Srecko Sostar

First Amendment Annotated Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. - https://constitution.congress.gov/constitution/amendment-1/ Can the question be asked: Is criticism of religion and pointing out the questionability of its dogmas the right of every believer in the US? or elsewhere? Or is it "hate speech"? When victims of abuse protest in front of a religious institution and seek answers and change is it reprehensible? Why does the representative of the WT, who represents the only true religion that represents The Truth, not want to answer the question but refer to the Fifth Amendment to the US Constitution? JW "religious freedom" speaking about how all people who do not accept JW "Truth" are part of "God's enemies" and belong to "satan' world", and deserved to be destroyed. And how all JW's who left "organization" are mentally diseased", "despicable apostates", "bad society" and similar expressions, must be "shunned" and will be destroyed because they are even worse than "worldly people". Is this sort of "free speech" also inside "full religious freedom"? WT and JW members read text of Bible and they took the right to produce "judgement" on people in the name of God. Just like many believers before them, in various religions. Please be realistic. What would the future of people in the "New World", who would not accept JW learning, look like?

from link you put: The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom held a virtual hearing in September on religious liberty in Russia and Central Asia. Several participants, including Emily B. Baran, a history professor at Middle Tennessee State University, cited persecution of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia. “Russia cannot be said to have full religious freedom, a cornerstone of a democratic society, as long as Jehovah’s Witnesses cannot practice their faith within its borders,” she said in written testimony. Can somebody please explain; what is and how looks like the "Full Religious Freedom" ?

This is essential to understand. Victims are victims, and abusers are abusers. What with violent behavior in shape of shunning? If JW members use bullying behavior in the form of shunning, "social distance" toward ex members or "spiritually weak" members, we can name it as abusers/victims relation. If third party see this and want to stop such relations between them, what tool will they use? Legal, semi legal, illegal? Some western courts decided that JW internal policies (dogmas) are not of concerns for secular authorities and their citizens. Russian courts said opposite. Both decisions are legal according to different courts understanding and their laws. What looks like understanding of individuals inside and outside JWorg? According to JW's belief system in "final day" god will violently destroy all violent people. And spare all victims? This illustration (in form of JW hope) shows how "violence" is justified if you used it against "abusers". JW people are "neutral" in question of wars, revolutions and other "violent" changes inside societies. And want to be "peaceful", but resolutely refuse to change their "shunning policy" parallel with some other questionable directives and instructions. Who is who in Russia or in US, Europe etc?

A Kingdom Hall is a building dedicated to Jehovah. Therefore, it cannot rightly be said to belong to any individual or congregation, whatever its legal title may indicate. Christian principles dictate that we cooperate fully to make sure that this building measures up to the purpose for which it was built. All in the congregation can contribute to that end by showing appropriate respect for our places of worship, by making donations for new construction, and by volunteering their time and energy to keep existing Kingdom Halls properly cleaned and maintained. By supporting these efforts, we show our zeal for Jehovah’s place of pure worship, as Jesus did.—John 2:17. - https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/w20150715/respect-kingdom-hall-clean-maintained/ WTJWorg is convinced that the construction of KH is God’s will and that the construction was accomplished “with God”. Does it make sense, is it useful to contradict someone’s beliefs or misconceptions? If JW people truly believe that JHVH support all and every KH construction and all and every sell off of particular KH and Branch office around the world, let it be. If people who don't believe in God's existence truly believe that they can promote and accomplish "good life" for humankind with own efforts, or "without god" as believers would say, it would only mean that there are two kinds of belief, two different concepts of faith. Based on experience to date, we rightly conclude that both concepts have flaws and have often proven to be unreliable and even more so, that they can be extremely harmful. Religious leaders, in our example - GB, have constantly invoked God and do so today. They claim that everything achieved in the “organization”, all promoted projects (literal and spiritual) are reflection of God’s will and great faith in it, in Him from all members of the JW. Whether we are talking about spiritual or physical projects, and whether they are pious or non-pious organizations, there can be only one measure for all.

Signers include conference speakers J Gordon Melton of Baylor University in Waco, Texas; Massimo Introvigne of CESNUR in Torino, Italy; Raffaella Di Marzio of the Center for Studies on Freedom of Belief, Religion and Conscience in Rome; and other international scholars of religion. ------------------------------ ABOUT US Sight Magazine is an editorially independent, Australian-based website covering local and global news and issues from a Christian perspective. ....................For a concise statement of our Christian beliefs, we refer to the Nicene Creed. ------------------------------ Massimo Introvigne (born June 14, 1955, in Rome) is an Italian sociologist of religion[1] and intellectual property attorney.[2][3] He is a founder and the managing director of the Center for Studies on New Religions (CESNUR), a Turin-based organization which has been described as "the highest profile lobbying and information group for controversial religions".[4] .................In 1972, he joined conservative Catholic group Alleanza Cattolica.[8][better source needed] From 2008 to 2016 he has served as vice-president of the group................. he advocates doctrinaire positions that favour groups like Scientology."[4] In the mid-1990s, Introvigne testified on behalf of Scientologists in a criminal trial in Lyon.[4]................journalists described Introvigne as a "cult apologist", saying he was tied to the Catholic Alliance and Silvio Berlusconi's then ruling party.[22] Introvigne responded that his scholarly and political activities were not connected................He was the Italian director of the Transylvanian Society of Dracula,............In 1997, J. Gordon Melton and Introvigne organized an event at the Westin Hotel in Los Angeles where 1,500 attendees came dressed as vampires,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, ?????? and JW's accepts his "concerns" about their future in Russia :))

JW people are not independent in spirituality. And they accept this ideological aspect in their church, because independence is viewed as wrong and against God. But :))), male members can choose, independently, colors of tie, .... but tie is mandatory. There is no negotiation about tie. If you want be on stage that will not be possible without tie. Or perhaps to give comment at meeting without tie as baptized member. Teaching people how to "fish" independently, can be dangerous for teachers in WTJWorg :))

Here we had severe weather, hail, much rain, strong wind, again, last night.

Have to ask: What @Witness made up? Food boxes? Food boxes distribution to JW members? Circumstances around distribution inside JWorg? Additional "Letter" from "JW Disaster Relief Committee"? Content of that "letter"? etc.

What a spirit guided this JW elder, Shawn Bartlett, who gave instruction and instruction to other elders as to why personal notes and other data should be destroyed. Why? According to what he said it is in this "spirit" --------- To Not be responsible for past actions. If there are no records of past events, then the events did not even happen, "legal world says" he explained. ..... be as shrewd as snakes ??

It is not. One thing flied through my mind about "throwing the food away". You can imagine the following situation: You work in a company, you are a hard worker, diligent, responsible and so on. The situation around you is such that other workers are waiting for their time to pass, they are not interested in the job, they do not have self-initiative, they do not care. Company management does not run a firm in a good way. After a lot of time in such a work environment, a diligent worker has had enough of everything and says: so what am I trying to do, why am I annoyed because of someone else's reluctance? And then because of that he raises his hands and lets some damage happen in the company or some work is not done. Perhaps some of these elders are also in such a mental state that they don’t care why the food box is thrown away. Charity means helping. Each JW assembly is a "charity company". Not only do they help themselves but also others who are not "theirs".

What sort of "neutrality"? "Neutrality concept" made by WT understanding? "My people will be silenced,(*destroyed) because there is no knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge," - Hosea 4:6 May we say how lack of education in "knowledge" about secular and spiritual things is good way to be ruined? Lack of knowledge about, what is and what is not "neutrality", is good example of this. JW members made prayers to God about... and letters, to Russian's "secular authorities". I don't know what was content of their prayers. And don't know what was content of those letters. Perhaps somebody who have time and information would/will make comparison and comment about it. Of course, if prophecies (i.e. interpretations) are correct about that, that JW members are and will be under attack of secular governments (in this case Russia) in the "last days of last days" than what is purpose and benefit of "prayers" for JW members and for attackers in high position? What if "prophecy" is more powerful than "prayers"? Than JW "prayers" means nothing. They will not be "listened". And vice versa, if "prayers" of faithful JW members can delete (or delay) fulfillment of "prophecy" about "last days" and attacks on them, than when "end" will come? In third scenario, two parallel "kingdoms" can live together and forever. Everybody looks for their own business. :))

Very well said!

This is amazing description. "The Truth", the WT's "truth" has stumbled. Can we expect...., can the truth be expected to stumble? Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened. - Winston Churchill If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything. - Mark Twain We are either in the process of resisting God's truth or in the process of being shaped and molded by his truth. - Charles Stanley Learn what is true in order to do what is right. - Thomas Huxley

Let me show you this video which I think has a few very important things for life, not only for JW members but also others who have dedicated their lives to some ideals and ideas.

Many readers of the WT magazine are aware that the interpretation of Romans chapter 13 verse 1, (also with 2-4 context), changed in JW theology. It was once thought that the "superior authorities" were: YHVH, Christ and earthly representatives in the form of elders, that is, governing body. These are called "theocratic superior authority". "The above quotations from Paul’s letter to the Romans could never have applied to the political powers of Caesar’s world as wrongly claimed by the clergy of Christendom. The Caesars of this world have never demonstrated by their deeds that they are ‘God’s ministers to you for good’. Rather, exactly to the contrary, the Caesars have done evil by persecuting God’s faithful servants." - https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1952443 I found 3 changes about this doctrine. Under Russell and up to 1929 WT understand that this is about secular authority. “Evil as these Gentile governments have been, they were permitted or “ordained of God” for a wise purpose. (Rom. 13:1)” Studies In the Scriptures Series I - The Divine Plan of the Ages p.250 Under Rutherford explanation has changed. From 1929 to 1962 they believed this: “The instruction of the thirteenth chapter of Romans has long been misapplied. The improper application has really been the basis for the false doctrine of the “divine right of kings” or rulers to rule and oppress the people. The apostle is, in substance, telling the members of the church that they should always be obedient to God, and that the motive for such obedience must be love for God and a delight in doing’ his will.” Watchtower 1929 Jun 1 p.163. In 1962, under Knorr, the Society returned to the original position of Russell. A statement in Babylon the Great Has Fallen! God’s Kingdom Rules! page 548 indicated there was a change in understanding. And, “For some years, until 1962, Jehovah’s Witnesses held that the superior authorities were Jehovah God and Christ Jesus. However, in line with Proverbs 4:18, light increased, and this view was adjusted.” Watchtower 1990 Nov 1 p.11. It seems how WT organization was left the spiritual “light” received through Russell and "sank" into doctrinal "darkness" for some 33 years. And than they didn't find "new light", but old Russell's doctrine which they reintroduced into the belief system as a “new light”. What this introduction have with Management Records Doctrine/Instruction for elders? Whatever the interpretation of these biblical passages from Romans chapter 13, the fact is one: GB and the elders are disobedient to the "superior authority." In fact, they create an internal administrative system to avoid responsibility for their decisions and for their actions. No matter what the topic is. In 1:57 of video JW elder Shawn Bartlett mentioned one "company" and circumstances about it in the past. This shows how WT is not honest Corporation. Please pay attention on this example and other reasons about "devil" and "legal matters" he made in video to show elders on this seminar why they need to destroy data. Shawn Bartlett, the records management overseer for the Jehovah's Witnesses, explains the organization's new record-keeping policies during a 2017 seminar..webp

This reminded me on tropical disaster in Philippine in 2014. i think. And JWorg video showed one JW family who, instead of food, were put WT publications in it.

David Splane's "spiritual food" have elements of contradiction and is questionable as advice (for simple members). In the meantime, world's sellout of WT properties, real estates is enough to ensure a good life for the top administration for quite some time to come, even with less donations. Unfortunately, GB has enough money not to worry about it at the moment. They are now concerned about the possibility of losing influence, managing (corporate governance the flock) the herd.

When they have to hide in basements (because they expect a future attack by Gog from Magog) it (Zoom and similar digital connections) could be a communication link. For now (despite the Covid), people still want to see and socialize in physical form.

I seem to have failed to write the word — perhaps, and than this or that. Perhaps she was late due to traffic jam.

In 1:18 , that scene make first impression on me when i saw it --- Lady spent some time in shopping and returned with full bag of food (grocery and similar) because she didn't find interest to listen some speakers and some themes. Anna, sorry for interruption, but that was stronger than me.

Excellently said!

What you said have logic. But also, if existing members will work more hour in "field service", logically, God will give blessing and more new members will come. And new members will give donations too. With bigger number of members organization will be blessed with more donations. If 8 million members give $1 every week that is $8 million. IF 20 mil members is involved in donation that is $20 mill every week. :))

No, i said something else. That is, we have to be more careful about what we hear and read and to use more/extra caution about people who openly call their members that they should/need to TRUST THEM (aka GB), and, in fact, only them. Please, you are intellectually enough strong and i am surprised, in a sad way, that you "interpreted" my words in a way you did.

In a "real word" people should be careful and have critical thinking about "food" placed/offered by their leaders. Leaders in WTJWorg are not completely honest in their intentions and plans. Their theological doctrines and other maneuvers in the “real world,” past and present, are proof that they cannot be trusted.

Perhaps some of this will be interesting to read. Croatia is secular state. All religions in Croatia (including JW) are separated and have autonomy. The Republic of Croatia can be classified as a country in which between the church and state, practices the model of separation and cooperation, ie cooperation between religious communities and State. The Croatian Constitution stipulates that all religious communities are separate from the state and equal before the law. The legal status of the Catholic Church in Croatia is based on agreements between the Holy See and Of the Republic of Croatia which, as international agreements, are legally above the laws of the Republic of Croatia. The model that was originally set for the Catholic Church was later applied to all other religious communities. Religious communities in the Republic of Croatia can be divided into five types: 1. The Catholic Church, whose position is regulated by international treaties and which has a special, sui generis status within the Croatian legal system and to which, to the greatest extent, no applies ZPVZ (Law on the Legal Status of Religious Communities) 2. religious communities that have signed special agreements with the state 3. registered religious communities 4. unregistered religious communities that have the legal form of religious associations, the so-called emerging religious communities 5. unregistered religious communities that do not even have the legal form of religious associations Financing of religious communities in the Republic of Croatia as a model of financing directly from the state budget is finally regulated by the Agreements between the Holy See and the Republic of Croatia, the Act on the legal status of religious communities and special agreements concluded by religious communities with Republic of Croatia.