Srecko Sostar

I have often thought .... that in case of Global Thermonuclear War, that my response would be to get a cooler of beer, a lawn chair, and sit out in the middle of the street, and watch the show.
Not the same as "praying for death", but not the "normal" response.

It is possible, and not only very possible, but Elijah (Jonah, Jeremiah and Job too) asking god for death, because of depressed state of mind (Samson, Saul, Saul's arms bearer and Ahitofel succeeded in suicide wish. 
Even people, whose we do not perhaps consider as "mentally ill, diseased" or "spiritually weak" as faithful god's servants, showed exactly that, mental illness. Wishing to be dead is not what "normal" people ask for.
What situations in life can bring that even "normal" and faithful religious individual (JW's or any other believer) come to "mental imbalance"? One of reason is/can be Flip-Flop with religious doctrines inside WTJWorg, for sure.
After 40 years in WTJWorg it is not of surprise that i am just one of many (JW) ex-JW who was thought by WT Educational System to not going into the wisdom of these ("worldly") world and avoid anything that is opposite of Bible teachings. Bear in mind that i had been connected with JW church (as many other JW's) through my parents from earliest childhood. According to that, i stayed ignorant about many things, not just about governmental system :)))) 

It is possible, and not only very possible, but Elijah (Jonah, Jeremiah and Job too) asking god for death, because of depressed state of mind (Samson, Saul, Saul's arms bearer and Ahitofel succeeded in suicide wish. 
Even people, whose we do not perhaps consider as "mentally ill, diseased" or "spiritually weak" as faithful god's servants, showed exactly that, mental illness. Wishing to be dead is not what "normal" people ask for.
What situations in life can bring that even "normal" and faithful religious individual (JW's or any other believer) come to "mental imbalance"? One of reason is/can be Flip-Flop with religious doctrines inside WTJWorg, for sure.
After 40 years in WTJWorg it is not of surprise that i am just one of many (JW) ex-JW who was thought by WT Educational System to not going into the wisdom of these ("worldly") world and avoid anything that is opposite of Bible teachings. Bear in mind that i had been connected with JW church (as many other JW's) through my parents from earliest childhood. According to that, i stayed ignorant about many things, not just about governmental system :)))) 

If anybody accuses me of "tolerating" any real or perceived errors or imaginary evils done by the Governing Body, I will respond in this way:
Currently, there is no one on Earth that can depose the Governing Body, and because that is true, all things must be endured.
The sole tool any JW has is voting with their feet, or wallet.
There is a difference between "toleration", and endurance.
There is ONLY one excuse for rebellion.
If you win.

I think it was Robert A. Heinlein that once said something like " A Committee is a life form with at least six legs,... and no brain".

Quote "as is with Witness and the others, whom as a collective, do not understand a thing. "
Someone else it seems that has a need to put people into one group. 
Quote "but never can it be an excuse to assume that because one person did something, everyone else is the same "
The Governing Body of CCJW say they are the Faithful and Discreet Slave. So the 8 men act as one. They work together, they make the rules for CCJW, they are responsible for Watchtower material. They are not individuals, they are a 'body'.  Therefor they are jointly responsible. 
 

Will the GB be fired?
“Jezebel”: 
Ἰεζαβήλ Iezabḗl, ee-ed-zab-ale'; of Hebrew origin (H348); Jezabel (i.e. Jezebel), a Tyrian woman (used as a synonym of a termagant or false teacher):—Jezabel.
The GB uphold past leaders who misled thousands with false teachings.  They speak highly of Russel and of Rutherford.   What sort of person “in Christ” would condone such behavior? Would God? No.   Would the Holy Spirit?  No.  Would Christ?  No. So, why is it that millions of people allow the GB to get away with it?  They are “seduced”.  God’s anointed are seduced by false teachers in the last days. (Matt 24:24) Think about it.  If you grasp on to a teaching and are told it is “the truth”, then proceed to carry it to others only to find out a few years later that it was a falsehood, you were seduced…by false teachers.  And, you were attempting to seduce others with the same falsehood. 
Falsehoods permeate the organization.  How can any JW not admit this?  Because, these lies are not called falsehoods by its leaders (yet they will point out falsehoods in Christendom).  They are called “adjustments”, and “beliefs clarified”.  Where in His word, does it say that God calls a lie, an “adjustment”, and that its okay to dismiss it and continue listening to more falsehoods?  Jer 23:16 points out that "visions of their own heart" make the hearer "worthless". Every failed date is a false "vision".   Is this what good spiritual food is all about?  
JWs have been spiritually seduced by a Jezebel/Harlot.  It’s called spiritual drunkenness.  (1 Thess 5:7; Rev 17:1,2)  If they were “awake”, they would see that a lie is a lie…always.  JWs are taught not to lie, yet their leaders can lie, and they are excused for it.  This is insanity, and cognitive dissonance. 
Is it ethical to dismiss the severity of lies spoken in the name of God? Is it spiritually moral, or immoral?   
A spiritually immoral person is a “harlot”, a “Jezebel”. At one time God called His nation a Harlot. (the book of Hosea)  Do JWs think their leaders are immune to God's judgments who also tell falsehoods just as easily as God's people did in the past?  They told lies and practiced idolatry.  Satan is busier than ever before to deceive "the elect".  It is only through demonic deceit that one can believe they live in truth, yet speak a lie.  
But I have this against you: You tolerate the woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess and teaches and deceives my servants to commit sexual immorality and to eat meat sacrificed to idols. 21 I gave her time to repent, but she does not want to repent of her sexual immorality. 22 Look, I will throw her into a sickbed and those who commit adultery with her into great affliction. Unless they repent of her works, 23 I will strike her children with a plague. Then all the churches will know that I am the one who examines minds and hearts, and I will give to each of you according to your works. Rev 2:20-23
Do you see this?  The “works”, (especially of the anointed “Israel”), of those who represent an organization that still supports false prophets and falsehoods spoken by false teachers today, are being examined by Christ.   Does this mean anything to any JW?  Rev 3:15-18; Rev 11:1,2
The organization is an idol. Rev 13:1,2  As long as JWs support it and the leaders who expect due admiration to “Jehovah’s organization”, they are idolaters. Rev 13:4   Some JW mentioned recently that it “isn’t the organization” but the recognition of the “slave” God has appointed to lead His people that is of vital spiritual importance.   What does the GB teach, but “organization” and its necessity for one’s salvation?  They are inseparable. Rev 13:11-14  Would a “faithful slave” of God teach truth on the one hand and uphold an organization rife with falsehoods on the other?  How is this faithful to TRUTH?
He feeds on ashes. His deceived mind has led him astray, and he cannot rescue himself, or say, “Isn’t there a lie in my right hand?”  Isa 44:20 
The Beast with two horns from the Earth is not symbolic for two political rulers of the world that WT teaches.  I didn’t realize until recently, that they didn’t equate this false prophet as the same entity as the Harlot of Rev 17:1,2   They are the same identity.  This harlot rides the Beast of Rev 13:1, the very same Beast that the false prophet of Rev 13:11 directs.  She’s in charge of the Beast/organization.
The GB is in charge of the “spirit’breathed”/spirit-directed organization.  Rev 13:15
Rev 13:11 –  "Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; it had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon.“
A lamb - a young sheep.  We can use the scriptures to understand that this is a false prophet, not two political rulers:
“Be on your guard against false prophets who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravaging wolves.”  Matt 7:15
They come from the anointed congregation of Christ:
“I know that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.  30 Men will rise up even from your own number and distort the truth to lure the disciples into following them. “
“For if a person comes and preaches another Jesus, whom we did not preach, or you receive a different spirit, which you had not received, or a different gospel, which you had not accepted, you put up with it splendidly!”  2 Cor 11:4
Did the apostles preach “organization”?  Or, did they preach truth in Christ?  Did they tell lies and later call them “adjustments”?  They were “faithful slaves” overseeing food distribution of God’s household.  Did they label themselves that?  Or, did their works and words of truth prove they were faithful?  Matt 24:45-51
In Rev 13:11, “horn” represents kings (Rev 17:12) – not those found in politics, but they are Christ’s kings. (Rev 1:5; 5:9,10)  He is the “king of kings” – of his anointed kings. Rev 17:14  Kings in Satan’s world are not on par with Christ’s kings. They have no play in Armageddon, a decisive battle of truth against lies. Joel 3:14  Those “kings” among the anointed “from your own number”, draw away other anointed through spiritual seduction – demonic expressions.  Rev 16:13-16
The Beast from the Earth represents a succession of false teachers/”Jezebel “of Revelation 2 that mislead the children of “Israel”. (Rev 2:14)
These “two horns” – two kings – appear to represent “truth”.
“Even in your law it is written that the testimony of two witnesses is true.”  John 8:17
Gerrit Loesch stressed, “do you trust me?  I hope you do”.  Apparently, you must trust him, because God and Jesus do.  I wonder how he knows this, if he isn’t inspired. But, JWs trust him, nonetheless.  Rev 8:10,11  Is it necessary for a “faithful slave” of Christ to ask such a question? Jesus said we would “know them by their fruits” – their teachings; and his teachings condone the teachings of false prophets.  Matt 7:15-20
 
So, what eventually happens to this harlot? Well, what happened to “Queen” Jezebel? 
”When Jehu”…(the tenth King of the northern tribe of Israel)…
…came to Jezreel, Jezebel heard about it, so she painted her eyes, fixed her hair, and looked down from the window. 31 As Jehu entered the city gate, she said, “Do you come in peace, Zimri, killer of your master?”
32 He looked up toward the window and said, “Who is on my side? Who?” Two or three eunuchs looked down at him, 33 and he said, “Throw her down!” So they threw her down, and some of her blood splattered on the wall and on the horses, and Jehu rode over her.”
God used eunuchs servants of the king to kill Jezebel.  The harlot false prophet of Rev 13:11 is spiritually “killed” by “ten kings” not sealed by God as His faithful kings.  They, along with the Beast organization will “eat her flesh and burn her with fire”. 
The GB will be dismissed, disfellowshipped, hidden away; however it happens, the organization will take on a new combined leadership of anointed and elders not anointed.
 “The ten horns which you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but they receive authority for one hour as kings with the beast. 13 These are of one mind, and they will give their power and authority to the beast. 
Then he said to me, “The waters which you saw, where the harlot sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues. 16 And the ten horns which you saw on the beast, these will hate the harlot, make her desolate and naked, eat her flesh and burn her with fire. 17 For God has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled. 18 And the woman whom you saw is that great city which reigns over the kings of the earth.”  Rev 17:12,13, 15-18
The religions of the world do not target the “saints”/anointed because they don’t know who they are.  Only those in the Watchtower are aware of their existence.  Judging them as spiritually “dead” for rejecting false christs is, in Revelation, the shedding of spiritual “blood”.  Rev 17:3-6
Rev 18:4-8 tells God’s people, “Israel” to leave, to get out; otherwise, they share in the sins of the Harlot.  Each heart and mind is examined for what we love.  2 Thess 2:9-12  How does anyone stand before Christ in confidence, when he asks why we supported false prophets and the lie that an organization built in the adversary’s domain, can lead one to truth? 
 
 
 
https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2014/06/jezebel.html
 
 
 

Ever notice that you NEVER see a picture of Elizabeth Taylor and Ernest Borgnine in the same picture?
Coincidence?
I think NOT!

.... Finding the correct balance of words, tone, and emphasis is often very difficult when your wife asks "Do you think I look fat?'

Mental illnesses are also called mental disorders. They are extremely common in the population. Australia and US 1 of 5 live with mental illness, globally 1 of 10. 
 https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-illness    
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness.shtml
https://ourworldindata.org/mental-health
List of disorders is long. https://www.verywellmind.com/a-list-of-psychological-disorders-2794776  
There are nearly 300 mental disorders listed in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). This is a handbook used by health professionals to help identify and diagnose mental illness. - https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/types-of-mental-illness
1) Does "free will", as gift from god or as our imagined concept, contribute to this problem, cause it? Always present problem of what we want and wish on one side and what we may, must and should on another.
2) Is Gospel sort of magnet for "disturbed and imbalanced" people, if we have in mind who, what sort of people Jesus called and expected to follow Him (people who are rejected from society, who "suffered" )?
3) Does, whether JW's who left WTJWorg are good material to be more imbalanced and have mental issues? Or Organization as complete/ finalized system created individuals who would/will be "lost" without Organization?   
......etc.
 

Mental illnesses are also called mental disorders. They are extremely common in the population. Australia and US 1 of 5 live with mental illness, globally 1 of 10. 
 https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-illness    
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/mental-illness.shtml
https://ourworldindata.org/mental-health
List of disorders is long. https://www.verywellmind.com/a-list-of-psychological-disorders-2794776  
There are nearly 300 mental disorders listed in the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders). This is a handbook used by health professionals to help identify and diagnose mental illness. - https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/types-of-mental-illness
1) Does "free will", as gift from god or as our imagined concept, contribute to this problem, cause it? Always present problem of what we want and wish on one side and what we may, must and should on another.
2) Is Gospel sort of magnet for "disturbed and imbalanced" people, if we have in mind who, what sort of people Jesus called and expected to follow Him (people who are rejected from society, who "suffered" )?
3) Does, whether JW's who left WTJWorg are good material to be more imbalanced and have mental issues? Or Organization as complete/ finalized system created individuals who would/will be "lost" without Organization?   
......etc.
 

@b4ucuhear  The reason I thought the letter was a joke or joke like was because it included so many points. 
Some of the points were valid of course but I would think three points would be plenty if he wanted them to take it seriously. 
However, you seem to have joined forces with others on here that think that all people that mention the bad points of CCJW should join together as one. You also seem to have dropped yourself into the trap of calling many people opposers, though whom you refer to in that way i don't know, but you do seem to group them together. Quote :- 
Why don't all you opposers fight it out between yourselves first, and then present one winner - one Goliath - instead of all the moving targets you usually present. We shouldn't have to fight all your battles and do your thinking for you. That way we don't have to "hopscotch" from one personal/conflicting opinion to another like some crazed "jack-in-the-box." Sure, you may be united in your opposition to JW's, but at least get your stories straight. You guys don't even agree amongst yourselves. 
So some questions to you and others. Who do you class as opposers ? Why do you think those 'opposers' should be united as one ? Exactly who are they opposed to ? Do you really think they are all opposed for the same reason ? 
Might even make a good new topic.
@JW Insider  you first paragraph seems to fit the GB very well and I quote :-
you have also provided an "audit trail" of failed time-based interpretations and predictions. you continue to present yourself as an anointed person who actually wants to be seen as a modern day prophet. 
And Para 2 :  I do think you will be seen as one of hundreds of mentally disturbed and imbalanced persons who has associated with Jehovah's Witnesses. 
Now that fits the GB perfectly. I remember a certain person saying how 'dangerous and perverted' the GB appear to be. 
In truth though I think it is sad that you've brought this idea of being mentally unstable into the equation. I know this is a ploy of the GB to say that some people are mentally disturbed, but I think it is wrong to put such a label directly on someone.  
 Another quote from another JW on here : My old  Bethel friend told me long ago that about 10% of the letters received would appear to be from persons who are mentally ill.
A clever way of easily discarding letters that may have probably spoken truth. Just say the letter was from a mentally ill person, then bin it. 
The excuses from the CCJW Co increase. All people that do not worship the Governing Body and do not obey without question, must be either, Apostate, Opposer or / and Mentally ill. 
But what must be remembered is that we are all imperfect, so none of us are mentally well balanced. 

Why you are upset? WTJWorg preaching that you are not part of this world. If you are not par of it, why would you be part of these list? :))

I only up vote or down vote an individual comment, not the person whom made the comment. 
If I can find sense and reasoning in a comment, even though i might not totally agree with the comment, i might up vote it. It does no harm, this is only a forum not the coming Judgement. 
I do feel sorry for Arauna though, with her OCD about OCD. It reminds me of when the GB said concerning Child Sexual Abuse accusations, that the accusations only came from Apostates. 
Maybe the whole CCJW / W/t have OCD about apostates and oposers  

You have fine sense for humor. Our only goal here is to rise numbers of Member's Total Reputation, and best way for that, according to Forum, is to up-vote or like someone's comment.  :)))) 

As of today, I only have 3666 "upvotes".
I understand that when I get 10,000 "upvotes", I get an all expense paid trip to Hawaii !

You made here excellently important point. Claims in WT publications said how Jesus and JHVH made examination and had chosen Them in 1919. WT members in those time, and members today have only such claims in publications at which they can put their trust.
If Jesus and JHVH were involved than holy spirit was also involved in this appointed of anointed in WT Society. By all what is visible in Bible records we can conclude how people who claiming their appointed was done by those 3 are in dangerous position if holy spirit was not involved and if it is involved in process of appointing then or any time later.
If holy spirit had nothing with their appointing than GB and all FDS inside WT Society speaking lies or if they are self deceived that makes them false teachers.
If holy spirit did had something with past appointing of people in 1919, that not automatically making all who came later (after 1919) in WT Society to be also "appointed" and "chosen" by holy spirit. Because, it is well known how looked past hierarchic and how looks today this hierarchy in management of Organization. 
We see how elders are appointed, if they fulfilling some obligated recommendations according to some Bible verses. In such cases humans are those who making observation and recommendation and put individual on position. Holy spirit is not involved in that process, but elders in particular area/congregation.
People who take symbols considers themselves as "anointed". Here we have another, different situation. People around this individuals are able to make conclusion about them primary on visible fact how they eat bread and drink red wine. But that also not making some individual to be really "anointed".     
Well, if GB siting on "Moses chair", because they participate in symbols, that not automatically makes them to be appointed by holy spirit, but can make them guilty before holy spirit.
My business is not to remove them from "chair", but to not believe in every spirit who speaking "amazing things". 

Well, JTR is right in his conclusion for a very long time :))

Well, JTR is right in his conclusion for a very long time :))

... sorta like being stuck in the "third grade" FOREVER ?
... hearing the same lectures repeated over, and over, and over, and over, for 60 years?
I certainly DO know how you feel!

As individuals they are accountable not as a group. If one of them breaks Jehovahs laws they will appoint a committee. 

Some people find it easier to use ad hominem attacks, than to use critical thinking skills.  

I leave Witness and her two disciples to form an echo-chamber for each other. Pat each other on the back.  I have lost interest.  If you have not said anything I have not heard over and over before.