It seems almost unthinkable that Tony Morris should be forced to stand down from the Governing Body, but stranger things have happened.
Ewart Chitty and Leo Greenlees were removed from the Governing Body in 1979 and 1984 respectively, albeit under very different circumstances. Raymond Franz resigned in 1980 amid Watchtower’s frenzied purge of “apostates.”
If Anthony Morris III ends up becoming the fourth Governing Body member to be stripped of his lofty position, it would likely be for a very different reason than his ignominious predecessors – because his outspokenness is making him a liability to the organization.
Those who follow his exploits closely enough on YouTube are only too familiar with his arrogant, eccentric streak on the platform. Until recently, his outrageous musings on such topics as scorched Armageddon victims, child baptism, “thinkingest” people, tight pants, and the nature of eternity were known only to select audiences of Witnesses, such as those attending a particular convention or zone visit.
But the organization is changing, and pushing Governing Body members increasingly to the fore. JW Broadcasting promises to do this on a scale never before seen. And Tony’s embarrassing performance on Saturday at the “special meeting” for the U.S. branch visit demonstrated perfectly why introducing Witnesses to their dear leaders “warts and all” is a monumental error that could seriously backfire.
At Saturday’s special meeting, an audience of well over a million Jehovah’s Witnesses in the branch territory of United States were subjected to an avalanche of stupidity from Tony’s lips.
Sisters were told that they cannot marry a man older than 23 if he is not by that age a ministerial servant. They were also instructed that they cannot go jogging wearing “spanx” – which one assumes is any tight-fitting spandex or lycra. Families were informed that it is inexcusable for them to visit an amusement park rather than visit bethel if it is within their means to do so.
And once again, “Tight Pants Tony” shared his bizarre clothing obsession – reiterating his belief that tight pants are part of a conspiracy by homosexual fashion designers whose sole aim in life is to drool over the contours of the male figure.
Speaking for myself, the only real surprise in all of the above was the brazen and unguarded manner with which Tony aired his clearly ridiculous views. I have known for some time that he is more than capable of unleashing such madness on an audience. I just had no idea he was brave enough to indulge himself to this extent in front of every single congregation in the United States branch territory.
The whole thing was made only more awkward by Tony’s promise at the start of his talk that he would support all “things that could ignite a controversy” with references from the publications. Unless there is a Watchtower somewhere that prescribes what jogging apparel Witnesses may or may not wear, or whether non-Ministerial Servants over 23 are eligible as marriage partners, Tony utterly failed to do this.
But it was precisely Tony’s arrogance that led him to insist that everything he said was backed up by God himself, even if so many of his absurd views are notable in the publications only by their absence.
Consider the following video clip, taken from the recording of the 2014 Annual Meeting Program on JW Broadcasting, where Tony speaks of how Witnesses in a certain branch territory where he “wasn’t treated too well” ought to be in fear of his “big brother.”
It’s easy to imagine how a religious leader with this level of narcissism could believe his expressions are automatically rubber-stamped by the Almighty.
Though it would be almost unthinkable for the Governing Body to go so far as to eject Tony from their circle of power, the fact remains that the more he is allowed to spout forth such silly, arrogant ramblings to bewildered audiences, the more the veil of awe and respect surrounding the Governing Body will evaporate.
I certainly hope the Governing Body doesn’t do the smart thing by dispensing with Tony’s services now before it is too late. It is in my interests for the organization to implode sooner rather than later to prevent more lives being ruined, and few things would better facilitate this than for Tony Morris to continue his eyebrow-raising performances until he departs to meet his “big brother.”
But in the unlikely event that the Governing Body spoils my fun and orders a taxi for Mr Morris, I can at least celebrate the fact that a million or so Witnesses in the U.S. now have the awkward but indelible realization that one of the members of their revered “faithful slave” is a monstrous prude who is fixated with tight clothing, and sees his opinions and God’s as more-or-less the same thing.
Further reading…
- Alternet article
- Advocate article
- Edge Media Network article
- Freethinker article
- Frontiers article
- Mirror article
- Montreal Gazette article
- Bustle article
- Deluded or dangerous? My thoughts on Anthony Morris III following his Rome visit
- Coming soon to a web browser near you – Governing Body TV (on demand)!
- The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses – Explained
- Getting To Know Our Governing Body
Related videos…
Rob I totally agree with what you said about the younger ones leading double lives. I saw & heard it so clearly. I heard young sisters brag about ‘sausage sandwiches’ at parties the night before, it would horrify me to hear them talk like that. Looking back at myself even in my 40’s, I realised that I was psychologically rebelling, I found myself swearing a lot, sometimes in front of other witnesses to see their reaction. Now that I’m out I don’t swear like I used to but I’m not angry, stressed & frustrated now either.
Don’t worry about it we’ve all conquered it.x
Anyway I’m having chips for tea.
Peter Gabriel. Wallflower. Your not alone.x
Can’t do it the American way ? This is ‘my life’ Billy Joel.
So was tight pants tony saying,” the whole branch, that treated him badly, were gonna get destroyed by jehovah, aka big brother?” Wow, dudes got some very big issues.
I can just see Tony going a gay bar and saying “Wow tight pants everywhere! I really am in Heaven”
During world war 2, Elaborate plans were made, to
assassinate Hitler. But the plans were scrapped, when
it was realised, that Hitlers erratic behaviour, and
strategic blundering, made him the Allies best asset.
A few years ago, a psychological biography of Hitler
was published, entitled,—
“Hitler, Diagnosis of a Destructive Prophet”– It concluded,
that, he was not insane, but was afflicted by “Paranoid
Delusions.
Listening to Tony, I’me reminded of the theory that
“History Repeats Itself.” May he continue ranting
till the vile Org, disappears. As it will.
Mr. Morris is very disrespectful and arrogant to refer to The Messiah, The Christ, Jesus Christ, The Mighty King, The Prince of Peace, The Man, The Son of Man and the ONLY one that was able to pay the “Ransom” sacrifice for all mankind as “HIS BIG BROTHER”. If Mr. Morris want to get common and loose the dignity the GB ONCE had for Jesus he need to start addressing the GB as “GOOF BALLS”. How Disgusting!!!
Anthony Morris III said this:
“He reads – Ezekiel 33:8-9:
“When I say to someone wicked, ‘Wicked one, you will surely die!’ but you do not speak out to warn the wicked one to change his course, he will die as a wicked man because of his own error, but I will ask his blood back from you. 9 But if you warn someone wicked to turn back from his way and he refuses to change his course, he will die for his error, but you will certainly save your own life.” – Ezekiel 33:8-9
“So whats the point. Well, the warning work. We share in the preaching work … The fact is, this is bloodguilt. And you take a good look at your hands. So you families, and the single folks to will benefit. And the kind of bloodguilt that is spoken of here is figurative. You don’t see it right there, but if your really not actively sharing in the warning work, when God looks at your hands, could well be seeing blood. So, if he sees blood on your hands, were going with the ones we were supposed to warn. It’s that serious. Not a light matter…”
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Wow! What a ridicules guilt trip!!
Well let’s see … Just what is this warning work he is talking about?
This is the REAL un-filtered (Cut to the Chase) warning work that he is talking about.
1) We know that between 1914 and 1919 Jesus inspected all religions and in 1919 found ours (known as the Bible Students at that time) to be the one true religion, the only religion that is God’s channel of communication.
2) So I am here to offer you a bible study so you can become a Jehovah’s Witness.
3) Because if you don’t, then “Very Soon” you are going to die at Armageddon.
————————————————————-
So do I feel blood guilty for not sharing in the above misleading warning work? – NO I DO NOT!!!
————————————————————-
Here is proof from Watchtower quotes that Jehovah’s Witnesses teach the above things:
“After the enthroned King purged the heavens of the corrupting influence of Satan and his demons, Jehovah directed Jesus to inspect and refine the spiritual condition of his followers on earth. The prophet Malachi described this as a spiritual cleansing. (Mal. 3:1-3) History shows that this took place between 1914 and the early part of 1919.” – (Watchtower 2014, 1/15, Pg. 13, 100 Years of Kingdom Rule—How Does It Affect You?)
“When did Jesus appoint the faithful slave over his domestics? To answer that, we need to go back to 1914—the beginning of the harvest season. As we learned earlier, at that time many groups claimed to be Christian. From which group would Jesus select and appoint the faithful slave? That question was answered after he and his Father came and inspected the temple, or spiritual arrangement for worship, from 1914 to the early part of 1919.* (Mal. 3:1) They were pleased with a small band of loyal Bible Students who showed that their heart was with Jehovah and his Word. Of course, they needed some cleansing, but they humbly responded during a brief period of testing and refining. (Mal. 3:2-4) Those faithful Bible Students were true Christian wheat. In 1919, a time of spiritual revival, Jesus selected capable anointed brothers from among them to be the faithful and discreet slave and appointed them over his domestics.” – (Watchtower 2013, 7/15, Pg. 23, Who Really Is the Faithful and Discreet Slave?)
————————————————————
“Just as anointed Christians do, alert members of the great crowd are sticking close to God’s appointed channel for dispensing spiritual food.” – (Watchtower 2012, 9/15, Pg. 26, You Know Neither the Day Nor the Hour, Paragraph 14)
“Today, we may not clearly see why some organizational matters are handled in a certain way, but we have every reason to trust in Jehovah’s guidance through his faithful channel of communication.” – (Watchtower 2007, 12/15, Pg. 20, Stand Firm and See the Salvation of Jehovah, Paragraph 16)
————————————————————
What may we conclude? Well, we know that the sign of Jesus’ presence in Kingdom power is clearly evident around the globe. We also see that the anointed ones who are still alive and part of “this generation” are getting on in years; yet, they will not all die off before the great tribulation begins. Therefore, we can conclude that very soon indeed God’s Kingdom will come and exercise its rule over the earth! How thrilling it will be to witness the fulfillment of the prayer that Jesus taught us: “Let your Kingdom come”!” – (2014 Book, God’s Kingdom Rules, Chapter 1, Pg. 11-12, Par. 19)
“When we pray for God’s Kingdom to come, we are asking God that the Messianic King and the other 144,000 kings in heaven remove human rule and those on earth who oppose the Kingdom. When this happens, the prophecy at Daniel 2:44 will be fulfilled. There it says that God’s Kingdom “will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms.” It will destroy governments that are enemies of the Kingdom. (Revelation 6:1, 2; 13:1-18; 19:11-21) Since this will happen very soon, it is appropriate that our yeartext for 2014 is Matthew 6:10: “Let your Kingdom come.” It has now been 100 years since Jesus started to rule in heaven!” – (Watchtower 2014, (Simplified) 1/15, p. 13, par. 14, 100 Years of Kingdom Rule—How Does It Affect You?)
“Very soon a real war is going to happen. But most people are not getting ready for it. It is the war of Armageddon, that is, God’s war against this wicked world. This is not simply a story. We know that this war will happen because God has told us about it in his Word, the Bible.” – (Watchtower 2013, (Simplified) 2/15, p. 15, par. 2, Stay in Jehovah’s Valley of Protection)
“Soon, Jehovah’s day will come. Now is the time to return to our heavenly Father’s loving arms and to the congregation—the only safe haven in these last days.—Deut. 33:27; Heb. 10:24, 25.” – (Watchtower 2013, 11/15, p. 14, par. 17, How Can We Maintain “a Waiting Attitude”?)
“This world has been in the last days, or “the conclusion of the system of things,” since the year 1914. (Matt. 24:3) Very soon now, what Jesus called the “great tribulation” will occur. (Read Matthew 24:21.) That unparalleled tribulation will bring Satan’s entire world to its end.” – (Watchtower 2008, 5/15, p. 15, par. 15, Deliverance by God’s Kingdom Is at Hand!)
“And they have proved that God is fully justified in using his great power to eliminate all wickedness when he chooses to do so. That will be very soon.” – (Watchtower 2005, 11/1, p. 6, Can Anyone Really Change the World?)
“Only Jehovah’s Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the “great crowd,” as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil.” – (Watchtower 1989, 9/1, Pg. 19, Remaining Organized for Survival Into the Millennium)
The name “Tight Pants Tony” cracks me up!! Every. Single. Time.
@BeenMisled. I missed your point. Are you saying that you support the fact that WTBTS is God’s channel of communication by presenting these quotes from the WT publications? Or are you saying that the talk by Morris is supported by the quotes you present? Are you saying that you are meeting Cedar’s challenge of proving that the GB is the appointed ‘faithful and discrete slave’? Do you support Cedar’s position by showing very presumptuous statements in the WT publications?
I missed something here in your point.
Have you ever heard the term “Content Marketing”? That is exactly what Morris is doing by chastising JW families for not planning trips to Bethel. Hmmm. Plan a trip to Bethel to put the family members in the right spiritual frame of mind. Explain to God why you didn’t go to Bethel. Hmmmmmm. Now, I think about this and say to myself, there must be a reason why “tight-pants” (love it too!) wants to make sure young people go to see the wonders of Bethel. TO RECRUIT A FUTURE SOURCE OF SLAVE LABOR! The GB must have a source of young people to do their publishing and support grunt work at these headquarters. Not to mention, kiss and lick the boots of the GB blowhards. It’s a marketing gimmick, albeit back-handed, but a marketing gimmick never the less.
Irritated about the treatment, or lack of, that he received
at a certain branch.–
In Luke chap, 15, There’s a story, about a man who had
two sons. One a former wastrel, now repentant, and
willing to work as a hired hand. Instead the father welcomed
him back, and laid on a lavish celebration.
The other son was jealous, and furious, and refused to join in,
because he thought, If anyone was worthy of the red carpet
treatment, it was him.
I wonder if Tony has ever read that story.?
@Ted. I didn’t read far enough back in the blog before I wrote my previous comment on the veiled recruiting pitch from “tight-pants” himself. You made the very same point in your 11/13/14 comment and you came to the same conclusion as I did. Take all joy of life and living out of your children for what? You summed it up in one word “groomed”. Groomed into a life of servitude to a false religion and control freaks. It’s sad, very sad.
@Searcher. It’s good to have agreement, Thank you.
Now, if only I could get some of my family to realise how
They’re being exploited. My daughter got drawn back in
again about three years ago, but it’s my young grand-
daughter I’m concerned about, she’s lost all her neighbour-
hood girlfriends, and is isolated and unhappy at school
On the upside, my son has realised what their real game is
and says he’s not now wracked with guilt, which as you –
and I know, is one of their controlling tactics.
I look forward to your future comments, ( Always on target.)
Questions from readers …..
I was looking forward to wearing my Spanx for my baptism, however, I now realise that this would be inappropriate.
I have, however, found one of my grannies nighties which covers everything up, would this be appropriate?
My only fear is that when I go into the pool it may billow up and frighten the brothers. They may think I’m a witch. Advice please.
@Bad Penny, or how about a question for the brothers: “Should I take an elder along with me, next time I got to buy pants so they can tell me if they are too tight or not? What about if I gain weight? Will I be restricted if my pants seem too tight?”
When my husband was in his 20’s, and there was just the one overseer (servant) then in our congregation before the elder arrangement, we had a real big headed boss type for the servant and he told my husband “I’d like to use you, but your belt is too wide” and another time he told my husband “I’d like to use you but your shoes are too pointed”.
@Searcher:
The point is that if a Jehovah’s Witnesses (or anybody else) tells you “No we don’t teach that”. There is the proof that they do.
1) Only JW’s are the true religion
2) Only JW’s are going to survive Armageddon
3) Still saying “Very Soon”, and have been for over 100 years
It is misleading and delusional.
The following is a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) on the JW website.
————————————————————-
Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Feel That They Are the Only People Who Will Be Saved?
No. Many millions who lived in centuries past and who weren’t Jehovah’s Witnesses will have an opportunity for salvation. The Bible explains that in God’s promised new world, “there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Acts 24:15) Additionally, many now living may yet begin to serve God, and they too will gain salvation. In any case, it’s not our job to judge who will or won’t be saved. That assignment rests squarely in Jesus’ hands.—John 5:22, 27.
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The question was not asking who is going to be resurrected. Or who may yet become a Jehovah’s Witness. The real (honest) answer is obviously YES … as shown from those Watchtower quotes.
@Bad Penny. Your query calls for expert advice,
( Which rules most of us out.)
However, there is a person who has very forthright views
on what, and what not, to wear for almost any occasion.
He is male, but never-the-less has very definite ideas on
on the appropriate attire for ladies,
He is fast becoming a household name, so much so , that
just like JFK, he is recognised by his initials alone.
So if the letters, TPT, mean anything to you, please contact
him, I’m sure he’ll be only too willing to advise.
P,S, If you do contact him, Please,Please do. not mention
the word Spanx, This is a very sensitive area for him,
and could bring on an apoplectic fit.
There’s a practice among politicians, which is in an interview, to answer the question they wish they were asked instead of the one they are asked. I see that Watchtower writers follow that practice, indeed have it honed to an art.
Jehovah’s witness is a very arrogant religion.
Being convince your right makes for a person with very small ears.
King David danced the round dance. Did you disapprove Tony? Why should the Lord marry you? Apologies Tony you stuck to safe ground. I suppose weakness is narrow road.
I’m wearing in spirit (a bloke) spanx a bra snorkel and slippers and a beard. Attack the weak because it’s easy.x (big kiss)
Easy target, weak, predictable and interestingly obsessive.
Apparently there are 33 steps to true enlightenment. Jewish folk law.
Similarly the Masons have 33 degrees or steps
Again, apparently, the 33rd step is where you where already stood. . You.
Ahh the chamber of 32 doors.
Tony you ain’t enlightened.
Son of lilith.
Poor Tony is frightened of the Lamia.
A slubberdegullian on sqeeky feet. A slipperman.
The slipper men were a group of English politicians who were morally decadent.
I love this plot written about the movie 1984 on IMDB.
In the year 1984, rocket bombs and rats prey on the inhabitants of the crumbling metropolis of London. Far away on the Malabar Front, a seemingly interminable war rages against Eastasia. The Ministry of Truth broadcasts ceaselessly to the population via its inescapable network of telescreens. These devices, which pervade all aspects of peoples’ lives, are also capable of monitoring their every word and action. They form part of an elaborate surveillance system used by the Ministry of Love, and its dreaded agents the Thought Police, to serve their singular goal: the elimination of ‘thoughtcrime’. Winston Smith is a Party worker – part of the vast social caste known as the Outer Party, the rank and file of the sprawling apparatus of government. Winston works in the Records Department of the Ministry of Truth – the section charged with modifying historical news archives for consistency. When by chance Winston uncovers incontrovertible proof that the Party is lying, he embarks on a journey of self-questioning. In doing so, he becomes a thought-criminal. Winston begins to notice that a young Party member, Julia, is watching him. She wears the distinctive sash of the ultra-zealous Anti Sex League and Winston fears that she is an informant. However, to his surprise, she reveals herself as a subversive and they embark on an illicit and dangerous relationship. This prompts Winston to explore deeper the blur between propaganda and reality. Ultimately, it leads him to O’Brien – a member of the Inner Party who sets Winston on an irreversible course of discovery.
I am watching NFL football and OH MY GOD!!! Those guys are all wearing spanx!!! I never noticed it before.
Gays must go crazy over American football with all those tight pants and all.
apostate
@BeenMisled: Thank you for the clarification. I agree with you. One point I found in the examples that you show is how presumptuous the WT (and GB for that matter) is in their statements. They give examples, then immediately jump to conclusions that give themselves the high ground without any connecting support. As if to say, “We are standing here before you, so therefore, we can only conclude that we are the ones that are anointed by God and your only salvation.” I would like to rebut: “No! Indeed not! I cannot conclude that just because you (WTBTS) say it and are standing before me, that what you say is fact.” Just like Cedar’s challenge, the JW’s cannot back up any of the statements you showed with proof. Therefore, I can only conclude, the statements are lies and the WTBTS are liars.
I’m glad you showed these quotes. The quotes are further proof of what a bunch of pompass, egotistical, delusional blowhards and weirdoes wrote that drivel. Further, they EXPECT you to take it as fact without question or thought on penalty of impending DOOM.
@Thankyouall!: I recently read (well, listened to it on audiobook while driving to and from work) Orwell’s 1984. It is frighteningly too close to home with the WTBTS. The society he described in that book describes the nightmare that JW’s live day in and day out. I would hate to imagine a world with the 144,000 ‘anointed’ leading. It would be almost exactly the same as Orwell’s description in 1984. I would almost want to be wiped out at Armageddon if maniacs like “Tight-Pants” took control for eternity.
Hey everybody. If you want a real laugh, just go to YouTube and lookup Jimmy Fallon’s Tight Pants skits. Could you imagine Tight Pants Tony sounding off on Jimmy Fallon? I LMAO!
@Searcher. I watched two of the Jimmy Fallon shows making fun of tight pants and I almost laughed my head off and it makes Tony’s talk even funnier. Thanks for telling us about it.
I do believe that Tony is a liability to the Society. I think every one of Jehovah’s Witnesses (except for Tony) knows that the “house of God” isn’t the building (Bethel). It’s the people. Kids learn that early on. Where has he been all these years????
NOW THAT’S FUNNY!!!! LOL
Cedars:
The U.S. Branch meeting we had over 1.8 million in attendance. Why do you think the introduction of Bro.Herd & Morris member of the “GB” with title and then “The President” of WTBTSofNY Was Not Mentioned at All. His introduction was, “our next talk, Proverbs 15:30 talks about a ” good report”, will be given by Leon Weaver Jr, Coordinator of the U.S. Branch Committee and helper on the Service Committee. “Progress of the Kingdom work”.
Current issues and February WT 2015, has Bro.Weaver as “The President”.
With all the news outbreak of lawsuits. You want to have creditability and respect. We all know the structure very well with titles and such. The outcry of Not Yet Visited Bethel with your family, as you know there has always been a “dress code” to work at Bethel “no demin jeans” and a dress code to visit Bethel.
Cedars, take a survey and ask who is the President of WTBTSofNY? You get, No One Knows!
The WT missed a Grand Opportunity during the U.S.Branch meeting in Not introducing Bro.Weaver as The President of WTBTSofNY. Bro.Weaver is an Afican-American and The President of WTBTSofNY. If I was the Coordinator of T.V.J.W, I would have Bro.Weaver in front of the camera and made sure everybody knew who I am, what I do and I’m your President of WTBTSofNY.
The delivery of all talks given at this meeting were First applied to Bethel family (maybe we need to have time clocks to make sure we start on time at work) and next to the R&F.
Food for thought, don’t forget in the scriptures, the apostles awaited The Kingdom of the heavens on earth then, there 33ce. Did King Jesus turn his back on them, did he choose another 12 smarter men to work with? Then his last night on earth, same thing you will betray me, stay awake and pray with me, what happen? Did he (King Jesus) turn his back on them again? Also too, he said (King Jesus) get behind me Satan, who was he talking to? Did he turn his back again on them (apostles). ? This proves to me the tolorence of Jehovah and Jesus with us, the freedom of choice for good or bad, and this applies to personal views as with the Men Behind the Organization WT with dates and such. Imperfection as with the apostles and the men at WT eagerness at times gets the best of us. Do we turn our backs at them or do we do what King Jesus did, kept silent and over looked there short comings. However, quote me correctly, ” all those who have violated “human beings” under the age of 16 years, should be accountable for there crimes”. They will have there day in court.
Congrats on your babies new living quaters. Send my regards to family.
There’s good people who helped out in this Quick Built. I know your busy, when you get time I await your response on Why WT held back “The President” of WTBTSofNY introduction of Bro.Weaver.
Thanks Minion, it sounds like you’re far more interested in Leon Weaver than I am. I would thoroughly recommend reading Crisis of Conscience, which will hopefully assure you that the office of president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society holds almost no power or significance in relation to the Governing Body.