Continuing this morning's notes, in the same format...
Talk 5: OVERVIEW - ORGANIZED TO DO JEHOVAH'S WILL - Brother Bethel-COOT
Synopsis: General high level review of contents of new "Organized to Do Jehovah's Will" (OD) book. Pointed out how to use index (duh!), sections on questions for new unbaptized publishers & those wanting to be baptized, new announcements for DF / DA, etc.
Sir's Analysis: Deadly dull part: "Now look at page 216..."...(reads part of page 216)...."now look at page 180..." (reads) etc.
Egregious quotes: "Following the guidelines in this book promotes peace and unity among the body of elders"
"After reading this book, nowhere should anyone ever be able to say, 'Well in my old congregation we did it differently.' (Chuckles & guffaws from audience). "Brothers, this is not a laughing matter."
Talk 6: PRESIDE WELL OVER YOUR OWN HOUSEHOLD - Brother SICO
Synopsis: Study with your families, you slackers! You family heads have a God-ordained position as the head of the family, so keep them spiritually fortified
Sir's Analysis: Importance of drilling a theocratic routine drilled into heads. Recreation, emotional support, affection mentioned toward end of talk
Light bulb moment for me: "5 elements involved in presiding well over your family": (in order)
1) Read daily text together
2) Persevere in prayer
3) Prepare for & participate in meetings
4) Share in ministry regularly, help children prepare
5) Have regular family study
I.e., a man who is "presiding well" over his family need not worry about their emotional state, giving them support & encouragement, their education, preparing them for the "real world", showing affection, sympathy, kindness, etc. So, now I finally see why there are so many elders with dysfunctional families who continue to "serve"--per the Society, if you follow the 5 steps above, you are "presiding well"
Egregious quotes: Nothing outside the 5 points noted above
Talk #7: DO ALL THINGS FOR GOD's GLORY - Brother Local Elder (Note: Regurgitation of Chapter 13 of OD book, with same name)
Synopsis: World's standards for entertainment continually degrading. Comparison of 50's sitcoms to today. Violent video games mentioned again. Examples of some things reported from CO reports (see below). Elders should speak up when they see brothers engaging in unwholesome entertainment.
Sir's analysis: Point of talk crystal clear when speaker mentioned 3 incidents which came from CO's reports (no mention of where or when):
-- JW couples dancing "The Freak" (also described by speaker as "sex with your clothes on") at nightclubs. Starts out with married couple dancing together, but soon each has a new partner
-- Sisters organize bridal showers with desserts in shape of genitals, openly pushing sex toy catalogs, "even some elders' wives in attendance"
-- A party attended by JW youths aged 14-22, partied from 11 PM to 4:30 AM, lots of drinking, "Truth or Dare" resulting in "Girls kissing open-mouthed with other girls" and "running nude through the neighborhood" (appropriately shocked gasps from the audience)
After relating, speaker asked "How does this reflect on Jehovah's name?" How indeed!
Egregious quotes: "Elders, think of yourselves as older brothers. When parents are out, the older brother caring for his siblings doesn't enforce his own rules, but those of the parents. Well, our 'father' and 'mother' (Jehovah and his organization) have given us rules, and we need to enforce them."
Talk #8: THE SUPERIORITY OF DIVINE EDUCATION - Brother Bethel-COOT
Synopsis: Divine education is vastly superior to worldly education, as it teaches one to do God's will. A rehash of all the "schools" provided by the Organization (Theocratic Ministry School, Gilead, Pioneer Service School, Ministerial Training School, etc.). Brothers who go to Bethel receive excellent training there, and are better prepared for working in the real world if they have to leave. Rehash of quotes on how unprepared college grads are form the Oct. 1 Watchtower study on education. Elders should remind young ones of the superiority of divine education.
Sir's Analysis: If there was any doubt about whether the recent hysterical screeds condemning higher education were just a passing fad, this talk completely blew that notion away. Elders are commanded, in no uncertain terms, to direct people to the WT Index & the subheadings on "Education" if anyone comes to them for guidance.
Egregious quotes: Too many to mention, here are a few of the most spittle-and-froth covered ones:
"We sometimes see some who could pioneer, but don't. Encouage them to get started, because divine education offers so much."
"In Bethel, the brothers are given considerable training. Many end up in cleaning, housekeeping, and food preparation. But they are well trained. When they leave Bethel, they can do these jobs well. Such jobs are in great demand, and they are paid a good wage to do them."
(Do you see now why I named the Bethel brother as "Completely Out Of Touch?)
In an interview of someone who was raised in truth, went to college for 2 years (to please his unbelieving father), then dropped out "to pursue spiritual goals":
Eventually, while pioneering, he worked part time in a bank on Wall Street. "And who did you end up training there?" "Recent graduates from Ivy League schools" "Did you hear that brothers? A part time pioneer had to train the Ivy League graduates to do their jobs! They needed someone who could do the job well!!!" (Enormous whoops and laughter from audience)
"Encourage young ones to imitate good pioneers, good Bethelites, good CO's."
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I have used up my new topics for today, Day 2's morning session will be posted tomorrow.
The really interesting stuff was on Day 2's afternoon session, I will post that on Wednesday.