Srecko Sostar

JW elders have access via their password to log in to an electronic database that is not available to other JW members. How big the database is and what it contains depends on how much permission their status gives them, which they received from Bethel or WTJWorg. Can each elder access the same database as high-ranking Bethelite? Probably not. But let those who know say.
Although it is not surprising that not every JW member can access the entire database of the organization to which he belongs (because this is the case in all other normal "secular" organizations/institutions, so WTJWorg is no different in this regard, because it is ultimately "human organization"), remains a worrying realization that the history of "God's earthly organization" contains doctrines and practices that cannot be attributed to a  "God's guidance" and "true truth" that clearly separates the right from the wrong.

JW elders have access via their password to log in to an electronic database that is not available to other JW members. How big the database is and what it contains depends on how much permission their status gives them, which they received from Bethel or WTJWorg. Can each elder access the same database as high-ranking Bethelite? Probably not. But let those who know say.
Although it is not surprising that not every JW member can access the entire database of the organization to which he belongs (because this is the case in all other normal "secular" organizations/institutions, so WTJWorg is no different in this regard, because it is ultimately "human organization"), remains a worrying realization that the history of "God's earthly organization" contains doctrines and practices that cannot be attributed to a  "God's guidance" and "true truth" that clearly separates the right from the wrong.

Anna:
Thank you for the kind complements, but it was in the Boy Scouts that I learned the motto "Be Prepared", and later to "adapt and improvise".  Interestingly enough, in my lifetime I have had several other people make the same comments, that I was born a hundred years too late, and am a poor fit for this century.
  I never cared much for John Wayne the person ... except for his work ethic ... but I do feel a closeness to the majority of the characters he played, in Westerns.
Common cowboys developed the "Code of The West", and Wyoming actually has an official "Code of the West" which the legislature adopted in 2010, as follows:
The legislation designates ten ethics derived from the book "Cowboy Ethics" by James P. Owen:
 1.  Live each day with courage.  2.  Take pride in your work.  3.  Always finish what you start.  4.  Do what has to be done.  5.  Be tough, but fair.  6.  When you make a promise, keep it.  7.  Ride for the brand  8.  Talk less, say more.  9.  Remember that some things are not for sale. 10. Know where to draw the line.  

You cannot expect evil, determined people intent on
MURDERING YOU .... to follow ANY signs or ANY rules !
NONE WHATSOEVER!
That is the one thing Snowflakes never understand about EVIL.

Nnaemeka:
The phrase comes to mind, paraphrased ... " ... If a man does not take care of his own, he is worse than a man without the faith."  To me that means spiritual education, food, shelter, secular education, and when necessary DEFENSE.
An incompetent defense is no defense at all, and a MAN is supposed to know the difference.
I almost cried when I read your post, as when I was young I too was an idealist, and I miss the old me .... but I am 70 plus years old and have been all over the world, and seen hundreds of times , and sometimes been a part of the travesty, to my everlasting shame, how people with the very best of intentions  give BAD advice, and wrap it in a sarcophagus of scriptural references that ALMOST apply,  and with honest hearts, and the very best of intentions, ruin people's lives .
Been there ... done that. 
In all my years of watching and carefully noting the affairs of men, in and out of the Brotherhood, I have NEVER, EVER seen Jehovah intervene to protect anyone from evil, and have seen Brothers and Sisters infinitely better Theocrats than I am cut down.
In World War II, and even in Malawi, there is ZERO examples of God rescuing ANY individual person ... except in liberal fantasy not connected with what is REAL.  ZERO real evidence.
Zero ... none ...  nada ... goose eggs.
Apparently this ceased during the times of the Early Christians.
I am NOT going to even try to dissuade you from your faith, because right or wrong, Jehovah gives us full credit for what we do to the best of our ability with the conscience we have at any particular point in time.
Half of your first sentence I will take to heart ... as we all have to live with our conscience.    I am NOT a sheep person. I am a Sheepdog to my bones, and if I am wrong, Jehovah will judge me appropriately ... but I would rather die forever than allow innocent people to be harmed, especially my immediate family, the whole association of the Brotherhood, or even the clueless Snowflake beset upon by evil ... when I consider it my responsibility to protect these people, and myself ... if I can.
I did not exist for 14.5 or so BILLION YEARS, and it bothered me not in the slightest ... If I am not resurrected because of who I am, the Brotherhood will be better off without me.
FAMILY COMES FIRST!
For me, if I shirk this responsibility, I am not a man .... merely a BORG with male plumbing.
.
 
 

I was taught the same way that @Nnaemeka explained so well above.
I also see the practicality of @James Thomas Rook Jr. position on weapons in general.
--------------
Questions still stuck in my head are:
Jesus could summon the 12 legions... but I cannot. = I get to carry a "sword"?
Was Jesus reproving Peter for acting on the offensive? would a defensive use of his sword only been ok?
-----------
The reason I ask these questions is that in a world where every 3rd person and his grandma is carrying.... when that one lunatic shows up at the KH one day I would like someone there to be able to fire back.
It would be hypocritical of me to say that it is wrong to carry such a firearm and then be glad JTR had one on his person.
---------
After the bombing of the Kingdom Hall in Australia we see that there were no legions of angels dispatched to protect that congregation. 
Leaving me to ponder these questions still.
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FYI - I do not carry or own a gun. I barely know how to fire one correctly. I do have a "dagger" camping (Rambo style) knife kept in a closet somewhere that I bought at a camping store. (I can't say that I know how to even fight with a knife either)
 
It may be that we live in a fiercer world where us older (I use that term reluctantly since I am only 45) JW men may need to "toughen up" and learn to protect ourselves.
 
I think sometimes about Abraham (God's friend) and his ARMY.... or David and his ARMY.... or Solomon with his NAVY...
 
Good discussion everyone.

https://twitter.com/i/status/1492048509507354626
 

You probably won’t turn into a pillar of salt, just as you won’t die in Armageddon if you disobey GB. 

You probably won’t turn into a pillar of salt, just as you won’t die in Armageddon if you disobey GB. 

I am of the opinion that "truth" is discernible through several (and more) possibilities; Through believing in the one who speaks to us. Through the meaning and logic of what was said. Through determining the credibility of what was said. Through factual examination. By assuming that something is possible for which accuracy or inaccuracy cannot be established. Or all this and something else about proving, is left to others to decide for us, so we accept without much need to be suspicious.
Genesis chapter 3:
 
2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”
4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
What is a lie here?
Do we know anything about the possible fact that YHVH may have told the angels that they (angels) would die if they disobeyed him, God? Was there a "Tree" for angels in the heaven?
If we assume something like this, because angels are only slightly "bigger (higher)" than humans, so the "free will" test could be valid for them as well. If the devil "ate the fruit of the tree in the heavenly paradise" and did not die because of it, then his claim to Eve that neither she nor Adam would die was merely an experiential claim based on the current situation or current state of the rebellious angel. 
Then his claim was not a lie, but only a product of his experience, and that is, that he as a rebel was not punished by death, so he "assumed" that neither Adam and Eve would die violating the same kind of prohibition.
Moreover, the second part of his (devil) statement that Adam and Eve would become gods and know what good and evil are proved to be completely true, because YHVH himself said exactly the same thing when he said:
22 And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.” 
Pilate's question; “What is true (truth)”, was a good question.
 

Is the Bible a book with a linear text or a non-linear one?
People who, after many centuries, and after various written Old and New Testament texts, came up with the idea to collect writings and try to arrange them in chronological order left us a book as we know it today.
Various Bible scholars, as well as other ordinary people, have sought to find the hidden meanings of literal or prophetic or symbolic words. That would mean trying to understand the Bible in a non-linear way. That is why there are various footnotes, links and other non-biblical and secular texts that interpret Biblical texts and enable the reader to "explore".
Because the Bible does not contain information or clues as to what was before Adam and Eve in heaven and whether angels were also subjected to a test of faithfulness like the people of Eden, we can only assume.
Eternity and immortality, are there any differences? Maybe only linguistically (semantic), because these values do not exist experientially in people's lives, and are therefore in some way meaningless to discuss. Except in a philosophical sense. What part of religious belief (doctrine) is the philosophical part in the lives of JW believers? It is similar with the use of the terms perfect, imperfect, sinful and sinless.
And so. It is now clearer why GB thinks they are acting flawlessly (blamelessly) in various actions.
They can err but such errors are not for reproach. 
 

"riddled with opinions", said by a man who was never a JW, unlike the narrator of this video who happens to also be a past member of Bethel as well.  His first-hand exposure to the facts, is eye-opening.  
We are each allowed our opinions, but this video can be understood by any exjw, as evidence of hypocrisy by an organization that has kept its complete data base out of sight and access, from the general JW population.  This enables the organization to safely rewrite their history, which they have accomplished.  JWs are discouraged from seeking non JW material, but on the deeper layer of the online library, there is a list of "Non JW" material for the "elite" class to reference.  Does this mean that those individuals with access, are better in some way than the general JW?  No, It only feeds into their power over the lower class of JWs.  
Isa 29:15 - Woe to those who go to great depths to hide their plans from the LORD, who do their work in darkness and think, “Who sees us? Who will know?”
Being a JW, was like swimming in murky water, never clear of truth. (Ezek 34:18 ) These leaders have chosen to build their own cistern, not holding the living water of God and Jesus Christ, but based on the doctrine of men. (John 7:37,38; Eph 4:14; 1 Tim 1:3,4; 2 Tim 4:3,4; Mark 7:7) Their teachings, their "water", is not only poison, but cannot be held in a cracked cistern for very long, and the video has assisted in exposing  just one of its many cracks.  (Heb 12:15; Rev 8:10,11; Jer 2:12,13; 9:3-6,15)
The "secret" online library is nothing but the doctrine of men - of false teachers/false prophets, who have deceived the "elect".  (Matt 24:24,25)
 
Mark of Slavery
 
 

I am of the opinion that "truth" is discernible through several (and more) possibilities; Through believing in the one who speaks to us. Through the meaning and logic of what was said. Through determining the credibility of what was said. Through factual examination. By assuming that something is possible for which accuracy or inaccuracy cannot be established. Or all this and something else about proving, is left to others to decide for us, so we accept without much need to be suspicious.
Genesis chapter 3:
 
2 The woman said to the serpent, “We may eat fruit from the trees in the garden, 3 but God did say, ‘You must not eat fruit from the tree that is in the middle of the garden, and you must not touch it, or you will die.’”
4 “You will not certainly die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”
What is a lie here?
Do we know anything about the possible fact that YHVH may have told the angels that they (angels) would die if they disobeyed him, God? Was there a "Tree" for angels in the heaven?
If we assume something like this, because angels are only slightly "bigger (higher)" than humans, so the "free will" test could be valid for them as well. If the devil "ate the fruit of the tree in the heavenly paradise" and did not die because of it, then his claim to Eve that neither she nor Adam would die was merely an experiential claim based on the current situation or current state of the rebellious angel. 
Then his claim was not a lie, but only a product of his experience, and that is, that he as a rebel was not punished by death, so he "assumed" that neither Adam and Eve would die violating the same kind of prohibition.
Moreover, the second part of his (devil) statement that Adam and Eve would become gods and know what good and evil are proved to be completely true, because YHVH himself said exactly the same thing when he said:
22 And the Lord God said, “The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever.” 
Pilate's question; “What is true (truth)”, was a good question.
 

Think back a while. The discussion between James (who seems to be Pudgy ) and Billy the Kid.
They were both boasting about their hoard of weapons that they owned. James even mentioned at one point that he would use a weapon to defend his family. James also seems to believe that war is ok in God's eyes. 
It is possible that many American JWs have guns in their household as it is legal in the USA. 
As for proof of what I've written, I know that you are much better at finding these things for reference. 

But the Pope says he is selected by God. Archbishops say they are selected by God. And you say that no one should question those selected by God. You would say that no one should judge those selected by God. 
So, wow, every religion, in your eyes, has someone sellected by God  
So how do you decide who you think is really selected by God ? 
From my viewpoint it is 'By their works you will know them'. And the works of Watchtower / JW Org Leaders are not good.  
 

Maybe you mean this kind of faith an trust in the human leaders of WTJWorg? :))
At that time, the life-saving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not. - WT 2013 
As the end of this system of things draws near, we need to trust in Jehovah’s way of doing things as never before. Why? During the great tribulation, we may receive instructions that seem strange, impractical, or illogical. Of course, Jehovah will not speak to us personally. He will likely provide direction through his appointed representatives. That will hardly be the time to second-guess the direction or to view it with skepticism, wondering, ‘Is this really coming from Jehovah, or are the responsible brothers acting on their own?’ How will you fare during that crucial time in human history? The answer might be indicated by how you view theocratic direction now. If you trust the direction we receive today and readily obey, you will likely do the same during the great tribulation. - WT 2022
 

Proof is in the background, because what good is it if someone’s eyes are blinded?
Judging by the words of Genesis, you are right. Man did not need to gain knowledge of that kind. But that doesn't mean that man has enough of it today.
 

Of course, the share of the individual is important. The bottom line is that JW members and their leaders often allow demons to seduce them with the so-called “new light” attributed to HS, but it actually comes from the opposite side.
With free will that came from God because it was his choice of his free will. Since God has kept for himself all wisdom and power, man's action can in no way call into question God's position.
But revolt against the so-called "human representatives" of God certainly calls their position into question. Leading people of WT and other related companies of the BS / JW organization have proven in each of their mandates that they believed in "false teachings". Do you want believers to respect such a position of "God's representatives"?
 

Yes, there is always a choice. On the one hand, it is interpreted that man decides for himself, and on the other hand, it is said that demonic influence is so strong that it blinds people. From this we could say that the people of Noah's time were seduced by the great influence of demons, so they were unable to change their condition and choice. On the other hand, God failed to persuade them to change their choices. So God was left without his choice and was forced to show anger instead of grace. 
In most cases, God has no problem with someone like me questioning Him and his reasons. And in general, people on Earth do not pose any threat to God and his authority. Criticism and questions can only be a threat to religious leaders as GB.
If it is exactly as the Bible says, then the only real threat God faces is one that comes from his immediate vicinity (the angel he created — the devil). Who gave the devil a choice? The God who gave him free will. Or God is/was naive, so he has given free will to individuals for whom no one guarantees that they will not abuse it. Or he knew that there was a great possibility that it would happen and everything would go to ruin, but he did not think that it would be a problem for him that would not be solved in one way or another.
Either way, people are a party in the process that is where it is.

I would be interested to know whether God has an interest in providing his protection only to those people who are his worshipers or whether all innocent (victims) belong to the "saved" regardless of religious, political, cultural affiliation.
You mention God's wrath. If God intended (before few thousands years) to undertake the mass destruction of evil (and evil people) then it is part of a plan and not a moment of emotion (anger).

Okay, but these are just personal feelings of that person that the rest of us can and should understand. But what is the ultimate goal? Make documents available to the public. At the Military Museum or the Private (WTJWorg) Museum? Well, I guess everywhere where more people will be able to look at it.

quotes from link:
The museum’s retention of the archive, said Wolfram Slupina, a spokesman for the Jehovah’s Witnesses in Germany, “deprives us of a significant and invaluable part of our cultural heritage.”
This is brand new terminology related to JW members and WTJWorg. Until now, there has always been talk of “spiritual heritage” as something that is important to have from faithful ancestors. What is the difference between "cultural and spiritual". Here is about the material possession of things. This is about the documents (paper) not a "spiritual treasure" stored in the people's hearts and minds.
Before she died, Annemarie Kusserow, the keeper of the archive, had lent documents to her brother, Hans Werner Kusserow, to make copies for a book he was writing.
Though Annemarie’s will stipulated that the documents should go to the Jehovah’s Witnesses’ headquarters in Selters, a small town northwest of Frankfurt, her brother, who was not a member of the faith, sold them to the Dresden museum for less than $5,000.
The will is not available to us, so it is not known which documents and how much should go to which heir, among other things left behind by the deceased. But interestingly, WTJWorg is willing to spend voluntary monetary contributions for the trials, in order to come into possession of the original documents. They are not happy with the copies. What about that old biblical proverb; endure injustice because God will pay you. And how will God pay you? It will give you spiritual well-being and happiness and a clear conscience, not material. Wasting time, money and energy in the courts is not a recipe for happiness.
 

Partial comment: Among other things, when one group of people attacks another group of people, then it is a kind of consequence of the "free will" that God allows to happen. The act of violence is unacceptable, but it is possible because God does not want to interfere to “defend the innocent”.

https://getyarn.io/yarn-clip/b069a4b3-93de-4055-b3d9-91a563618f58
 

Okay, but these are just personal feelings of that person that the rest of us can and should understand. But what is the ultimate goal? Make documents available to the public. At the Military Museum or the Private (WTJWorg) Museum? Well, I guess everywhere where more people will be able to look at it.