Srecko Sostar

Asking questions is one of most important things in whole/every human lifetime. It does not existing (there are no) "stupid" questions or "forbidden" questions in normal human interactions. We have "stupid" or really stupid answers on some issues. Our fears and taboos, imposed rules of "good behavior" are an obstacles to getting answers on questions we have, but not asking. But such questions sometimes are not existing in our life because we let other to "thinking" instead of us. And also not existing because we thinking or we are so sure how we already know some answers and how such answer is true and reveals all what we need to know. But what a mistake and fallacy it is to think that way. 
Imagine how it would look like, that Eve began with questions ..... to Snake, to Adam, to God?? That would be very interesting, tense, difficult conversation if all parties would participate in conversation. And imagine if Eve would had courage and self confidence and all that what you need to have, to be, for investigation in searching... what is going on here!!?? 
One of biggest problem in WT and JW org community is lack of freedom, lack of culture to ASK QUESTIONS of all SORTS. For all, young and old, male and female. Questions that can be directed, addressed to all. Without limit. Watchtower and JW religion, in this issue, are as/similar to all other "organizations", too.  
:)) 

Pretty soon it’ll be:
“Faithful Christian parents of selfless Bethelite volunteers cheerfully provide their devoted children physical food for the nourishment of their bodies, while Jehovah graciously sustains them spiritually. A faithful brother in Norway cheerfully notes, “ It’s a privilege to send food to my adult children who are working hard for Jehovah and the brotherhood around the world alongside so many of Jehovah’s young faithful ones. Its a blessing from Jehovah to be able to aleve the Society of this burden.”

Just to heat up a little about; sin, ransom, dead.
 "What Does the Bible Really Teach?", chapter five about Ransom, JWorg library quotes;
 "It is a gift from God to mankind... Clearly, then, when Adam disobeyed God and was condemned to death, he paid a very high price. His sin cost him his perfect human life with all its blessings. (Genesis 3:17-19) Sadly, Adam lost this precious life not only for himself but also for his future offspring. God’s Word says: “Through one man [Adam] sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” (Romans 5:12). ...The idea of a ransom basically involves two things. First, a ransom is the price paid to ...Second, a ransom is the price that covers, or pays, the cost of something....By sacrificing, or giving up, his perfect life in flawless obedience to God, Jesus paid the price for Adam’s sin. Jesus thus brought hope to Adam’s offspring.—Romans 5:19; 1 Corinthians 15:21, 22......
 
WHAT THE RANSOM CAN MEAN FOR YOU
14, 15. To receive “the forgiveness of our sins,” what must we do?
1)The forgiveness of sins
2)A clean conscience before God. 
3)The hope of everlasting life on a paradise earth.
NOW LET GET SOME ISSUE to comment   
Rom. 6:23 NWT say; "For the wages sin pays is death,..." and JW org explained this verse that when human died he/she are free of every sin he/she made while was living.    (compare with this translation; "For the wages of sin is death, NIV) not the same  
By this WT explanation Jesus ransom came to be unnecessary because particular person pay for sins, that had made, by own death. But as it said in "Teaching book", Jesus paid the price for Adam’s sin. By this then we come to point that our present sins would not be covered by Jesus sacrifice, because Jesus paid price only for Adam's sin and not for sins we made after acknowledge and accepting Jesus, because as some JW members had said in connection to Bible verse in Heb. 10.. How would be paid price for sin if person have not died?
For example, JW members survived Armageddon and as sinful imperfect humans start to living in Paradise. But they are still imperfect and doing sin. Who covered their sins?? We still have Romans 6:23-  "For the wages sin pays is death".  Heb 10:26, 27 said, "If we deliberately keep on sinning after we have received the knowledge of the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left,  but only a fearful expectation of judgment and of raging fire that will consume the enemies of God." BUT again if we died even in that state of "deliberately sinning" as imperfect humans, than our dead will/would cover all sins we done, because after you die you are free of all your sins - Rom 6:23 again. And by that you can wait in grave for for second, third, fourth chance :)))))))
But here is something else what we can find in Bible, so please meditate about and try to explain what sins will be, would be covered by death of this people and under what circumstances, and when and for whom get, take benefits from the deaths of this people ??????? -Proverbs 11:8; 21:18 and Isaiah 42:1-3    
P.S. Additional verses: Isaiah 43:3; Ex. 30:12; Num. 3:46-51; Ps. 49:7; Romans 3:24 

I should make clear that my last post here concerning the letter, was not written by me.  I could never organize my thoughts as well as the writer of the letter. 
When reading your post, and before reaching the scriptures you quoted, I had them in mind.  I agree wholeheartedly with your words, but the concept would never be expressed by the leaders of the organization.  Your explanation is so foreign to the way the entire organization is run.  The chance that there would be a renewal of thought, is slim to nonexistent.  Although, as I believe the GB will be disfellowshipped, there will be an effort made for a "restoration".  
Did you notice how you felt the need to carefully word your thoughts?:
“We can't completely disfellowship our elders from their responsibility, but we can avoid giving the impression that we agree with these practices.”
“We should be willing to speak out against the kind of videos we have seen recently which praise a person for avoiding familial contact with their own brothers and sisters and mothers and fathers”
The fear factor of going against leadership is too high for most JWs to risk speaking out. 
You said,
“Of course, when it comes to those who no longer call themselves a brother (or sister) in the congregation we can treat them just as we would any other sinner or tax collector; we are in no danger of giving the impression that we support their conduct, because they are not even claiming to be related to us in the faith."  
What category do those who are like myself fall into?  I can’t claim to be part of the Watchtower faith, but only in Christ.  Those friends I have left behind would never consider me a “sister”. Should people like myself be treated as “any other sinner or tax collector”?  I have not sinned and have a strong relationship with the Father and Christ.  Thus, for doing so, I am an “apostate”.  Those in the organization are thoroughly convinced this is apostasy against God; which in reality it is apostasy against “teachings unique to Jehovah’s Witnesses” – Bible not included in this phrase.   
 
 You see it all as it should be seen, but cannot be accomplished in the organization.  
My perspective, as one outside looking in, and believing strongly that the Wt. is complete deception  is written in Jude:
“But, dear friends, remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ foretold.  They said to you, “In the last times there will be scoffers who will follow their own ungodly desires.”  These are the people who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.
 But you, dear friends, by building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit,  keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life.
 Be merciful to those who doubt;  save others by snatching them from the fire; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh.  Jude 1:17-23
 
 
 
 
 

TOPIC ;  In Defence of Shunning  Shooting 

Of course ... the wolf packs in the New System will all eat straw ... while staring at the sheep.
 

Good comment, but I wouldn't limit it to those who are believers and participate in some organized religion.

I would like to say how this few words can explain many things that happened in Jesus case and also in today life of people who are believers and participate in some organized religion.  

As for your idea of the 'truth' and i quote  " It's through meeting  people like this in the "truth", (and there are a few), that  others go apostate."
The JW Org is not the 'truth'. Calling it the 'truth' is just a sales gimmick.  Please remember who and what the truth really is. And i back this up from scripture at John 14 v 6
  Jesus said to him: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
The JW Org and it's Governing Body are NOT the truth. And Jesus clearly states that NO ONE comes to the Father (Almighty God) except through him (Jesus Christ). 
The JW Org can be likened to a Taxi cab, taking you on a journey. If it was going in the right direction then you would stay in that Taxi no matter what the cost.  However once you know that the Taxi is going in the wrong direction, you get out of it as soon as possible. 

@Outta Here   You didn't seem to disagree with JTR Jr, though when he said this
 Quote : "Remember according to the Theocratic Organization ruling at the time of Jesus' time on Earth ... HE was an Apostate."  
God had placed the religious leaders over the Nation of Israel as spiritual guides but Jesus told them they were hypocrites and 'from their father the devil'  John 8 v 44
  You are from your father the Devil, and you wish to do the desires of your father
I think that proves my point of Jesus being apostate to those that were supposed to be the spiritual leaders.   

There's no smoke without fire.

 

To quote Sean Connery as James Bond in the movie "Goldfinger":
" ..... Never was a man more misunderstood! ..... "
I understand this, as with my size and appearance, and to avoid being misunderstood by curious neighbors ... I cannot dig holes in my back yard at night, in the rain, with a flashlight.
 

@limmy  Apostasy is the formal disaffiliation from, or abandonment or renunciation of a religion by a person.
Not necessarily turning away from God, but turning away from a 'religion' 
Jehovah's Witnesses are a religion. but they do not have a monopoly on God. 
Monopoly : the exclusive possession or control of the supply of or trade in a commodity or service
Quote: " Paul to was accused of Apostasy by the religious leaders against the mosaic law! "
So no problem in being called an apostate then is there ?  Even Jesus was apostate to the way that God had told the Nation of Israel to serve Him. Turning away from the old, turning toward the new. 
We can tell you are a newbie, you have much to learn.  May you have peace though. 
 

Down to one meal a day ? Doing their own laundry. Downsizing British building project.
Maybe bread and water once a day will be next.
So the GB is now going to do their own laundry, cook their own food, clean their own room? Not!

Some people that want and have  the job of being our masters, guides, instructors, teachers, judges  ... and policemen ... are highly competent, and have the very best of intentions ... but if none of that is true ... they STILL intend to be our masters, guides, instructors and teachers, judges ... and policemen.

Hey, stop "dragging" me into this!

It was Jesus, but Paul's words were very consistent with this. It is more powerful coming from Jesus, anyway, because Jesus was known (notorious) for associating with tax collectors.

Nope, it's not the same. One word - "pay" - created a lie and another delusion.  "Wages" means pay; in this case, the pay of sin.  The Wt. used this definition twice to twist its meaning.  
We can be physically alive yet considered dead in God's eyes.  
“And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins,  in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience,  among whom also we all once conducted ourselves in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, just as the others.” Eph 2:1-3
 
 

Yes, he said what he said about tax collectors and religion rules. Old Law said too, how to use stones for example ....etc.
Question is: Do You, Me, and All Other have to do/to work, to think according to The Words? Or by Interpretations of The Words? Or by .... whatever?
In every Paradise (in all sort of Paradises) existing/there is The Snake.

From what I can gather here about you, I think that most of the 130 do not believe you are evil, and probably do not wish to treat you badly, but as you say, they THINK they are following the rules. Also, they will not merely treat you this way just because they feel you were concerned about the "child abuse" issue. If you have told the whole story then it is pretty clear that you are treated as someone who has formally disassociated, and we are told to treat that person the exact same way as someone who was disfellowshipped. (I think that is an abuse of power by the way on the part of the WTS policy.) It's probable that someone has added a few other "details" for the ears of the congregation, real or imagined. The more likely concern is that you have somehow become a spiritual danger because you are actively seeking out false information from apostates to spread it among the congregation in order to sow divisions and contentions. Many in the congregation must believe that your current motive is to promote such apostasy, even if you are personally still "salvagable." They are told that to treat you like this is a way to save you. 
I personally would not follow the rules in this regard when it is a person I have known and if I feel that my continued association is more likely to be scriptural than unscriptural. There have been two persons where my opinion of them and my association with them didn't change a bit after they were disfellowshipped. One stayed out and one came back. I don't advertise this to the rest of the congregation, for fear of stumbling others, and for my own fear of the same kind of unscriptural disciplinary treatment that others have been subjected to.
But there is also a certain kind of friendship we build up with others that goes beyond rules and regulations. We show a certain type of loyalty (loyal love) to the other person, and they to us. In the Bible, if David had become a murderer and an adulterer, Jonathan would have still loyally stuck by him. "There is a friend that sticks closer than a brother." (Prov 18:24)  I have seen several friendships like this, and would hope that no human rules would ever get in the way. I had a roommate at Bethel who joked that his friend who had recently been invited to Bethel, was like this. He claimed that even if he murdered someone, that this friend would never change. I thought about that and decided that he should move out and room with this arriving friend. 
If we truly have love, even for our enemies, we should have no problem dealing with tax collectors and sinners. How much more should we show love to someone who is in dire straits for a reason we already understand and one we can help them understand. This does not mean that I would go out of my way to seek out such a person, unless I was sure I could help them feel better with some encouragement. Often they truly put themselves in a situation where the best thing they  to do is to find their way back into the organization and I will often encourage that. But I would never encourage family members to disfellowship themselves from that disfellowshipped person.  It has been rare, but as I said, I have had a couple of occasions to "break the rule" in this regard.
 
I like a lot of what the GB and the JW org are doing, and I love many of my fellow associates in the congregation. But, YES, I really mean it. Speaking out is what I am doing right now. I often speak out against unscriptural policies, or discuss them here to help make sure whether my own reasoning is wrong. I don't have to speak out in front of my local congregation, nor do I cause divisions. I speak out on this forum, and I will sometimes speak frankly and honestly with people who approach me in person. I also send a couple letters a year to the GB and JW org. For the past few years, these have been anonymous. I have used this site to try to formulate the scriptural reasoning behind these letters.
I have already spoken out against abuse and bad policy in this regard for about seven years now -- not just on forums but in person. This is why I cannot completely understand the treatment you are getting. At several opportunities over the last 30 years, I have spoken out against a policy of tolerating spousal physical abuse against wives, because my own sister had an experience like this with the usual requested cover-up from authorities and hospital personnel. I have even turned in a young 20 year old brother who showed serious problems in this regard at gatherings. He is not quite a person of full mental capacity, but this won't matter to an abused sister who would feel traumatized if he takes these types of actions any further. And it's quite possible he already poses a criminal danger when not in public. There should be heightened awareness of these problems to protect all potential victims, and where necessary, secular authorities and law enforcement need to be involved.

I am now going to tell you of what took place today. Please read it slowly and carefully. 
My wife and i were out delivering things to a charity warehouse and my wife suggested they we go to visit her mother who lives nearby. 
On arriving at my wife's mother's home, we found that she already had visitors. Hayley, one of our daughters (who has never been interested in the JW Org), and Phoebe (one of our granddaughters), but the daughter of our only daughter that remains in the JW Org. 
Poor little Phoebe, 7 years old, didn't know if she should speak to me or not. Obviously had been told by her mother not to talk to me, but I could tell that she actually wanted to. I spoke to her of course but she didn't know what to do... So that is No1 child that is suffering for no fault of her own.
Now i proceeded to talk to my wife's mum and to explain to her that Phoebe's mum Hannah doesn't talk to me since I left the JW Org and to my surprise my wife's mum already knew the situation, and she had asked Hannah why she wouldn't talk to me, and Hannah had said' Because it is the rules, and I am not allowed to talk to him'. That was my wife's mum's words not mine. 
After leaving my wife's mum's home we drove to Hannah's house to deliver a 'baby chair' a sort of bouncy seat to put a baby in. Hannah was at work and her husband was looking after the other two children. My wife took the chair in to the house and I stayed in the car. Hannah's oldest daughter aged 9 said to my wife 'I want to go and see grandad, but I'm not allowed to'.  My wife told me this when she came back to the car of course. So No 2 child that is suffering for no reason of her own. 
So there we have it. TWO children that are suffering because they want to talk to me (their grandad) and they are not allowed to, and a 29 year old baptised woman (our daughter Hannah)  who is SHUNNING ME because it is the rules of the GB and Elders. Yet Hannah doesn't know why, she just follows blindly without question.... And thousands of others do the same.. 
There is the truth about your shunning, Tom and other blind JW's. Not a rant, just plain truth. But truth is something your JW Org and it's GB cannot handle. 

This is a letter written by an exJW and sent to many in the Watchtower.  This person saw through the delusion to join an organization and its process of disfellowshipping.   It seems apropos to bring out under this thread. 
 
"Gaining bible knowledge through reading and study was
something I deeply cherished as a Jehovah’s Witness.  But as my comprehension grew over time, so did my troubles with a restless conscience.
Specific information I read in the publications, and particular
statements repeated by elders and others on a regular basis didn’t appear to be
supported scripturally; likewise for certain mandated procedures that were
carried out each week, month, etc.  But the real source of the cognitive dissonance I struggled with for years was a couple of rules I bumped into not long after my baptism over 17 years ago--the two most important rules for JW’s:  
1.  obey the Governing Body as if they are God himself
2.  Accept and comply with all Watchtower teachings, even when they deviate from the scriptures.
The publications, elders, etc. never stated these directives in such
straightforward terms, but they were fully understood by the rank and file
nonetheless. Why the issue? These rules required me to obediently “follow the
leader” regardless of whether it bothered my conscience to do so.  This was not what I dedicated my life to God for and in fact, such requirements were completely incongruous with what I was preaching to individuals of other faiths.

The same bible verses were recited time and time again to the Lutheran,
Catholic and Mormon:  obey God as ruler rather than men; be faithful even in what is least; be sure of all things; test every inspired expression; do not put your trust in men.  I wanted to help all I met in the ministry to understand that blind complacency was not acceptable according to God’s word.  
“True” Christians must:
 1. carefully and independently scrutinize all
church teachings, policies and procedures
2. Defy church authorities and their
organizational protocols when it is evident that scriptural directives are not
being followed
3. Cancel church membership if necessary.  Needless to say, the imposed double standard
--do as I say, not as I do--made it increasingly difficult to engage in the
door to door ministry. How could I tell anyone to do these things when I wasn’t
doing them myself? 

From the beginning right up to the present, the Organization
has been well-known for its countless flip-flops/revisions/discards, etc. in
doctrines, policies, and procedures, as well as numerous failed predictions. So
I am simply drawing attention to the obvious by pointing out that Watchtower
leadership is wrong at times.  As mentioned, my biggest issue was that I was required to “follow the leader”, i.e., accept and comply with absolutely everything the Governing Body and elders told me to--despite the frequent changes and inconsistencies, and
despite the fact that doing so meant I had to not only ignore my bible-trained
conscience, but ignore God as well. 

There were times when I went out on a limb and discussed my concerns
with a few individuals, but the response was always the same:  Wait on Jehovah.  Put another way, do what the elders and Governing Body tell you to do no matter what; Jehovah will straighten things out in his own due time. (sound familiar?)This stock answer never made sense to me so one day I decided to do a bit of research (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1)

It didn’t take long to see that such thinking was entirely
out of sync with God’s word, and the following explains why.  According to the Gospels, the leaders of God’s covenant people had once again strayed from his Word by establishing their own standards of righteousness and, as in times past, Jehovah wasn’t
happy about it. His feelings on the matter where made known by Jesus’ scathing
denunciations, but more than anything else, he condemned them for their
self-righteous arrogance and hypocritical double standards. (Matt. 3:9; 23:3,13-32; Romans 2:17-24)
As you know, the story ends with the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem--God’s divine execution of justice upon his unfaithful people, his “ channel” which, interestingly, wiped out the lives of not only the Jewish religious leaders, but the rank and file as well, i.e., those who had trusted and obeyed these men rather than God. From this information, one can draw the following conclusion: We will all be individually accountable to the Lord on judgment day, regardless of our religious affiliation (2Cor.5:10).
Therefore, no individual, nor group of individuals, nor religious organization is exempt from God’s judgment, regardless of what anyone may claim to the contrary (Matt. 3:9; 7:21-23) There is no salvation,  no “ark” of safety, in any religious organizations nor the leaders who guide them consequently. (Psalms 146:3, 4)

The tragic death of each and every rank and file Jew that perished in Jerusalem
in 70 CE is a sobering reminder of what awaits those who think otherwise, who
erroneously believe the following:

1. Membership in a particular religious
organization provides divine protection and exemption from some of the
scriptural requirements they teach others to live by (Acts 10:34; Romans 2:21)

2.  Absolute, rather than relative
subjection to their religious leaders equates to obedience to God and Christ.
Remember, giving allegiance and loyalty to anyone or anything other than Jah
first, constitutes spiritual fornication, idolatry--something He does not
tolerate. (Exodus 20:3; Ephesians 5:5; Rev. 14:4a)
Think about this the next time you compliantly promote Watchtower dogma that is not supported scripturally (Ephesians 4:25), or follow organizational procedures that violate bible principles, because you have probably done these things over and over again
with little or no thought as to the potential consequences.  I did.
For years, I tried to silence that little inner voice and faithfully do
whatever I was told in order to demonstrate obedience to the “Slave” and
maintain a good standing in the congregation.

It’s truly ironic that for 17 years, I was vigilant in avoiding any sort
of political and/or nationalistic demonstration of allegiance or loyalty for
fear of committing idolatry; and yet for 17 years, I made sacrifices, not to
God, but to an image –a religious organization.

But what about the verses that say we must speak in
agreement and be submissive to those taking the lead (1 Corinthians 1:10;
Hebrews 13:7), or the one that mentions the light getting brighter (Prov.4:18), you may ask.  Well think about this: since Jah never lies or contradicts, his principles, rules and prophecies are consistent and unchanging, even if this doesn’t always appear to be the
case. Like a beautiful masterpiece in a dimly lit museum, the many intricacies
of God’s immutable truths cannot be seen nor fully appreciated without a bright
light--a divine luminary that dissipates the shadows of unenlightenment over
time. (Psalms 36:9; 43:3) So even though we may not comprehend everything we
read in God’s Word, we can still draw the conclusion that Jah does not require
anyone to blindly “follow the leader” and/or maintain hypocritical double
standards in worship.  If the inverse were true, verses such as Acts 5:29, Psalms 146:3, and 1 John 4:1 would not be in the bible. With this in mind, why is it that JW’s hang on the Governing Body’s every word, never questioning any of their claims, yet exhort their
neighbors to carefully scrutinize everything their religious leaders say and
do? After much thought, I believe I have formulated a reasonable
explanation.
 Consider the following.

As a student of the bible, I can say with confidence that
neither Proverbs 4:18 nor any verse indicates that Jehovah is directly or
indirectly responsible for the Governing Body’s long track record of
contradictions, flip-flops in understanding , major policy changes (e.g., organ transplants), failed predictions, etc. To even imply anything to the contrary is clearly misleading, for this suggests that the Organization’s consistent misrepresentation of the scriptures is due to Jehovah’s slowness in shedding light, rather than the real reasons  -
presumptuousness, lack of holy spirit, arrogance, etc. on the part of
the GB.  And yet, each time these changes occur, Proverbs 4:18 is cited in the related Watchtower articles and quoted in talks from the podium, leading JW’s to believe that these men are not directly
responsible for any errors they make (because it’s God’s doing).  This raises the GB to the level of infallibility, which is the very reason why you and many others mechanically
“follow the leader”, regardless of how much or how often they deviate, revamp,
revise, scrap, screw-up, etc.
A similar process takes place in the case of Hebrews 13:7, 1 Corinthians 1:10, and other verses such as Psalms 42:5. When considered within the context of the biblical canon, not a single verse, illustration, or account indicates that JW’s are under divine obligation to comply with the GB’s every dictate –right or wrong (Acts 5:29). Even hinting
that the inverse is true is nothing less than a deceptive, megalomaniacal
attempt to alter God’s universal hierarchy of authority in the minds of
spiritually-inclined individuals (1 Corinthians 11:3) And yet, the GB does just
that and more in order to perpetuate the lie that absolute, rather than
relative subjection to their headship equates to obedience to God and Christ.  These eisegeses and others are consistently and frequently dispensed via the talks, publications, etc. week after week,
month after month, and year after year.

In fact, during one particular meeting, a highly respected elder
declared, “Whatever comes out of the mouth of the Slave, you consider that as
coming out of the mouth of Jehovah.” In light of the foregoing, such grandiose
claims are utter blasphemy (Jah NEVER lies --Romans 3:4). What’s even worse is
the fact that compliance with these mistruths and others is strictly enforced
much in the same way the Catholic Church once sanctioned any who challenged its
unscriptural dogmas, policies, and practices.

Apostate branding, public humiliation, removal from the congregation and
shunning by JW family members and friends is the outcome that awaits all who
dare to listen to their consciences and loyally uphold God’s word (Acts 5:29).
These shameful implements of evil have led to mental and emotional problems,
serious physical ailments, and even death among a significant number of
disfellowshipped JW’s. Taking all this into account, it’s no wonder Jehovah’s
Witnesses practice hypocrisy!

If you have no problem being deceived, lied to, manipulated
and controlled by fear, you are where you should be—in the Organization of
Jehovah’s Witnesses. However, if, like me, you have experienced a crisis of
conscience due to the unscriptural autocratic style of governance the
Organization wields, DO NOT IGNORE IT. God has given you a conscience for a
reason, so it is vitally important that you use it as HE intended.  Here’s how:

1. Read and study your bible exclusively and independently
2.
Independently research the history of the Organization and current and past
Watchtower doctrines, policies, and procedures, paying particular attention to
the frequent flip-flopping, revisions, etc.

3. Independently and carefully verify all information that is dispensed
via the publications and public talks, rejecting anything that is not solidly
backed by God’s word.  Be particularly on guard for statements that tell you to accept and/or comply with whatever you are told, even if it doesn’t make sense, add-up, etc.
4. Practice what you preach!  Refuse to hypocritically teach
others to apply bible standards that you are not fully complying with yourself
(e.g., preaching 1 John 4:1 but not applying it)
5. Refuse to commit idolatry/spiritual fornication by complacently “following the leader” when you know or even sense that doing so requires, or may require, disobedience to God and his word (Remember, he who is faithful in what is least, is faithful in
what is most!)  
6. Refuse to be intimidated and controlled by family, friends, elders or anyone else that
attempts to frighten you into remaining in subjection to the Organization
rather than Jehovah
7. Pray to God for strength and courage to do what is right according to his word.  
If you are unclear by what I mean by “independently”, let me explain.  Rather than relying on the Organization’s self-published material to verify the accuracy of the Organization’s
assertions, claims etc., seek out sources that are not controlled by, nor
affiliated with the Watchtower. This is what Jah wants you to do and it’s what
you tell others to do! (Acts 17:11; 1 John 4:1) Verify, test, check--just as
you would if you were buying a vehicle.
Rather than rely on the salesman’s claims, you would consult independent
and objective sources of information like Consumer Reports or carfax.com,
before making the decision to buy.     

What is the purpose of this letter? I assure you it is in no
way an attempt to subvert your faith in God. To the contrary, it is a plea to
fully trust and comply with God’s Word, regardless of the consequences (fear of
man is what lays a snare).  And it is a warning. If you continue to remain in the Organization and complacently accept whatever you are spoon-fed, you are pleasing men, not Jehovah…. and you are in danger.  The tragedy that befell God’s unfaithful anointed in the first century foreshadows future events that will befall God’s modern-day, unfaithful anointed remnant and all those (the rank and file) who put their faith and trust in them.  I realize JW’s are taught to believe that Christendom is modern day apostate Jerusalem, but this simply isn’t so. If that’s the case, God’s anointed remnant is in Christendom, not the Organization of Jehovah’s Witnesses.  This is a critical point because it involves you on a very personal level.  How?
According to the scriptures, wherever the anointed are is precisely
where the apostasy and subsequent judgment will occur. So then, if the remnant
is located in your religious organization, the foretold apostasy will also
occur within your religious organization. Ask yourself:  why did Jehovah spare the Samaritans –the “pagan half-Jews”--when he brought destruction upon his covenant people in 70 CE?

According to the pattern set in the first century, the
purpose of the modern day apostasy is to fully test the anointed. (Mal.3:2,3)  Whether they qualify to co-rule mankind in the future will be determined by whom they ultimately choose to serve –Jah or their unfaithful religious leaders.  The Revelation prophesies and many others reveal this tuggle war of loyalty
(Matt.4:8, 9; John14:30; 18:36; Rev.1:5; 5:10; 6:15; 16:12,14; 17:2,10,12,14,18; 18:3,9; 19:16-19; 20:4,6; 21:24; 22:5).

On one side is Satan and the unfaithful anointed who, like the Pharisees, deviate from God’s word (and deceive the rank & file into doing the same), and on the other, Christ and
his faithful anointed who loyally uphold Jah’s standards even unto death
(Revelation 2:10).  Sadly, the vast majority of those on the battle lines will not prevail because they are on the losing side, caught in the same trap that Satan set in the first century:  a religious organization that appears to have God’s approval.

This information (preceding two paragraphs) is not of my own
originality but comes from anointed brothers and sisters--yes, members of the
body of Christ--who have been kicked out of the Organization for refusing to
comply with unscriptural doctrines, policies, and practices.  Many of these faithful ones wrote letters to the Governing Body about these matters, but they were largely ignored.  How do you think Jehovah feels about that?  Well, how did He feel when Jesus and his disciples were thrown out of the synagogues? 

In closing, I want to point out that I still worship Jehovah God (and no, I’m not a
Trinitarian).  And I still care about you; this is the sole reason why you have personally received this information.  Should you desire to discuss any of the points presented here in greater detail, or simply need a listening ear and some loving support, please don’t hesitate to contact me.   All communication will be completely confidential so you don’t have to worry.

All My Love,
Xxxx
 
Pearl Doxsey posted this letter on her blog -  4womaninthewilderness

Fair enough.  But, why are you making such a challenge to begin with?  Knowing what you do about the harm happening in the WT from disfellowshipping, (or are you cognizant of it?)  are you trying to prove that “Jehovah’s organization” and its specific “tools of discipline” is the only choice God sanctions for keeping moral values in check?    
Since the “whole world lies in the power of the wicked one”, there is not a concrete non-religious group nor any established religious group found in Satan’s world that is able to keep its “core moral values over time.”.
If you could only detect that being part of a religious organization is being part of the “world” which makes keeping moral values in place, an impossibility.   Once an organizational structure develops, a ruler-ship over others becomes necessary.  Rules are fabricated, according to whomever wields the power, and determines what is adequate for the “group”.  And, any who refuse to agree with those rules could be threatened with excommunication. Some of these rules could originate in the Bible, but used in the wrong context; or, additional ones are added requiring a guidebook written by the leaders.
In the Watchtower organization, all “fellowship” is based on allegiance to the organization itself.  There is the lustful “desire” to build beautiful structures, appealing to the eye.  Pride in what they have developed on the earth takes precedence. In fact, I would not be surprised if the GB believe Warwick Bethel will survive into the coming Kingdom of God.  These “things” contribute to the organization’s growth, as well as the drive and expectations for men especially, to move up the religious “corporate” ladder.  1 John 2:15-17
Can anyone apply biblical values to a philosophy that mimics what can be found in Satan’s world, and be successful at it?  1 John 2:15,17
Yes, JWs preach, and they are well known for preaching falsehoods.   If they preach something that is untrue 5 years later, are they blessed by God for imparting darkness to their neighbor?  Truly, showing love to one’s neighbor by telling the truth is one of the core moral values, and the law of God.   WT’s assumed moral values broke when the its leaders first uttered their lies and strutted their dominance over all.  Luke 22:24-27
Although, there are individuals all over the planet, who desire and already have within themselves, core moral values.  Are they considered a “group”?  In a sense.  I know of many, but many others do not make their name known.   Christ knows who they are. John 10:14,15 Their “tools of discipline” are what is written solely in the Bible and they have the wherewithal to heed them.  It is spurred on by an authentic love to serve God and Jesus faithfully.   Many also look to the guidance of proven and tested anointed ones, to see how they can apply these tools, if there is a need. In the process, they are blessed with new understanding which is not possible in an environment where dark, dead teachings exist.  1 John 1:5; Matt 7:15-20   But, each individual approaches Christ who leads them to whom HE sends.  John 13:20    You won’t find them in “Satan’s world”, since they are “no part of the world”. John 17:15,16 There are no structures where they meet and are “organized”, nor record-keeping, and no collecting donations to support and build a blossoming empire.  Although I have in mind the Wt, it is more a fading flower, soon to come to nothing. Ps 37:20; Zech 4:7; Rev 8:8
So, there is a “fellowship” of the children of God, who are perfectly able to be responsible for developing their own core moral values by turning directly to the Father and Christ and receiving help from Holy Spirit.   We may not see the final result of this group until the Kingdom of God arrives, but I can guarantee that a good many of them have come from the organization where the life they knew was cut short. Matt 16:25  In their family and friends’ eyes, they are determined as “dead”; although they feel “alive” in Christ.  Rev 13:15; Eph 2:1-5; John 3:16    From then on, those who claim to have “love for their neighbor”, express hatred for them, a principle set down by those who instigated harsh disfellowshipping.  1 John 3:12; John 3:16
Why will we not know who this group may be?  Because Jesus said, there is no physical place where we are to worship. No central physical location or “mountain” is approved by God for our worship.  God abandoned the early temple arrangement and established His Temple in Christ.  Jesus is telling us how to maintain spiritual distance from Satan’s realm and to be aware of those who will divert our attention away from the true Temple built with living stones. 1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17   It is  God’s will that our worship is “in spirit and truth”, which doesn’t require slavery to elemental things of the world.  Rom 6:16;Col 2:8  Stephen also brought this out, but he was killed for doing so. Yet, “stiff-necked” Wt leaders have developed the organization - a god that goes before the people who they must “move ahead” with, or be left behind.  John 4:13,14,21-24; Acts 7:39-41,48-51; Exod 32:23
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, drive out demons in your name, and do many miracles in your name?’ 23 Then I will announce to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you lawbreakers!’
JWs have forgotten or can’t acknowledge that Jesus said to follow him.  This doesn’t equate with following an organization.  It is as it is; we follow him, in spirit and truth.   Matt 10:38; 1 John 4:17; 14:6  The division that disfellowshipped ones experience for doing so, is exactly how Jesus prophesied it would happen. 
“I have come to bring fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to undergo, and what constraint I am under until it is completed! 51 Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. 52 From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. 53 They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” Luke 12:49-53
 
“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete.  This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.  1 John 1:5-7
Darkness takes on many shades in the Watchtower, but it never becomes light.
 

I suspect there are more women of the Anointed of God, than men ... as a general rule in the general population, they seem to be more spiritual, than men .....
.... We TRY to be spiritual ....  but we also try to be as cool as Clint Eastwood.

This the subject for a different thread. Why not start it off?