'Order of Special Full-Time Servants'?????

ISP

Even to witnesses the title given to Bethelites is surprising!

*** yb99 27 Highlights of the Past Year ***
At present, 17,781 in Bethel families around the earth render service as members of the Order of Special Full-Time Servants.

Most would think the WTS was free of religious 'orders' and the like. But it clearly is not! So why is it necessary to create an order or division to designate such ones? Aren't they followers like any other.. who perhaps have more accomodating circumstances allowing them to go to Bethel.

WTS will consider most of its followers a slave or servant depending on the context. Then there is the distinction of being a full time servant! This clearly distinguishes you from part-timers! And then there is the further qualification of special! What gives?!

If you went to Bethel, did this ever become an issue?

Any thoughts?

ISP

oscartheduck

There have often been titles given, it seems, as incentives.

I mean, you think Jesus would approve distinguishing between people who does fifty unregistered hours in the field work and someone who does fifty, but with a "pioneer form" regisration?

============================
The Watchtower, April 15, 1928, p. 126 "As every one knows, there are mistakes in the Bible "

ISP

I know these guys take a vow of poverty...so that is different. But so do most pioneers and others ....in one way or another. But why create an 'order'?

ISP

metatron

of course, the "order" is just a legal tactic to
avoid various laws and regulations since they are
volunteers, not paid employees.

It was pointed out many years ago that the phrase
"full time servant" is redundant and an unscriptural distinction.
ALL Christians are expected to be such all the time.
Even Rutherford loved to quote Revelation about
the great multitude "serving the Lord all of the time'
and the Devil none of the time".

The fact that they still use such a phrase shows
their lack of respect for even simple truths - and
the gullibility of their audience.

metatron

ISP

Hi Metatron, I don't like the title. It doesn't do a lot for the WTS IMO.

As far as avoiding liabilities etc....that would n't work in the UK particularly. The Inland Revenue can tax you as an employee even if you are 'self-employed' but basically get all your work from one source. The employer/employee relationship is often looked at in civil actions. I have no doubt that the WTS holds Employers Liability insurances to cover itself.

ISP

MacHislopp

Hello Isp,

thanks for fishing this one out again.

As Metatron, clearly stated:

"..of course, the "order" is just a legal tactic to
avoid various laws and regulations since they are
volunteers, not paid employees."

this is the main reason in Europe. But it looks like

that it is not sufficient for countries such as

Sweden, Belgium, Austria , Germany and France

(among others).

This was reported in a speech - posted by Kent -

and a rather long one by the WTBS attorney to

the House of Representatives of the U.S.A., I do

believe in 1999. It's worth reading all of it and

keep it on the file. Terms like religious order,

special religious order, monastic etc.

are used by the WTBS' attorney whose bame

is...Philip Brumley. The presentation includes

facts unknown to the vast % of the JW's in Europe

and I think also in the U.S.A.-

Greetings, J.C;MacHislopp

ISP

Hi Mac!

If you can post any links..I would be grateful!

Cheers

ISP

wheelwithinwheel

A special pion. told me some years ago that all full-timers on the Soc. payroll must join the religious order and take a vow of poverty. All taxation forms are filled out by bethel and returned to the person for signature.

Apparently everyone received a form letter telling them from now on this was procedure.

I guess the G.B. realized the Catholic Church had something going there.

'Order of Special Full-Time Servants'?????

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