An Ambiguous Statement

by ozziepost 2 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  ozziepost

  G'day all,

  The Borg's Writing Department have proven to be adept at putting a favorable spin on what they prepare for public dissemination. You know how it goes, say one thing while doing another, such as when letters to BOE "clarify" procedures as found in The Watchtower magazine.

  Here's one from the new publication that all baptism candidates must study:

  “However, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not meddle in politics. Nor do they interfere with what others do as to joining a political party, running for political office, or voting in elections. Jesus said that his disciples would be no part of the world, so Jehovah’s Witnesses take no part in politics.” (Worship the Only True God, page 163)

  What does this mean?

  To a Dub it signifies their abstinence from participation in those political functions, but to a “worldly person”, or interested person, it may simply indicate freedom for the individual, including the Dubs, to decide.

  Clever, eh?
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  Dansk

  Well, I don't know, Ozzie. When I was "interested" I was informed by the study conductor and his wife that JWs don't vote at all. So, I was under no illusions as to what that statement meant.

  Now, I'll vote for anyone who, as part of their manifesto, has taking charity status off Watchtower. And, as a bonus, for any party that professes to destroy Watchtower I'll canvass!

  Dansk
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  greven

  It is clever! As an outsider you actually read something that is not there. But if you read it carefully you can see what they really mean:

  However, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not meddle in politics. Nor do they interfere with what others [ie: non JW's] do as to joining a political party, running for political office, or voting in elections. Jesus said that his disciples would be no part of the world, so Jehovah’s Witnesses take no part in politics.” (Worship the Only True God, page 163)

  So JW's do not vote and run for public office, but do not interfere with non jw's doing this.

  I have seen more of these tricks. very clever indeed!

  Greven