QUESTIONS & RESPONSES
Regarding Faithful Slave
08/19/12 | Is the Society correct that Jesus returned in the 1918 era and that Jesus decided they were the only true Christians?
10/07/12b | Inquiry about the “new light” on who is the Faithful and Discreet Slave
10/08/12 | Further inquiry about the “new light” about the Faithful and Discreet Slave
01/19/13 | Request for Clarification of the Governing Body’s “new Light.”
01/22/13 | Another request for clarification of the Governing Body’s “new light.”
04/11/13 | What do you think about the July 15, 2013 Watchtower explaining the new light?
09/21/13 | Isn’t it necessary to expose all of the errors of the Society’s teaching in order to make positive changes with Jehovah’s Witnesses?
♦ Is the Society correct that Jesus returned in the 1918 era and that Jesus decided they were the only true Christians?
On August 19, 2012, we received the following comment and inquiry:
“Thank you for this site. I have a query after much searching. We are told the Lord Jesus returned in 1918 era. On his return he told the saints the Society were the only true Christians in their beliefs. Yet at that point in time the Society were believing that Jesus returned in 1874!! Am I correct in my assumption?”
To the author, thank you for your inquiry and your words of appreciation. It means a great deal to us. As for your question, we believe your question could better be answered by the Society since these dates and interpretations originate with them.
Please note also, that we refrain from answering questions pertaining to the fulfillment of prophecy because, frankly, we have not yet been given any information that would make our comments of any value. I hope you understand. However, we can remind you what is written in the book of Revelation:
"Look! He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, and those who pierced him; and all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in grief because of him. Yes, Amen.” – Revelation 1:7
Given the confusion about Jesus’ return, it does not appear that ‘every eye’ saw him return in the 1918 era. Thus, we consider the 1918, 1914, or 1874 interpretations as inconsistent with actual events.
We do know that the Society points to the parable at Matthew 24:45-47 as the basis for their assertion that all of Jesus’ belongings on earth were given to the Society at Christ’s return in either 1914 or 1918. What the Society has done, which we believe is an error, is to turn Jesus’ parable (which is not an allegory) into a prophecy.
A parable is an illustration used to make a certain point. An allegory is an illustration where every element has a specific meaning. Jesus did not give allegories; he gave parables. It is also important to note that Jesus’ parables were not prophecies. They were object lessons on how to apply Jesus’ teachings and how to live our lives. So, in looking at the parables of the masters’ return in Matthew 24:45-47 and Matthew 25:14-17, we ask ourselves “What is the point Jesus was trying to make?”
We believe the point of both parables is simply that the master would reward his faithful servants when he arrives. The one who was faithful in his use of the ‘talents’ was given more talents. The one who was faithful in feeding the domestics was given more responsibility over the household. The point is that those who are faithful will be rewarded. All will reap what they sow. We see no other prophetic implication.
Like you, we find it unlikely that Jesus would have designated the very small number of people associated with the then-known Bible Students, out of millions of Christians worldwide, as the only true Christians on earth. Especially since hindsight reveals they did not have accurate beliefs at that time, as is evidenced by their frequent re-interpretation of prophecy and repeated doctrinal changes.
Instead, it appears to us that the Society was a fledgling association that was finding its way. As with any babe, it would stumble and fall many times. Even now, it does not yet appear that the Society is fully upright. We hope to effect a positive change in its stature by encouraging a return to the unfiltered, plain and open teachings of Jesus.
We hope this response was sufficient. If not, please feel free to contact us again.
♦ Inquiry about the “new light” on who is the Faithful and Discreet Slave
On October 7, 2012, we received the following comment and inquiries:
“Today there is a new post [on another website] commenting on the "new light" of the governing body about the identity of the "faithful discreet slave." I think this "new light" from the governing body is intended to weaken the new stand of witnesses who are partaking in the emblems. Maybe, this is an indirect answer to your site, or for any other ones who are feeling their heavenly hope.”
To the author, we thank you for submitting your concern. This matter has been brought to our attention by a few different brothers, and we have done a little investigating ourselves. As it currently stands, the matter is only rumor, as we were not invited to the Annual Meeting, nor have we spoken with anyone who attended. We have seen what appear to be notes from the meeting and, assuming those notes are accurate, we see no need for alarm.
According to the notes we reviewed, at the Annual Meeting of the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society, held on October 6, 2012, a new understanding was given as to the identity of the Faithful and Discreet Slave referred to in Matthew 24:45-47. The note state that the “new light” is that the Faithful and Discreet Slave (the “Slave”) is now identified as “a small group of anointed brothers during Jesus’ presence serving at headquarters who are directly involved in the preparing and dispensing of spiritual food.” This seems to mean that “the Slave” is the 8-member Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. This would be a change from the previous understanding, as recent as June 2009, that all of the anointed ones living on earth at any given time constitute “the Slave.” If these notes are accurate, we are certain the Society will soon be explaining the “new light” in an upcoming Watchtower magazine, and we will look forward to receiving it.
In the meantime, we see no cause for alarm. This type of “new light” would only define the Governing Body and what they must do. It would not define the anointed children of the Father and would not excuse us from carrying out our commission as ambassadors substituting for Christ. (2 Corinthians 5:18-20) In fact, such “new light” would add greater responsibility to the 8-member Governing Body and could perhaps move them to do what we have been asking them to do for these past nine months – provide nourishing spiritual food to the anointed sons of the Kingdom. So, if this rumor is indeed true, then we look forward to the Governing Body carrying out their newly understood responsibilities.
As for us, there would be no need for us to abandon our ministry. If the Governing Body steps up and begins to preach the true good news of the Kingdom and provide “food at the proper time,” we will then be able to direct our ministry toward other Christian associations to likewise encourage them to take up the ministry of reconciliation as ambassadors. We will thereby be doing our part in getting more workers into the harvest! (Matthew 9:37-38)
On a somber note, if the rumor is true, we sincerely hope the Governing Body diligently carries out its newly understood duties, otherwise when the Father comes to inspect His house, He need only look to 8 men who will bear the brunt of His disfavor. We will do our part to support the Governing Body so that such a fate will not overtake them. And we encourage all our brothers to do so as well. They will need our prayers.
To the author of this inquiry, and to all the brothers who have written us with concern, we hope we have alleviated some of your distress. And to all the brothers and sisters who have recently found your Father and who have decided to Stand Up at the 2013 Memorial Celebration, we hope you, too, are strengthened. You are sons of the most powerful personality in the Universe. Whatever role the Governing Body elects for itself, nothing can separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.
“Who will separate us from the love of the Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or hunger or nakedness or danger or sword? Just as it is written: “For your sake we are being put to death all day long, we have been accounted as sheep for slaughtering.” To the contrary, in all these things we are coming off completely victorious through him that loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:35-39
Gird your loins for activity and continue in your ambassadorship!
♦ Further inquiry about the “new light” about the Faithful and Discreet Slave
On October 8, 2012, we received the following comment and inquiries regarding the previous response (10/7/12-2):
“Many thanks for the link to your well-considered response. However, it doesn't appear to answer my direct question, which is are you disappointed by the news or not? Do you consider yourselves personally to be of the Faithful and Discreet Slave class mentioned in the scriptures (which many view as a parable) regardless of what the Governing Body says?
“It's difficult to read your response without detecting a degree of cynicism towards the Governing Body, but you don't give any clear answer as to whether you reject this new understanding (as it has been reported to you) or not.
“I understand your desire for diplomacy, but if you could be a little more transparent, I would appreciate it.”
To the author, we understand your desire for a more direct response. Since we understand that you will be posting our response to your website, we wanted to make sure our brothers who visit us here will have this information. So, here are our further responses to your inquiries:
You asked: Are you disappointed by the news or not?
We are unaffected by the “new light.” At best, it is a red herring that would serve no purpose other than to distract our brothers from focusing on the true Good News – that we are all sons of God with a heavenly destiny. (Galatians 3:26; Philippians 3:20) What would disappoint us is if this “new light” discouraged our brothers and caused them to back away from the Father or their heavenly hope based on the “commands of men.” (Matthew 15:9)
You asked: Do you consider yourselves personally to be of the Faithful and Discreet Slave class mentioned in the scriptures (which many view as a parable) regardless of what the Governing Body says?
We are among those who believe Matthew 24:45-47 is a parable, not a prophecy. See Questions and Response 5/1/12 and Questions and Response 8/19/12. Nevertheless, we ALL should be seeking to prove ourselves faithful and discreet, as the parable suggests. To us, it is a personal invitation to ALL.
You wrote: I understand your desire for diplomacy, but if you could be a little more transparent?
Our response to this “new light” is diplomatic on purpose. Whenever a son of God defends his hope, he must do so “with a mild temper and deep respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) This is so that we will be honoring our Father and the Christ, not necessarily men.
Our purpose is to build up the spiritual house of anointed brothers and sisters in order for them to become sources of encouragement and spiritual lights to the congregations with which they are associated, and to uplift the spiritual conversation throughout the world. (See About Us.) Our mission has not changed. And this “new light” has no bearing on that work.
We want our brothers to understand that this is, at best, smoke and mirrors. No cause for alarm. We do believe, however, that if our brothers “rise up” in opposition to this “new light,” ‘their blows will be as striking the wind’ (1 Corinthians 9:26), and will only delay the work of the Spirit of Truth in their lives. We will do our very best to prevent such an effect.
The bottom line is that Jesus commissioned all of his followers to be ambassadors of the kingdom, completing the work that he started. (2 Corinthians 5:18-20; Matthew 28:19-20) We doubt the Governing Body will declare that they are the only ones authorized to act as Christ’s ambassadors. So, there is no need for worry.
Finally, to all who are concerned, we want to remind you, we are sons, not slaves.
We hope this sufficiently responds to the author’s inquiry.
♦ Request for Clarification of the Governing Body’s “new Light.”
On January 19, 2013, we received the following comment:
“I have just finished the article concerning The Other Sheep...and decided to reference the whole article on the jw.org website, for context.... Under the heading, "When does Christ appoint the slave over all His belongings?" They say that Christ appoints the slave over all His belongings during the great tribulation!? I see that they differentiate between, "The Domestics", and, "All His belongings", but the context of the parable clearly shows that there are multiple slaves left in charge when the master goes away, and it's only on his return that He makes any, "Appointment"! Am I being picky? I don't mean to be, but it just doesn't sit right, or maybe I am out of line? I suppose I just get so frustrated at their apparent inability to just admit straight out that, "Judge" Rutherford got it wrong, in so MANY different ways!? Blessings dear brothers.”
To the author, thank you for your email. We agree with your reasoning. If one uses the Governing Body’s interpretation of Matthew 24:45-47, one would have to conclude that in 1919, Christ gave authority over the ‘domestics’ to several slaves, i.e., several different Christian groups. And when he returns during the Great Tribulation (according to the Governing Body’s understanding), Christ will see which group is faithful and discreet, and appoint that group over ‘all his belongings.’ Therefore, during this time (in 2013), the Governing Body is still vying with other Christian groups for the appointment! By their own reckoning, they are not the sole channel just yet!
This certainly poses a problem for the Governing Body. Perhaps this is another reason why they have not yet published a sober and scriptural explanation of this ‘new light.’ Perhaps in their attempt to write a logical and reasonable explanation, they have come up against problems like this and have no found a way out.
Of course, we do not believe Matthew 24:45-47 is a prophecy at all, but rather a parable encouraging all Christians to be faithful and discreet in their ministry and worship, and if they are, they will be rewarded. It is a personal challenge for each of us, as Jesus said in a parallel scripture:
“But what I say to you, I say to all, Keep on the watch.” – Mark 13:37
The type of chaotic reasoning the Governing Body is experiencing is to be expected when one ‘goes beyond the things written.’ (1 Corinthians 4:6) They have put themselves, and those who follow them, in a terrible position that only humility and retreat can resolve. We have not yet given up hope that the Governing Body will make the needed adjustment. We will continue to pray for them and encourage them in this regard.
♦ Another request for clarification of the Governing Body’s “new light.”
We received the following comment and inquiry (some of which we reworded for clarification) on January 22, 2013:
“First off I appreciate all your efforts. Here is my question. According to the Governing Body, in 1919, Jesus appointed the Governing Body as the Faithful and Discreet Slave (FDS) and gave them authority over the ‘domestics' to give them their food at the proper time. According to the "new light," there have only been about 30 men who have served as part of the FDS since 1919 because this was not an appointment for all anointed Christians, just the small group serving at headquarters.
The reward for properly feeding the domestics is that they would be appointed over all of the Master's belongings. They also say that "this is the same reward promised to all faithful anointed Christians." But why are all faithful anointed Christians given the reward when only a handful of them serving on the Governing Body actually did the faithful and discreet work? And since the Governing Body does not seek the input of the remaining anointed Christians, and since the remaining anointed ones have no say in what food is served, how can they be included in that promise and be rewarded for doing something they did not and could not do? Why are they rewarded for the work of others? How can anyone be rewarded as a FDS and yet not be one?”
To the author, you pose very interesting and valid questions. Another visitor posed other valid questions in Question and Response, January 19, 2013. Of course, we cannot answer such questions since the “new light” originates with the Governing Body. Only they can offer a clear explanation.
From our perspective, the Governing Body has quite a few hurdles to overcome to try to explain this “new light.” They are clearly having difficulty. It has been three months since they announced the “new light,” yet there have been no talks or special announcements clarifying it. And the current Watchtowers, which cover study materials through June 24, 2013, contains no explanation either.
Perhaps, the Governing Body is choosing to back off of this so-called “new light.” Or maybe they are hoping that if they ignore it, it will just silently go away. It has certainly caused a great deal of confusion in the organization. Yet, Paul wrote:
“For God is [a God], not of disorder, but of peace.” – 1 Corinthians 14:33
So, if the “new light” is truly from God, we expect the Governing Body to resolve this matter very soon. We will stay tuned, and we suggest you do the same.
♦ What do you think about the July 15, 2013 Watchtower explaining the new light?
On April 11, 2013, we received the following comment:
“Ok you 2 have been crying disrespectfully to the Faithful And Discreet Slave ever sine about the new understanding of the F&DS, well now it ready to read in great detail. Turn away from your apostate like attitudes and get right with Jehovah’s Organization. Its on line now at Jw.org, the July issue. Now lets see what NEW murmuring you 2 come up with after reading it. Im expecting it already from you both!”
To the author, thank you for your email. We are glad you are still visiting our site. First, we want you to know that we love all of our brothers and sisters in the organization. And we have no animosity toward the Governing Body, though we are deeply troubled at their stubbornness and/or reluctance to teach the plain and open teachings of Jesus.
Neither are we apostates nor murmurers. (See Question and Response 10/26/12, Question and Response 11/2/12, Question and Response 12/18/13 and Question and Response 12/23/13.) We are faithfully carrying out our Christian responsibilities of trying to readjust our brothers who we see are taking a false step.
“Brothers, even though a man takes some false step before he is aware of it, you who have spiritual qualifications try to readjust such a man in a spirit of mildness, as you each keep an eye on yourself, for fear you also may be tempted.” – Galatians 6:1
That is the path of brotherly love. It is not loving to close our eyes or turn our backs to our brothers who are clearly heading down a false path. When the blind lead the blind that is a tragedy. But when the blind lead the seeing, that is reprehensible. We hope you grasp that.
Now, to your comments. Yes, we know about the July 15, 2013 Watchtower; we have read it in detail already. Yesterday, we posted an article that addresses the more important issues raised in the magazine. The article is entitled Lastly He Sent His Son. Please read it if you want to know our view.
And since you must have also read the July Watchtower, we would like to pose a few questions to you.
1. The first study article, “Tell Us, When Will These Things Be?” refers to the parable of the sheep and the goat at Matthew 25:31-46. It says that Jesus will separate the sheep from the goat when he comes during the great tribulation (paragraph 13). According to the parable, Jesus says to the sheep “inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the founding of the world.” And to goat, Jesus says they “have been cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the Devil and his angels.” So if the sheep inherit the kingdom (the heavenly hope) and the goats are destroyed, what happens to those with the earthly hope? We know they do not go to heaven, so do they go into the everlasting fire?
2. In the second study article, “Look! I am With You All The Days” refers to the parable of the wheat and the weeds at Matthew 13:24-30, 37-43. It identifies the wheat as “anointed Christians who will rule with him in his Kingdom” (paragraph 2), and it identifies the weeds as “imitation Christians” (paragraph 3). The wheat are taken to heaven (paragraph 12), and the weeds are completely destroyed (paragraph 15). So where are those with the earthly hope? We know they do not go to heaven. So, do they get destroyed as imitation Christians and weeds? Why did Jesus completely ignore this supposed third class of Christians?
3. Please note that the third study article, “Feeding Many Through the Hands of a Few”, has already been addressed in our article Feeding the Many. Feel free to take a look at that article.
4. In the fourth study article, “Who Really Is the Faithful and Discreet Slave?” the Governing Body uses the word “channel” about 17 times and says at paragraph 3:
“That faithful slave is the channel through which Jesus is feeding his true followers in this time of the end. It is vital that we recognize the faithful slave. Our spiritual health and our relationship with God depend on this channel.”
Then in the box on page 22, it says:
“The faithful and discreet slave: A small group of anointed brothers who are directly involved in preparing and dispensing spiritual food during Christ’s presence. Today, these brothers make up the Governing Body.”
So, if the Governing Body is the channel Jesus is using, what is the role of the Spirit of Truth? And what is Jesus doing now?
Remember Jesus said:
“And look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.” - Matthew 28:20
And he said:
“I have many things yet to say to you, but you are not able to bear them at present. However, when that one arrives, the spirit of the truth, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak of his own impulse, but what things he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things coming. That one will glorify me, because he will receive from what is mine and will declare it to you. All the things that the Father has are mine. That is why I said he receives from what is mine and declares [it] to you.” – John 16:12-15
And the Apostle John said:
“And as for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to be teaching you; but, as the anointing from him is teaching you about all things, and is true and is no lie, and just as it has taught you, remain in union with him.” –1 John 2:27
So, Jesus is with us now, and the Spirit of Truth is actively guiding us into all truth. And, of course, all of us have the Bible which contains Jesus’ teachings. So, what do we need a ‘governing body’ for? Do you think Jesus has ‘handed us off’ to the Governing Body because the Spirit of Truth is not competent enough to teach and lead God’s people?
Really brother, isn’t it more likely that the only choice we have is life in heaven or eternal death, and that the Governing Body is not a ‘channel of Jesus,’ but rather mere administrators of an organization of preachers and teachers?
We appreciate your faith, but we are saddened at your misplaced loyalty. You are offended that we dare to reveal the errors of the Governing Body. But you are not at all offended that the Governing Body puts Jesus in the background and ignores the Spirit of Truth? A self-examination is in order. Do you belong to Christ or to the Governing Body?
Please let us know your thoughts.
♦ Isn’t it necessary to expose all of the errors of the Society’s teaching in order to make positive changes with Jehovah’s Witnesses?
On September 21, 2013, we received the following inquiry:
“Thank you for helping Jehovah's Witnesses see some of the mis-truths expounded by the Watchtower Society. ... From what I've read so far, you draw attention to Jesus, God and the spiritual world quite a lot throughout the site, which is not a bad thing - it is quite obviously the main focus of yourselves, and you encourage that to be the focus of visitors of the site. However, not to take away the importance of this - but focusing so strongly on the spiritual world can be detrimental and dangerous to our current earthly lives in certain circumstances.
For example: The Governing Body - perhaps unaware or maybe with good intentions - have driven many to poverty, ill health, suicide, mental decline, family breakup, distress and early death due to an almost tyrannical message of neglecting the physical and focusing on the spiritual (in their case, the message mostly focused on the new world). ... De-emphasizing the importance of life in 'this system' is what I'm getting at.
People waking up to the mis-truths of the Watchtower Society need, I would suggest, more than just spiritual solutions initially. It is quite a confusing and traumatic experience to discover that what you thought you've been following as 'The Truth' for so many years, may not be all it's cracked up to be. I would even suggest, that getting to the bottom of things, upturning every little lie and every little mis-truth the Society are guilty of is extremely important to one's long term mental health.
Painful as it may be - laying out ALL the evidence on the table is in fact crucial to understanding what's going on. It is 'negative' material absolutely! It is downright depressing to discover some of the horrible aspects of the Watchtower's history. But I feel it is important, though difficult, for everyone to do thorough research on this for their mental well being, and to make wise and rational decisions.”
To the author, thank you for visiting our site and for sending your questions. We certainly understand your point of view, but you make a faulty assumption which we will address in a moment. First, in all fairness, we want to point out that most Jehovah’s Witnesses are fine, healthy and sane people who are sincerely serving God to the best of their ability. Many of their teachings are sound and have produced many upright and honorable men, women and children. The problem is that they are being oppressed by a body of men who seem to have turned their backs on Christ Jesus. In this way, they are not very different from many other religious groups who are being led by dictatorial theocracies. We discussed this in the article Relative Subjection to Religious Authority.
Fortunately, many among Jehovah’s Witnesses are well aware of the problems and are waiting and hoping for a change. They remain in association with the Watchtower Society in order to be beacons of light to those who are suffering the most, as you mentioned above, while working for change. Our ministry is dedicated to effecting such a change, while keeping their spiritual lives and their faith in God intact. We have a great deal of compassion for Jehovah’s Witnesses, and this is why we proceed the way we do. Now, here is our response to your comments:
As we said in the opening, you make a faulty assumption. Your complaint is that the Governing Body is asserting a message of neglect of the physical life and focusing too much on the spiritual. Before we go any further, we must correct you here. The Governing Body is not at all focusing on the spiritual. That is the problem. When they promote an earthly paradise and teach that the vast majority of mankind should not seek heavenly life, they are clearly focusing on the physical to the exclusion of the spiritual.
Our brothers are in a state of limbo. They are not allowed to pursue heavenly things; they are not allowed to enjoy natural earthly things; and they cannot make their paradise vision come true. Thus, the cause of the problems that some are suffering – poverty, ill health, suicide, mental decline, etc. – is not a result of over-emphasis on the spiritual. It is due to the absence of it. Our brothers are paralyzed. We consider this a form of spiritual abuse.
The Governing Body is teaching things about our Father and His divine purpose that simply are not true and which actually lead our brothers in the opposite direction from where Jesus was leading them – into the heavens. This alternate ‘good news’ serves to forward the agenda of men, but not the agenda of the Christ. Thus, what is needed in the case of such spiritual abuse is a spiritual healing – a healing of the spirit – replacing spiritual error with spiritual truth.
The path you are suggesting removes and destroys the error, but the person is left empty. As a result, we see so many ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses becoming atheists or agnostics. They had given their lives to the Watchtower organization, so by ‘upturning every little lie’ and ‘laying out ALL the evidence,’ they are left with nothing. Most cannot find another fellowship because they were so poisoned against all other forms of religion. This is what Jesus was alluding to when he said to the Pharisees:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you traverse sea and dry land to make one proselyte, and when he becomes one you make him a subject for Gehenna twice as much so as yourselves.” – Matthew 23:15
Their disciples would go from being unbelievers, to believers in the lies of men, to outright atheists! We discuss this in the article Converting Pauls into Sauls. So how do we avoid this calamity and help Jehovah's Witnesses?
Take a lesson from Jesus’ example in the first century. The Jews at that time were likewise experiencing spiritual abuse by their scribes. But Jesus did not attempt to destroy all of their error at once. He simply implanted the seed of truth in their hearts and as it began to sprout, the individuals were strengthened and thereby enabled to correct themselves in a way that was manageable for them. This is the method we choose. Rather than forcing upon our brothers an overwhelming challenge, we simply lead them to the truth – to Jesus – and allow the spirit of truth do its work. (John 16:13)
Your points, however, are well taken. The Governing Body’s message that we should avoid living our lives as productive citizens of our planet is poor advice. That message does not allow the individuals in the organization to develop proper life skills. Rather than teaching them to encounter life’s challenges successfully, they teach avoidance of life’s challenges. That was not Jesus’ intention. We remember his prayer:
“I request you, not to take them out of the world, but to watch over them because of the wicked one.” – John 17:15
Clearly, we are not to be excused from having to find solutions to the challenges of life in the world. This thinking is why many of our children do not know how to successfully deal with peer pressure or how to properly manage their own sexuality. And when they leave home, unless they continue under the strict guidance of parents or elders, their natural curiosity leads them into all sorts of vices. But it is not the Father’s intent that man continues indefinitely under the tutelage of other men. A time should come when a person grows to sufficient maturity to be able to be guided by spirit, rather than by men. That is the meaning of these scriptures:
“Now I say that as long as the heir is a babe he does not differ at all from a slave, lord of all things though he is, but he is under men in charge and under stewards until the day his father appointed beforehand. Likewise we also, when we were babes, continued enslaved by the elementary things belonging to the world. But when the full limit of the time arrived, God sent forth his Son, who came to be out of a woman and who came to be under law, that he might release by purchase those under law, that we, in turn, might receive the adoption as sons.” – Galatians 4:1-5
“And as for you, the anointing that you received from him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to be teaching you; but, as the anointing from him is teaching you about all things, and is true and is no lie, and just as it has taught you, remain in union with him.” – 1 John 2:27
“Brothers, do not become young children in powers of understanding, but be babes as to badness; yet become full-grown in powers of understanding.” – 1 Corinthians 14:20
This type of growth cannot come from simply avoiding everything that might cause harm. It must come from ‘using our perceptive powers.’ (Hebrews 5:14) That involves trial and error. We must be faced with error in order to learn how to choose truth. Yes, we must go through tribulation, not around it.
Additionally, the counsel of the Governing Body, or any dictatorial religious authority, that glorifies poverty and academic ignorance, and encroaches upon personal liberties and secular responsibilities, is the reason for the negative opinion people have of religion. Rather than inserting ourselves into such matters, we simply promote the high ideals of the plain and open teachings of Jesus. We believe that people who are determined to do God’s will – the best and right thing under their circumstances – will make wise choices and prosper in their secular endeavors. (See Bringing Heaven Down – The Perfect Will of God.)
When Jesus taught us to pray for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:9-10), he was clearly expressing the divine intent that our earthly lives be guided by spirit rather than the other way around. He was establishing a spiritual brotherhood that would give them the courage to face their temporal problems, so that even if their earthly hopes and dreams fail, they are assured of eternity and continued existence in an incorruptible body with their Father in heaven. No other endeavor – whether it be social, political, philosophical, industrial or scientific – can offer that. Until that time, their physical lives are enhanced by their spiritual focus.
Really, it is a lack of faith in the unseen realities that is the reason why people can be, and are being, misled by men. A strong personal relationship with God as our Father is the best insurance against anyone falling victim again to the sophistry of men. That is why we will not put spiritual matters to the side. For our part, we will continue to turn man’s attention to the living and lasting hope of life in heaven.
We are quite aware that many other sites who focus on Jehovah’s Witnesses seem to believe that they must destroy the organization by revealing every faulty teaching and every faulty action from the times of Russell forward. Their entire ministry is dedicated to tearing down and hoping for the organization’s destruction. But if they had their way, nearly 8 million souls would be devastated, if not destroyed. We believe there is a better way.
We do not believe in the self-appointed authority of the Governing Body. To us, they are just men, brothers who are heading down a dangerous path. Their power over the 8 million is illusory and only exists as long as the 8 million allow it. When enough of the 8 million regain their spiritual strength and take back their spiritual lives, the 8-member Governing Body will disappear as insignificant and impotent. And then those faithful millions can self-govern as mature spiritual men and women who love the Father above all, and love each other as they love themselves. (Matthew 22:37-40) If they choose to continue as a international organization, they should at least have men at the helm who respect Christ Jesus.
That is our hope. We believe more souls can be saved if we turn the ship rather than if we lead it into the iceberg. (See Turning the Titanic.) This can happen if we plant the tiny mustard seed of sonship with God and allow it to grow into a mighty tree. (See The Mustard Seed.) This is what is meant when Zechariah wrote:
“‘Not by a military force, nor by power, but by my spirit,’ Jehovah of armies has said.” – Zechariah 4:6
Instead of fighting fire with fire, we fight fire with the free waters of life. (Revelation 22:17) That is the Christian ministry! So, this, brother, is our view and the reason we choose to conduct our ministry in a spiritually forward manner. We hope that after some consideration, you can agree with us and work to help the Witnesses you know, and any other suffering souls, to achieve a spiritual healing and real hope by means of the plain and open teachings of Jesus. If so, we look forward to hearing from you again.