Those of us who have previously spent years and even decades reading and studying WTS materials regarding the "Beasts" of Bible prophecy and how "False Religion" has supported such know full well the WTS's habit of slicing and dicing quotes so as to make it appear that "Christendom" has turned their back on God in favor of world governments and especially the United Nations.
In the July 8, 1996 AWAKE, pages 22-25, an article entitled, THE POPE'S UN VISIT _ What Did It Accomplish?, criticizes the Pope's visit and speech to the UN during its' October 1995 50th Anniversary celebration.
Typically, the article begins with sliced/diced quotes which "seem" to "prove" the WTS's historic proposition that, although well-intentioned, Christendom's faith has been misplaced in man himself, and the UN.
Then, in the subheading "True Peace-- From What Source", the article states:
"Without a doubt, he (Pope) expressed many noble sentiments. Yet, in his lengthy speech, did he at any time direct the world's leaders to God's solution for mankind's problems-- his Kingdom rulership through Christ Jesus? (Matthew 6:10) No. In fact, at no time did he quote the Bible in his speech to the UN. ...
By this point, I sure that 99% of JW Readers are completely hooked; not considering at all that the purpose and intent of the speech was not to be a theological sermon. However, given the impression that any ordinary reader would get from the colored quote, let's look at some of the Pope's statements that the article conveniently ignored:
In the opening paragraphs of his speech, the Pope stated:
"The Holy See, in virtue of its specifically spiritual mission, which makes it concerned for the integral good of every human being, has supported the ideals and goals of the United Nations Organization (where have we seen that verbiage before?) from the very beginning. Although their respective purposes and operative approaches are obviously different, the Church and the United Nations constantly find wide areas of cooperation on the basis of their common concern for the human family. It is this awareness which inspires my thoughts today; ..."
In the concluding paragraphs of this speech, the Pope stated:
"As a Christian, my hope and trust are centered on Jesus Christ, the two thousandth anniversary of whose birth will be celebrated at the coming of the new millennium. We Christians believe that in his Death and Resurrection were fully revealed God's love and his care for all creation. Jesus Christ is for us God made man, and made a part of the history of humanity. Precisely for this reason, Christian hope for the world and its future extends to every human person. Because of the radiant humanity of Christ, nothing genuinely human fails to touch the hearts of Christians. Faith in Christ does not impel us to intolerance. On the contrary, it obliges us to engage others in a respectful dialogue. Love of Christ does not distract us from interest in others, but rather invites us to responsibility for them, to the exclusion of no one and indeed, if anything, with a special concern for the weakest and the suffering. Thus, as we approach the two thousandth anniversary of the birth of Christ, the Church asks only to be able to propose respectfully this message of salvation, and to be able to promote, in charity and service, the solidarity of the entire human family."
Consider again the AWAKE'S statement:
Yet, in his lengthy speech, did he at any time direct the world's leaders to God's solution for mankind's problems-- his Kingdom rulership through Christ Jesus? (Matthew 6:10) No.
TRUTH or DECEPTION???
Should not "Jehovah's Earthly Representatives" possess higher "advertising standards" than do Used Car Salespersons and the Miss Cleos of this world?
Should WTS Publications carry "Half-Truth" warning labels similar to those placed on packages of tobacco products?