Here is the text of the box. Could someone please confirm that it is correct, as I garnered this cut and paste from a non-witness locale, and have no way to confirm that it has not been altered.
QUESTION BOX
* Does "the faithful and discreet slave" endorse independent groups of Witnesses who meet together to engage in Scriptural research or debate?–Matt. 24:45, 47.
No, it does not. And yet, in various parts of the world, a few associates of our organization have formed groups to do independent research on Bible-related subjects. Some have pursued an independent group study of Biblical Hebrew and Greek so as to analyze the accuracy of the New World Translation. Others explore scientific subjects related to the Bible. They have created Web sites and chat rooms for the purpose of exchanging and debating their views. They have also held conferences and produced publications to present their findings and to supplement what is provided at our Christian meetings and through our literature.
Throughout the earth, Jehovah's people are receiving ample spiritual instruction and encouragement at congregation meetings, assemblies, and conventions, as well as through the publications of Jehovah's organization. Under the guidance of his holy spirit and on the basis of his Word of truth, Jehovah provides what is needed so that all of God's people may be "fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought" and remain "stabilized in the faith." (1 Cor. 1:10; Col. 2:6, 7) Surely we are grateful for Jehovah's spiritual provisions in these last days. Thus, "the faithful and discreet slave" does not endorse any literature, meetings, or Web sites that are not produced or organized under its oversight.–Matt. 24:45-47.
It is commendable for individuals to want to use their thinking ability in support of the good news. However, no personal pursuit should detract from what Jesus Christ is accomplishing through his congregation on earth today. In the first century, the apostle Paul warned about getting involved in exhausting, time-consuming subjects, such as "genealogies, which end up in nothing, but which furnish questions for research rather than a dispensing of anything by God in connection with faith." (1 Tim. 1:3-7) All Christians should strive to "shun foolish questionings and genealogies and strife and fights over the Law, for they are unprofitable and futile."–Titus 3:9.
For those who wish to do extra Bible study and research, we recommend that they explore Insight on the Scriptures, "All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial," and our other publications, such as those that discuss the prophecies found in the Bible books of Daniel, Isaiah, and Revelation. These provide abundant material for Bible study and meditation, whereby we can be "filled with the accurate knowledge of [God's] will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, in order to walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him as [we] go on bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the accurate knowledge of God."–Col. 1:9, 10.Does this sound familiar? Seems to me that the Watchtower is saying exactly what they were saying just ahead of the 'purge' at Bethel in the early 1980's. Of course they have been saying the same things all along, but not as clearly stated. Many statements here just reak of 'fascism' to me. Do witnesses see thru any of this? Just a couple of points;
- "a few associates of our organization have formed groups to do independent research on Bible-related subjects" - they don't even call them brothers and sisters, setting up the wall that will be erected when they cast them off for violation in the future perhaps?
- "so as to analyze the accuracy of the New World Translation. Others explore scientific subjects related to the Bible" Demonizing those who touch the 'sacred cows'. Interesting to me how deep the fear is running on this in Brooklyn. If the base population of Jw's begin to recognise that the NWT is among the greatest frauds ever perpetuated in the name of Christian writ, the walls will begin to fall like Jericho.
- "Jehovah provides what is needed so that all of God's people may be "fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought" and remain "stabilized in the faith." Now we get to the crux don't we? UNITY of THOUGHT, mind control. In effect; put WTS ahead of the Bible itself and all will be fine. [Didn't the Nazi's just suggest to the Jews that they were going to shower before retiring to the barracks?]
- "Surely we are grateful for Jehovah's spiritual provisions in these last days. Thus, "the faithful and discreet slave" does not endorse any literature, meetings, or Web sites that are not produced or organized under its oversight." As if this should really be important to anyone who truly loves the Bible. Why no mention of the 'faithful Boreans' here?
- "In the first century, the apostle Paul warned about getting involved in exhausting, time-consuming subjects, such as "genealogies, which end up in nothing, but which furnish questions for research rather than a dispensing of anything by God in connection with faith." (1 Tim. 1:3-7) All Christians should strive to "shun foolish questionings and genealogies and strife and fights over the Law, for they are unprofitable and futile."–Titus 3:9." This is just sickening. The comparison does not even fit. The apostle did not warn against examining the scriptures, in fact he was encouraging an exam of the scriptures instead of these other matters like 'genealogies'. They are using scripture to support not looking at scripture? What the hell?
- "we recommend that they explore Insight on the Scriptures, "All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial," and our other publications" Not surprising, that.
I'm sure that the great Watchtower detractors can and have filleted this article in a far more scholarly manner than I have done here briefly. How many Jw's still can't see the bars swinging shut on them I wonder?
Jeff