent bothered even communicating with you. What do you promise, ‘heavenly life on Abraham’s bosom?’ you might as well join the Catholic church.
Reply
 

 Julia Orwell says:

 January 27, 2013 at 2:17 am

I checked out that new organisational structure illustration on the official page and went totally ape, and my husband ran in and I said, “They’re like the pope!” and said to him, “Who is our mediator?” and he said, “Jesus.” and I said, “Look at this picture! Where’s Jesus? They’re putting themselves in between us and Jesus and Jehovah!” and showed him the Annual meeting report, and he said, “I always thought the FDS was all the annointed,” to which I said, “Well now it’s these eight guys!”
He looked troubled, troubled in the way one looks when one feels a loved one is about to go astray. I must say Jehovah’s Witnesses have done a lot for us both, especially when my husband learned about the bible and gave up drugs and bad stuff and is now so much happier. Living by the Bible has helped us to live happily, but I’m seeing now that it’s about God and Jesus and the spiritual journey and not being dictated to by some men.
Julia
Reply
 
 rob valenti says:

 July 7, 2013 at 5:28 pm

it’s not being dictated by some crazy people, it’s about the bride of christ having a role in todays society as a helper. please consider the informative material that helps an individual stay on the path of righteousness. jesus has a helper just like a husband has and he’s using it, but not only is he using it they are accepting the role. be appreciative, not searching for ways out. satan tried to diminish the structure of the marriage arraingement in the garden of eden and he succeded only because the participants were our original parents adam and eve who gave in to false reasoning and joined satan in independent thinking. how do we get “true” instruction if it’s not by Jehovah God?
Reply
 
 

 Kevin Rankin says:

 February 21, 2013 at 2:37 pm

There is no way that this man is anointed. And how does he know that he is?
Reply
 

 Randy G. says:

 March 22, 2013 at 7:23 am

Hi Cedars, You know you’re getting old (I was born in 1964), when you’re older than one of the GB members! Cheers, -Randy
Reply
 

 Elizheva says:

 April 16, 2013 at 12:57 pm

I was just reading the appeal by the WTBS in the Conti case. According to the appeal, Conti’s parents don’t support her claims and some of her claims seem unlikely.
In case you’re wondering, I’m not a member of the WBTS; just a person who tells it like it is.
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 April 16, 2013 at 1:07 pm

First of all, your comment is off-topic. Show some common decency to me and the other posters and write something that relates to the article in question.
 Secondly, I am good friends with Kathleen Conti (Candace’s mother) and she would be very interested to hear you say that she doesn’t support her daughter’s “claims” when she has been one of her daughter’s most vocal supporters since the trial began.
 The fact that you have openly lied about Candace’s parents (plural) indicates to me that you could also be lying about being a JW.
Reply
 
 

 rob valenti says:

 July 7, 2013 at 5:13 pm

it does make sense, because this “generation” that the bible speaks about means that the generation of annointed christians are coming out of one seed. it’s like a father having 12 kids, not all of the kids are going to be born on the same day, week, or month so likewise the generation is still being birthed and growing, but still coming from one father Jehovah. the bible says that they will be calling him ABBA meaning that they will be very close to him as christ’s bride. they will be hand picked by Jehovah through the coarse of time much like a beautiful bride picked for a prince. it’s only fair of Jehovah to have your peers judge the actual generations out of all the peoples who have ever lived. a jury of your peers if you will. so in conclusion, we are still growing in Jehovah’s organization. just because there are imperfect human beings in Jehovah’s organization doesn’t mean that you should not serve the one true God Jehovah. the gb is also still growing with the times as did the days of the ancient israelites under God’s direction. they still had to consult Jehovah in matters then and they are still consulting him now. it’s about obedience and direction, not about judgement. jeremiah 10:23 says it’s not for man to direct his own step. he must have Holy Spirit for understanding. it’s not important when the end comes. what is important is what are you doing when it arrives. the society is a provision by Jehovah to try and help you keep on the right path to that destination. it is a race of endurance! will you be there? i hope so.
Reply
 

 KtotheRAD "Konrad" says:

 July 7, 2013 at 5:46 pm

It sure will not be the Watchtower Society lawyers which has been the Governing Body’s choice thus far…
Reply
 

 Ben says:

 November 25, 2013 at 9:07 pm

Mbouks –
First, there are nowhere near “7 million dedicated preachers”. I know from decades of experience, many of those as a regular pioneer. Most JWs could not be described as being anything remotely resembling a ‘dedicated preacher’. There are a few that could be described that way, but most just look for easy ways to turn in time, many exaggerate their time, and some outright lie about it. Many of those who claim to preach are unqualified. They can’t explain their own doctines/beliefs, and they don’t know the history of their own organization. In fact, most of the really zealous ones don’t even know that. Heck, I doubt that even these newer governing body members really know the real history. Many JWs are just literature peddlers. So, to sum up my first point: you’re dead wrong; there ARE NOT seven million dedicated preachers!
Second, if we were Catholics, we wouldn’t have to hide. We’d be allowed to question and disagree. We hide because JWs won’t allow sincere questioning and healthy disagreement & discussion. The situation among JWs is like a modern-day inquisition. JWs go around criticizing and questioning everybody else’s beliefs, but don’t allow any criticism/questioning of their own.
Third, why would we want to “return to Christendom lies”? If we want lies, we can find plenty of them with JWs. Example: “Millions now living will never die” – said referring to those alive before 1925; indicated that that particular group alive back then would never die.
Reply
 

 Jerry W. Moore says:

 December 22, 2013 at 6:32 pm

If one checks the J.W. history and date setting and all the various changes in doctrine over the years, that has literally hurt and damaged peoples lives… {selling there homes before armageddon , not going to college etc etc give all these historical facts a real chance to sink in, most didnt have much information before being baptised. One should always be testing your own faith to make sure of all things…
Reply
 

 Excelsior, formerly known as George says:

 December 23, 2013 at 8:32 am

Folks, it’s a matter of fruitage!
Jesus saw ahead, and knew that many people would come along and say that they were from him. He told us to look at the fruitage of what we are told to do by these people.
The WTBTS, and its governing body have presided over many errors and crimes. Their fruitage is not from God.
God and Jesus would never allow the suffering of child abuse. They would not tell the GB to enact a child protection policy that is totally unfit for purpose, and, frankly, evil.
By their fruits will you know them. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, as Jesus illustrated.
I do not believe that Mark Sanderson has been chosen by Jesus to be a member of the GB. The fruitage does not tell me so.
Peace be with you
Excelsior!
Reply
 

 Silver words says:

 February 3, 2014 at 7:27 am

They are normal guys who just been appointed by themselves Jehovah is not among them but the Devil. The fall of JW Is coming fast that is why so many cases of child abuse/racism/abuse to sisters and been advice not to read the Bible in the 2007 kingdom ministry has to rise RED alarm bell. If we know that we need to get out now or it will be more difficult later. Trust in Jehovah he is letting it all happen to expose their Doctrines
Reply
 

 Silver words says:

 February 3, 2014 at 7:32 am

Yes you right Jesus said : ” you will regognise my disciples by the LOVE among themselves” Its not child malastation..what about the case of JW members hatred among themselves? As soon as you get baptised the hate starts..Alarm bells. Jesus is Love..Gossip is the biggest thing among JW. Yes you right Satan and his Demons are their Jehovah that is why like the catholics so many sexual charges are exposed
Reply
 

 Ricky Tenny says:

 February 9, 2014 at 11:56 am

Today my most unforgetable day I was really moved by talk given by Mark Sanderson. I thank Jehovah by giving such an encoragement through his organisation.
 Once again thank you Bro.Sanderson.
Reply
 

 So glad to be out says:

 February 9, 2014 at 12:41 pm

Ricky,
 If the most unforgettable day of your life has been listening to a talk by a guy who heads up an organisation that thousands are leaving every day and protects child abusers, then I would say you have not really had much of a day or a life.
Reply
 

 jimtie says:

 March 8, 2014 at 3:59 pm

The new governing body member being young must upset some sence most of them are firm that everyone anionted is suppost to be real old. They even say that some are probably mental. But as usual their leaders are hypocrits.
Reply
 

 Bai says:

 April 16, 2014 at 11:07 am

Mark was always a very nice likeable person with an amazing memory in the real world he could have done well, I genuinely believe he thinks he’s doing the right thing …… But who knows what really happens in a persons mind
Reply
 

 Excelsior says:

 April 16, 2014 at 12:26 pm

Bai,
That’s reality for you! A human being can be a personable, clubable, sort and yet commit the most horrific crimes.
No one is totally good or totally evil. We are all on a continuum between our better and our worse selves.
Sanderson has joined a body of men who have profound power over eight million people. He condones and continues a child protection policy that is simply wrong, amongst many other crimes.
Go figure!
Peace be with you
Excelsior!
Reply
 

 JOHN ROSS says:

 July 11, 2014 at 12:57 pm

I knew Mark as a kid. We were in the same congregation. He was a truly nice, kind, compassionate boy. His father was one of only TWO people from my JW childhood who were kind and loving when I was DF’d. He always stopped to ask how I was if we ran into each other out in the world. He was genuinely interested, kind, and took the time & interest in me (albeit briefly) despite the admonishment to shun. He never preached or coerced me to “come back.” He was happy to see me “as is.” Mark, too, always asked after me to relatives. He has a good heart. I can’t condone the same JW policies that he surely supports as a GB member, but I can say with confidence that he’s a good man. I knew him as a dedicated Pioneer and not into it to “move up the ladder” but rather because he believes what he teaches. Since he is a devout JW (obviously) I’m happy for his “success” in being invited to the GB. My sincere hope is that he can bring some kindness and compassion to a otherwise dogmatic, self-serving, & “CYA” group. I am still a DF’d former JW, and I disagree VEHEMENTLY with the shunning policy, child abuse cover-ups, out of control regulations of personal lives, etc. However, I think there are JW’s like Mark who genuinely believe they can help and save people before Armageddon arrives. The Org needs MORE KIND FOLK like him and less Power hungry, letter-of-the-law types that have been in power for so long.
Reply
 

 arimatthewdavies says:

 November 22, 2014 at 11:06 am

Now as to a organization or group of men being gods sole earthly representative .I’ve got to rebuke that.the g.b. is gods representative in the same way the police is gods servant. The organization is the sole true religion if your goal in life is to be a publisher of written materials..that does not make Jehovah’s witnesses better than the small church down the road that meets reads the bible than goes out testifying in public with nothing but a bible. To openly say to the public we eight men are Jehovah’s ultimate authority on earth..well I would run with haste!
 Jesus came to do what? Destroy all power and authority. And rule earth himself long enough so that people would never ever turn to men or false gods again for leadership!
 So men and lady’s of god. Who do you believe jesus Christ or men who have birth certificates just like you and me?
I don’t know about you but I have to pick jesus. Their just something about that name that says pick me you can’t lose.
Reply
 

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← Is JWsurvey.org an apostate website?
Why is God’s earthly organization so slow? →

Mark Sanderson confirmed as new Governing Body member
avatar
Posted on December 3, 2012

Mark Sanderson is not just a member of the Governing Body, he is also one eighth of the “faithful and discreet slave” – God’s sole channel with mankind

It has finally been confirmed on JW.org that Mark Sanderson is the latest brother to be appointed as a member of the Governing Body. The news comes an astonishing two and a half months after the announcement was first made to the bethel family in New York on September 5th 2012, and subsequently leaked online.
Sanderson, 47, has thus completed a meteoric rise to prominence. Only a few months ago he considered himself as only one of 12,000 anointed members of the “faithful and discreet slave” class, with no special role in dispensing “spiritual food”. Now, thanks to the “new understanding” unveiled at the Annual Meeting in October, he is officially one of only eight members of a reduced slave class, which is now only composed of members of the Governing Body (in other words, the small group of anointed brothers during Jesus’ presence serving at Watchtower Headquarters who are directly involved in the preparing and dispensing of spiritual food).
“Need to know” basis

As with the announcement about the “new understanding” on the slave class, the Society has been painfully slow when it comes to confirming information to lowly rank-and-file members of the worldwide brotherhood. Rather than being open and transparent about new developments, information seems to be being drip fed on a “need to know” basis.
The dramatic news about the slave class “new light” was in circulation online for over a month before finally being confirmed on JW.org – and even then it was only first made available in the English language to brothers with internet access. Similarly, the announcement about a new Governing Body member has been in circulation on the internet for two and a half months before official confirmation was belatedly provided in late November 2012 by means of a passing mention in an informational video.
In one of the latest videos to be uploaded to the new-look JW.org website, two members of the 133rd Gilead Class are interviewed during a meal at the Watchtower Educational Center at Patterson, New York (which was recently offered by the Society as surety in appealing against a verdict in a case involving child abuse).
The news is confirmed by way of a passing mention in a promotional video on the new-look JW.org website

Early in the video, at 00:19, the narrator Anthony Morris III says: “Brother Mark Sanderson, serving as Chairman for the noon program, made his first televised appearance to the bethel family as a newly appointed member of the Governing Body.”
To view the video for yourself, please click on this link.
This is the first and (thus far) ONLY mention of the appointment in any of the Society’s official channels. Some witnesses would argue that the understated way in which the news was released demonstrates how humble and lowly the Governing Body considers itself. However, the Governing Body could never be described as downplaying its role when the members demand such prominence on the Society’s DVDs, and have their positions announced every time they appear in public. Rather, the lack of timeliness and transparency in delivering the news clearly demonstrates that information is being dispensed on a “need to know” basis, and in that respect the worldwide brotherhood is not as unified as we are often led to believe.
An Unknown Quantity
As with all members of the Governing Body, little is known about Mark Sanderson by those outside the privileged circle of informed brothers serving at Worldwide Headquarters. It is hoped that, at some future point, the Society might finally get round to making a printed announcement in the publications that will shed some light on Sanderson’s background, even if this is just a brief summary of his accomplishments within the organization.
Many old-timers who have been in the organization for decades will be surprised at how young their new Governing Body member is

What is known is that Sanderson is extremely young when considering the normal age at which Governing Body members are usually appointed. He was born on February 4th 1965, making him only 47 years old (at the time of writing).
Obviously, such relative youthfulness would be considered normal for someone in a position of leadership at most worldwide organizations. However, many older long-serving Witnesses who have been in the organization for decades (and who expected Armageddon to have been and gone by now) will be at least slightly bemused to learn that someone young enough to be their son is now in a lofty position of oversight over them as one of only eight members of God’s chosen channel with mankind.
To shed more light on the appointment, Blog writer and Watchtower researcher Marvin Shilmer has written a short piece on Sanderson detailing his background in defending the blood issue. In the article, which can be found on this link, Shilmer reveals that Sanderson worked in the Society’s Hospital Information Services Department prior to being appointed. During his time in this position, Sanderson is said to have responded to a question about the number of fatalities among Witnesses who have refused blood transfusions by saying that it was difficult to estimate such a figure.
In the same blog, Marvin Shilmer conservatively estimates the number in question to be somewhere in the region of 50,000 deaths based on an extrapolation of Witness mortality figures provided in New Zealand. One could rightly ask: “If it is so easy for a blog writer to figure out the approximate number of deaths, why did Mark Sanderson say it was difficult when he has arguably more information at his disposal?”
A job that will get tougher…
I obviously do not know Mark Sanderson personally, and for that reason it would be unfair of me to judge his character. I can well remember how easy it is as an indoctrinated publisher to jump to the defence of the organization, even if this means distorting or exaggerating what one knows to be true. For all I know, Mark Sanderson may well be a perfectly nice brother who, like the rest of the Governing Body members, is simply deluded into thinking that he really truly is serving in a prominent role in God’s chosen organization.
Like other members of the Governing Body, Sanderson will be deluded into thinking he has a special role to play in God’s purpose

It is such delusion that will ensure that, like the rest of the Governing Body members, Sanderson will do whatever is necessary in the coming months and years to try to guarantee the Society’s growth and longevity as the decades tick by without any sign of Armageddon’s arrival. One thing is certain – it is now harder to fulfil this role than it was in recent years.
The worsening saga of legal battles in defence of the Society’s negligent child abuse policies, not to mention the continuing havoc that the internet is wreaking on the worldwide growth figures, will ensure that Sanderson has his work cut out for a good few years to come. We can only hope that his increasingly high-pressured role will be somewhat easier to bear with the knowledge that, as one eighth of the slave class, he now carries Jehovah’s direct approval and authority!





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← Is JWsurvey.org an apostate website?
Why is God’s earthly organization so slow? →

37 Responses to Mark Sanderson confirmed as new Governing Body member

 BeenMislead says:

 December 3, 2012 at 8:50 am

That is a good question … What qualifies Mark Sanderson to be of this now confirmed elite/elavated group above any other of the 12,000 anointed? Maybe it is because he proofed he can dodge questions like a politician!
Reply
 

 Yan Bibiyan says:

 December 3, 2012 at 10:22 am

Cedars, funny detail in the video clip from JW (dot) org are the closing credits, where the copywrite notice is 2013.
They sure run ahead of Jehovah, don’t they…
Reply
 

 00DAD says:

 December 3, 2012 at 10:36 am

Good, well-written article. I appreciate the way you highlight the MAJOR problems with this appointment, but do so in (as much as possible) a respectful way.
Seriously, how could a 47 year old guy be a GB member?
It just doesn’t make sense.
00DAD
Reply
 

 Rob Crompton says:

 December 4, 2012 at 12:00 pm

“Some witnesses would argue that the understated way in which the news was released demonstrates how humble and lowly the Governing Body considers itself.”
Hmm… A group of guys who believe that they have a God-given right to demand that their published opinions must be accepted without question, have banished the last trace of humility from their midst.
Reply
 

 Willows says:

 December 5, 2012 at 4:46 pm

Some questions I would like answered. A 47 year old in any congregation, would they be taken aside and given advice regarding those who take the emblems?
 Also I was under the impression those who partake of the emblems know their calling when baptized. Those who change their calling at a later date, the Elders like to talk to. Those of the current Governing Body, have they when baptized, always been of the heavenly calling?
Reply
 

 Newly Enlightened says:

 December 6, 2012 at 1:39 pm

One interesting thing about the ‘NEW light’ and the changes mentioned on the official JW website, not everyone has thought of, is this: If the GB is not going to be appointed over the ‘belongings/domestics’ until the great tribulation, then that means that Jesus did not cleanse his temple yet and that evil slave is still in the household! And according to Luke 12:35-59 is at a high position as to be able to beat his fellow slaves. An interesting side point about those vss in Luke 12:57-59 that because they did not settle matters speedily, they will be thrown into prison and pay to very last penny. There is no evidence that any of this happened in the 1914-1919 time frame. But there is now with all the child abuse cases being filed against the WB$TS
Reply
 
 EnochEnochEnoch says:

 December 7, 2012 at 8:07 pm

Hello Newly Enlightened. I believe you are absolutely right that the Evil Slave is within the household. Also, I believe the Evil Slave is not only lurking within the WTS, but also within all religions. I’d hate to give any credibility to the WTS by confining the Evil Slave only to the WTS. That would possibly justify the GB’s claim that the Faithful and Discreet Slave is only associated with their organization.
Reply
 
 

 EnochEnochEnoch says:

 December 7, 2012 at 7:54 pm

Hello Cedars. Thanks for all you are doing to educate us of the Governing Body’s workings. Even after almost 40 years in the WTS, I didn’t know alot of the things you and this website uncovers.
Thanks too for the link to Ray Franz’s book, “Crisis of Conscience”. The opportunity to receive inside information from a Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses member is huge in helping me understand the whys of the policy within the organization. I didn’t even consider asking why about anything while a member. I’m sure you know why I wouldn’t know to even ask, let alone what to ask.
My mission has been to inform my siblings and children of the WTS deception have fallen on blocked ears in the past and awarded me with the label “Apostate”. Now, I’m calling on the worldwide community to either help or pray the Governing Body releases its iron grip on the minds of the 7 million members under its control. With the valuable information that the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses is publicly admitting they are the policy makers (disguised as providers of proper food at the proper time, ie, the Faithful and Discreet Slave), I now legally perceive a face behind the organizational deceit.
What do you suggest may be done to appeal to whoever will help free Jehovah’s Witnesses from GB mind control? Waiting on Jehovah or being used by Jehovah is always a concern as well.
Reply
 
 Erik says:

 December 28, 2012 at 1:35 am

I think it is just the little things you say….as cheerfully as possible…I’ve stressed the noble-mindedness of us checking up on what our BIBLE says…toldem ‘I’m not a robot…plant happy little seeds : )
Reply
 
 rob valenti says:

 July 7, 2013 at 5:36 pm

because it’s not for any man to direct his own step according to jeremiah 10:23 planting little happy seeds will only get you alot of misdirection on your own.
Reply
 
 

 rob valenti says:

 July 7, 2013 at 5:34 pm

when the end time does come, who will you rely on to save you, yourself?
Reply
 
 

 Newly Enlightened says:

 December 8, 2012 at 2:56 pm

I agree, it appears that the evil slave is in all other religions also. I didn’t mean to make it sound like the WTS was special or have any channel to Jehovah.
Reply
 

 "oftaccused" says:

 December 9, 2012 at 9:26 am

Is everyone aware of the new $3 Billion Dollar Class Action Lawsuit in Australia? This could put the Society on the brink and anymore of the like which are surely on the way will place it in insolvency!
http://www.jwleaks.org/
Reply
 

 Erik says:

 December 28, 2012 at 1:29 am

I like the way you think…keep on truckin’….
Reply
 

 Mbouks says:

 January 21, 2013 at 10:41 am

I wonder why you people who condemn WTS can’t just form your own organization and leave Jehovah’s organization alone. It’s shocking that you have even infiltrated it by pretending to be its members and use its information for misleading purposes. You shall never ever find the organization that compares to it and has global appeal and direction. It may have made mistakes like Moses, Jonah, Peter who despite their shortcomings continued to be used by Jehovah. I hope you wake up from your delusions as this global outfit continues to grow by leaps and bounds because it is under the power of the Most High.
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 January 21, 2013 at 10:47 am

When you say “leaps and bounds” are you referring to the 1.9% growth in 2012? Hmm.
Also, YOU may think this is God’s organization, but those who muster the courage and take the time to research the history of the Watch Tower Society objectively often don’t see it that way. It’s interesting that you parrot the “where else would we go to” line of reasoning that your Brooklyn masters have taught you. Hopefully one day you will realise that God doesn’t demand that you attach yourself to an organization in order to be considered a good person.
Cedars
Reply
 
 

 Mbouks says:

 January 21, 2013 at 7:42 pm

You deliberately ignore the clear cut issue that ‘those who muster the courage’ ‘form your own organization’ and return to Christendom lies. Form you our organisation that shall stand against the likes of Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, Banda, Bokassa and should be found in every locality and has 7 million dedicated preachers globally. That also gets rid of apostate like you and your ilk that hide their faces and names to exist. I should havent bothered even communicating with you. What do you promise, ‘heavenly life on Abraham’s bosom?’ you might as well join the Catholic church.
Reply
 

 Julia Orwell says:

 January 27, 2013 at 2:17 am

I checked out that new organisational structure illustration on the official page and went totally ape, and my husband ran in and I said, “They’re like the pope!” and said to him, “Who is our mediator?” and he said, “Jesus.” and I said, “Look at this picture! Where’s Jesus? They’re putting themselves in between us and Jesus and Jehovah!” and showed him the Annual meeting report, and he said, “I always thought the FDS was all the annointed,” to which I said, “Well now it’s these eight guys!”
He looked troubled, troubled in the way one looks when one feels a loved one is about to go astray. I must say Jehovah’s Witnesses have done a lot for us both, especially when my husband learned about the bible and gave up drugs and bad stuff and is now so much happier. Living by the Bible has helped us to live happily, but I’m seeing now that it’s about God and Jesus and the spiritual journey and not being dictated to by some men.
Julia
Reply
 
 rob valenti says:

 July 7, 2013 at 5:28 pm

it’s not being dictated by some crazy people, it’s about the bride of christ having a role in todays society as a helper. please consider the informative material that helps an individual stay on the path of righteousness. jesus has a helper just like a husband has and he’s using it, but not only is he using it they are accepting the role. be appreciative, not searching for ways out. satan tried to diminish the structure of the marriage arraingement in the garden of eden and he succeded only because the participants were our original parents adam and eve who gave in to false reasoning and joined satan in independent thinking. how do we get “true” instruction if it’s not by Jehovah God?
Reply
 
 

 Kevin Rankin says:

 February 21, 2013 at 2:37 pm

There is no way that this man is anointed. And how does he know that he is?
Reply
 

 Randy G. says:

 March 22, 2013 at 7:23 am

Hi Cedars, You know you’re getting old (I was born in 1964), when you’re older than one of the GB members! Cheers, -Randy
Reply
 

 Elizheva says:

 April 16, 2013 at 12:57 pm

I was just reading the appeal by the WTBS in the Conti case. According to the appeal, Conti’s parents don’t support her claims and some of her claims seem unlikely.
In case you’re wondering, I’m not a member of the WBTS; just a person who tells it like it is.
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 April 16, 2013 at 1:07 pm

First of all, your comment is off-topic. Show some common decency to me and the other posters and write something that relates to the article in question.
 Secondly, I am good friends with Kathleen Conti (Candace’s mother) and she would be very interested to hear you say that she doesn’t support her daughter’s “claims” when she has been one of her daughter’s most vocal supporters since the trial began.
 The fact that you have openly lied about Candace’s parents (plural) indicates to me that you could also be lying about being a JW.
Reply
 
 

 rob valenti says:

 July 7, 2013 at 5:13 pm

it does make sense, because this “generation” that the bible speaks about means that the generation of annointed christians are coming out of one seed. it’s like a father having 12 kids, not all of the kids are going to be born on the same day, week, or month so likewise the generation is still being birthed and growing, but still coming from one father Jehovah. the bible says that they will be calling him ABBA meaning that they will be very close to him as christ’s bride. they will be hand picked by Jehovah through the coarse of time much like a beautiful bride picked for a prince. it’s only fair of Jehovah to have your peers judge the actual generations out of all the peoples who have ever lived. a jury of your peers if you will. so in conclusion, we are still growing in Jehovah’s organization. just because there are imperfect human beings in Jehovah’s organization doesn’t mean that you should not serve the one true God Jehovah. the gb is also still growing with the times as did the days of the ancient israelites under God’s direction. they still had to consult Jehovah in matters then and they are still consulting him now. it’s about obedience and direction, not about judgement. jeremiah 10:23 says it’s not for man to direct his own step. he must have Holy Spirit for understanding. it’s not important when the end comes. what is important is what are you doing when it arrives. the society is a provision by Jehovah to try and help you keep on the right path to that destination. it is a race of endurance! will you be there? i hope so.
Reply
 

 KtotheRAD "Konrad" says:

 July 7, 2013 at 5:46 pm

It sure will not be the Watchtower Society lawyers which has been the Governing Body’s choice thus far…
Reply
 

 Ben says:

 November 25, 2013 at 9:07 pm

Mbouks –
First, there are nowhere near “7 million dedicated preachers”. I know from decades of experience, many of those as a regular pioneer. Most JWs could not be described as being anything remotely resembling a ‘dedicated preacher’. There are a few that could be described that way, but most just look for easy ways to turn in time, many exaggerate their time, and some outright lie about it. Many of those who claim to preach are unqualified. They can’t explain their own doctines/beliefs, and they don’t know the history of their own organization. In fact, most of the really zealous ones don’t even know that. Heck, I doubt that even these newer governing body members really know the real history. Many JWs are just literature peddlers. So, to sum up my first point: you’re dead wrong; there ARE NOT seven million dedicated preachers!
Second, if we were Catholics, we wouldn’t have to hide. We’d be allowed to question and disagree. We hide because JWs won’t allow sincere questioning and healthy disagreement & discussion. The situation among JWs is like a modern-day inquisition. JWs go around criticizing and questioning everybody else’s beliefs, but don’t allow any criticism/questioning of their own.
Third, why would we want to “return to Christendom lies”? If we want lies, we can find plenty of them with JWs. Example: “Millions now living will never die” – said referring to those alive before 1925; indicated that that particular group alive back then would never die.
Reply
 

 Jerry W. Moore says:

 December 22, 2013 at 6:32 pm

If one checks the J.W. history and date setting and all the various changes in doctrine over the years, that has literally hurt and damaged peoples lives… {selling there homes before armageddon , not going to college etc etc give all these historical facts a real chance to sink in, most didnt have much information before being baptised. One should always be testing your own faith to make sure of all things…
Reply
 

 Excelsior, formerly known as George says:

 December 23, 2013 at 8:32 am

Folks, it’s a matter of fruitage!
Jesus saw ahead, and knew that many people would come along and say that they were from him. He told us to look at the fruitage of what we are told to do by these people.
The WTBTS, and its governing body have presided over many errors and crimes. Their fruitage is not from God.
God and Jesus would never allow the suffering of child abuse. They would not tell the GB to enact a child protection policy that is totally unfit for purpose, and, frankly, evil.
By their fruits will you know them. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, as Jesus illustrated.
I do not believe that Mark Sanderson has been chosen by Jesus to be a member of the GB. The fruitage does not tell me so.
Peace be with you
Excelsior!
Reply
 

 Silver words says:

 February 3, 2014 at 7:27 am

They are normal guys who just been appointed by themselves Jehovah is not among them but the Devil. The fall of JW Is coming fast that is why so many cases of child abuse/racism/abuse to sisters and been advice not to read the Bible in the 2007 kingdom ministry has to rise RED alarm bell. If we know that we need to get out now or it will be more difficult later. Trust in Jehovah he is letting it all happen to expose their Doctrines
Reply
 

 Silver words says:

 February 3, 2014 at 7:32 am

Yes you right Jesus said : ” you will regognise my disciples by the LOVE among themselves” Its not child malastation..what about the case of JW members hatred among themselves? As soon as you get baptised the hate starts..Alarm bells. Jesus is Love..Gossip is the biggest thing among JW. Yes you right Satan and his Demons are their Jehovah that is why like the catholics so many sexual charges are exposed
Reply
 

 Ricky Tenny says:

 February 9, 2014 at 11:56 am

Today my most unforgetable day I was really moved by talk given by Mark Sanderson. I thank Jehovah by giving such an encoragement through his organisation.
 Once again thank you Bro.Sanderson.
Reply
 

 So glad to be out says:

 February 9, 2014 at 12:41 pm

Ricky,
 If the most unforgettable day of your life has been listening to a talk by a guy who heads up an organisation that thousands are leaving every day and protects child abusers, then I would say you have not really had much of a day or a life.
Reply
 

 jimtie says:

 March 8, 2014 at 3:59 pm

The new governing body member being young must upset some sence most of them are firm that everyone anionted is suppost to be real old. They even say that some are probably mental. But as usual their leaders are hypocrits.
Reply
 

 Bai says:

 April 16, 2014 at 11:07 am

Mark was always a very nice likeable person with an amazing memory in the real world he could have done well, I genuinely believe he thinks he’s doing the right thing …… But who knows what really happens in a persons mind
Reply
 

 Excelsior says:

 April 16, 2014 at 12:26 pm

Bai,
That’s reality for you! A human being can be a personable, clubable, sort and yet commit the most horrific crimes.
No one is totally good or totally evil. We are all on a continuum between our better and our worse selves.
Sanderson has joined a body of men who have profound power over eight million people. He condones and continues a child protection policy that is simply wrong, amongst many other crimes.
Go figure!
Peace be with you
Excelsior!
Reply
 

 JOHN ROSS says:

 July 11, 2014 at 12:57 pm

I knew Mark as a kid. We were in the same congregation. He was a truly nice, kind, compassionate boy. His father was one of only TWO people from my JW childhood who were kind and loving when I was DF’d. He always stopped to ask how I was if we ran into each other out in the world. He was genuinely interested, kind, and took the time & interest in me (albeit briefly) despite the admonishment to shun. He never preached or coerced me to “come back.” He was happy to see me “as is.” Mark, too, always asked after me to relatives. He has a good heart. I can’t condone the same JW policies that he surely supports as a GB member, but I can say with confidence that he’s a good man. I knew him as a dedicated Pioneer and not into it to “move up the ladder” but rather because he believes what he teaches. Since he is a devout JW (obviously) I’m happy for his “success” in being invited to the GB. My sincere hope is that he can bring some kindness and compassion to a otherwise dogmatic, self-serving, & “CYA” group. I am still a DF’d former JW, and I disagree VEHEMENTLY with the shunning policy, child abuse cover-ups, out of control regulations of personal lives, etc. However, I think there are JW’s like Mark who genuinely believe they can help and save people before Armageddon arrives. The Org needs MORE KIND FOLK like him and less Power hungry, letter-of-the-law types that have been in power for so long.
Reply
 

 arimatthewdavies says:

 November 22, 2014 at 11:06 am

Now as to a organization or group of men being gods sole earthly representative .I’ve got to rebuke that.the g.b. is gods representative in the same way the police is gods servant. The organization is the sole true religion if your goal in life is to be a publisher of written materials..that does not make Jehovah’s witnesses better than the small church down the road that meets reads the bible than goes out testifying in public with nothing but a bible. To openly say to the public we eight men are Jehovah’s ultimate authority on earth..well I would run with haste!
 Jesus came to do what? Destroy all power and authority. And rule earth himself long enough so that people would never ever turn to men or false gods again for leadership!
 So men and lady’s of god. Who do you believe jesus Christ or men who have birth certificates just like you and me?
I don’t know about you but I have to pick jesus. Their just something about that name that says pick me you can’t lose.
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← Mark Sanderson confirmed as new Governing Body member
The Book Corner – Paradise Earth: Day Zero →

Why is God’s earthly organization so slow?
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Posted on December 20, 2012

If Jehovah’s holy spirit is directing the Watch Tower Society, why is it so slow to provide information about new developments?

2012 has certainly been a very eventful year for the Watch Tower Society. Not only did they unveil a profound new understanding of the “Faithful and Discreet Slave” at the Annual Meeting in October – they also spent the latter half of the year managing the fall-out from the Candace Conti verdict. Additionally, a new version of JW.org went online, and a new 47-year-old member of the Governing Body was unveiled to the world. The Society has definitely been keeping me busy with things to write about, that’s for sure!
As I look back on this eventful year, and the surprising developments that have affected the organization, I can’t help but look at the Society in a different way from how I viewed it only twelve months ago. You see, I grew up thinking of the Watch Tower Society as being a highly organized, well-oiled machine that could respond quickly to any situation. Now though, I am genuinely dumbfounded by how slow and clumsy the Society has proved to be when responding to developments or dispensing important information to the worldwide brotherhood. This doesn’t seem to correspond with how Jehovah’s organization is supposed to operate in the literature.
A lightning-quick organization?
The Society applies Ezekiel’s vision of Jehovah’s celestial chariot to God’s heavenly organization. In chapter 1 of Ezekiel, the ancient prophet describes the heavenly chariot moving with lightning speed. (Ezekiel 1:14) A recent Watchtower article explained how God’s holy spirit was the driving force behind the chariot-like organization, and urged that we keep pace with it by remaining “obedient and loyal” to the Faithful Slave.

“Jehovah uses his spirit to lead his organization in the direction that he wants it to go. In Ezekiel’s vision, the heavenly part of Jehovah’s organization is depicted as a celestial chariot that is irresistibly on the move to fulfill Jehovah’s purpose. What impels the chariot to move in a certain direction? Holy spirit. (Ezek. 1:20, 21) Let us remember that Jehovah’s organization is made up of two parts, one in heaven and the other on earth. If the heavenly part is directed by holy spirit, the same must be true of the earthly part. By being obedient and loyal to the direction received from the earthly part of God’s organization, you show that you are keeping pace with Jehovah’s celestial chariot and are working in harmony with his holy spirit.—Heb. 13:17.” (The Watchtower, 4/15 2010 pp. 9-10.)
You might read the above and think it would be unfair to expect Jehovah’s earthly organization to move with great speed simply because God’s heavenly organization does. Surely that would be like asking the tortoise to keep up with the hare! However, consider these comments from a 1991 Watchtower article…

“There is no question that God’s visible organization is keeping up with his celestial chariotlike organization. As did Ezekiel, Jehovah’s servants today must obediently carry out their prophetic commission despite indifference, ridicule, or even opposition. Keeping pace leads to many blessings now and everlasting life in God’s fast-approaching new world.” (The Watchtower 1/15 1991 page 26)
So we are led to believe that God’s visible (or earthly) organization is “keeping up” with God’s heavenly chariot-like organization. If this is true, then Jehovah’s heavenly chariot, or organization, is not quite as agile as Ezekiel’s words seem to convey. As an example, consider three developments from this year, each of which demonstrate extreme lethargy and slowness on the part of the Society.
Slow with responding to the Candace Conti verdict
The Candace Conti verdict may well go down as the single most damaging legal defeat in the Society’s history, regardless of whether the Society prevails with their current appeal or not. It exposed a series of events in which Watchtower allowed a nine-year-old girl to be abused at the hands of a man in her congregation who was already known to the elders as a child molester.
It took six days for the Society’s PR department under J. R. Brown (pictured) to issue a response to the Candace Conti verdict

Within hours of the news breaking on 14th June, numerous reputable news websites were carrying the story. The internet was awash with details of the verdict and the reasons why the Society had been found legally responsible. Even so, it took six days for the Society to finally muster up a paltry 211-word statement on its official web pages. The statement, dated June 20th, did not address any of the key issues raised by the judgment, and merely attempted to shift blame for what happened onto “individual members” of the organization.
Six days may not sound like too much of a delay, but given the enormous implications of the verdict and the intense media scrutiny, the Society’s silence in the immediate aftermath of the judgment spoke volumes. It gave the impression that they were struggling to come to terms with what had happened, or were simply unable to formulate a timely and eloquent response.
Bear in mind that Watchtower knew about this verdict at the same time as everyone else, because they were on the receiving end of it! It is therefore hard for one to understand why the Society dragged their feet to the extent they did on this issue without concluding that the organization is nowhere near as slick and efficient as they often lead us to believe.
Slow with announcing a new Governing Body member
At morning worship on September 5th, 2012, Mark Sanderson was unveiled to the Bethel family in New York as a newly appointed member of the Governing Body. The news quickly spread on JW forums, but initially there was no official confirmation on the Society’s new website.
Bethel workers received confirmation of Mark Sanderson’s appointment months before ordinary publishers

Months passed before current Governing Body member Anthony Morris III finally mentioned Brother Sanderson’s new status as part of his narration of a short video about the Gilead graduation that was released on JW.org at the end of November.
Some would perhaps argue that this lengthy delay in confirming the appointment to the worldwide brotherhood demonstrates that the Society doesn’t give undue esteem to the role of a Governing Body member. However, such ones are perhaps overlooking the fact that being on the Governing Body now effectively makes you a member of the faithful and discreet slave class mentioned in the bible! Also, Governing Body members can hardly be said to downplay the significance of their position when they demand such prominence on DVD releases, and have their positions announced ahead of them whenever they give talks at conventions or assemblies.
As with the delay to the news of the Conti verdict, we can rightly ask: just what was the Writing Department (especially those responsible for posting relevant news on JW.org) doing for two and a half months while the news of Mark’s appointment was being spread online? Do they not consider it important to update the brothers on these sorts of developments? Would they rather give third-party websites such as this the opportunity to break the news instead?
Slow with dispensing “spiritual food at the proper time”
The most obvious example of the slowness and ineptitude of the organization in 2012 has to be the shoddy and ill-thought-out manner in which the news of the “new light” announced at the Annual Meeting was disseminated to the worldwide brotherhood.
The profound news that the Governing Body is now to be considered as the manifestation of the “faithful and discreet slave” spoken of in Matthew 24:45 was announced on October 5th at the Stanley Theater, New Jersey, to an initial audience of some 15,000 privileged guests and onlookers.
Within 24 hours of the words being uttered from the platform by the Governing Body members, websites such as this were carrying news of the new understanding to the farthest reaches of the planet. Even so, it took more than a month for the news to be finally confirmed on the Society’s official web pages. Moreover, unless you are able to read English, you would have been oblivious to the new understanding (unless through word of mouth) for a further month before the JW.org article was finally made available in languages other than English as late as December. This hardly attests to the organization being truly united in viewing brothers of all nations and languages with equal importance. (Acts 10:34)
Whether the Governing Body now looks back on this mess with a feeling of regret that things could not have been done more smoothly, only they will know. What is certain is that the whole fiasco made a mockery of the claim that they, as Christ’s composite “faithful and discreet slave”, deliver spiritual food “at the proper time” to ALL of their brothers around the globe, regardless of what language they speak or whether they have access to the internet. The shambolic way in which the “new light” was disseminated proved that, in order to receive timely spiritual food, you need a good knowledge of the English language, and an internet connection! This is hardly what Christ would have had in mind when he was talking to his disciples about dispensing spiritual food on the Mount of Olives.
Rather than a lightning-quick celestial chariot, the Watchtower organization would be more closely likened to a broken down cart

When considering the above three examples of the organization’s slowness and ineptitude, it is difficult to accept the premise from the beginning of this article that the Society truly represents God’s earthly organization, which is so fast and agile that it is “keeping up with [God’s] celestial chariot-like organization.”
If Jehovah’s celestial chariot, as envisioned by Ezekiel, was a broken and twisted old cart, it wouldn’t be too hard to see the likeness! However, we are talking about a heavenly organization that was symbolically described as moving like lightning in any direction. When we look at the cumbersome and belated manner in which the organization has responded to a few straightforward PR/doctrinal matters, “lightning” is not a word that springs to mind in describing the speed or manner in which these things were dealt with. But this begs the question, why is the Society so very slow?
An organization obsessed with itself
Perhaps a clue as to why the Society has been so slow to respond over the past year can be found in a video that was recently uploaded to JW.org. The video, which runs to 3 minutes, 50 seconds, is a tribute to the iconic “Watchtower” sign on the roof of the World Headquarters in Brooklyn. The video is finished to an extremely high standard, and must have entailed considerable production costs. It features overhead helicopter shots of the sign itself, and even a period re-enactment of the events leading up to the sign being first installed in 1969, complete with vintage vehicles from that era. After viewing the video, and considering how much it must have cost both in donated money and volunteer hours to make, many thinking publishers will be left scratching their heads asking: “What was the point of all that?”
The Society has devoted one of its latest videos to its sign on the Brooklyn waterfront

Not once in the audio to the video was a scripture cited. In fact, the words “God” and “Bible” were not mentioned once. It is therefore hard to comprehend how an organization that prides itself on its bible education work could have justified devoting so much time and money to a video that essentially glorifies its own manmade organization and a piece of its architectural heritage. Shouldn’t videos of this sort be focusing on Jehovah God and his inspired word, rather than the achievements of men?
The reason why the Society evidently felt the need to make this video is because it has become obsessed with itself and its image rather than its message. The Governing Body and senior figures at World Headquarters now unknowingly treat themselves and their legal corporations with the same reverence as they do God. They therefore see glorifying themselves and glorifying God as one and the same thing. It is because they are so distracted by their own self-importance that they are slow in responding to the needs and concerns of those on the outside – especially their brothers in remote parts of the world.
In their view, those who live and work at New York Bethel are the main priority, so there is nothing wrong or unusual in these exalted ones learning about “new light” or important organizational developments weeks or even months ahead of ordinary “rank and file” publishers elsewhere. The three examples cited above, where the Society showed varying degrees of apathy or lethargy in responding to pressing matters, were clear evidence of this inward-looking attitude. If you are outside World Headquarters, it doesn’t matter what you know or don’t know. You can “read all about it” when the Society is ready to tell you in its own good time, if at all.
Just like the mythical Narcissus, the Society has fallen in love with its own image, leaving it slow to take action when needed

The Society’s self-loving attitude is reminiscent of Narcissus – a character from Greek mythology. Narcissus was a hunter, and the son of a nymph and a river-god. He was extremely good-looking, and was urged to look at his reflection in a pool of water. He fell so deeply in love with his own face that he couldn’t leave the pool, and died there. It is from this account that the term “narcissism” comes – meaning a fixation with oneself.
This is precisely what has happened to the Watch Tower Society. They are so in love with their wondrous history and manmade organization that they have grown disinterested in anything else, including those who follow their teachings around the world. This narcissism on their part renders them slow to confirm new developments to brothers globally, and slow to respond to negative media stories. In their view, nothing truly matters beyond the confines of the three New York Bethels. They simply cannot help but be spellbound by their own importance.
Some will doubtless think I am being unfair, or reading too much into things. However, I believe the events I have described above, among others, clearly demonstrate that the Society is not as fast and agile as it claims to be in the publications. The reasons to this are open to conjecture, but I believe the recent video of the “Watchtower” sign is clear evidence of narcissism on the part of the Society, and this would certainly go some way to explaining why they find it so difficult to respond quickly to important developments.
If I am right, and the Society is simply powerless to react quickly and decisively as perhaps it once did, then this certainly doesn’t bode well for the organization’s future prospects. Not only is their legal situation precarious due to the Conti case, but recent branch closures and operational downsizing seem to indicate that the Society could be running out of money, potentially leaving it more vulnerable than ever before. In such a volatile situation, quick and decisive action can often make the difference between success and failure. And the Society has recently demonstrated repeatedly that speed is not an attribute that it can rightfully boast of having anymore.







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← Mark Sanderson confirmed as new Governing Body member
The Book Corner – Paradise Earth: Day Zero →

25 Responses to Why is God’s earthly organization so slow?

 alan says:

 December 20, 2012 at 12:15 pm

Interesting article Cedars. The trouble is you are speaking as one who has been a witness and totally conditioned to think how wonderful the gov body are.
 However for anyone not involved with the org, it has been evident for decades that this org has little idea about anything. At a stroke they have finally got rid of Charles Russell and his wack ideas. But look how lokg it has taken them. The generation fiasco, they clung on and clung on to that idea until it was no longer possable to say the 1914 would generation would not die off before Armaggeddon.
 In his book Crisis of Conscience, Ray Franz said exactly the same as you regarding putting the organisation first, several decades ago.
 So it is nothing new. They always hold on until the last moment to an idea or doctrine, and then disgard it, simply because they have no choice.
 As far as putting out a statement in hundreds of languages at the same time, I think even you would agree that it would be very difficult. As I remember, English versions of study material always went out first to English speaking countries, and the others followed when translaters had finished their translating. Sometimes it would be months later.
 You like many of us were taught how wonderful and quick and with it the gov body are. In fact the opposite is true. Look how long it has taken them to imbrace the interenet. There are millions of companies that embraced it before the society. And again, they really had no choice.
 The best news for any ex witness these days is that everything is under the microscope, and the society are now showing everybody how hopeless they are when their words and doctrines are really looked at closely. They simply are not used to everything being questioned as it is in the 21st century. This ultimately I hope will finally finish them off.
Reply
 

 Cedars says:

 December 20, 2012 at 12:19 pm

Thanks Alan. I realize that much of what I say will be old news to those like you who have been “awakened” for much longer. But for active Witnesses reading my blog, I see nothing wrong in taking them with me on my discoveries. At least the examples cited are recent, even if the conclusions I arrive at were reached by others many years before me.
Cedars
Reply
 

 Buzz says:

 December 20, 2012 at 12:57 pm

Thank you Cedars for someone like us who have recently left the WT organization after 26 year, “you are doing fine” its not easy for us and we are having to relearn all over again.
Thank you for the confidence you give us. x
Buzz
Reply
 

 John Hoyle says:

 December 20, 2012 at 2:35 pm

I am becoming a believer in the Watchtower’s concept of “new light.” The light truly is “shining brighter” for those of us now on the outside. We can look back in toward the organization and see things so clearly now as each week passes. As I watched the videos about the sign and the Annual Meeting, I saw those beaming faces and broad smiles and they reminded me of other meetings just like them: Multi-level marketing management meetings -Amway, Shaklee, Mona Vie, and dozens more like them. Auditoriums filled with hundreds of “happy people” all on a mission to spread the word. Not a negative vibe in those places.
But then you realize that only the ones at the top, the very top, and a few of their chosen underlings, are truly benefiting financially or otherwise. Those in the audience are being told that they are “winning the prize” and “becoming wealthy,” but they all know that they are not. But they already have so much invested – and negative energy and undesirable facts are not allowed within those meetings. No! Everyone must be up and cheering at nearly every new announcement.
In that annual meeting there must have been dozens, if not scores of brothers and sisters in the audience that were saying “WTF” and “OMG” as the members of the Governing Body took them on their long and winding road of faulty logic that eventually led to where everyone in the audience knew they were going: The Governing Body is the “Faithful and Discreet Slave.”
Not one in that audience could have spoken out to question that self-serving position by the members of the Governing Body. If they had, they would have been tossed out of the theater, their rooms and plane tickets home would have been cancelled, and they would have been disfellowshipped as soon as they managed to get home. And they all knew that. So no questions – only applause, grudgingly given or not.
Yes, we on the outside can truly see the “new light.” We also know that sharing it with others is a nearly futile task. Just like our family and friends that get sucked into multi-level marketing schemes on the faint hope that they too will “win the prize,” we understand that against all the facts and logic we can present, those fine people will continue to believe in the organization, hoping against hope that someday their promises might just come true.
Reply
 

 00DAD says:

 December 20, 2012 at 4:07 pm

Great article! I especially liked your assessment that the WTBTS has become obsessed with themselves. They’re self-referential to the point of it resembling spiritual masturbation.
Reply
 

 Alden says:

 December 20, 2012 at 9:34 pm

I think you hit the nail on the head this time, Cedars. Narcissism seems to be the root of it all. “We’re God’s people and the rest of the world can go to pot.” I know a lot of narcissistic people – I’m one of them. We’re attracted to things bigger than ourselves to make ourselves big. Instead we should be content to be the puny things God has made us and enjoy the life He gave us. Thank you for your criticism – it helps keep us honest with ourselves.
Reply
 

 Richard E.Kelly says:

 December 20, 2012 at 9:46 pm

Cedars, I have to commend you for your patience in helping JWs to see what for many of us is pure silliness. “God’s earthly organization,” surely you jest. I know, you know, some readers know, that this is poppycock. But for those thoroughly brainwashed, it does take time. Lots of time. And for your patience, loving kindness, a let’s-report-it-as-I-see-it type of guy, kudos to you. You are a top-notch doctor in my opinion, with tons of patience.
Reply
 

 alan says:

 December 21, 2012 at 5:00 am

I realize that Cedars, and I am always very grateful to you for your well informed articles. However I do think it should be made clear that what you have related is just another case of Watchtower not doing their job properly. It is nothing new with the society acting in this way. Having said that, there is no doubt in my mind that they are much more in trouble now than they have been in past decades.
 So many things going wrong for them. Hopefully all of this will come together to make it obvious even to staunch witnesses that something is seriously wrong.
Reply
 

 sabastious says:

 December 21, 2012 at 9:20 am

Awesome article, Cedars. Your comparison to Narcissus is spot on. The Watchtower has always been especially obsessed with itself, but there seems to be sizable increase in that obsession of late. It’s their overinflated sense of self importance that will be their undoing.
Reply
 

 anonymous says:

 December 21, 2012 at 11:42 am

have you read Matthew 25:31-46? how do you understand it?
Reply
 

 John Hoyle says:

 December 21, 2012 at 11:58 am

anonymous – How do you understand that passage? It makes no sense in the context of Cedar’s post or the thread of these comments. Just when do you expect the Watchtower to “start feeding the poor” with something more palatable than the horse manure they consistently dish out?
Reply
 

 Magusknight1974 says:

 December 22, 2012 at 9:10 am

I was freed in 1998 from the ball and chain doctrine. I knew about their many fallacies but continued because of family and friends. When you have so many people you love within the organization it is so hard to leave. I would rejoin just on the basis of being close to all those I hold dear but this would be false thinking on my part. I still love all those that continue to fall to their false teachings but what do we do? Cedars is one of many attempting to support his loving brothers and sisters through sharing real truth. If anything this organization has proven that fellow believers are loyal servants of Jehovah at the cost of being hypnotized. The image is what they thrive on to show they are different in the world as Cedars has shown us. I realize that those that have left are stuck in limbo or a confused state. I know the future seems bleak for those in transition as I once felt the same. Never feel guilty when searching for the real truth because when the hard facts are revealed a new understanding will emerge. We Love and Support all those that are facing this choice to remove yourself from a vain organization.
Reply
 

 Alden says:

 December 23, 2012 at 12:39 am

Dear Magnus,
 Who told you that it would be ‘false thinking on your part’ to continue to attend meetings? The very same “consequential” thinking that we are trying to free ourselves of, the ‘get out of her my people’ attitude? The Christian congregation still exists even though it’s not bound exclusively to the WTS. There are still persons who belong to Christ in the congregations, their not being ‘up-to-date’ does not change that; those ‘little sheep’ of whom Jesus spoke to Peter that he should feed. They are the ones that are not calling the shots; the wives with unbelieving husbands, the downtrodden who have great difficulty to exist in this world, the elderly and frail. Do you have a better place to go to on Sunday mornings to offer your encouragement? Let me know where; I’d like to go there, too!
Reply
 

 gorbatchov says:

 December 23, 2012 at 2:40 am

I think the watchtower is strugling with the need of transformation, just like other global organisations. Just like the USSR in the 80’s and the current EU problems. It is not possible to stand still.
Reply
 

 ricki peel says:

 December 23, 2012 at 3:07 pm

its faster than this rubbish , quit whinging and get a life
Reply
 

 John Hoyle says:

 December 23, 2012 at 6:54 pm

ricki,
 I “have a life,” thank you and I rarely “whing,” even at my advanced age.
Reply
 

 Marvin Shilmer says:

 December 26, 2012 at 5:52 pm

Cedars,
This is a very incisive presentation of information. The Watchtower organization has become an association that’s run by staffers for staffers. It’s made clearer every day.
Thanks for all your fine work!
Marvin Shilmer
Reply
 

 Magusknight1974 says:

 December 27, 2012 at 1:36 pm

A church of the past is trying to emerge. Why try to show the struggles and triumphs of the past to its members? It is to try to inspire them and carry them through these tough economic times. So many sacrifice all they have to attend these conventions which is to only fill the coffers of the organization. A business needs money and these conventions are the best way to get large piles of cash. I know because i worked at a spot as the collector and watched hundreds go in every hour. Yes i realize the cost aspect of it all but worldwide it can really add up quickly. I worry with this no part of the world teaching if they have a program within to help those in need. If I were still a member I would be proud to create such a group. When i was a young man i traveled to many Kingdom Halls in search of the truth and love. Yes the spirit of love is among all of its members but they willingly sacrifice all they have for that love. I admire the followers for their devotion and dedication to their beliefs. In the end our Creator defends itself from those that attempt to claim ownership of the name. I personally see that this group is under a large spell of some sort and believe 8 men and no women still show the old school of thought. If you wish to believe that in Paradise all your desires come true then this is wishful thinking. I tell you that the only Paradise that will arise is the one we all help build together. Love from a ranter and former member.
Reply
 
 Christine says:

 December 28, 2012 at 4:55 am

It appears that weed sown within the congregation (even at the top) – is causing the society to lose Jehovah’s Holy Spirit – and also the propecy of how God will judge his own people first and the parables of christ where he speaks of waiting until the end to pull out the weeds. I believe that taking all of this into consideration indicates that the society is soon going to come crashing down. We are watching this drama occur right before our eyes. The Bible says — “Who is more blind than god’s servants.? – “Who is more blind than my servant, and more deaf than the messenger I send? Who is more blind than the one committed to me, blind like the servant of Jehovah ? (Isaiah 42:19)
Reply
 
 

 vera says:

 January 8, 2013 at 2:06 pm

Ezekiel 1 describes a UFO,,,,THE WITCHTOWER HAS DECEIVED THE MASSES,,,read it,,,its a ufo,,,,but the witchtower wants to keep the masses ignorant to that fact,,,guess why
Reply
 

 Andrew says:

 October 7, 2013 at 4:19 am

Dear Mr Cedars
 Are you actually a JW? Just curious. If not are you a Christian? What is your view of other Christians and other churches?
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 October 7, 2013 at 4:23 am

Hi Andrew! Yes, I am still technically a JW as of this moment, although I am inactive. I describe my personal views a little more comprehensively on the following page, which I hope you find helpful…
http://jwsurvey.org/cedars-blog/is-jwsurvey-org-an-apostate-website
Reply
 
 

 Shane Hubenig says:

 December 24, 2013 at 10:28 am

Very good annolyogy to multi-level marketing, it is very much like that! RA RA RA! We are doing so great and so will you soon!
Reply
 

 telemu says:

 April 30, 2015 at 1:28 pm

Jehovah leads us
Reply
 

 Excelsior! says:

 May 1, 2015 at 8:27 am

telemu,
Welcome to JW Survey and thank you for your comment.
Please can you explain to me just how JEHOVAH leads the WTBTS?
I look forward to your explanation.
Peace be with you, Excelsior!
Reply
 

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← Mark Sanderson confirmed as new Governing Body member
The Book Corner – Paradise Earth: Day Zero →

Why is God’s earthly organization so slow?
avatar
Posted on December 20, 2012

If Jehovah’s holy spirit is directing the Watch Tower Society, why is it so slow to provide information about new developments?

2012 has certainly been a very eventful year for the Watch Tower Society. Not only did they unveil a profound new understanding of the “Faithful and Discreet Slave” at the Annual Meeting in October – they also spent the latter half of the year managing the fall-out from the Candace Conti verdict. Additionally, a new version of JW.org went online, and a new 47-year-old member of the Governing Body was unveiled to the world. The Society has definitely been keeping me busy with things to write about, that’s for sure!
As I look back on this eventful year, and the surprising developments that have affected the organization, I can’t help but look at the Society in a different way from how I viewed it only twelve months ago. You see, I grew up thinking of the Watch Tower Society as being a highly organized, well-oiled machine that could respond quickly to any situation. Now though, I am genuinely dumbfounded by how slow and clumsy the Society has proved to be when responding to developments or dispensing important information to the worldwide brotherhood. This doesn’t seem to correspond with how Jehovah’s organization is supposed to operate in the literature.
A lightning-quick organization?
The Society applies Ezekiel’s vision of Jehovah’s celestial chariot to God’s heavenly organization. In chapter 1 of Ezekiel, the ancient prophet describes the heavenly chariot moving with lightning speed. (Ezekiel 1:14) A recent Watchtower article explained how God’s holy spirit was the driving force behind the chariot-like organization, and urged that we keep pace with it by remaining “obedient and loyal” to the Faithful Slave.

“Jehovah uses his spirit to lead his organization in the direction that he wants it to go. In Ezekiel’s vision, the heavenly part of Jehovah’s organization is depicted as a celestial chariot that is irresistibly on the move to fulfill Jehovah’s purpose. What impels the chariot to move in a certain direction? Holy spirit. (Ezek. 1:20, 21) Let us remember that Jehovah’s organization is made up of two parts, one in heaven and the other on earth. If the heavenly part is directed by holy spirit, the same must be true of the earthly part. By being obedient and loyal to the direction received from the earthly part of God’s organization, you show that you are keeping pace with Jehovah’s celestial chariot and are working in harmony with his holy spirit.—Heb. 13:17.” (The Watchtower, 4/15 2010 pp. 9-10.)
You might read the above and think it would be unfair to expect Jehovah’s earthly organization to move with great speed simply because God’s heavenly organization does. Surely that would be like asking the tortoise to keep up with the hare! However, consider these comments from a 1991 Watchtower article…

“There is no question that God’s visible organization is keeping up with his celestial chariotlike organization. As did Ezekiel, Jehovah’s servants today must obediently carry out their prophetic commission despite indifference, ridicule, or even opposition. Keeping pace leads to many blessings now and everlasting life in God’s fast-approaching new world.” (The Watchtower 1/15 1991 page 26)
So we are led to believe that God’s visible (or earthly) organization is “keeping up” with God’s heavenly chariot-like organization. If this is true, then Jehovah’s heavenly chariot, or organization, is not quite as agile as Ezekiel’s words seem to convey. As an example, consider three developments from this year, each of which demonstrate extreme lethargy and slowness on the part of the Society.
Slow with responding to the Candace Conti verdict
The Candace Conti verdict may well go down as the single most damaging legal defeat in the Society’s history, regardless of whether the Society prevails with their current appeal or not. It exposed a series of events in which Watchtower allowed a nine-year-old girl to be abused at the hands of a man in her congregation who was already known to the elders as a child molester.
It took six days for the Society’s PR department under J. R. Brown (pictured) to issue a response to the Candace Conti verdict

Within hours of the news breaking on 14th June, numerous reputable news websites were carrying the story. The internet was awash with details of the verdict and the reasons why the Society had been found legally responsible. Even so, it took six days for the Society to finally muster up a paltry 211-word statement on its official web pages. The statement, dated June 20th, did not address any of the key issues raised by the judgment, and merely attempted to shift blame for what happened onto “individual members” of the organization.
Six days may not sound like too much of a delay, but given the enormous implications of the verdict and the intense media scrutiny, the Society’s silence in the immediate aftermath of the judgment spoke volumes. It gave the impression that they were struggling to come to terms with what had happened, or were simply unable to formulate a timely and eloquent response.
Bear in mind that Watchtower knew about this verdict at the same time as everyone else, because they were on the receiving end of it! It is therefore hard for one to understand why the Society dragged their feet to the extent they did on this issue without concluding that the organization is nowhere near as slick and efficient as they often lead us to believe.
Slow with announcing a new Governing Body member
At morning worship on September 5th, 2012, Mark Sanderson was unveiled to the Bethel family in New York as a newly appointed member of the Governing Body. The news quickly spread on JW forums, but initially there was no official confirmation on the Society’s new website.
Bethel workers received confirmation of Mark Sanderson’s appointment months before ordinary publishers

Months passed before current Governing Body member Anthony Morris III finally mentioned Brother Sanderson’s new status as part of his narration of a short video about the Gilead graduation that was released on JW.org at the end of November.
Some would perhaps argue that this lengthy delay in confirming the appointment to the worldwide brotherhood demonstrates that the Society doesn’t give undue esteem to the role of a Governing Body member. However, such ones are perhaps overlooking the fact that being on the Governing Body now effectively makes you a member of the faithful and discreet slave class mentioned in the bible! Also, Governing Body members can hardly be said to downplay the significance of their position when they demand such prominence on DVD releases, and have their positions announced ahead of them whenever they give talks at conventions or assemblies.
As with the delay to the news of the Conti verdict, we can rightly ask: just what was the Writing Department (especially those responsible for posting relevant news on JW.org) doing for two and a half months while the news of Mark’s appointment was being spread online? Do they not consider it important to update the brothers on these sorts of developments? Would they rather give third-party websites such as this the opportunity to break the news instead?
Slow with dispensing “spiritual food at the proper time”
The most obvious example of the slowness and ineptitude of the organization in 2012 has to be the shoddy and ill-thought-out manner in which the news of the “new light” announced at the Annual Meeting was disseminated to the worldwide brotherhood.
The profound news that the Governing Body is now to be considered as the manifestation of the “faithful and discreet slave” spoken of in Matthew 24:45 was announced on October 5th at the Stanley Theater, New Jersey, to an initial audience of some 15,000 privileged guests and onlookers.
Within 24 hours of the words being uttered from the platform by the Governing Body members, websites such as this were carrying news of the new understanding to the farthest reaches of the planet. Even so, it took more than a month for the news to be finally confirmed on the Society’s official web pages. Moreover, unless you are able to read English, you would have been oblivious to the new understanding (unless through word of mouth) for a further month before the JW.org article was finally made available in languages other than English as late as December. This hardly attests to the organization being truly united in viewing brothers of all nations and languages with equal importance. (Acts 10:34)
Whether the Governing Body now looks back on this mess with a feeling of regret that things could not have been done more smoothly, only they will know. What is certain is that the whole fiasco made a mockery of the claim that they, as Christ’s composite “faithful and discreet slave”, deliver spiritual food “at the proper time” to ALL of their brothers around the globe, regardless of what language they speak or whether they have access to the internet. The shambolic way in which the “new light” was disseminated proved that, in order to receive timely spiritual food, you need a good knowledge of the English language, and an internet connection! This is hardly what Christ would have had in mind when he was talking to his disciples about dispensing spiritual food on the Mount of Olives.
Rather than a lightning-quick celestial chariot, the Watchtower organization would be more closely likened to a broken down cart

When considering the above three examples of the organization’s slowness and ineptitude, it is difficult to accept the premise from the beginning of this article that the Society truly represents God’s earthly organization, which is so fast and agile that it is “keeping up with [God’s] celestial chariot-like organization.”
If Jehovah’s celestial chariot, as envisioned by Ezekiel, was a broken and twisted old cart, it wouldn’t be too hard to see the likeness! However, we are talking about a heavenly organization that was symbolically described as moving like lightning in any direction. When we look at the cumbersome and belated manner in which the organization has responded to a few straightforward PR/doctrinal matters, “lightning” is not a word that springs to mind in describing the speed or manner in which these things were dealt with. But this begs the question, why is the Society so very slow?
An organization obsessed with itself
Perhaps a clue as to why the Society has been so slow to respond over the past year can be found in a video that was recently uploaded to JW.org. The video, which runs to 3 minutes, 50 seconds, is a tribute to the iconic “Watchtower” sign on the roof of the World Headquarters in Brooklyn. The video is finished to an extremely high standard, and must have entailed considerable production costs. It features overhead helicopter shots of the sign itself, and even a period re-enactment of the events leading up to the sign being first installed in 1969, complete with vintage vehicles from that era. After viewing the video, and considering how much it must have cost both in donated money and volunteer hours to make, many thinking publishers will be left scratching their heads asking: “What was the point of all that?”
The Society has devoted one of its latest videos to its sign on the Brooklyn waterfront

Not once in the audio to the video was a scripture cited. In fact, the words “God” and “Bible” were not mentioned once. It is therefore hard to comprehend how an organization that prides itself on its bible education work could have justified devoting so much time and money to a video that essentially glorifies its own manmade organization and a piece of its architectural heritage. Shouldn’t videos of this sort be focusing on Jehovah God and his inspired word, rather than the achievements of men?
The reason why the Society evidently felt the need to make this video is because it has become obsessed with itself and its image rather than its message. The Governing Body and senior figures at World Headquarters now unknowingly treat themselves and their legal corporations with the same reverence as they do God. They therefore see glorifying themselves and glorifying God as one and the same thing. It is because they are so distracted by their own self-importance that they are slow in responding to the needs and concerns of those on the outside – especially their brothers in remote parts of the world.
In their view, those who live and work at New York Bethel are the main priority, so there is nothing wrong or unusual in these exalted ones learning about “new light” or important organizational developments weeks or even months ahead of ordinary “rank and file” publishers elsewhere. The three examples cited above, where the Society showed varying degrees of apathy or lethargy in responding to pressing matters, were clear evidence of this inward-looking attitude. If you are outside World Headquarters, it doesn’t matter what you know or don’t know. You can “read all about it” when the Society is ready to tell you in its own good time, if at all.
Just like the mythical Narcissus, the Society has fallen in love with its own image, leaving it slow to take action when needed

The Society’s self-loving attitude is reminiscent of Narcissus – a character from Greek mythology. Narcissus was a hunter, and the son of a nymph and a river-god. He was extremely good-looking, and was urged to look at his reflection in a pool of water. He fell so deeply in love with his own face that he couldn’t leave the pool, and died there. It is from this account that the term “narcissism” comes – meaning a fixation with oneself.
This is precisely what has happened to the Watch Tower Society. They are so in love with their wondrous history and manmade organization that they have grown disinterested in anything else, including those who follow their teachings around the world. This narcissism on their part renders them slow to confirm new developments to brothers globally, and slow to respond to negative media stories. In their view, nothing truly matters beyond the confines of the three New York Bethels. They simply cannot help but be spellbound by their own importance.
Some will doubtless think I am being unfair, or reading too much into things. However, I believe the events I have described above, among others, clearly demonstrate that the Society is not as fast and agile as it claims to be in the publications. The reasons to this are open to conjecture, but I believe the recent video of the “Watchtower” sign is clear evidence of narcissism on the part of the Society, and this would certainly go some way to explaining why they find it so difficult to respond quickly to important developments.
If I am right, and the Society is simply powerless to react quickly and decisively as perhaps it once did, then this certainly doesn’t bode well for the organization’s future prospects. Not only is their legal situation precarious due to the Conti case, but recent branch closures and operational downsizing seem to indicate that the Society could be running out of money, potentially leaving it more vulnerable than ever before. In such a volatile situation, quick and decisive action can often make the difference between success and failure. And the Society has recently demonstrated repeatedly that speed is not an attribute that it can rightfully boast of having anymore.







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← Mark Sanderson confirmed as new Governing Body member
The Book Corner – Paradise Earth: Day Zero →

25 Responses to Why is God’s earthly organization so slow?

 alan says:

 December 20, 2012 at 12:15 pm

Interesting article Cedars. The trouble is you are speaking as one who has been a witness and totally conditioned to think how wonderful the gov body are.
 However for anyone not involved with the org, it has been evident for decades that this org has little idea about anything. At a stroke they have finally got rid of Charles Russell and his wack ideas. But look how lokg it has taken them. The generation fiasco, they clung on and clung on to that idea until it was no longer possable to say the 1914 would generation would not die off before Armaggeddon.
 In his book Crisis of Conscience, Ray Franz said exactly the same as you regarding putting the organisation first, several decades ago.
 So it is nothing new. They always hold on until the last moment to an idea or doctrine, and then disgard it, simply because they have no choice.
 As far as putting out a statement in hundreds of languages at the same time, I think even you would agree that it would be very difficult. As I remember, English versions of study material always went out first to English speaking countries, and the others followed when translaters had finished their translating. Sometimes it would be months later.
 You like many of us were taught how wonderful and quick and with it the gov body are. In fact the opposite is true. Look how long it has taken them to imbrace the interenet. There are millions of companies that embraced it before the society. And again, they really had no choice.
 The best news for any ex witness these days is that everything is under the microscope, and the society are now showing everybody how hopeless they are when their words and doctrines are really looked at closely. They simply are not used to everything being questioned as it is in the 21st century. This ultimately I hope will finally finish them off.
Reply
 

 Cedars says:

 December 20, 2012 at 12:19 pm

Thanks Alan. I realize that much of what I say will be old news to those like you who have been “awakened” for much longer. But for active Witnesses reading my blog, I see nothing wrong in taking them with me on my discoveries. At least the examples cited are recent, even if the conclusions I arrive at were reached by others many years before me.
Cedars
Reply
 

 Buzz says:

 December 20, 2012 at 12:57 pm

Thank you Cedars for someone like us who have recently left the WT organization after 26 year, “you are doing fine” its not easy for us and we are having to relearn all over again.
Thank you for the confidence you give us. x
Buzz
Reply
 

 John Hoyle says:

 December 20, 2012 at 2:35 pm

I am becoming a believer in the Watchtower’s concept of “new light.” The light truly is “shining brighter” for those of us now on the outside. We can look back in toward the organization and see things so clearly now as each week passes. As I watched the videos about the sign and the Annual Meeting, I saw those beaming faces and broad smiles and they reminded me of other meetings just like them: Multi-level marketing management meetings -Amway, Shaklee, Mona Vie, and dozens more like them. Auditoriums filled with hundreds of “happy people” all on a mission to spread the word. Not a negative vibe in those places.
But then you realize that only the ones at the top, the very top, and a few of their chosen underlings, are truly benefiting financially or otherwise. Those in the audience are being told that they are “winning the prize” and “becoming wealthy,” but they all know that they are not. But they already have so much invested – and negative energy and undesirable facts are not allowed within those meetings. No! Everyone must be up and cheering at nearly every new announcement.
In that annual meeting there must have been dozens, if not scores of brothers and sisters in the audience that were saying “WTF” and “OMG” as the members of the Governing Body took them on their long and winding road of faulty logic that eventually led to where everyone in the audience knew they were going: The Governing Body is the “Faithful and Discreet Slave.”
Not one in that audience could have spoken out to question that self-serving position by the members of the Governing Body. If they had, they would have been tossed out of the theater, their rooms and plane tickets home would have been cancelled, and they would have been disfellowshipped as soon as they managed to get home. And they all knew that. So no questions – only applause, grudgingly given or not.
Yes, we on the outside can truly see the “new light.” We also know that sharing it with others is a nearly futile task. Just like our family and friends that get sucked into multi-level marketing schemes on the faint hope that they too will “win the prize,” we understand that against all the facts and logic we can present, those fine people will continue to believe in the organization, hoping against hope that someday their promises might just come true.
Reply
 

 00DAD says:

 December 20, 2012 at 4:07 pm

Great article! I especially liked your assessment that the WTBTS has become obsessed with themselves. They’re self-referential to the point of it resembling spiritual masturbation.
Reply
 

 Alden says:

 December 20, 2012 at 9:34 pm

I think you hit the nail on the head this time, Cedars. Narcissism seems to be the root of it all. “We’re God’s people and the rest of the world can go to pot.” I know a lot of narcissistic people – I’m one of them. We’re attracted to things bigger than ourselves to make ourselves big. Instead we should be content to be the puny things God has made us and enjoy the life He gave us. Thank you for your criticism – it helps keep us honest with ourselves.
Reply
 

 Richard E.Kelly says:

 December 20, 2012 at 9:46 pm

Cedars, I have to commend you for your patience in helping JWs to see what for many of us is pure silliness. “God’s earthly organization,” surely you jest. I know, you know, some readers know, that this is poppycock. But for those thoroughly brainwashed, it does take time. Lots of time. And for your patience, loving kindness, a let’s-report-it-as-I-see-it type of guy, kudos to you. You are a top-notch doctor in my opinion, with tons of patience.
Reply
 

 alan says:

 December 21, 2012 at 5:00 am

I realize that Cedars, and I am always very grateful to you for your well informed articles. However I do think it should be made clear that what you have related is just another case of Watchtower not doing their job properly. It is nothing new with the society acting in this way. Having said that, there is no doubt in my mind that they are much more in trouble now than they have been in past decades.
 So many things going wrong for them. Hopefully all of this will come together to make it obvious even to staunch witnesses that something is seriously wrong.
Reply
 

 sabastious says:

 December 21, 2012 at 9:20 am

Awesome article, Cedars. Your comparison to Narcissus is spot on. The Watchtower has always been especially obsessed with itself, but there seems to be sizable increase in that obsession of late. It’s their overinflated sense of self importance that will be their undoing.
Reply
 

 anonymous says:

 December 21, 2012 at 11:42 am

have you read Matthew 25:31-46? how do you understand it?
Reply
 

 John Hoyle says:

 December 21, 2012 at 11:58 am

anonymous – How do you understand that passage? It makes no sense in the context of Cedar’s post or the thread of these comments. Just when do you expect the Watchtower to “start feeding the poor” with something more palatable than the horse manure they consistently dish out?
Reply
 

 Magusknight1974 says:

 December 22, 2012 at 9:10 am

I was freed in 1998 from the ball and chain doctrine. I knew about their many fallacies but continued because of family and friends. When you have so many people you love within the organization it is so hard to leave. I would rejoin just on the basis of being close to all those I hold dear but this would be false thinking on my part. I still love all those that continue to fall to their false teachings but what do we do? Cedars is one of many attempting to support his loving brothers and sisters through sharing real truth. If anything this organization has proven that fellow believers are loyal servants of Jehovah at the cost of being hypnotized. The image is what they thrive on to show they are different in the world as Cedars has shown us. I realize that those that have left are stuck in limbo or a confused state. I know the future seems bleak for those in transition as I once felt the same. Never feel guilty when searching for the real truth because when the hard facts are revealed a new understanding will emerge. We Love and Support all those that are facing this choice to remove yourself from a vain organization.
Reply
 

 Alden says:

 December 23, 2012 at 12:39 am

Dear Magnus,
 Who told you that it would be ‘false thinking on your part’ to continue to attend meetings? The very same “consequential” thinking that we are trying to free ourselves of, the ‘get out of her my people’ attitude? The Christian congregation still exists even though it’s not bound exclusively to the WTS. There are still persons who belong to Christ in the congregations, their not being ‘up-to-date’ does not change that; those ‘little sheep’ of whom Jesus spoke to Peter that he should feed. They are the ones that are not calling the shots; the wives with unbelieving husbands, the downtrodden who have great difficulty to exist in this world, the elderly and frail. Do you have a better place to go to on Sunday mornings to offer your encouragement? Let me know where; I’d like to go there, too!
Reply
 

 gorbatchov says:

 December 23, 2012 at 2:40 am

I think the watchtower is strugling with the need of transformation, just like other global organisations. Just like the USSR in the 80’s and the current EU problems. It is not possible to stand still.
Reply
 

 ricki peel says:

 December 23, 2012 at 3:07 pm

its faster than this rubbish , quit whinging and get a life
Reply
 

 John Hoyle says:

 December 23, 2012 at 6:54 pm

ricki,
 I “have a life,” thank you and I rarely “whing,” even at my advanced age.
Reply
 

 Marvin Shilmer says:

 December 26, 2012 at 5:52 pm

Cedars,
This is a very incisive presentation of information. The Watchtower organization has become an association that’s run by staffers for staffers. It’s made clearer every day.
Thanks for all your fine work!
Marvin Shilmer
Reply
 

 Magusknight1974 says:

 December 27, 2012 at 1:36 pm

A church of the past is trying to emerge. Why try to show the struggles and triumphs of the past to its members? It is to try to inspire them and carry them through these tough economic times. So many sacrifice all they have to attend these conventions which is to only fill the coffers of the organization. A business needs money and these conventions are the best way to get large piles of cash. I know because i worked at a spot as the collector and watched hundreds go in every hour. Yes i realize the cost aspect of it all but worldwide it can really add up quickly. I worry with this no part of the world teaching if they have a program within to help those in need. If I were still a member I would be proud to create such a group. When i was a young man i traveled to many Kingdom Halls in search of the truth and love. Yes the spirit of love is among all of its members but they willingly sacrifice all they have for that love. I admire the followers for their devotion and dedication to their beliefs. In the end our Creator defends itself from those that attempt to claim ownership of the name. I personally see that this group is under a large spell of some sort and believe 8 men and no women still show the old school of thought. If you wish to believe that in Paradise all your desires come true then this is wishful thinking. I tell you that the only Paradise that will arise is the one we all help build together. Love from a ranter and former member.
Reply
 
 Christine says:

 December 28, 2012 at 4:55 am

It appears that weed sown within the congregation (even at the top) – is causing the society to lose Jehovah’s Holy Spirit – and also the propecy of how God will judge his own people first and the parables of christ where he speaks of waiting until the end to pull out the weeds. I believe that taking all of this into consideration indicates that the society is soon going to come crashing down. We are watching this drama occur right before our eyes. The Bible says — “Who is more blind than god’s servants.? – “Who is more blind than my servant, and more deaf than the messenger I send? Who is more blind than the one committed to me, blind like the servant of Jehovah ? (Isaiah 42:19)
Reply
 
 

 vera says:

 January 8, 2013 at 2:06 pm

Ezekiel 1 describes a UFO,,,,THE WITCHTOWER HAS DECEIVED THE MASSES,,,read it,,,its a ufo,,,,but the witchtower wants to keep the masses ignorant to that fact,,,guess why
Reply
 

 Andrew says:

 October 7, 2013 at 4:19 am

Dear Mr Cedars
 Are you actually a JW? Just curious. If not are you a Christian? What is your view of other Christians and other churches?
Reply
 
 Cedars says:

 October 7, 2013 at 4:23 am

Hi Andrew! Yes, I am still technically a JW as of this moment, although I am inactive. I describe my personal views a little more comprehensively on the following page, which I hope you find helpful…
http://jwsurvey.org/cedars-blog/is-jwsurvey-org-an-apostate-website
Reply
 
 

 Shane Hubenig says:

 December 24, 2013 at 10:28 am

Very good annolyogy to multi-level marketing, it is very much like that! RA RA RA! We are doing so great and so will you soon!
Reply
 

 telemu says:

 April 30, 2015 at 1:28 pm

Jehovah leads us
Reply
 

 Excelsior! says:

 May 1, 2015 at 8:27 am

telemu,
Welcome to JW Survey and thank you for your comment.
Please can you explain to me just how JEHOVAH leads the WTBTS?
I look forward to your explanation.
Peace be with you, Excelsior!
Reply
 

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