Watchtower Deconstructed

31/07/2023

A good question, with a great answer . Source: Quora

31/07/2023

Question posted and answered on Quora:
𝘋𝘰 𝘑𝘦𝘩𝘰𝘷𝘢𝘩'𝘴 𝘞𝘪𝘵𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 𝘦𝘯𝘫𝘰𝘺 𝘱𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘬𝘯𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘯 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦'𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘰𝘳𝘴? 𝘐𝘴 𝘪𝘵 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘰𝘳𝘺?

Answered by a Jehovah's Witness 31 years in the "Truth".

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The typical family experience of being a Jehovah's Witness on a weekend, kind of goes like this
It’s Saturday ---------
Your alarm goes off at 8am. Rather than hit the snooze button (because it’s the weekend) you get out of bed, wash, put on a suit (or a conservative dress, if you’re a woman) and drive to another Jehovah’s Witnesses house to “meet for field service”.
If you’re married, your spouse is there doing the same. If you have children, guess what, they also got up at 8am, put on smart clothes and are there with you. Doesn’t matter if they’re 12, 5 or even a baby. It doesn’t matter that this is their only opportunity to rest from a week of school.

[sɪᴅᴇ ɴᴏᴛᴇ: Everyone there pretends to really enjoy the Ministry, if you don't, you think you're the only one who doesn’t. Many members who don't enjoy it, end up thinking they aren't doing enough of it, or they don’t have “Jehovah’s blessing”.]

You pair up. You try to make sure you’re paired up with your spouse, or child but – ah, no… the elder “𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘥” (who definitely isn’t a leader, he’s just taking the lead – totally different thing) pairs you up with the certified crazy that every congregation seems to have. She claims to be one of the anointed and she hears voices. Great! What a test of endurance, or patience!!

So, you strap on your heavy bag of propaganda magazines (𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘤𝘩 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘩𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘯'𝘵 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘵𝘰 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥. 𝘐𝘵𝘴 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘭𝘥 𝘳𝘦-𝘩𝘢𝘴𝘩 𝘰𝘧 "𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥" 𝘧𝘦𝘢𝘳 𝘮𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨, '𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘣𝘢𝘥 𝘪𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘸𝘰𝘳𝘭𝘥', '𝘩𝘰𝘸 𝘢𝘸𝘧𝘶𝘭 𝘱𝘦𝘰𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦' 𝘰𝘳 '𝘪𝘴𝘯'𝘵 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘎𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘉𝘰𝘥𝘺 𝘸𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘶𝘭'. 𝘠𝘰𝘶'𝘷𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘦𝘥𝘥𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘪𝘯 𝘥𝘪𝘢𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴).

Your children are tired and bored, they wanted to stay home and watch cartoons. You chastise them in case anyone hears. Heaven forbid any other Jehovah’s Witness hears you, or your kids, admitting that it’s boring.

You approach a door, pretend to knock and stand there for about 2 mins, then walk away. Repeat the charade for as long as you can. But unfortunately the crazy person you’ve been paired with, actually knocks on the window with her walking stick, peers inside and shouts “I can see you hiding!”.
The householder comes to the door annoyed. You get told, in no uncertain terms, to go away because it’s Saturday morning and they’re not interested. The entire group of witnesses working in the street are overjoyed that someone was mean to you !! You all feel justified and that the religion must be true, because you were “𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘥” like Jesus and the Apostles. You of course, don't realise you have been the persecutor and harrasser, of this householder, by disturbing their peace and right to worship who they want.

After an hour of this you finish and go home. Relief. Although you have to do this again tomorrow. And every weekend until Armageddon comes (which has been “𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘳𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘥 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘦𝘳” since 1875), or until the day you die (Whichever comes 1st).

Your kids? They don’t get a lie-in. Ever. They have school every day, door knocking Saturday morning, meetings on Sunday morning & yet more door knocking afterwards. Some people have never had a lie in on a weekend until they leave the religion. To those people, they’re wonderful and a new concept.

Would you enjoy this?

During the long decades in this “religion”, some jw only know say, 2 or 3 people out of the – literally – hundreds, who actually enjoyed the door to door ministry. Even the pioneers, who devote up to 90 hours a month to it, would say they only do it because they have to.

Only an former-member would say this. No active Jehovah’s Witness would admit to this. They’re not allowed to. To admit that would mean “They aren't doing it enough” or Jehovah isn’t blessing them.

Of course - all of this door knocking is “voluntary” (𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘬-𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘬) and nobody is ”compelled” or “forced” to do it (𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘬-𝘸𝘪𝘯𝘬). You’re just expected to fill in a report slip each month informing the leaders of how many hours you spent door knocking. That bit is mandatory.

So, the next time a Jehovah’s Witness calls at your door. Please be kind. Remember that this person doesn’t want to be there either, doesn’t enjoy it and may not even believe it anymore.

12/07/2023

FINDING THE RIGHT RELIGION, THE TRUTH
(Note: almost every religion and their schisms, denominations or offshoots, will claim to be the only ones with the real truth.)
Here's how you might start to track down the best religion for you.

1. READ a diverse selection of holy books:
Such as the Christian Bible, the Quran, Bhagavad Gita, the Torah (Tanakh), the Apocrypha, the Kojiki, the Tipikata, the Vedas and the Upanisads, the Book of Mormon, the Egyptian Book of the Dead, Tao Te Ching, the Sutras, The Epic of Gilgamesh, the Avesta and Dianetics.

2. RESEARCH
Find out what the fundamental doctrines of the religion are and who is worshipped by the religion.
-What are their afterlife beliefs?
-Does it teach you to expect a reward, ie.everlasting life, or salvation?
-Do you need to do good works/preach or donate, to get an eternal reward? -Reincarnation or resurrection?
-Is there one God, or many?
-Is there any evidence for claims of miracles?
-Will there be eternal punishment?
-What is their definition of sin /wickedness/human imperfection?
-Does it teach healing? Meditation?
-Are there steps to take to achieve a certain status, or reward?
-Are members divine...or is God/ a prophet/Gods representative divine?

3. Define what you are seeking, by an introspective self-analysis question "What am I looking for ...?"

(i) Mystic experiences?
(ii) Regularity of rituals, congregations?
(iii) Being a better person?
(iv) Religion that matches my understanding of God?
(v) Understandable canon and scriptures that define good lifestyle choices towards spirituality?
(vi) Spiritual growth, or maturity?

4. PLACES OF WORSHIP OR MEETING
Check out your local religions and visit their places of worship.Chat to the people attending there, especially about their doubts, spiritual aspirations being met and what they find as definitive and acceptable in their religion.

5. Understand that people usually chose a religion:
• that their parents followed
• is located nearby, or within that country
• is established and has a firm, understandable doctrine
• answers questions honestly and doesn't try to mislead or defer
• has similar principles that conform to your idea of morality
• is not too controversial, or extreme
• has a social set up, where like-minded people can meet regularly and support each other
• has set goals, or achievements that are obtainable
• has answers that make sense and don't contradict any of their other teachings

QUESTIONING
6. Have a list of questions that help narrow down what you are looking for. Most people usually join religions that they can agree with, or who have beliefs that suit them. Most people don't join a religion they disagree with, or whose practices they don't like.

QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ALWAYS ASK BEFORE YOU COMMIT:
What does the religion teach?
Do I want to follow strict rituals, rules or both?
Who is the God and what are his principles?
Does this religion help others, or focus on personal spiritual growth?
Does the religion support followers, or punish them for sins?
What kind of commitment does the religion have?
What sacrifices would I be expected to make?
Will it help me to be a better person?
Am I expected to find new members to bring in?
Does the religion make outrageous claims?
Am I expected to pay for being a member (with time, money, resources etc)?
How does the religion treat outsiders, or former followers?
Is there a heirachy and is the leadership approachable?
Are there any dangerous practices like fasting?
How often do they meet?
Are they charitable or self serving?
Do they isolate followers?

08/06/2023

For the last 140 years or so, the Bible Student movement aka Jehovah's Witnesses, have been teaching that only the will be saved during Armageddon.
You and everyone you know, will be callously destroyed by their God. Your demise, is because you didn't join their religion. Or go out to recruit yet more people like yourself.
There are hundreds of religions who state this as well. So, it's no wonder that people are confused. You'd have to join every religion to stand a chance of survival.
The only chance you have is to spend your entire existence, doing the thankless task of recruitment for every Millerite offshoot formed since the late 1800's.
And to confuse things more, the Pentecostals and other evangelicals say much the same thing. You need to 'witness' to others.

25/04/2023

Images related to asking for Donations

25/04/2023

There may not be a collection plate physically passed to members, but contribution boxes have stood in the corners of kingdom halls for decades.

"A collection plate is never passed. Rather, there is a box in a fixed location for any who wish to make a contribution." Watchtower 2010 May 15 p.31
Towards the end of every year, an Watchtower article appears to motivate Jehovah's Witness donations by claiming contributions "honour God".
article is followed with instructions outlining recommended ways in which to donate. This includes cash, jewellery, other valuable personal property, insurance policies, bank accounts, stocks and bonds, real estate, gift annuities, wills and trusts.
Ref: Watchtower 2013 Nov pp.8-9
(Image 1 & 2)
Kingdom Ministry articles detail how to include Watchtower as a beneficiary of a will or trust.(See Image 3)

The Watchtower (Study) 2017 Jul p.9 article "Seeking Riches That Are True" starts with the question, "How can material possessions be used to strengthen our friendship with God?" "this is just part of the priceless inheritance for those who make friends in heaven"

"Honor Jehovah With Your Valuable Things" is a song released in 2019 that appears on jw.org under the heading Original Songs.

"What more can I do to give honor to you,
Than to give you my valuable things?.. No matter what life brings
I'll honor you with my valuable things."
It is accompanied by a motivational video showing images of Jehovah's Witnesses putting money into the contribution box, studying Watchtower publications, preaching, considering the "Application for Temporary Volunteer Program," filling in a field service report slip, donating online and cleaning the Kingdom Hall.

It is manipulative to say donations are a gift to Jehovah when Jehovah needs no money, and the money is going to the bank account of a corporation.

Watchtower uses Bible examples of donating to coerce followers to do the same, such as of the widow's mite (Watchtower Study Ed.2017 Jan p.11).

Another example of emotional coercion is promising donating "your valuable things" will lead to abundant blessings.
Quoted s ripture: Proverbs 3:9, 10."..
While material prosperity in itself does not lead to spiritual prosperity, generously using our valuable things-our time, our strength, and our material resources-to honor Jehovah brings rich blessings." Watchtower 1997 Dec 1 p.26

Another example is likening the Israelites funding the tabernacle to "financially supporting Kingdom Halls, Assembly Halls, remote translation offices, and Bethel complexes".
(See Pix 4) Source. Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook 2020 Sep p.6

In some congregations, Elders ask followers to pledge a one-time or ongoing donation, usually when budgeting for building a new Kingdom Hall. This effectively pressures followers into a commitment, even when done as an anonymous survey (Pix 5).

Even in times of crisis, Watchtower pushes its members for money. During the period of time that many countries enforced isolation due to Covid-19, leading to loss of jobs and income, Watchtower released a announcement reminding members that they can continue to donate online, knowing that "Jehovah notices even the smallest of donations" and "will bless your efforts to show appreciation..."
Pix 6 Source-Announcements 2020 Apr 1 (4/1/20-E Bi)

Full and remaining part of article here:-

https://jwfacts.com/watchtower/donations-money-solicitation.php

24/04/2023

NEW WORLD TRANSLATION: The ANONYMOUS TRANSLATION COMMITTEE
The New World Translation (NWT) is defined by the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ parent organization (the Watchtower Society) as "a translation of the Holy Scriptures made directly from Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek into modern-day English by a committee of so alled anointed witnesses of Jehovah." The NWT is the anonymous work of the “New World Bible Translation Committee.” Jehovah’s Witnesses claim that the ANONYMITY is in place so that the credit for the work will go to God. Of course, this has the added BENEFIT of KEEPING the TRANSLATORS FROM ANY ACCOUNTABILITY FOR THEIR ERRORS and PREVENTS REAL SCHOLARS FROM CHECKING THEIR ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS.

The New World Translation is unique in one thing – it is the first intentional, systematic effort at producing a complete version of the Bible that is edited and revised for the specific purpose of agreeing with a group’s doctrine. The Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Watchtower Society realized that their beliefs contradicted Scripture. So, rather than conforming their beliefs to Scripture, they altered Scripture to agree with their beliefs. The “New World Bible Translation Committee” went through the Bible and changed any Scripture that did not agree with Jehovah’s Witness theology. This is clearly demonstrated by the fact that, as new editions of the New World Translation were published, additional changes were made to the biblical text. As biblical Christians continued to point out Scriptures that clearly argue for the deity of Christ (for example), the Watchtower Society would publish new editions of the New World Translation with those Scriptures changed.

04/03/2023

TOPIC: What you must do, if you want to be a JW?

People seeking to eventually be baptised as a Jehovah Witness, are required to follow a systematic, catechistical Bible Study Course, (usually in their home, for several months).

They will be expected to attend all meetings at the Kingdom Hall. They must demonstrate a willingness to carry out the doorstep ministry. It should include incidental witnessing opportunities to their family and friends.

Other changes you must make are:

●No former beliefs allowed. These include the Trinity, Jesus born as a god, going to heaven or hell, a imminent visible return of Jesus, or salvation only via Jesus.

● You cannot donate/volunteer to charity.
It will regularly be suggested to you, however, that donation boxes are around the Kingdom Hall (their house of worship). That funds are needed for building new Kingdom Halls Worldwide. You'll be reminded often that you can donate your time to Hall cleaning /maintenance, or to go to building sites. You might like to offer your skills, to build more Kingdom Halls/Convention Centres. Or to offer your expertise at their various media sites.

● You should not be affiliated with the military or politics.

● No celebration of your birthday, Christmas Easter, Mothers Day, Valentines Day or Halloween.

●You cannot donate blood, nor receive it in a life saving situation. You can receive blood, donated by others, if it's fractionated. You should speak to a trained JW, or Elder in this matter. Some parts of the blood are OK. Some are not.

● You should attempt only limited contact with non JW family, friends or colleagues. People who are “worldly” are seen as bad influences or “bad associations.”

●You should believe that Satan is now in control of the world. He uses religions, governments, commercial organizations and the media to mislead and corrupt people.

● If the courts, police or govenmental authorities act against JW interests, they have no authority over a follower. It's best to speak to the JW help desk if you are in trouble with one of these.

● You need 2 witnesses to prove a sin against someone committing a SA against a child.

●Armageddon is imminent. It has been since the 1880's . Followers must behave like it will happen any day now.

Personal stuff:
●Your clothing must be modest. Even if you are in casual attire. Any tight clothing showing your body are not acceptable (in most countries).

●Men are in charge. Even if you are single. The authority over you is any baptised JW male related to you, or in the congregation.

●Any entertainment must be wholesome and contain no violence s*x, or drugs. You cannot have posters of rockstars on the wall (idolatry)

●Your social group should comprise of active JW or family who are sympathetic to JW beliefs. (Limited contact- as you might be able to convert them).

●School children should only have friends who are witnesses. It's not acceptable to have friends who are worldly.

● Workplace acquaintances should only be developed as friends, if they take an interest in the JW religion. Workplace parties are best avoided.

●You must not, drink too much, smoke, take recreational drugs, engage in unmarried s*x.

●You must not talk to anyone who once was a JW. They must be avoided at all costs.

●Your children must be taught JW beliefs. Their friendships should be monitored. They should have limited or no contact with non JW grandparents/family. They must attend all the meetings with you. Their entertainment should include videos from JWORG. They must be taught to be quiet in the meetings and interact with anyone at those meetings. Keep them away from new ones.

●Ideally you should spurn a college education.

●You should put up with other jws, no matter what. That includes abusive spouses/family. If you work for a JW, you should appreciate it and not mind being underpaid or work a bit longer. Your social group should include any JW in your area.

● You should be willing to report others for any misbehaviour or sins. It's okay to spy a little, just to make sure you've got the facts correct. This is loving behaviour.

10/02/2023

Let's do a role call on some of those dates:
1878- was expected to fulfil many events, on the basis it was 3½ years after 1874, a period paralleling Jesus' 3½ year earthly ministry.
1881- became the next prophesied year that the sealing of the 144,000 was to be complete. This was to be at the end of 7 harvest years, after the jubilee cycles had ended in 1874.
1906- Russell predicted a great war for this year. See Zion's Watch Tower 1892 January 15 article.
1914- The expectations prior to 1914, included it being the end of the Gentile Times, the end of Armageddon, the fall of false religion, the end of all governments, the resurrection, the start of Jesus 1000 year reign and paradise on earth.
1918- Rutherford predicted the "harvest work" would end in 1918, with the destruction of all religion.
1925- a date set by Rutherford for the commencement of the 'earthly paradise' and the resurrection onto earth of people such as Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
(The above dates, were all later reinterpreted by both Bible Student movement and Jehovah's Witnesses, as having taken place invisibly)!!!!

1975- it was heavily implied (in publications & talks) that the end would occur in 1975- since this was 6,000 years from the creation of Adam. "Stay alive till '75" was a catchphrase at the time.
1980- was said to potentially be the year that the Jews are resurrected, based on it being a 70 year period from Russell's 1910 lecture to the Jews.
1986- UN Year of Peace. The implication was, that it could be the 'cry of peace and security' that precedes Armageddon.
2000- there was a strong indication that it would be impossible for Armageddon not to come before 2000.The 1989 Watchtower used the term "in our 20th century" in the magazine, but this was changed to "in our day" for the bound volume and subsequent CD library. Full quote "He was laying a foundation for a work that would be completed in our 20th century". Watchtower 1989 Jan 1 p.12.

07/01/2023

Well said. Blood and the symbolic aspect of it between Yahweh and the Jewish people.
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1619514568507576&id=100013471458866&mibextid=Nif5oz

10 " any israelite or any alien living among them who eats any bloodi will set my face against that person who eats blood and will cut him off from his people. 12 therefore i say to the israelites, "none of you may eat blood, nor may an alien living among you eat blood. 15 'anyone, whether native-bo...

27/07/2020

This 93 year old, is better at churning out letters than most young people. So they probably butter her up, with compliments and praise to keep her doing it.