Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.

by dgp 6 Replies latest social family

• 

  dgp

  I'm reading God is not Great, by Christopher Hitchens, and somewhere I found an idea that, on the looks of it, should be easy to discuss with a Jehovah's witness. The idea being that men are fallible, and men with absolute power will inevitably make use of that absolute power for the absolute worst. History has shown this time after time. I know what the answer to my question would be, but, I would like people to elaborate on why it should be difficult for a JW, used as he is in seeing flaws in other religions, to at least entertain the idea that it's not godly or correct to give the Governing Body the power it has. Fallible men as they are (remember the new light?), why should they have such power? Wouldn't it be in Jehovah's organization interest to split the power, so that no one has it all, and no one can abuse it for things Jehovah wouldn't approve of?

  I will appreciate all posts. Thank you.
• 

  BurnTheShips

  The idea being that men are fallible, and men with absolute power will inevitably make use of that absolute power for the absolute worst. History has shown this time after time.

  Indeed. Like the One Ring of Sauron, great power brings out the worst in men.

  But we keep falling in that pit, don't we?

  BTS
• 

  BizzyBee

  Absolute power is power without checks and balances, without accountability. Seems that the GB has absolute power other than as the members keep each other in check. Perhaps they have something less than absolute power as individuals. As a body, I think the argument could be made that they do have absolute power.
• 

  garyneal

  Yeah, so true and too bad a Jehovah's Witness cultist cannot see this. Yeah, they can see it manifest itself in other organizations but not in Jehovah's vaunted society.
• 

  wobble

  What checks and balances could be recommended for the GB ? that are scripturally based, like their own authority, Oh er, sorry, forgot, they have no authority that can be proven from scripture.

  Love

  Wobble
• 

  dgp

  The only check and balances I can think of is that of not being able to say you will die an everlasting death if you don't do exactly as they say. And, I don't see why they should have the power to force anyone to go to field service, do this or that. They should let it be a matter to be decided between you and your God. Their role should be that of simple preachers of their doctrine.
• 

  BizzyBee

  When they took the role of enforcers they overstepped their proper role and became corrupt.