DespicableME

I do note that @Jack Ryan has been known to post ten provocative items in a day.

@TrueTomHarley Aren't you taking the spamming to the extreme lately?   Once in A WHILE is ok... but it seems I see you doing it every week on here lately. 

Jack Ryan is getting a little carried away, perhaps he needs to go for a jog or take up some kind of sports...?

I imagine they would say someone found gods true organization by flushing a toilet.

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

Jack. I think you are trying to say that experience is bogus because it doesn't make complete sense to you. And it appears like a contradiction when we consider those famous persons who have been associated either as Witnesses or those who may have identified as JWs due to the influence of their Witness parents or family members.
I understand the cynicism about some of the experiences. I have previously shared my own discomfort when I watched  a committee of brothers enhance the experiences of Witnesses who provided experiences for the special Bethel "Family Night" gatherings. It smacked of dishonesty to me, but there was always a grain of truth in what they were enhancing, and they were usually quite careful with the wording so that it was not technically or legally an untruth. But for "Family Night" I watched the committee edit the person's own story and his own recollections with facts not in evidence just to make it sound better, and it was clearly to enhance the reputation of the WTS, and to change something just slightly so that it would not detract from that same reputation. At Bethel, I had also learned how the resume of Fred Franz' educational background had been enhanced in ways that were never corrected until the Proclaimers book came out.
But I don't know that this story in particular is enhanced. I see some potential problems, and a wise person will not simply believe everything he hears. I think the story might be perfectly true. "She was asked to take part in the Winter Olympics . . ." There is nothing unbelievable about this. Many very talented people have been on their way toward stardom and have given it up for religion or ideology or rethinking what it would mean to their life. But notice that no one is claiming that this person was invited to participate as an athlete to represent her country. It may have been that a coach wanted her there to watch. Perhaps, she showed promise as a skier, and it was a parent who asked her to go on to another few years of training to be able to take part in the Winter Olympics. This could be construed to create the statement that she was asked to take part.
Or perhaps she had already trained, and was ready, and was considered a viable competitor, but was also completing her studies with the Witnesses and was preparing for baptism. A single statement from the person studying with her might have made her change her mind. The statement in the WT above may be perfectly legitimate and not enhanced at all. I'm sure you see this as a possibility, too, even if you disagree with the decision she made.
There are non-JW experiences like this too. I remember hearing about a professional basketball player named Robinson, I think, whose mother told him he had to graduate a four-year college even though he had been asked to sign on professionally right after high school. He was offered a multi-million dollar contract, and had to give it up, and who knows what change of direction his life might have taken during that four years. He could have lost his contract, he probably cut four years of his earning potential away, but he did it for his mother, or for his agreement with her particular ideology about life and priorities. Others look at this and say B*S* because he could have played for 4 years, made millions and then gone to college if the basketball "gig" didn't work out, right? But younger people often don't know how to handle fame and money, and there are countless bodies of evidence, sometimes dead bodies, in support of this fact.
On the other hand, what is the overall point of the experience? It's the same point that should be pointed out to any who wish for fame when there are other more important things that could bring potentially more satisfaction. There is also the drive for fame and money that many young people are not realistic about. They could end up spinning their wheels for a lifetime in pursuit of something that was not really attainable. Or even if it was attainable, it may be much more transitory than they realized.
One of my daughter's good friends from high school was  a young model who was asked to work on a soap opera. She did this for two years, and did commercials, and photo layouts for fashion, and was on a billboard for years in the NY diamond district. But it only lasted for about 5 years. Although she can be proud of her work, she is today ... get this @James Thomas Rook Jr. . . .a shoe salesperson. Literally. She works in London selling Louboutin shoes, making good money, and she seems happy. Only her parents and siblings still push for her to try to get back into acting and modelling as if it were some pinnacle of achievement. (On a side note, my wife and I are in Paris right now, with my daughter, and we expect to see this same friend of hers next weekend.)
What about being the ability to be both satisfied and happy with something different than fame or money? Something that is better for oneself and others in both the short run and the long run?

Watchtower 14/11/15 
The flocking of many humans to worship Jehovah with his people in this time of the end was foretold by two ancient prophets. Isaiah prophesied: “Many peoples will go and say: ‘Come, let us go up to the mountain of Jehovah, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will instruct us about his ways, and we will walk in his paths.’ For law will go out of Zion, and the word of Jehovah out of Jerusalem.” (Isa. 2:2, 3)
If, therefore, we wish to benefit from Jehovah’s protection during the great tribulation, we must recognize that Jehovah has a people on earth, organized into congregations. We must continue to take our stand with them and remain closely associated with our local congregation. With all our hearts, may we join the psalmist in proclaiming: “Salvation belongs to Jehovah. Your blessing is upon your people.” —Ps. 3:8.
Protection?  Blessings?  Have you considered how a victim of abuse feels about this?
Tell me, JWs, when the court systems of the world must alert and teach JWs to show compassion and righteous judgment to victims of child abuse, where is the “law that goes out from Zion” – GOD’S LAW?
Does this organization protect and nurture, through the teaching of God’s law which is far superior than any court law of the land?  The “law” is found in the hearts of the anointed priests and kings that YOU refuse to recognize due to your submission to a Harlot/false prophet/ Wicked Slave; and her muscle, the elder body carrying out their own version of God’s laws. Isa 43:10; I Pet 2:5,9,10; Heb 8:10; Rev 13:1,6,7,11,14-17; Matt 24:48-51
WAKE UP!  It can’t be excused away that this organization  IS Zion, yet offers no protection or blessing from the true God, YHWH. It is all, a delusion.  2 Thess 2:9-12
Mount Zion, in all its glory, is NOT FOUND IN SATAN’S WORLD, called the “mountainlike organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses” but in the hearts of righteous faithful anointed ones,  who LEAVE THIS LIE BEHIND.   Many others, have found it to be “neither on this mountain, nor in Jerusalem, the now “apostate city” of Harlots and their hardened hearts. 2 Chron 7:14  “God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”  John 4:21-24
“What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’”  Zech 4:7
“The second angel sounded his trumpet, and something like a huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turned into blood, 9 a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ships were destroyed.”  Rev 8:8,9
It is blasphemy to believe that the cornerstone of God’s Zion/Temple (1 Pet 2:6) and his fulfillment of the “law” based on love, would approve of such twisting of God’s decrees, by men who trust only in themselves. Isa 2:22
YHWH’s Genuine Mountain – Pearl Doxsey 4womaninthewilderness
 https://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/362404/silent-lambs-child-sexual-abuse-and-the-jehovah-s-witnesses
 
 edited for sentence structure
 

Thank you, JWI! I don't think you need the "I mean that as an exaggeration, of course" but realize that you may have included that for the benefit of some of the tenderer members at this forum.

That sentence might have just pinpointed the issue. Russell collected a body of teachings and promoted them with faith and vigor and a sense of urgency. Jehovah doesn't forget his work and the love he showed for him. Neither should we.
(Hebrews 6:10) For God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name by ministering and continuing to minister to the holy ones. But we should not be trying to defend him as a person in such a way that we rationalize the false teachings. For most of my life I fell into the same trap of saying, yes he was wrong on this or that, but we can ignore it because of the greater good he did. I had to wonder why I am defending him as a person. He may or may not have been a good person, we can't judge. I believe that in the main he was a very good person. And when I had read through the old Watch Tower magazines, I realized that the majority of his work was still quite useful and valuable for Christians and would-be Christians. (As opposed to "The Finished Mystery" aka "The Seventh Volume," for example, for which the great majority of it is worthless and false.)
But we are not supposed to concern ourselves with Russell as a person, or defend him as if he were some kind of canonized saint. We should be concerned with the truth and "wholesomeness" of the teachings that we have basically inherited from the body of teachings he collected.
(1 Timothy 1:10) .and whatever other thing is in opposition to the healthful teaching (1 Timothy 1:5-7) 5 Really, the objective of this instruction is love out of a clean heart and out of a good conscience and out of faith without hypocrisy. 6 By deviating from these things, some have been turned aside to meaningless talk. 7 They want to be teachers of law, but they do not understand either the things they are saying or the things they insist on so strongly.
One of the great problems, in my opinion, of course, is that when Bible Students and Watch Tower readers heard what Russell taught and thought, they might think: Russell might have many things wrong but who is to say?
For example(s): Russell copied and expanded upon some embarrassingly false beliefs about the value of the Great Pyramid to our faith. Russell copied and expanded upon some embarrassingly false beliefs about the times and seasons (eschatology), and built up a whole doctrine around a debate over words like "parousia" that had come up as a means to avoid admitting the complete failure of a false prophecy.
Now we may still agree with some of these teachings, but some of them were clearly wrong, and many Bible Students apparently accepted them without question: He might be wrong, but who is to say? But Jesus, in Revelation 2-3 had said that it was up to each of us to say: individual Christians and Christian congregations. Just as Paul said that even if it were apostles or angels who declared something not in line with the truth they had learned, THEY, as individuals were responsible to reject the teachings even of those who were called and seen as apostles.
(2 Corinthians 11:5) 5 For I consider that I have not proved inferior to your superfine apostles in a single thing. (Galatians 1:8 ) However, even if we or an angel out of heaven were to declare to you as good news something beyond the good news we declared to you, let him be accursed. (Galatians 1:17) 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before I was,. . . (Galatians 2:5, 6) 5 we did not yield in submission to them, no, not for a moment, so that the truth of the good news might continue with you. 6 But regarding those who seemed to be important—whatever they were makes no difference to me, for God does not go by a man’s outward appearance—those highly regarded men imparted nothing new to me. (Revelation 2:2) . . .put to the test those who say they are apostles,. . . When Paul said: "O senseless Ga·laʹtians! Who has brought you under this evil influence . . .?" (Galatians 3:1) he knew it included some of the 12 original apostles of Jesus himself, or what we might call the "Governing Body" at Jerusalem. The Galatians were so enamored by their position and how they were so highly regarded, that Paul needed to remind them that even if it were an angel out of heaven, they shouldn't listen. Did Paul mean that everything that came out of Jerusalem and the teaching of the apostles was "evil"? Of course not! He just used it as an example to prove that they should have been more responsible to pick and choose as mature persons:
(Hebrews 5:12-14) 12 For although by now you should be teachers, you again need someone to teach you from the beginning the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God, and you have gone back to needing milk, not solid food. 13 For everyone who continues to feed on milk is unacquainted with the word of righteousness, for he is a young child. 14 But solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their powers of discernment trained to distinguish both right and wrong. Today, we have the same issue. The "Governing Body" provides us with a wealth of valuable and nourishing spiritual food. They admit that they aren't inspired and that might even be wrong on some doctrines. But we generally go about with the attitude: They might be wrong on some things, but who's to say? In such a case, it's clearly our own faith, reasonableness and conscience that must come into play.
(1 Timothy 4:6-16) 6 By giving this counsel to the brothers, you will be a fine minister of Christ Jesus, one nourished with the words of the faith and of the fine teaching that you have followed closely. 7 But reject irreverent false stories. . . 15 Ponder over these things; be absorbed in them, so that your advancement may be plainly seen by all people. 16 Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching. . . .

JehovahÂ’s Witness Elders Fined for Failure to Report Child Abuse: Watchtower Settles with Delaware
Posted on July 17, 2018  by JOHN REDWOOD Jehovah’s Witnesses in Delaware paid $19,500 in fines for failure to report child abuse.
" On January 18th, 2018, attorneys representing JehovahÂ’s WItnesses signed a formal settlement agreement with the State of Delaware, concluding a historic case in which two elders and one congregation were held responsible for withholding detailed knowledge of a sexual relationship between an adult and a 14-year-old minor.
This case is unique, profound, and will likely set a precedent for other States.
According to the terms of the settlement, JehovahÂ’s Witnesses paid a total of $19,500 to the Delaware Department of Justice, and the body of elders from the Laurel Delaware congregation was required to attend the Stewards of Children training program and pay associated costs.
A third requirement mandated by Delaware included the signing of an affidavit stipulating that Jehovah’s Witness elders must comply with all Delaware statutes involving the reporting of child abuse. Among the itemized requirements, the Coordinator of the Body of Elders, William Perkins, agreed that communications with minors related to matters of abuse would not be treated as “penitential confessions.” This is significant, since attorneys for Jehovah’s Witnesses attempted to claim clergy privilege as their defense for failure to report.
On January 26, 2016, Justice Mary M. Johnston threw out WatchtowerÂ’s motion for summary judgment. Johnston pointed out that the eldersÂ’ sworn statements suggested that the victim and the perpetrator did not seek out the elders for private confession, which is the basic definition of penitential confession.
The case, formally called the State of Delaware versus Laurel Congregation of JehovahÂ’s Witnesses, Joel Mulchansingh, and William Perkins, was filed November 9th, 2015. It was brought by the Delaware Attorney GeneralÂ’s office following the discovery that 35-Year-old Katheryn Carmean-White had been arrested for engaging in at least 40 incidents of sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old boy. Both were baptized members of the JehovahÂ’s Witness religion.
Deputy Attorney General Janice Tigani became aware of this case from police reports, which had been filed in 2011. The mother of the 14-year-old victim contacted local authorities. A warrant was issued for Katheryn L. Carmean-White, who was arrested on 10 counts of third-degree rape, continuous sexual abuse of a child and endangering the welfare of a child. Carmean-White is currently incarcerated in the Baylor WomenÂ’s Correctional Institution of Delaware, serving a 6-year prison sentence.
Neither William Perkins nor Joel Mulchansingh contacted the police.
Instead, both elders initiated internal JehovahÂ’s Witness judicial proceedings which resulted in the disfellowshipping of both Carmean-White and her victim. Despite his age, the victim was considered a willing participant in consensual sexual acts. The repetitive nature of these sexual encounters was the foundation for disfellowshipping action by the church.
Delaware Sets the Example
Until now, the national epidemic of child abuse has been brought to light primarily through the efforts of mainstream media and numerous documented civil lawsuits. Such cases have resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements against the Catholic Church and JehovahÂ’s Witnesses, the religions most notorious for their mishandling of abuse allegations.
While individual states have codified laws penalizing mandated reporters for failure to report child abuse, almost none have brought charges against clergymen, or elders. Tackling religious organizations is often seen as trampling the First Amendment rights of these groups.
According to Deputy Attorney General Tigani, the Delaware case was about to go to trial when Watchtower lawyers opted for a private settlement. In part, the agreement stated:
Tigani agreed that Watchtower benefitted by conforming to the stipulations of the State of Delaware, in lieu of a protracted public trial. Evidence presented on both sides, including depositions from the two Witness elders, clearly pointed to gross infraction of Delaware law.
The progressive nature of DelawareÂ’s punitive measures for violation of mandatory reporting laws comes on the heels of the worst case of child sexual abuse in United States history. Pediatrician Earl Bradley was sentenced to seven consecutive life terms, plus 165 years in prison for the molestation of hundreds of child patients, whose average age was three. The Bradley case was so egregious that Attorney General Beau Biden abandoned his bid for his fatherÂ’s vacated Senate seat to funnel all energies into the prosecution of this case.
As Delaware prosecuted and jailed the notorious Bradley, lawmakers began to question how this man could have abused so many children for more than a decade, evading detection and prosecution. In 2010, Governor Jack Markell commissioned the Dean of Widener University Law School, Linda L. Ammons, to investigate what went wrong, and to itemize necessary changes. One key discovery involved the lack of proper reporting of abuse allegations to law enforcement or other state officials. Under the topic “Mandatory Reporters,” Ammons stated:
Pediatrician Earl Bradley Arrested
Families of victims were shocked to discover that allegations against Bradley stemmed back to 1994 in Pennsylvania, where the doctor had completed his residency. Layers of bureaucracy stymied the reporting process. Plausible deniability was contagious, and without enforcement of reporting laws, organizations, members of clergy, and ordinary citizens are without incentive to abide by these statutes. Professor Ammon made numerous recommendations to the Governor of Delaware, including the following:
“Increase penalties for violating the mandatory reporting requirements in the Medical Practices Act.”
Delaware agreed. Enforceable penalties were signed into law. Delaware code 914 states:
This code enforcement is not limited to the medical practices field. In fact, every Delaware citizen is expected to report, regardless of their occupation. The ProfessionalsÂ’ Guide to Reporting Child Abuse and Neglect says:
“Professional reporters are often referred to as mandated reporters, although all citizens of Delaware are required to report child abuse and neglect.” [bold, italics ours]
JehovahÂ’s Witness elders Joel Mulchansingh, and William Perkins were found liable, both as professional mandated reporters, and as citizens of the State of Delaware. The congregation body of elders was also named as a responsible party.
The Settlement
In addition to financial penalties paid, the Laurel Congregation body of elders was required to attend the Stewards of Children training program, an initiative sponsored by the Beau Biden Foundation for the Protection of Children. The Biden foundation is a non-profit organization created in 2015 to further the goals of the late Biden in ensuring that children are afforded every possible protection from predators.
I spoke to a representative of the Stewards of Children program, who confirmed that their educational materials have been sanctioned by courts across the United States on the basis of competent, peer-reviewed research.
The third and final settlement term involved a multi-part affidavit, signed by the Laurel Coordinator of Body of Elders, and distributed to all congregations within the State of Delaware. Terms included:
Communications with individual involving acts of abuse shall not be considered as “penitential confessions” Communications with minors involving acts of abuse shall not be considered as “penitential confessions” Elders and the Congregation will comply with the law in accordance with the two items above A copy of the signed and notarized affidavit will be provided by Jehovah’s Witnesses’ attorneys to all congregations within the state of Delaware While Jehovah’s Witnesses have been forced to comply with the terms of this settlement, there is no evidence to suggest that this organization will participate in mandatory training programs in other states or countries. Currently, Witness policy dictates that the first notification of allegations of child abuse must be made by local elders to the Jehovah’s Witness legal department in Patterson New York. This policy has a profound chilling effect upon justice for victims and protection of the community.
Exterior Sign for Laurel and Seaford Congregations
Once their legal department advises elders whether they are in a mandatory reporting state or not, the call is handed over to the Service department, also located in Patterson. These men advise local elders of their internal judicial responsibility, such as whether to disfellowship a minor deemed as a willing participant in sexual acts.
Nowhere in Watchtower literature are victims or others encouraged to immediately contact civil authorities when allegations of abuse become known. By design, Jehovah’s Witnesses are trained to regard local elders as the primary authority, particularly when any sexual contact is discovered between two unmarried persons. 
A Precedent Has Been Set
Delaware’s lawsuit against Jehovah’s Witnesses has broken the barrier which has, until now, protected churches from prosecution for failure to report child abuse.  
In 2006, the Sonoma County Sheriff’s office recommended that charges be filed against Catholic Bishop Daniel Walsh. Walsh failed to file a timely report upon discovery that Catholic Priest Xavier Ochoa sexually abused at least three boys, the youngest being 12. The delay in reporting gave Ochoa the time he needed to escape to Mexico.
According to the the San Francisco journal SFGATE:
Charges were dropped, however, in lieu of a plea agreement in which Bishop Walsh was required to attend a four-month counseling program.
The State of Delaware did not back down so quickly in its case against JehovahÂ’s Witnesses, leaving Watchtower attorneys little choice but to settle the case on DelawareÂ’s terms.
Other states may soon follow suit, including Pennsylvania, where police are investigating the abuse of 4-year-old Abby Haugh in 2005. The assault occurred inside the local Kingdom Hall and was reported to congregation elders by the victim’s father, Martin Haugh. Local elders did not contact law enforcement. 
Police are not commenting on this case, as the investigation is currently ongoing.
The terms of the Delaware settlement stipulated that once Jehovah’s Witnesses paid the agreed-upon fines, the State would dismiss civil action with prejudice.  The settlement agreement was obtained by filing a Freedom of Information Act request. "
 
 

We command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to avoid those brothers who refuse to work, and thus do not fulfill our teaching ....When we were with you, then you left the rule: "Who does not want to work, let him not eat. " However, we hear that some among you are idle, not doing any work, but interfering in the affairs of others. 2 Thessalonians 3: 6,10,11 modern translation ERV
Why Christian bums live as in Christ's bosom? In our world, so many loafers, which did not work anywhere and any day to earn a piece of bread, and live off the labor of those who work for them as slaves. But most of these idlers in any of the Christian religion.Only religion, "Jehovah's Witnesses" in accordance with their reporting in 2017 was nearly 20 thousand idlers who have not worked a single day in a year to earn a living. Nevertheless, these loafers are better brothers and sisters in faith, they deceive their religious vanity!
    Look carefully at the picture of the seven smiling and very happy with my life oldies! This religious teacher "God," "Jehovah's Witnesses", who claim to be the very first followers of Jesus Christ on earth, which allegedly restored the original teachings of Christ. Very funny geezer, is not it? They have not worked a single day in their lives, but did everything possible and impossible to live luxuriously at the expense of the labor of millions of people who foolishly became members of the Christian organization "Jehovah's Witnesses". 
In 2017, in the religious organization "Jehovah's Witnesses" spent more than 202 million dollars, the so-called "donations" for the maintenance of special pioneers, circuit overseer, and other clergy who have not earned themselves even on a piece of bread. A total of 2017 of these idlers in the branches and at the headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses was 19730. All of them are members of the religious order of the General World pioneers, that is, people who do not work anywhere, and engaged in a religious fuss, mess around, to live on the contents of the other members "Jehovah's Witnesses" and those who support it by their own means.    Of course, religious idlers are in any large or small religion. After all, to live for others, religious priests learned in ancient times, during the construction of the Tower of Babel of mud bricks in the valley of Shinar. After God sent his aides to divide people into different religions, each of which will have its own religious teachings language. Here's how it's described in the Bible:     1 And the whole earth was of one language and of one speech.    2 journeyed from the east, they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there.  3 And they said one to another, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and tar for mortar.    4 And they said, Let us build ourselves a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of all the earth.    5 Yehovah came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.  6 And he said to Yehovah, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do, and nothing will be restrained from them, plan to do;    7 Let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.    8 Yehovah scattered them from there over all the earth; and they stopped building the city.    9 Therefore its name was called Babel, because there confound the language of all the earth Yehovah, and scattered them from there over all the earth Yehovah.    (Genesis 11: 1-10)  
So on the ground there was a huge variety of religions, whose teachings were related, borrowed from the teachers' Tower of Babel, a temple to Marduk. After all, the priests, fled in different ends of the earth have spread the doctrine of the immortal soul and the afterlife paradise on all sides of the world.    No wonder that at the beginning of the emergence of a new reformist religion under the name "Jehovah's Witnesses" its religious leaders taught that they are some of the true religion of the world's false religions, as opposed to all the other religious groups they serve Yehovahu God in spirit and truth, and preach his kingdom in all the earth, as did the early Christians.    What to do, if every toadstool in the forest fancies himself a noble white fungus, and mushrooms to eat like? If you do not have personal experience in the definition of beneficial fungi, is going to the forest for mushrooms, you risk running into just such toadstools, posing as the noble mushrooms, poison and die.    It will help you avoid this deadly danger Directory-determinant of the fungi. Using the description and in it, or a photo, you can safely gain useful, and most importantly safe mushrooms.    With religion, before you are going to get in it food for his mind not to get poisoned and die, it is necessary to do the same proven way. Only instead of the determinant of mushrooms, you need to "Key to the disciples of Christ," not to mix casually with them representatives of many Christian religions, which are like toadstools flooded forests around the world. 
So determinant of Christ is the Bible students. In the New Testament describes how people should act, they are truly disciples of Christ, and not disguised them as toadstools. Many people mistakenly believe the main difference between the disciples of Christ their love for each other. 
By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. (John 13:35)

However, it is not! Love to play on the audience is able to not just any theater and film actor, but also every adult. You should not be naive to think that artistry is the destiny of the elect. Just for quality simulation training I need love, just as in any sport, or in the acquisition of skills. Therefore, in each of the Christian religion over the years people are taught to imitate the love for each other. And soon, people are there, begin to imitate the love of so high quality that they can envy even professional artists!

But there is a simpler and more reliable means of verifying whether a member of the religion of the disciples of Christ, or is it unprofessional, but very talented actors. This lack of so-called "voluntary donations", but rather the people who live at the expense of others that is called the disciples of Christ.This is how the apostle Paul writes, referring to the very first disciples of Christ who have not yet learned how to pretend to be so talented as the present:
1. And again I say to you: pray for us, brothers and sisters to the Lord's message spread and revered everywhere as you. 
2 Pray also that we have been spared from the depraved and evil people, since not all believe in the Lord. 
3 But the Lord will never leave you. He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. 
4 We have confidence in you before the Lord, and do not doubt that you are doing all what we instructed you, and will always follow this teaching. 
5 And may the Lord will point the way to your hearts to the love of God and the patience of Christ. 
6 We command you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to avoid those brothers who refuse to work, and thus do not comply with our teaching. 
7After all, you know yourself that you have to imitate our actions. After all, being with you, we were not lazy. 
8 We are always paid for their bread and worked hard day and night so as not to burden you. 
9 We do so not because they do not have the right to ask you for help, and to show you an example worthy of emulation. 
10 When we were with you, taught you this rule: 
"He who does not work shall not eat." 
11 We're talking about it, because he had heard that some of you are living in idleness. They do not work and only intervene in the affairs of others. 
12 We command such people in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, that they were working peacefully and eat their own bread. 
13As for you, brothers and sisters, do not tire of doing good. 
14 If anyone refuses to obey our instructions in this letter, do not communicate with him. Perhaps thus you shame him. 2 Thessalonians 3 Head- modern translation ERV - The Bible.   As you can see, it has never been among the disciples of Christ, and there could be no religious teachers who are exempted from the obligation to earn a living. Today, these people have all, without exception, the Christian religion! That's just call themselves the religious priests in different ways. They are bishops, they are the elders, the Governing Council, there is no Soviet Union, and the religious organization of Jehovah's Witnesses. But in any case, these people claim that God supposedly gave them some special powers, including the hidden thing, the desire to live for others, not working to earn a piece of bread. However, they tend to live, better than many of those on the labor they provide themselves with food and livelihoods.    For example, the religious teachers of Jehovah's Witnesses, as well, and all the major religions, live very chic only luxury five-star apartments, eat only healthy food prepared by their personal chef, travel only comfortable Business Class, using luxury cars of the class, no less luxurious private jets and yacht.And what is there to wonder if these bums consider themselves at least Yehovaha ministers of the kingdom, which batrachat more than 8.5 million slaves from the organization "Jehovah's Witnesses"?   Meanwhile, it is clear that the teachings of Christ are not familiar with any of the religious teachers of Christianity, because it does not fit with their business. The words of Jesus Christ condemned the religious teachers of the Bible as liars and hypocrites.    24. And there was a dispute between them, which of them should be considered paramount. 
25 He said to them: kings of the nations lord it over them, and those who command them, they are called benefactors. 
26 You have also let it be not so, but who of you older - let him be as the youngest, and most importantly - as a servant. 
27 For who is more important: the one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Is not who is sitting?But I am among you as a servant. 
28 But since you have remained true to me among all the disasters of my, 
29 I bequeath the kingdom to you, as my (heavenly) father bequeathed it to me, 
30 so that you and ate and drank to my table in my kingdom, and sit on the throne - judging the twelve birth of Israel.
Luke 22: 24-30 translated Lutkovska   From the words of Jesus Christ, it is clear that despite all the hopes of the religious teachers of the Bible, none of them will not receive the kingdom of Yehovaha because it bequeathed only true teachings of Christ who did not live at the expense of others, and earn their own bread. Jesus and his closest disciples never lived off the labor of others, but they look for food, craft carpenter who, like Jesus Christ, who is fishing who sew tents, as the apostle Paul.   However, the Apostle Paul wrote in his epistles that in the first century of Christianity there was a large cohort of people who consider themselves "superior apostles," Jesus Christ, who never worked and lived at the expense of Christian congregations, robbing their brothers and sisters in faith. Here's how he wrote about Christians' highest apostles "from the meeting in the Greek city of Corinth, who sit back and live at the expense of fraud, as well as modern religious teachers of Christianity:    11 I came to folly, boasting; you got me [for these things] forced. You ought to praise me, for I have not a whit behind the very chiefest apostles, though I am nothing. 12 signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, wonders and miracles.   13 For which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you?Forgive me this wrong.    14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not burden you, for I seek not yours, but you. Children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children.    15 And I will very gladly [her] and be spent for your souls, despite the fact that very love you, I love you less.    16 Let us, [that] I did not burden you, but being a cunning, guile with you.    17 Did I [than] from you through any of those whom I sent to you?    18 I begged Titus and sent with him the brother Titus take any advantage of you? Not in the same spirit we act? Not in the same go?    19 Again, think ye that we [only] excuse ourselves unto you? We speak before God in Christ, and all things, dearly beloved, for your edifying.    20 For I fear, lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I would, and so that you will not find me so, would not: so [do not find you] strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, slander , sneak, pride, riots  (2 Corinthians 12: 13-20)

As you can see comment on the words of the Apostle Paul makes no sense. They no comments show that Christianity after the death of the apostles of Christ has become a platform to conduct religious business and enrich the various Christian leaders, beginning with the Pope and ending with the Steering Board of the religious organization "Jehovah's Witnesses", that a day did not work in my life, but fine living from their religious slaves and collect taxes from them, as the kings of the earth.

Watchtower's viewpoint on charities:
"Like the neighborly Samaritan in Jesus’ illustration, we want to help suffering people, including those who are not Witnesses. (Luke 10:33-37) The best way to do so is by sharing the good news with them. “It is important to make clear right away that we are Jehovah’s Witnesses and that our primary mission is to help them spiritually, not materially,” notes an elder who has helped many refugees. “Otherwise, some may associate with us only for personal advantage."  Wt 2017/5 p. 7

"If there is any material giving, to charities for instance, it is because there is need to salve a conscience, or because one's reputation is at stake." Wt. 1969 5/1 p. 280 
"But the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside you are full of greed and evil.  Fools! Didn’t he who made the outside make the inside too?  But give from what is within to the poor, and then everything is clean for you."  Luke 11:39-41
"Give to everyone who asks you, and from someone who takes your things, don’t ask for them back.  Just as you want others to do for you, do the same for them".  Luke 6:30,31
 
 

February 19, 2018 TO ALL BODIES OF ELDERS IN THE UNITED STATES Re: Online Congregation Donations Using JW.ORG
Dear Brothers:
As outlined in our letter of January 22, 2018, online donations via jw.org are now available in the United States for congregations and circuits. The five-minute local needs part on the midweek meeting of March 5, 2018, will be used to explain this arrangement more fully to the congregation. We are now writing to provide more details on how this part will be handled.
We are pleased to inform you that an excerpt from the video entitled “Making Donations Electronically” has been prepared for the congregation. This two-minute video provides a reminder of how to find the donation feature on jw.org, how to set up an account, and how to set up a recurring donation. The screenshots shown in the video have been updated to show the new layout of the donation page on jw.org that includes congregation and circuit donations. The video will soon be available in English and Spanish in the “Event Media” section under the “Documents” tab on jw.org.
Begin the part by summarizing the announcement read the week of February 5, 2018, and playing the video. Thereafter, briefly mention the monthly local expenses that are covered by donations to your congregation. (See letter dated December 2, 2017, paragraphs 22, 23.) Highlight that the jw.org recurring donation feature can be used as a tool for budgeting donations to support these congregation expenses. (1 Cor. 16:2) Provide the congregation with the names of the elders or ministerial servants who have been selected by the body of elders to assist individuals with donations on jw.org. If your congregation has used KHDonate.net in the past, remind the congregation that this service will be discontinued on May 31, 2018, and that any questions about this discontinuation should be directed to KHDonate.net. Warmly commend the congregation for the generous support provided by the brothers and sisters.
Please make sure to follow the feature activation steps before this part is presented, as outlined in the form Instructions for Processing Donations Made to the Congregation via JW.ORG. If the jw.org online donation feature for your congregation has not been activated before the part, inform the congregation of the date that it will be activated or that you have decided not to participate. If your congregation is attending a circuit assembly the week of March 5, 2018, this part may be scheduled for a future local needs part.
Thank you for caring for these matters. We hope that this new provision will provide an additional opportunity for publishers in your congregation to make their local donations.
Your brothers,
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Yay, there is not an actual plate to pass, so we're all good and different then all those other churches we talk crap about. 
Why did there need to be a special announcement about donations? online specific to the .org. If you have to filter the donations from NY then back to the local, you're going to have to pay for it to get back to the local, by then there isn't much left so might as well just keep it in NY right? 
Oh and another thing, no paid clergy? Are the gb on the payroll? 

 

Try with these one in Australia :))) and continue with all around the world to make full circle.  
CHARITY DETAILS     Legal Name Watchtower Bible & Tract Society Of Australia Other Name(s) Jehovah's Witnesses Charity ABN 42002861225 Charity Address for Service InboxLGL.AU@jw.org Charity Street Address 12-14 Zouch Road Denham Court NSW 2565 AUSTRALIA Email InboxLGL.AU@jw.org Phone   Website About the Charity Date Established 01/01/1904 Who the Charity Benefits General community in Australia  Size of Charity Large: Revenue of $1 million or more Financial Year End 31/08 Basic Religious Charity No Charity's Documents   Document Type Date Description Governing document 27/02/2015 Watchtower (Australia) Memorandum and Articles of Association.pdf      
Responsible Persons   Name Position FRANK, GREGORY Secretary MOURITZ, HAROLD Director O'BRIEN, TERRENCE Director PAYNE, WINSTON Director WOOD, ALAN Director Where the Charity Operates   Operating State(s) Australian Capital Territory 
New South Wales 
Northern Territory 
Queensland 
South Australia 
Tasmania 
Victoria 
Western Australia  Operates in (Countries) TIMOR-LESTE https://www.acnc.gov.au/RN52B75Q?ID=91956EB4-F967-4486-8D20-89B6E9A28BCC&noleft=1
 

What charity?

...yes it is. But WT Corporation have no obligations to gives thorough reports to JW members where, how, for what and how much money was used. Members are nothing to WT Corporation, just members which are expected to give donations to "charity".  

How is this not equivalent to passing the plate?  
Why would there be a need for an ATM, or many,  at an event like this? There is no food to be purchased or items to buy that I am aware of. 

They started out with a $3,500 carry-over but by the end of the day they were short $25,000. The speaker eloquently beseeched the audience to go the ATM machines and give their generous contribution or at least their widow's mite. After the sessions were over, our friend who attended walked from one end of the assembly hall and then to the other end and noticed long lines up to both machines with people who couldn't wait to run up their credit cards. Later in the car, even his hard-core JW wife mentioned that she wondered how it cost that much for a one-day assembly in a building that was fully paid for.
I'm guessing maybe a paedophile lawsuit happened during the interval.
 

Someone posted a question about the longevity of Watchtower given the events of the past few years. The following is just my opinion, and my observations from the past year:
Two years ago, Watchtower implemented a 5-year cost reduction program in which they asked all branches to cut costs by a minimum of 10%, up to 25% as a preferred number.
In the spring of 2015, Stephen Lett asked for donations after stating that WT had more money going out than coming in. 6 months later in a private seminar which I have watched, Watchtower officials announced that Lett's plea resulted in 30 million extra dollars in donations, but this would not stem their financial issues and they would continue with the layoffs and cutbacks.
As you know, the cutbacks were significant. Aside from the Bethel layoffs, all non-essential branch projects were either cancelled or put on hold. Watchtower asked branches to sell as much equipment as the could liquidate - including heavy equipment, printers, etc. All monies were directed at finishing Warwick, then selling off their cranes and millions of dollars worth of vehicles and other high priced tools, right down to 5 dollar screwdrivers.
Meanwhile, Watchtower purchased four $8,000.00 scanners and scanned all documents located in Brooklyn, only keeping the hard copies they were required to keep by law.
Watchtower was spending tens of thousands per year to New York City just to maintain their tunnel and airbridge spaces between buildings. This was not a tax, it was a fee paid because New York owns the underground and the airspace. Moving to Warwick eliminated these costly payments.
Branches around the world are struggling to keep up with their own accounting procedures. In South Africa, over 1400 congregations struggle to file their government mandated tax returns required of each congregation. Most congregations have not filed returns for 2-4 years, primarily because local elders do not understand how to file returns, and are quite frankly not interested in the business aspect of this religion. These elders are being retrained, and have been called disobedient by the branch.
Watchtower has been spinning the cutbacks as simplification, and have coerced dozens of those who lost their full-time jobs to give testimonials about how happy they were to accept their new assignment in the field. (Translation - they are on their own. no health care, no jobs, no training. They are told to just go and pioneer.)
In Namibia, the government has denied Watchtower's plea to remove itself from employer status, since this forces Watchtower to pay social security benefits to all full-time workers - such as Bethelites. This has happened in outer countries as well. Watchtower must pay these benefits. This raises the issue of whether any benefits will ever be paid to other full-time JWs across the globe, who deserve them equally.
Watchtower is watching its assets in Russia vanish while paying settlements in the US and elsewhere for child abuse mishandling and other legal cases. Watchtower has taken over responsibility for all kingdom halls worldwide, but many sit in disrepair awaiting renovations in excess of what congregations can afford.
There is dissent in South Africa right now because of the fixed per capita amount assigned to each publisher who attends a circuit assembly. Many elders have questioned this vocally, and have described the amount of money charged to each circuit as an invoice. This does not sit well with many elders, particularly those in less than affluent areas. Watchtower has dispatched a team of elders to correct their thinking and their accounting procedures.
Watchtower is now implementing a new records management program along with a destruction of documents procedure which is designed to ensure that no documents exist which would tie watchtower to any legal responsibility or repercussions. The records management overseer related an experience where one hand-written note cost watchtower over $200,000 - simply because a JW elder at headquarters was honest and produced a written document which tied watchtower to a major litigation case with a prior vendor. Watchtower has made it clear these records are to be destroyed according to their new records management and destruction procedures.
Beginning in 2018, Watchtower will implement a program by which every single JW will be assigned a database number and their information will be in Watchtower's global database. Currently, in the US, Watchtower only has 40% of their publishers registered in the JW database system. All Jehovah's Witnesses will be given a number and tracked unless we can stop this invasion of privacy here in the US and around the world.
Watchtower is very upset and concerned about all the leaks coming from their headquarters. They use Office 365 now and embed data into PDF files in an attempt to track where the leaks are coming from. They have been issuing subpoenas from the Southern District of New York to various internet providers in the US, along with Google, inc. in an attempt to track down the source of the leaks and identify the individuals involved in leaking their literature and videos. Watchtower demands their freedom of speech but attempts to deny it to those sharing their publicly available materials, which by the way are not being distributed for monetary gain.
Watchtower continues to try to plug these leaks like the proverbial dam in Holland, but they are running out of fingers - and attorneys - to plug these leaks. We have far more than they realize we have, and there is nothing they can do to stop the flow of information outside of headquarters.
The cart-witnessing program is finally beginning to backfire. Witnesses are being approached and asked hard-hitting questions about child abuse, shunning, and other matters. When you stand in the public square and represent a religion, it's just a matter of time before the public connects the dots, and the carts are sent to the junkyard, one at a time.
In Canada, The US, Ireland, Australia, the Netherlands and multiple other countries, the government and media are taking notice of the public outcry for justice - justice for abuse victims to victims of imposed and mandated shunning. The Supreme Court of Canada will rule this year in a case involving shunning and discrimination, and if Watchtower loses this case the repercussions will be felt worldwide.
Yes, money is a problem for Watchtower. Yet Governing Body members like Samuel Herd have publicly stated how beautiful their new surroundings are at Bethel - how they hear the birds chirping as they observe the serene landscape of upstate New York.
Meanwhile, Jehovah's Witnesses in Russia have been imprisoned for following Governing Body directives. Young Korean Witnesses languish in prison for no reason. JWs in Eritrea have been rotting away in prison cells - some for decades, while the coalition of overweight, business class flying governing body members feign tears for the men and women who are effectively their slaves.
Like Stockholm Syndrome victims, Jehovah's Witnesses continue to support the only organization they think has the answers, identifying with and revering their captors - men who have little sympathy for the victims of child abuse, shunning, or death by blood policy.
Governing Body member Geoffrey Jackson callously stated in 2015 before the Royal Commission in Australia that he had not even read the details of the victims who had testified before the Commission. He focused on his defense, like a narcissist who believes they are the center of the universe, unable to empathize with real people with real problems.
Tony Morris declared on multiple occasions that he was incensed with European trousers for men, designed by the homosexuals he hates so passionately - and followed this tirade by producing a side by side photo of what proper trousers look like versus "tight pants". In a recent private video for Bethel members only, this war against questionable pants, socks, and tights was restated, with Watchtower doubling down on matters which would baffle Jesus himself, were he to walk the earth today.
The lawsuits are piling up, the fines are compounding, the public awareness of Watchtower's dangerous and controlling cult influence on followers will become a spectacle in 2018. With multiple documentaries being filmed, protests being organized, and lawsuits being filed, Jehovah's Witnesses can choose to buckle up and attempt to survive the crash - or they can release that belt and get the hell out of the vehicle which is about to catch fire.
How long will all of this take? It's hard to say. But I will say this - each one of us can play a part in sharing what we know with the public. Find some websites which you believe are honest and accurate - and share them. Find some books which are truthful and sincere - and share them. Tell your story. Show your compassion for those still trapped.
There are millions trapped inside a mental prison, but we can help them. Let's make it happen.
John Redwood
 
 “Then I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming from the dragon’s mouth, from the beast’s mouth,”
….a spirit-“breathed” image requiring one’s devotion – “Jehovah’s spirit-directed organization”
“And I saw a beast coming up out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads. On its horns were ten crowns, and on its heads were blasphemous names.                                                          They worshiped the dragon because he gave authority to the beast. And they worshiped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to wage war against it?”                                       And it was permitted to wage war against the saints and to conquer them. It was also given authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation.                                                                        It (Rev 13:11) was permitted to give breath to the image of the beast, so that the image of the beast could both speak and cause whoever would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. (symbolic killing through disfellowshipping)  And it makes everyone—small and great, rich and poor, free and slave—to receive a mark on his right hand or on his forehead Rev 13:1,4,7
The MARK:
“Recall that on your baptism day, before eyewitnesses, you were asked whether you had dedicated yourself to Jehovah and understood that “your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization.”  Wt 17/4 pp. 3-8
 ”and from the mouth of the false prophet.” 
“Do the other sheep need to know the names of all anointed ones still on earth today? No. Why not? Because it is not possible for anyone to know for sure that these ones will get their reward.”  Wt 16/1 pp.20-26
“Therefore, one way you can “remember those who are taking the lead” is by mentioning the Governing Body in your prayers. 
Of course, remembering the Governing  Body involves not just words but also cooperation with its direction.
Circuit overseers and elders remember the Governing Body by sticking closely to guidelines given to them. All of us show respect for our Leader, Jesus, by being obedient and submissive to the men he is using to direct us.
Another way that we remember the Governing Body is by exerting ourselves in the preaching work.”  Wt 17/2 pp. 23-28
“Then I saw another beast coming up out of the earth; it had two horns like a lamb, but it spoke like a dragon. It exercises all the authority of the first beast on its behalf and compels the earth and those who live on it to worship the first beast, whose fatal wound was healed.  It also performs great signs, even causing fire to come down from heaven to earth in front of people.”  Rev 13:11-13
“Just like a servant who attentively observes his master’s hand in order to discern the indication of his will, Jehovah’s people today carefully fix their eyes on the progressive Bible-based instructions that Jehovah gives through his earthly organization.     Yes, they act on his direction, being alert to whatever Jehovah indicates through “the faithful and discreet slave.”   w03 2/15 p. 31
“For they are demonic spirits performing signs, who travel to the kings (Rev1:5;5:10; 10:11;1 Tim 6:15) of the whole world to assemble them for the battle on the great day of God, the Almighty. 
 ‘Look, I am coming like a thief. Blessed is the one who is alert and remains clothed so that he may not go around naked and people see his shame.’  So they assembled the kings at the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.”  Rev 16:13-16
…in the valley of “decision” Joel 3:14
He also said to me, “The waters you saw, where the prostitute (beast with horns like a lamb – Rev 13:11)  was seated, are peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages.  The ten horns you saw, and the beast,(Rev 13:1, organization) will hate the prostitute. They will make her desolate and naked, devour her flesh, and burn her up with fire.  For God has put it into their hearts to carry out his plan by having one purpose and to give their kingdom to the beast until the words of God are fulfilled.  And the woman you saw is the great city that has royal power over the kings of the earth.”  Rev 17:15-18
Rev 18:4-8 - Then I heard another voice from heaven:
“Come out of her, my people, Isa 44:8; 43:10; Hos 1:10; 1 Pet 2:5,9,10
so that you will not share in her sins
or receive any of her plagues.
 For her sins are piled up to heaven,
and God has remembered her crimes.
 Pay her back the way she also paid,
and double it according to her works.
In the cup in which she mixed,
mix a double portion for her.
 As much as she glorified herself and indulged her sensual and excessive ways,
give her that much torment and grief.
For she says in her heart,
“I sit as a queen;
I am not a widow,
and I will never see grief.”
 For this reason her plagues will come in just one day—
death and grief and famine.
She will be burned up with fire,
because the Lord God who judges her is mighty.”
 

BUT your WT study edition said that FDS or GB is not INSPIRED BY HOLY SPIRIT..............
IN  SIMPLIFIED  EDITION WORDING that in fact means that Spirit of the truth NOT GUIDING FDS aka GB and not "shows the road" for WT and JW... as Bible quotation and meaning of that verse you provide would suppose to be. Because GB rejects so called "inspiration from Holy Spirit" as they publicly declared few times in their magazines.   
Thanks for revealing this facets of The Truth about the "Truth". :))
Read please, what you writing as a prove. Because by proving in this manner you proves opposite of your intention.     

...it is not organized religion in form of Jehovah's Witnesses global congregation that running Watchtower and all sister Companies worldwide.  
Or vice versa ....it is not Watchtower and all sister companies that running Jehovah's Witnesses religion.
:))))

"love your enemy" ...  "treat people the same way you want them to treat you" - very good bible principles, highly academically said :))))
"Other than that, its people like you that dumbfound the prospect.""  - also sort of academically  explained reasoning
Did anyone see Jesus incorporated his "movement"? and with 12 apostles established Board of Directors?
sorry for not respond on this... i have lack of inspiration at a moment :))) ...and please, not be confused with my choice of colour :))))))))

If you mean, stick to bible principle and the teachings of Christ? Then you are correct. Other than that, its people like you that dumbfound the prospect. Did anyone see Jesus on an Arabian horse or a donkey? You’re nothing more than an enabler of false narratives and propaganda. What kind of Academia is that? And whats your excuse?

yeah, perhaps you are absolutely right. WT are very openly said to their members - do not look for higher education. Do not be "academic" in this way or another. Stick with what we have authorized and you will be safe. Well, what  is for Am Haarets left to do but to downsize their standards from middle level to level of "criticized", not only those who are "academic" but their own religious leaders who are "blind leaders of blind". Not my words, It is written in a one very known Academic book aka Bible. :))