Srecko Sostar

@4Jah2me https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/10/former-jehovahs-witness-elders-call-for-mandatory-reporting-of-child-sexual-abuse
Former Jehovah's Witness elders call for mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse
Two former Jehovah’s Witness elders have called for mandatory reporting of child sexual abuse, saying the organisation believes it is “answerable only to God”.
Duncan Corbett, who was an elder for 18 years, told the independent inquiry into child sexual abuse that the protection of minors and the handling of abuse claims must be taken out of the church’s hands. “Let them deal with the sin and the authorities handle the crime,” he told a hearing in London.
Lloyd Evans, another former elder who now campaigns against religious fundamentalism, said: “This is a group that feels they are answerable only to God … They don’t feel as though they need to yield to any regulations that are imposed on them.”
The pair, along with another former Jehovah’s Witness and a survivor of abuse, Sarah Davies, painted a picture in evidence to the inquiry of an organisation that demanded that its leaders be unquestioningly respected and obeyed, and that shunned members who failed to comply with its strict codes.
 

https://www.iicsa.org.uk/key-documents/20893/view/public-hearing-transcript-10-august-2020.pdf
✔@InquiryCSA The transcript for Day 12 of the Child Protection in #ReligiousOrganisationsandSettings public hearing has now been published: https://www.iicsa.org.uk/key-documents/20893/view/public-hearing-transcript-10-august-2020.pdf …

https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/wales-news/jehovahs-witness-child-abuse-sex-18717755
"My mother... she's sacrificing me to gain eternal life"
I've put just a few of the paragraphs here, but read the whole thing please if you have time.  
PLUS it seems the IICSA MEETING is TODAY 10TH AUGUST 2020
 
A boy forced himself on me when I was younger," she says, almost apologetically. "I told my mother and she said I needed to tell the elders. So I went to them and explained what had happened. I was 16 and I was reproved even though it wasn't my fault.
"The questions about what I was wearing and whether I enjoyed it were so violating and so degrading. My mother said if I'd been more immersed in the Jehovah's Witnesses then it would never had happened."
------------------------------
"It was that murky line between putting your foot down and saying no you can't see your grandchildren and trying to maintain some sort of contact," said Sian. But when her children came home with tales that nan was saying their mum was going to die, she put her foot down.
-------------------------------
Sian's story is one of hundreds that have come to light in recent years, prompting concerns of prevalent sex abuse within the Jehovah's Witnesses. Stories of abuse within religious groups are not limited to the Jehovah's Witnesses however, an issue which has led to The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) being formed.
Chaired by Professor Alexis Jay OBE, the inquiry was set up because of serious concerns that some organisations had failed and were continuing to fail to protect children. Also attended by the Anglican Church and the Roman Catholic Church, the opening statements in the inquiry were read out on March 16 right before Covid-19 struck.
Representatives of other religions apologised for shortfalls within their organisations. Shane Brady, counsel for the Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, did not. He stuck closely to his well-prepared outline, failing to express any collective regret. Not even at that moment did he acknowledge that child sexual abuse had happened among Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Lockdown delayed subsequent, more extensive evidence-giving until this month and on August 10 the inquiry resumes. On Monday morning, former Jehovah's Witness Sarah Davies will present evidence to the inquiry about the mishandling of child sex abuse cases within the Jehovah's Witnesses organisation. Originally from Cardiff, Sarah will present evidence that has been collectively submitted by the group Ex-JW Advocates Opposing Crimes Against Children. 
 
In an open letter addressed to "The leaders of Jehovah's Witnesses in the UK", survivors of child sex abuse at the hands of Jehovah’s Witnesses from across the country have demanded an apology.
They say: "We, the survivors of child sex abuse at the hands of Jehovah’s Witnesses, seek a public apology; we invite you to “say sorry” on behalf of your UK religious organisation, for your inadequate policies which have failed to protect us and the wider public from perpetrators of child sex abuse.
"During the ongoing sex abuse inquiry in England and Wales by IICSA four religious institutions, including Jehovah’s Witnesses on August 10, have the opportunity to go on public record with an apology; we ask you to admit that you are among the institutions that have let children down in the past and substantiate your claim to “abhor child abuse” with a contrite apology, as other religious institutions have done, rather than claim that you “do not have the institutional settings” to merit being investigated by IICSA."
A spokesman for the Jehovah's Witnesses said: "An explanation of our beliefs and policies will be presented during the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse."

https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/stoke-on-trent-news/north-staffordshire-sex-beast-finally-4401250
Sex beast Mark Longshaw has finally been jailed for inappropriately touching two children - more than three decades after his crimes were 'brushed under the carpet' by Jehovah’s Witness elders.
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard he inappropriately touched two children and made them touch him. Elders became aware of the incidents and helped the defendant to ‘cover it up’.
“He has had no offences since this came to a conclusion and was disclosed to the church elders at the time. He accepts they helped to brush it under the carpet.”
But blind JWs will say it's all lies and will say how wonderfully safe the CCJW is. If they could hide it then what stops them hiding it now ? 
And, just think that the GB gives more power to those Elders than to the True Anointed ones. Some things really do have to change in that Org. 

Thursday 6th August 2020 
https://www.keepthefaith.co.uk/2020/08/06/inquiry-to-hold-further-public-hearing-in-child-protection-in-religious-organisations-and-settings-investigation/
The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse is holding a further week of public hearings in the Child Protection in Religious Organisations and Settings investigation, from 10 – 14 August.        Following the initial two week public hearing in May earlier this year, we will continue to examine child protection policies and safeguarding cultures in religious organisations in England and Wales.     These include Jehovah’s Witnesses, Baptists, Methodists, Islam, Judaism, Sikhism, Hinduism, Buddhism and non-conformist Christian denominations.
Evidence will be heard from a wide range of witnesses, including victims and survivors, religious organisations, charities, local authorities, central government and third sector bodies who provide training and support in the field.   This investigation will focus on the measures religious organisations employ to keep children safe from sexual abuse and to properly handle safeguarding concerns.           Set to take place virtually, proceedings will be streamed live on the Inquiry’s website.
Witnesses will continue to be supported by the Inquiry’s Support and Safeguarding team, through phone and video calls.

August 5th 2020  Old news revisited, but this must be costing the CCJW a bit of money. 
https://www.dutchnews.nl/news/2020/08/jehovahs-witness-sexual-abuse-report-can-stay-online-judge-rules/
A report into the handling of sexual abuse among Jehovah’s Witnesses does not have be removed from a government site, a court in Arnhem has decided. It is the second time the Dutch branch of the church has gone to court over the report. In January it tried to stop publication but at the time judges ruled it should be published in the public interest.
Just 25% of victims said they were satisfied at the way their complaints against the community had been handled and only 27% of cases were ever passed on to the police or other officials. Most of the reports related to abuse in the past, with just 32 covering the past 10 years.




 

@César Chávez It could not be more of a misconception than your idea that Moses and your GB have anything in common. 
We know that God spoke directly to Moses but we also know that God does not speak directly or even indirectly to your GB.  If God spoke directly to the GB then the GB would not err spiritually in spoken or written word. Unfortunately your GB err many times and so do their helpers. 

2 hours ago, César Chávez said:  Where in scripture do you find God spoke directly to the people? Maybe here. I say maybe and I will start a new topic.  Matthew 3 v 16& 17.
After being baptized, Jesus immediately came up from the water; and look! the heavens were opened up, and he saw God’s spirit descending like a dove and coming upon him. 17  Look! Also, a voice from the heavens said: “This is my Son, the beloved, whom I have approved.”
 

Do you try to make joke of me or of yourself? :))
We two, both have interactions here. Does this mean how you have intend to "replace" me with someone else? Who said Jesus had no "interactions" with people and institutions around him? :)) 
Perhaps not, but my position in that issue does not diminish the stated fact about other issue - secular structure, namely Court, asked WTJWorg for documents about CSA, and GB decided to not give documentation and help victims to find some sort of "justice and truth". 

@César Chávez In all your talk about Moses and Jesus do you forget how they both were inspired of God's holy Spirit ? 
I think that you are deliberately avoiding the point that the GB / Watchtower / CCJW are not inspired by Holy Spirit and are not even 'spirit led'. 
I think you also deliberately avoid the fact that the Apostle Paul was 'contacted directly by Jesus  Acts 9 v 3-5
 3  Now as he was traveling and getting near Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him, 4  and he fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” 5  He asked: “Who are you, Lord?” He said: “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
And Paul did not go up to Jerusalem for the first THREE YEARS of his missionary work. 
Add to that the point that it was the Apostle Paul, who was not one of the Twelve, that wrote all the letters to the congregations, that we have in the Scriptures now.  
If you really think there was a 1st Century GB, then why weren't the letters written to the congregations from THEM ? 
As for questioning the CCJW / Watchtower, well all organisations have to be questioned. If a person is seriously looking to serve God properly then they will of course question / investigate / research any organisation / religion that they may be thinking of joining. 
And, just as importantly, if a person has information, good or bad, about an organisation, then it is right that they should make such information known publicly as a help to other people. 
 

I think how "papers and administration" are complicated almost everywhere in the world. :)) 
 
From this, should we, could we conclude how Bible is not enough for WTJWorg Administration today, to manage things about "God's earthly mountain-like organization" on 1st century Christian Congregation foundation and example??
And next, if "inspired by holy spirit" was only thing what make 1st century Christian Congregation to be successful and according to God's will and inside Jesus' teachings, don't we have problem today, because people in Management of this organization (GB+Helpers+Lawyers+Elders) are just "guided by spirit"?? According to WT publications "guided by spirit" means plenty of err doctrines and instructions.
If we add, as you said; complexity internally, modern society is a lot more complex,  cannot organize things the same way, would be inefficient today -  what guaranties JW members have that their's organization is in harmony with principles established by Jesus and how this modern organization is copy-paste (type-antitype) of 1st Congregation as role model, despite fact how all was drastically changed after almost 2000 years? Do not forget how 1st Congregation made, not just mistakes in teachings and guiding members, but ended in apostasy. If these happened to people who was "inspired by spirit", how much worst it can be for people who are lower on that "spiritual scale" - namely "guided by spirit"?

People were thirsty and needed water, and they asked for water. They asked for water from Moses as God representative on Earth. In Bible there are a verses that said how we can ask from Father whatever we want and He will give us. Perhaps something else was behind Moses statement and his fear for life. Or as chapter 16 said; In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my instructions. 
This testings (of people and leadership) of all sorts are very common and often in Bible.  
Preach me more about this and "earthly spiritual power".
Not so sure what is issue here, because of my English. 
 
Jesus said that he has nothing with this world. In that respect Jesus done nothing to "superseded" Roman power. Roman power belonged to "secular authorities" as God's servant, so i don't see what and why Jesus would have to done to "supersede" Roman or any other secular government in past or even today.
Today, these "secular governments" doing same task as in the past, when Epistle to the Romans was written.
Another issue is "theocratic government".
Very good. Then why WTJWorg GB with own "theocratic structure of power" are not in subjection to "secular structure of power" and give CSA documentation to the Courts and other Institutions that investigate this problem, this crime (Australian Branch is exception)?  

Quote  @Anna In order to be legally established you have to comply with rules and regulations of the country. In America, it seems these are extra complex. 
It would be nice if the GB did comply with the rules and laws of the country (America). Then they might just hand over that Database.
Isn't there a law in America about 'withholding information' from the Police or courts ? 

Perhaps CC would say how this part, of WTJWorg you explained me, is just  "visual effect" :))

Does Father need your "monthly report", for example? Or is it just "visual effect" in mind of former members?  

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them."
To continue; why WTJWorg need to have enormous numbers of rules, instructions and various policies, similar to Old Law that Jesus put out of power? Little and big WTJWorg "laws". Jesus made "simplified edition" and "Jesus Law" said this: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” - Gal 6:2.  (To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law.- 1 Cor 9:21)
Most Bible teachers understand the law of Christ to be what Christ stated were the greatest commandments in Mark 12:28–31, “‘Which commandment is the most important of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The most important is, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The second is this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’”
Well again, have to ask: why WTJWorg need to have massive organizational structure (half religious and half secular) with hierarchy and all various departments, when Jesus ask from his followers only to "Carry each other’s burdens"??!! :))

I guess how idea behind Moses's, John the Baptist's, or Paul's ideology or first Christian's people is Holy Spirit. JW people accepts idea how holy spirit is behind their speech, letters, deeds. But GB said how you all who belong to united worldwide congregation of JW's are just "guided by spirit", but not "filled or inspired by spirit". In the same time you all, as leaders and members, continue to claim how all what you teach is and must be "the truth". The truth that can be err, wrong, that need clarifications, that have to be changed because of misconceptions and wrong interpretations, and so on and so on.
First of all, WTJWorg idea how "guided by spirit" is different of "to be inspired or "to be filled by spirit" is missed conception. All three expressions are same in meaning. Manifestations "of spirit" can be various. But JW's wrongly accept idea how "to be inspired" meaning miraculous work, for example speaking in tongues, or prophesied, or healing, or walking on water etc. Even more, JW's think how only text that is written and is part of Bible is only what was "inspired". And how only "spiritual doctrine" belong to thing that is, can be "inspired", and how all that finished in 1st century.  
GB invented conception how "guided by spirit" gives them permission for wrong and err doctrines and instructions that leads millions of people. But in the same time said how GB is FDS and only, sole "channel" in the World who giving "Truth" to the people. Because, as they explained, "inspired by spirit" means "infallibility". :)) ... and on other hand "guided by spirit" means "fallibility". :))
And how no one is "guilty" for "imperfect spiritual food" on "JHVH table" today. No one in GB. But JW members are "guilty" for wrong  understanding  of wrong doctrine (misunderstanding of wrong doctrines). :))
Exodus 35:30-35
Then Moses said to the sons of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. And He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in all craftsmanship; to make designs for working in gold and in silver and in bronze, and in the cutting of stones for settings and in the carving of wood, so as to perform in every inventive work. He also has put in his heart to teach, both he and Oholiab, the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. He has filled them with skill to perform every work of an engraver and of a designer and of an embroiderer, in blue and in purple and in scarlet material, and in fine linen, and of a weaver, as performers of every work and makers of design
These verses confirms view how influence of HS on people can not be limited on things that GB want to limit as HS scope of action in limited particular time periods. In the past or today. 
Actual member or former member or not member at all .... Judge is impartial. :))
Please, in what kind of "spiritual unity " you are in, with JW pedophiles ? Remember that my comment was about "collective" - 
Well, your "collective unity" is good until something wrong happened. Even GB don't want "collective responsibility" for CSA cases. They said how that is act of "individual member". And sending WT lawyers to defend WTJWorg before Court on this issue. GB don't want to  "bear the guilt of your brother who is a pedophile" , nor literally neither spiritually, but it seems you are ready.  

5 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said: And you are sure that WT with GB listens Christ in all things, little and big?
Quote @César Chávez answer " The Watchtower does with its illustration of fine works as described and instructed by Christ himself."
Well actually the Watchtower / GB / CCJW do not 'listen to' or follow Christ's instructions in most things. And I think it is clear that Christ is not instructing the Watchtower / GB / CCJW. 
Example 1, The GB call themselves the Faithful and discreet Slave, but prove by their words that they are not so.
Example 2. The GB had it written in the Watchtower that the Anointed should not gather together for study or prayer to God. The GB stated that it would be 'working against the Holy Spirit' if the Anointed did gather together. Whereas Jesus Christ told the Anointed that where ever two or three of them were gathered together HE would be amongst them. 
I could add more but I've been warned not to. 

"Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them."
To continue; why WTJWorg need to have enormous numbers of rules, instructions and various policies, similar to Old Law that Jesus put out of power? Little and big WTJWorg "laws". Jesus made "simplified edition" and "Jesus Law" said this: “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” - Gal 6:2.  (To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law.- 1 Cor 9:21)
Most Bible teachers understand the law of Christ to be what Christ stated were the greatest commandments in Mark 12:28–31, “‘Which commandment is the most important of all?’ Jesus answered, ‘The most important is, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.” The second is this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” There is no other commandment greater than these.’”
Well again, have to ask: why WTJWorg need to have massive organizational structure (half religious and half secular) with hierarchy and all various departments, when Jesus ask from his followers only to "Carry each other’s burdens"??!! :))

@César Chávez  @Srecko Sostar is right.  Criticizing the GB, Watchtower or CCJW  IS NOT criticizing Almighty God or Jesus Christ. 
If it was so, the when Jesus criticized the Pharisees he would have been criticizing his heavenly Father too.
CC do you know your problem ?  Well your problem is that you think your GB and their helpers are serving God. But in truth your GB and their helpers are not serving God at all. 
As for association with the CCJW, well the CCJW changes it's teachings and rules and lots of hidden information has become available over the past years. What I'm saying is that the CCJW / Watchtower is not the same as it once was. So when a person of good Christian conscience realises how bad and immoral the CCJW has become and how it's teachings no longer teach TRUTH but has gone after it's own ambitions, then a good honest Christian will separate them selves from that immoral and wicked Organisation. 
And when you, CC, say " Understand what Christian unity should mean, and the body of Christ is."  
Do you, or the GB, actually understand either ?  The GB tell the Body of Christ, the True Anointed, not to gather together for prayer or to discuss scriptures. The GB say it would be working against the Holy Spirit if the True Anointed gathered together. So where is the unity of your GB with their 'Fellow Slaves' ? 

Paul speaks of the rebellion of the Levites against Moses and Aaron. So it is a struggle for supremacy within the hierarchy. With this example, Paul speaks to the Corinthians who rebel against the counsel and teachings that Paul taught the congregation in Corinth. We can see a parallel because some were against Paul as an “apostle”.
What does this have to do with those JW or ex-JW who do not want to listen/obey to today's "apostles", who are constantly changing their own teachings?
WT+GB+Helpers+WT lawyers spiritual and physical deeds are revealed by their own actions. Nobody "slender" them. 
Well, why you find yourself fit to judge me or someone else, than? Or, you think how only certain people in WT have privilege to judge other people in and out side WTJWorg, and  how that certain individuals are in Top Management of your organization? 
So you are in favor of a collective approach? 
Are you willing to bear the guilt of your brother who is a pedophile? Are you ready to bear the guilt of your elders and lawyers lying before a secular court and uses deception to cover up the real situation? Do you want to be judged for what you did not do?
I know of only one man who took the sins of all others and died for it. Are you ready to do the same? :))

Paul speaks of the rebellion of the Levites against Moses and Aaron. So it is a struggle for supremacy within the hierarchy. With this example, Paul speaks to the Corinthians who rebel against the counsel and teachings that Paul taught the congregation in Corinth. We can see a parallel because some were against Paul as an “apostle”.
What does this have to do with those JW or ex-JW who do not want to listen/obey to today's "apostles", who are constantly changing their own teachings?
WT+GB+Helpers+WT lawyers spiritual and physical deeds are revealed by their own actions. Nobody "slender" them. 
Well, why you find yourself fit to judge me or someone else, than? Or, you think how only certain people in WT have privilege to judge other people in and out side WTJWorg, and  how that certain individuals are in Top Management of your organization? 
So you are in favor of a collective approach? 
Are you willing to bear the guilt of your brother who is a pedophile? Are you ready to bear the guilt of your elders and lawyers lying before a secular court and uses deception to cover up the real situation? Do you want to be judged for what you did not do?
I know of only one man who took the sins of all others and died for it. Are you ready to do the same? :))

I think it is safe to say that people in general, gather inanimate objects to help them remember the places they have visited. It is not unusual for us to collect a rock or a piece of wood discovered in a natural setting, to remind us of our visit. I have a pile of rocks to prove it. Possibly we may boast to others of our find, as evidence that we once enjoyed an extraordinary place in the world. It seems we just have to collect a souvenir of some sort, something to bring the experience back into focus.
It is commonplace to treasure an item previously owned by a loved one who died, by including it in our own possessions. It helps to reminds us of the person we miss. I had a sweater belonging to my father that I held onto for years. I just came across it a few days ago after it being packed away and forgotten. When I acquired it from his clothing after he died, that and one of his favorite checkered shirts provided a sense of security; flooding me with memories about him that I didn’t want to lose. I wore the shirt to tatters, using it as an additional covering on chilly spring or fall days. Just recently, I put the sweater out at the end of our road, along with other things for someone else to take care of. I realize that I don't need that sweater to create the image of my father in my mind. It had been out of my sight for a number of years, yet I had never forgot my father’s generous smile, nor was I unable to hear the deep quality of his voice in my mind. I can still draw on experiences of his love and patience for me, ready to provide comfort, while not always knowing why. I have not lost the image of my father, in my mind.
There can be a dangerous projection of imagery, that can transgress our relationship with God. This imagery leads to idol worship.
In 1 John 5:21, the Amplified Bible reads such:
“Little children (believers, dear ones), guard yourselves from idols—[false teachings, moral compromises, and anything that would take God’s place in your heart].”
The nation of Israel was highly influenced by what its leaders taught. Israel’s kings promoted worship to false gods, while many times adjoining it to their worship of YHVH. (1 Kings 12:28-30) When deep in idolatrous practices, their pride and self-confidence resulted in forgetting their God; worshiping Him “in pretense” (“deception” – Jer 3:10), with an unfaithful heart, which resulted in Israel suffering severely. (Deut 6:14,15; Jer 3:6-10; 1 Kings 12:28-30; Judges 3:7; 10:10)  
It was only a minority of Israel’s kings who stressed worship to be given exclusively to God. (2 Kings 18:1,4-6) (Exod 20:4; Matt 22:35-38)  
“But the Lord your God you shall fear; and He will deliver you from the hand of all your enemies.” However they did not obey, but they followed their former rituals. 41 So these nations feared the Lord, yet served their carved images; also their children and their children’s children have continued doing as their fathers did, even to this day.” 2 Kings 17:39-41
“Then Samuel said to all the house of Israel, “If you are returning to the Lord with all your heart, remove the foreign gods and the Asheroth from among you and direct your hearts to the Lord and serve Him only; and He will rescue you from the hand of the Philistines.” 1 Sam 7:3
I came across a statement under the topic “image” in the organization’s magazines. It said that the early Jews “had a tendency to attribute Jehovah’s acts to idols”.
The organization has created their own altered version of the Almighty God. There are personality traits assigned to “Jehovah” that are not those of YHVH; the God whom we must give exclusive devotion. (Deut 13:4; 1 Sam 12:24; Col 3:23,24) To serve “Jehovah”, requires serving the idol – the organization. (Rev 13:1,4) The spirit of “Jehovah” is said to be infused within the idol/organization, allowing it to become the channel of “Jehovah’s acts”. (Rev 13:15)  
Likewise “Jehovah’s acts” are controlled by the operations of the organization – by those who direct it. (Rev 13:11,12) If the organization experiences negative results, one must “wait on Jehovah” to correct it; if it experiences positive results, “Jehovah” has blessed its efforts. It is assumed that they are spiritually connected – a “spirit-directed organization”. The counterfeit personality of YHVH as “Jehovah”, has “breathed” spirit into the organization. This is the teaching of the WT.
Yet the reality is, a false prophet has been granted to “breathe” spirit into the idol. (Rev 13:11-15) (Rev 13:1,2)  
 
At Rev 13:15 it reads; "The second beast was given power to give breath to the image of the first beast, so that the image could speak and cause all who refused to worship the image to be killed."

Rev 13:8 tells us, that all the land, worships this beast (not its image).
How is that idolatry accomplished, through the events of Rev 13:15?
We see a very interesting relationship, between the actual Beast, and its own image ... and the effect and result, to those who worship.
First, the false prophet uses the power given him (Rev 9:1), to give the Beast an image of spirit-inspiration, so that it CAN speak, and, condemn to death.
How can a mere Idol, do such things?
(Ps 115:4-8; Isa 44:10,17,18,20)

Please let me illustrate:
Imagine that you have respect for the laws of the land, and wish to obey the authority and power of the police. If a man approaches you and shows you his police badge, you will comply with all his demands.
But suppose a different man approaches you, and he does not have a badge, nor is he a representative of the police. Do you still comply with all his demands?

Essentially, there is no difference between the two human men. The only difference between them, is that one of them represents an identity that you respect to have the power and authority to direct your behavior. The police officer is the tangible representative of that image of authority and power.
It is the same with the beast and its image.
Once the false prophet gives the Beasts' Image an appearance of being divinely inspired; the tangible beast (as the physical manifestation of its' own image), is empowered with the authority to judge and kill ... thereby giving this unique idol, the ability to speak, through its tangible representatives.
This causes the beast itself to be worshiped, because it represents its own image.
I hope that the present fulfillment of this scenario is perceived in the minds of readers.

I know this explanation, sounds convoluted. But this is the greatest and last-ditch effort and machination of Satan, to take captive the remaining ones of the woman's seed. He is the crooked and twisted serpent, and the very father of deceptions. In the time of the end, Satan finally creates an idol, that can speak.
Pearl Doxsey – “The Beast and the Image / An Idol that can speak”
 
The Beast “speaks” through its “tangible representatives” – the “divine” elder body/false priesthood including the governing leaders; while the representatives of God’s living Temple, the ambassadors of Christ/ anointed sons of God, are restricted from speaking. (1 Pet 2:5,9; Heb 13:15)(Matt 24:48-51; Rev 13:5-7) Their spiritual “sacrifices of praise” have been cut off and replaced with “burnt offerings” to an idol. (Dan 8:24,25; 11:31,32,37-39)
King Josiah was one of the few kings who ‘rid the land of idols’ during his reign. (2 Kings 23:3-5) In the organization’s drama about King Josiah, there is a scene where a son is alerting his father, who is a priest of the god Baal, of Josiah’s intentions to destroy all forms of idol worship.
He tells his father, “You don’t understand. Josiah plans to tear down all the high places”.
“Oh, I understand alright. When his extremist ideas become the law of the land, there will no longer be any joy. No tolerance, no freedom of worship, only narrow-minded rules and oppressed people. Do you understand that?”
We can flip this comment around and direct it to the organization that produced it. Through evidence of its “narrow-minded” man-made rules, intolerance to scriptural independent thinking through a regulated spiritual feeding, we can comprehend the deceitful irony in this comment. (Rev 13:16,17) The anointed Temple members of God’s spiritual dwelling must respect the unity of all, by not bonding as a body; they are barred from offering their sacrifices of praise and truth under their Head. The organization’s mask of holiness falls away, to reveal its idolatrous apostasy. (Isa 5:20; 2 Cor 11:14,15)
Can you see that the spirit that operates the organization, is the spirit of Satan? (Rev 13:2) The truth in Christ sets us free of oppression and slavery to an idol. (John 8:32) In Christ, we are not locked down to serve an earthly organization and the commands of men. This ideology contradicts God’s word. (Ps 97:10; John 14:21; Gal 5:1; Rom 1:25; Col 2:8)
Marduk or “Bel/Baal” (meaning lord, master) was the god of the Babylonians – an agricultural deity, and storm god, as well as possessing benevolent traits. At his side is a dragon, with “a head of a snake, hind feet claws of a large bird of prey, front paws of a lion and the tail of a deadly scorpion.”
This god was the creator of the world, including humans, and was Babylon’s protector while housed in the temple in Babylon. Marduk's reign decreed unity among all people. Under his rule, was a divine force of lesser gods, whose role was to care for and supply the needs of all humans in the scope of their supervision. These humans accomplished all other work of the Babylonian society, out of respect for the gods and the will of a compassionate and caring Marduk, who ruled with justice.
We are well aware that Satan is the source of false worship, false gods and idols; and these practices and have crept through time, down to his most profound machination against the anointed remnant in the last days. (Rev 12:3; 13:1; 12:4;13:1,7)
Personally, I believe it is ingenious for him to use his previous ideas, utilizing personalities of past gods to alter one’s perception and worship to be given the true God, into one of blasphemy.  And, we see similarities in spiritual “Babylon” happening today. The false “gods”/elder body/locust-scorpions promote organizational unity among its people. JWs do the work that the “gods” have no time for, while these gods supply all with spiritual food. In turn, JWs willingly obey and respect the “faithful and discreet slave” including the entire elder body, while “Jehovah” watches protectively from above. His spirit resides in his “temple” – the organization. (Dan 11:36; Gal 4:8; 2 Thess 2:4; Rev 9:3-5)
It appears that Satan’s “last ditch effort” as Pearl called it, has required a mixed plethora of past forms of deceit, using his “gods”/false priesthood of today, to hunt down and “overcome the saints”. (Ezek 13:20-21; Jer 5:26; 2 Pet 2:12-14,17,18; Col 2:8; Rev 13:6,7,10)
It was a prophetess that spoke God’s words to Josiah and all of Israel, about their hideous practices of idolatry:
She said to them, “This is what the Lord God of Israel says: Say to the man who sent you to me, 24 ‘This is what the Lord says: I am about to bring disaster on this place and on its inhabitants, fulfilling all the curses written in the book that they read in the presence of the king of Judah, 25 because they have abandoned me and burned incense to other gods so as to anger me with all the works of their hands. My wrath will be poured out on this place, and it will not be quenched.’ 2 Chron 34:19-25
Also today, it is a prophetess in the spirit of “Elijah”, who carries a similar message to spiritual “Israel”. They have been influenced into idolatry by a leading Harlot, directing/”riding” the Beast organization. (Isa 52:1,2,8,11,12; Mal 3:1-6; Matt 17:11; Matt 25:6; Rev 11:1-3)
“Israel” has allowed God’s Temple to be ransacked and trampled by an abomination standing in the midst of them. (Deut 32:16; Ezek 44:10,12,13,6-9) (1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17; Eph 2:20-22)
“But when you see the abomination of desolation (“I.e. the detestable one who desecrates the temple.”
…standing [in the temple sanctuary (1 Cor 3:16,17)] where it ought not to be (let the reader understand) then those who are in Judea must flee to the mountains.” Mark 13:17
They have allowed their worship to God to be compromised by “evil ways”. (Jer 11:9-12) Keeping their faith in the “mountainlike organization” is stressed, and paramount for salvation, over and above, one’s whole-souled worship to YHVH. (Deut 32:37; Rev 6:15-17; Deut 32:4)
 
Hear the word of the Lord, you descendants of Jacob,
all you clans of Israel.
5 This is what the Lord says:
“What fault did your ancestors find in me,
that they strayed so far from me?
They followed worthless idols
and became worthless themselves.
The priests did not ask,
‘Where is the Lord?’
Those who deal with the law did not know me;
the leaders rebelled against me.
The prophets prophesied by Baal,
following worthless idols.
9 “Therefore I bring charges against you again,”
declares the Lord.
“And I will bring charges against your children’s children.
Cross over to the coasts of Cyprus and look,
send to Kedar and observe closely;
see if there has ever been anything like this:
11 Has a nation ever changed its gods?
(Yet they are not gods at all.)
But my people have exchanged their glorious God
for worthless idols.
12 Be appalled at this, you heavens,
and shudder with great horror,”
declares the Lord.
13 “My people have committed two sins:
They have forsaken me,
the spring of living water,
and have dug their own cisterns,
broken cisterns that cannot hold water.
“How can you say, ‘I am not defiled;
I have not run after the Baals’?
See how you behaved in the valley;
consider what you have done.
You are a swift she-camel
running here and there,
24 a wild donkey accustomed to the desert,
sniffing the wind in her craving—
in her heat who can restrain her?
Any males that pursue her need not tire themselves;
at mating time they will find her.
25 Do not run until your feet are bare
and your throat is dry.
But you said, ‘It’s no use!
I love foreign gods,
and I must go after them.’
“As a thief is disgraced when he is caught,
so the people of Israel are disgraced—
they, their kings and their officials,
their priests and their prophets.
27 They say to wood, ‘You are my father,’
and to stone, ‘You gave me birth.’
They have turned their backs to me
and not their faces;
yet when they are in trouble, they say,
‘Come and save us!’
28 Where then are the gods you made for yourselves?
Let them come if they can save you
when you are in trouble!
For you, Judah, have as many gods
as you have towns.
On your clothes is found
the lifeblood of the innocent poor,
though you did not catch them breaking in.
Yet in spite of all this
35 you say, ‘I am innocent;
he is not angry with me.’
But I will pass judgment on you
because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’
Jeremiah, chapter 2
 
 
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Fallen Star
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Who is Your God?
Who are the “gods”?
“The Disgusting Thing Standing in a Holy Place” Matt 24:15