The latest issue of The Watchtower carries this statement:

"Because of the poor economic conditions in some parts of the world, many struggle to provide the bare necessities of life for their families............ Many of our Christian brothers and sisters are in that situation. Without help from fellow believers, they simply could not afford such things as Christian publications or suitable Kingdom Halls." (November 1, 2001 issue, page 30)

Notice the highlighted words "could not afford the publications". Clearly the WTS understands that the distribution of literature is done for a price, else it would not be necessary for the poor to be in a position of being deprived of publications because "they simply could not afford such things".

How does this 'sit' with the Society's procedures for the Donation arrangement? Aren't literature items distributed free and "goodwill offerings" or donations to the "World Wide Work" accepted? Are these 'donations' obligatory?

The Society avoids sales tax/Value Added Tax/Goods and Services Tax by the 'device' of treating all income as donations which are exempt of tax for a religious body. However, religious organisations are liable for such taxes for the sale of literature items.

So which is it, for the WTS? Is literature really distributed freely? It appears not from these incriminating words in the magazine.

Cheers,
Ozzie

"It's better to light a candle than to curse the darkness."
Anonymous

My understanding is that the donation arrangement only exists in more affluent parts of the world, where people are more likely to be able to donate. In poorer countries, the literature still carries a specific "contribution" amount (i.e., a price) just as it did in the USA before the donation arrangement started.

Tom
"The truth was obscure, too profound and too pure; to live it you had to explode." ---Bob Dylan

Ozziepost,

Good points. Second Corinthians chapter eight looks to me as to be talking about a spiritual equalizing, not monetary. 8:2 does mention poverty but the remainder of the chapter looks to be leaning towards spiritual understandings especially 8:8-9. That's the big WT always looking for the money.

The WT always pats themselves on the back with this one, and denouncing others as selfish, and they don't even have it right.

HCM

Hi Lisa,

Page 30 of November 1st issue. It's a gem!

It's the one that has the annual 'begging letter' article in.

Cheers,
Ozzie

I think you will find upon examination that "contributions"--i.e. specific price--are required in any country where there has not yet been an issue about sales tax on the "sale" of literature.

Any country that attempts to tax these sales will then be switched to the "donation" arrangement.