The Watch Tower Society originally used the term “governing body” in a strict legal sense, and in fact, used the term quite sparingly. As stated in the Watchtower, it was not until “the year 1944 the Watchtower magazine began to speak about the governing body of the Christian congregation (italics theirs).” (Watchtower, Dec. 15, 1971, p. 755) Since the 1950s, the term would frequently be used to refer to the first century, making assertions such as, “The apostle Paul belonged to the governing body in the first century” (Watchtower, April 15, 1951, p. 235 par. 7) without citing any scriptural backup. On the other hand, the magazine described the modern day “Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, [as] the governing body of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” (Watchtower, Jan. 1, 1950, p. 10 par. 2)
Election of Leaders by Congregation Voting. In the Early Church, brethren met in various cities—Jerusalem, Antioch, Corinth, Thessonalica— often meeting in homes (Acts 11:22:13:1; 1Corinthians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 1:1; Romans 16:5; Colossians 4:15). Each ecclesia (church group) was autonomous electing its own leaders, its own “Elders—those not necessarily advanced in age, but mature in character.
Acts 14:23 “And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.”
How did they “ordain” their leaders? The Greek for “ordained” is “cheirotoneo from a comparative of NT:5495 and teino (to stretch); to be a hand-reacher or voter (by raising the hand).” (Strong’s #5500). Early Christians had the responsibility of voting for their Elders by the stretching forth of their hands!
Twelve Apostles not Succeeded in Authority. The twelve Apostles were chosen directly by Jesus, but they had no replacements except, of course, Paul replaced Judas. Just as Jesus selected the original twelve, he selected Paul as a replacement (Acts 9:15). The other Apostles were well meaning, but premature in selecting the replacement Apostle themselves (Acts 1:26). Inspired by God, they were the “twelve stars” crowning the head of the Early Church (Revelation 12:1); also identified the twelve foundations of the New Jerusalem (Acts 21:14). It would be hard to imagine that Paul as the greatest of the Apostles, would not be numbered among this special group of twelve. There was no “apostolic succession” of any kind for a body of leadership authority through the Christian Age.
The only time one ecclesia recommended a ruling to the brethren at large was when a Jerusalem counsel decided that the Gentile brethren should not be forced to circumcise. And, of course, at that time, there were actual Apostles in the ecclesia of Jerusalem making that recommendation [decree] to “abstain from meat offered to idols…” (Acts 15:22-29).
The independence of the Early Church is attested to by the fact that there were factions among the Corinthian brethren, some following either Paul, Peter or Apollos. Paul said in 1 Cor 3:6-7, “I planted, A-pol’los watered, but God kept making it grow; so that neither is he that plants anything nor is he that waters, but God who makes it grow.” NWT. Paul humbly said that He and Apollos were not anything. Paul did not rule over the brethren. In 1 Thes 2:7 he said, ” we became gentle in the midst of YOU, as when a nursing mother cherishes her own children.” NWT
Alas, as prophetically predicted, very soon the Christian Church evolved into dividing between “clergy” and “laity.” (Acts 20:29; Matt 13:25; Rev 2:20; 1 Jn 2:18; 2 Thes 2:3) On the one hand, some grasping for power took advantage of those ready to let go of their responsibility of electing their own leadership. Gradually a tower of authority built up with priests, bishops and finally a “pope.” Again, the responsibility for decisions and authority to choose leader in the Ecclesia rests with the congregation.
Qualifications for Leadership as Basis for Voting. While the Apostle Paul said the Ecclesia is to submit to and obey those which have “rule over you” (Hebrews 13:7, 17)—Paul also laid guidelines for selecting and voting for those who in the first place would be acceptable leader as an overseer!
When Paul gave Titus the responsibility for instructing new Ecclesias in Crete for organizing their leadership—he certainly was consistent with what he arranged earlier (Acts 14:23). “For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain (elect) elders in every city, as I had appointed thee” (Titus 1:5).
Each congregation was responsible for electing Elders who qualified. He then laid out the qualifications for evaluation by the Ecclesia members quite clearly:
- Above reproach (Titus 1:6);
- Husband of one wife with children not unruly;
- Not self-willed, quick-tempered or addicted to wine;
- No striker; not given to filthy lucre (Titus 1:7);
- Hospitable, sensible, just, self-controlled (Titus 1:8);
- Holding fast the faithful word; able to exhort in sound doctrine (1:9)
In his letter to Timothy, Apostle Paul similarly lines up the qualifications for voting for overseers:
- Blameless, the husband of one wife (1 Timothy 3:1,2):
- Vigilant, sober, of good beheaviore, givento hospitality:
- Apt to teach (1 Timothy 3:2);
- Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre;
- Patient, not a brawler, not covetous (1 Timothy 3:3);
- Having his children in subjection with all gravity (1 Timothy 3:4);
- Not a notive (1 Timothy 3:7);
- Of good report of them which are without (1 Timothy 3:7)
Individual Responsibility for Raising the Hand in Voting. Thus, the Ecclesia is given criteria for voting wisely and determining Jehovah’s will for the the selection of their teachers and instructors. Congregations do NOT need to have an outside authoritative body of leaders to tell them what to do and what to think and what to change for “new light.”
Each member is responsible for attempting to determine the LORD’s will and expressing it in voting by the raising of his/her hand. So Bible Students base their leadership selection—as well as activity selections—by the voting of the Ecclesia.
MORE ON ELECTION OF ELDERS BY VOTE
According to the Bible, the election of elders was practiced in the Early Church. The eventual elimination of this practice gradually led to Elders becoming the Lord’s of the Church, rather than its servants and opened the way for the development of the Antichrist system.
Paul and Barnabas went around to all the churches and conducted the election of Elders.
Acts 14: 23 – And in every Church, after prayer and fasting, they selected Elders by show of hands, and commended them to the Lord on whom their faith rested. – Weymouth
Rotherham and Young’s Literal translation say, “appointed to them by vote elders in every assembly.”
RVIC Revised Version Improved and Corrected says, “elected elders.”
In 2 Corinthians Paul speaks of a brother who was elected by the churches to travel with him:
2 Cor 8:19 – … he is the one who was chosen by the vote of the Churches to travel with us… – Weymouth
In another example, we recall that the Apostles asked the Jerusalem Church to select seven deacons.
Acts 6:3 Therefore, brethren, pick out from among yourselves seven men of good repute, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, and we will appoint them to undertake this duty. Weymouth
Who would have challenged the Apostles had they exerted their influence to appoint deacons themselves. Yet instead they humbly asked the Ecclesia to make this selection.
OUR LIBERTY IN CHRIST
Romans 14:4 Who are you to judge the house servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for Jehovah can make him stand. – NWT
2 Tim 2:7 – 7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. – NKJV
Gal 5:1 – Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. NKJV
Gal 5:13 – For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. NKJV
2Co 3:17 – …where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. NWT
John 8:31, 32 – And so Jesus went on to say to the Jews that had believed him: “If YOU remain in my word, YOU are really my disciples, and YOU will know the truth, and the truth will set YOU free. NWT
DO BIBLE STUDENTS HAVE A GOVERNING BODY?
To find the answer Click here:
Jon,
Jehovah’s witnesses don’t believe we are separating the sheep from the goats anymore. Please research this, your info is not “present truth” within the organization. I will however let others response to your thoughts. Take care my bother.
In Christ
Hi Jacqueline.
Thanks for your notes above. However I always thought that according to what I’ve been lead to believe is that we are in this period of time of actually doing a separating work, this will apparantly go on even up to when the great tribulation accures too! still giving people the opotunity to come on in or take advantage of Jehovah provision for survival.
Isn’t this what the Bible refers to as to the separating work of the sheep class from the goat class etc. Yes even to those too who will have receive a resurrection, will once again be given that opotunity to know about Jehovah God and his purpose in conection with his son.
But Jacqueline although I and the other witnesses do except that Jesus is indeed the one coming fortold messiah and ransomer of all mankind, he was only to be viewed as the main pivital expression within Jehovah’s purpose Matthew 7:21-23. Ephesians 3:11.
The priciple issue behind all of this is written throughout the scriptures for-instance if you look at Ezekiel you will see that there within are certain scriptures that refer to him (Ezekiel) as a portent(a sign) which prefigures something future Ezekiel 12:6,11. 24:24,27. We can see this because other scriptures marry up with Ezekiel and the Christian Greek scriptures, Ezekiel 37:27. Revelation 21: 3. and the mention of gog of the land of magog refered to in Ezekiel is also found in the book of Revelation as well. Also Ezekiel was refered to by Jehovah as a prophet Ezekiel 2:5. 33:33. this also has a prophetic meaning for our times. singular vanacular but can be applied to a body of more than one Isaiah 43:10.(witnesses plural, servant singular)
However chapter nine 1-11, of Ezekiel prophetically describes a secretary watchman dressed in white with a writers ink-horn, He was to pass through the city Jerusalem and put a mark on the forhead (so as to be seen) of all those who were distressed, siging and crying at the detestable things which was going on there within the city.
Shortly after-wards six man with weaponds of smashing were to follow after the man dressed in white clean fine linen, and were asigned to use their weaponds for beinging a ruination upon those who did not receive the mark. This ineffect prohetically pictures not just the preaching work (marking) but also the devestation which is due to accure afterwards for those who have not responded favourably towards the massage being given.
Jon, A witness must be given in this time of the end so that even in the ressurection, persons will know that Jesus and the Bible was the answer. The watchtower society nor the witnesses teach now that we are in a judgement period for the world of mankind. That was changed some time ago. Please look it up in the bound volumes or the electronic library. It is as Jesus said we would be witnesses of him in all the earth. He added nothing else about us doing a separation work or us judging for life or death. It is true that during the millenium it would be good if you heard about Jesus first. But the true knowledge of Jehovah will be sufficient for all to respond favorably or not respond and be condemned to Gehenna.
Your Time frame is off as to when things are to happen. That is what I have learned from Studing with the BS and others of the “Concious Class”. If you think of this as a judging of the Saints in the Gospel Age, you will be able in my opinion to fit the pieces together.
The BS have booklets that you might want to read, I think it might shed some light on it. I know the way you are thinking because I was a witnes for over 60 years. If you can just bring yourself to read the booklets it might just make sense my brother.
Peace and In Christ,
Jacqueline
Hi Jacqueline.
Yes your right the word Govening body isn’t mentioned within the Bible but the idea dose. If you look it abjectively in a positive way, you can see the sense in why there has to be a govening body to govern or to be used to dispence spiritual truths and food to the domestics Matthew 24: 45-47 other-wise there would be no united stability within the congregation’s of understanding on spiritual matters, thats why christ said I am going way but the helper will reveal all to you in due course.
Order is a feature within Jehovah’s organisation heavanly and earthly, Jehovah is a God of order the scriptures show this. In the book of Job 2:1. it states there “that even satan proceeded to take his station” (place) this shows that there must have been some sort of order. By the time of the apostles when christ left etc to replace Juduce there was an office of oversite vacant to be re-placed, again this shows shome sort of order. In order for the goodnews to be preached this way must be so other-wise people wouldn’t begiven instruction’s in one unified harmonious language. Acts 1:20.
Jesus’ ransom will only cover those who have died natually of Adamic sin (due to no fault of their own)and not through an act of judgement that Jehovah had brought upon themselves because of their refusal to listen to advance sound warning and advice given and to act upon it . Noah was apreacher of righteouseness so he must have spent his time out telling the people of Jehovah’s warning 2Peter 2:5. If the people of that time refused to listen to the sound warning given to them by Noah and Lot, then they were to suffer the consequence’s of their own doing, and stubbern refusal at their own peril, You would know that too! That’s why Peter states “for you know this that in the last days there will be ridiculars with their ridicule proceeding with their own desires and saying Where is this promise presence of his…….2Peter 3:3-7
So really it’s nothing new to find fault and it seems to be part of man’s make up to do so, but like in those times of Noah the laughter and the ridicule stopped when thet realised it was to late, once Jehovah shut that door there was no going back the people’s fate had been sealed,”They took no note UNTIL the flood came and swept them all away so the presence of the son of man will be” Matthew 24:36-39.
If however that you feel that ransom covers all, how is it then that when Jesus spoke to the pharisee class he said of them “How are you to exscape gehenna”(total destruction) Also if that was the case there would be no point in the sheep (herd)like people working hard by stripping off the old personallty putting on the lord Jesus christ and washing their robes to make them white in the blood of the lamb if the out-come is going to be the same for both parties, it dosen’t make sense, That’s why the preaching work is so important at this time lives are at risk here people need to be made aware of the issue at stake and for them to make their own choice as their eternal welfare is in the same stuation as in Noah’s day.
Jon
Peter K.
I my obervance on this site and some of the comments that I have read, and the way you reply to them with your apologetic response, that you have replied with, I have to say is very humbling. Although you and I along with others do not share the same views as yourself, your humiliy manifest’s it’s self, and that you come across and seem’s to me to be a thoroughly decent chap.
Jon,
Yes, Jon all of Adams descendents (except Noah and family) and sons of the fallen angels died in the flood. Jesus didn’t died for the fallen angel’s children they are gone forever.
Jesus, however ransomed all of Adams children. Yes I am saying that Adams descendents who died in the flood,can get a resurection just like Sodom and Gomorrah, who were also destroyed by divine means from Jehovah. They will come back to learn about Jesus’ ransom.
I do realize a need to be guided, That is why I study try to get understanding, accept and obey the word of God. I will not substitute any body of men for Jesus. He is our mediator between God and Men. I an others choose to be like the ones in the wilderness that refused to worship the golden calf that was set up as a snare by God’s anointed priest Aaron. Aaron paid for that after he had accomplished God’s purpose.
The word trinity is not mentioned in the Bible and neither is Governing Body. They waited in Jerusalem for Holy Spirit then they moved out to spread it all over the world.
On this web-site we are not trying to pull you away from the society or the witneses. We are here for those who need our help. They are mourning and sighing over the detestable things being done. Pedophilia,Blood issue, shunning etc.
If you are happy there is no problem with that. But some aren’t and need help. We donot hate the witnesses. I was one for over 60 years and all of my relatives still are, over 200. Many of my relatives believe you should have the right to worship as you please. Quite a few are Elders. Most of them will uphold the disfellowshiping shunning however.
If all persons in a group think alike, it is because only one person is thinking. You cannot read the Bible without thinking for yourself. It is written in such a way as to invoke personal action and love for the creator. I choose not to have a herd mentality.
I just wanted to sort of let you know we are not recruiting here. Holy Spirit can direct ones. If this is not the will of Jesus and God it will not succeed.
Thank you.
amen!?
your post really direct only to Bible and daily beseech for Holy Spirit,not group of people claimg some positions before God contradicting true relation of Gods WORD
free christians do,nt belong to earthly infested organizations by corupted spirit of this world!
and true beleivers(christians)do,nt recrute anybody to HIS eternal heavenly church,GODS SPIRIT HAVE ENOUGH OF POWER DOING THIS INDEPENDENTLY WUTHOUT OF FALSE CLAIMERS OF THIS EARTH John 26-27. John 15;26
I have to say that after reading some of these comments which I have found quite disturbing to say the lese. I personal have been associated within the truth for many years now since 1971 and yes I have to say that at times I have found it very hard to conform to certain restrictions but I can see that it for my good.But in deffence of the Jehovah’s witnesses and about being made to do this and that from an all out of a controling organisation it is simply wrong. I made my own mind and choices upon this matter and chose for myself that this is what I wanted to do. know-where have I found that I have been made or put in any forceful compromising situation to be control by the witnesse GB. the day that that happends I’m off! but they are truely not of that type, I only see kindness and goodness and loving concern and guiding us for our good in these last days in the time of the end, I do get the feeling though it is only those who seek an indipendent rebelious spirit for themselves,the sames spirit as portrayed by the world who wish to strive out on their own(free choice)rather than being guided in the right direction to avoid the same pit-falls to spiritual ruin as the worlds.
Whether you except the GB. of Jehovah’s witnesses or not this still dosen’t detract from the fact that Jehovah is using this small group today in bringing to our attention that we are fast nearing the end of this system of things and that scriptually this is the case. At the time of Noah building that ark he must have received so much ridicule (just like yours in-which you are truely doing) the years he spent cutting chopping forming and joining that ark to gether until it’s completion the ridicul mockings he and and his family received must have been relentless.Once completed Jehovah had instructed him seven days and I will bring the flood, How those people laugh and critizied him, even those materilized angels(sons of god) too! even to the point of fooling those to-whom they had sided with.
But once Noah and his house hold were safly in the ark, and after he had done all the hard work of construction, It was Jehovah who shut the door, why! Perhaps it was that once that had happened his judgement was finaly sealed and final, also perhaps,if Noah had control of that door he nodoubt would have allowed his heart felt compation to open the door once the waters rose to a depth that those on the out side could only see their inevitable death,their cries for help and deparation shouting became more desparate men women and children there were certainly going to be no helper for this lot, and it certainly wasn,t because thet hadn;t been told, asJesus said in Matthew 24: 34 “and they took no note until the flood came and swept then all away, so it will be in the presence of the son of man”
You have no excuse just continue to mock Jehovah but he will have his day believe me and like thos of Noah’s day how will you personaly be taking it?
Peter K
Yes the office of oversite of the first century congregation, was a humble position to be attribute to a selective individual(s) through holy spirit by the other apostles. When Judas Iscariot dissowned this arrangement it was then attribute to another faithful apostle Acts 1:20.
Yes I have to agree on some of your views very well constructed and thought out.
On the ransom though, I,ve never come across that line of thought before, that it,s only for those with the heveanly calling, I think possibily that you may well be wrong with that view Peter,or on the other hand if that was the case it,s not in line with the societies thinking since I’ve been associated with the witnesses.The ransom ssacrifice covers all of mankind and makes atonment for all who wishes to avail of themselves to Jehovahs provision wheather your life is a heveanly one or an earthly one and even during the thousand year rein of christ after which mankind willl then have been brought back to perfection once again.(poor ole Jehovah what’s he had to put up with)
I have to say however also I’ve never questioned what the govening body has ever said and as the way they have come across, But sometimes I have to say the way brothers and sister act within the congregations can be questionable that’s why they we are constanly keep being lovingly corrected, their imperfect, they fail miserable personality clashes I’m sorry to admit I couldn’t want to associate with some for to long some would irritate me as I would them nodoubt,but I put up with them over-looking their faults weaknesses and short-comings, as hopfull christ will for give me.
Revelation was written in signs so it’s to taken literaly Rev 1:1. The twelve you made memtion could be refering to the twelve congregations rather than twelve individuals.
Jon
Jon,
The view of the early Watchtower was that Jesus died a Ransom for ALL mankind, that even unbelievers would have an opportunity to come back in Paradise Earth. Pastor Russell, the founder of the original Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, explained the Ransom in his famous book, The Divine Plan of the Ages. You can read it here:
http://www.godsplan-today.com/English/ENG_Ch_9_Ransom.htm
You can find a lot scriptures to consider on the Ransom for ALL here:
https://www.friendsofjehovahswitnesses.com/category/answers/ransom-answers/
I would be very happy to here what you think of this evidence and whether you disagree with the early Watchtower view.
Jon,
I have been following with interest the dialogue between you and Bro. Peter. Perhaps you could give me insight on a point please.
Around 2008, do you remember when the watchtower said that Jesus was a mediator only for the anointed. I don’t mean the covenant relationship. This caused some of us to feel as if Jesus is being taken away from us. I understood that they were trying to show that the Greek Scriptures and the heavenly hope was for Christian. But they came off as offensive because they claim the hope is closed, that the number is filled. I know they are backing of somewhat on that because at least 3 of the Governing body either came in or were anointed within the last 35- 50 years.
Do you remember this statement about the mediator only for the anointed. Thank you.
Hi Peter K.
I must say before I go on thanks very much for allowing me to ansnwer on this web-site and hopefully my way of expressing me self is’nt to off putting and offensive I do apologise for any offence(is my spelling right?)
I must say too that like you and many others as well have had problems thinking that that way as well,But reasoning on it dose seem to make sense.
As far as I am aware the JW’s have never stated that they are infaliable or have some divine favour, they have in the past seen the need to make many adjustments in many of their understanding on scriptual matters, and the thought of a governing body being the main central part. The governing body however is not made up of just one individual but of a body of such as one or two members pass away someone is requested to take place. However Peter all this is really following in the same course as the first century apostles use to do things, although the whole body is made up of imperfect men a nunmber of them have to be part of it for fear of impartial views thoughts and personality clashes,but the guiding spirit would inevitably be that of the same spirit or helper that Jesus fortold that would come and reveil to them. Remember Peter that at one point one of the apostles ask Jesus about the Kingdom and Jesus answerd
2it dose not belong to me to reveal all as to what the father has place in his own durisdiction but he will reveal all in his own due time” This and other scriptures such as Daniel 12:4. dose really show that God’s servants dont know everything (even the govening body)untill it has been revealed to whoever at an applicable time,then to reveal his purpose due course.Yes I agree there dose seem to be some questionable views I understand the thought of being under control and made to do this and that absolutly makes me cringe, but I can see the sense in it all. Jehovah is as you well propable understand is a God of order and not of disorder. Just by looking at the way he instructed and delt with those in the past show’s just how maticuluse he is about certain things (temple arrangement and worship) in some case’s it had to be doe “just so”
As I pointed out before Jehovah did only chose one nation acording to the scriptures, imperfect as they were they still disobeyed him and stryed on many acounts, but Jehovah constantly for gave them,even saying that even inviting them to repent, their sins had become like crimson in colour he would make them white like snow. Isaiah 1:18. This nation was imperfect the same as Noah, Moses and all the others too right down the aposles and even down to our day Jehovah was is ecentially all that he can use to reveal his purpose to.
But Peter what actually convince’s me though is actually the understanding of the scriptures and the out working of the whole Biblical truths within it, spirit the permiates throught the organisation imperfect as it is, it is very loving and caring. If Jehovah is’nt use an earthly body or person then who is he using to reveal his purpose too” To me the scriptures makes sense when it says that the earth and all that that is in it belongs to him, and that one day he will bring about and end to this evil corupt system which is primarily made up of four basic elements, so we are told that if God is so loving it would only be in our best interest and like a loving father reveal fisrt of his intentions and the way he wishes to acomplish it, so rather than angels TO TELL he chose’s imperfect sinful faliable humans.
The truble with humans we dont like to be told,but unfortunately if we want to gains Jehovah’s approval to be part of that new earthly society I have to comform, I do just see it that way. Revelations 7:13. washed their robes made white through the blood of christ.
Some one has to tell us otherwise we could all tern round and say well I was never informeded. JON
Jon,
Thanks for sharing some great thoughts.
You said that, “JW’s have never stated that they are infallible.” I believe you are correct, however wouldn’t you agree that if in good conscience you disagreed with the latest Watchtower comments on a particular scripture that you would get in trouble for stating your disagreement? I think the JW organization would greatly benefit if freedom of expression were permitted.
You said that, “all this is really following in the same course as the first century apostles use to do things.” Rev 21:14 designates twelve Apostles of the Lamb in the New Jerusalem. Although the Catholic Church claims apostolic succession, I am not convinced of scriptural support for this concept. I don’t think you or I can identify a governing board or body of Apostles existing since the death of the Apostles up to the time of the early Watchtower, which as Jehovah’s representative guided true Christians. So then, I think that you would probably reason that this first century practice laid dormant over the centuries until the Watchtower and governing body. Actually, I do believe that according to the scriptures, in the end times there would be a special dispensing of Truth and enlightenment and that this was accomplished through the early Watchtower. (I can present the scriptures supporting this concept if you or anyone requests it.) However, I believe that after Russell, Rutherford pulled the JWs backward by rejecting the Ransom for ALL, discouraging the heavenly call, etc.
You make the point that many of Jehovah’s people throughout the ages were not perfect, so we can excuse the governing body if they are not perfect. This is a good point, but the case needs to be made that Jehovah has selected this governing body for this purpose. As far as I can see, there is not direct scriptural statements supporting this conclusion; but the conclusion is based on the logic that if the JWs are Jehovah’s organization, He must be directing their leaders. If this is your view, it is point worth discussing further.
You mention about the JW organization being “loving and caring.” I am certain that you are correct that many JWs are loving and caring and I am sure that you are enjoying blessings from being among loving and caring Christians whom you feel understand the Truth of the scriptures. However, from the perspective of the JW labeled an Apostate for disagreeing, based on conscience, and torn from their family, to them, the JWs do not feel like a loving organization. Also, it is difficult to excuse the governing body for not acting against many JW pedophiles as documented by Barbara Anderson (former Bethelite and secretary to a Governing Body member) with actual Watchtower case records.
Jon – I am not trying to attack the JWs as a terrible organization. I see much good. I believe many JWs love Jehovah with all their heart and want to offer all their energy and abilities in His service. Any Christian denomination can be criticized, many more so than the JWs. However the JWs have many Truths lost in these other Churches.
Dear Calasin,
1. This website is put together by the Original Bible Students associated with Br. Russell, the ones the society said were extinct.
2. http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/scandals/133835/1/What-is-the-net-worth-of-the-Watchtower-Society. As long as Co, Do etc get pensions money is used wisely.
3.Bible Student Elders work also and not paid a salary. Not unique to Witnesses.
4. Some might think it is prudence and common sense not cowardness to not put their ID on the internet.
5.Witnesses in my area know I am a BS after 61 yrs a witness. Be careful express expressing yourself and asking questions in the Congregation.
6.As regards Blood Transfusion, this is a personal medical decision. The Bible does not comment on it.The NWTranslation on Acts 15:28 gives as reference. Deut. 12:16,15 eating animal blood.
Gen. 9:3,4, Lev3:17 eating fat or blood of slaughtered animal. 1Sam.14:32 not punished for eating because they were hungry. Deut. 12:21-24 eating animal blood with it’s flesh forbidden. Lev 17:10-13. None of these scriptures is talking about eating or drinking human blood. Jehovah is not talking about medical procedures. He is talking about what blood represents and its sanctity even of animals. It is sacred.
No one is slaughtered to give blood transfusions.
Jesus blood was shed to save our lives. We were in a crisis his shed blood covers us. I am not saying a person should or should not take a blood transfusion. It is their life and a personal medical decision for their family and doctors. Jim Jones killed 900 people and Waco over 200. This policy has killed thousands, especially the blood of the poor innocent, children.
At least do not use the Bible to support something if it does not. And if I can eat a cake piece by piece but not the whole cake at once, that does not make sense with the blood fraction thing. This is just my opinion as I would understand it from the Bible reading Acts.
I hope I have been reasonable, truthful and honest with you.
Thanks