Hi all. I'm new here so please be gentle. I posted this on other X JW forums, and thought I'd post it here as well. See what I think of the place.
Watchtower Study
April 28- May 4
The Early Christians And The Mosaic Law
This is a particularly dull looking study, however, don’t be fooled! Boredom is a form of semi-hypnosis, and it is under such conditions that the WBTS use some of their most blatant mind control techniques! This is a juicy case in point.
Introduction
Well, how do you prove a point without any evidence to support it? Simple. You use every snide and subtle trick you can muster to subliminally implant your suggestion into the minds of your quarry. The WBTS here is clearly trying to get the JW’s to see their dictates as ‘gospel’ quite literally. The point of the article is first alluded to at the end of paragraph 4 where after describing the Mosaic Law’s role in the Fledgling Christian Congregation, it says:
‘But some Jewish Christians were slow to grasp this vital truth. As a result, they continued observing features of the Law even after Jesus’ resurrection. Others, though, adjusted their thinking. In doing so, they set a fine example for us today. Let us see how.’
Count the Watchtowerisums! Slow To Grasp, Adjusted their thinking, Set a fine example, Mmm. Can you see where they are heading? Yep, this is about suppressing any doubts and questions, and blithely conforming to every whim the WBTS tell us to think.
Exciting Developments in Christian Doctrine
A ‘development’ in doctrine eh? This section relates to Acts 10:9- 48. Peter is given a vision of food that was condemned by the Mosaic Law, yet commanded to eat it by God. The article comments: ‘Instead of rigidly clinging to the Law, Peter adjusted his view. This led him to an amazing discovery concerning God’s purposes.’
Mmm. He adjusted his view eh? Paragraph 7 attributes this change to a ‘spiritual discernment’. Hence their imperative rhetorical question: ‘would you have been as willing as Peter to adjust your viewpoint?’
Some kept following the Tutor
Now Acts 11:1-3. There was a dispute about the necessity of circumcision. In Paragraph 9 we are told the issue reached a head in 49 CE where Paul and others went back to ‘ask the governing body to resolve this issue once and for all’. Note also that they say unless it was sorted out some were ‘bound to be stumbled’! Implying (but not exactly saying) that today’s governing body is concerned for their flock.
An Honest Difference of Opinion- Then Unity!
The apostles are now called the ‘governing body’. Perhaps the ‘Governing Body’ today will start calling themselves ‘Apostles’, eh? Anyway the end of Paragraph 11 says ‘Those Christians who submitted to clear theocratic direction were blessed with a solid, Scriptural answer.’
What About Jewish Christians?
‘The governing body had clearly indicated that Gentile Christians did not need to be circumcised. But what about Jewish Christians? The governing body’s decision had not specifically covered that aspect of the question.’ So much for clear direction and a solid answer! Don’t you just love double speak?
Anyway, after labouring the above point over two paragraphs, paragraph 14 says: ‘Guidance came, not in the form of a letter from the governing body, but in additional inspired letters written by the apostles.’ Actually, this paragraph is a bit odd in its context. Rather than teaching reliance on the GB, this seems to be saying that inspiration can come from a separate source. If I’m not mistaken, at the meetings, they will try to make this out to refer to GB appointed ‘elders’ and ‘Circuit Overseers’. The next section seems to support this application.
Slow To Grasp The Point
Commenting on why some Christians did not take to Paul’s advice, key expressions used are: ‘they lacked spiritual discernment’, ‘neglected taking in solid spiritual food’, ‘irregular in attendance at the Christian meetings’ Paragraph 16 calls them ‘professed Christians’ who didn’t want to ‘stand out in the community’, They wanted to ‘blend in’ etc. What are they getting at here? Could it be attire and goatee beards, or sisters wearing trousers (pants in the US )? Hence the need for discernment because there is no good or scriptural reason to enforce these petty rulings, but they do anyway.
Applying The Lesson Today
I have to quote it! Paragraph 18 says: ‘After considering these events of long ago, perhaps you are wondering: “If I had lived at that time, how would I have responded as God’s will was progressively revealed? Would I have rigidly held to traditional views? Or would I have been patient until the proper understanding became clear? And when it did, would I have wholeheartedly supported it?”’
Clearly the GB know that many are having doubts. The trouble is the GB do not have the skill or knowledge to truly sort out the problems in their organisation. Just look at the mess they made of getting brothers to sort out differences in last weeks article! In the meantime JW’s are convinced to not look elsewhere but to whole heartedly support their faith. To be honest I don’t believe the first century Christians were any better off.
Paragraph 19makes the point clearer by making the reader think ‘How do I respond to clarifications in Bible understanding when presented today?’ and ‘Do I patiently wait on Jehovah when answers to lingering questions seem slow in coming?’ It also comments that Jehovah provides direction by means of …. ‘his earthy organisation’ and Jehovah will bless us with endless life that is both happy and satisfying’ if we listen.
Ever wondered how you were duped so badly? Imagine having all that blared at you for an hour while in a state of semi consciousness!