Ever hear of the term, "Theocratic Tithing"before???
Well, this is my first time hearing of it, as mentioned on JW.Net Discussion board.
Okay as I understand it, why its the latest thing in "theocratic donations" yet, that is coming very, very soon to your local kingdom hall.
And who do we have to thank for this new "thoughtful," "loving" arrangement? Why of course, it comes from the most loving, caring Watchtower Society and its Governing Body who always have the "friends," best interest at heart.
Here is how it has been suggested it might, best work.
You see, a very spiritual "elder" would be assigned to visit you, in the privacy of your home, and thoroughly go over your confidential family IRS TAX records, to see just how much $$$ you are really worth, and how much you made last year (and maybe previous years too) ... no, the Watchtower Society is no longer going to just, "take your word for it." No, not anymore. They want proof! And, they want real cash ... and that's YOUR $$$ and that's all there is to it!
So they are not "playing around" with this new "theocratic" arrangement, when implemented. They mean business, so please keep that in mind.
"ABibleStudent" recently wrote on the thread which brings all of this new information out:
Link found here:
Quote:
"Why is anyone on JWN surprised by this WTBTS change? Does this mean that WTBTS is now becoming like other religions? I wonder how JWs will spin this new arrangement?
BTW skeeter1 I like your analysis of why the WTBTS is making the change. The WTBTS avoids taxes and has a continual flow of money.
Peace be with you and everyone, who you love,
Robert"
Also, this interesting comment was made by "SkinnedSheep" on the same above mentioned thread:
"If I was still an elder this would have woke me up. To request a back door form of a tithe and then have a 3 page "ps" to the letter that is not to be read to the cong? Hopefully more brothers see that this organization is only about money. They sure have come a long way in 20 years. The business is rolling up.
Lol this is nuts. last week it was "we are not covering your legal expenses if you get sued" and this week it is, "send us all of the cash you have in your account and ask the friends to pledge a monthly amount." And about that KH loan that you thought you had almost paid off....we lovingly refinanced the note with a new arrangement that can be paid back forever."
End of quotes.
"Twenty years ago," is an interesting comment on this matter, I'd say.
Also too the astute comment made above by "Robert," that namely the Watchtower Society is becoming more and more like "other religions"???
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
Well on that note, let's remind ourselves exactly what the "Report" Book [found @ www.thereportbook.com ] said some time ago [twenty years ago] on upcoming, future $$$ making "activities" from the WTBTS, to be "lovingly" heaped upon guillible JWs the world over, things very similar to this "Theocratic Tithing" we speak of, which will absolutely mortify many already disheartened, disillusioned JWs when officially enacted, these types of things, perhaps alluded to way back in the year of 1994, in a book that was put on the shelves of numerous bookstores, some 20 years ago.
See link: http://www.freeminds.org/history/report.htm [for verification that the book was put in many bookstores around the country and even abroad, quite a few years ago.]
Under the subheading "The Watch Tower Society Wants Money, Money and More Money" page 130, paragraphs 3-5 of the "Report" Book, copyrighted back in October of 1994 by Donald C. Burney, ex-Jehovah's Witness, actually said this:
Page 130, Paragraphs 3-5
"The Watch Tower Society has for some time now, secretly admired the HARLOTROUS ways of her wicked counterpart, Christendom. Yes, the many advantages Christendom has gained over the years, adroitly avoiding any 'pains of life,' persecution, or discomforts that are the result of maintaining a chaste and virtuous standing before Jehovah. Could it be that the Watch Tower Society now wants the prestige, the opulent lifestyle, and the recognition that only the world can give? The Watch Tower Society may want the world to accept them now, because she finally has what the world recognizes -- money, wealth, and even fame.
"... Yes, just as the Bible predicted, she has grown wealthy to her own undoing. (See Isaiah 2:7-9.) Many big businesses would like to have access to this kind of tax-free cash flow.
"The evidence is quite clear. The Watchtower Society has recently placed considerable interest and emphasis upon building projects. These are intended to enhance the image of Jehovah's Witnesses to the world. In addition, the Watch Tower Society has instituted some new financial arrangements that have placed the brotherhood under considerable stress, financially, speaking. Let's notice a few of these..."
Page 133, Paragraphs 2 & 3...
"Yes, there can be no question that the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society is a greedy, money-making business! Just how disgusting is she? Only Jehovah knows for sure.
"Nevertheless, the Watch Tower Society claims to need MONEY, and plenty of it! Although, the Watch Tower Society is quite wealthy, the headquarters staff continues to milk the brotherhood for as much as they can get from them. But many of the brothers are poor and are in no position to give it to her. Therefore, in an effort to gain a larger membership and thus gain prestige and more dollars, the Watch Tower Society must appeal to the affluent of the world, just like Christendom! Therefore, we will continue to notice that the Watch Tower Society will beg, beg, and completely drain the brothers of their material resources to the maximum!" -- The "Report" Book [copyrighted 1994] page 133, par. 2 & 3.
Next subheading, as the article continues: "Revolting Greed Evident" page 133 of The "Report" Book...
Go figure, huh...
(For more information, see link: www.thereportbook.com )
bjc