Srecko Sostar

to touch them.... well, text speaking about touching children for blessings, not baptizing children.
dear Outta Here, wrong interpretation and misapplication of bible text, for sure. 

So equating coming to Jesus to be blessed with baptism is how you justify this practice?  Reread the scripture you quoted, it states NOTHING about baptizing. This is the classic example of where the wt has trained it's followers to use scripture out of context just as they do.

So they count as JW's from age of 3 when they put in Report Slips,
and they can get baptised from age of 5. 
How desperate the GB / JW Org is getting, and how competitive it must be getting for parents. 

Here is the actual legal document of his declaration
declaration-of-gerrit-losch-4-february-2014.pdf

It looked to me like there was more to the government's case. Apparently the brothers assigned to do the HLC work in Spain were creating a database of doctors sympathetic to bloodless surgery. But it was done by compiling information gathered from questioning doctors, questioning staff, and questioning the experience of Witness patients with those doctors. The amount of cooperation in the way they answered questions, and the patient experiences were all used to produce a list of those assumed to respond well in situations listed. The data from both patients and doctors was used to make assumptions about how those doctors would treat cases assumed similar by the the HLC. It was being shared without permission. This had come up before and the HLC had been called out for this in 2014 and 2017. So the HLC promised to destroy the database. A followup shows that the HLC is still making use of the database that they never destroyed, and they are still collecting data.
I think the penalty is especially for lying about the destruction and (dis)continued use of the database.

They kept a database of doctors who do bloodless surgery/medical care. Under EU, that's not legal - in EU opinion.
 

This brochure is so disturbing.  Perhaps it's all the happy and "peaceful" looks on everyone's faces, influencing JWs that giving to the organization brings contentment.  
“Do not make any gods to be alongside Me; do not make for yourselves gods of silver or gods of gold”.  Exod 20:23
(Put another way: “do not make a god called “Jehovah’s organization” that is built with your silver and gold)
 
It begins with this scripture:  "Honor Jehovah with your valuable things." - Proverbs 3:9   
Is it still true that congregations are growing at a remarkable rate at the same time they’re being consolidated?  It sounds like a revision is in order for this brochure.
"Beyond giving of themselves in the preaching and teaching work, all are privileged to support it through monetary donations.  Doing so is most fitting, for it is vital that this Christian work continue."
It is very sad and hypocritical that the governing body interprets Prov 3:9 as God requiring material possessions when the chapter is about obtaining wisdom from God - truth in Christ, the Logos.  John 1:1  The governing body’s thinking is debased, earthly; not spiritual, but devoid of what the Holy Spirit can teach us.  Phil 3:18,19  They reflect the covetous desires of the world. Gal 5:16-17  Really, JWs, is this how Jesus taught his followers?  Did he say, sell all your belongings and give all those valuables to the rulers of the temple?  He actually chastised them about making his Father’s house a “marketplace”. John 2:16   Interestingly NPR has a program called, “Marketplace” broadcasting the trends in the global economy to help you make the “smartest decisions”, which appears to be the purpose of the brochure above.   The Watchtower wants YOU to invest your money in the latest “trend” to be offered in the last days; an earthly organization that promises spiritual paradise, peace and prosperity, as a high return.  But, is this the smart decision that Jesus expects us to make? 1 Thess 5:3
"Of course, the sources of such donations varied. In the first century, some Christians sold items that they owned, such as fields or houses, and brought the money to the apostles. The apostles distributed these funds to those in need. (Acts 4:34, 35) Others set aside money and gave regular donations to support the work. Thus, people of all walks of life—from the very wealthy to the very poor—had a share.—Luke 21:1-4. w18.01 18 ¶7; 19 ¶9
I am wondering, what does the Watchtower mean by supporting the work, since the scripture in Luke 21 has nothing to do with Christ’s preaching work, but everything to do with money going into the temple treasury, the temple that he replaced with his body.  John 2:19,21   Nothing that the organization does today imitates the “work” of the apostles who preached in truth.
For it pleased those from Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor among the saints who are in Jerusalem.  Rom 15:26
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.  1 Cor 13:3
They desired only that we should remember the poor, the very thing which I also was eager to do. Gal 2:10
Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.  1 Tim 5:8
 Jesus answered, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.”  Matt 19:21
 I do hope JWs don’t believe they can “buy” eternal life in the Kingdom by relinquishing their material goods to a voracious Beast; and “investing” oneself to an organization that promises salvation.  Micah 6:11,12; Rev 13:1,4
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, that a man found andconcealed, and in his joy he goes and sells everything that he has and buys that field.   “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant searching for fine pearls. 46 And when hefound one very valuable pearl, he went andsold everything that he possessed and purchased it.  Matt 13:44-46
 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matt 6:19-21
Christ’s and the apostles teachings are still FREE, at least that is the message given to people in the “preaching work”– until one steps into the organization, where “treasures on earth” take precedence over treasures in heaven.
Prov 3:9:
“Honor the Lord with your possessions, (wealth, riches, substance)
And with the firstfruits of all your increase;
10 So your barns will be filled with plenty,
And your vats will overflow with new wine.”
This speaks of God’s “special possession”, the “firstfruits” of God’s children, that must sacrifice their lives as His faithful priests, 'buying' from Christ refined gold filling the heart with the treasure of truth, of wisdom; bringing honor to their Lord. Deut 26:2,4;  2 Pet 2:4,5,9; Rom 8:23; James 1:18; Rom 11:33; 1 Cor 1:4-9
Paul told the anointed firstfruits,
 “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God with your body.”  1 Cor 20:19
 “I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.”  Rev 3:18
I will bring the one-third through the fire, Will refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested. They will call on My name, And I will answer them. I will say, ‘This is My people’; And each one will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’ ”  Zech 13:9
They are the Temple/dwelling of God and Christ, where Holy Spirit, symbolized by wine, will flow freely imparting the wisdom of life to all in the Kingdom.  John 2:3-11
God is not interested in building man’s “temple” with a monetary system that thrives in Satan’s world. This is a dream of men which has corrupted truth with its changing lies.  2 Thess 2:9-12  He encourages all of us to become rich in the teachings of Christ that leads to eternal life. Christ’s “living water” flows through the  sealed “firstfruits”, “trees” bearing fruit in all seasons “for the healing of the nations” of mankind in the Kingdom. John 4:10;7:38; Ezek 47:6,7,12; Ps 104:16; Isa 44:1-5; Zech 4:11,14; Rev 11:4; 22:1,2; Matt 7:16-20   All will become filled with the water that provides life.   The “big trees of righteousness” that Stephen Lett called all JWs during the 2018 Annual Meeting, applies to those chosen to serve in the Temple/Holy City.  Their “fruit”, filled with living water/wine/wisdom/Holy Spirit provides the knowledge of God to all His children.  THIS is what the Kingdom is about, not living in a big beautiful house with a garden, although God’s faithful children will lovingly have their needs well taken care of; it’s about knowing the Father and His Son, and living by the Word.  Micah 4:2
 
Wisdom has built her house,
She has hewn out her seven pillars;
2 She has slaughtered her meat,
She has mixed her wine,
She has also furnished her table.
3 She has sent out her maidens,
She cries out from the highest places of the city,
4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here!”
As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him,
5 “Come, eat of my bread
And drink of the wine I have mixed.
6 Forsake foolishness and live,
And go in the way of understanding. Prov 9:106
Wisdom is the fulfilled New Covenant, the dwelling place of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and the prophets -  built on the Body of Christ. 1 Cor 3:16; 2 Cor 6:16; Eph 2:20; Rev 5:6-10; 3:12
And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And the one who hears, let him say, “Come!” And the one who is thirsty, let him come. The one who wants, let him take the water of life freely. Rev 22:17
By reading further in Prov 3:9 we are assured that honoring God with material possessions is not at all what the scripture is teaching us.
Happy is the man who finds wisdom,
And the man who gains understanding;
14 For her proceeds are better than the profits of silver,
And her gain than fine gold.
15 She is more precious than rubies,
And all the things you may desire cannot compare with her.
16 Length of days is in her right hand,
In her left hand riches and honor.
17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness,
And all her paths are peace.
18 She is a tree of life to those who take hold of her,
And happy are all who retain her.
The days of building temples with material goods are done. We have a Temple already being built with living stones on the anointed Body of Christ – built with the riches of wisdom of truth, bought from Christ once turning away from the WT idol. 1 Pet 2:5,9
We give back to God through our devoted worship and sacrifices of praise. 
  Eph 2:20-22; 2 Thess 2:13,14; Luke 7:35; 1 Cor 1:24; Rev 5:11,12
Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? James 2:5
 
 
 
 
 
 

Have you not seen false visions and uttered lying divinations when you say, “The Lord declares,” though I have not spoken?
GB claim how they are "spirit guided", and that The Watchtower as main food instrument for feeding JW people, "declares God's words". We can find sentences in WT publications that directly connecting JHVH and Jesus as speaking through WT magazine and publications. But we see how JHVH not spoken nothing to Them. GB is under "false visions" guidance.   

Mark Sanderson claims Russia is “The King of the North”.
“Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog, ‘Thus says the Lord God: “On that day when My people Israel dwell safely, will you not know it? 15 Then you will come from your place out of the far north, you and many peoples with you, all of them riding on horses, a great company and a mighty army. 16 You will come up against My people Israel like a cloud, to cover the land. It will be in the latter days that I will bring you against My land, so that the nations may know Me, when I am hallowed in you, O Gog, before their eyes.” Ezek 38:14-16
He says, “does this mean that the attack of Gog of Magog has begun?” 
Geoffrey Jackson:  “The attack of Gog of Magog does not occur before the outbreak of the Great Tribulation”  It is toward the end of the Great Tribulation.”
 Sounds like they're talking about the same event to me, only they don't agree when it begins/occurs.
This video gives two different points of view held by WT, of the presence of Gog and Magog.
1.     Now, as Russia, the King of the North
2.    At the end of Armageddon
Hopefully you heard the scripture at the end of the video:
Now when the thousand years have expired, Satan will be released from his prison 8 and will go out to deceive the nations which are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, whose number is as the sand of the sea. 9 They went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them.  Rev 20:7-9
The third visit by Gog and Magog:
WT 88/10/15 p. 20 -   At the end of the thousand years, mankind will have been raised to   perfection. What an appropriate time for Satan to make his final appearance on the earthly scene! Once again he will try to deceive mankind, and some will follow him, even then. These are significantly called “Gog and Magog” since they will manifest the same evil spirit as that shown by ‘Gog’s crowd’ in Ezekiel’s prophecy. But their rebellious spirit will be wiped out for all eternity when they, along with Satan himself and his demons, are cast into the symbolic lake of fire. (Revelation 20:7-10; Ezekiel 39:11) 
Revelation speaks of one event, after a symbolic “thousand years” have ended.   Geoffrey Jackson is saying it occurs at the very end of Armageddon.  The quote above clarifies what happens to Gog and Magog:
10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
They’re toast – history.  Since your leaders are now teaching that Gog and Magog are present now, and also will arrive toward the end of the Great Tribulation,  when did the thousand year reign of Christ end?  If Gog and Magog appear a thousand years after Armageddon as well, how is that possible if they are “tormented day and night forever and ever”at the end of Armageddon?  
 PS 110:1,2  The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at My right hand,
Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”
2 The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion.
Rule in the midst of Your enemies!
"Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.  "  1 Cor 15:24-26
Satan and death are destroyed at Armageddon's finish.
The “thousand years” began in the first century, and has now ended.  Since your leaders are very confused about when Gog and Magog make their appearance, saying it occurs before and after a thousand years beyond Armageddon,  then how can you trust WHO they say Gog and Magog really are?
Gog and Magog surround the “saints”, “Israel” by using deceit sourced in the devil.  Do any Watchtower videos mention this, that it is by deceit that God’s holy people are “surrounded”?  Nope.  As this video portrays and narrated by G. Jackson, Christ apparently steps in when God’s people are the only religion left and are enjoying “spiritual prosperity”.  So, when did the deceit occur?
“The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where also the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
The Beast and false prophet/Beast with two horns of Revelation 13:1,11 ARE Gog and Magog. 
Who would deceive God’s people if not a false prophet?  Who “conquers the saints” – yes, they are conquered – if not by what a a false prophet directs?  Rev 13:5-7,11,12
Mark 13:22 – “For false christs and false prophets will rise and show signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”
 

The person who made this short quip was never a JW, although he is able to perceive the contradiction of teachings by the governing body.  
Can you perceive the confusion?  (meaning of "Babylon")
 

Have you not seen false visions and uttered lying divinations when you say, “The Lord declares,” though I have not spoken?
GB claim how they are "spirit guided", and that The Watchtower as main food instrument for feeding JW people, "declares God's words". We can find sentences in WT publications that directly connecting JHVH and Jesus as speaking through WT magazine and publications. But we see how JHVH not spoken nothing to Them. GB is under "false visions" guidance.   

There’s a guy I’ve heard about that wants to build a big wall to keep the undesirables out.  He’s changed the design a few times, even the cost to build it.  He’s been caught lying about his plans, including who will foot the bill.  Even at the inconvenient sacrifices of thousands, he still doggedly pursues his goal to procure enough money to build his wall.   
It all sounds very familiar to me.   How much does it cost to build a wall of fabricated stories?  Apparently, a LOT.  Ezek 13-1-23

desire to posses something is too strong

That appears to be the root of the problem.  1 Tim 6:9,10

WT loves money :)))

Mr Felix.
John Butler and other ex-JW people are Gained their right to speak openly about WT (to share Critical Thoughts) with a Day of Personal Awaking and with a Day of leaving JW community !! 
I have to remind You how every "faithful member" aka JW member does not have and will never have any "Right", Permission and Free Will  to "criticize" WT. Because of reasons:
1) he/she is "faithful member",
2) JW member will be disciplined if would dare to "criticize" or to put complain about WT,
3) hierarchical structure and Doctrines in WT gives no space for "criticizing" or for Critical Thoughts.
 

Who said that? A donkey?
 

I read a quote by someone who had written about the Edomites and their ‘perpetual hatred’ toward the nation of Israel, when Edom assisted Nebuchadnezzar to drag Israel away to Babylon. Ezek 35:5-9
He said,
“To afflict the afflicted is cruel. This is scarcely of man, bad as he is. He must be possessed by the malignant spirit of the devil, when he wounds the wounded, insults over the miseries of the afflicted, and seeks opportunities to add affliction to those who are already under the rod of God.”
It brought my thoughts to God’s present spiritual nation “Israel” under the rule of a rebellious spiritual “Edom”, the “Gentile” Man of Lawlessness/Elder Body. 2 Thess 2:3,4; Rev 11:1,2
Yet, how are the anointed ones under the rod of God?
Although Jesus Christ warned his servants of the potential danger, God has allowed His people under covenant, to be enamored by “fruit” presented by false “christs”. Matt 24:23-25 These fallen anointed ones had previously taken the first bite of Satan’s offer of “knowing good and bad”, and gaining potential to weave truth with lies. Gen 3:5; 2 Pet 3:17 Under Satan’s influence, they have paved the way to destruction, through their own acceptance of his gift, bestowing on them power and authority over God’s anointed people. Matt 4:8,9; 2 Cor 11:2,3; Isa 28:15; Rev 17:5; 13:11 
As the last military ruse devised by Satan, a worldly arrangement is utilized to sift and ultimately “harvest” each heart. These leaders are the puppets he needed to captivate and inflict harm on God’s anointed ones, under the false pretense labeled “the truth”. 1 John 5:19; Matt 24:4,8,11; 2 Cor 11:3; Matt.13:26,30,38-41 
By also accepting this clever offering of poisonous “fruit”, God’s people have chosen an idol to lead and protect them, instead of relying fully on God alone. Matt 7:15-20; Col 2:8; Rev 8:10,11
God allows this sifting to occur, which reveals our choice in whom we choose to serve – either Him, with our entire mind, heart and soul; or Satan and his seemingly illustrious…lies. Mark 12:30; John 8:44  Jesus suffered under similar testing by Satan. Luke 22:31;4:5-7; James 5:10-11; 1 Pet 2:21 Satan uses a strong (of “superhuman power”) corrupt delusion that overcomes the anointed and their companions in the time of the end. 2 Thess 2:9; Rev 13:1,2,4 
Please COMPARE the two following quotes from the Watchtower:
"Still, as a people, “the chosen ones” and their loyal companions will physically survive the end of apostate Christendom by taking REFUGE in Jehovah AND his…
… MOUNTAINLIKE ORGANIZATION." Wt. 11/1/15 pp. 3-7
Can an organization that proclaims to be one's spiritual REFUGE be an effective sifting trap for Satan to employ? Amos 3:5;Ps 64:5,6
Wt. 1974/12/1 pp. 728-734 – “The symbolic “TRAP” that Satan the Devil has set for those who trust in Jehovah God as their “REFUGE” and “STRONGHOLD”, is the EARTHLY ORGANIZATION that is OPPOSED to God’s organization, namely, Satan’s VISIBLE ORGANIZATION.”
 
This rather confusing quote is implying that Satan’s earthly, worldly, and visible organization, opposes God’s true “organization”. Satan’s organization “traps” the unsuspecting, who believe they are putting their complete trust in God as their REFUGE, yet are duped by Satan’s powerful delusion.
What is this quote signifying to YOU, JWs?
The WT “mountainlike organization” is visibly distinct; and completely immersed in the operations of the earthy realm. It cannot exist without the world’s help, thus it is far from a “heavenly” organization, which would be spirit-driven by God. 1 John 2:14,15; Heb 12:22; 2 Pet 1:18 Its leaders rely fully on how they can implement not only your money, but all political and industrial aspects in this earthly realm. 1 John 5:19
They are earthly men, without the knowledge of “heavenly” things. John 3:12; 8:23; 1 Cor 2:12-14; James 3:15; Col 3:1,2; Heb.11:1,2,8,10,16
In the last quote, Satan knows what he’s implying, but do you? Should there be any devoted attachment to ANY earthly entity, that gives equal footing to, even outranking, our devotion to God and His Son? Isa 46:5 Can you detect the trap that Satan has so deviously set, yet has cleverly revealed in the Wt. quote? 1 Pet 5:8; Rev 12:4,13,15,17
But notice what your earthly rulers ALSO tell you:
Km 8/82 - “Jehovah God rightly expects each of us to maintain a DEVOTED ATTACHMENT to him AND HIS VISIBLE EARTHLY ORGANIZATION.”
Rom 1:25 – “They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.”
What sort of “created things”? Strong’s defines the word by saying, “in Greek writings the act of founding, establishing, building, etc.”…….
……THE WATCHTOWER ORGANIZATION ***** “JEHOVAH’S MOUNTAINLIKE, VISIBLE, EARTHLY ORGANIZATION”.
It is important to learn the details of YHVH’s authentic “organization” – the anointed Body of Christ; the Temple of God and His dwelling place. 1 Cor 3:16,17 Please, endeavor to learn truth from God’s Word.
For this idolatrous choice, spiritual “Israel” has fallen under the rule of “Babylon the Great”, the “mother” covenant of death. Isa 28:15 Spiritual “Edom” has aided the trampling of God’s Temple by imposing their given authority to ‘set themselves up’ in the Temple of God for the purpose of conquering the holy ones, and bringing the power of the “holy ones” to nothing. Obadiah 1:3,4,10; Ps 37:7; Dan 12:7; 2 Thess 2:3,4; 1 Cor 3:16,17 
The area of Mount Seir, located south of the Dead Sea, commonly refers to the Edomite nation. When Esau moved into that area, his family mingled and intermarried with the Horite people. Eventually, they fell under the rule of Esau’s descendants and were displaced by Edom.
As I glanced at the various root meanings of the name “Seir”, I found it widely describes a sinister place. Here are some of its descriptive connotations:
“to sweep or whirl away”, “storm”, “horror”, “horrid”, “a horrible thing”, “disgusting”, “demon, satyr”, “to shudder in the face of something”, “to tear in two, split, divide or tear down”, “measure, calculate”, and “a means of controlled access to a walled city”.
I think we get the picture, that through the graphic meaning of the name, we can transcend its description to the people that inhabited Mount Seir – a vicious, evil nation whose goal was to wipe out Israel. It shows me also, the similarities between Mount Seir and the “mountainlike organization” that Satan uses today to control access to the true Temple priesthood of God in the anointed ones, and to tear down spiritual “Israel”.
 
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You shut the door of the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces. For you don’t go in, and you don’t allow those entering to go in.” Matt 23:13
It is the horrifying “disgusting thing” that Jesus warned us about, and what we are to flee from, according to Matt 24:15,16; and the fourth Beast from Daniel’s visions that he describes as:
“frightening and dreadful, and incredibly strong, with large iron teeth. It devoured and crushed, and it trampled with its feet whatever was left. It was different from all the beasts before it, and it had ten horns.” Dan 7:7
“The dragon stood on the shore of the sea. And I saw a beast coming out of the sea. It had ten horns and seven heads, with ten crowns on its horns, and on each head a blasphemous name.
It was given power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them. And it was given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation.” Rev 13:1,7
Through its presence, the heart’s desire of each anointed one is calculated and “measured” either acceptable for life, or death. Zech 5:1-11; Amos 7:7-9; Rev 11:1,2; Rev 13:16,17
Dan.7:25 - "He will speak against the Most High and oppress his holy people and try to change the set times and the laws. The HOLY PEOPLE WILL BE DELIVERED into his hands for a time, times and half a time."
Dan.11:31 - ""His armed forces will rise up to desecrate the temple fortress and will abolish the daily sacrifice. Then they will SET UP the abomination that causes desolation."
2 Thess 2:4 – “He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he SETS HIMSELF UP IN GOD’S TEMPLE, proclaiming himself to be God.”
Mark13:14 - "When you see 'the abomination that causes desolation' STANDING WHERE IT DOES NOT BELONG--let the reader understand--then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains."
JWs, can you understand why God allows “Edom” to wound, afflict and “trample” spiritual “Israel”?
"'The decision is announced by messengers, the holy ones declare the verdict, SO THAT THE LIVING MAY KNOW THAT THE MOST HIGH IS SOVEREIGN OVER ALL THE KINGDOMS ON EARTH and gives them to anyone he wishes and sets over them the lowliest of people.' Dan 4:17
Behind its pristine-looking façade, the ominous “mountainlike organization” has raised itself above God’s authentic Mount Zion, and above God Himself, in the mind of JWs. Satan has gradually transformed the position of each anointed one as powerless, by placing doubts before JWs of their ability to teach the sheep. Mal 2:7 The Wt. magazines have made cutting remarks about them; they must not speak of their anointing, they may suffer mental problems, they are not to gather together as an anointed group. They are to be scrutinized if claiming to be anointed. Successfully, over time, the Watchtower has ‘set up’ its own false priesthood/elder body to rule, plundering and trampling God’s appointed Temple priesthood. Sadly, the majority swallow down such poisonous fruit. 2 Cor 11:20
Jesus will need to discipline his priests at his return, for apathetically accepting a head over them (Rev.3:16), other than he 
(Eph.5:23; 2Cor.11:2-4,20; Rev.2:20; Zech.8:17).https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/…
They will have to be "refined" by fire (Zech.13:9; Isa.48:10; 1Pet.4:1; Eze.16:39; Rev.3:17-18; Hosea 12:6-8).https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/…
As Jesus says at Rev.3:19 ...
"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent."
The discipline Christ brings when he returns, is not easy to perceive, nor pleasant to accept (Heb.12:5-13). 
In fact, Christ must discipline them with "a rod of iron" 
(Micah 6:9; Prov.23:13-14; Rev.2:27; Hosea 6:5; Jer.23:29; 5:14; Rev.11:5; 2Pet.3:7,10). 
"Iron" is the precise identity that is trampling them, in the time of the end (Dan.2:40,34,44). 
God allows the very Idol they are serving, to discipline, beat, and trample them. 
That is, the Great Tribulation (Isa.5:5-6; Rev.11:6; Zech.13:9; Isa.48:10-11; 6:11-13 (Rev.11:13); Dan.12:6-7)  Pearl Doxsey – “Christ’s Return – When?”
 
This “mountainlike organization” that rebels against the “Mountains of Israel”, the authentic Zion, will have the same outcome as wicked Mount Seir:
Ezek 35:12-15 - Then you will know that I the Lord have heard all the contemptible things you have said against the mountains of Israel. You said, “They have been laid waste and have been given over to us to devour.” 13 You boasted against me and spoke against me without restraint, and I heard it. 14 This is what the Sovereign Lord says: While the whole earth rejoices, I will make you desolate. 15 Because you rejoiced when the inheritance of Israel became desolate, that is how I will treat you. You will be desolate, Mount Seir, you and all of Edom. Then they will know that I am YHVH.’” Ezek 35:12-15
“What are you, mighty mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become level ground. Then he will bring out the capstone to shouts of ‘God bless it! God bless it!’” Zech 4:7
The way that God and Christ discipline and refine the repentant, is to allow the Master they have chosen, to mistreat them. Then the remnant, will return to their husbandly owner 
(Jer.2:2-5,11-14,17,26; Hosea 13:6; 2:7-9,16-17,19-20; Isa.26:16-21; 40:2-3; Dan.12:7; Rev.6:11; Ps.66:12; Luke12:37; Isa.25:6; John16:13,8).  Pearl Doxsey
 
Please, consider reading the following from Ezekiel chapter 36:
“Son of man, prophesy to the mountains of Israel and say, ‘Mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord. 2 This is what the Lord God says: Because the enemy has said about you, “Aha! The ancient heights have become our possession,”’ 3 therefore, prophesy and say: ‘This is what the Lord God says: Because they have made you DESOLATE and have TRAMPLED you from every side, so that you became a possession for the rest of the nations and an object of PEOPLE’S GOSSIP AND SLANDER, 4 therefore, mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord God. This is what the Lord God says to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys, to the desolate ruins and abandoned cities, which have become PLUNDER and a MOCKERY to the rest of the nations all around.
5 “‘This is what the Lord God says: Certainly in my burning zeal I speak against the rest of the nations and all of Edom, who took my land as their own possession with wholehearted rejoicing and utter contempt so that its pastureland became plunder.
6 Therefore, prophesy concerning the land of Israel and say to the mountains and hills, to the ravines and valleys: This is what the Lord God says: Look, I speak in my burning zeal because you have endured the insults of the nations. 7 Therefore, this is what the Lord God says: I swear that the nations all around you will endure their own insults.
“‘You, mountains of Israel, will produce your branches and bear your fruit for my people Israel, since their arrival is near. 9 Look! I am on your side; I will turn toward you, and you will be tilled and sown. 10 I will fill you with people, with the whole house of Israel in its entirety.
“Therefore say to the Israelites, ‘This is what the Sovereign Lord says: It is not for your sake, people of Israel, that I am going to do these things, BUT FOR THE SAKE OF MY HOLY NAME, WHICH YOU HAVE PROFANED AMONG THE NATIONS where you have gone. 23 I will show the holiness of My great name, which has been profaned among the nations, the name you have profaned among them. Then the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Sovereign Lord, WHEN I AM PROVED HOLY THROUGH YOU BEFORE THEIR EYES.
24 “‘For I will take you out of the nations; I will gather you from all the countries and bring you back into your own land. 25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow My decrees and be careful to keep My laws. 28 Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be My people, and I will be your God."
 
 
Pearl Doxsey, 4 womaninthewilderness blogspot
“Trample – How Does it Happen?”
“YHVH’s Genuine Mountain”
“Organized Religion”
“Where is the Temple/Jerusalem?”
 

not only high school but also primary school. :))
only do not know was this sort of thinking characteristic for Whole people in specific JW generation or one part of people in that generation :)) 
Up-vote!

Mr Felix.
John Butler and other ex-JW people are Gained their right to speak openly about WT (to share Critical Thoughts) with a Day of Personal Awaking and with a Day of leaving JW community !! 
I have to remind You how every "faithful member" aka JW member does not have and will never have any "Right", Permission and Free Will  to "criticize" WT. Because of reasons:
1) he/she is "faithful member",
2) JW member will be disciplined if would dare to "criticize" or to put complain about WT,
3) hierarchical structure and Doctrines in WT gives no space for "criticizing" or for Critical Thoughts.
 

I know, this seems to be all that I'm talking about - the elder body "representing the royal priesthood", as if that is a-okay with God.  Please, if you see any scripture that shows it is okay with God, show me.   Satan's deception don't always appear evil, but must be perceived spiritually.  He cloaks himself as an angel of light, as well as his ministers. Do you believe the Watchtower organization is immune to Satan's deceptions?  He has dedicated himself to destroy Abraham's seed; those in Christ. Gen 3:15  JWs are trained to look away from their own people and into the world of men.  But, just as in Christ's day, lawlessness thrives among God's "nation".  
 
 
During the Annual Meeting, 2018, Stephen Lett gave his opening talk, entitled, “Appreciating Our Spiritual Paradise”. In his usual emphatic and grandiose manner, he listed seven points that were to prove JWs reside in a “spiritual paradise”. There are so many falsehoods in his presentation, I only cover his initial comments here. When I began jotting my thoughts down, it was hard to know where to stop, as this man who leads JWs has a unique way of convincing his audience, using boastful, humorous, yet hollow words; the trademark of a lie. 1 Thess 2:3-5 I feel like I have to “stand my ground” and do everything I can to expose this organization’s source of power …existing by the “powers of this dark world” and “the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Eph 6:12,13 
He begins:
“When were Jehovah’s people taken into spiritual captivity by Babylon the great? Well, we know, we’ve learned recently, it was sometime in the second century c.e., after the death of the last of the apostles who were acting as a RESTRAINT and imitation Christians began to infiltrate the congregation and the ugly baby Christendom was born.”
He is referring to the presence of the Man of Lawlessness as Christendom, that “set itself up in God’s Temple” 2 Thess 2:3,4 (God’s Temple: 1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17; Heb 3:6; Eph 2:20-22)
Did the apostles act as a “restraint”, or indeed, is it the Man of Lawlessness ITSELF ‘holding back’, ‘detaining’, ‘hindering (the course or progress of)’; even “possessing” the entitlement to, the priesthood, who are the “living stones” of the Temple of God? (all are meanings for the Greek word katechō)
WHO is hindering the position that the anointed in the organization SHOULD take as God’s personally appointed priesthood? Mal 2:7; Heb 13:15; John 15:16; 1 Thess 1:4 
Let the Watchtower tell you:
“REPRESENTING the royal priesthood are appointed ELDERS, who serve in positions of responsibility in congregations of Jehovah’s people around the earth. These men deserve our respect and wholehearted support, WHETHER THEY ARE OF THE ANOINTED OR NOT.” 
“Rather than CHALLENGE their authority, we truly appreciate our hardworking elders!” Wt 02/8/1
Since the governing body has decided the elders are to “represent” God’s anointed holy ones, they act and speak in the capacity of a priesthood as representatives, but WITHOUT consulting what the holy ones may understand as scriptural truth. Matt 24:48-51; Micah 2:10,11
The governing body will tell you that elders are not priests, yet conveniently use the world’s “clergy-penitent privilege” to their advantage in various court cases filed against the Watchtower organization concerning pedophile issues.
Also, GOD’S AUTHENTIC PRIESTHOOD must OBEY those who REPRESENT THEM!
Have you ever considered how God views this, JWs? What does our High Priest, Jesus Christ, feel about a great army of elders REPRESENTING and at the same time, SILENCING his chosen priesthood of God’s Temple? (1 Cor 3:16,17) (Rev 9:1-4) 
THE AMBASSADORS OR REPRESENTATIVES FOR CHRIST ARE THE ANOINTED ONES. 2 Cor 5:20 Their weighty responsibility and commitment is solely to Christ, truth, and the Father. Isa 43:21; 1 Pet 2:5,9; Heb 13:15 
NEVER must they obey men! Acts 5:29
Jesus predicted that “false christs” or “false Messiahs” would come on scene during the last days, deceiving “even the elect”. Matt 24:24 In reality, who are the ambassadors or representatives of the governing body who carry out their teachings and decrees? Of course, it is the Body of Elders! For JWs who may become “inactive”, these representatives for the GB must implore them to reunite or “reconcile” themselves to “Jehovah’s organization” – the idol that YOU, JWs, have come to revere as salvation. Rev 13:1,4,8
Notice what the governing body has to say in this Branch Letter:
km 8/80 pp. 1-4 – “It is our hope that such ones will come to their senses, repent, and RETURN TO JEHOVAH’S ORGANIZATION which would be to their EVERLASTING BENEFIT.”
Words of an authentic priest, the apostle Paul:
2 Cor 5:20,21 - Therefore, we are Christ’s representatives, ("ambassadors") and through us God is calling you. We beg you ON BEHALF OF CHRIST to become REUNITED (“reconciled”) WITH GOD. God had Christ, who was sinless, take our sin so that we might receive GOD’S APPROVAL THROUGH HIM.
JWs, is your heart in line with God and Christ, or with false “christs”, their false priests, and an IDOL?
To Aaron the first appointed high priest of Israel, God said,
“YOU are to be responsible for the care of the sanctuary and the altar, so that my wrath will not fall on the Israelites again. 6 I myself have selected your fellow Levites from among the Israelites as a gift to you, dedicated to the Lord to do the work at the tent of meeting. 7 But only you and your sons may serve as priests in connection with everything at the altar and inside the curtain. I AM GIVING YOU THE SERVICE OF THE PRIESTHOOD AS A GIFT. ANYONE ELSE WHO COMES NEAR THE SANCTUARY IS TO BE PUT TO DEATH.” Num 18:5-8
“It acted ARROGANTLY even against the Prince (Jesus Christ) of the heavenly army; it revoked his regular sacrifice and OVERTHREW the place of his SANCTUARY.” Dan 8:11
Yes, the elder body has accomplished overthrowing spiritual “Israel” – the sanctuary/priesthood of God. Rev 13:7; 9:3,4; 2 Thess 2:3,4 This act of abomination will not be fulfilled in such a concise manner anywhere else in the realm of the world, as Stephen Lett tells you.
“And NOW YOU KNOW” JWS!
…”what is RESTRAINING,
…that he may be REVEALED in his own time.
7 For the hidden truth of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now RESTRAINS will do so UNTIL HE IS TAKEN OUT OF THE WAY.. 8 AND THEN THE LAWLESS ONE WILL BE REVEALED, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. “ 2 Thess 2:6-8
Time is running out. The Man of Lawless has been revealed; “taken out of the way” –EXPOSED, “APPEAR, TO ARISE FROM THE MIDST” – as the “abomination standing in the holy place” - God’s Temple sanctuary. Matt 24:15,16 
The elder body is an “image” of indisputable godly authority, over the “remaining ones of the woman’s seed”, and all of JWs residing with them. Rev.12:17,15; Dan.11:10

Who is behind this desire to restrain the gathering of the true Holy Ones to Christ (Rev 19:14,8;9:5) and "hold down" the emergence of truth?
2Thess.2:9 tells us. 
It is Satan who is using this puppet... to "restrain/hold down" the gathering of his foes (Rev 12:17; Eph 6:12). 
During this "lawless one's presence", Satan and the demons are "gathering" their own army. It includes these apostates (2Thess.2:2,3,9; Rev.16:13,14; 8:10,11; 9:2) and their lawless beast, who are assisting Satan in releasing these lies…  (2Thess.2:10,11,12;Rev.13:14; 9:3,7,8,9,10; Deut.28:42; Jer.46:23; 51:14,27)
...the "unclean inspired expressions" (Rev.16:13).
2 Thess 2:10-12; Rev 13:14; 9,7-10; Deut 28:42; Jer 46:23; 51:14,27; Rev 16:13 
Why do we see these two sides being gathered (Mal.3:18)?
On one side, there is Satan and his apostate prophet, along with its "man of lawlessness"(wild beast-Rev.13:18c). Along with these two, are all those deceived by them (2Thess.2:10; Rev.13:14,8; 1Tim.6:20,21). Satan is trying to prevent Christ from establishing the Kingdom, through which Satan will lose his dominion over the world (1John5:19b).
On the other side, we see Holy Ones being gathered to Christ, being fed true food from him, and then teaching that truth (Rev.11:3). As the final ones to be sealed, their faithful course ends in death, and then they are resurrected to join Christ in establishing the Kingdom (Rev.11:7,11,12; 20:4; 16:6;12:11;18:24). Pearl Doxsey, "The Thing That Acts As a Restraint"
Getting back to Lett’s opening address, we also cannot dismiss the possibility of many anointed present in the last 2,000 years. Were all of them captive under “Babylon the Great”? Were none of them faithful to Christ? How does the governing body know that every anointed one was taken “captive” by false teachings before the organization came on the scene a little over 100 years ago?
Revelation tells us about the faithful anointed ones up until the last deceitful stratagem was put in place by Satan, to conquer the anointed ones. THIS occurred A LITTLE OVER 100 YEARS AGO! Those living PREVIOUS to this end time demonic delusion, are mentioned in Rev 4:20:
4 Then I saw thrones, and people seated on them who were given authority to judge. I also saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God, WHO HAD NOT WORSHIPED THE BEAST OR ITS IMAGE AND WHO HAD NOT ACCEPTED THE MARK ON THEIR FOREHEADS OR THEIR HANDS. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” Rev 20:4
To understand this time period, we must perceive when the “thousand year” reign of Christ took place, which began when Christ came to the earth, conquering death. Matt 28:18; Ps 110:1,2; Acts 7:55,56 It is not in the future, JWs, but has progressed down to this day. Near the end point, a baseline of truth was presented, by leaders such as CT Russel and “Judge” Rutherford. Rev 20:1-3,7-9 The bait of truth was the captive element that gathered the anointed into a soon-to-be established “image” of a “spirit-directed organization”. Rev 13:15 
Under the influence of “demonic expressions”, time can effectively warp the purity of truth by introducing false doctrines. Rev 16:13-16 The need for an identifying “mark” develops, to denote those who have become captive to the lies uttered by an idol and its false prophets. Rev 13:11,16,17; 14:9,10,7
 
Stephen Lett continues:
“But now when did that captivity end? Well we know 1919. The year when true anointed Christians came out of captivity and PURE WORSHIP WAS RESTORED. And that means because this is year 2018 Jehovah’s people have been SET FREE for 99 years, almost a hundred years now.”
Pure worship is flexible terminology that helps cover a multitude of Watchtower’s sins. If God’s anointed and all you, JWs, are in subjection to men and consistent doctrinal changes that are taught as truth, have you been SET FREE from lies?
Watchtower 1969, 12/1 pp. 712-726: “In the year 1919 he (Jesus Christ) used the “key of the pit of the abyss” and opened the pit and let his repentant, faithful remnant of Kingdom joint heirs out. “
LEARN WHO OPENS THE ABYSS, AND WHAT STINGING ARMY IS RELEASED. 
NOTICE THAT THIS ARMY’S MISSION IS TO AFFLICT PAIN ON “THOSE WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE SEAL ON THEIR FOREHEADS”. Rev 9:4 
WHO IS IT that must be “sealed” as faithful, cleansed of all sin, and becoming approved to serve in the Kingdom of God? It is the anointed priesthood. Mal 3:1-4; Rev 7:4 Would the army released as locust/scorpions be a remnant of faithful anointed ones, inflicting harm on their fellow anointed ones yet to be sealed? No. The true identity of the army belongs to those who desire to DESTROY spiritual “Israel” as the Man of Lawlessness.
Again, we see it is the Body of Elders that “treads” upon the Temple/priesthood of God, and who boldly, without fear, “represent” the royal priesthood. Rev 11:1,2 They are characterized as figurative stinging locust scorpions ravaging the “owned land”/”possession of God. Joel 2:2,3; 1 Cor 3:9; Acts 7:49; John 14:23; 1 Cor 3:16; Eph 2:22
No wonder Mr. Lett is so flamboyant in selling his “spiritual paradise”. The massive sin of this lawlessness in the organization that the “two witnesses” are trumpeting loudly, must be resonating in his ears. Rev 11:3,7
Here is another WT quote considering the events that apparently happened in 1919.
1962,1/15 pp. 41-48: Jehovah God the heavenly Father caused his “woman,” the Jerusalem above, to give birth in the first postwar year, 1919.
Firstly, as most of you present-day JWs know, Watchtower’s date of the “birth of the Kingdom” has changed to 1914. Yet, If this had occurred, the Kingdom of God would be here on earth.
When a woman gives birth, she has already suffered from labor pains leading up to the birth. However, the Watchtower teaches that labor pains follow AFTER the supposed “birth of the Kingdom”. Does this sound logical to you, JWs?
Let me show you how the Wt. gets around the otherwise natural process of birth.
NWT, Matt 24:7,8 - “For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be food shortages and earthquakes in one place after another. 8 All these things are a BEGINNING OF PANGS OF DISTRESS.
We do see worldly "pangs of distress" suffered by all, but the true Greek meaning the Watchtower uses for “pangs of distress” is defined as, “the pain of childbirth, travail pain, birth pangs.” Interestingly, the “blueletterbible” also comments: “intolerable anguish, in reference to the dire calamities to PRECEDE the advent of the Messiah”.
Will the Kingdom of God “give birth” twice? Once in 1914 and again at the culmination of Armageddon? The organization actually teaches this, that there are two arrivals of Gods Kingdom, once in heaven beginning in 1914 and ruled by Christ, then on earth after Armageddon; and in between is to be Christ’s “thousand year” Kingdom. Setting dates results in confusion and gives evidence of the Man of Lawlessness in power. 2 Thess 2:1-4
Learn who this “woman” covenant is, and how the faithful under the New Covenant promise will facilitate the coming birth of the Kingdom. Rev 12:1,2; 2:26,27 
It is Satan’s desire to OBSTRUCT the birth of the Kingdom by promoting his twisted lies already revealed in just the opening words of a spiritual Harlot daughter of an adulterous “woman”. Isa 28:7,8,14,15; Rev 8:10,11; 13:11; 17:3-6 
Every aspect of Lett’s talk smooths over the hidden abomination that has “restrained” the operation of God’s priesthood. The good news is that there are anointed and companions who recognize it and have separated from this idol; “killed” for doing so by the Beast, but work under the Holy Spirit’s guidance to expose the truth about a counterfeit “spiritual paradise”. 1 Thess 5:1-3; Rev 13:4,11,14,15;11:7,11,12; Ps 14:7; Ezek 39:25; Nahum 2:2
If you, JWs, have any sort of genuine hope to worship God in the Kingdom, it means your life to perceive the authentic Man of Lawlessness ruling and “standing” in the Temple of God – “where it does not belong”. Mark 13:14 It means your life to take in the truth about this priesthood who are to TEACH AND SERVE YOUR NEEDS under God and Christ’s direction in the coming Kingdom. There will not be a Watchtower elder body to aid and teach God’s children in the Kingdom; but, this is what your leaders would have you believe. Rev 13:5,6 
WT 93 5/15 pp. 12-17 - “These Christian elders, or gifts in men, fit the description the prophet Isaiah gave (Isa 32:1,2) when foretelling the role of the “princes,” the administrators under Kingdom rule.”
WHO are the authentic “gifts in men”? They are the holy ones/saints/priests of God’s Temple, that the elder body deceitfully claims to “REPRESENT”. Eph 4:12; Isa 32:1,2; Dan 12:1; 2 Tim 2:12; Rev 5:9,10; 20:6
Pearl Doxsey - 4womaninthewilderness:
"Locust-Scorpions"/Abaddon"/"fallen star"/"Wormwood"
"Coming to Life"
The "Thousand Years"/The "Image" of the Beast/Scrolls
The "Day" and "Night" of a Thousand Years/Two Kingdoms
"Tails/Stingers/Scorpions"
"Labor Pains"
Obadiah blogspot:
"Jacob's Ladder" Gen 28:12,13; John 1:51; Heb 1:14  
My son, if you accept My words
and store up My commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding—
3 indeed, if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds success in store for the upright,
He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for He guards the course of the just
and protects the way of His faithful ones.
9 Then you will understand what is right and just
and fair—every good path.
10 For wisdom will enter your heart,
and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
11 Discretion will protect you,
and understanding will guard you.
12 Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men,
from men whose words are perverse,
13 who have left the straight paths
to walk in dark ways,
14 who delight in doing wrong
and rejoice in the perverseness of evil,
15 whose paths are crooked
and who are devious in their ways.
16 Wisdom will save you also from the ADULTEROUS WOMAN,
from the wayward woman with her SEDUCTIVE WORDS,
17 who has left the partner of her youth
and IGNORED THE COVENANT she made before God. 
18 Surely her house leads down to death
and her paths to the spirits of the dead.
19 None who go to her return
or attain the paths of life.
20 Thus you will walk in the ways of the good
and keep to the paths of the righteous.
21 For the upright will live in the land,
and the blameless will remain in it;
22 but the wicked will be cut off from the land,
and the unfaithful will be torn from it.
Proverbs, Chapter 2
 

Mr Felix.
John Butler and other ex-JW people are Gained their right to speak openly about WT (to share Critical Thoughts) with a Day of Personal Awaking and with a Day of leaving JW community !! 
I have to remind You how every "faithful member" aka JW member does not have and will never have any "Right", Permission and Free Will  to "criticize" WT. Because of reasons:
1) he/she is "faithful member",
2) JW member will be disciplined if would dare to "criticize" or to put complain about WT,
3) hierarchical structure and Doctrines in WT gives no space for "criticizing" or for Critical Thoughts.
 

This is why, I have every right to call you for what you are, and what you stand for. I believe that wasn't always the case here. Maybe it still isn't if I get erased along with my comments.
One being, a false perception you have about JW members and free will. God gives us free will as NOT to cause strife or divisions among the brotherhood. Who are you to speak against God's inspired words?

Although none of this brings any of us closer to God, I will share another thought that I had years ago.
I thought 2015. 40 years in the wilderness for the Org not being ready in 1975.   But we are not supposed to now and we know we are not supposed to know.
That is why it is not important. Because it does not bring any of us closer to God.