I was reviewing the study articles in the May 15, 2003 Watchtower.
The first article: "Christ Speaks to the Congregations" is rather hard hitting against (so-called) apostasy and sectarianism. The conclusion of paragraph 6 says:
"To maintain the purity of Jehovah's worship and to protect the congregation, therefore, they (true Christians) do not extend the hand of fellowship to unrepentant apostates."
Para 9 says "...we need to keep on hating sectarianism, as did the Christians in Ephesus." and the question says: "9. How should sectarianism be viewed?"
Para 20 says: "Sectarians want to do Christians spiritual harm, and those bent on promoting divisions and sects will not inherit God's Kingdom. (scriptures cited) IF any Christian is beginning to entertain apostate views and wants to spread them, he ought to take a warning from Christ! To save himself from disaster, he should repent and seek the spiritual assistance of the elders in the congregation...."
etc. etc.
(ASIDE: in this article and others the Society says: "At their resurrection, though, Jesus' anointed followers put on immortality, symbolized by eating ....." My understanding was that current JW belief was that those anointed upon death IMMEDIATELY go to heaven as part of the 144,000, but this article and others speak of the need for a "resurrection". When did this change does any one know?)
The next article: "Listen to What the Spirit Says" goes on to have a follow-up discussion and mentions apostasy again.
Then in this article I was dumbfounded to read in paragraph 7 concluding: "If the congregation guards what it has--pure doctrine and conduct and treasured Kingdom service--Christ will come with blessed rewards, not execution."
Wow. I have been a Witness all my life and the word "Doctrine" is not a word that is used very often. In fact to my notice, this is the first time I have ever noticed the Society use the word. Usually "teaching", "belief" or some other synonym is used but "doctrine" had always smacked of worldly false religious connotations.
Do you think this was just a slip? Or do you think by using the word "Doctrine" the Society is reacting to the work of (anti-JW forces) and solidifying "beliefs" or "teachings" (which by their implications are subject to questioning and changes) with a more firm use of "doctrine" to imply that such is less subject to argument and questioning?
Finally, does anyone know what the topic of the Saturday afternoon talk scheduled for the upcoming District Conventions entitled: "Beware of 'the Vocie of Strangers'" will be upon?
The Society says it is in regards to "false teachers" and "counterfeit words". My guess is that if there is any talk during the DC that will mention the Internet and the Media this will be the one and it will be a talk of great interest I am sure.
--Eduardo