Watchtower’s much-anticipated 129th Annual Meeting was held today at the Stanley Theater, New Jersey. In an unprecedented move, the event was streamed live to 1,830 locations – a global audience of nearly 1.5 million Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Sadly I was among those without an invitation. The Governing Body does not tend to welcome with open arms those like me who are critical of some of their teachings and policies.
But thankfully I have not been left entirely in the dark, and neither has anyone else for that matter! One brave blogger going by the name of “DrJohnChrist” who attended one of the streaming locations has provided a running commentary via a thread on the Reddit social network.
Much of the hype leading up to the Annual Meeting surrounded the fact that there has been a far-reaching shortage of New World Translations over the last few months, with congregation stocks running dry. This led to rumors that a new version of the English New World Translation was in preparation – and it seems these whispers were not wide of the mark.
It fell to Governing Body member Geoffrey Jackson to announce the new release. Revised into 21st Century English with a grey cover and silver edges, a revision of the New World Translation bible has been released today with the PDF version available on Monday 7th (presumably on JW.org). This is what it looks like…
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Nicknamed the “witnessing bible” (according to Stephen Lett), a large-print version will be available in 2014 followed by a pocket version. A large bible with wide margins for note-taking is also planned. The new bibles feature a “mini reasoning book,” an “extensive appendix,” a glossary, outlined summaries at the start of each book, maps and other references.
You can check the play-by-play thread yourself by clicking here.
A sexist faux pas?
In explaining the development of the new bible, Geoffrey Jackson is said to have commented extensively on the work that was done – which included designing a new font set for copyright reasons.
When commenting on the new bible’s appearance and durability, Jackson is reported to have joked that it is both “witness-proof” and “sister proof.” Quite what this means isn’t immediately obvious, but it could be that he was alluding to a stereotype of women as being overly fastidious as to how an item looks rather than its content and purpose.
While many Witnesses would likely shrug off such a remark, it was undoubtedly sexist assuming, of course, that these were Jackson’s words. You could imagine the uproar if a politician on camera described the appearance of any item as “woman proof.” It would also not be the first time a Governing Body member has made a chauvinistic remark from the platform, as certain videos featuring Stephen Lett and Samuel Herd will show.
A revised translation
It seems that, rather than being an entirely new translation (which would require a new name) this new bible is a revised translation – meaning that it is predominantly an updated and improved version of the original English New World Translation.
About two years ago I was informed by a translator in a non-English bethel that it was only a matter of time before the NWT English version would be revised, because it was originally written in 1950s English whereas subsequent translators in other languages have had the luxury of rendering bible verses in a more contemporary lexicon. This prediction was clearly accurate.
A number of terms have thus been changed as follows (according to the Reddit thread)…
- “Long-suffering” is now “patience”
- “Loose conduct” is now “brazen conduct”
- “Fornication” is now “sexual immorality”
- “Impaled” is now “nailed to a stake”
- “Sheol and hades” is now “the grave”
- “Revelries” is now “wild parties”
- “Soul” is now a variety of words depending on context
- “Kidney” now means “deepest emotions”
- “In want of heart” is now “lacking good sense”
- “Sons of Israel” is now “Israelites”
- “Fatherless boy” is now “fatherless child”
- “Alien” is now “foreigner”
- “Ass” is now “donkey”
- “Impale him” is now “to the stake with him” (a regression if you ask me!)
- “Dumb demon” is now “speechless”
- “Loving kindness” is now “loyal love”
- “Jacob’s ladder” is now “Jacob’s stairway”
- and Joseph’s “coat of many colors” is now his “special robe.”
Parts of the gospels that are disputed have been removed, namely the long and short conclusions to Mark, and John 7:53-8:11. You will be familiar with these passages as the parts that appear in small font in the original version. This adjustment will doubtless not meet with widespread approval.
It will be interesting to see how certain key texts often used by Jehovah’s Witnesses to support Watchtower teachings have now been rendered, but without having seen the bible I am personally willing to trust that no attempt has been made to alter the meaning of verses or distort scripture. I will know more once I have seen the bible for myself.
Though this bible revision first-and-foremost represents a straightforward improvement to the original English, the extent of changes (i.e. removal of disputed gospel passages and addition of extra reference material) should necessitate new versions of bibles in other languages. Otherwise you would have an English bible that differs significantly in content from its non-English counterparts. The question of how and when other language versions will be introduced apparently wasn’t addressed at the annual meeting, so we will have to wait and see what transpires. [Edit: this question WAS in fact raised during the meeting, and Guy Pierce indicated that other language editions WOULD be released, but not in the immediate future.]
Replacement for Watchtower Library?
A new application is also said to have been announced at the annual meeting by Guy Pierce, with the insinuation that it will replace Watchtower Library.
“JW Library” is reported to include five other bible translations, and will be available for download from Monday 7th onwards from Google Play, the Apple Store, the Windows Store, and Amazon.
It remains to be seen whether a price will be attached to this new software. If there is, this could prove to be a very clever and unprecedented way of guaranteeing extra cash flow. However, I would rather give the organization the benefit of the doubt and assume it is a free download until I am able to check on Monday!
[Edit: I am pleased to confirm that this app is free to download. Furthermore, having listened to the announcement, I personally doubt JW Library is an immediate replacement for Watchtower Library, since it is only really designed for touch-screen devices. That said, it would not surprise me if there are long term plans for JW Library to be the successor to Watchtower Library.]
Anti-climax
In the build-up to this meeting, rumors were rife on the internet that there would be another major new scriptural understanding, or “new light,” unveiled. These rumors were understandable given the magnitude of the doctrinal changes at last year’s event, in which the Governing Body announced itself to be the faithful slave.
In opening this year’s annual meeting, Guy Pierce could be said to have somewhat goaded his audience and raised expectations unnecessarily.
This is what he reportedly said, according to DrJohnChrist…
“Will important bible questions be answered? Yes. Proverbs 4:18. There will be new light. The righteous ones (Jehovah’s people) will get the light. Will bible truths be refined at this meeting? Absolutely.”
You can arguably excuse the “bible questions” remark as a joking acknowledgment of the number of enquiries doubtless received at headquarters as to the lack of availability of bibles.
Even so, if Guy Pierce truly said the above, then he was leading his audience up a blind alley. “Bible truths” were not “refined” at this meeting, certainly not in the sense that people would understand that statement. There was no “new light.”
Again, it remains to be seen what Pierce’s exact words were, but if this is a fair representation of what he said to introduce the meeting, then in my view his words were misleading.
Question marks can also be raised over the words of another Governing Body member. In his Watchtower summary, Gerrit Lösch is reported to have said the following…
“It’s good for us not to have association with relatives who love worldly pursuits. Are our children acting worldly? Using worldly slang? Actively STEER children toward baptism. What are your children’s conversations like? Can they sing worldly songs by heart but not kingdom songs? Do I permit my children to play with worldly children? Do they talk only about kingdom interests?”
Firstly, surely children should not be “steered” or coerced into making a lifelong commitment that they cannot fully appreciate until they have matured? Is this not a main reason why so many youths get disfellowshipped and end up being shunned by their parents?
As to the remarks about “worldly” relatives, inactive “faded” Witnesses including me will once more let out a collective sigh of disappointment at the “us versus them” mentality encouraged by the Governing Body – if this is truly what Lösch said. Deprivation of normal family contact and association is yet again used as a tool for control and punishment, as with the recent convention reminders on shunning (which all but admitted that shunning is a form of emotional blackmail).
The future is bright
But despite the disappointments, I take great encouragement from this meeting. If the above information turns out to be verified, as I hope it will be over the next few days, it will represent the THIRD major leak over the past 12 months. First we had the leak of the October 2012 elder’s letter regarding child abuse. Then in March the so-called “new light” July 15th Watchtower was leaked on this website weeks in advance of its normal release.
Now we have a thinking Witness providing a live blog feed from inside a tightly controlled and confidential meeting where use of social media was expressly banned. The bravery that DrJohnChrist has shown in getting the word out is highly commendable, and I am excited to think of what other significant leaks of information we can look forward to in the near future as yet more thinking Witnesses inside the organization decide to push the boundaries and make a difference.
UPDATE: To read my follow-up article, click here. I am now in receipt of audio files for the annual meeting which correspond with the above notes, and I can confirm the accuracy of what was written in this article based on those notes. I would, however, like to clarify two aspects of DrJohnChrist’s notes that seem to be causing some confusion: (1) when Gerrit Lösch said that God’s will is to be completed by the end of the millennium, this has given some the impression that Lösch was referring to the end of this century, when in fact he was referring to the end of Christ’s millennial rule, and (2) the phrase “bum witnesses” was never used in Lösch’s talk. The word “bum” was used once in Anthony Morris’ talk, but only in an illustration.
Further reading…
Related videos…
@ Justin, it is obvious that Jesus said Christians would set an example of love and mercy.
Why is a personal decision like changing your thoughts on your faith dealt with in such a public manner in front of an entire congregation?
Is that not somewhat familiar to public stonings and executions when citizens of a government do not comply with overbearing rules and laws?
You must see the similarity…Or you just choose to look the other way and have convinced yourself that the ends will justify the means, because “it’s in Jehovah’s hands.” Incorrect. It’s in the Governing Body’s hands, because they have absolute power over you and 7 million other people.
I want to look at the new library. I saw it says they have included the Kingdom Interlinear and the 1984 NWT. I think that is a good thing because it will help witnesses see the distortions in the NWT itself.
So Cedars – you’re one of those pretenders, yes?
Pretending to be a true JW while operating this website.
Yes?
The hatred Jesus was speaking of is the persecution of those who are jailed and killed for HIS name. Those preaching the gospel of Christ. This is happening around the world as the persecution of Christians is growing by the thousands. It isn’t talking about someone speaking against what you believe or simply disagreeing with you. That is far from what He was speaking of. Look up Voice of the Martyr’s or Open Doors. JW’s can’t claim persecution anymore because they are not being persecuted. And just because someone disagrees with you does not mean they hate you. So JWs are not who Jesus was speaking of in Matthew 10:22 or anywhere else.
@Carlucci, its not about how “high” a position is, and its not about “power”, either for the man or the woman. It’s about their respective position. Each one has a role to play, and neither is subordinate in value to the other. Its about order. That’s how the Bible teaches it, but the “world” likes to make women feel like the lesser sex, and so everyone assumes that just because the woman has a certain position it must by definition be of less value…..
As regards jokes about naggy wives, well lets be honest, we ALL know that if the wives were not naggy, then the husbands would not get anywhere! The husbands know that. Therefore actually, the joke is not so much on the women but rather on the men :)
hahahaha… this the most funniest comments yet.
“I think that is a good thing because it will help witnesses see the distortions in the NWT itself.
So the WTBTS included Interlinear in the latest NWT to what?
“see the distortions in the NWT itself”
lol…hahahahahaha
“Sister proof”, since you either were not there or choose to not listen, it was obvious that he was talking about being robust, able to be used a lot on still remain in good condition. What is great about the app is you can compare other translation and “versions” such as the King James, American Standard. Loved the point that it used to be that the King James was the “only “version” to use, now even in the south they used many translations and “versions”
Hey Brian,
Samiray thinks they were included so that witnesses can “see the distortions in the NWT itself”
hehehehehehe…that is funny…I’m on the floor now!!!!
hhohohohohoho…ahahahahahhaaaa!!!
@ Joanne – lets be honest, for one, you make it sound like every KH has at least 2 pedophiles in it. The lawsuits are few, considering this is a multi national organization of more than 7 million members. Second, there will always be lawsuits. Why are you trying to make it sound like that’s something so special? Third, this type of meeting was not the type of meeting where this was on the agenda. You know…time and place etc…?
So you are saying this new bible is for the children and disabled? The rest of the organization who are not children or disabled will continue to use the old one since it is made for smart ones?
Your own brothers and sisters have “leaked” this information all over the internet, not like it is a secret!
Why would anyone wish to go to the website and only listen to what the owners said. It would be like if I only went to Sony’s website to inquire about a new TV set, and not going to sites where there are customer reviews who help back up Sony’s comments, or who state that Sony’s comments are incorrect and that the TV is not as stated.
A smart individual would not just look at one source of information, but would look all over to ensure that they have made the right choice, that of being informed.
Samiray??? Really?
“they have included the Kingdom Interlinear and the 1984 NWT. I think that is a good thing because it will help witnesses see the distortions in the NWT itself.”
are you really that clueless?
Alex, the word ‘ass’ has been removed from The New NEW WORLD Translation and has been replaced with the word ‘ donkey’.
So, perhaps next time when you are name calling you should use ‘dumb donkey’ instead. It really is a much more pleasant and less derogatory insult!
I am sure that Jehovah appreciates your filthy language. You don’t deserve to be called a witness of Jehovah.
The only traitor here is you!
@Jannet- the lawsuits arent about the NUMBER of predators…its about an official POLICY that places the “organization” above keeping children safe. you sound like you have done your research on this subject, so surely you know im referring to the “two witness rule” and the organization instructing the body of elders to contact their local Branch FIRST instead of the authorities. And true, while we are only privy to the details of the Candace Conti case and the multiple cases already filed, we also know that their is a database kept by the organization of child abuse incidences that range in the thousands. like 23000. so just because you were never abused doesnt mean that a staggering number of JW children have been, and will continue to be abused, until the Society addresses the problem head-on and makes major changes. i agree there is a time and a place for everything, so why havent they made some sort of official statement?
to whom is this reply directed to Steven?
Jose B:
My comment is directed from this:
Alex says:
October 6, 2013 at 11:12 am
You are a dumbass. You broke the arrangement by sharing this info. People like you make me sick. No worries, soon Jehovah will kick your ass out of the congregation you moronic hypocritical traitor.
John Cedars is fighting for your freedom. His great work has helped me. This is a cult. I was a born in & can tell you that if you guys don’t get yourselves out soon, I worry seriously for your lives. Remember Jonestown! I am very concerned for all of you dear brothers & sisters. John Cedars is doing a mighty work to help free you from this concept. Please wake up before you will just about ‘swallow’ anything ‘they’ say.
I believe John Cedars thoroughly researches everything. 8 men are taking over your very lives with ‘new lies’ not new light.
Wake up. It is a dangerous cult. It wants all of you. Free yourself. There is help available!
Steven…wow!
Not sure if this another pretender. More than likely not a JW.
bye…bye …ya all…
I am not a pretender. The very FACT that you JW’S are on here, disobeying their silly rule, shows me that you are scared. I was scared too. It is hard to let go of something this big, something that has been this big in your life. It was hard for me too. We will help you get free. We will help you. I speak Croatian, French & a little German, I can help you if you speak these languages.
Someone was speaking slavic on here earlier. Ja govorim!
Je parle le francais.
There is help available.
Justin, if I may respond to you on this.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are preaching about the “Kingdom” but not about the “Kingdom of God”, “The Kingdom of the Heavens” that Jesus preached about nearly 2000 years ago.
Please refer to the four books (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) to confirm this fact.
No don’t just read the Watchtower aids (literature) on this, but really read the Bible for yourself without these aids and analyze these books and Jesus message of the “Kingdom of God” and you will see the true picture of what the “Kingdom of God” actually is.
I love how Witnesses say that cussing is bad etc. but they let the expletives fly whenever “apostasy” is on the line.
GOD DAMN IT !!!
um it was a joke…..hello
I’m a born in also.. inactive for many years but always favorable until a few months ago when 2 members of my immediate family were disfellowshipped. then I started researching this bizarre practice and I was amazed at the information I found. i’m very much a critical thinker and even though inactive there was a tiny part of me that had the guilt…maybe this was the truth and I was doing a major disservice to myself and my precious children by not teaching them the truth. well, I am no longer in any doubt whatsoever thanks to all the information and education on this website, Wikipedia, news coverage of pedophiles in the Kingdom Hall..the list goes on! I too, love my witness family and friends but the organization is corrupt at the core and the Jesus Christ I’ve read about in the NWT would have no part of these shenanigans
I see comments from former elder, why are you a former elder? If you are no longer an elder why would you have something positive to say, maybe you feel you were removed unjustly? So how can your comment or anyone else’s comment be unbiased? What about unbelievers or disfellowshipped or “inactive”?
At one point you were for the organization now you are bad mouthing it, if you dedicated your lives pubicly and now are not living up to that dedication , is that someone else’s doing or your own. So you feel bad about it, and instead of correcting your thinking you bad mouth the GB and others. If you no longer desire to be a part. Then remain apart, or do you feel better if you put down the people in the organization you no longer choose top be apart of. The brothers dont determine if someone can have a funeral in the kingdom hall, if you never show up at meeting , engage in the preaching work , you do not support any activity of the organization , why do you feel you should still receive the benefits of sn organization you no longer support?
I find sites like these quite amazing,I once worked for a company, that in my opinion was one of the best, great benefits, great salary, great environment, for 20 yrs I worked there until one day I was let go. Hurtful as that was I was never bitter. In fact when ever I speak of my former company I do so with great admiration. I didn’t start a web page to discuss the how corrupt, mean spirited,undermining this company was, because while I was there it served its purpose. I didnt contact former employees or talk with those still working to talk about confidential matters or trade secrets to put the company in a bad light, because while I was there it served its purpose. When I read quotes from sites like this of people who say they were once part of a religion but now find reason to have fault with it, I can only think how better off that religion must be with out you. Because if I owned a company you would not be those that I would want as employees.
I’m not taking a stand for Jehovahs witnesses, I appreaciate religion and its variety, however, I agree with one comment made earlier it seems that if the witnesses didn’t exist you all would have no life.
why stay anonymous if you are certain it is not the truth, be bold about it, You know the scripture? If it from man it will not last but if it is from God it can not be overturned, NO ONE else does the preaching work BUT Jehovah’s Witnesses , YOU want to point out pedophiles where ? They are not leading our congregations like in christendom and do not have priviledges in the christian congregation even if they attend the kingdom hall after they have served their time “payed their debt to society” they still have to answer to God for what they have done!
Wow! It is great to see so many faithful JW’s are visiting and commenting on this site today. :) your input is wanted.
I hope you will take a few minutes and complete the survey on the home page. We need a more balanced opinion recorded. Too many apostates are skewing the results of this poll! Please help the cause and make it a fair survey.
Boy you guys sure are dense. Oh wait, you just think you know something when you do not.
“Sister proof” is a reference to the fact that “sisters” make up the majority of those in the ministry, as they are referred to as a “small army”. This means that they handle the Bible more times than do the Brothers, thus more wear and tear.
Sheesh. You people need a new hobby.
Mariposa
I was so compelled to reply to your message. Your tone and message takes an elitist tone. Am I wrong?
I was a JW for 30 yrs, was told that basically long distance running was a selfish pursuit even though I did my best to be a”good witness” is running a worldy pursuit? I have many former friends and family that followed this- “do not follow matireal pursuits” rule and now can’t pay ther bills or have to take on two minimun wage jobs because they didn’t get encouraged to pursue higher education. Now when I hear that young ones should be steered towards baptism and only talk about kingdom subjects makes me so sad that they will not be able to be their authentic and true selves. They will live their lives in order to be elegible to carry this new grey bible and do the microphones on Sundays, and get the odd wink from the elders. All for man! Lets bring God back into the equation! Please do your research on this Organization
@joseB maybe you should have an actual opinion and an argument instead of attacking a person’s character. If that is all you can do and name call then it sounds like you might actually be scared to have a legitimate debate based on logic and reason. So you resort to name calling. Typical response when a person feels threatened and they can’t attack the argument so they attack the person. Get back to me when you can actually defend yourself. Oh wait…you don’t have to right…because you already have the absolute truth about the entire universe…so you are already right and I’m wrong…Get back to me when you want a legit conversation, one that entails addressing what we are saying, instead of obsessing over the character of the person who is talking.
Focus on the counsel not the counselor, REMEMBER?
Again,
Thank you Cedars, for creating a website that allows people to express themselves freely about Jehovah’s Witnesses and their personal feelings.
I personally understand that when a person is emotionally attacthed to any ideal it is very hard to give up or consider it is wrong. I know this for 2 reasons, when I was young I was sure I was in love with a girl and did not care what others thought. However I was to young to take care of her and developing strong feelings for her only frustrated me. The second reason is my love for Jehovah, I put that above everything else in my life and was willing to comply with any direction. After 13 years as an elder 12 years of full time service I was forced to question the organization. Children comitting suicide because of shunning. The greed displayed in the so called disaster relief and lack of proper training for those who volunteered that cost some their lives. Where they invoke that the brother or sister was loyal and will get resurrected. When I questioned it, I was immediately mistreated. If someone wishes to challenge my statements please do so and I will provide evidence and facts only. Facts that those entering into contaminated homes needed but did not get. Facts that those who entered back into their contaminated homes could have used. It does not end there, the corruption that goes all the way to the top is unbelievable! Ultimately it led to my research of the history of the Bible a book I represented for 44 years! A book full of plagiarism and orders from God to gather the nations to rape the women of Jerusalem!!!!! According to the Bible God drew the nations together with the knowledge that doing so would cause the rape of the women, sick, sick, sick, sick! Who is the devil it is the middle eastern men who wrote the Bible. Look at what happened in Dubai, women have been raped and have had to plead guilty to adultery when they have reported the rape to the police. The victim is victimized further. The numerous false prophecies have led to an abundance of wrecked lives that were left to our government to put together.
@jannet don’t you think that the Governing Body has positioned themselves above everyone else by proclaiming that they themselves are the faithful and discreet slave? Come on. Wake up and smell the coffee. You are defending 8 men that you have have probably never met in your entire life. 8 men that you trust completely, and you know nothing about them. So your defense that it’s not about having a high position is riddled with ignorance on your part. If you don’ think there is a hierarchy in the organization, you are sadly mistaken. I feel even more sorry for you since you are evidently a woman, a woman who can be so much more than someone that is just taking orders and allowing herself to be led by men, men who have no spine and just follow other men. It’s easy to go with the flow. I know why you conform and why you are ok with the path of least resistance. It’s a lot easier. Instead of thinking for yourself and having your own thoughts. You don’t own your life. They do. And you know it. You are just too scared to even think that that might be a possibility. It’s too much to bare. It’s too much to deal with if that were true…
In addition to your comments about “order” and different roles, you should think about not just yourself but other women (women that you should be supporting ) that stay in abusive relationships within your precious little “spiritual paradise”. They can’t leave their husbands and are pressured into staying with them.
As for the “world”, no, the world is actually recognizing that women should have a say, and should be leaders, because they are great leaders. Women do have a position, and that is of being themselves completely and not being held back by traditional standards, and realizing their potential to the maximum, without limits.
Oh and regarding women “needing” to be naggy: In a relationship based on mutual respect and an understanding in the other person’s independence and own personal growth, a woman should not have to be nagging their husband. That is what you do with a child. So if you want to marry a child, then well, I guess that is what you will be doing. But you don’t have to accept the mediocrity that will come with a relationship like that.
Justin, the majority of the WBTS is secret!
If it wasn’t…. your eyes as well as many others would be opened. My mother went to this annual meeting yesterday, she told me they were “allowed” to attend, but not the unbaptised ones.. I found just those choice of words to be ludicrous..
Who supports rape? You will likely find the answer shocking.
Zechariah 14:1-3
If that does not make you pause. Then good luck and stay away from my daughter and wife!
It is sad that conviction is often based on trust in others, such as our parents and the elders. So often they have not read the Bible and claim to know it and its trustworthiness. It is obvious that so many that comment have not read the Bible cover to cover, much like me for so many years. Once I read it for myself, it set me on the path of being an agnostic.
Your comparison has no bearing in this. I will explain why.
This religious organization has supreme power, to kick you out and make your family and friends ignore you. If you decide you no longer want to be with a company, is the employer going to come to your house, question you about how much faith you have in the company itself, and if you don’t they will proceed to announce before all employees that you have been fired?
No. No company would do that. But that is what your lovely organization does.
In addition an employer would not, in addition to announcing before all employees you are getting fired, order your family and friends not to speak to you, based on the fact that you had THOUGHTS about the company not really being a good fit for you.
SO, your precious analogy can go both ways. Think about the EMPLOYER acting the way the ORGANIZATION does, and you will see how ridiculous it truly is.
And the remark that is repeated over and over and over to those that decide to leave for personal reasons: “well it’s your personal decision, you can do whatever you want and decide whatever you want”. My reply to that is : if you acknowledge that it is such a PERSONAL decision, why are the consequences and announcements of it so PUBLIC?
Believe me, I can’t think of one employer that would act the way your organization does to someone that used to be an employee. So, as mentioned, your comparison does not fit.
At all. If anything it exposes how merciless your organizational policies truly are, because by your standards, not even a “WORLDLY” employer would do what the organization does to people. With that said, you might pity people that have moved on from the org.
But I pity you.
First of all sir what gives you the impression I am a J Witness . I was making an observation, I don’t need any pity from anyone. I have read up on many religions, but by and large it seems people that were once jw seems to form sites like these, I agree I think most of you have mental problems ,Im content with my beliefs and if I weren’t that would be my business.If your religion didn’t work for u join another religion, With that said pity yourself.
Joanne, how would you suggest things regarding child abuse were handled? Do you really think, that an organization that prides itself on living by bible standards would really somehow miss doing things according to bible’s standards with regard to such serious matters as this? There are reasons for the two witness rule. However, if say a parent has strong conviction that their child was/is being abused by an elder/or anyone, he or she has full right to inform the authorities (police etc.). That is their right, and no elder would ever stop them or “punish” them for it. But, if the parent of a victim brings the case to the elders first, then the elders have to proceed according to specific instructions.The reason why they are told to contact the society FIRST, is because the society is able to advise them, (not every elder is familiar with this kind of situation, and may not know what to do). The FIRST thing the society advises them is that if the parent wishes to bring the case to the authorities they are fully entitled to do so. This is because in the past, some elders erroneously thought that parents were NOT to contact the authorities. After that a judicial committee is set up, the victim and accused are interviewed (separately) etc….but during all this, the parent is free to talk to the authorities and is advised by the elders to do so at any time.
Of course, it’s not all cut and dry. As you said, we are not privy to every case. And you have no idea about the database, you have no idea of the number, whatever number you quoted is heresy and not based on fact. Witness children will keep on being abused if no one speaks up. That includes the children, and parents. If the elders are kept in the dark, how is it the societies fault? And if you want to say that the children are being trained to keep quiet, then you are so wrong. On the contrary, witness children are being trained to speak up. I did when I was young.
The society does not need to make an official statement. Every witness has (or should have) its finger on the pulse of the organization and know what is going on. And most witnessed do. There is no excuse not to, as the society does inform, via its magazines, and recently via the JW website. If you miss something, then its because you are not paying attention and are a “drifter” or part time JW.
@ Tiger. I do not see anything about supporting rape. God warned of the consequences that would come upon Israel if the people disobeyed his law. He foretold that, besides suffering sicknesses and calamities, they would fall into the hands of their enemies who amongst other things would rape the women. That is a fact. That’s what enemy nations did (and still do in some cases).
Surely a warning of the consequences is not the same as supporting them is it? I mean, if as a father you warned your daughter about visiting certain unwholesome locations, because she could get raped, would you be supporting rape?
Rumour watty. I’m not a Witness and I got a new Bible