Dear brothers and sisters, servants of God, Jehovah's witnesses, Ex-JW's, opposers, apostates, and athiests.
Jehovah's witnesses need your help. I would like to thank you for all the work you have done so far. We need as many critics as we can get. We as Jehovah's witnesses extend our thanks and would like you to continue your efforts and even encourage you to examine us even closer.
We need to understand all the problems that we are faced with by corporate religion. Not repeating symptoms like some partisian hack. But rather seeking to define the 'real' or root problem which causes the others.
I am on a journey to understand and define the most fundamental and root cause problems of the watchtower corporate religion. The real problems that causes all the other symptoms. I have faith that the problems we face are not insurmountable. Indeed I have hope that we can define a faith for Jehovah's witnesses like a constitution or charter. Open source, accountable, everything you could dream of. And that is it; your dreams are needed!
But before a solution can be found the problem must be understood and defined. Defining the problem is the first and often times the most difficult process to the solution.
To first define what we have;
corporation: A body that is granted a charter recognizing it as a separate legal entity having its own rights, privileges, and liabilities distinct from those of its members.
This would intrestingly be the very definition of an elite clergy class. Those of the laity (average Jehovah's witness) have no say. There are verious legal doctrines like; members are not allowed to question the decisions of the 'body' or society and another would be justified lying.
The definition goes on to say;
An invisible, intangible, artificial creation of the law existing as a voluntary chartered association of individuals that has most of the rights and duties of natural persons but with perpetual existence and limited liability.
I believe that corpratized religion is not what Jehovah intended.
Romans 8:28 "Now we know that God makes all his works cooperate together for the good of those who love God, those who are the ones called according to his purpose;"
Ephesians 4:16 "From him all the body, by being harmoniously joined together and being made to cooperate through every joint that gives what is needed, according to the functioning of each respective member in due measure, makes for the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love."
The spirit of God's word ecouraging us all to cooperate. Defining our organization with the words of co-operation will bring the blessings Jehovah has intended for us.
Here is a try at it; (needs lots of work and co-operation
Definition
The Jehovah's witness co-operative is an autonomous association of Jehovah's witnesses united voluntarily to meet their common spiritual, social, technical and ministry needs and aspirations through a jointly-owned and democratically-controlled enterprise.
Values
The JW co-operative is based on the values of self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity and solidarity. In the tradition of their founder (Jesus Christ), JW co-operative members believe in the ethical values of honesty, openness, social responsibility and caring for others.
Principles
The principles are guidelines by which the JW co-operative puts it's values into practice.
1st Principle: Voluntary and Open Jehovah's Witness Membership
The JW co-operative is a voluntary organisation, open to all Jehovah's witnesses able to use their services and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership, without gender, social, and racial discrimination.
Here is were I think we will have to define a 'Jehovah's witness.'
1. There is a creator, who has the holy and beautiful name (יהוה) Jehovah.
2. Jehovah's first creation was the arch angel, the word of God, Jesus Christ.
3. Jehovah and Jesus are different beings, persons with separate and distinct will.
4. The holy spirit is not a person and is not the power of God.
5. The bible is inspired of God and is the utlimate authority for establishing doctrine.
(Can you think of the fundimental beliefs that We Jehovah's witnesses have. The goal is to find the beliefs that unite us but to keep it basic enough for real deliberation of core doctrine to be established through co-operative consensus.)
2nd Principle: Democratic Member Control
The JW co-operative is a democratic organisation controlled by it's members, who actively participate in setting their policies and making decisions. Men and women serving as elected representatives are accountable to the membership. (Accountablity now that is a novelty!)
In primary co-operatives members have equal voting rights (one member, one vote) and co-operatives at other levels are also organised in a democratic manner.
There is a lot to be considered on how we can do this. I am hoping you will help me visualize all the possiblities so then we can chose the best process to use. For example can women serve as elected representatives? Does it matter? Maybe it depends on the particular duty. I am sure this could be an intresting discussion.
3rd Principle: Member Capital Participation
Members contribute equitably to, and democratically control, the capital of their co-operative. Members allocate surpluses for any or all of the following purposes: developing their co-operative, possibly by setting up reserves, and supporting other activities approved by the membership.
4th Principle: Autonomy and Independence
The JW co-operative is autonomous, a religious organisation controlled by it's members. If it enters into agreements with other organisations, including governments, or raise capital from external sources, they do so on terms that ensure democratic control by it's members and maintain their co-operative autonomy. (note; this would have prevented the UN scandal)
5th Principle: Education, Training and Information
The JW co-operative provides education and training for it's members, elected representatives and managers so they can contribute effectively to the development of the JW cooperative.
They inform the general public about the nature and benefits of JW co-operation and God's will.
peace, love and thanks for your help,
Mars