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Watchtower Views on Organization

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Those fully under the sway of the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society are huge proponents of one thing-organization.  As a Jehovah’s Witness, you are taught that the word “Trinity” never appears in scripture.  This is something that I believe someone who is not a Jehovah’s Witness can agree.  How much does the Society deride those who use non-biblical terms?  How often do you take a look at the words employed by the Society and realize that there is no scriptural backing?  Here are some examples:

  • Jehovah’s Witness
  • Governing Body
  • Kingdom Hall
  • Circuit or District Overseer
  • Jeremiah class
  • Samson class
  • Remnant class
  • Christendom
  • Publisher-Baptized or unbaptized
  • Undeserved kindness will only appear in the New World Translation.  Mainstream translations will have the word “grace.”

I did hop onto the organization’s official website and did a search for the term “organization.”  Covering only from 2000 to present day, it appears 575 times (some are various articles).  How many times in the bible?  None at all. 

One saying that has always gotten me is that “Jehovah has always had an organization.”  Do you realize that looking at it at face value, there would have to be other beings from the days of eternity?  Irregardless, I would like to look today at the concept of an organization. 

The Merriam Webster dictionary online defines “organization” as:

Full Definition of organization

1a :  the act or process of organizing or of being organized

1b :  the condition or manner of being organized

2a :  association, society <charitable organizations>

2b :  an administrative and functional structure (as a business or a political party);

also :  the personnel of such a structure

With that in mind, let’s examine some quotes regarding the word and emphasis of “organization” and it’s meaning and use within the organization:

There is no organization today clothed with such divine authority to imperiously command mankind.  There is no organization doing this today; though we are aware that many of them in theory claim that they thought to be permitted to do so: and many more would like to do so. 

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. September 1 and 15, 1893 Reprints p. 1573

What we have is the fact that during this time, those under the Watchtower would call themselves Bible Students.  In short this must mean that they were under the authority ultimately of scripture even though there were secular materials produced.  This is reinforced in the same year with the following:

But, says one, must I not join some organization on earth, assent to some creed, and have my name written on earth?  No: remember that our Lord is our pattern and teacher, and neither in his words nor acts do we find any authority for binding ourselves with creeds and traditions of men, which all tend to make the Word of God of none effect, and bring us under bondage which will hinder our growth in grace and knowledge, and against which Paul warned us, saying, “Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free, and be not entangled with the yoke of bondage.”-Gal. 5:1

Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence. September 1 and 15, 1893 Reprints p. 1675

What we have here is a reiteration that those within the organization were not part of an organization.  Those two quotes are pre-Watchtower Jesus inspection.  Watchtower Jesus declared this to be his organization in 1919.  Here is one past inspection from The Golden Age which I’ve been reading.

Can anyone by merely joining the Catholic or the Protestant church become a member of the true church?  I answer: No.  Membership in the true church is obtained in just one way: and that is the Lord’s way. 

The Golden Age.  January 27, 1926. p. 234

So in short we have yet another reiteration that Watchtower Jesus approved of not having any specific organization.  Let’s replace the phrase “Catholic or the Protestant church” with Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.  The result would still be the same at this point. 

However, let’s look at something more recent and if you’re investigating the organization’s material, break out the Watchtower Library CD-ROM:

We should meekly go along with the Lord’s theocratic organization and wait for further clarification, rather than balk at the first mention of a thought unpalatable to us and proceed to quibble and mouth our criticisms and opinions as though they were worth more than the slave’s provision of spiritual food.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  February 1, 1952 p. 80

This quote is saying in short that you must be a blind sheep rather than an informed follower.  Ironic that even though some translations render things as a “slave,” it’s fitting that you are expected to “slave” for an organization.  A slave is an individual who is forced to act with no regard to personal well being for the master.  One case I previously talked about was field service where Witnesses in 1943 were expected to put out 160 hours a month in field service. 

And just as a child seeks his parents’ protection when a storm rages, we seek protection in Jehovah’s organization when, like a thunderstorm, the problems of this world strike us.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  April 15, 2011 p. 4, 5

Now when it comes to having some sort of problem, what are you expected to do?  What kind of spiritual council is given?  Why does the organization want you to seek protection in the organization yet when the policies are under fire like they currently are in Australia and the United Kingdom, should those in charge seek protection within the legal department?  Should Jehovah just make everything go away so the Governing Body can carry on with impunity?  When they are not successful, why is it Jehovah isn’t helping them directly?   Just to finish things up with one more quote:

Wonderful events are happening now and more lie just ahead. May each one of us keep pace with Jehovah’s organization.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  March 15, 2012 p. 29

What are the wonderful events at this point? 

  • Bethelites are getting sent home
  • The organization is losing people
  • The cart campaign is floundering badly
  • There are numerous directives saying that the organization is ceasing from printing many publications. 

However you get told the work is “speeding up.” 

How does one keep pace with a sinking ship such as this one? 

If you’ve not read the 2016 Yearbook, you’re in for some information.  I’ve heard of numerous doctrinal changes that are ahead if the Yearbook is any indication.  So although you have been part of an organization that has changed, why not stick with the bible alone which hasn’t changed.

Two Traits of Watchtower Jesus

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I would like to take just a little time to see what the Watchtower said about Jesus.  The organization throughout various points within it’s history has had conflicting teachings on who Jesus was.  They settled on Michael in the 1920s with quotes such as:

But Jesus was a prince, the Son of God.  In his prehuman condition his name was Michael.  He created the angels and everything else in the universe, except God himself.

The Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Kingdom..  April 1, 1929 p. 109

Snip20151123_1

This isn’t the only thing that has been subject to change. Jesus, while on earth had his appearance change as well.  I would like to start by covering the beard of Jesus. 

The word “boldness” here used means frankness, bluntness, speaking freely and with confidence, outspokenness.  This proves what kind of man Jesus was, of whom the apostles learned.  It also proves that Jesus was, of whom the apostles learned.  It also proves that Jesus has been grossly misrepresented by others.  Grace was poured upon Jesus’ lips.  But that did not mean that he had to rub his hands together, pull his beard, and look down when he spoke to somebody else.  Jesus was straightforward. 

The Watchtower and Herald of Christ’s Kingdom.  July 15, 1927 p. 214, 215

Grace is used in the above quote and you as a Watchtowerite knows the New World Translation equivalent: Undeserved kindness. 

This spurred a question: Are you as a Watchtowerite straightforward when you are in field service telling the people why you are knocking on their door? 

The traditional picture of Jesus shows him with long hair and beard, but the Watch Tower publications illustrate him as beardless and with short hair. Which is correct?—M. H., United States.

The later Watch Tower publications show Jesus as beardless and with short hair because he is shown that way in representations of him that are older than the traditional effeminate-looking picture.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  August 15, 1954 p. 511

When Jesus Christ was a man on earth, did he wear a beard?—K.A., U.S.A.

Biblical evidence is the most reliable testimony to be found on this question, and a recent careful review of what it says indicates that Jesus did indeed have a beard.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  May 1, 1968 p. 286

Here are some considerations:

Depictions throughout the history of Christendom whether it be the Eastern which is the Eastern Orthodox church or Western Christianity of which the umbrella includes Catholicism, Protestants, and Evangelicals predominately depict the adult Jesus with a beard.  There are all according to the organization under the control of Satan.  However, these groups under Satan’s control have shown that they had it correct all along.   

The organization said Biblical evidence is the most reliable testimony.  Here’s some verses from the New World Translation:

  • Galatians 4:4 (NWT)-But when the full limit of the time arrived, God sent his Son, who was born of a woman, and who was under the law,
    • Galatians was written in the year 56 A.D.
  • Leviticus 19:27 (NWT)-You must not shave the hair on the side of your head or disfigure the edges of your beard.
  • Leviticus was written between 1440 and 1400 B.C.
  • Isaiah 50:6 (NWT)-Prophetic passage that says (NWT): I offered my back to those striking me And my cheeks to those who plucked them bare.  I did not hide my face from humiliating things and from spit.   
  • Isaiah was written between 701 and 681 B.C.

Now, I will never call myself a biblical scholar at all however, the organization didn’t read any of those verses that I just quickly did.  After reading through those verses it should have been plainly evident.    

Now that the Watchtower is finally right on Jesus having a beard, let’s talk about something I came across recently, what happened to the body of Jesus?

Our Lord’s human body, the one crucified, was removed from the tomb by the power of God.  Had it remained there it would have been an obstacle in the way of the faith of his disciples, who were not yet instructed in spiritual things.  They were not thus instructed until the giving of the holy spirit at Pentecost.  The scriptures do not reveal what became of that body, except that it did not decay or corrupt. (Acts 2:27-31)  We can only surmise that the Lord may have preserved it somewhere to exhibit to the people of the millennial age.

The Harp of God.  1921, 1928 ed. p. 172

Here he was crucified and not impaled because again, the New World Translation didn’t exist. 

What happened to the perfect fleshly body of Jesus after his death? Was it preserved so that in time men will look upon it in worship? or does Jesus still have this fleshly body in the heavens, “spiritualized” so that it can be seen and worshiped? Neither. The Scriptures answer: It was disposed of by Jehovah God, dissolved into its constituent elements or atoms.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom. September 1, 1953 p. 518

If the body would remain, there would be visible creature worship. 

This is the last time that the organization used the term “disposed” in literature however the concept still remains and is reinforced with the following:

Well, then, what happened to Jesus’ fleshly body? Did not the disciples find his tomb empty? They did, because God removed Jesus’ body. Why did God do this? It fulfilled what had been written in the Bible. (Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:31)

You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. 1982, 1989 ed. p. 144 

So let’s analyze this section:

Jesus would have to have two separate bodies.  One to be displayed and the other body is to be inhabited.  Most likely, the invisible body would be the spiritual one.  The organization talks so much about Jehovah yet only Jesus is that is to be on display.  Why is that?  Has the organization contradicted the very words within the New World Translation?

I say this because a common thread for people involved with organizations similar to the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society deny of the visible bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ.

What happened to Jesus’ body:  Since the organization said that scripture is the authority, why do they plainly miss the following verses from John 2:19-21 (NWT) 19. Jesus replied to them: “Tear down this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.  20.  The Jews then said: “This temple was built in 46 years, and will you raise it up in three days?”  21. But he was talking about the temple of his body. 

One more verse and I’ll be done.  This is a post resurrection account of Jesus recorded in Luke 24:37-39 (NWT)-But because they were terrified and frightened, they imagined that they were seeing a spirit.  So he said to them: “Why are you troubled, and why have doubts come up in your hearts?  See my hands and my feet, that it is I myself; touch me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones just as you see that I have.”

Are you going to place down the Watchtower material and read the Bible?  When you do, you too will be thankful for the simplicity that God has offered. 

Watchtower and Higher Education

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I would like to examine education from the Watchtower perspective.  The video will be featuring Anthony Morris III and I will be adding a commentary and some thoughts.  The organization from the beginning has no valued much in the way of education because there’s an old adage, “knowledge is power.”  Through prevention of the rank and file (common Watchtowerite) from getting a higher education, speaking strictly from the educational aspect, the organization has prevented the majority of you from a better life economically which generally comes from gaining a college education.  I say generally because there is no guarantee in life except for death and taxes.

Prior to looking at the Watchtower and quick start contrast is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and the Seventh Day Adventists. 

The LDS or Mormons as is commonly known operates Brigham Young University in Brigham, Utah.  They are encouraged to get a college education.  One direct connection is my wife works with a Mormon and their kids have scholarships lined up when they graduate high school for a full ride to BYU.  The Pew website gives interesting information on Mormons.   

One impressive statistic is that 73% range from some college to a post graduate degree.  The Jehovah’s Witness range is approximately 37%.  That can be found here. 

Another similar group is the Seventh Day Adventist in America.  Their range is approximately 66%.  The Adventists operate the following institutions of higher education:

  • Burman University in Lacombe, Alberta Canada
  • Walla Walla University in Washington
  • Pacific Union College in California
  • Loma Linda University in California
  • Union College in Nebraska
  • Southwestern Adventist University in Texas
  • Andrews University in Michigan
  • Kettering College in Ohio
  • Southern Adventist University in Tennessee
  • Oakwood University in Alabama
  • Washington Adventist University in Maryland
  • Adventist University of Health Sciences in Florida

 

In contrast, the Watchtower is unofficially jumping in late to the “party.”  There is one school system that isn’t officially sanctioned or associated with the organization and it is New System School.  The webpage says it is in 35 states and expanding.  With this in mind, I would like to keep up with “new light” today and examine a video featuring Tony Morris.  

 

All words in bold are those of Tony Morris or Watchtower representative.

:15-:19 Has the Governing Body changed it’s view on the pursuit of higher secular education? No.

However, you will see that this is not the case.

:30-:40 Our goal now is to focus on the pursuit of intensify our promotion of the pursuit of divine education. 

Does this mean that the material put out by the organization is now to be considered inspired since the primary method of teaching a Jehovah’s Witness is through the Watchtower magazine? 

:58-1:07 The cost of obtaining university training is not our primary concern. It is the potential for spiritual harm (Potential emphasis is mine).

What is the definition of spiritual harm?  Could it be when an individual is away from the continual teachings of the organization they have a better chance of going inactive since they are getting information from a variety of sources in which isn’t from the organization’s official website? 

1:34-1:50 Ask yourself, “Why are you getting additional education? Because I’m pursuing a specific skill or trade to support my service to Jehovah?” 

Why does Jehovah need more workers when the work which should be “speeding up” isn’t going anywhere?  The organization is losing people and trying to mask this by giving reasons with information on their website “Branch Offices of Jehovah’s Witnesses Consolidated”  and the accompanying reason why it’s happening. 

Here’s a news article that says as much: 

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/news/local/article32136270.html

What we have again is the classic case of the organization stating one thing yet actions aren’t meeting the words. 

Also, let’s just say for one minute that Armageddon happened today.  The Society hasn’t looked at Revelation 21:5 (NWT): And the One seated on the throne said: “Look! I am making all things new.”  Also he says: “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”

Let’s contrast this with information printed out by the organization:

It says, first of all, you have the work of cleaning up the earth and clearing away the ruins of this old system.  And then they will have the privilege, under the direction of the Kingdom rule, of cultivating the earth and making it a beautiful place in which to live.

You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth. 1982, 1989 edition. p. 159

So in short, the organization is preparing you to be unemployed in the new system if the words of the New World Translation are correct.  However, if the quote from You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth is correct, as a Witness, the words in the New World Translation are in error.

1:50-2:00 Or will higher education make me a more respected person lead me to a better life.

This chart provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics should give enough evidence that economically, it is better to have a college education. 

ep_chart_001

http://www.bls.gov/emp/ep_chart_001.htm

 

2:03-2:10 If we are in continued association with those who do not believe the same, it can erode our thinking and convictions.

The organization in short wants to rely on the door to door work to gain converts.  I guess those who became Christians after working or being friends with someone isn’t a good method even though Jesus in Matthew 28:19 said, “Make disciples.”  He doesn’t say how, He just says to do it.  That leaves a lot of latitude in the methodology. 

2:31-2:36 We are to be careful that this system does not share or mold our thinking.

To a point I would agree.  However, isn’t this what the organization does?  Is there as much churn and change in the world as there is with the organization regarding different types of changes such as doctrine?

2:37-2:42 Higher learning can easily influence thinking and attitude.

Couldn’t this easily be applied to the organization as well since it influences thinking and attitude?  One example is how the organization uses John 14:28 to disprove the deity of Jesus, doesn’t the organization do the same thing? 

3:14-3:23 Who dropped them off at the university?  Where does the responsibility really lie?

What we have here is Tony Morris finding a way to not encourage parents to send their child to college. 

5:23-5:36 Think of all the opportunity to enjoy divine education (accompanied by this image):

Snip20151206_2

Does divine education need to be done in the sight of men?  Galatians 1:10 comes to mind, and it says, (New World Translation), “Or am I trying to please men?”  Or perhaps John 14:23 (New World Translation) “for they loved the glory of men ever more than the glory of God.”

Does “divine education” need to be done in the local kingdom hall or during an activity associated with other Witnesses? 

5:52-6:07 We need construction skills around the world right now.  We will not need doctors or lawyers after Armageddon. 

If that is the case, why doesn’t the organization put an end to the lawyers in the legal department and have them pick up a hammer instead to help out with these construction projects?  They are wasting their time on one case when they should devote that time for kingdom hall construction.

6:25-6:36 Speaking of lawyers, we have an interesting case of brother Philip Bromley. The organization made a decision to send you through law school.

It is foolish to want to be a doctor or a lawyer.

The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.  August 1, 1975 p.451

Yet, when the organization deems it necessary, they can send someone violating the very words it printed.

6:50-6:55 A fierce spirit of competition in law school.

Isn’t the goal of the educational system in general promote competition to see who is number one?  Are the traits he mentioned employed by the organization especially when it comes to the growing number of child abuse cases going to court? 

8:24-9:00An inclination toward medicine, become a nurse instead of a doctor.  Become a paralegal rather than an attorney… Consume four, six, eight, or 10 years of study.  Focus on two years of study to become a pioneer. 

Here we have again the organization promoting someone to not try to explore their academic possibility but to immediately get into a field that interests them yet limit automatically limit themselves. 

This is again a case where you can go to college and do Biblical things.  The person who goes to college simply has to learn time management skills.  This is coming from someone who has a bachelor degree and a juris doctorate (most likely seven total years of education).

Why not give up being a lawyer?  Paul the Apostle gave up a lot according to Philippians 3:8 (NWT): What is more, I do indeed also consider all things to be loss on account of the excelling value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.  For his sake I have taken the loss of all things and I consider them as a lot of refuse, that I may gain Christ.

9:00-9:25 Subtle mental conditioning that can transpire when exposed to higher education.  If they need further attorneys, they won’t expose the Bethel family.

Doesn’t the organization do the exact same thing?  Are they supposed to go outside of the channel of communication for help? 

9:55-10:15 College was a factor in breaking up a family

Further blatant fear mongering by blaming college as a contributing factor to a family breakup.

10:15-10:33 Why not pioneer a year after high school?  You’re young, strong, and healthy.

Is it possible that as the organization is getting older due to the young leaving that they want the youth to get involved immediately in hopes of convincing them to stay? 

This organization wants to keep you like a child.  Children are dependent typically on a mother.  The organization calls itself this in May 1, 1957 on page 274 of the Watchtower magazine says, “If we are to walk in the light of truth we must recognize not only Jehovah God as our Father but his organization as our mother.”