WARNING !
The following "dictionary" may be very discomforting to true believers of Jehovah's Organization. Read at your own risk.
I have noticed a number of "catch phrases" used by JW's. I believe the purpose of these phrases is to stop all further thought and discussion. The purpose of this "dictionary" is to explore the meaning of those phrases in an honest way.
JW Dictionary
"Jehovah's Perfect Organization": A separate mythical entity. This organization is not made up of the millions of men and women in it. Jehovah's perfect organization can therefore be perfect while the various parts of the organization are imperfect.
"Imperfect man" A way to explain: 1. Past mistakes in teachings. 2. Current injustices by brothers and sisters, elders, C.O's, etc. ... The imperfection of the men and women who make up the organization does not in any way reduce the perfection of Jehovah's organization.
"Mediator": Jehovah's mediator on earth is the WTBTS. You as an individual need a mediator to understand and obey Jehovah's wishes. The imperfect men, who act as Jehovah's mediator; dispense "the truth" through Jehovah's perfect organization (remember it is separate from the imperfect men).
"The Truth": The truth is whatever the WTBTS is teaching TODAY. The truth of the past was true then, but not now. Today's truths come from Jehovah's perfect organization and must therefore be followed exactly. Yesterday's old truths are the fault of "imperfect men" or "Jehovahs' test of loyalty and faith", tomorrow's truth is anybody's guess.
"Old Light, Abandoned practices, test of loyalty or faith": When old truths are not true anymore the WTBTS has to explain it somehow. (Oh yeah, don't forget imperfect men. But the organization made up of those men is still perfect). Note: ( If other faiths have old light, abandoned practices and tests of loyalty or faith, it is called false prophecy and teachings). If you ask too many questions about these things you are told " Jehovah will make it all clear in time." (shut up and do as you're told). If you REALLY PERSIST with your questions you may be called (gasp!) and Independent Thinker.
"Independent Thinker": Anyone who doesn't readily accept the Watchtower's "Spiritual Food" without question. Also associated with "Pride": Thinking you can be saved without the help of Jehovah's perfect organization (made up of imperfect men, just like yourself).
"New Light": See truth and old light.
"Bad Association": An Independent Thinker who can't keep his mouth shut.
"Stumble your brother": Saying anything not in 100% agreement with the WTBTS. (You have doubts?! Hell, WE ALL DO! Just don't talk about them; ignore them and they will go away or "Jehovah will make it clear in time.") If you talk about doubts and "stumble your brother", the whole perfect organization -made up of imperfect men who have doubts just like you- might fall apart.
"I don't worship men, I worship Jehovah": Is it my fault Jehovah sends his messages through the GB, CO's, and elders? I don't worship them; I only accept their "spiritual food" without "independent thought" (wouldn't want to "stumble my brother or sister"). They are "mediators" of "Jehovah's perfect organization" (a mythical thing separate from the "Imperfect Men" who make up that organization). Sure, they taught some weird things in the past, but that is just "old light", "abandoned practices", a "test of loyalty and faith". This is "new light"; the "truth" as taught by Jehovah's perfect organization (or is that imperfect men?) Well, o.k. I'm a little confused about where the truth is coming from, but I'm sure "Jehovah will make it clear in time"; I just hope He tells the GB and not me, because I can't talk about anything that differs from Watchtower teaching; if I did, I'd get kicked out and lose all my friends and family.
My apologies if I've offended anyone by pointing out the truth of these comforting phrases.
thinker
Edited by - thinker on 31 December 2000 9:22:11