Watchtower, Records Management and "Superior Authorities" theories

[Srecko Sostar]

Many readers of the WT magazine are aware that the interpretation of Romans chapter 13 verse 1, (also with 2-4 context),  changed in JW theology.
It was once thought that the "superior authorities" were: YHVH, Christ and earthly representatives in the form of elders, that is, governing body. These are called "theocratic superior authority".

"The above quotations from Paul’s letter to the Romans could never have applied to the political powers of Caesar’s world as wrongly claimed by the clergy of Christendom. The Caesars of this world have never demonstrated by their deeds that they are ‘God’s ministers to you for good’. Rather, exactly to the contrary, the Caesars have done evil by persecuting God’s faithful servants." - https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1952443

I found 3 changes about this doctrine.

Under Russell and up to 1929 WT understand that this is about secular authority.  “Evil as these Gentile governments have been, they were permitted or “ordained of God” for a wise purpose. (Rom. 13:1)” Studies In the Scriptures Series I - The Divine Plan of the Ages p.250

Under Rutherford explanation has changed. From 1929 to 1962 they believed this: “The instruction of the thirteenth chapter of Romans has long been misapplied. The improper application has really been the basis for the false doctrine of the “divine right of kings” or rulers to rule and oppress the people. The apostle is, in substance, telling the members of the church that they should always be obedient to God, and that the motive for such obedience must be love for God and a delight in doing’ his will.” Watchtower 1929 Jun 1 p.163.

In 1962, under Knorr, the Society returned to the original position of Russell. A statement in Babylon the Great Has Fallen! God’s Kingdom Rules! page 548 indicated there was a change in understanding. And, “For some years, until 1962, Jehovah’s Witnesses held that the superior authorities were Jehovah God and Christ Jesus. However, in line with Proverbs 4:18, light increased, and this view was adjusted.” Watchtower 1990 Nov 1 p.11.  It seems how WT organization was left the spiritual “light” received through Russell and "sank" into doctrinal "darkness" for some 33 years. And than they didn't find "new light", but old Russell's doctrine which they reintroduced into the belief system as a “new light”.

What this introduction have with Management Records Doctrine/Instruction for elders? Whatever the interpretation of these biblical passages from Romans chapter 13, the fact is one: GB and the elders are disobedient to the "superior authority." In fact, they create an internal administrative system to avoid responsibility for their decisions and for their actions. No matter what the topic is.

In 1:57 of video JW elder Shawn Bartlett mentioned one "company" and circumstances about it in the past. This shows how WT is not honest Corporation. Please pay attention on this example and other reasons about "devil" and "legal matters" he made in video to show elders on this seminar why they need to destroy data.

 

 

Shawn Bartlett, the records management overseer for the Jehovah's Witnesses, explains the organization's new record-keeping policies during a 2017 seminar..webp

 

[Witness]

"No one calls for justice;

no one pleads his case honestly.

They rely on empty pleas; they tell lies;

they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity.

5They hatch the eggs of vipers

and weave a spider’s web.

Whoever eats their eggs will die;

crack one open, and a viper is hatched.

6Their cobwebs cannot be made into clothing,

and they cannot cover themselves with their works.

Their deeds are sinful deeds,

and acts of violence are in their hands.

7Their feet run to evil;

they are swift to shed innocent blood.

Their thoughts are sinful thoughts;

ruin and destruction lie in their wake.

8The way of peace they have not known,

and there is no justice in their tracks.

They have turned them into crooked paths;

no one who treads on them will know peace.

9Therefore justice is far from us,

and righteousness does not reach us.

We hope for light, but there is darkness;

for brightness, but we walk in gloom.

10Like the blind, we feel our way along the wall,

groping like those without eyes.

We stumble at midday as in the twilight;

among the vigorous we are like the dead.

11We all growl like bears

and moan like doves.

We hope for justice, but find none,

for salvation, but it is far from us.

12For our transgressions are multiplied before You,

and our sins testify against us.

Our transgressions are indeed with us,

and we know our iniquities:

13rebelling and denying the LORD,

turning away from our God,

speaking oppression and revolt,

conceiving and uttering lies from the heart.

14So justice is turned away,

and righteousness stands at a distance.

For truth has stumbled in the public square,

and honesty cannot enter.

15Truth is missing,

and whoever turns from evil becomes prey."  Isa 59:4-15

[Srecko Sostar]

23 hours ago, Witness said:

For truth has stumbled in the public square

This is amazing description. "The Truth", the WT's "truth" has stumbled.

Can we expect...., can the truth be expected to stumble?

 

Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened. - Winston Churchill

If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything. - Mark Twain

We are either in the process of resisting God's truth or in the process of being shaped and molded by his truth. - Charles Stanley

Learn what is true in order to do what is right. - Thomas Huxley
 

 

 

[Witness]

On 9/29/2020 at 10:24 AM, Srecko Sostar said:

This is amazing description. "The Truth", the WT's "truth" has stumbled.

Can we expect...., can the truth be expected to stumble?

 

Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing had happened. - Winston Churchill

If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything. - Mark Twain

We are either in the process of resisting God's truth or in the process of being shaped and molded by his truth. - Charles Stanley

Learn what is true in order to do what is right. - Thomas Huxley

 

Great quotes.    

We can resist God’s truth, or be molded by it. If we resist truth, we are molded by lies.   Here’s the Expanded Bible’s interpretation of verses 14,15:

 So we have driven away justice,
    and ·we have kept away from what is right [righteousness stands far off].
Truth ·is not spoken [stumbles] in the ·streets [public squares];
    what is honest ·is not allowed to enter the city [^Lcannot enter].
¹⁵ Truth ·cannot be found anywhere [is lost/gone; or fails],
    and people who refuse to do evil ·are attacked [become prey].

When the governing body is approached by other individuals, especially anointed with questions on their doctrine…when they are approached with scripture (God’s Word, Truth) that contradicts what they may teach, they are resisting…’keeping away from’…God’s TRUTH.

If that person pronounces Christ’s truth loud enough, stating they refuse to do “evil” – which does not stem from Jesus Christ, they are attacked; sought out like prey, and “killed”. (John 16:2-4; Rev 13:1,2,5-7,11,14,15; Rev 11:3,7)

Elders have been known to stalk people’s homes to track their movements. Elders seek out the dissenters, to interrogate and disfellowship. (Luke 21:12)

"But before all this they will lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and prisons, (Col 2:8) and you will be brought before kings and governors for my name's sake. 13 This will be your opportunity to bear witness. 14 Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, 15 for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict. 16 You will be delivered up even by parents and brothers and relatives and friends, and some of you they will put to death. 17 You will be hated by all for my name's sake. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By your endurance you will gain your lives."  Luke 21:12-19

Mr. Anthony Morris recently attacked apostates, with the label, “despicable”.  Why?  They are exposing his lies on all levels, and he would rather remain in darkness, than do what is right.  

“What is honest is not allowed to enter the city” (Isa 59:14) 

Rev 17:18

https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2012/05/where-is-true-religion.html