Has the wtbts impetous for controlling and prohibiting other information sources become stronger, and more of a focus for control and in regards to who is an apostate ?? Does earlier literature have the same level of "don't read anything else" in it ??
Are the wtbts more paranoid of "other information" ?
by A Paduan 4 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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Joe Grundy
I'm sure I remember reading a post here with an extract which said something like 'You don't need to bother doing your own research because WTBTS has a bunch of experts who do it for you'.
I think it was in an article connected with college/higher education.
Sorry, can't be more specific.
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Narkissos
I'd submit that the major shift in the use of the word "apostate" in WT literature dates to the two Watchtower issues of August, 1980 (guess why). Prior to that, "apostasy" was overwhelmingly the charge against "Christendom". After, the WT's own "apostates" became the increasingly overwhelming concern. The earliest advice I could find against reading "apostate" literature in the latter sense is in 1984, in the book Survival into a New Earth, p. 142. Edit to add: the first edition of Crisis of Conscience was published in 1983.
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aniron
Heres a couple of references:WT June 1, 1967
12 How will we put these four things into effect? First, study: We may think of study as hard work, as involving heavy research. But in Jehovah's organization it is not necessary to spend a lot of time and energy in research, for there are brothers in the organization who are assigned to do that very thing, to help you who do not have so much time for this, these preparing the good material in The Watchtower and other publications of the Society. But you do not study enough? Take this suggestion: Often the very best and most beneficial studying you do is that done when you read a new Watchtower or Awake! or a new book with the joy of getting the new truths and a fresh view.
WT Feb 15 1981
Rather, the record that the "faithful and discreet slave" organization has made for the past more than 100 years forces us to the conclusion that Peter expressed when Jesus asked if his apostles also wanted to leave him, namely, "Whom shall we go away to?" (John 6:66-69) No question about it. We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the Scriptural guidance we need outside the "faithful and discreet slave" organization.
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Joe Grundy
Thanks aniron
See how much I have learned from this site already? I can recall bits from 29 year old WTs - and I'm not and never was, etc.!