From what I understand, they are strapped for "qualified" men to appoint in Spanish, and in the US, it's where the growth is. They might not be so picky.
Londo111
JoinedPosts by Londo111
-
33
Elder continues serving as elder after his daughter got disfellowshipped!
by hardtobeme inthis is what is happening in a spanish congregation in our area.
this happened 3 weeks ago.
this brother conducted the school and after the school was over, another elder gave the announcement: "( name of the person) is not longer a jehovah's witness".
-
-
-
39
Going to the C.L.A.M.
by freemindfade inso i haven't been to a midweek meeting in some time.... but i must attend this first clam (not to be confused with 'klan') meeting.
.
want to take a look for curiosity sake then go back to never attending another midweek meeting again.
-
-
Londo111
I could never be that bored... -
21
We are not a cult!
by Londo111 ini thought the writer here did a good job comparing the faqs of several high control groups.
hopefully this will be useful to someone out there.. http://thoughtsonthingsandstuff.com/we-are-not-a-cult/.
-
-
Londo111
If things could be reduced to an equation: Watchtower > Jonestown
In comparison, Jonestown was a picnic, but unfortunately Watchtower is not in the public awareness despite all its efforts to advertize, advertize, advertize.
-
1
My Bethel Experience Part 6
by new boy inthe machines conquer all!.
after our meeting with knorr and the heavies, some of the boys and me got a job changes.
i was sent to bindery 5th floor, building 3, bindery line 5..
-
-
Londo111
This seems to be part 5...
BTW...I've enjoyed reading these.
-
21
We are not a cult!
by Londo111 ini thought the writer here did a good job comparing the faqs of several high control groups.
hopefully this will be useful to someone out there.. http://thoughtsonthingsandstuff.com/we-are-not-a-cult/.
-
-
Londo111
I thought the writer here did a good job comparing the FAQs of several high control groups. Hopefully this will be useful to someone out there.
-
45
The story of my exit
by mrsObfuscate ini have been lurking here for about 6 months, and being the last day of the year, and ready to start the new one afresh, i want to share the story of our exit from the org.
i have found the personal experiences of others of immeasurable value, (and its been a while since a good exit story has been posted) that i hope this can be of benefit to at least someone.. .
my mother became a jehovahs witness when i was about 9 or 10. i remember initially hating all of the new sanctions put on our lives (no birthdays and christmas anymore) but for some reason i soon after joined her in attending the meetings and eventually got baptized at the age of 14. my staunch catholic father converted a couple of years later.
-
-
Londo111
Welcome, mrsObfuscate! I found your experience encouraging. I'm glad the ARC helped educate a JW and helped wake them up. -
-
-
Londo111
Esmeralda,
Again I will reiterate what Jesus said, "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit."--Matthew 7:15-17
What kind of fruit have you seen from this organization thus far? What should that tell you about them? What would Jesus say regarding such a group who behaved like this?
Before you get any deeper I implore you to read the following books by former Governing Body member Ray Franz:
Crisis of Conscience
In Search of Christian Freedom
-
-
-
Londo111
While extreme, for this organization, it is the norm rather than the exception. If members will go to this extreme by physically spying, why would they dial it back on social media where it is easier to do so in the privacy of their own home?
So the answer is yes: members can will track other members on the internet and then go report the matter to the elders (if the person snooping is not themselves an elder). And for those who are Bible studies, inactive, or someone they perceive is spiritually ‘weaker’, some might just do this to find out what is ‘hindering’ you and help you ‘progress to maturity’.
Just take a look at this picture from one of the study Watchtowers:
-
-
-
Londo111
I have/had family members who were elders. Eventually Watchtower instructed the elders, “Stop policing the flock.” Why? Most likely lawsuits.
Before that elders followed people suspected of “wrongdoing”. For instance, one family member in the role as elder followed the theocratic ministry school conductor who was suspected of being gay into a gay bar and found him holding hands with a man. He was promptly disfellowshipped.
The same family member followed another person suspected of having an affair with his sectary and so followed him, but they could never find anything on him.
In one of Ray Franz’s books (both which I highly recommend you read if you are interested in this organization) he highlights how the Greek Branch spied on a gathering of “apostates”, and photographed who came in and left. When caught, Watchtower denied responsibility and allowed the man spying to fall on his sword for them.
It is not official Watchtower policy anymore. HOWEVER, it is still known to happen. There are many reports here of elders on stake outs and waiting outside people’s houses to see if there is wrongdoing. Most likely zealous elders who are drunk on their own “authority”.
This is an organization were informing on errant thoughts and behavior is expected, even if it breaks medical or other privacy laws. Some JWs can sometimes snoop and have no sense of boundaries.
Since you are a “bible study”, JWs view you basically as a “spiritual” child. And like any “parent” can and will snoop “for your own good”.
-
30
What are the economics of cart witnessing?
by slimboyfat inon another thread shepherdless sketched out the past business model of jws and its demise.
until 1990 they were a straightforward publishing business with the tremendous advantage of free labour in production and free distribution agents.
since then they've been relying on donations for literature to keep the old model going.
-
-
Londo111
Slimboyfat,
All good questions. I know it has been speculated that it is the vendors around the Watchtower that are profiting and benefiting.
