Srecko Sostar

Of all the religions on Earth, it is my long and carefully considered opinion, based on what I consider to be irrefutable facts, that as a group, Jehovah’s Witnesses have the best chance of all of them to be found acceptable to God and Christ. 
All the blessings of my life, which is almost over, is because I obeyed what I was taught by Jehovah’s Witnesses. 
The reverse is also true. 
The CORE 15% of what is taught is of life saving value, and to the best of my knowledge cannot be found elsewhere. 
That, to me, means the CORE 15% is in fact the “True Religion”.
I do not expect perfection from employers, spouses (and I have had three …), friends, the Police and/or Court Systems, Armed Forces military leaders, soldiers, sailors or airmen, or the McDonalds drive-thru which almost ALWAYS seems to screw up my order. 
The tolerance I have for applied stupidity I suspect Jehovah God also has for us … after all …. he is the Sovereign God of this Universe, and extending mercy does not diminish his majesty, authority or security in any way.
If we “stick our neck out”, someone can “cut off our head”.  Not so with Jehovah God.
I also suspect that, with MANY Biblical examples to review for reference, he has a high tolerance for us being theologically bat-crap crazy. Thousands of years of colossal screw ups and institutionalized injustices were tolerated before He replaced the old system.
I often think, Jehovah with a casual thought could destroy all his enemies, everywhere, in an instant … so why did He have brave men of valor fight and die on ancient battlefields, and put them through all of that?
Why does Jehovah God now allow the Governing Body to chase away almost as many disciples of his Son, as 8 million recruiters can enlist? 
I almost know, but I can’t prove it, as it would be “preaching error”, if I can’t prove it.
I suspect we are all being sifted, and hardened in “trials by fire” …. after all, the ONLY way you can get experience in how to endure getting beaten … is to get beaten.  
Military Special Forces know this … that is why training includes real torture, beatings, and conditioning on how to endure without being broken. Think of the 144,000. They will be given immortality … life forever with great power and authority, independent of God, but exactly parallel in purpose and agreement!
How does Jehovah know they can be trusted to be good at it? Immortality, by definition, means it can never be revoked.
EXPERIENCE.
Just as a Navy Seal, when dropped from a helicopter 12 miles off shore and has to swim to shore, then run 15 miles to base and without eating or rest, read an entire book, and take a test on it, there are casualties. People die, or fail, or wounded, or thrown out because they just can’t cut it.
Some of us are just plain not good enough, focused enough, motivated enough, tough enough, or strong enough.
You get the test FIRST ….….. and the lesson AFTERWARDS.
 
 
 

I agree to believe that there is truth in the Bible that will stand the test of time. But we are emphasizing the "truth" of the WT Society here. 
So are you forgetting that Russell began to doubt the established "truth" of the existing religions of his time. And none of the JWs take as a bad thing for him. He had critical thinking about his faith.
When did JWs stop critically examining their own beliefs? This happened after they came to know and accepted the WTJWorg "truth". With the passage of time and belonging to the newly acquired doctrine, they reduced their caution towards the ideological nonsense of their own religious elite who replaced ideological nonsense of  their previous religious leaders from the former church.
JWs have fallen into the same kind of religious circle dominated by the drivel of a few "peddlers" of God's Word. If JWs would stick to exclusively moral teachings from the Bible, that is, Jesus' sermons, then they would be in the Truth. But as they are today, they are in the Network of Interpretations.

Advices, recommendations,  tips are good. The problem may arise in the perception of the observer.

Half-baked theology?

Kinda like when Betty Crocker revised the brownie into a fudge-like brownie, which was nothing but a undercooked brownie.

The theocratic implications of THAT truth are staggering!
I have absolutely no problem with the Governing Body being wrong, and correcting itself as time goes on
This happens in all areas of human endeavor, including physics, chemistry, astronomy … and the list goes on and on and on.
I temember when no one knew anything about Plate Tectonics, and everyone “knew” Mars had an advanced global system of canals, and Venus was a hot, humid jungle.
But no one quoted many dozens of Scriptures to support those ideas, which were wrong, or represented to their audience that they knew that by “Special and Exclusive Revelation from God”.
And for their benevolence bathed daily in a waterfall of free, never ending money. 
Or destroyed the lives and families of those heretics that did not believe them.

The theocratic implications of THAT truth are staggering!

I just have one question …..
The answer will tell us the truth about many things.
If a Brother or Sister does their research and takes a theocratic position different than “current light”, and is disfellowshipped for apostasy, and later, as “new light” is revealed, it turns out they were correct …. do they get reinstated with an apology and reparations?

GB constantly finds reasons to change its previous point of view, opinion. And so it happens that the previous "Light" has become the current "Darkness".
Every mind-unchained JW should be concerned about his role in believing and spreading today's "Truth", because tomorrow it will be declared "Darkness".
Some JWs will try to rationalize this theological/doctrinal middle ground with the idea that "it is not the truth that changes but our understanding of the truth". "Present Truth" is changing, the book Proclaimers says, because of "advances in the understanding of truth."
The book Proclaimers deals with the terms:

1-"light is progressive"
2-"progressive understanding"
3-"shining of light is progressive"
4-"study of God's Word is progressive"
5-"progressive Truth"
6-"recognizing the progressive character of the unfolding of Scriptural truths"
After this kind of terminology used to defend the changes in the doctrines of the WTJWorg, we may wonder what JWs actually believe. Do they believe in "The Bible"? Do they believe in "The Truth"? Do they believe in "The Progress"? Do they believe in "The Understanding"? Do they believe in all these separate elements, which can only be correctly connected and formed together giving the final product only within their Main Church Body aka GB?
Regardless of how JWs feel about this, it is significant that a large number of their "Truths" are being changed to such an extent and significance that they can no longer be called, or even should not be called "Truth", but become, rejected and forgotten over time, "The Interpretation" of some human minds.
 
 
 

… ever notice how much more responsible and polite people used to be when dueling was fashionable?
… jus’ thinking out loud …..

Yeah … I remember when the Super Duper Top Secret “Shepherding the Flock of God” Elders Manual first came out. I had a copy before my local Elders had theirs. Rank and File Brothers could not have a copy, or even read it, and if they helped an Elder by making a copy, they had to be watched so they did NOT read any of it. It was not to left out so a Sister could see it.
Meanwhile copies were given by the Society to the Finland Minister of Health, and the Minister of Education.
Both women.
 

Just because you have no sense of humor or any common sense whatsoever, and do not understand comedy, humor, satire or parody does not mean everyone else is so afflicted.

I try not to respond to fantasy, wrong, delusional ad hominem attacks like the sentence above, but since it is partially correct, I will make an exception.
This is my trusty HP-41CX Calculator which I used for 30 years, and heavily modified, (… designed and made the specialized chips and keyboard myself …) with which I made a living for international engineering companies as a Principal Senior Design Engineer, mechanical and civil, in the USA, the Congo, Peru and Norway.
Since I am only a High School Graduate, as you alluded to, I think I have done reasonably well.
…. it may irritate you, but then, who cares?

With High School Algebra you could probably prove that Fausto’s posts were nonsense mathematically.
 

Of the five sentences above, only the last one makes any sense at all. 
I actually agree with sentence No. 5.
The other four are delusional.
Sweeping generalities that have no basis in reality.
… think I am kidding?
Read them out loud to yourself.
 
 

…

This article shows the position of the JW Corporation that "lobbying" within JW congregations is impermissible. And only that. Nothing says that such action is forbidden in relation to the "outside world".
This is the same as the method used in "theocratic warfare". Every JW is obliged to tell the complete truth and not withhold anything when talking to the elders. But he is permitted to speak untruths or half-truths or withholding the truth from those "who are not authorized to hear it."
That's why you have JW elders and JW lawyers who appear before the Courts and actually manipulate the information given, that is, they lie.

Unfortunately for many JWs who deeply believe in WTJWorg doctrines and instructions, we have to ask, is the WT Society really a Logical Society? With the passage of time, the GB leaders deny with their own statements the possibility that such an assessment is correct. I'm sorry.
 

Lobbying, Advocacy, Open Communication
First source:
https://research2policy.org/advocacyvlobbying/
LOBBYING RULES FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Many researchers’ workplaces and affiliations are likely nonprofits and, more specifically, nonprofits categorized as 501(c)(3)s (e.g., public colleges or universities, research institutes). As such, it is important that researchers are aware of the lobbying rules for nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits classified as 501(c)(3)s public charities must not use “substantial” resources for lobbying, though it is not prohibited outright. These organizations have the right to lobby for issues they believe in or against issues they do not. It is only when this advocacy deals with specific legislation that calculated cost limits apply. If the rule that “no substantial part” of activities be dedicated to lobbying seems too vague, consider an “h election” to allow your organization to precisely report the amount of money spent on direct or grassroots lobbying. Researchers should consult with their organizational leadership about lobbying definitions, allowable activities, and how their paid time may be used when communicating recommendations to legislators.
Next source:
https://www.churchlawcenter.com/political/what-is-the-difference-between-lobbying-campaigning-and-advocacy-why-does-it-matter-for-charities/
Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) are subject to specific restrictions on their political activities. Violating these rules can lead to loss of tax-exempt status, so all nonprofits need to be aware of these restrictions to avoid any potential problems.
Lobbying Restrictions
IRS regulations generally prohibit charities with tax-exempt status from engaging in lobbying except to an “insubstantial degree.” Historically, if a charity spends more than about five percent of its budget, time, and effort on lobbying, it may be considered “substantial” and thus violate IRS regulations, although there is no regulation that defines “substantial” with precision.
The other alternative for charities under IRS statutes is to use the 501(h) expenditure test under Section 501(h) of the IRC. Under the formula defined in 501(h), a charity’s lobbying activities are subject to specific dollar limits with an overall cap of $1 million. However, any lobbying activities by volunteers on behalf of the charity do not count toward those limits.
 
WTJWorg is full of volunteers, isn't it? They are actually all volunteers.
 
https://www.runn.io/blog/open-communication
 
What is open communication?
Open communication is the ability to express your thoughts freely while interacting with other people. In a workplace, it refers to the ability of employees to share and receive feedback, provide ideas and suggestions, and raise concerns, which makes them active participants in the work process. 
Open communication is about honesty, availability, and transparency. It means that you have to tell the truth as it is and be willing to hear it in return. It also means you have access to the information you need, and you have to provide the information to those who need it, too. Finally, it means nothing can be kept secret – so there is no chance for politicking or intrigues.   
Open communication is based on the following principles:
Trust. When you know you will hear an honest opinion, you do not expect a get knife in your back. You can rely on your colleagues. You can ask for help. This highly reduces the risk of workplace conflict, and lays the foundations for healthy work relationships.    Psychological safety. It is the ability to express your thoughts without fear of judgment or rejection. A workplace is psychologically safe when employees can openly raise up sensitive issues and be sure that they will not be scolded or fired for challenging someone else’s authority.  Consistency. For communication to be truly open, it has to be open on a regular basis. This is why it’s important to establish specific open communication policies that would normalize this phenomenon in the workplace. The role of the leader is crucial here – leaders set an example for the whole team and motivate people to act in the same way.   
When WTJWorg destroys important documents and refuses to hand over documents to the courts that request it, can we talk about open communication?
Or when GB publishes manuals for elders that no other member of JW society is allowed to see?

.., significance of the organization lies in its dedication to spreading the message of God's love and promoting religious freedom to governments..,
Maybe my memory is not serving me well, but I can't remember any Bible text that writes about how Jesus, as the Pillar and Model of the Perfect Preacher and Proclaimer of the Gospel, promoted religious freedom to the political elites in the 1st century?

.., significance of the organization lies in its dedication to spreading the message of God's love and promoting religious freedom to governments..,
Maybe my memory is not serving me well, but I can't remember any Bible text that writes about how Jesus, as the Pillar and Model of the Perfect Preacher and Proclaimer of the Gospel, promoted religious freedom to the political elites in the 1st century?

So much for the Sweeping Generalities.
Now, for a change, address the SPECIFIC elements of the 49 minute video.!
Otherwise your vague, off topic generalities have no more substance than fog.
Be a sport ….. get off the teleprompter.
 

Lobbying, Advocacy, Open Communication
First source:
https://research2policy.org/advocacyvlobbying/
LOBBYING RULES FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS
Many researchers’ workplaces and affiliations are likely nonprofits and, more specifically, nonprofits categorized as 501(c)(3)s (e.g., public colleges or universities, research institutes). As such, it is important that researchers are aware of the lobbying rules for nonprofit organizations. Nonprofits classified as 501(c)(3)s public charities must not use “substantial” resources for lobbying, though it is not prohibited outright. These organizations have the right to lobby for issues they believe in or against issues they do not. It is only when this advocacy deals with specific legislation that calculated cost limits apply. If the rule that “no substantial part” of activities be dedicated to lobbying seems too vague, consider an “h election” to allow your organization to precisely report the amount of money spent on direct or grassroots lobbying. Researchers should consult with their organizational leadership about lobbying definitions, allowable activities, and how their paid time may be used when communicating recommendations to legislators.
Next source:
https://www.churchlawcenter.com/political/what-is-the-difference-between-lobbying-campaigning-and-advocacy-why-does-it-matter-for-charities/
Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status under the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) are subject to specific restrictions on their political activities. Violating these rules can lead to loss of tax-exempt status, so all nonprofits need to be aware of these restrictions to avoid any potential problems.
Lobbying Restrictions
IRS regulations generally prohibit charities with tax-exempt status from engaging in lobbying except to an “insubstantial degree.” Historically, if a charity spends more than about five percent of its budget, time, and effort on lobbying, it may be considered “substantial” and thus violate IRS regulations, although there is no regulation that defines “substantial” with precision.
The other alternative for charities under IRS statutes is to use the 501(h) expenditure test under Section 501(h) of the IRC. Under the formula defined in 501(h), a charity’s lobbying activities are subject to specific dollar limits with an overall cap of $1 million. However, any lobbying activities by volunteers on behalf of the charity do not count toward those limits.
 
WTJWorg is full of volunteers, isn't it? They are actually all volunteers.
 
https://www.runn.io/blog/open-communication
 
What is open communication?
Open communication is the ability to express your thoughts freely while interacting with other people. In a workplace, it refers to the ability of employees to share and receive feedback, provide ideas and suggestions, and raise concerns, which makes them active participants in the work process. 
Open communication is about honesty, availability, and transparency. It means that you have to tell the truth as it is and be willing to hear it in return. It also means you have access to the information you need, and you have to provide the information to those who need it, too. Finally, it means nothing can be kept secret – so there is no chance for politicking or intrigues.   
Open communication is based on the following principles:
Trust. When you know you will hear an honest opinion, you do not expect a get knife in your back. You can rely on your colleagues. You can ask for help. This highly reduces the risk of workplace conflict, and lays the foundations for healthy work relationships.    Psychological safety. It is the ability to express your thoughts without fear of judgment or rejection. A workplace is psychologically safe when employees can openly raise up sensitive issues and be sure that they will not be scolded or fired for challenging someone else’s authority.  Consistency. For communication to be truly open, it has to be open on a regular basis. This is why it’s important to establish specific open communication policies that would normalize this phenomenon in the workplace. The role of the leader is crucial here – leaders set an example for the whole team and motivate people to act in the same way.   
When WTJWorg destroys important documents and refuses to hand over documents to the courts that request it, can we talk about open communication?
Or when GB publishes manuals for elders that no other member of JW society is allowed to see?

I would just like to say, almost as an aside, that as a minor point that you can take to heart …. the screenshots I posted,  I posted without any commentary whatsoever, and it was screenshots of the Watchtower Bible and Track Society’s own publications.
What could be more straightfoward and honest?
I ASKED YOU TO EXPLAIN WHY IT WAS NOT POLITICAL LOBBYING … and you choked and replied with the usual foggy bottom agenda driven drivel.
Heck, I did not even supply HALF the hard unimpeachable direct exact unmodified quotes available.
….. let me make my position clear ….. it is my personal opinion that all interaction with human beings is political, and nobody can avoid being in politics.
When the Society uses lawyers, they are lobbyists for the Society. 
That is why they are also called “Counselors”, or “Advocates”.
I have no problem with that.
 I do not think that the Society has done anything wrong by negotiating for a better deal, and is and has been trying to make the best way they can under difficult circumstances.
What I object to, and the ONLY thing I object to, is deliberately lying that IT DID NOT HAPPEN.
Hard evidence says it did!
It’s a short road, and a slippery slope to drowning in manufactured fantasy.



 

Unfortunately for many JWs who deeply believe in WTJWorg doctrines and instructions, we have to ask, is the WT Society really a Logical Society? With the passage of time, the GB leaders deny with their own statements the possibility that such an assessment is correct. I'm sorry.