Srecko Sostar

Why cant the policy state to take it to the police first? 
Who is more trained to handle these types of situations? Elders/police? 

"from wise and intellectual ones"
Kingdom Interlinear translate this  with "from comprehending ones"
 
Definition of comprehend       https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/comprehend
transitive verb
1: to grasp the nature, significance, or meaning of
unable to comprehend what has happened
2: to contain or hold within a total scope, significance, or amount…
philosophy's scope comprehends the truth of everything which man may understand …— Henry Osborn Taylor
3: to include by construction or implication
Does not prudence comprehend all the virtues?— Thomas B. Silver
Our civilization comprehends great variety and complexity …— Perry Meisel
4: to understand (something, such as a difficult or complex subject)
5: to understand (something, such as a difficult or complex subject)
By this, in my comprehending of issue :))), Jesus say nothing against Education in human Society. GB has made wrong understanding and interpretations about this verse. 
Even if we using NWT Translation, here is nothing for  Bible readers today, to say how Education is wrong. WT has completely erroneously using this verse for purpose to promote false teaching.   
Definition of intellectual 
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a: of or relating to the intellect or its use
b: developed or chiefly guided by the intellect rather than by emotion or experience : RATIONAL
c: requiring use of the intellectintellectual games
2a: given to study, reflection, and speculation
b: engaged in activity requiring the creative use of the intellectintellectual playwrights

As to my knowledge, Judicial Committee will not disfellowshipp somebody because he/she going to University. But if father of such child is an elder some questions can be directing to him. Sometimes congregational environment, details of group interrelations, fundamentalism of some prominent individuals (elders) can be involved on how such persons will be treated.    
Some young bro or sis parallely going to University and pioneering. By that they softening some "attacks" and  "disarm" those who would try to complain. General JW policy is against Higher Education, and that is evident from official statements in publications and public talks.  

Luke 10 v 21  In that very hour he became overjoyed in the holy spirit and said: “I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have carefully hidden these things from wise and intellectual ones and have revealed them to young children. Yes, O Father, because this is the way you approved.
This seems to show that 'higher education' was not needed to learn, understand and teach, the truth from God, at that time. 
It seems to be a well know thing within the JW Org and by people outside of same, that JW's are 'told' not to aim for higher education. I say told, although some will say strongly advised, with a possible caution of being disfellowshipped. 
Now I've noticed on here recently that deep conversation about many things has been and is taking place. Politics earthwide. religious beliefs earthwide and the latest thing seems to be Evolution (from a very deep standpoint ). ( These things were never taught to me at school. )
I left school at 15 years old, as soon as I was able, for reasons previously mentioned. Here in UK now teenagers have to remain in education until they are 18. The three years from 15 to 18 seem to me to be almost 'higher education', but compulsory.  How much they learn at school now I've no idea. 
My feelings are, and yes ok i cannot put proof to these feelings, but, my feelings are, that all forms of higher education are advised against by the GB and the JW Org. Some of you may have some proof of this in writing. So, where does this leave JW's ?
If a young person leaves school to go into full time 'service' ministry, they do not get a higher education. Their 'basic' education may have been just that, very basic. They are then not 'qualified' to talk to others on a higher education level, and this might even be to the point of not understanding such things as are being discussed on here lately. 
( Much of what is being discussed leaves me miles behind. I'm a very simple person. Plus at 69 I forget more than i learn. Yes I do write lots of notes and have books for recording different things, but the mind boggles. )
With respect for those I knew and loved in the past, within my ex congregation, many of them were 'simple country folk'. And I think Tom said about not having the time or inclination to do research online or or otherwise. So let us go back to the scripture at the top. 
So many questions. Does God reveal more to those of a lesser education ?  Is higher education and greater knowledge a disadvantage when wanting to serve God properly?
Or is it that those of higher education are too stubborn to learn God's way ?  Too proud maybe ?   
There are many things that the Bible doesn't tell us. is that deliberate ? Does God want to keep it simple for us ? So, should we pursue more knowledge about worldly things ? 
A problem may occur when talking to others about God, in that they may have more knowledge on a certain subject than we do and therefore believe something different. Should we then educate ourselves to their level on the same subject, or just pass them by ?  Bearing in mind the scripture at the top of this page. 
There has to be a balance of course. But my feelings are that the GB would like JW's to be educated only by the Watchtower studies and by the 'workbook' evening meeting studies. And of course by personal Bible reading.   But do JW's do as they are told in this respect or do a lot of them 'educate themselves', or take further education elsewhere ? 
 
 

Dear Felix, your gave your trust in "noble man" of GB. JW believe how only They are anointed to making interpretations on Bible text. 
I am not making "criticism" about WT but have Critical Thinking about WTGB doctrines and policy.
My name is Srećko, in English Lucky, Happy and Successful, Latin is Felix :))))
Important!! Read this 3 times every day, every 8 hours, as antibiotic cure :))  Then Joseph said to them, “Do not interpretations belong to God?

Um, offended I don't think so. I find you amusing actually. I'm happy that you read my posts though. 
And this is just a forum, it is not guided by Holy Spirit, so letting off steam is ok. 
Do tell me though how my criticism of the GB and it's JW org concerning Child Abuse has failed ?  I think it is the GB that have failed to protect the congregation Earthwide. 
As for discussion, we don't ask you to take part in it. If you find it pointless then please don't bother us again. 

Then I can only say, what are you doing here? Scripture is meant for those that follow Christ, not become retaliatory to let off steam. If you have insight about scripture with a better interpretation, then, by all means, let’s hear it. This idea of criticism by you and Bultler has brought nothing but failures in understanding. We are all adults. But there is a difference between being a human grownup, and being a spiritual child that matured. Let’s get off meaningless criticism and concentrate in fundamental in Bible truth if you wish to learn. If not, then there is no need for further discussion.

GB famous phrases are: "we are not inspired but we are guided, motivated"... and... with self invented/claims: "JHVH trusts us, Jesus trust us".....they ask YOU to trust THEM.  And JW members, in general,  not see trap and snare by what GB try to enslave human minds.
 
2. (a) Who is “the faithful and discreet slave,” or “the faithful steward”? (b) How has the slave established a fine record of “following the Lamb”?
2 What can be said about the anointed Christians in modern times? In his prophecy about “the sign of [his] presence and of the conclusion of the system of things,” Jesus referred to the composite body of his spirit-anointed followers on earth as “the faithful and discreet slave,” or “the faithful steward.” (Matt. 24:3, 45; Luke 12:42) As a group, the slave class has established an excellent record of “following the Lamb no matter where he goes.” (Read Revelation 14:4, 5.) Its members remain virgins in a spiritual sense by not defiling themselves with the beliefs and practices of “Babylon the Great,” the world empire of false religion. (Rev. 17:5) No doctrinal falsehood is “found in their mouths,” and they remain “without blemish” from Satan’s world. (John 15:19) In the future, the remaining anointed ones on earth “will follow” the Lamb right into heaven.—John 13:36.
3. Why is it important for us to trust the slave class?
3 Jesus has appointed the faithful and discreet slave “over his domestics,” that is, the individual members of the slave class, “to give them their food at the proper time.” He has also appointed the slave “over all his belongings.” (Matt. 24:45-47) These “belongings” include the growing “great crowd” of “other sheep.” (Rev. 7:9; John 10:16) Should not individual members of the anointed and the “other sheep” trust the slave appointed over them? There are many reasons why the slave class deserves our trust. Two outstanding reasons are: (1) Jehovah trusts the slave class. (2) Jesus also trusts the slave. Let us examine the evidence that both Jehovah God and Jesus Christ have complete confidence in the faithful and discreet slave.
5. What shows that God’s spirit is empowering the slave class?
5 Jehovah also blesses the slave class with his holy spirit. While Jehovah’s spirit is invisible, what it produces in those upon whom it operates is not. Think of what the faithful and discreet slave has been able to accomplish in giving a worldwide witness about Jehovah God, his Son, and the Kingdom. Jehovah’s worshippers are actively proclaiming the Kingdom message in over 230 lands and island groups. Does that not give undeniable evidence that God’s spirit is empowering the slave? (Read Acts 1:8.) In providing timely spiritual food for Jehovah’s people the world over, the slave class must make vital decisions. In making them and putting them into effect, the slave exhibits love, mildness, and other aspects of the spirit’s fruitage.—Gal. 5:22, 23.
source; https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2009123#h=7
Now we have some work (read Critical Thinking, not criticism :))) ) to do about claims in paragraphs. 
First, if you, as JW and student, regularly reading this sort of spiritual foods, you already noticed that many important doctrinal changes are occurred since 2009 and this Study Material in your congregation.  
For example:
1) "Jesus referred to the composite body of his spirit-anointed followers on earth as “the faithful and discreet slave,” or “the faithful steward.” NOT "TRUTH" ANY MORE
2) "He has also appointed the slave “over all his belongings.” NOT "TRUTH" ANY MORE
When Author of WT article described FDS by said: "No doctrinal falsehood is “found in their mouths,” then he made false statement despite, must to have knowledge, about previous changes on doctrines and interpretations. But most of all, it is of crucial importance to readers of such articles to recognize and see what falsehood and manipulation coming from magazine's Writing Department (The original text is prepared in English. The Governing Body oversees the activity of the Writing Department at our world headquarters. This department coordinates the assignments of the writers who serve at headquarters and at certain branch offices. Having a diversified writing staff allows us to address multicultural subjects that give our publications an international appeal. (source: https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102012164 ) 
How can be said, without any shame, that there is no "doctrinal falsehood" in FDS aka GB mouths, when they changes teachings on a regular basis?  
 
3) "Jehovah also blesses the slave class with his holy spirit". QUESTIONABLE IDEA
4) "While Jehovah’s spirit is invisible, what it produces in those upon whom it operates is not." QUESTIONABLE IDEA
5) "Does that not give undeniable evidence that God’s spirit is empowering the slave?" QUESTIONABLE IDEA
What makes points 3,4, and 5 as questionable idea? Few times GB and some of those before them, FDS composite, made clear statement how they are NOT INSPIRED (not always negate this possibility, but recently they did it in clear and sound words). About what they are not inspired? They explained:
1. GB are not inspired
2. WT publications are not inspired.
So, .... in one moment they CLAIM how they have Blesses, Produces, Empowering with -God's Spirit- in sharing spiritual food, doctrines, teachings, instructions, global work, but ...  in another moment they DENIED how they are Inspired by this same -God's Spirit-? 
 
6)  Two outstanding reasons are: (1) Jehovah trusts the slave class. (2) Jesus also trusts the slave.
Really  ? :)))) Self-praise and self-deceiving.... with clear intention to deceive you. THINK about! Who have REASON  (reasoning and sound mind) TO PUBLICLY CLAIM  how JHVH and Jesus TRUST ME/US/THEM ??!! 
DO You ever say in comment on meetings, from platform in public talk, in preaching service to people THAT God and Jesus TRUST YOU/ME, so you have to trust all words I told you. 
Well please, who speaking "falsehood" to whom?    :))))

If you don't mind i would like to provide little reminiscence about context in comment of your's.
3 What does Jesus’ illustration about the faithful slave mean? In the past, our publications have said the following: At Pentecost of the year 33, Jesus appointed the faithful slave to care for his domestics. Since then, the slave is all anointed Christians as a group who live on earth at any one time. The domestics are these anointed ones as individuals. In 1919, Jesus appointed the faithful slave “over all his belongings,” everything on earth that is used to support the Kingdom preaching work. But after carefully studying this subject, praying about it, and meditating on it, we realized that our understanding of Jesus’ words about the faithful and discreet slave needs to be changed. (Proverbs 4:18) Let us discuss the illustration and how it affects us, whether we have the hope of living in heaven or on earth. source: https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/402013533
Right from the start, it is very important to note what the GB says about how (process) the interpretation of the Jesus words/text has changed. They give this explanation: "But after carefully studying this subject, praying about it, and meditating on it."  
As we clearly see here, there  is no single word about influence by Holy Spirit.They not used phrases as "we have been guided by HS" ,or "we have been motivated by HS" and because influence from God's Spirit we made this (small, big, important, not important) changes.
They just done 3 things that every average and responsible JW member (or even JW kid) doing every day. What is it? A) carefully study Bible, B) pray about, and C) meditate.   !!!!   NOTHING more or less!
But it seems how only GB is authorized to change understanding, globally, for all 8 mil JW members. According to WT credo, single JW is not authorized to change own understanding in this very same process that was described in WT magazine and other places in publications. If JW rank and file member dare to change established and official understanding of some GB doctrines, then he/she will be given a lesson and correction, rebuke or discipline. Confession and repentance are expected, or, he/she  coming  to be an apostate and dangerous individual in spiritual paradise.                                                                                                                                                                                           But when GB doing the same thing, no one of them have to show the humility of this kind. No one is above them to "rebuke" their inappropriate behavior. GB expressed false humility by word "we", but "we" almost always have one meaning - all JW community ...  
... and GB pushing COLLECTIVE FEEL OF GUILT FOR ALL WRONG EXPECTATIONS and WRONG INTERPRETATIONS. 
Now, back to the FDS of Mathew.
 
“IF EVER THAT EVIL SLAVE . . .”
Jesus has given the faithful and discreet slave an extremely important responsibility. He has appointed this slave to care for the domestics and to give out spiritual food at the right time. Jesus said that those with greater responsibility have more expected of them. (Luke 12:48) So he ended his illustration about the faithful and discreet slave with a serious warning.
Jesus warned about an evil slave who believes that the master is taking too long to return and who starts to beat the other slaves. When the master arrives, he will punish that slave in a very severe way.—Read Matthew 24:48-51.
Was Jesus foretelling that there would be an evil slave class in the last days? No. It is true that some individuals have shown an attitude similar to that of the evil slave described by Jesus. We would call them apostates, whether they were of the anointed or of the “great crowd.” (Revelation 7:9) But these ones are not an evil slave class. Jesus did not say that he would appoint an evil slave. His words here are actually a warning given to the faithful and discreet slave.
Notice that Jesus begins the warning by saying “if ever.” These words show that what Jesus next described would not necessarily happen. It was as if Jesus was saying: ‘If the faithful and discreet slave were ever to treat the other slaves cruelly in these ways, the master would punish him severely.’ (See also Luke 12:45.) But the faithful and discreet slave as a group has continued to stay alert and to give out spiritual food of good quality.
The anointed brothers who make up the faithful slave realize that their Master expects them to take good care of his domestics. These anointed brothers sincerely desire to care for their responsibility loyally so that when the Master finally arrives, he might say to them “well done.”
By this explanation GB class say: In today WTJWorg organization there is no evil slave class. Only some individuals outside of GB class members, will show an attitude similar to evil person slave. 
Well now, what are the Jesus words? Imagination, fantasy, parable, illustration, prophecy, good night story, moral lesson, reality in 1 century, reality for all centuries in future time, impossibly thing to ever happen, exemption only in some rare situations,  ...?   
"...logical fallback position - from a human standpoint at least."
Of course, human standpoint is only one we have always with us every day, after all :))) And beside plan a, it is also good to have b,c,d... But in that way of functioning we recognize and confess how points A) carefully study Bible, B) pray about, and C) meditate is mere human process with rarely moments of Inspiration (on single personal level) that come Above.
In GB class case that rare moments of (private level or class level) Inspiration from Above not coming on them at all, because they loudly claiming; "We are not inspired!"
To recall again on what WT magazine has wrote; as individuals, GB members are not FDS, as group who sitting together in one room they are FDS.  
Resume of such WT quotes/statements can be this:
1) as Private Person GB member is as every average JW who have no influence on Organization Moves.
2) as Collective Class GB members are doing the same thing with same result as every average JW member with one exception. And that is siting, reading, praying and meditate and making decisions where and how Organization will go .  
In both case outcome is the same -- "uninspired" decisions.    
I personally would not say how some sort of Inspiration from Above never came on me (in what ever issue). But, such personal feelings is in sphere of own interpretations/speculations what is/was happening. So, it can be true and/or false/illusive. Or some sort of mixed, unknown definition about what we going/went through. And would I made that as credo, doctrine that have to be reality for other people and their lives, about how Bible text come to fulfillment in my/their life?

Teaching and inspiring, about this issue, is job for Spirit, not for me to care about. Because Word we talking about aka Bible aka God's and Jesus's teaching are not came in existence with my birth day.
If you believe in Bible reports about Power of Spirit who made that people speaking various languages and in that way give testimony about God, then you can put your trust in this same Spirit.
This Spirit, i suppose, is able to overcome language barriers, you talking about,  because this same Spirit was causing language barriers in humankind before many centuries, according to Bible report.  
People run Corporations (GB run WTJWorg inc.) but I am not sure that Holy Spirit have interest to run any Human Corporation. I would rather be ready to believe how Holy Spirit wish to run human hearts.  
By such influence, on people's hearts .... all your doubts can be explained.    :))

I do not understand your position Arauna. You using so called "scientific" names, words, evidences .... but have big doubts about science and scientists. Well, why you talking about Cambrian period when you in your title put clear statement that send your strong belief how millions of years about fossils (and not only about fossils but all other things about Earth and Universe) is something impossible because Bible not support such view.    
Previous you said, quote:  "It is a totally unscientific statement and even if you say you are a scientist 1000 times, it does not make you a scientist..."  and   "There are many kinds of scientists"
 
Cambrian Period, earliest time division of the Paleozoic Era, extending from 541 million to 485.4 million years ago. The Cambrian Period is divided into four stratigraphic series: the Terreneuvian Series (541 million to 521 million years ago), Series 2 (521 million to 509 million years ago), Series 3 (509 million to 497 million years ago), and the Furongian Series (497 million to 485.4 million years ago).
https://www.britannica.com/science/Cambrian-Period
You give us impression you don't accept how fossils are millions of years old but you say this: There are no life forms in the evolutionary record which proves step by step development of feathers or flight etc. Cambrian explosion proves that. 
Many JW still believe in 7000 year period of Creative days. Here, you want to prove how Evolution is impossible because Cambrian explosion of life proves opposite. But in same time forget how Cambrian period last (happened - edited),  few hundreds millions years, according to scientists. Well, 7000 years against millions of Cambrian years. What would you chose in fact, what you want to chose today? 

I agree that it should not bother us that dinosaurs may have had hollow bones like birds and may have had feathers, and may have even been beautifully colorful.
But it can be misleading to claim that the bone structure of dinosaurs falls into two categories: birds and reptiles. Dinosaurs themselves are categorized into "bird" and "non-bird" dinosaurs, but not their bone structures. In fact, the bone structures of the most reptilian theropods have three birdlike toes/claws and hollow bones, and many of them show evidence of feathers, even though they did not fly. The Tyrannasaurus Rex was a theropod.
Wikipedia shows the following theropod, stating that it has three toes and hollow bones:

And here is the Anchiornis, also a theropod, with the skeletal structure of other theropods, but with feathers:

Here is the approximate bone structure of the Anchiornis. It could not fly, just as many species of birds cannot fly.

Of course, even if this idea of feathers on dinosaurs doesn't bother us, it sure bothered researchers at Bethel. This is because claims were made that created a kind of logic trap. If you look up feathers and dinosaurs in the Watchtower Library you will find this one reference:
*** g 7/07 p. 24 Feathers—A Marvel of Design ***
FORGED “EVIDENCE”  Some fossil “evidence” that was once loudly hailed as proof that birds evolved from other creatures has since been shown to have been forged. In 1999, for instance, National Geographic magazine featured an article about a fossil of a feathered creature with a tail like a dinosaur’s. The magazine declared the creature to be “a true missing link in the complex chain that connects dinosaurs to birds.” The fossil, however, turned out to be a forgery, a composite of the fossils of two different animals. In fact, no such “missing link” has ever been found. Clearly, the Awake! wasn't ready for a feathered dinosaur. (The forgery was created in China, where true feathered dinosaur fossils would soon be discovered and studied. It was unveiled by National Geographic in October/November 1999, and NG announced the investigation into the probability that it was a forgery about 4 months later, and took until October 2000, a year later, to publish the results of the investigation, with an apology.)
The same article also said:
Feathers give no indication that they ever needed improvement. In fact, the “earliest known fossil feather is so modern-looking as to be indistinguishable from the feathers of birds flying today.” Yet, evolutionary theory teaches that feathers must be the result of gradual, cumulative change in earlier skin outgrowths. Moreover, “feathers could not have evolved without some plausible adaptive value in all of the intermediate steps,” says the Manual. Further, if feathers developed progressively over a long period of time, the fossil record should contain intermediate forms. But none have ever been found, only traces of fully formed feathers. “Unfortunately for evolutionary theory, feathers are very complicated,” states the Manual.
The perfection of feathers is just one problem for evolutionists, for practically every part of a bird is designed for flight. For instance, a bird has light, hollow bones . . .
The fossil feather is from archaeopteryx, an extinct creature sometimes presented as a “missing link” in the line of descent to modern birds. Most paleontologists, however, no longer consider it an ancestor of modern birds.
Of course, contrary to the above claim, most paleontologists do consider the "bird-dinosaurs" to be an ancestor of modern birds. Those necessarily lighter, hollow bones have also been verified throughout many dinosaur species, and now even the evidence of only partially formed feathers has been seen, which the Awake! magazine had called "intermediate forms" and suggested that such a find, if it ever happened, would indicate evidence of evolutionary theory.
It would have been better to just accept that there might be hundreds of new discoveries indicating a variety of life created for purposes we cannot yet understand.

I think this is why the delivering quality of “critical thinking” is overrated. Mob mentality takes over in most disciplines & those vested emotionally and/or financially seek to run the competition off the road. The average person has not the time, patience, or often interest to investigate. 
Sometimes those in dominance deliberately muddy the waters so that preoccupied ones will throw up their hands and say: ‘Oh, to hell with it! They”re all liars anyway.’
Many things ‘settled’ have been settled by decree. Many things ‘proved’ have been proved by ignoring evidence to the contrary.

Teaching and inspiring, about this issue, is job for Spirit, not for me to care about. Because Word we talking about aka Bible aka God's and Jesus's teaching are not came in existence with my birth day.
If you believe in Bible reports about Power of Spirit who made that people speaking various languages and in that way give testimony about God, then you can put your trust in this same Spirit.
This Spirit, i suppose, is able to overcome language barriers, you talking about,  because this same Spirit was causing language barriers in humankind before many centuries, according to Bible report.  
People run Corporations (GB run WTJWorg inc.) but I am not sure that Holy Spirit have interest to run any Human Corporation. I would rather be ready to believe how Holy Spirit wish to run human hearts.  
By such influence, on people's hearts .... all your doubts can be explained.    :))

i just went to my Kingdom Interlinear Translation  
Copyright 1985
by WTBTS of Pennsylvania and IBSA
800 000 copies. 
Publishers:  WTBTS of New York inc. and IBSA Brooklyn
Made in USA
IN Greek text not existing word "accordingly"

I'm a JW but not the common one anyways it does amazed me how we had 6 months of Australia Royal Child sex commission founded by the government to investigate all child abuse cases and nothing was published or was announced or made public of the outcome in the JW org. Shameful indeed. Is like nothing happened. And the worst was the answers given at the royal commission by the elders and one GB who had to give testimony. 

Don't know if this is exactly a new letter but it's interesting.
https://reclaimedvoices.org/en/2019/01/02/a-Jehovahs-Witness-writes-a-letter-to-all-the-Jehovahs-Witnesses-in-the-Netherlans/
Worth a read i think 

Through the following Watchtower article directed at Christendom, one can perceive the evolution of the organization’s teachings, leading to its present state.  It reveals a troubling story.  The Watchtower once, with confidence, claimed it would not only flourish and grow, but provide abundant spiritual food up to the time of Armageddon.  However, we find the opposite; not only visibly, but spiritually.  I hope you read it, as well as the adjacent comments made by today’s leaders of the Watchtower. I do hope you can discern the organization’s hypocritical stand that has completely emerged over time.  Revelation speaks of “demonic expressions” appearing initially as truth, yet growing into full-fledged lies.  It is a plague of destructive proportions “coming out of the mouth” of the dragon, the false prophet and the beast/organization.  It is compared to a flooding river that overtakes Christ’s “kings” under the New Covenant.    Rev 16:13,14; 12:12,15,16; Matt 24:39; Luke 17:27 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=+Rev+16%3A13%2C14%3B+12%3A12%2C15%2C16%3B+Matt+24%3A39%3B+Luke+17%3A27+&version=CSB
Rev 16:14 uses the word, ekporeuomai, meaning “which goes forth” describing it as -
“to flow forth, of a river; to project, from the mouth of one”.  This is in harmony with Rev 12:15, 16
Pearl Doxsey’s article “Earth Swallows Satan’s River” will give you a clear understanding of this spiritual deluge affecting God’s people during the last days. 
(4womaninthewilderness blogspot)
Watchtower, 1953/11/1 pp. 649-652:
“To promote better church attendance, Christendom’s religions today are using everything from lollipops to cowboy movie stars.”  
(!!!!   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QxDGtAsKFM   !!!!)
It continues:
“Why must the clergy now resort to crafty promotional schemes, even eye-catching antics? This inability to attract people by the message preached prompts the thought that there MUST BE SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE RELIGIOUS FODDER dished out from the pulpit to Christendom’s pew-sitters. IF they are being served sound spiritual food, why should there be any lack of attraction, an apathetic flock? Could it be that there is a SPIRITUAL FAMINE in the land called Christendom?   But from the name Christendom ASSUMES, one may imagine that it has an ABUNDANCE OF SPIRITUAL FOOD.”
Not only do JWs assume that all in the organization are God’s Chosen witnesses,  (Isa 43:10; 1 Pet 2:5,9,10; Rev 5:9,10), they assume their leaders are “faithful and discreet”, able to provide life-giving spiritual food.  Matt 24:24; Isa 5:20-23; Matt 24:45-51  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa+43%3A10%3B+1+Pet+2%3A5%2C9%2C10%3B+Rev+5%3A9%2C10%3BMatt+24%3A24%3B+Isa+5%3A20-23%3B+Matt+24%3A45-51++&version=CSB
Present day Watchtower, 2019 March pg 13:     “Jehovah is still speaking to us today. (Read Isaiah 30:21.) True, we do not hear God speak to us from heaven. He has, however, provided his written Word, the Bible, in which he gives us instruction. Additionally, Jehovah’s spirit MOVES “the faithful steward” to keep giving His servants their food supply. (Luke 12:42) WHAT AN ABUNDANCE OF SPIRITUAL FOOD we receive in the form of printed and online material, videos and audio publications!”    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa+30%3A21%3B+Luke+12%3A42&version=NKJV
We have a new year of confusing teachings.  If God’s spirit “moves” the governing body to produce spiritual food, then indeed, they would be “inspired”; as “inspiration” influences, suggests, or moves an individual “to receive and communicate sacred revelation”, according to Merriam Webster dictionary.  However, two years ago, we were told this wasn’t the case.  (w17 February pp. 23-28) 
Back in time to 1953 – “Yet when the clergy open their religious larders, the only abundance that presents itself is that of book reviews, tricks of magic, jazz bands, bingo games, lotteries, masquerade parties, coffee-and-doughnut socials, gas-filled balloons, and the BUFFOONERY of circus clowns. So one may rightly ask, Has the spiritual famine foretold by God’s prophet blighted Christendom?—“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord Jehovah, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of Jehovah.”—Amos 8:11
 Please remember, JWs, Amos’ prophetic words apply to Israel and their fall into idolatry. Amos 8:1,2,13,14 (Gal 6:16; Rom 2:29; 9:6) Since God’s word is consistent, it is not Christendom that He is speaking of, but of spiritual “Israel” – His anointed people under covenant today. (Gal 4:26) They have supplanted the true God with the Wild Beast/organization. Isa 43:11; Rev 13:1,6,7,4 Once again, God’s nation has fallen into idolatry.  They have allowed a Wicked Steward and its false priesthood to cut off the spiritual “bread” they would otherwise receive from their Master, Christ.  Matt 24:48-51; Rev 6:5-8  
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Amos+8%3A1%2C2%2C13%2C14%3B+Gal+6%3A16%3B+Rom+2%3A29%2C9%2C6%3B+Gal+4%3A26%3B+Isa+43%3A11%3B+Rev+13%3A1%2C6%2C7%2C4%3B+Matt+24%3A48-51%3B+Rev+6%3A5-8+++&version=CSB
Pearl Doxsey:  “When Rev.6:6 tells us, "DO NOT HARM THE OLIVE OIL AND WINE”; perhaps you know from my past writings about this... that "olive oil" stands for Holy Spirit which acts as fuel for spiritual enlightenment (Matt.25:7,8; Heb.1:9; Psalm23:5; Zech.4:12,14; Rev.11:3,4).
Under this plague (caused by the "Wild Beast"/"Man of Lawlessness" 2Thess.2:4), it RESTRAINS the partaking of HOLY SPIRIT and it's ENLIGHTENMENT[but allows ONLY ITS OWN SPIRITUAL COMMERCE, based upon lies (Rev.13:17; 2Thess.2:7,10; Amos 8:11)]. 
"Buying" is the acquisition of divine favor, guidance, stature, and instruction.
It is acquired by what one trades for it (or sells)...one's devotion, obedience, and honor (Rev.13:3,8).
Organized religion requires conformity and servitude to it's doctrines and leadership.
If you sell these away to men, they will give you approval and spiritual food.
This entire commerce is corrupt. All these things belong to Christ, and not to men, who exploit these things for their own glory and power. Who rightly owns our subjection and loyalty?
These should only be given to God and His Christ. (Rev.3:18; Mark8:34,35; 10:21; Matt.16:24)”  
(“Daily Bread”)
Watchtower 2015/11/15, pp 24,25:  “The scope of the preaching work is remarkable. Our Bible-based literature is now published in over 700 languages. The Watchtower is the most widely distributed magazine in the world. Over 52,000,000 copies are printed each month, and the magazine is published in 247 languages.”
Remarkable?  Two years from such a confident claim, this widely distributed abundant food, is compared to an over-filled “tool shed”. 
Anthony Morris, during the 2017 Annual Meeting:
“We have so many tools to be used in the ministry it can be overwhelming and confusing, even to the best minds.  Our teaching tool box that we’ve emphasized in recent years, what happened, it became a huge tool shed.  A lot of you are nodding your heads.  That’s okay, it’s not disloyal, it’s true.”
Apparently, there is a limit.  Too much of a “good thing” has caused more harm than good. Eccl 12:11-14; John 7:16-18; 15:16   Morris admits it is confusion; which is the meaning of “Babylon”, the covenant promise of death the false prophet/Harlot of Revelation 13:11 entered into, when leaving truth in Christ.   Isa 28:14,15; John 15:4; Rev 9:1;17:5 Should the truth in scripture be confusing to teach?  Gal 1:6-9 ; 2 Cor 11:3   https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Eccl+12%3A11-14%3B+John+7%3A16-18%3B+15%3A16%3B++Isa+28%3A14%2C15%3B+John+15%3A4%3B+Rev+9%3A1%3B17%3A5%3B+Rev+13%3A11%3B+Gal+1%3A6-9+%3B+2+Cor+11%3A3+++&version=CSB
To alleviate this over-abundant production of confusion, the governing body put their heads together and came up with a plan: 
Mr. Morris:  “In view of this, the governing body is adjusting the focus of our ministry.  You’re getting the message addressing these two problems.  We are one hundred percent with this unanimous, everybody in the department’s connected, are with it.  They can sense Jehovah’s spirit moving and this is what Jehovah’s doing.  It’s his chariot, he’s the driver.  So, here’s the adjustments.  Starting January 2018, there will only be three public editions of the Watchtower (pause and chuckle)  For those that are tied in and heard some expressions down front, couldn’t help it…Only three public editions of the WT and three of the Awake magazines, the whole year. Yeah, I’m excited too. (chuckling).  Uhh, I really am (chuckling).   And what’s beautiful about this, they’re gonna cover one subject in the whole magazine. Start to finish, see.  One subject.” 
Watchtower’s larder includes a vast amount rotten food, or “fruit”; discarded teachings that must be purged. The reduction of magazines may signify financial resources are also shriveling up.  Yet, think of the donations and service given by millions of JWs over the years which aided in filling this storeroom, only to see it come to naught. I would think an alarm would be going off in the minds of those listening to Mr. Morris choking on his own words.  Ps 36:1-4  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+36%3A1-4&version=CSB
“A good person produces good things from his storeroom of good, and an evil person produces evil things from his storeroom of evil. 36 I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak. 37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”  Matt 12:35-37     Luke 6:45; 1 Tim 4:16; Matt 7:15-20  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke+6%3A45%3B+1+Tim+4%3A16%3B+Matt+7%3A15-20++&version=CSB 
Will JWs heed the warning signs of “famine” in the Watchtower? 
As a young woman who loved the outdoors, I took a wrong turn on a trail in a wilderness area in the far northern reaches of California.  I was hiking alone in beautiful surroundings; most certain I would be back home by the time the sun set. The trail I was on showed little use and eventually became indiscernible from brush growth. I found myself lost, confused and hungry for three and half days, making both right and wrong decisions in my determination to find my way back out.  I searched for anything that looked possibly edible; from berries to the questionable choices, along with water.  On the afternoon of the fourth day, I had found the proximity of where I believed I had left my car.  A family who happened to be the only people in the area, was finishing up their sight-seeing and thankfully aided my return home.    Although famished, my body wouldn’t accept any real food immediately, growing accustomed to the lack of food intake.    It took a while to gain ground and feel stable again, both physically and emotionally.   
I equate this experience in some ways, to God’s priesthood and companions in the organization.  They accept any food they receive from the Wicked Slave, under a regulated commerce of distribution by the elder body – Man of Lawlessness – that rules over the anointed Temple/priests. 2 Thess 2:3,4; Rev 11:1,2; 13:7; Matt 24:15; 1 Cor 3:16,17  They are blinded to their own starvation as they continue to extend service to the organization’s needs. Ps 14:2-4; Matt 6:24; Rom 6:16; Gal 1:10  Their senses have become dulled, accepting any and all gleanings of spiritual food and “water” that is offered. Rev 8:10,11  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Thess+2%3A3%2C4%3B+Rev+11%3A1%2C2%3B+13%3A7%3B+Matt+24%3A15%3B+1+Cor+3%3A16%2C17%3BPs+14%3A2-4%3B+Matt+6%3A24%3B+Rom+6%3A16%3B+Gal+1%3A10%3B+Rev+8%3A10%2C11%3B&version=CSB
How long can any JW survive in such a spiritually harsh environment, no matter how beautiful and appealing it may appear?  When I left the Watchtower, I remembered again the experience of being lost in the wilderness; the disappointment, frustration and anger I felt for taking another serious life-altering turn; deeply regretting the many years of accepting whatever I was spiritually fed. Although emotions run high in those leaving the organization, many of us don’t realize our state of spiritual starvation. For those of us who begin pursuing authentic truth, we are conscience-striken, for our previous acts of idolatry against God. Ps 38:4-8;17,18,21,22; 2 Pet 3:9  We are keen to the need of spiritual sustenance, and endeavor to rebuild our spiritual resources, to become stable and confident in our faith toward God and Christ.  Ps 25:8-11  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps+38%3A4-8%3B17%2C18%2C21%2C22%3B+2+Pet+3%3A9%3B+Ps+25%3A8-11++&version=CSB 
I consider my time in the wilderness a disciplinary learning curve, to take the necessary precautions for future outings.  Our time in the Watchtower “wilderness” can sharpen our spiritual senses, bringing them in harmony with Christ’s truths.  Deut 8:2; Luke 22:31; Dan 7:25; 12:7; James 1:1-4; Rev 2:10; 13:7,10 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Deut+8%3A2%3B+Luke+22%3A31%3B+Dan+7%3A25%3B+12%3A7%3B+James+1%3A1-4%3B+Rev+2%3A10%3B+13%3A7%2C10&version=CSB
Pearl Doxsey:   “What then of the prophesied famine? (Amos 8:11)
This "famine" is not for literal food, but for the spiritual bread of our present discussion (Amos8:11; 2Chron.15:3; Ps.74:9; Lev.26:26;Eze.4:10,11,12,13; Rev.6:5,6)  
Dan.12:4 tells us that in the time of the end, "many" will rove about seeking spiritual food, due to the famine 
(Rev.6:5,6,8; 18:8; 13:17; Isa.55:2).  
But most will not find the bread of life (Dan.12:4; Amos8:12,11; 2Tim.3:7; Rev.6:5,6; Matt.7:13,14), despite the work of the faithful to provide the very "food" they themselves are receiving (Isa.65:13; Luke12:37,42,43,44) from Christ (John15:15,4,5,8).  
(“A Hidden Famine, A Hidden Feast”) 
Let’s return to the Watchtower of 1953:
“With Christendom’s clergy having difficulty in attracting adult pew-sitters,  it was rather ironical when a church in Pacific Beach, California, asked parents: “Are you having trouble getting your children interested in going to Sunday School regularly?” If they did, there was an ecclesiastical side show to enkindle interest. Called Operation 333, it was a puppet show. However, a traveling Baptist minister uses the side-show technique in order to appeal to young and old alike. In his revival meetings he uses four wooden dummies and his art of ventriloquism. Now he finds it easier to attract and hold an audience.”
Caleb, Sophia and their parents, a creative “side-show technique”, has come to life in the minds of JW children; the brainchild of the governing body, or perhaps only the member in the group photo attached.  Keep in mind, these men declare themselves “faithful and discreet”, meaning faithful to Christ and his teachings by using God’s Word WISELY.  Prov 3:7;  Matt 24:5,4,24,25; 1 Tim 4:1  
(“Who are the Fine Trees?” – 4womaninthewilderness blog)
Wt 1953 – “Occasionally, an individual church awakens to the fact that its problem of EMPTY PEWS cannot be solved by CRAFTY PROMOTIONAL SCHEMES—temporary boosters at best—but that there must be a turning to a reliance upon the pure word of God.”  
 As Anthony Morris compares the governing body with the early apostles distributing spiritual food, notice what he says in his Morning Worship comments on obedience:
“ As they (the apostles) traveled on through the cities they would deliver to them, all the congregations, for observance, the decrees that had been decided upon by the apostles and the elders who were in Jerusalem.  So these decrees went out and because of their devoting themselves to the MINISTRY OF THE WORD and prayer, did Jehovah bless them?” 
Yes, God blessed the apostles, because they spoke the word of God which was written on their heart and mind!  Heb 8:10 They supported and taught Christ’s truth from the Father.  Ps 12:9; Prov 7:2; John 7:16-18    Can the apostles who filled their minds and hearts with the pure teachings of Christ, and followed closely God’s laws, be compared to the makers of a side show, and who nurture their organizational idol?  Have the anointed who have entangled themselves in confusion, disregarded God’s laws inscribed on their heart for the ideas of men?   Jer 17:1-6; Rev 13: 1,2,5-8,11,14-17    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Heb+8%3A10%3B+Ps+12%3A9%3B+Prov+7%3A2%3B+John+7%3A16-18%3BJer+17%3A1-6%3B+Rev+13%3A+1%2C2%2C5-8%2C11%2C14-17&version=CSB
Morris declares:
“The decisions that are made by the “faithful slave” today are made collectively.  No one man is making these decisions; these decisions if you want to call them a DECREE, are made collectively.  So, when that DIRECTION comes out to Branch committee members, or when it comes out to the congregations; IF YOU WANT JEHOVAH’S BLESSING  ON YOU as an individual or family, certainly as an elder or congregation, it’d be best to just ask Jehovah to help you understand it, BUT OBEY THE DECISION.”
Decrees from men, that are spoken outside of God’s Word fulfilled in Christ, are decrees from a false prophet who directs the Wild Beast to enforce them. Isa 29:13; Matt 15:9; 2 Cor 11:3,4; Col 2:20-22; 2 Pet 2:1; Eph 4:14; 1 Tim 6:3-5; Rev 2:14,15; Rev 13:14,15   https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa+29%3A13%3B+Matt+15%3A9%3B+2+Cor+11%3A3%2C4%3B+Col+2%3A20-22%3B+2+Pet+2%3A1%3B+Eph+4%3A14%3B+1+Tim+6%3A3-5%3B+Rev+2%3A14%2C15%3B+Rev+13%3A14%2C15&version=CSB
 Back to the Wt 1953 – “Because the land called CHRISTENDOM has COMMERCIALIZED God’s Word, Jehovah will pour out his wrath upon it: ‘I begin to bring evil ON THE CITY WHICH IS CALLED BY MY NAME, . . . And the slain of the LORD [Jehovah] shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth.’” (Jer. 25:29, 33)”   
Now, this claim is so far-fetched, that the WT doesn’t have the courage to address it elsewhere on their internet site in reference to Christendom, that I have found. The organization has gathered within it, spiritual “Israel”, (meaning “God prevails”), the anointed ones. They are His “House”, His dwelling – “New Jerusalem”. Ps 122:1-5; Jer 7:14; Micah 6:2;1 Cor 3:16,17; 2 Cor 6:16; Eph 2:20-22; Rev 21:1-5    https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps+122%3A1-5%3B+Jer+7%3A14%3B+Micah+6%3A2%3B1+Cor+3%3A16%2C17%3B+2+Cor+6%3A16%3B+Eph+2%3A20-22%3B+Rev+21%3A1-5+&version=CSB
Under covenant with Him, would they not carry His name? Jer 31:33; Heb 8:10; Isa 43:6,7; 1 Pet 2:5,9,10  If faithful, they will eternally carry the name of God.  Rev 2:13; 14:1 This is one of the more blatant, easy to catch lies if one cares to perceive it.  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jer+31%3A33%3B+Heb+8%3A10%3B+Isa+43%3A6%2C7%3B+1+Pet+2%3A5%2C9%2C10%3B+Rev+2%3A13%3B+14%3A1+++&version=CSB
“For I am already bringing disaster on the city that bears My name, so how could you possibly go unpunished? You will not go unpunished, for I am summoning a sword against all the inhabitants of the earth. This is the declaration of the Lord of Armies.’
“As for you, you are to prophesy all these things to them, and say to them:
The Lord roars from on high;
he makes  His voice heard from His holy dwelling.
He roars loudly over His grazing land;
He calls out with a shout, like those who tread grapes,
against all the inhabitants of the earth. Jer 25:29,30
Surely you can link the pieces together.  “Israel”, and those with them, receive a “shout” to leave the now “apostate city” for the sins they have committed, which has resulted in spiritual famine.  Rev 18:4-8 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev+18%3A4-8&version=CSB
As stated by the article, catchy ploys are used to draw people into “Jehovah’s organization”,  just as Christendom is known to do.  While the organization is busy leading you to believe the end time preaching work is to Christendom, in reality it is to “the city that is called by My name” – the anointed spiritual “Israel”.   Matt 10:23; 24:14; Rev 11:3  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matt+10%3A23%3B+24%3A14%3B+Rev+11%3A3&version=CSB 
FALSELY, the article continues to target Christendom and upbuild the “crafty promoters” of the WT:
“There is in the midst of famine-stricken Christendom an organization of Christians bringing to famished people the truth from God’s Word. It is the organization of Jehovah’s witnesses, the only group bringing the people the good news of Jehovah’s new world so near at hand. The message they bring needs NO CRAFTY PROMOTION, NO HELP FROM DEVILS, NO ENTICEMENTS. For Jehovah’s witnesses “are not those who COMMERCIALIZE or make gain [adulterators] of the word of God as many men are.” (2 Cor. 2:17, footnote, NW)”
Please read their sited scripture:  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Cor+2%3A17&version=CSB
Be true to yourself, JWs.  Empty pews, commercialism, buffoonery, reduction of spiritual “fodder”, all add up to the existence of FAMINE in the “city which is called by My name”.     Can you really draw confidence in the organization to spiritually feed you abundantly?  1 Tim 4:1,2  https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Tim+4%3A1%2C2&version=CSB
Historic Israel and its fall into idolatry can be symbolized by today’s spiritual “Israel” worshiping the “image” of the Wild Beast/Watchtower organization. (Rev 13:14-17 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Rev+13%3A14-17&version=CSB
Isa chapter 48 - https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isa+48&version=CSB
Or, perhaps you may want to listen here:  https://www.biblegateway.com/audio/suchet/nivuk/Isa.48
 
 

I speak for what our family feels as a JW.
RE Donations: we stopped donations for 3 main reasons,
1. Wasteful use of money in congregations having seen our congragation and many other congregations having 3 HD flat screen TVs upgraded also having a HD projector for broadcasting i reckon is a horrible way to misuse of funds.
2. Not making public knowledge of funds been used for child sex law suits.
3. At the end of each convention always making an announcement how much more funds are needed to cover all costs running the convention, having donated all funds to the organization prior, so.always running in red at the end of each convention.
Re preaching hours; i dont agreed thats how they should count how many active JWs are there as many would just put in any hours just to look good in front of the congregation.
I find it weird how there is always a total figures of active JWs what about having a total tally of active, inactive, disfellowshiped, i dont get why the need of just showing some figures but not others.
Thats one of the reasons we stopped looking at this figures they are so inaccurate that thereis no point of publishing it.
Anyways thats how we feel wrong or right there are many others that feels the same.... 🙄

Apostasy (/əˈpɒstəsi/; Greek: ἀποστασία apostasia, "a defection or revolt") is the formal disaffiliation from, or abandonment or renunciation of a religion by a person. It can also be defined within the broader context of embracing an opinion contrary to one's previous beliefs.
Apostasy is NOT taking a stand against the Bible, nor is it rebelling against God or Jesus Christ. 
Apostasy is turning away from a former religion. The disciples became apostates when they turned away from the Jewish way of serving God and turned to follow Jesus. 
Jesus was put to death because he was an apostate of the Jewish faith. Remember that Jesus was born as a Jew and raised as a Jew. Then remember how Jesus spoke to the Pharisees. The Jews saw that as apostasy. 
Just because you can copy and paste from Watchtower Library does not mean you know truth. 
By copy and paste of W/T library you prove that you do follow men, amd that you put your faith in those men. 

Quote : " Any case I found a new tit-bit.  On the JW app is says that the beast with the seven heads has a different kind of rulership than the Eighth king. Small difference but significant. "
Wow, and of course you will believe anything the GB tells you, even though they have a massive history of GETTING THINGS WRONG. 

Depends what exactly you mean by a reliable source.
Only God's word is a reliable source, and then only if translated properly. 

i just went to my Kingdom Interlinear Translation  
Copyright 1985
by WTBTS of Pennsylvania and IBSA
800 000 copies. 
Publishers:  WTBTS of New York inc. and IBSA Brooklyn
Made in USA
IN Greek text not existing word "accordingly"

Of course you are aware that the word accordingly was put in by the GB or writing dept of W/t are't you ?
Hence i gave you the King James version also. 
The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek is this :-
"You shall be therefore you perfect as the Father of you the heavenly perfect is."
That is directly from the Greek hence seems strange BUT no mention of the word ACCORDINGLY.
The GB make it up as they go along. 
And this perfection is expected of the Anointed not of the earthly class.