The new “tv.jw.org” website is barely off the ground, but it is wasting no time in posting some intriguing content.
I have already discussed the October broadcast featuring Steven Lett in one of my latest YouTube videos. As I mentioned, giving members of the Governing Body increasing prominence could easily backfire as perceptions of their supposed ‘humility’ erode – especially among older generations of Witnesses who can remember a time when even a group photograph in the publications was a rarity.
A curious example of the Governing Body’s apparent appetite for the limelight can be found in the latest video to be uploaded to JW Broadcasting – namely the full four-hour recording of the 2014 Annual Meeting.
In the closing stages of the meeting, all seven members emerge on stage to sing along to one of the new songs. “We notice we have seven honorary members to our chorus here to my right,” says the choir conductor as the leaders walk on to applause.
This is the first time (at least, to my knowledge) that all incumbent members of a Governing Body have appeared side-by-side on film. I have a feeling it won’t be the last.
The full video can be watched on this link.
There is a nagging sense of irony in seeing seven men whose authority must never be challenged on pain of punishment by family estrangement singing “Jehovah, Jehovah, there is no God like you. There’s no other in the heavens, or on the earth below. You alone are God Almighty, and this all men must know. Jehovah, Jehovah, we have no other God but you.”
It would be easier to take these words seriously if the Governing Body were not falling over themselves to get in front of the camera at almost every opportunity, and chastising any Witnesses who refuse to show them the loyalty they crave.
To those like me who feel the effects of daring to defy these men on a daily basis, they seem very much like Gods “on the earth below” – especially when they are free to decipher the thoughts and commands of the Almighty without any need for their conclusions to make sense, stand the test of time, or even correspond with the scriptures.
Then there is the remarkable onus on the logo for the JW.org website, which is increasingly used as a vehicle for their publicity. A cursory glance at the “jw_witnesses” instagram page shows an unnerving devotion to the symbol in its various settings, whether affixed to a kingdom hall or branch office, or adorning a tote bag or t-shirt.
Adoration of a man-made symbol that would once have been considered idolatrous, a denial that there is “no other God like Jehovah,” is now deemed perfectly kosher – and all because it has the Governing Body’s seal of approval.
The Watchtower organization of 2014 is quickly becoming unrecognizable from that which I grew up in. Surely it wasn’t that long ago when even the Watchtower symbol wasn’t given too much prominence, and any depiction of the Governing Body in the literature or videos was greeted with surprise.
I can only hope that my sense of bewilderment at the ever-more obtrusive exploits of Dave, Tony, Geoff, Sam, Mark, Steve and Gerrit, and the increasingly gaudy outfit they preside over, is shared by at least some indoctrinated Witnesses – perhaps prompting some soul searching on their part.
When the ‘humble’ men you are pinning everything on start morphing into the same tacky televangelists they once delighted in taunting and condemning, you know it’s time for a reality check.
Further reading…
- Coming soon to a web browser near you – Governing Body TV (on demand!)
- Televangelism and youth – tried tested and failing
- Friendly Atheist article
- BETHEL LEAK: Three new kingdom songs…
They couldn’t use actual song books?
Hilarious!
They are becoming what they used to condemn!
They have become what they hated.
What shock me now is that a great deal of things with which they used to denounce others are perfectly excused as the Governing Body is approving these changes. And what about the small number? They are not replacing the dead ones…. Why???
i couldnt get past the first 5 minuets, it was too funny. some of them must not give too many talks, ive heard way better from random people in local congregations.
i think he said governing body about 3 times then went right into all the grandious things THEY did.
gee what happened when moses said something to the effect, do I have to stike the rock to get water?
pat themselves on the back much? Its a pathetic display of something…. Just cant put my finger on it.
i think Ill get my pink highlighter pencil and highlight all the times they mention themselves in one way or another, in the new book they printed.
@chatpal: My mom taught me, “Self exaltation is no recommendation.” Check out Brother Lett’s first podcast, with words to the effect, these videos are “evidence of Jehovah’s and THE GOVERNING BODY’S love for little children.”
So wrong, on so many different levels. The religion I belonged to always emphasized two evidences of love: Jehovah’s love for us by giving his only son, and Jesus’ love for his Father, and for us, by giving sacrificing Jesus. Also, Stephen Lett is a member of the governing body. It would be like you or I saying “(such and such) is evidence of Jehovah’s and MY love for….”
Ugh. I’m sick (and no, not “mentally diseased,” but fed up and heart sick).
P.S. my personal observation: The new songs are creepy, churchy, and HARDER to sing.
Is it only a matter of time before we start baptising dead relatives and wearing special underwear??
This is totally disgusting, Cedars you are doing such a wonderful job exposing all their moves and lightening fast changes they are making on a daily basis anymore. I got a reality check today driving by my old KH and saw the big blue JW.ORG sign pasted out there for all to see. Made me sick to my stomach. Keep up the good work.
The religion I grew up in no longer exists, this corporate machine with cult undertones has evacuated the remains of what I grew up in. I no longer recognise this movement.
A tv channel on the internet! It makes a mockery of everything I was told in my youth. Before an apologist defends them for their forwaed thinking, these are old ideas long ago used by other religions YOU consider false.
Think about it.
I listened to Sandersons talk at the annual meeting. As usual
it was full of self congratulation and con mans Bluff.
Rather than shrink away from the dismal failure of the 1914
generation. they’ve decided to tough it out, and trumpet the
the unbelievable concept of a 115 year generation as a period
of blessings from Jehovah. (Remember those alive in 1914 had
cognitive)
There’s Short cons, and there’s Long cons, This is one of the
longest. and has cost many trusting people a lifetime of
dissappointment.
I agree 100% with what you have said. 30 years ago OMG this would of been a scandal. Sadest thing of all is the R&F are totally unaware of what is going on.
They are CELEBRATING 100 years of kingdom rule! Forget about the 100 years of failures and disappointments that started with C.T. Russell. “Oh how thrilling it must have been to hear those words from brother Russell…!” Give me a break? Longest con job? You got it! (well perhaps the Mormons are a little ahead in that respect. LOL)
Why is the man “conducting” not facing the choir? That’s not standard conducting practice!
Re the GB member “sitting in,” Let’s review: It’s a cult!
Who knows – they may have a 900 year plan. It could turn out to be a 1000 year invisible reign over JW.org :-)
They are staying put with only “7” members because 7 is a sacred number in the bible. The whole world is heading towards extreme changes, and they know this…that is why they are ramping up their “we are holier than thou” stance. If you don’t have a relationship with the creator Himself, you will follow the next best…which are trying desperately to make themselves in the eyes of their blind sheep. As you can see, they don’t really speak of Yeshua anymore…because they want to be seen as taking his place, but in an incognito way…and their brainwashed members are falling for it hook, line, and sinker.
All I know is, the delirious members are in for a rude awakening…cause no religion, and I repeat NO religion can or will escape the NWO lol. Majority of the non thinking members will have to make it that far before they realize they have been bamboozled…and by then they will all drop their bookbags running around like a bunch of thrown off course ants. It will be a very bitter sweet moment for those of us who has family tranced out in this foolishness…but it must come to pass.
It is very sad to see so many individuals driven like Oxen with blinders and a Nose Ring… which is apropos because they are being driven and pushed quickly to stay in the mindset of cognitive delusion. That is why the GB moves quickly on building projects, literature releases on doctrinal changes, … alas. the New Light, and new forms of preaching..
I Admin one of the largest JW FB groups and I see this mental idiom daily. The absolute blind acceptance is astounding. Even when some bring unequivocal evidence (usually from their own literature)to support their information.
I apologize Cedar… I left the wrong email.. :)
Next up, “Tammuz” and his running mascara begging for love offerings from the kids–some of you televangelist-phobes will get that one.
Speaking of phobias, the JW.org got upstaged today when the RCC issued a radical nod to gays/lesbians in stating “they have gifts to offer” with caveat of the morality questions of having “partners”.
And, the moon turned to blood earlier this week [watches as chunks of asteroid fall to earth smashing church steeples, signaling the beginning of the end…o/” we’ll meet again, some sunny day o/”]
I seem to recall a certain blog reply where someone hinted about the new “compound” in Tuxedo Park accommodating a television/film production facility?
It is so clear, the GB want all JW to follow them!
In wanting to compare themselves to Moses they have become just like Korah, Dathan and Abiram, who also persuaded others to follow them. But their end will be the same as those earlier rebels.
Rarely ever heard of any GB members names let alone what they looked like in all my nearly 40yrs of being a JW.
I don’t think they are concerned about the older ones, its the young ones they want to keep in as they are their future. And being a suspicious person of these men, nothing would surprise me if other things surface in the future about where all the money and sales of property are really going. Something stinks to high heaven.
They are no better than all the other religions they have condemned, the hypocrisy is over bearing.
Curiously. . , regardless of all the literature, new thoughts/light , website, and tv channel there is no avenue to a right to reply.
Intresting question found on jw.org. Do Jehovah’s witnesses break up families or build them up?
My question is this. . Do you need to be a Jehovah’s witness to apply bible principles or are you using the Bible to promote yourself’s
The Watchtower quotes the european court of human rights (hypocrisy in context)
Perhaps the family member is trying warn the Jehovah’s witness of that fact or perhaps of the blood fractions nonsense, oral sex being grounds for divorce, 1975,1919,1874. Tubal ligation. Shunning. Etc etc etc etc etc.
WHY WOULDN’T THEY?
The most appalling aspect of it all (everything considered) is the portrayal of themselves as innocent.
Well they got the logo and merchandise whats next? I reckon it could be figures of Dave,Steve,Mark,Geoff and crew in boxes for sell at the Kingdom halls and conventions Oh and if you are fortunate enough they will be autographed lol :)
I wonder how the new tele-evangelists will go down with our British congregations. Likewise, the logo replacing the crosses on their buildings. Time will tell.
Cedars, your penmanship is to be commended once again, thank you for another interesting article.
Despite this new drive to appear in the limelight, they are still seven sad, coffin-dodging, out-of-touch and somewhat sinister old men. How can all the youngsters in this pernicious cult look to these old fuddy-duddies as role models?
For the religious indoctrinated . Black sabbath. Pariah.
Meanwhile heres Tom with the weather.
It’s a religious methodemic
It’s so hilarious to watch goblin Lett’s face mimic while singing :))
Lee Elder– that made me laugh. That was good.
Another comment on Sandersons talk… Applause was conspicuous
by it’s absence, instead of the usual enthusiastic clapping after every
claimed accomplishment there was deathly silence.
Eventually he had to elicit the applause, with statements such as
“Would you not agree with that brothers”? (Pathetic)..
Could there have been a feeling of, We’ve heard it all before.?
And are people waking up from their blind credulity and starting
to take back their reasoning powers.?
maybe they were all nodding of.. or maybe they couldn’t tell he finished the talk and were waiting for some sort big finale.
I’ve started 3 different petitions on the White House website calling for the government to begin a legal investigation into the Governing Body for criminal activity. Feel free to sign and share them. https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/investigate-jehovahs-witness-leaders-child-abuse-cover-and-protecting-child-abusers/nLBCT5mN
I recall a time when anyone who referred to Jehovah’s Witnesses as JWs was specifically admonished and told that we should never leave out the name of Jehovah as it was disrespectful, (kinda like calling Christmas – xmas). However, now it appears to be ok because the gb have said it is ok. I find it rather disturbing that they have replaced God’s name with a website address.
In this religion the rules change, and doctrine changes at the whim of these seven men (or should I say their advisors) and no one that is still indoctrinated seems to really care or question the changes. Fascinating isn’t it?
2014 Has certainly brought many a change as far as the WT Org. is concerned, I can only wonder WHAT NEXT?!!!!
Makes me so glad I got out when I did!
As far as numbers go…what about 66 book of the bible????
Thank you Cedars for the link to the 2014 annual meeting. While I was listening to the talks at the end, I paused it every 3 or 4 words so I could write it down word for word and I have a plethora of questions just from these last 3 talks.
Stephen Lett started talking about Jesus parable of the man who persisted in asking for bread from a neighbor late at night and instantly switched to the parable of the 10 virgins and said the parable refers to the anointed only but said that they are virgins and chaste referring to 2nd Cor. 11: 2 but stumbles when he refers to Rev. 14:4 saying they were chaste but vs. 5 says that no deceit was found in their mouths but he doesn’t talk about that scripture. Is that why he stumbles, because to qualify as Jesus bride class, no deceit can be found in their mouths????
Both Lett and Morris talked about how the Great Tribulation isn’t going to start until after the last of the anointed have received their sealing but he didn’t explain what that means but the July 15 Watchtower 2013 page 9 says that means when they are taken to heaven. My question then would be to Lett: Are these 12,000 all going to just disappear one day and then the next day the Great Tribulation starts? What happens if they all disappear and the Great Tribulation doesn’t start the next day? Isn’t that what they thought was going to happen around 1920 and nothing happened? Or if they don’t all get “beamed” up one day, does that mean that the Great tribulation won’t start until the last one finally dies off??? What if the number keeps getting bigger? Does that mean that the Great Tribulation isn’t for a long time yet?
My question for Jackson’s talk is: Just who or what is Gog of Magog? Is it Satan or isn’t it? According to his talk, it’s a new understanding so what is it? It sounded like from his talk that we used to think it was Satan that was going to attack God’s people after he was kicked out of heaven in 1914 but after listening to the talk, I couldn’t understand, is it Satan or is it the nations? Not clear. He gets to the end and just says “well we know for sure that when Gog of Magog attacks, he is going to be defeated and destroyed completely and also what do we know? God’s people will be saved and ushered into a new world of righteousness and peace and security and what do we say about that? Hallelujah!! May Jehovah be praised!!!
Was he talking about after Armageddon, before the Great Tribulation or just when???? He just kept going back and forth between after the 1,000 years and the Great Tribulation and completely lost me.
If these guys compose their own talks, I’d give them an F.
Looks pretty much like all false religion, except scarier.
My whole family thinks they only worship God. Except they always say God uses the organization to do his will. So consequently there is no arguing with them, as they are totally convinced that God is with these guys. If the GB contradicts all reason and scripture with their pronouncements and policies, it is excused because…’ God is using them’. God will take care of weird stuff, that we who are no longer involved see clearly, in his “due time”. This reeks of total control, and blind obedience. After way too long, I realize the folly of letting others think for me.