What is the "publisher"?

by possible-san 9 Replies latest watchtower bible

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  possible-san

  Jehovah's Witnesses use unique words.

  For example, there is the word "publisher."
  
  It is translated into "dendou sha" in Japanese.
  If it is translated into English, it is meant as a "preacher"(or, "evangelist").

  In the English dictionary, it is written that the "publisher" is a "person or company that produces and distributes printed material."
  This word (publisher) is clearly different in a meaning in Japanese and English.

  Can the ordinary Americans who are not Jehovah's Witnesses understand this word (publisher) exactly?
  Doesn't this word show that the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses is a "publishing company" clearly?

  Probably, mere "publishing company" is not "God's organization."

  possible
  http://bb2.atbb.jp/possible/
• 

  snowbird

  2. transitive verb distribute work of author: to make the work of a particular author available in printed or other form

  3. transitive verb make something public knowledge: to announce something publicly

  [ 14th century. < Old French publiss-, stem of publier< Latin publicare "make public" < publicus (see public ) ]

  Those who distribute WT material from door-to-door, on the streets, etc., fit the #3 definition, hence they are called publishers.

  Sylvia
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  Homerovah the Almighty

  Watchtower definition of Publisher : Seeker of slaves who will bring them money and power
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  BabaYaga

  There are many, MANY words and phrases the Witnesses use that those outside of the organization would not understand! That is part of what keeps them feeling so separate and superior.

  Seriously... it is a method of separatism.
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  yknot

  Well before we were 'publishers' we were colporteurs

  m-w.com~ : a peddler of religious books
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  Homerovah the Almighty

  You might consider it as a name placing as a upgrade in status within the organization

  It cant be stressed enough that that main focus of this religion was the propagation of literature and whatever

  was printed in the literature or presented in talks was to push their publishings to the public.
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  Kahlua

  "Doesn't this word show that the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses is a "publishing company" clearly?"

  What I found very informative is that on Rutherford's death certificate his occupation was listed as "Editor" and type of business was publishing company.

  I tried to do a search but can't find the copy of the certificate. It was posted on JWD within the last couple years.
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  yknot

  I found a copy at Paul Blizzard's site....

  http://www.geocities.com/paulblizard/ruthdeath.html

  for the Industry or Business to which he was employed .......... "Publishing" (Retired)

  It took death for the Judge to finally give a truthful testimony!
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  Number1Anarchist

  You are correct!
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  possible-san

  All.
  Thank you for your reply.
  
  
  snowbird (Sylvia)
  Thank you for investigating it.

  But I think that the Watch Tower society is the "publishing company" covered with a skin called religion.
  And I think that the expression the "publisher" shows it well.

  Homerovah the Almighty,
  I think that what you say (definition of that word) is completely right.

  BabaYaga,
  About the expression the "publisher", I think that it shows the "true character" of theirs (the organization).
  
  That word is not related to religion (Scriptures).
  It is only appearing in Acts17:18 (NWT).
  http://www.watchtower.org/e/bible/ac/chapter_017.htm#bk18
  
  Furthermore, in other translations, it is not translated such.
  http://bible.cc/acts/17-18.htm

  Kahlua,
  yknot,
  Thank you for the good information.

  possible
  http://bb2.atbb.jp/possible/