Once again, this was a real " jewel " of a study article by the WT society full of contradictions , controlling expressions , and manipulative wording in order to take away Jehovah's Witnesses free will and freedom of mind .
Initially the WT society makes it appear that they are " concerned " about Witnesses actually keeping the " peace " between themselves. Notice this quote from pg. 20, paragraph 7, " True friends keep personal matters CONFIDENTIAL. When our brothers reveal their innermost thoughts and feelings to us and are SURE that these will NOT become public knowledge , the bond of love that may already exist will grow stronger. " ( uh-huh. Like when does THAT ever happen ? Confidentiality ? ) It continues, " May we promote a loving, family like spirit in the congregation by being a trustworthy friend who can keep things confidential. "
Now before we get TOO MUSHY and sentimental thinking the WT society is ACTUALLY recommending close relationships here - notice the quote in paragraph 15 where the WT society contradicts itself regarding keeping confidentiality about " personal matters " . It states, " As was previously mentioned , it is important to maintain confidentiality in certain matters, especially when others share with us their feelings and thoughts . How wrong and hurtful it is to spread confidential information about someone ! EVEN SO, when serious sin has been committed, those scripturally obligated to handle the matter - the elders in the congregation - SHOULD BE INFORMED. " ??????? It goes on to say that a JW would allow another fellow JW time to report their own " personal matter " or " sin " - but continues, " if he or she does not do so within a reasonable period of time, though, WE SHOULD report the wrongdoing. " Translation : If the " thought police " or elders tell you to rat each other out- you are to do it. Personal matter or not.
Also notice the strong language used by the WT society in telling Witnesses WHO to associate with and HOW to view WT society authority. It states in paragraph 12 , " WE must guard against developing a spirit of murmuring. While cultivating humility and respect for authority will help us, we need to be concerned about those with whom we associate. " ( Whatever happened to "promoting a loving, family like spirit ?" ) It continues, " We are wise to limit our association with people who are negative or who are promoting an independent attitude. " Translation : If you have JW friends who question ANY teaching from the WT society or who talks negatively about the elders they are to be avoided.
In fact, in the very next paragraph 13, it makes that very point ! It states, " murmurers in the first century congregation were, " disregarding lordship and speaking abusively of glorious ones. " Such murmering against responsible men in the congregation certainly did not have God's approval. " Translation : If you murmur against the elders , even if they are unjust, you won't have the WT society's approval. THE governing body and God Jehovah are one and the same thing.
Then this article " mercifully " ends by the WT society stating that, " when we SUBMIT to the Bible-based instruction from Jehovah's organization and follow the direction of the ELDERS, we give proof that we are " earnestly endeavoring to observe the oneness of the spirit in the uniting bond of peace. " Translation : If you Jehovah's Witnesses SUBMIT to us the WT leaders you show yourselves to promote peace and a " positive spirit " in the congregation. If you DO NOT submit and try to make us WT leaders " look bad " or the elders " look bad " to fellow witnesses - you will be thought of as bad associates ! Now then. Go and enjoy the bountiful " peace and love " within the dear christian brotherhood ! ( Makes me want to gag on a spoon . )
Anyway, that's my take on this particular WT study article. I'd love to hear all of YOUR takes on this shriveling mass of spiritually constipating "food" . Interested to read and hear your takes on it. Hope you are all having a great weekend. Peace and love to all of you folks
