Recently, several comments have been made in various threads in reference to some of the recent changes to a few of the rules by which Jehovah's Witnesses must live their lives in unquestioning compliance. The assertion has been made that these rules are a "relaxing" of previous restrictions. The suggestion has been made that this somehow indicates a corresponding relaxing or loosening or lessening of the authority which the Governing Body (GB) holds over the Rank and File (R&F) members of the religion. This is not true.
Besides the fact that that conclusion does not follow logically from the premise, there is a much more important aspect which we must consider. It is not necessary to get sidetracked in the supposed merit of any doctrinal changes or religious practices, because those are not the real issue. As should be obvious by now to anyone paying even the least bit of attention, and despite any "True Believer" JW rhetoric to the contrary: Doctrine does not matter!
It is all really about just one thing: the relationship between those in authority and those under that authority.
If a person in authority changes the rules that those under their control must unquestioningly obey, there has still been no change in their respective relationship. It is the nature of their relationship which is the point and not the details of the rules. Any aspect of the change in the rules is really irrelevant, even if they seem to allow the R&F more latitude or discretion in decision making. Why?
Because of this simple fact: the authority figure still controls the choices and they still have the power to enforce the consequences of any disobedience in following the rules.
I recently bought a new collar for my dog. She was very excited to get it and have me put it on. Why? I'm sure it was because she knew that meant that we were going for our daily walk, something she looks forward to with great eagerness. So she got a new pretty collar. We are still both on the same ends of the leash as before. I'm the Master, she's the dog.
As dogs are known to do, she likes to smell the markings left by all the other neighborhood dogs as they take their walks. Occasionally, she will linger longer than I like at some particular point. Call me impatient, I don't care. I tug on the leash to get her attention and off we go, continuing on our way.
When the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses change some rules or doctrines or whatever, they are actually reasserting their power over the Rank and File members of the religion. In a very tangible way, it is a reminder that it is they that are in control.
This is what they did recently with the somewhat controversial series of study articles in the July 15th, 2013 Watchtower. Before the congregatons all over the world considered those articles, the majority of JWs believed one thing about several key points of JW "theology," and after studying the articles they were all expected to compliantly change all those beliefs simply because they were told to.
And in case anyone missed the point about those changes or any potential future changes (and there will be changes), all congregations were reminded just a couple of weeks ago during their weekly Watchtower study how they should respond to "direction" and "instruction" from the organization:
- At that time, the life-saving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not. - WT Study Edition, November 15, 2014, p. 20, paragraph 17
The "simplified" edition words it somewhat more strongly:
- "But all of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether we agree with them or not ... ."
Do not be misled by any sentimental notion of a kinder, gentler Governing Body. That's nonsense.
When the GB make any changes, they are in fact affirming their authority, confirming their control.
It's a tug on the leash.
