A YouTube video recently uploaded by a delegate to one of the 2014 international conventions is causing a stir among current and former Witnesses alike.
Now with over 11,000 views the video, shot on June 6th by a delegate to the Detroit international convention, shows an entertainment event being hosted in what appears to be a kingdom hall.
Jehovah’s Witnesses from three different congregations are shown partying with their delegate guests to a series of songs, mostly comprising ‘worldly’ hits from the Sixties.
Classic hits such as “Stand By Me,” “Up On The Roof” and “Stay” are performed by a musical ensemble led by an older brother on the drums, who introduces each song as though it has a ‘theocratic’ angle. Delegates are told that “Stand By Me,” for example, has “lyrics that emphasize the closeness that we have to each other in Jehovah’s organization.”
Once the band has vacated the stage, the kingdom hall later erupts into dancing to the song “Happy” by rapper Pharrell Williams (see time marker 29:55). This is the same song that was recently danced to by a number of former Witnesses, including yours truly, in a special video.
Interestingly, as any relatively well-informed Witness will tell you, kingdom halls (as buildings dedicated to worship) are usually deemed as fitting venues ONLY for regular meetings, ‘theocratic’ arrangements, weddings or funerals.
And as the following excerpt from page 127 of the Shepherd the Flock of God elder’s manual shows, even couples getting married should not expect the playing of so-called ‘worldly’ songs at their ceremony.
After reading the above, you might be tempted to see the YouTube video as evidence that Watchtower is becoming more relaxed and mainstream. But if this is the case, please don’t get your hopes up!
As already explained in a recent article, international conventions are a huge money-spinner for Watchtower. Those wealthy enough to be “delegates” (and who meet the physical and ‘spiritual’ criteria) must fork out eye-watering sums of money to stay at Watchtower-approved hotels, and in some cases will pay a premium on their flights if they book through one of the organization’s prearranged travel agencies.
I write with some personal experience on the matter after being told how much a close relative from the UK once paid to attend an international convention as a delegate in mainland Europe. The amount he paid Watchtower for an event only two hour’s flying time away was closer to what I would have expected him to pay to jet off to Australia.
Unsurprisingly, those who are willing to pay handsomely for the privilege of attending an event where they have an opportunity of rubbing shoulders with a Governing Body member (which is the only significant difference between an international and a regional convention), are treated like royalty.
After all, Watchtower wants these elite individuals to also consider being delegates for future events, and not become disillusioned.
And so it is that the rulebook can so easily be thrown out of the window where international convention delegates are concerned.
A couple getting married are not giving hundreds or even thousands of dollars to Watchtower, so they don’t get to walk down the aisle to Celine Dion. An international delegate, on the other hand, is lining Watchtower’s pockets quite nicely, and so can expect some bang for his buck when it comes to entertainment and ‘hospitality’.
And when it comes to keeping their wealthy backers happy, the Governing Body are only too willing to oblige.
***UPDATE – Since this article was published the following video has been obtained showing line dancing at a kingdom hall in Euless, Texas, to entertain international delegates***
I’m fairly sure at 24.00 minutes into the video the singer sings “we won’t pray”. I maybe wrong but. . . . ?
I’ve been a delegate 2 times and I’ve made my own travel arrangements. The organized arrangements are indeed very expensive, but (at least in our country, The Netherlands) not obligatory.
A big party in the KH is not common. But I really doubt if this was ‘approved by some big wig’, as stated above. I think a BOE went out of line.
Thank you for your comment Michel, especially since you have been a delegate yourself.
On the link below you will find the letter that was sent to elders detailing the arrangements for those wishing to attend a 2014 international convention as a delegate.
https://www.sendspace.com/file/qe6wy4 (be sure to click on the blue button that says “Click here to start download from Sendspace”)
Though there is some latitude as to whether you accept the “prearranged travel agency” or one of your own choosing, you will note that…
(1) You MUST book with a hotel on the “Approved Hotel Listing,” and
(2) The use of private homes for accommodation is only available to “longtime, faithful servant[s], perhaps with many years of full-time service, who [are] not able to fully finance such a trip,” and elders are expressly ordered NOT to make this provision widely known.
That said, I am editing my article to reflect that there IS some flexibility in how travel arrangements are made (if not for hotels), and I appreciate you bringing this to my attention.
As to whether the above party was sanctioned or not, I can assure you that this event was entirely in-keeping with the preparations that have been going on in all cities where an international convention is being hosted.
For example, back in March I received an email from one brother (who shall remain anonymous) in an international convention city who had this to say…
“There has been a big push for volunteers to help with various aspects of the ‘hospitality’ to be provided to the international delegates. One of these aspects are four ‘entertainment nights’ that are going to be held for those visiting the international convention for abroad. Letters were read out to congregations for anyone with a talent to audition for the opportunity play at one of these entertainment nights.
These ‘talent auditions’ were held inside Kingdom Halls. From what I have heard most auditionees were either singing/playing music or were some kind of comedian/acting/dancing. Although one element of their audition had to be Biblical, every musical auditionee had to prepare one Kingdom song and one other song of their choice to play at their audition. So basically it was considered acceptable to play/sing ‘worldly’ music inside a Kingdom Hall!”
Bear in mind I received this email back in March, and there wasn’t enough to go on to trigger an article. But in light of the above you can imagine how expected the YouTube video was when I saw it. These events are happening, not just in Detroit, but in other countries wherever international conventions are being held – and they are sanctioned from the very top.
:-) “the sisters won’t mind”, genius:-)
Where’s the orgy bit? Cedars, I’m not disappointed.
Nah, Bluehawk; this is significant. Most JWs would tell you this sort of partying isn’t appropriate, or shows disrespect to Jehovah, even if Jehovah’s name is used; remember Moses’s people and their “festival to Jehovah”? They called it that but Jehovah wasn’t buying it and destroyed then anyway.
Because even though they had put God’s name on it, they were worshipping that golden calf. Hmmm… I hope Jah doesn’t see this dance party as these JWs worshipping Pharrell, or Pop music, or something. The humanity!
WE must remember that when Moses delayed for a while in the mountain the people got impatient an forgot about the GOD that led them out of bondage,and so they took to partying and having a good time for themselves right there at the foot of the holy mountain…well GOD heard and saw what they were doing with displeasure…And so now with the delay of the promise paradise ,it seems the modern counterparts have grown weary waiting for the promise land of the paradise earth and have decided to make themselves too a golden calf ,dance and carry on and forget about their GOD and his requirements.How can they claim their are no part of the world and then brazenly and openly do the things of the world.mixing sad kingdom songs with pop, rock and dance hall music in the kingdom hall;even at times invoking GOD’S NAME AS IF IT HAS HIS BLESSING IS OH SO CRASS!!!I took a look at them making every effort to portray themselves as the groups they imitating.The hats. the clothing,the dance moves,the whole nine yards…when it came time for the get down boogie woogie, i could see MOSES BREAKING THE TABLETS IN DISGUST!!As the holy kingdom hall turned into dance hall mania.disgusting hypocrisy is what it looked like to me …Are they going to go preach after that ?? I DON’T THINK SO… AND BTW,I ATTENDED THE REGIONAL CONVENTION LAST SUNDAY IN NEW YORK AND I WOULD OF SWORN THAT I WAS AT COMEDY CENTRAL… IT;S NO WONDER THEN THEY WOULD SANCTION THINGS LIKE THIS.Maybe they trying to find a way to make the members forget about all the flip/flops and just go on as if nothing happened.
@ Rudeawake says;
send me your email , i’ll send the elders book to you.
leshoy2@gmail.com
In Canada they have been recording meetings for years………then they take the tapes to the publishers who can’t make it to the meetings (elderly/sick, etc). My Mom had they laying around her bed when she was in her 90’s. The answer to your questioin is Absolutely YES.
My how times have changed. If this sort of thing happened 20 years ago it would of been scandalous. Funny thing is in this country we had an international assembly. And at the end of the convention they had this indigenous performance on the platform. I personally thought it was very border line, considering that this culture is very much tied up in (well as the witnesses would refer to it) false gods. When I saw it, it didn’t sort of sit right with me considering the bashing they have given it in years past.
Thank you kindly leshoy.send to caltanzee@aol.com…we must continue to enlighten each other so we can help others to break the mental bondage that have entrapped so many lives with half truth.
WOW WOW WOW. Oh I’m sorry it must of been that theocratic training school that made me do that “Repetition for emphasis”. LOL
I have been out some 30 years and when I see stuff like this and hear the kingdom songs sang I get bad flashbacks!!
Don’t worry I’m completely deprogrammed and understand reality for what it really represents.
Why would anyone really be surprised by this video after all it’s the same old mentality that permeates many JW devotees and that’s the two sets of rules for many things.
It comes from the top (GB) down this type of mentality.
As a music lover and singer I feel embarrassed for such a poor representation of our music and culture towards those delegates.
It’s a good thing many don’t know the language. Lol
I’m sure this was done in a honest hearted effort to make them feel welcome and at home.
All kidding aside I think this is just another attempt at trying to show the witnesses as real and down to earth people who are just like everyone else. NOT!!
They are so delusional and any who come out of this ever changing rules type organization due well to get some type of counseling to help them deprogram from this cult driven religion.
When conflicts arise as there are many in this faith, do they really apply bible principles in the end?
Not from my own personal experiences from what I have seen in my own family and many others I knew about from long ago.
I was actually told by a professed witness after questioning his conduct in relation to his x wife and how badly he still treated her that he was going to “Put a bullet in my Head”.
I actually had to file a police report on the incident to which he was arrested.
This acclaimed elder said this all while in company of his own children!!!
Just another fine example of the two sets of rules thinking that permeates this organization.
All this occurred after merely telling this individual that he needs to curb his anger and abusive speech.
I could go on and on about the hypocrisy I have first hand have witnessed.
But I will not say anything more as I’m sure you all have your personal stories that would make the best Hollywood scripts.
My uncle played for the NY philharmonic and was a true professional. He conducted many of the bethel recording sessions.
But he could not conduct or control his own wife’s mouth when it came to the poison that would come out of it.
To me many of these folks live double lives when it comes to their own conduct.
I’m glad for one thing and that is I didn’t waste the last 30 years staying involved.
I’ve watched from the sidelines as my other family siblings tried to serve a manmade religion and express their own dissatisfaction only to go through the motions for fear of SHUNNING!
How sad that they have lived a life of unhappiness and being delusional.
So I say in my parting words. I wish the best for people like these folks and hope one day they will wake up from the nightmare they are living!!
Et en plus ils jouent mal, et chantent faux…..
Social occasions, Years ago there was a bit less censure in
this area than at present, My daughter, young at the time
now 57 was married at the Kingdom Hall.
For the reception we hired a social club, of which one of the
Elders was a member, All the sisters pitched in with
sandwiches, trifles, etc, There was a bar (which did very
good business, many non witness friends, and relatives,
we’re present, (none of them were vetted to see if they were fit to associate with “God’s Holy organization”)
So thanks to the generosity of many, It was a happy
and enjoyable day.
Today in the elders secret manual. Several petty rules and
restrictions are listed, Permission to rearrange chairs,
Apply in writing to use Kingdom Hall, (What’s wrong with
just having a word with the head elder, or whatever his title
is).
But what I found to be absolutely appalling was this
demand, : “The wedding party should not include, Any
person, whose life style grossly conflicts with bible principles,
What, “Self Righteousness, “God I thank you that I am not
like other men, extortioners, adulterers, or like this tax
collector next to me” Luke, 18,9-14, : The Pharisees have
not gone away, Your conscience, Your judgement, is not
needed, It’ all in the RULE BOOK.
At an evening gala featuring tango dancing, opera and other live performances of folk songs a helper to the governing body was in attendance and the event was hosted by a circuit overseer. These events as cedars mentioned are sanctioned from the top. Anyone who hasn’t been a special convention delegate would be shocked to know this.
Rude awake,
I agree that dancing in the Kingdom Hall is a new and controversial thing. However, it is not an unforgivable sin to dance in a prefabricated hall that has been paid for through “voluntary” donations.
Fun and sin are not the same, sir. There is room for dancing and singing and having a good time in the Christian Tradition. Remember, sir, that Jesus of Nazereth’s first miracle was at a wedding feast and it was turning water into wine.
I hardly think that a God who is said to have created human beings would be offended by human beings having some fun.
Remember, sir, that God does not dwell in any building on Earth. He exists in Heaven.
I agree that the GB have sinically given their permission for folks to able to enjoy themselves after years of castigating folks for wanting to have a good time once in a while.
I wish you every success in your journey out of the cult of JWs.
Peace be with you
Excelsior!
Songs from pagion movies
they are so totally against music and brothers having a good time that even something so inoccent looks un acceptable in JW eyes .I think the biggest scandal to come out this week is the news (from jw.org) that they used the World Trade Centre to promote their literature…
[off-topic link removed]
Wow a ‘happy clappy pentecostal’ party at a Kingdom Hall. Whatever next? A few years ago I was over-hauling the sound system at th KH. (not during a meeting) I was reprimanded by a very ‘right wing organizational elder’ for using a CD of Van Morrison.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIs3Cp2BQX8
So one final thought after listening to the song Happy which has international fame. Did those witnesses not agree or realize by clapping and singing along that “Happiness is the Truth”. So there you have it. If your happy then you found truth. What a simple meaning and concept.
News Cedars!
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/bible/281561/1/Our-Kingdom-Ministry-September-2014-PDF
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/bible/281564/1/BOE-2014-05-01-Witnessing-in-public-places#.U7xcHPl_tFY
http://www.jehovahs-witness.net/watchtower/bible/281566/1/CONFIDENTIAL-FORMS-Application-to-Become-a-Bethel-Family-Member#.U7xcHvl_tFY
An approved reason for celelebration, is always, the release
of a new book, The dutiful clapping at assemblies is cringe
making, : Aplauding without even knowing the contents,
those books are mind numbingly boring, so predictable.
I hadn’t touched one of their books for 35 years, but was
given one recently, “Keep Yourself In God’s Love,” : How is
this accomplished?, By being obedient to Gods human
representatives on earth, I wonder how I knew the answer
before I’d opened the book.
When my daughter was growing up she and others in the KH took dancing lessons. In one talk during an assembly in the early 90’s the Speaker said that it was not appropriate for young ones to pursue dancing lessons or other “wordily forms of entertainment” because we would not be “dancing or singing our way into the New System.” Well I guess there must have been “new light” I missed on that subject because after this display I guess we must be singing and dancing our way into the New System. Too bad for those that gave up this pursuit to serve Jehovah seems that life skill will be needed after all in entering God’s New World!
Very amusing – they may have lost their marbles, but at least they’re having fun – so let’s be happy for them. What’s next I wonder – could be planting cabbages up side down?
It only shows that JW’s can be “human”. I like to know who the “girl” at center stage is. OTHERWISE It is not new. When I was in my teens , My family was invited to a wedding , a sister got Married to a Pioneer , so the wedding reception was held at a “church” , yes a non JW church . What I saw I could not believe , there was Music , dancing and rock and roll – the WORLDLY music .
@excelsior;let’s not look at things through rose color lenses that becloud our visions from the reality of things pertinent to what is appropriate and what is not in the eyes of GOD…And here we are talking about conduct unbecoming of those who are supposedly the clean and pure, having left the things of the world behind and continually preach against and stand in condemnation of any one doing a thing such as this.yes !! it’s not about the building… and yet again it’s both about the building and about the conduct; looking at it through clear lenses you will see that at the foot of the holy mountain it was not the building ,but the unwholesome conduct that was displeasing to GOD…Now in the case of the building//place dedicated to worship there was things acceptable and things not acceptable,that is the very reason Jesus throw out the ones doing the unacceptable things,did he not???…this too must be brought into play here, as the apostle peter puts it… that by going back to the things of which you’ve been cleansed ,then certainly the sow that was bathe has returned to rolling in the mire and the dog has returned to his vomit..there is also the scriptural counsel which says to maintain fine conduct Amoungth the nations that they may be ashamed of speaking slightingly of your fine conduct…IT DID NO SAY TO DISPLAY SHAMEFUL CONDUCT UNDER THE RUSE OF LETTING YOUR HAIR DOWN AND HAVING A GOOD TIME IN A PLACE DEVOTED TO SACRED WORSHIP…As cedars vividly points out on this ,that they own rule book forbids this types of carrying on at the KM…NOT EVEN FOR WEDDINGS WHICH IS TO BE A JOYOUS OCCASION…SO WHAT WENT ON HERE IS NOTHING MORE THAN A CRASS HYPOCRITICAL DOUBLE STANDARD WITH CONDUCT UNBECOMING, THAT DESERVES THE CRITIQUE IVE GIVEN..AND YES !!!Excelsior;JESUS AS YOU SAID DID TURN WATER INTO WINE…BUT NO WHERE IS IT MENTIONED THAT THERE WAS ANY UNWHOLESOME CONDUCT ASSOCIATED WITH IT…And please don’t get me wrong !!People should find time to enjoy themselves, but it should be done appropriately …This my friend was highly inappropriate,, the wrong time,the wrong venue ,setting the wrong image,setting the wrong example…Now in your words…Peace be with you.
This kind of activity is most definitely organizationally endorsed. In fact, such entertainment was recommended by the organization itself. A brother from my former KH informed me that their congregation was selected to host the international delegates for the East Rutherford, NJ international convention. They were to be hospitable and provide entertainment to the delegates as was spelled out for them in a letter being read to the congregation.
@Ted – so true the questions ask…was the court shipped chase and if a couple says no then the questions began how many times, what type and etc. But then they play songs in the KH by Pharrell who wrote and sung on “blurred lines” and “Sing” — well Blurred lines — is about sex and degrading women and Sing – about a night with a prostitute. Two people who want to get married may slip up and no one else knows, but if they answer the question wrong they can not get married in the KH. But yet an elder can sin and if no one knows about it can still be an elder. Yelp double standard.
Just another example of WT having double standards; changing what is right and wrong whenever they deem necessary.
Those people can go home with a “clean” conscience the same as they can go home with a “clean” conscience after letting one of their children die from not having a transfusion because “God-Governing Body” told them to do it.
@excelsoir;dear friend i do think you miss the point we are trying to make here..that is what is acceptable conduct in this situation and what is not acceptable from the stand point as pertaining to holy acts of conduct.if for some reason you denounce someone for doing something which you think is inappropriate ;and then you yourself openly and brazenly turn around and do the same..Then that would be hypocritical double standard,and to carry it on in a place devoted to sacred worship would even make it disgustingly repugnant..so lets see this, not through rose colored tinted lenses which could blur the vision.Let’s see it as it really is ,conduct that is unbecoming in the wrong place ,the wrong time, and for the wrong reasons..peace be onto you.
I think music and dancing are great. And it is nice to see them enjoying themselves.
But they really are throwing the rule book out the window as seen from Cedars quote from the secret elders rule book (Shepherd the Flock of God )which says not to play worldly music.
And from the following 2010 Watchtower quote saying Kingdom Halls are NOT to be used for social activities.
“Why the name Kingdom Hall? Public gatherings at a Kingdom Hall focus primarily on the teachings of the Bible and its central message about “the kingdom of God,” the theme of Jesus’ ministry. (Luke 4:43) So the name Kingdom Hall, which was coined in the 1930’s, appropriately describes the purpose of these buildings—to promote true worship and serve as a hub for the preaching of the “good news of the kingdom.” (Matthew 24:14) Thus, Kingdom Halls are not used for social or commercial activities.” – (w10 5/1, Pg. 31, What is a Kingdom Hall?)
Rudeawake,
I understand the point you’re making. The GB are being hypocritical here.
I used to be in a Witness band many years ago. We would NEVER have been allowed to play at the Kingdom Hall.
Peace be with you
Excelsior!
If singing chart hits etc, is sanctioned by the G,B, and is not
just a “One off, Then they’ve sunk to the level of the hated
“Christendom”.
In the USA two years ago, They had a “Get em back to church campaign, Among other things they had a, Dancing,
Rapping clergyman, In England there’s a vicar who does a
ventriloquist act to draw the youngsters in.
A sad thought just occurred to me, : Years ago when I was
trudging round the “territory,” knocking on doors I was
the Wooden Headed. Dummy, Parroting almost verbatim
someone else’s words.
Different standards for various rank & file JWs, but mostly based on the FAME, popularity and bank account statements have to say about the persons so-called “spirituality” (i.e MONEY, money, money).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fmzX0DO_7TY
Ja Rule is a pretty well known hip hop artist from the early 2000s. He was raised as a jdub. Here’s what he has to say about how his mom was treated, before and after he became “successful”. in his words (RICH & FAMOUS). He has no hard feelings against JWs, tho.
Just to compare the controversy this sort of “dancing” in a holy place to “worldly music” invokes and how “peas in a pod” and off the same shoot/tree two different groups are:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4C5uKC10nO8&w=960&h=720%5D
Just found article’s opinions and comments very amusing, that’s all–
No “Harlem Shake” for the Kingdom Hall, yet, but Pharrell’s hit is 2013/2014 “Harlem Shake” equivalent. Close as you get..
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BIP3mr5r2zM&w=1280&h=720%5D
You’d probably have to squeeze Anthony Morris into a pair of those tiny pantalones (maybe gold lamé?) and have him strut across the convention platform to give me “shock”–yeah, lots of Johnny Walker to erase that image, today. Sha na na na, dib, dib, dib….
In some minds, this “event” is linked to international convention, so easily can be fit into the “theocratic activity” just as a renovation or building day can turn KH into a circus and picnic grounds. It could be interpreted as a less centralized approach, but most likely all events had to be pre-approved.
But, as someone hinted awhile back–look deeper and beyond the video. The Watchtower doesn’t do stuff haphazardly, the video [if all actions were not scripted, the event is following an approved agenda] could have been released to “test the waters” regarding moves toward a less conservative approach/style. There has been since the 1970’s a tug-o-war between progressives, moderates and conservatives in administration–sometimes readily apparent, other times covert. Since no faction has a “leader” to initiate splinter and remain noteworthy group of congregants and assets, they’re stuck together in a clustered wobbling toy top effect–going back and forth between progressive/liberal moves and conservative moves as each side gains influence and dominance, or loses.
In the days of elite conservatives ruling the agendas, there would be no hesitancy in removing the entire region’s elder bodies and disciplining any number of those involved–Old Testament-style. So, the follow-up on this deserves a watch.
And, it’s also interesting to note that the silver sword slyly changed some references of “waiting on Jehovah” to “hoping in Jehovah”. The conservative stance of wait for the “Borg” to act, would be moved to “hope” but act in accord with hopes.
If singing chart hits etc, is sanctioned by the G,B, and is not
just a one off, Then they,ve sunk to the level of the despised
Christendom.
In the USA two years ago,
If singing chart hits is sanctioned by the G,B, and is not just a one off, Then they,ve sunk to the level of the despised Chistendom.
In the USA two years ago, They had a, “Get em back to
church campaign,and among other things, they featured a
dancing, rapping, Padre, In England, there,s a vicar who does a ventriloquist act, to draw the youngsters in.
A sad thought just occurred to me, Years ago, when I was
trudging round the territory knocking on doors, I was a
wooden headed dummy, Parroting almost verbatim,
Someone else,s words.
t
While many people could be forgiven for thinking that ex-Witnesses such as Cedars are irrationally obsessed with exposing the organisation, articles such as this prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that that is simply not the case. Exposing this level of hypocrisy is providing an invaluable service to the community (if you’ll excuse the Watchtowerish vernacular!) and ought to be awarded the highest honour. I personally think that this site is providing Cedars the kind of attention and kudos he was denied within the organisation and that through it he has armed himself with the ammunition to expose this threat to humanity.
In the excerpt from the elders secret manual above ,several
petty rules [just to let you know, whose boss], But what I
found absolutely appalling, Was the command, “The wedding party should not include,any person whose life
style grossly conflicts with Bible principles.”
So there,s to be a “Vetting process to determine wether a
guest is a fit person to associate with (Gods Holy Organization).
What “Self Righteousness” – “God I thank you that I am not
like other men, extortioners,adulterers, or like this tax
collector next to me”. Luke 18,9-14.