DefenderOTT

Idiots and idiotic rules exist in every society. Here in Zagreb, one baker freely shared to poor people the excess of bread and rolls that he did not sell on that day in front of his workshop. Inspectors punished him for $ 5,000 for that. Namely, the law says that unsold bakery products must be thrown into the garbage????!!! Common sense tell me where are you living?!
https://www.vecernji.hr/vijesti/pekar-qenaj-koji-dijeli-besplatno-kruh-nakon-kazne-ponos-hrvatske-46041

This is known as a "Semantics Trap", where you are chained by a false premise and the chain of logic is too short to allow you to reach the proper conclusion.
If "the law" states that you will be hung by the neck until dead, if you park your car in a handicapped parking place ... and you DO park your car in a handicapped parking place without that little handicapped sign on your car, or whatever is required, you are "rightfully" executed for doing what you are doing.
Anyone with a true sense of justice knows the punishment does not fit the crime, but in some societies, there is no such thing as common sense or mercy, or even "extenuating circumstances" such as perhaps your car engine failed, and that was the only spot you could roll your car to, to get it out of the main traffic or travel-way.
Last year, October 1, 2017 in Las Vegas, while a mass murderer was shooting  from the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel, at people at a concert in the street below.........
(In approximately ten minutes he killed 58 people, and left 851 people injured)
....... One man below decided to steal a truck inside a Company parking lot (he knew they kept their keys in the trucks), and with that stolen truck he  went into the line of gunfire, and amid the dead and dying,  loaded it up with wounded, and took them to the hospitals.
He confessed to deliberately stealing the truck (grand theft/auto ... a felony), and it became world wide news.  A self confessed and globally notorious car thief.
Yes he was a thief.
A self confessed and globally notorious car thief.
No ... he was NOT repentant ... and would do it again, in similar circumstances.
The law stated that he could be sentenced to two or more years in a Nevada prison.
He was not charged as a felony thief, although he was absolutely guilty.
It was NOT the right thing to do, and NO REASONABLE PERSON, not the Utility Company that owned the truck, not the police, not the stupidest man wandering the streets of Las Vegas even imagined charging him with vehicle theft.
If he would have been one of Jehovah's Witnesses, under current rules as commonly practiced EVERYWHERE by the current system, only three things would have been considered.
1.) Did he steal someone's vehicle?  -  (yes, he did).
2.) Did the public find out about it, and know he was one of Jehovah's Witnesses?  -  (yes, and yes).
3.) Was he truly repentant of his crime, and firmly resolved never to do it again? - (no, he was not and could NEVER be).
Therefore, as night follows day, BIG ORG would have had him disfellowshipped, and without repentance ( perhaps even some begging and tears, and rending of clothes ...) he would be forever disfellowshipped. No mercy would be shown ... just the blind application of ORG policy. 
In righteous indignation he may even pleaded for real  for JUSTICE ... but his pleas would be laughed at. (I have actually heard this, of first hand knowledge, as a couple sat in the darkened Kingdom Hall awaiting judgement ... ).
This is what happens when simple common sense is foreign to the minds of those who seek to consolidate their authority, and not be removed from their positions of authority. ...........
According to Big Org law, the thief would have been rightfully convicted of being an unrepentant thief.
And NO ONE would have "spoken up" for him, for fear they also would be disfellowshipped for disturbing the unity of the Congregation, for they, themselves also would for a certainty also be disfellowshipped, for questioning the decisions of the Elders, for Apostasy, or "brazen conduct" (which covers nothing and everything at the same time) .... or in any way indicating Big Org's  judgement was anything else but, as George Orwell in his book "1984"  put it ... "Doubleplusgood".
..........
Such devotion to "law" would have made the Pharisees of Jesus' day very proud.
 

"Wrongly Disfellowshipped People"
I was looked  at this title of post again  and again. I feel how something is not right with this choice of words. And finally get to answer why  and what bothered me. 
Word "Wrongly" is  completely wrong. The elders pray before the meeting. They were "spiritually guided", or "inspired" if you like. This means there is no mistake, there is no wrong conclusion and decision.
To admit that some of the decisions were wrong would ruin their authority. And if you can not believe the elders ... whom you can trust then?
;))))

Looks like you're gonna work a lot of popcorn....because the replies will not come for a long time ...
if it ever will!? :))

( it is now Saturday afternoon ... and the sound of crickets chirping in the silence is all that is heard ...)

This would suggest, higher education was not needed to work with what was available back in the day. Since humanity has changed? Then, higher education is needed for all the technological advancements that weren’t around.

Its moves with the sign of the times. However, if someone desires spiritual growth, who can decide how someone should follow Christ as a poor man, that needed nothing but the generosity of others, and he gave the same advice to his apostles, that followed his teachings to the very end in the same fashion, even though some were successful.

Therefore, where is it said, that life is a guarantee for someone’s success. If there is? Where is it, so everyone can sign up.

https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2014/08/07/335285098/rich-kid-poor-kid-for-30-years-baltimore-study-tracked-who-gets-ahead

This would suggest, higher education was not needed to work with what was available back in the day. Since humanity has changed? Then, higher education is needed for all the technological advancements that weren’t around.

Its moves with the sign of the times. However, if someone desires spiritual growth, who can decide how someone should follow Christ as a poor man, that needed nothing but the generosity of others, and he gave the same advice to his apostles, that followed his teachings to the very end in the same fashion, even though some were successful.

Therefore, where is it said, that life is a guarantee for someone’s success. If there is? Where is it, so everyone can sign up.

https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2014/08/07/335285098/rich-kid-poor-kid-for-30-years-baltimore-study-tracked-who-gets-ahead

Once again, who can guarantee someone’s success? If a person is happy? Why does it matter? If a wealthy individual is happy contributing with their personal time to do charity work, instead of spreading the wealth? Then why should it matter? If a poor woman gave everything she had (2 cents) while rich people only gave because it was extra? Then who will God appreciate as he did with Cain and Abel?

How should success be measured?

Can we quantify success from those that cheat to pass college? How about those that are guaranteed high college scores because of the advantage they have with their parentÂ’s reputation. How about people like Bernard Madoff that stole anywhere from 50-65 billion of investorsÂ’ money, and his children attended good colleges, and yet, Mark Madoff ended up committing suicide. Why? While, all the money in the world couldnÂ’t save Andrew Madoff from cancer, ending his life.


WhereÂ’s the proof and guarantee? Of peoples success because they should have pursued higher education?

This would suggest, higher education was not needed to work with what was available back in the day. Since humanity has changed? Then, higher education is needed for all the technological advancements that weren’t around.

Its moves with the sign of the times. However, if someone desires spiritual growth, who can decide how someone should follow Christ as a poor man, that needed nothing but the generosity of others, and he gave the same advice to his apostles, that followed his teachings to the very end in the same fashion, even though some were successful.

Therefore, where is it said, that life is a guarantee for someone’s success. If there is? Where is it, so everyone can sign up.

https://www.npr.org/sections/ed/2014/08/07/335285098/rich-kid-poor-kid-for-30-years-baltimore-study-tracked-who-gets-ahead

It would be interesting to note, the extent by which some millerites thought as well as some Advents in support of Miller's movement. Even though some of those Advents like Barbour, Storr, and others that quite couldn’t agree with Miller, did find themselves seeking, further, answer in which they found Russell as eager to learn scripture wholeheartedly, then, what they had been taught.

The transformation from Advents to Seventh-day Adventist became a concern to the Miller movement since their value in doctrine was now being question by their own. This didn’t sway Russell to conclude his teachings by either party. This is quite evident by Russell, overall view of scripture.

However, in the end, Barbour, Storr, and others returned to their original understanding of Adventism that Russell was unable to agree with. This became evident too.

I see. Perhaps the difficulty lies with the complete phrase "Jesus being Michael did not start with the Jehovah's Witnesses."

To better clarify my statement, I will draw attention to the latter portion of the phrase “did not start with JW’s” that interested me, as factual. Jesus Being Michael would have to be left up to interpretation. Generally, those that debate the Watchtower? Usually, resort to the Watchtower’s reasoning book. In that book? The Watchtower “asks” a question.

However, in the 19 century, the Bible students were framing this question with specific notations as, how to understand the symbolism of Michael as an authority figure. The intent of the ancients then lies with this symbolism that the Watchtower accepts.

This result is graphically described by the Prophet— [B147] "The noise of a multitude in the mountains [kingdoms] like as of a great people; a tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: the Lord of hosts mustereth the host of battle." Isa. 13:4 "THE VOICE OF THE ARCHANGEL" is another striking symbol of similar import. The name "archangel" signifies chief messenger; and our anointed Lord himself is Jehovah's Chief Messenger—the "Messenger of the Covenant." (Mal. 3:1) Daniel refers to the same personage, calling him Michael, which name signifies who as God—an appropriate name for him who is "the express image of the Father's person," and the representative of his authority and power. The voice of the Archangel represents Christ's authority and command. This symbol, then, represents Christ as taking control, or beginning his reign and issuing his commands, his official orders, announcing the change of dispensation by the enforcement of the laws of his kingdom.

The same thought is differently expressed by Daniel, when he says, Then shall Michael, the great Prince, "stand up." To stand up signifies to assume authority, to give commands. See "ariseth," Isa. 2:19,21. Another illustration of this symbol is from David, who says of Christ prophetically, "He uttered his voice; the earth melted." The great time of trouble will be precipitated, and the earth (organized society) will melt, or disintegrate, under the change of administration going into effect when the new King utters his voice of command. At his command, systems of error, civil, social and religious, must go down, however old or firmly entrenched and fortified they may be. The sword out of his mouth shall cause the havoc: The truth on every subject, and in all its varied aspects, shall judge men, and, under his power and overruling, shall cause the overturning of evil and error in all their thousand forms.

"THE TRUMP OF GOD." Many seem thoughtlessly to entertain the idea that this trumpet will be a literal sound on [B148] the air. But this will be seen to be an unreasonable expectation, when it is noticed that Paul here refers to what the Revelator designates "The Seventh Trumpet," the "Last Trump" in a series of symbolic trumpets. (Rev. 11:15; 1 Cor. 15:52) The proof that these references are to the same trumpet is found in the record of the events connected with each. Paul mentions the resurrection, and the establishment of the Lord's Kingdom, as connected with "the trump of God," and the Revelator mentions the same with even greater minuteness. The propriety of calling the "seventh," or "last trump," the "trump of God," is evident, too, when we remember that the events mentioned under the preceding six trumpets of Revelation refer to humanity's doings, while the seventh refers specially to the Lord's work, and covers the "Day of the Lord." Since the six preceding trumpets were symbols—and this is generally admitted by commentators and students who make any claim as expositors of Revelation—it would be a violation of reason and common sense to expect the seventh, the last of the series, to be a literal, audible sound on the air. And not only so, but it would be out of harmony with the Lord's general methods, as well as with those statements of Scripture indicating the secrecy of his coming; for a thief never sounds a trumpet to announce his arrival.

 
*** w10 4/1 p. 19 Is Jesus the Archangel Michael? ***

In view of the foregoing, what can we conclude? Jesus Christ is Michael the archangel. Both names—Michael (meaning “Who Is Like God?”) and Jesus (meaning “Jehovah Is Salvation”)—focus attention on his role as the leading advocate of God’s sovereignty. Philippians 2:9 states: “God exalted him [the glorified Jesus] to a superior position and kindly gave him the name that is above every other name.”

It is important to note that the human birth of Jesus was not the beginning of his life. Before Jesus was born, Mary was visited by an angel who told her that she would conceive a child by means of holy spirit and that she should name the child Jesus. (Luke 1:31) During his ministry, Jesus often spoke of his prehuman existence.—John 3:13; 8:23, 58.

So Michael the archangel is Jesus in his prehuman existence. After his resurrection and return to heaven, Jesus resumed his service as Michael, the chief angel, “to the glory of God the Father.”—Philippians 2:11

 

You may consider, further research with the book known in the western world as the “book of Enoch”. There you can find the reference to the archangel Michael. This reference, as previously stated was around 300 B.C. which was carried down by the Chaldean/Babylonian culture.

I very seldom down-vote anyone Allensmith ... your arguments fall apart without any help at all.
Specifically, "clergy / penitent" laws are made for ONE penitent and ONE confessor .... and if the Priest or Elder or other person tells ONE OTHER PERSON, that confidence, protected by law, is no longer protected by law.
With a Catholic Priest, that is ONE PERSON.
With a JW Judicial Committee, that starts out with THREE persons, and expands to include Circuit Overseers,  Branch Office personnel of every description, and reports are made in writing to insure that Central Control is maintained down at the congregation level.
In actual practice there are no "extenuating circumstances" ... only the application of WT codified policy.
It is then that JW.ORG ...... becomes JW.BORG.
Resistance is futile, we have been assimilated.

Sorry.  This is what I was generally reacting to.  There is no support for the "weak", the victims of abuse.  I see the governing body/organization on the receiving end of donations, time, energy, the slaving of members including the very victims they refuse to give protection from pedophiles.   Even in a court of law the org. refuse to "give".   
Yet, the GB will tell you how much 'giving' they have done for the sheep by providing failed "food at the proper time".
It is sheer hypocrisy.  
In the long run, the "recalcitrant contrarians" will have to face Christ for their actions.  

(New news ....)  A MONTANA Judge Orders Jehovah’s Witnesses to Turn Over Internal Documents Related to Childhood Sexual Abuse
April 12, 2018
 
On April 5, 2018, Judge James Manley of Sanders County, Montana ordered the Jehovah’s Witnesses religious organization to produce documents and testimony related to internal reports and investigations into the childhood sexual abuse of NPR’s two clients.
 
In this case, the two Plaintiffs were sexually abused as children by a member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses. The Elders in the local Jehovah’s Witness congregation in Thompson Falls, Montana were aware of the abuse and failed to report it to the police, choosing instead to handle the reports and investigations internally pursuant to Jehovah’s Witness guidelines. Their decision not to report the abuse to authorities allowed the perpetrator to remain in the congregation and continue to abuse one of the Plaintiffs.
 
Throughout this case, and similar childhood sexual abuse cases across the country, the Jehovah’s Witnesses have refused to produce documents related to their internal handling of reports of sexual abuse and related investigations and disciplinary actions claiming that the information is protected by the clergy-penitent privilege and the First Amendment to the United States Constitution.
 
Through briefing to the court, NPR convinced the Judge that Defendants’ privilege claims were unsupported and improper under the law. The Court agreed that Defendants could not blanket everything related to their investigations in secrecy and that they must turn it over to the Plaintiffs. Often, this is the very evidence that can win or lose a case like this against a religious institution.
 
The case of Nunez, et al. v. Watchtower Bible & Tract Society of New York, et al.  is set to go to trial in September of 2018.
The plaintiffs in this case are represented by NPR partner D. Neil Smith and associate Ross E. Leonoudakis.
 
----------------------------------------------------------
A Jury of 12 held in public view ... or a tribunal of three held in complete secrecy.
Which would YOU choose,  to get Justice?
 

Folks,

 

The Scriptures show that Jesus claimed other prerogatives of God as well. Jesus even made direct claims. We note, in examining the Gospels, that the claims become more explicit in the latter stages of His ministry. In the beginning He allowed the people to draw inferences about Him from the power of His moral teaching and His miracles. In the later portions, however, the focus is much more upon Himself.

 

In Matthew 25:31-46 He speaks of judging the world. He will sit on His glorious throne and divide the sheep from the goats. The power of judging the spiritual condition and assigning the eternal destiny of all people belongs to Him.

 

Certainly this is something which only God can exercise.

 

The authority which Jesus claimed and exercised is also clearly seen with respect to the Sabbath.

 

The sacredness of the Sabbath had been established by God (Exod. 20:8-11). Only God could abrogate or modify this regulation. Yet consider what happened when Jesus’ disciples picked heads of grain on the Sabbath, and the Pharisees objected that the Sabbath regulations (at least their version of them) were being violated.

 

Jesus responded by pointing out that David had violated one of the laws by eating of the bread reserved for the priests. Then, turning directly to the situation at hand, Jesus asserted: “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath; so the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath” (Mark 2:27-28). He was clearly claiming the right to redefine the status of the Sabbath, a right which belongs only to God. <><

One of the most striking features of the teachings of Jesus is that He was constantly talking about Himself. And to enter into the Kingdom depends on how we respond to Him personally; He even called the Kingdom of God “my Kingdom”.

 

This self teaching of Jesus is one of the first things that set Jesus apart from the other religious teachers of the world. Jesus points people to Himself saying “I am the truth; follow me” No other founder of the world religions would dare say such a thing and expect to be taken seriously.

 

The personal pronouns that Jesus uses force us to pay attention.

 

"I am the bread of life…” (John 6:35)

 

"I am the light of the world…" (John 8:12)

 

"I am the resurrection and the life…”  (John 11:25)

 

The great question on Jesus’ teachings about Himself leads to Him asking, “Who do you say that I am?” (Matt. 16:15).

 

Jesus had such a strong opinion of Himself, it is not surprise that he should call people to Himself, “Come to me” and “Follow me”.

 

Jesus offered Himself as someone in whom His contemporaries should put their faith in and to whom they should offer their love to. People are to believe in God – Jesus urged them that to have eternal life people are to believe in Him (John 3:36).

 

So when we look at the biblical evidence for the true Deity of our Lord Jesus Christ one cannot help noticing Jesus’ own self-consciousness witness of Himself, in other words, His self-understanding…what did Jesus think and believe about Himself?

 

Let’s have a look at what Jesus says about Himself and whether what He says reflects a consciousness of being Deity?

 

Keep in mind that what follows is NOT an exhaustive study, but just a brief expose of the topic.

 

In Mark 2:5-10 we read: “When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, ‘Son, your sins are forgiven.’ Now some teachers of the law were sitting there, thinking to themselves, ‘Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?’  Immediately Jesus knew in his spirit that this was what they were thinking in their hearts, and he said to them, ‘Why are you thinking these things?  Which is easier: to say to the paralytic, 'Your sins are forgiven,' or to say, 'Get up, take your mat and walk'?  But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins....’"

 

When the paralytic was lowered through the roof by his four friends, Jesus did not respond with a comment about the man’s physical condition or his need of healing. Rather, his initial comment was, “your sins are forgiven”. The reaction of the scribes indicates the meaning they attached to his words: "Why does this fellow talk like that? He's blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?"

 

What we have is a strong statement of divine authority, and the context shows that it was a blasphemous assertion IF HE WAS NOT GOD! Notice that He does not answer their charges with a "Hold on now! I am not claiming to be God! I am claiming something less!"--not at all!

 

The reaction of the Jews shows that they interpreted Jesus’ words that He was exercising the prerogative that belong to God alone (see Isa, 43:25). Here was an excellent opportunity for Jesus to correct the scribes if they had misunderstood the significance of His words. Note that He did not. In fact His response is highly enlightening for He goes on to claims that He has that prerogative of God, notice also how Jesus knew their thoughts; only God can know the thoughts of men (Acts 15:8; 2 Chron. 6:29; 1 Kings 8:38). More can be said but I’ll leave that for another time. <><
 
 
 
 
 

I could address an entire article and you would have problems with it.  I reposted this under Bible Discussion since it has been buried under "controversial posts":    https://www.theworldnewsmedia.org/forums/topic/55510-korahs-rebellion-and-the-watchtower/
Eph 4:11-13 This pertains to the anointed Body of Christ, the Temple of God.1 Cor 3:16,17  Are any recognized beyond the governing body as having the various gifts to upbuild the Body?  NO.  These gifts are signified as bestowed on a “Gentile” elder body which is NOT ACCORDING TO SCRIPTURE.  Matt 24:15; 1 Thess 2:3,4 ; Rev 13:5-8;  Ezek 44:6-9
You are not recognizing this, nor are most all other JWs.  You see a false priesthood as blessed by God to lead the congregations, forgetting that God already chose His priesthood.  Isa 43:10;1 Pet 2:5,9
You say,
You continue to echo the pattern of the Pharisees, and I HOPE one day, you will understand, you do a “disservice” to your proclamation of being one of Christ followers, by your personal actions and attacks! John 10:1-21, Matt 23:1-12, Mark 12:38-40; Lk 20:45-47
Jesus had no problem warning his people of the Pharisees.  So, to be Christ-like I too, will warn my people of today’s “Pharisees” – of the GB’s “leaven” (unscriptural doctrine) and the heavy burdens put upon JWs in the form of service to an idol, dress codes, how a kingdom hall should be cared for and cleaned, even the amount of donations to be expected by individuals in the congregations. Isa 28:10; Col 2:20-23; Rev 11:1-3  All spiritual provisions must be bought and paid for by service to an idol.  Rev 13:17   Go back to Haggai 1:6.  Everything you do for the organization and its leadership rewards you with a “bag of holes”.  Watchtower’s rotten fruit is nothing to bank on.   
“Blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!”  Matt 23:24
Summoning the crowd, he told them, “Listen and understand: 11 It’s not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth—this defiles a person.”
12 Then the disciples came up and told him, “Do you know that the Pharisees took offense when they heard what you said?”
Which seems you have the same problem with my accusations against the GB. 
13 He replied, “Every plant that my heavenly Father didn’t plant will be uprooted. 14 Leave them alone! They are blind guides.  And if the blind guide the blind, both will fall into a pit.”
15 Then Peter said, “Explain this parable to us.”
16 “Do you still lack understanding?” he asked. 17 “Don’t you realize that whatever goes into the mouth passes into the stomach and is eliminated?18 But what comes out of the mouth comes from the heart, and this defiles a person.
Preaching failed and changed doctrine does not build up, but defiles and erodes one’s faith. 
 19 For from the heart come evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, sexual immoralities, thefts, false testimonies, slander. 20 These are the things that defile a person; but eating with unwashed hands does not defile a person.”  Matt 15:10-20
Should God’s anointed priesthood obey men who parrot falsehoods and who are not part of the anointed Body of Christ? This would be unscriptural.  Jer 14:14; 2 Cor 11:4,20; 2 Tim 2:26; Rev 13:7
Should you?  All Watchtower’s leaders are blind guides.  Not one of their predictions has come true. Only those spiritually deceived to the point of drunkenness would call a lie, the truth.  2 Thess 2:9-12; Rev 17:1-6; Jer 25:27-29; Rev 18:3,4
Allen, please – I beg all JWs to recognize the true Zion/Temple of God as the anointed one and not an earthly organization or its buildings.    This corporation is Satan’s master plan to destroy these “kings”; thus, the war of Armageddon is Satan and his “kings” warring against Christ and those owned by him.  You are witnessing this war as you read this.   It is a war of truth against lies.  Think about it, Christ exposed the Pharisees for their lies.  It has always been a spiritual battle of truth against lies, and prophecy has always concerned those in covenant with God.  John 8:44; Eph 6:12; Rev 1:5; 16:12-16; 6:15
Simply, Watchtower’s teachers are experts at covering over their lies.  Allen, you have a vast knowledge of scripture, and through scripture, we know that the apostles and all anointed who will “rule” with Christ, must be as blameless as he is.  Phil 2:15; Ps 119:1; Rev 14:5  They must be refined, they must repent of all falsehoods and idolatrous motives, and rely completely on Christ. Mal 3:1-3  Each one must “buy” their spiritual provisions from only him.  Matt 25:1-13; Rev 3:18  Each one must treat the other as his “member” – cherishing that person as himself; whether male or female. 1 Cor 12:20-26; Gal 3:28  The care and love for each anointed member doesn’t exist with the governing body who marks one as an outcast for refusing their human doctrine. John 16:2,3; Matt 10:18; 1 John 3:10-12; Rev 13:11-17  It cannot be manifested when the anointed are told to remain apart from one another.  The governing body members have no regard or love for their “fellow slave”.  Matt 24:48-51 
John 10:1-21 – Who is the door, the Watchtower or Jesus? 
 
 

The Watchtower believes it does – it’s called reinstatement. 
I do pray you wake up from your stupor!  You say the right words, you presented good information, but can’t see the forest for the “apostate” trees! 
Matt 3:10 – “The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”
Who are the trees?  They are the spirit-anointed ones.   Ps 1:3; Jer 17:8; Ezek 47:12; Rev 22:1,2   Out of their mouths are to flow “living water” from Christ, NOT their own opinions or understanding or timelines.  John 4:10,13,14; 7:37,38; Matt 12:35,37; 1 Thess 5:1-3
You are eliminating the governing body from those who “lean on their own understanding”.  This composite entity has taught millions of people false doctrine, based on their own understanding.  The individual in the video woke up to that fact.  Is he to blame for rejecting falsehoods and leaving them behind, or is the source of the falsehood the one to receive the blame? Jer 8:8,9 Yet, you excuse the governing body’s actions.  Are they Christ?  Are they Moses?
Again:
In the past, we thought that the great tribulation began in 1914 when World War I started. We thought that Jehovah “cut short” those days in 1918 when the war ended so that the remaining anointed ones on earth could preach the good news to all nations. (Matthew 24:21, 22) After that preaching work would be completed, we expected that Satan’s world would be destroyed. So we thought that there were three parts to the great tribulation. It would begin in 1914, it would be interrupted in 1918, and it would finish at Armageddon. ws13 7/15 pp. 3-8
Of course, we can't forget the generation analogies.
Who do you think has “fallen away” and misled “many” by their own “depraved conduct”?  2 Pet 2:1-3 The “wolves in sheep’s clothing” are among you!  Luke 21:8; Acts 20:29; Rev 13:11
I would hope you see how the teachings of Christ have changed by Watchtower’s doctrines!  WHO has power over the entire anointed Body of Christ and over all sheep?  Is it Christ, or men?  Again, these men are not Moses or Christ.  The man in the video rejected false doctrine as we are admonished by scripture to do.  Jer 23:16; Isa 9:15,16  Yet, he is most likely disfellowshipped for doing so and judged as a lost soul.   Mark 10:42-45; John 16:2,3
Just as the true followers of Christ rejected the Pharisees, the true followers of Christ today, FOLLOW CHRIST AND NOT WICKED MEN who are looking for their own personal gain.  Both then and now, only a remnant are found to leave lies…which is every conceivable wayward thought TAUGHT AS DOCTRINE BY THE GOVERNING BODY…behind. 
Watchtower 07/9/1 p 31  Question from Readers:
What did Jesus mean when he said that his faithful slave would be “discreet”?
Consider also Jesus’ use of the word “discreet” at Matthew 7:24. Jesus said: “Everyone that hears these sayings of mine and does them will be likened to a discreet man, who built his house upon the rock-mass.” The discreet man builds solidly, in view of the possibility of a storm. In contrast, the foolish man builds on sand and loses his house. THUS, a discreet follower of Jesus is one who foresees the bad consequences of FOLLOWING HUMAN WISDOM.  His discernment and good judgment lead him to base his faith, actions, and teachings FIRMLY on what Jesus taught. 
“The faithful and discreet slave” acts similarly.
Does it really?  “Beliefs Clarified” come to mind.  Every example of those changed teachings is none other than foolishness and human wisdom, the governing body’s “own perceived understanding of it”.  Every “clarified” teaching is an attempt to “mortar” the cracks in Watchtower’s walls.  Ezek 13:10-16; Isa 30:8-14; 1 Thess 5:3
Have they blamed others for their own foolish teaching failures?  Yes.  They blame the sheep.  I can give you examples.
“Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood. For I know this, that after my departure savage wolves will come in among you, not sparing the flock.  Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves.“  Acts 20:28-30
JWs call “Beliefs Clarified”, “new light”.  That alone is a clever twist on what are obvious falsehoods.  The meaning of “perverse things” – to distort or turn aside, corrupt (the truth!), turn aside from the right path; which is every falsehood the governing body has presented before the sheep as “truth”. They could care less about “sparing the flock”, but only for drawing away disciples after themselves – with continuous empty promises.  2 Cor 11:4,19,20
“to oppose, plot against, the saving purposes and plans of God”  The greatest instigator to plot against Christ’s seed is Satan.  He uses individuals to do his work and carry out his will. 2 Cor 11:13-15 The best option is to win over anointed ones to ‘plot against the saving purposes and plans of God” that involves the anointed ones.  Matt 24:15; 2 Thess 2:1-12; Rev 13:1,7,8,11,14-17; 9:1; 8:10,11
DO NOT DECEIVE YOURSELF WITH FALSE REASONING  WATCHTOWER 2011
“WHAT is this you have done?” God asked Eve after she had eaten from the forbidden tree. “The serpent —it deceived me and so I ate,” she replied. (Gen. 3:13) Satan, the crafty serpent who led her to disobey God, was later called “the original serpent, . . . who is misleading the entire inhabited earth.” —Rev. 12:9.
This Genesis account presents Satan as cunning, as one who spins lies with the intention of deceiving the unwary. Eve certainly succumbed to his deceit. Nevertheless, we should not think that Satan is the only one who can mislead us. The Bible also warns about the danger of ‘deceiving ourselves with false reasoning.’ —Jas. 1:22.
The thought of deceiving ourselves may seem highly improbable or even impossible. The divine warning, however, is obviously there for a purpose. So we would do well to consider how we might deceive ourselves and what sort of false reasoning could mislead us.
 “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.”  Gal 6:7,8
Are you being deceived by false reasoning, handed out to you as life-giving nourishment from “Jehovah’s organization” – an idol that requires your “gold”? Exodus 32:22-24
In the time of the end, there is both a faithful and discreet slave/steward over his anointed House, chosen from among the faithful slaves, to care for Jesus’ belongings –which are his sheep. Matt.24:46-47; 28:18; Ps.2:8; Gen.13:14-15; 28:13-14; Dan.7:18)
…as well as his Truth/”gold” Rev 3:18; John 14:6;1:14; Ps 119:89; Matt 6:20; Isa 40:8; Luke 21:33; John 5:24; 6:27,51,55
And a wicked slave who maligns the Truth, deceives many with fabricated stories and tosses out their “fellow slaves” for speaking Christ’s Truth.   Matt 24:48-51
One appears magnificent, strong, powerful, with false humility, and having with a large following.  The “faithful slave” on the other hand, appears as Jesus did – rejected, lowly, weak and despised; tossed out of the “synagogue”, yet blessed with Holy Spirit.  1 Cor 1:26-29
You will know them by their “fruits”.  Matt 7:16-20
Rom 1:20-25
For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image (“Jehovah’s spirit-directed organization”)made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature (Jehovah’s spirit-directed organization) rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. Rom 1:20-25
Can you, in your mind, separate God from the organization?  Can you walk away from it and give God the exclusive devotion that He demands?  Exod 20:4,5; Isa 45:5
 
 
 

Allen:
You may be laughing, but you have absolutely no reading COMPREHENSION skills that I can observe..
To assist you ... think of my post of the above two lines as separate subjects ... and  THEN think of how inebriated a person can get by stretching out a half gallon of Peach Schnapps over a period of two years.
It is obvious that you have NO sense of humor, so you may want to talk to a Shrink about that laughter
 
... and if you need a vomit bag when viewing cartoons ... we are talking about some REAL shrinkage here !
..... not to be confused with swimming in ice-cold water .....
.

You rang?

Legally, this is quite understandable, and is true .....but there is a "rest of the story", and it has in the case of the WTB&TS already been sporadically adjudicated to reflect the uniqueness of the way we do things, and the rational goes something like this:
A pastor has a duty to hold in confidence any information obtained during a counseling session. A pastor who violates this trust might be on the losing end of a suit for an invasion of privacy or defamation - but if he tells ONE OTHER PERSON, that confidentiality is not then protected by law ... as the clergyman HIMSELF violated it.
Like the old Italian saying ... "Two can keep a secret ... if one of them is dead !"
In the case of the Society, there are THREE judges that run a Judicial Committee, and then a synopsis is made including names, dates, and offenses (real or imagined) and the specific details and investigations, and results are discussed with the Society's legal department by telephone.
In letters back and forth to the Branch Offices, with explanations, clarifications, and policy directives in that particular case.  THEN forms are filled out with the pertinent details ... the accused and/or convicted "sinner", (which may include blatant criminal activity), and that is sent to the Branch office.
If appeals committees are formed that is ANOTHER three people on a different Judicial Committee, and of course the Circuit Overseer who sometimes has to bring in others from other congregations.
Including mail routers at Bethel, secretaries, and other legal staff, there might be 20 people that have intimate details of whatever was confessed ... or not confessed, but adjudicated with prejudice.
So you can see that as long as only ONE "clergyman", and only ONE person is the "penitent" ... yes that conversation and possible confession is protected by law, pretty much everywhere in the English speaking world, but for the reasons stated, those laws, however stated and formulated ... DO NOT APPLY TO JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES.
Not one in a thousand lay people understand this (a WAG), and perhaps not one in a hundred lawyers, and perhaps not one in ten Judges.   It is arcane information that is not in the experience of most, about JW "Groupthink".
This does not include Elders wives who through "pillow talk" want to know EVERYTHING that goes on ... and do  find out, or a herd or gaggle of  Elders themselves gossiping around steaks on a grill, and lots of beer.
You might as well post a transcript in the Kingdom Hall Newsletter, if we had one.
...except no recordings, stenographers, or observers,  or representation is/are permitted, so that would be impossible, as in any Star Chamber proceedings.
 
 

You are wrong in your assumption. I don't think any of us had/has unrealistic expectations. JW insider described the problem that existed in the past quite accurately:
But still, that doesn't mean it was OK does it?

As I stated before on this thread ... but it has been confirmed by REAL numbers (.02% thesis of JW Insider ...)
MY MAIN concern is the institutionalized tyranny of silence where Brothers and Sisters are disfellowshipped, and THREATENED with disfellowshipping,  to keep the child abuse covered up.
The family is ALREADY traumatized ... then the victim is threatened  and/or disfellowshipped, and this travesty is compounded by the victims family being held hostage in "Coventry" ... and if this combined trauma overwhelms them ... they have been thrown away ... forever.
THIS is why we have a 77% loss rate of those who leave.
I have PERSONALLY seen much too much of THIS  modus operandi .... year after year after year after year ... and been threatened myself about 13 times in the past 55 years.
It USED to shock me, and hurt my feelings and discourage me like carrying heavy, heavy bags of rocks ... but I got used to it as a survival mechanism.
You may have noticed that I am not exactly "Brother Watchtower".
The JW "spiritual paradise" operates under the same style as the old Soviet Union's "Worker's Paradise", where the main newspaper PRAVDA ... which when translated means "TRUTH",  was nothing but a self-aggrandizing puff piece for the Communist Party.
Think I am hyperbolic?
Go to the JW.ORG Web Site, and under "Legal", see how much of all the legal things we have discussed here show up as honest reporting.
Last time I checked, it was ZERO.
The Brotherhood is DELIBERATELY being kept in the dark, as an institutionalized policy, pretending the "Elephant In The Room" is not really here.
 

I love irony !
otherwise that would be an upvote.
Hey! that quote is an "Elephant" AllenSmith could chew on !