Watchtower Governing Body Casts Its Ballot on "New Light" For Voting

[Vasian]

That’s right!

Can you imagine being brutally beaten by government officials because you believed that God would rather have you beaten than vote in a political election? Jehovah’s Witnesses can, because this is exactly what happened in the spring of 1970 in Cameroon, Africa and in many other places around the world for many years.

You may, or may not known of this but for many, many years it was forbidden by the Watchtower for their members to vote in any sort of election.

You could be disfellowshipped for doing so.

But since 1999 there has been “New Light” From THE CHANNEL OF GOD! (governing body of JW’s)
**
November 1, 1999 Watchtower p.28-29**

The section is entitled “Questions from Readers” from their Watchtower Publications, and the question that is presented asks “How do Jehovah’s Witnesses view voting?” Although the answer given by the Watchtower Society gives 5 negative factors to be considered, the overall tone of the answer leaves the decision up to the individual JW. This is so drastically different than the staunch stand against voting that is so graphically laid out and demonstrated in the article about Cameroon, Africa mentioned earlier.

The 1999 article states six times that the JW has to make their own personal decision regarding whether or not to vote in a political election.

If this is the case, why did so many dedicated followers of Jehovah have to suffer such physical brutality in the spring of 1970?

The article mentions the same “Bible-trained conscience” that the JWs are to use to make this “personal decision.” What has changed in the Bible’s teachings in the last 30 years that now gives the JW freedom to vote? Would the Witnesses in Cameroon have subjected themselves to this persecution, if they knew then what they know now? Did those who suffered in Cameroon know that “in matters of individual conscience such as this, each Christian has to make his own decision before Jehovah God?”

The question each JW must consider is whether or not something that they are willing to die for today will be changed tomorrow. What a tragedy for those JWs who have lost friends and loves ones because of the Watchtower’s past rulings, only to have these rulings softened or completely overturned in 1999. These Witnesses suffered for nothing! Since the God of the Bible is unchanging, obviously, these actions were not inspired by the true and living God, but by the sinful, fallible humans who govern the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

**Read the entire article here: **
http://www.freeminds.org/doctrine/c...casts-its-ballot-for-new-light-on-voting.html

 

[Sulla]

Seriously, they are making it up as they go. Lives and souls are at stake, and the guys who run that racket simply do not care.

 

[Protestant101]

That’s right!

Can you imagine being brutally beaten by government officials because you believed that God would rather have you beaten than vote in a political election? Jehovah’s Witnesses can, because this is exactly what happened in the spring of 1970 in Cameroon, Africa and in many other places around the world for many years.

You may, or may not known of this but for many, many years it was forbidden by the Watchtower for their members to vote in any sort of election.

You could be disfellowshipped for doing so.

But since 1999 there has been “New Light” From THE CHANNEL OF GOD! (governing body of JW’s)

November 1, 1999 Watchtower p.28-29

The section is entitled “Questions from Readers” from their Watchtower Publications, and the question that is presented asks “How do Jehovah’s Witnesses view voting?” Although the answer given by the Watchtower Society gives 5 negative factors to be considered, the overall tone of the answer leaves the decision up to the individual JW. This is so drastically different than the staunch stand against voting that is so graphically laid out and demonstrated in the article about Cameroon, Africa mentioned earlier.

The 1999 article states six times that the JW has to make their own personal decision regarding whether or not to vote in a political election.

If this is the case, why did so many dedicated followers of Jehovah have to suffer such physical brutality in the spring of 1970?

The article mentions the same “Bible-trained conscience” that the JWs are to use to make this “personal decision.” What has changed in the Bible’s teachings in the last 30 years that now gives the JW freedom to vote? Would the Witnesses in Cameroon have subjected themselves to this persecution, if they knew then what they know now? Did those who suffered in Cameroon know that “in matters of individual conscience such as this, each Christian has to make his own decision before Jehovah God?”

The question each JW must consider is whether or not something that they are willing to die for today will be changed tomorrow. What a tragedy for those JWs who have lost friends and loves ones because of the Watchtower’s past rulings, only to have these rulings softened or completely overturned in 1999. These Witnesses suffered for nothing! Since the God of the Bible is unchanging, obviously, these actions were not inspired by the true and living God, but by the sinful, fallible humans who govern the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

**Read the entire article here: **
freeminds.org

Have you actually got a copy of November 1, 1999 Watchtower p.28-29 or is this something you copied from some tacky anti-JW pamphlet or web site?

 

[zach_dunn]

Have you actually got a copy of November 1, 1999 Watchtower p.28-29 or is this something you copied from some tacky anti-JW pamphlet or web site?

Considering Vasian was a JW for 15+ years, I would assume he (she?) had the article, but you never know . . .

 

[Vasian]

Have you actually got a copy of November 1, 1999 Watchtower p.28-29 or is this something you copied from some tacky anti-JW pamphlet or web site?

I’m wondering why you would ask the question in such an obnoxious way?
Will this direct scan of the article suffice for you?

http://www.jwfiles.com/scans/images/WT11-1-1999p28.gif
http://www.jwfiles.com/scans/images/Wt11-1-1999p29.gif

 

[Vasian]

Considering Vasian was a JW for 15+ years, I would assume he (she?) had the article, but you never know . . .

“Vasian”, is “William” in Russian.

 

[Protestant101]

I’m wondering why you would ask the question in such an obnoxious way?
Will this direct scan of the article suffice for you?

Thankyou “William.” The article proves something else I had been wondering. It appears that you have taken this article and placed your own interpretation and whims upon it. The way you were describing Jehovah’s Witnesses just didn’t sound right and now I know why. Too often, those who used to belong to an organization/religion will become it’s worst enemy. Its a sad thing to watch.

 

[Hesychios]

Thankyou “William.” The article proves something else I had been wondering. It appears that you have taken this article and placed your own interpretation and whims upon it.

What is your interpretation then? You may be aware that the JW’s would not participate or support any secular government in the past, as (if I remember correctly) these are worldly powers and the world is controled by Satan.

It is quite clear to me that the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has reversed itself on the issue of voting for public offices.

 

[Protestant101]

What is your interpretation then? You may be aware that the JW’s would not participate or support any secular government in the past, as (if I remember correctly) these are worldly powers and the world is controled by Satan.

It is quite clear to me that the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has reversed itself on the issue of voting for public offices.

Even from the article scanned above; it can be seen that Jehovah’s Witnesses did not really change a doctrine per se here. It must be remembered, that they class this as a matter of “individual conscience,” which is different than a doctrine. To characterize a denomination in a negative light, just because they study and examine something and see it differently, during different times is not right. I certainly do agree that they have changed certain doctrines; mostly prophecy related subjects. But lets go easy where we can, and choose our fight a little more judiciously…May God bless you.

 

[spn82756]

Thankyou “William.” The article proves something else I had been wondering. It appears that you have taken this article and placed your own interpretation and whims upon it. The way you were describing Jehovah’s Witnesses just didn’t sound right and now I know why. Too often, those who used to belong to an organization/religion will become it’s worst enemy. Its a sad thing to watch.

Yes…I know what you mean. I know some 7th Day Adventists that have left the cult. They’ve become Catholic and are vehemently opposed to the heresy of the Adventists.

 

[Hesychios]

Seriously, they are making it up as they go. Lives and souls are at stake, and the guys who run that racket simply do not care.

If I may add to this comment.

Most churches and organizations own a publishing arm of some sort, in order to help facilitate the spread of their ideas, some have several. This is very common.

The difference with the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is that it is much more like a publishing company that owns a church. I know that seems odd, but gaining control of the lion’s share of the “Bible Students” organization (originally founded by Charles Russell) the publisher (under “the Judge” Rutherford) was able to push a lot of printed material out the door and onto the street.

The ‘Pioneers’ of the organization (the professional missionaries) were originally called colporteurs. That is actually a term which means “a peddler of religious materials”. In other words a door to door salesperson.

Many Bible printers used to use that method of distribution extensively. Across rural America in days gone by an awful lot of Bibles were purchased from people showing up at the door, from groups like the American Bible Society and others (many treasured old family Bibles we might still have from great-Grandma were purchased in this way). The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has developed it’s own exclusive house ‘brand’ of materials.

 

[Hesychios]

Seriously, they are making it up as they go. Lives and souls are at stake, and the guys who run that racket simply do not care.

If I may add to this comment.

Most churches and organizations own a publishing arm of some sort, in order to help facilitate the spread of their ideas, some have several. This is very common.

The difference with the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is that it is much more like a publishing company that owns a church. I know that seems odd, but gaining control of the lion’s share of the “Bible Students” organization (originally founded by Charles Russell) the publisher (under “the Judge” Rutherford) was able to push a lot of printed material out the door and onto the street.

The ‘Pioneers’ of the organization (the professional missionaries) were originally called colporteurs. That is actually a term which means “a peddler of printed/religious materials”. In other words a door to door salesperson.

Many Bible printers used to use that method of distribution extensively. Across rural America in days gone by an awful lot of Bibles were purchased from people showing up at the door, from groups like the American Bible Society and others (many treasured old family Bibles we might still have from great-Grandma were purchased in this way). The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society has developed it’s own exclusive house ‘brand’ of materials.

 

[Vasian]

Even from the article scanned above; it can be seen that Jehovah’s Witnesses did not really change a doctrine per se here. It must be remembered, that they class this as a matter of “individual conscience,” which is different than a doctrine.
/quote]
In fact, they did change the doctrine from it being a Law (requirement) punishable by excommunication to a “matter of conscience”. I’d deem that a pretty substantial change.

To characterize a denomination in a negative light, just because they study and examine something and see it differently, during different times is not right. I certainly do agree that they have changed certain doctrines; mostly prophecy related subjects. But lets go easy where we can, and choose our fight a little more judiciously…May God bless you.

 

[Vasian]

Thankyou “William.” The article proves something else I had been wondering. It appears that you have taken this article and placed your own interpretation and whims upon it. The way you were describing Jehovah’s Witnesses just didn’t sound right and now I know why. Too often, those who used to belong to an organization/religion will become it’s worst enemy. Its a sad thing to watch.

Sad thing? I’m not posting these facts from a basis of anger. I’ve been out of the WTS since 1997. I’ve never been angry. Hurt, I was for a while but never angry.
I’ve been posting these fact for those JW’s here who have been posting reams of cut-n-pasted WTS article that do little for anyone. My posts are for those that do not truly know the facts about the trial of dead ones due to “The Channel Of God”
None of what I have posted has been lies or even half lies.
Angry? Hardly…

 

[yellowbird]

Even from the article scanned above; it can be seen that Jehovah’s Witnesses did not really change a doctrine per se here. It must be remembered, that they class this as a matter of “individual conscience,” which is different than a doctrine. To characterize a denomination in a negative light, just because they study and examine something and see it differently, during different times is not right. I certainly do agree that they have changed certain doctrines; mostly prophecy related subjects. But lets go easy where we can, and choose our fight a little more judiciously…May God bless you.

Go easy where we can? Chose our fight a little more “judiciously?” Tell that to the Jehovah’s Witnesses in Milawi in the 1960’s & 70s who were ordered NOT to purchase a “voting card” from the ruling party. We’re not even talking about actually voting… they were ordered by the Society NOT to purchase the card. What happened to them? They were beaten, raped, murdered by their countrymen. Who is to blame? Most certainly the people who treated them so horribly… but the fault also lies with the Society who, ruling from the comforts of United States where nobody is beaten and raped for not obatining a “card” threatened that if the Milawi JW’s obtained a “card” they would be disfellowshipped and Jehovah’s favor would NO longer be upon them. Fast forward 30 years and now it’s left up to their conscience. Can you even imagine what it must be like for the JWs who lived through that? Who watched their young daughters being tied to trees and raped because they couldn’t purchase the card… and NOW it’s just a matter of their own conscience?? What a waste. Did Jehovah change His mind? Or were those artibrary rules just changed…at the stroke of a keyboard and the printing of some new magazines??? How sad that the “new light” came too late for so many.

Does that make me ANGRY? You better believe it.

 

[Protestant101]

Go easy where we can? Chose our fight a little more “judiciously?” Tell that to the Jehovah’s Witnesses in Milawi in the 1960’s & 70s who were ordered NOT to purchase a “voting card” from the ruling party. We’re not even talking about actually voting… they were ordered by the Society NOT to purchase the card. What happened to them? They were beaten, raped, murdered by their countrymen. Who is to blame? Most certainly the people who treated them so horribly… but the fault also lies with the Society who, ruling from the comforts of United States where nobody is beaten and raped for not obatining a “card” threatened that if the Milawi JW’s obtained a “card” they would be disfellowshipped and Jehovah’s favor would NO longer be upon them. Fast forward 30 years and now it’s left up to their conscience. Did Jehovah change His mind? Or were those artibrary rules just changed…at the stroke of a keyboard and the printing of some new magazines??? How sad that the “new light” came too late for so many.

Does that make me ANGRY? You better believe it.

But a lot of that was nothing to do with being the fault of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

 

[yellowbird]

But a lot of that was nothing to do with being the fault of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Really? How so? It was the Governing Body who would not allow them to purchase the card. And because of that, they were beaten, raped and murdered. Now, they are allowed to purchase voting cards… and even vote. What do you say to those who watched family members die? Opps. My bad. I guess Jehovah didn’t mind so much after all?

 

[Vasian]

But a lot of that was nothing to do with being the fault of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

How so?
It was a Law (not left up to the individual’s conscience) handed down to the worldwide congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses by “The Channel Of God” (Governing Body) to not do things such as obtain political cards under the compulsion of being expelled from “God’s Congregation”
But even a stronger reason was because It is very powerful medicine when you believe you are following the Laws of Jehovah Himself via His “Channel”.

 

[Vasian]

“The first step of apostasy is to get up a creed, telling us what we shall believe. The second is, to make that creed a test of fellowship. The third is to try members by that creed. The fourth to denounce as heretics those who do not believe that creed. And fifth, to commence persecution against such.”

“Doings of the Battle Creek Conference, Oct. 5 & 6, 1861” (DJVU). Review and Herald 18 (19): 148. 1861-10-08. adventistarchives.org/docs/RH/RH1861-V18-19/index.djvu. Retrieved 2006-11-06.

 

[yellowbird]

How so?
It was a Law (not left up to the individual’s conscience) handed down to the worldwide congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses by “The Channel Of God” (Governing Body) to not do things such as obtain political cards under the compulsion of being expelled from “God’s Congregation”
But even a stronger reason was because It is very powerful medicine when you believe you are following the Laws of Jehovah Himself via His “Channel”.

Exactly. Their stand on organ transplants and blood is very similar. It has changed repeatedly over the years…

I don’t see how it is any different than if the Watchtwoer Society made a rule that Jehohovah’s Witnesses can not wear seat belts. Just another arbitrary rule… and so Jehovah’s Witnesses stop wearing them. And they begin to die by dozens… deaths that could have easily been prevented had they been allowed to wear seat belts. And this goes on for years and years… of course it doesn’t affect the Governing Body who don’t own cars and instead take the subway. Other than they say, “Oh how sad that our brothers and sisters are dying. But look hwo faithful they are abstaining from the evil seat belt!”

Jehovah’s Witnesses wouldn’t dream of going against the no seat belt rule because to do so is to go against Jehovah and how foolish is that when Armegeddon is literally months away??

So good JWs bury their loved ones… their children, their spouses, their mothers and fathers… until finally, one day, they go to their mailbox and pull out the latest Watchtwoer that states that it has been decided that the wearing of seat belts should be left up to the individual. So the JWs begin wearing seat belts again and talk about how wonderful it is to be part of an Organization that feeds them truth… at the proper time. This is normally where I’d roll my eyes but I find it all just too sad.