Thinking

I hate when people do this.
Ford had just assumed the presidency and pardoned Nixon. At a NYC District Convention the next day, the speaker held aloft the NYDaily headlines - "Peace and Security!" and said: "Have you seen this headline??!!!"
It was irresistable. I would have done it, too.

Had to caution a few brothers that were sending out thoughts on Facebook and a few places on the matter of looking for God's intervention in human affairs "whenever it is that they are saying "Peace and security!" around the time (a few weeks ago)  America seemed to be making progress in securing peace between North Korea and the West. I reminded them about Jesus' words at  Matthew 24:42-44, as follows:
"(Matthew 24:42-44) Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. 43 “But know one thing: If the householder had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have kept awake and not allowed his house to be broken into. 44 On this account, you too prove yourselves ready, because the Son of man is coming at an hour that you do not think to be it."
 At the transfiguration Jehovah told Jesus' disciples to "Listen to him".   These sayings are from the same source, Jehovah, but we have to be sober and not run off with one but not weighing the other.  We know the season we are in, but we will not be able to work out the precise period of the end. No matter what we see now, the end is going to take us by surprise.  We should obey Jesus and prove ourselves ready. No one knows when a thief plans to come.  Jesus stated that it was at an hour that "you do not think to be it", referring to his disciples. So let us to take note but be modest, sober and most of all, ready.  So the question above is really timely.

Discuss the question from the title of the topic? Now that's a novel idea. ?
It is a reasonable solution to see the 10-horns and the wild beast as either representing, or some part of the dominant world power at the time of the great tribulation, the fall of Babylon the Great, Armageddon, etc. And it is a reasonable assumption to see the prostitute as false religion. And it seems that God puts a thought into the heart of the ten horns and the heart of the wild beast to give their kingdom to this wild beast until some end predetermined by the God's words will have been accomplished.
Obviously. But is it the same as "biting the hand that feeds us" to discuss whether our current explanation of this chapter is reasonable? Is our end-time-scenario too sacrosanct to question in any way. Or is perhaps now the best opportune time to consider where our loyalties will lie if things seem NOT to be working out as expected? Or is perhaps now the best opportune time to consider the meaning of Jesus words about not being able to work out the closeness of the time of the end if things DO INDEED seem to be working out as expected?
As several people already know, I come at this issue from the perspective that Jesus warned us against trying to look at signs of the times to divine the closeness of the end. It will come as a "thief in the night." Some of us will answer, but we won't be surprised, or in the dark, as someone who is awake and prepared for the thief. That's true, of course, but not because we will be able to figure out the time or season in which the thief will appear. Not because we will be watching for some entity to call out "peace and security." It's because we as Christians will be both patient and ready at all times because we are always looking out that our motivations are pure. Peter says we stay ready by watching ourselves and the type of person we ought to be, and clarifies the motivations behind all our activity in 2 Peter 1:5-8:
5 For this very reason, put forth all earnest effort+ to supply to your faith virtue,+ to your virtue knowledge,+ 6 to your knowledge self-control, to your self-control+ endurance, to your endurance godly devotion,+ 7 to your godly devotion brotherly affection, to your brotherly affection love.+ 8 For if these things exist in you and overflow, they will prevent you from being either inactive or unfruitful*+ regarding the accurate knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. There have always been those persons who think they are doing a favor to fellow Witnesses, or perhaps also highlighting their own faith in the predicted scenario by watching out for any mention of "peace and security" by a Pope, a world leader, or a UN representative. The initial post in this topic goes to a lot of trouble to try to read between the lines for items coming from the UN that somehow indicate that "they" could turn against and attack religion at any time. I think this is unhealthy and unchristian for several reasons. But I've already gone into detail about this aspect in other posts in the past.
This doesn't mean the scenario is impossible, only that Jesus said it was wrong to look for such scenarios as a way to anticipate the closeness of the end or to try to predict the timing his parousia. They might create some fervor and anticipation about the closeness of the end, but they will produce an unchristian motivation.
And, as I've also said, it would not be honest for me to discuss the question at hand without also mentioning that I think the whole scenario should be questioned. And, as I've also said, I think as Christians we are under an obligation to question such scenarios as to whether they are Biblical or even useful.

Is the UN preparing to attack Religion?
Just getting back to the main topic. The most relevant  prophetic statement I am aware of relating to this question is here:  
"And the ten horns that you saw and the wild beast, these will hate the prostitute and will make her devastated and naked, and they will eat up her flesh and completely burn her with fire.
For God put it into their hearts to carry out his thought, yes, to carry out their one thought by giving their kingdom to the wild beast, until the words of God will have been accomplished." Revelation 17:16-17.
Leaving aside extensive argumentation on the interpretation of these two verses, Jehovah's Witnesses understand this to be describing the destruction of false religion at the hands of its long-time partner, the political element of human society.
"The ten horns" = those "movers and shakers" within the political set up (as opposed to "vassal" states) at the time these events occur. "The wild beast" = the earlier referred to "was but is not" conglomeration of nations we currently know as the United Nations of which the "ten horns" are a prominent part. "The prostitute" = said "Babylon the Great", the world empire of false religion, destined for complete destruction at the hands of the political powers. "Their one thought" = preservation of national sovereignty at all costs. There has always been a rather tenuous balance in this element of the religion/politics relationship. In fact, the false charge of "sedition" constitutes a prime weapon in the anti-Jehohvah's Witness strategy employed by false religion. It has been a main component of it's murderous schemes to eliminate servants of Jehovah with the enlistment of political muscle.(Compare John 19:15: "We have no king but Caesar") However, in striking similarity to the failure of Haman's schemes at the time of King Ahasuerus as described in the Bible book of Esther, false religion is "hoist on it's own petar", (to borrow a Shakesperean idiom). This will involve a remarkable feature in that the political elements (particularly those dominant UN partners, more inclined to veto than agree) participate in an unreserved delegation of authority to their political figurehead, currently identified as the UN. "God put it into their hearts to carry out his thought" = the crux of this whole matter. Observers today may well detect evidence to support their view of a rising anti-religious trend in UN attitudes to religion. But there may equally be those who would choose to argue a completely opposite view. Not to be overlooked is the view held by false religion itself at the time of it's destruction. This is indicated at Rev:18:7 "I sit as queen, and I am not a widow, and I will never see mourning". Rev18:8 adds "That is why in one day her plagues will come". The destruction of false religion at the hands of it's one time political allies will be something to shock this system of things to it's very foundations. It will open the world stage for "a tribulation such as has not occurred from the beginning of the creation that God created until that time" Mark 13:19. Those blessed with the 'abundant true knowledge' characterising these" last days" have a comprehension of the world scene that is very different from the many who remain in "darkness mentally and alienated from the life that belongs to God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the insensitivity of their hearts." Eph 4:19.
So in answer to the question, probably not, as a body, although godless elements have been in it's composition since it's origin. This event will come "as a thief in the night", a development indeed, but something precipitated by Jehovah, at a time of His choosing, once the "good news of the kingdom" has been preached in all the inhabited earth, for a witness. Then the end will come.
Now is not the time to bite the hand that feeds us!

Assuming your obfuscation is purposeful, I'll try to translate your apparent intent:
"I, AllenSmith, have never yet failed to understand the true character and intent when I view certain people here. To myself, I now understand that I had previously misunderstood the main thing that 'JWInsider' was saying, although since I will never actually admit a fault, be they ever so blatant to others, I will, instead, focus on the new claim that that I never misunderstood the subliminal message."
If you meant @Srecko Sostar, I have never seen this person as a staunch supporter. If you meant @Melinda Mills, then you probably missed the fact that she does not typically "support" my views in areas where they might differ from the Watchtower, and never staunchly even when she does. In this case, she merely pointed out the fact that I left out the word "not," because the sentence wouldn't have made any sense in context as it stood. But she was pointing out what I must have meant, not what she necessarily believes. I see she did "upvote" a comment or two of mine, and that is always a dangerous thing for people to do when you are around, since they will often have to brave your disapproval. You often convey this disapproval of any kind of support in a bullying manner and go after people for assumed sins just because they found something agreeable in a post of mine. I hope you will stop this kind of bullying. (I'm not saying that what other people do doesn't ALSO come across as bullying . . . [ahem..j.t.r..ahem] . . . but it's easier to take when it's cushioned with a sense of humor.)
Yes. It's true. I gladly admit that this post was not primarily about the differences in our view of the GB. Still, many JWs believe that the time will come when the UN will attack religion, and there is an associated assumption that this will result in a collapse of religion in some global sense, and will thus precipitate a specific attack on Witnesses which is thwarted by Jehovah, Jesus and the angelic hosts. This is supposed to be our lot between the great tribulation and Armageddon. We are told to expect that it means times of being cut off from communication with New York, and a need for almost unquestioning reliance on local leadership through the guidance of congregation elders. In some cases, we expect that some will be cut off from even that much association.  JWs want to feel prepared to face such a time without fear.
I don't think it's out of place, then, to discuss this entire supposed "UN episode" in the light of such expectations.
I don't feel right about discussing it unless I also disclose that I have my own questions about the readiness of many Witnesses to face such a scenario. Part of that is the strained relationship that I see many Witnesses have with their local elders, and others in the congregations in general. Part of that is what I see as an unhealthy and immature relationship of dependency on the Governing Body for almost every aspect of their spirituality and worship. For me personally, I must also deal with the fact that I look to the track record of the Governing Body in attempting to predict the meaning of scripture, and I realize that so far they have something like a 0% accuracy rating in everything ever predicted when it comes to fulfilled prophecy. So, just out of the honest need for full disclosure when I give an opinion, I will be forced to include some of my personal hesitance to accept these predicted scenarios as necessarily accurate.
But I should still have a right to an opinion, and you should have a right to yours, and a right to give counterbalancing evidence if you have any.
Interesting. It's false to say they have never claimed this. But it's usually more subtle than an outright claim. Whether they claim it or not is immaterial. It's an impression that is given and never completely corrected. We could have a whole separate discussion on this topic.
I never claimed they asked for anyone to glorify them. Please stick with the evidence, not stuff you make up.
They should feel no superiority for having served at the "Bethel House." No one should. I certainly don't. In fact, as you have pointed out yourself, sometimes serving at Bethel is a detriment to true spirituality.

No - we are just glad that things are really heating up...... which means our faith has not been in vain. That is all. Yes we are uncertain but not without a ROCK to lean on.  Jehovah is our fortress, our crag. In him we trust.  The GB are cautious - more than ever before and rightly so.  
He will be in control of the final outcome.

I quote agenda 2030:
 We+resolve,+between+now+and+2030,+to+end+poverty+and+hunger+everywhere;+to+combat+ inequalities+ within+ and+ among+ countries;+ to+ build+ peaceful,+ just+ and+ inclusive+ societies;+ to+ protect+ human+ rights+and+ promote+gender+equality+and+ the+empowerment+ of+women+and+ girls;+and+to+ensure+the+lasting+protection+of+the+planet+and+its+natural+resources.+We+resolve+ also+ to+create+conditions+ for+ sustainable,+inclusive+and+ sustained+economic+growth,+ shared+ prosperity+ and+ decent+ work+ for+ all,+ taking+ into+ account+ different+ levels+ of+ national+ development+and+capacities"
The plan is to have this MOSTLY completed by 2030 AND THEN COMPLETELY BY 2050.  How do you think they are doing it?   At LOCAL level through NGOs which receive money from the government. LOCAL LAWS ARE BEING CHANGED UNDER THE BANNER OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT - EVERYWHERE.  They have already changed many of the rights on the ground - what you are allowed to do on your own land. MY SON LIVES IN NZ and is living on a farm which was set aside for this plan. only a small part may be used for cows.
"This+is+an+Agenda+of+unprecedented+scope+and+significance.+It+is+accepted+by+all+countries+ and+is+applicable+to+all,+"
In+ these+ Goals+ and+ targets,+ we+ are+ setting+ out+ a+ supremely+ ambitious+ and+ transformational+ vision.+ We+ envisage+ a+ world+ free+ of+ poverty,+ hunger,+ disease+ and+ want,+ where+all+life+can+thrive.+"
SOUNDS LIKE THEY WANT TO BRING PEACE AND SECURITY !  SATANS VERSION OF JEHOVAH'S GOVERNMENT. See below where they talk of peace and security linked with sustainable development.
'A+world+which+invests+in+its+children+and+in+which+every+ child+grows+up+free+from+violence+and+exploitation.+"
SOUNDS WONDERFUL - EXCEPT THAT THEY UN HAS BEEN ACCUSED OF RAPWE ETC WHICH IS NEVER ADDRESSED. THEIR OWN STAFF ARE FIRED FROM THE UN IF THEY EXPOSE THE CORRUPTION IN UN. THEIR LIVES BECOME A NIGHTMARE BECAUSE THEY ARE DISCREDITED AND THEIR LIVES MESSED UP. THEY HAVE TO TOW THE LINE. MOST HAVE EXTREME POLITICAL VIEWS WHICH ARE CLOSER TO MAOIST VIEWS. THEY ARE NOT APPOINTED TO POSITIONS  IF THEIR VIEWS TO NOT COMPLY!  A GOOD EXAMPLE IS THE LEADER OF WHO - HE GENOCIDED SOME OF HIS OWN PEOPLE AND YET RECEIVED A POSITION AT UN..... AND HE WAS NOT APPOINTED BECAUSE HE IS A MEDICAL DOCTOR BUT BECAUSE OF HIS POLITICAL VIEWS... sponsored by China.
CHILDREN ARE NOW LEARNING SEX EDUCATION (ENFORCED BY THE UN (UNESCO) THAT TEACHES THEM FROM AGE 4 TO TOUCH THEMSELVES AND TEACHES THE GROSSEST FORMS OF PORNEIA......  IF YOU DO NOT KNOW ABOUT THIS GET YOURSELF EDUCATED ABOUT IT!  THIS IS PART OF THE QUEST TO GET CHILDREN OUT OF THEIR CULTURE AND RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS SO THEY WILL COMPLY WITH THE ONE WORLD VIEW AND NOT DISSENT. ... IT IS LEADING TO THE ONE WORLD VIEW! children are being programmed in a new way of thinking.
+ A+ world+ in+ which+ consumption+ and+ production+ patterns+and+use+of+all+natural+resources+— from+air+to+land,+from+rivers,+lakes+and+aquifers+to+ oceans+and+seas+— are+sustainable.
We+reaffirm+the+outcomes+of+all+major+United+Nations+conferences+and+summits+which+ have+laid+a+solid+foundation+for+sustainable+development+and+have+helped+to+shape+the+new+ Agenda.+ These+ include+ the+ Rio+ Declaration+ on+ Environment+ and+ Development,+ the+ World+ Summit+ on+ Sustainable+ Development,+ the+ World+ Summit+ for+ Social+ Development,+ the+ Programme+of+Action+of+the+International+Conference+on+Population+and+Development,+the+ Beijing+Platform+for+Action+and+the+United+Nations+Conference+on+Sustainable+Development.+ We+also+reaffirm+the+followJup+to+these+conferences,+including+the+outcomes+of+the+Fourth+ United+ Nations+ Conference+ on+ the+ Least+ Developed+ Countries,+ the+ third+ International+ Conference+ on+ Small+ Island+ Developing+ States,+ the+ second+ United+ Nations+ Conference+ on+ Landlocked+Developing+Countries+and+the+Third+United+Nations+World+Conference+on+Disaster+ Risk+Reduction
 
SOUNDS WONDERFUL - BUT IT WILL TAKE SOCIETY BACK TO A STATE BEFORE THE FIRST INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION - EXCEPT THAT THE CONTROLS OF THE 4TH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION WILL BE UPON OUR CHILDREN.
+Climate+change+is+one+of+the+greatest+challenges+of+our+time+and+its+adverse+impacts+ undermine+the+ability+of+all+countries+to+achieve+sustainable+development.+Increases+in+global+ temperature,+sea+level+rise,+ocean+acidification+and+other+climate+change+impacts+are+seriously+ affecting+ coastal+ areas+ and+ lowJlying+ coastal+ countries,+ including+ many+ least+ developed+ countries+ and+ small+ island+ developing+ States.+ The+ survival+ of+ many+ societies,+ and+ of+ the+ biological+support+systems+of+the+planet,+is+at+risk.
THIS I AGREE WITH - BUT THE WAY THEY ARE GOING TO IMPLEMENT THIS AT SUCH AS QUICK PACE IS A MAJOR RESET OF THE GLOBE.  IT WILL HAVE TO BE DONE WITHOUT CONSENT OF THE PEOPLE BECAUSE MOST PEOPLE DO NOT BUY INTO THIS PLAN.  THIS WILL INCLUDE WHAT WE ARE EXPERIENCING NOW - A LOCKDOWN OF MAJOR PROPORTIONS TO BRING A NEW WORLD ORDER WHICH WILL NOT LOOK LIKE THE ONE WE HAD BEFORE.  THIS MEANS THAT MANY PEOPLE MAY DIE AS THE FOOD SUPPLY CHAINS ARE DISRUPTED, ENERGY REQUIREMENTS ARE CHANGED, TRANSPORT IS CHANGED ETC. .... TO BRING A SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT.  THE ENVIRONMENT IS NOW MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE PEOPLE BECAUSE PEOPLE ARE DAMAGING THE ENVIRONMENT. THEY BELIEVE THIS.
THERE IS TALK OF EQUAL INCOME FOR ALL. (WHICH I WELCOME BECAUSE IT WILL HELP THOSE FAMILIES WHO ARE SUFFERING WITHOUT WORK AND ARE LOSING THEIR HOMES RIGHT NOW.)  AI IS TAKING AWAY JOBS THAT WERE PREVIOUSLY DONE BY PEOPLE, SUCH AS DRIVING TRUCKS. THEY ARE CLOSE TO SELF-DRIVING CARS AND TRUCKS JUST TO NAME ONE EXAMPLE.  MEDICINES AND JUSTICE CAN ALSO BE APPLIED BY AI...... SOUNDS WONDERFUL! A COMPUTER PROGRAMME IS ALREADY DECIDING WHICH PEOPLE GET BAIL AND WHICH  NOT!
+ It+ also,+ crucially,+ defines+ means+ of+ implementation.+ Reflecting+ the+ integrated+ approach+that+we+have+decided+on,+there+are+deep+interconnections+and+many+crossJcutting+ elements+across+the+new+Goals+and+targets 
THIS INTEGRATED APPROACH HAS BEEN GOING ON FOR MANY YEARS.  THE TOP COMPANIES AND FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS MEET AT DAVOS, BILDERBURG MEETINGS, G20, AND G10 (THEY WANT TO INCLUDE INDIA). COUNTRIES AND CORPORATIONS SUCH AS ALL BILL GATES'S CORPORATIONS, MONSANTOS/BAYER ETC HAVE BEEN PART OF THESE MEETINGS.  IF YOU KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THESE COMPANIES WHO ARE INCLUDED IN THESE MEETINGS IT SHOULD BE A RED FLAG!
+ Never+ before+ have+ world+ leaders+ pledged+ common+ action+ and+ endeavour+ across+ such+ a+ broad+ and+ universal+ policy+ agenda.+ We+ are+ setting+ out+ together+ on+ the+ path+ towards+ sustainable+ development,+ devoting+ ourselves+ collectively+ to+ the+ pursuit+ of+ global+ development+ and+ of+ “winJwin” cooperation+ which+ can+ bring+huge+gains+to+all+countries+and+all+parts+of+the+world.
THEY WILL ACHIEVE THIS BECAUSE IT HAS BEEN PROPHECIED.....  HOW FAR THEY GET I DO NOT KNOW.  WHEN THEY TURN AGAINST RELIGION IT WILL HAIL IN ARMAGEDDON. 
We+reaffirm+the+importance+of+the+Universal+Declaration+of+Human+Rights,+as+well+as+
CHINA AND MUSLIM COUNTRIES ARE RUNNING THE UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL - THAT SHOULD GIVE YOU AN INDICATION OF WHAT KIND OF JUSTICE IS WAITING FOR THE WORLD.  CHRISTIANS ARE BEING GENOCIDED IN NORTH AFRICA AND SLAVERY OF BLACK AFRICANS BY AFRICAN MUSLIM NATIONS - THIS IS BEING IGNORED BY THE UN.  (CHINA NOW PUTTING TIBETANS IN RE-EDUCATION CAMPS)! BLM DO NOT CARE ABOUT THIS BECAUSE THEY ARE ACTUALLY A MAO-IST ORGANIZATION (funded by China). SO NO-ONE IS GIVING ATTENTION TO THE PLIGHT OF black CHRISTIANS IN AFRICA.
The+new+Goals+and+targets+will+come+into+effect+on+1+January+2016+and+will+guide+the+ decisions+we+take+over+the+next+15+years.+All+of+us+will+work+to+implement+the+Agenda+within+ our+own+countries+and+at+the+regional+and+global+levels
ALL NATIONS WHO SIGNED THIS AGREEMENT ARE BUSY WITH THIS WITHOUT THEIR POPULATION'S CONSENT. PEOPLE ARE KEPT IN THE DARK BECAUSE IT WILL CAUSE AN OUTCRY.
+We+will+equally+accelerate+ the+pace+of+progress+made+in+ fighting+malaria,+HIV/AIDS,+ tuberculosis,+hepatitis,+Ebola+and+ other+communicable+diseases+and+epidemics,+including+by+addressing+growing+antiJmicrobial+ resistance+and+ the+problem+of+unattended+diseases+affecting+developing+countries.+We+are+ committed+ to+ the+ prevention+ and+ treatment+ of+ nonJcommunicable+ diseases,+ including+ behavioural,+developmental+and+neurological+disorders,+which+constitute+a+major+challenge+ for+sustainable+development.
THE PROBLEM IS THAT THE CORPORATIONS THAT ARE GOING TO PROVIDE VACCINATIONS FOR ALL OF THIS HAVE A VERY BAD RECORD! !  I HAVE STUDIED THE ORIGIINS OF THESE CORPORATIONS AND THE MONEY TRAIL.  ALL NATURAL MEDICINES WILL BE REMOVED AS IS ALREADY HAPPENING SO CORPORATIONS ARE THE ONLY ONES WITH THE POWER TO ADMINISTER MEDICINE THROUGH APPROVED DOCTORS.  ALL PROTOCOLS WILL BE PRESCRIBED AS HAS HAPPENED WITH THIS CORONA VIRUS.   GOOD MEDICINES LIKE HYDROXYQUININE WILL BE BANNED FROM THE PRESCRIPTION LIST.  DESPITE THIS, THE INJURIES TO CHILDREN ARE TRICKLING OUT.  THE PEOPLE TRUST THESE VERY CORPORATIONS WHICH ARE CAUSING THE NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS! 
I GREW UP RECEIVING 2 VACCINATIONS - POLIO WAS ONE OF THEM.  I HAD ALL THE CHILDRENS DISEASES AND DIPTHERIA.... WITHOUT VACCINATIONS.  NOW CHILDREN ARE FORCED TO HAVE SO MANY VACCINATIONS INCLUDING VACCINATIONS FOR VENERIAL DISEASES BEFORE THE AGE OF 9.  SOME COUNTRIES HAVE ALMOST 60 VACCINATIONS BEFORE THE AGE OF 14.  MOST OF THESE VACCINATIONS DO NOT NEED TESTS AS WAS RECENTLY SEEN IN A COURT CASE IN USA - FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS THE FDA HAS NOT GIVEN PROOF OF ANY TESTS! ! AND VACCINE MANUFACTURERS HAVE ALMOST BLANKET PROTECTIONS BY LAW!  30, 000 DOLLARS IS WHAT A PARENTS GET FOR A CHILD THAT IS DEPENDENT UPON THEM FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES!
We+commit+to+making+fundamental+changes+in+the+way+that+our+societies+produce+and+ consume+goods+and+services.+
technical+ assistance+ to+ strengthen+ developing+ countries’ scientific,+ technological+ and+ innovative+ capacities+ to+ move+ towards+ more+ sustainable+ patterns+ of+ consumption+and+production.+We+encourage+the+implementation+of+the+10JYear+Framework+ of+ Programmes+ on+ Sustainable+ Consumption+ and+ Production+ Patterns.+
THIS MEANS THE INVENTORY AND DISTRIBUTION OF FOOD (PER PERSON OR UNIT) AND ONLY THE USE OF LAND FOR FOOD PRODUCTION -  AS ALLOWED BY GOVERNMENT.  LARGE SWATHES OF LAND WILL BE SET FREE TO REST.  ONLY WILD ANIMALS ALLOWED ON THEM AND NO PEOPLE.  LARGE PORTIONS OF CALIFORNIA ETC.  LOOK AT THE MAPS THAT THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS HAVE RELEASED AND YOU WILL GET A SHOCK.  LAND WHICH WILL BE FREE OF PEOPLE - PEOPLE WILL BE REMOVED FROM THESE AREAS. LAND RIGHTS WILL DISAPPEAR. SOME OF THE LAND IS ALREADY UNDER CONTROL OF THE UN.
We+recognize+the+positive+contribution+of+migrants+for+inclusive+growth+and+sustainable+ development.+ +We+will+cooperate+internationally+to+ensure+ safe,+orderly+and+regular+migration+involving+ full+respect+ for+human+rights+and+the+humane+ treatment+of+migrants+regardless+of+migration+status,+of+refugees+and+of+displaced+persons.+
UN COMPACT 2018 SAYS THAT GOVERNMENTS MUST PROVIDE EVERYTHING FOR MIGRANTS FOR FREE AND ONE IS NOT ALLOWED TO SAY OR DO ANYTHING PUBLICALLY AGAINST A MIGRANT...... EVEN IF THEY COMMIT A CRIMINAL ACT.  THESE LAWS HAVE ALREADY BEEN ENFORCED IN MOST OF EUROPE. ONE CAN GET A SENTENCE OF 2 - 6 YEARS IF YOU SPEAK AGAINST A MIGRANT ON SOCIAL MEDIA AFTER THEY HAVE ATTACKED YOU PHYSICALLY AND INJURED YOU. THEY ARE PART OF THE PROTECTED MINORITIES SUCH AS LGBTQI, BLACK LIVES, TRANSGENDERS  AND MUSLIMS.  FACEBOOK AND OTHER MEDIA HAVE STARTED TO ENFORCE THESE LAWS AS WELL.  JUSTICE IS NO LONGER JUSTICE.  PROTECTED MINORITIES HAVE THE PROTECTION. JOURNALISTS WHO WRITE ABOUT THIS HAVE TO BE RE-EDUCATED!  DOES THIS BRING A RED FLAG OF WHAT JUSTICE WILL BE LIKE IN FUTURE?  YOU BETTER GET USED TO IT!  THESE RIOTS IN USA IS A GOOD INDICATION OF WHAT HAPPENS WHEN GROUPS OF PEOPLE LIKE ANTIFA ARE PROTECTED BY GOVERNORS WHO ARE PRO-AGENDA 2030.
States+ are+ strongly+ urged+ to+ refrain+ from+ promulgating+ and+ applying+ any+ unilateral+ economic,+ financial+ or+ trade+ measures+ not+ in+ accordance+ with+ international+ law+ and+ the+ Charter+ of+ the+ United+ Nations+
IF YOU THINK THE UN IS NOT ALREADY RULING AS AN IMAGE (SETTING POLICIES) - FORGET ABOUT IT. MOST NATIONS ARE COOPERATING AND COMPLYING WITH ALL REQUIREMENTS. 
We+acknowledge+that+the+United+Nations+Framework+Convention+on+Climate+Change+is+ the+ primary+international,+intergovernmental+ forum+ for+ negotiating+ the+global+ response+ to+ climate+change.+W
179 NATIONS OUT OF APPROX 200 NATIONS SIGNED THIS.  CLIMATE CHANGE IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ISSUE ALL NATIONS ARE WORKING ON. UN ALREADY DECIDING THE POLICIES.  THE "GREEN DEAL" IS A GOOD EXAMPLE OF THE GOALS OF THE UN.  
The+ global+ nature+ of+ climate+ change+ calls+ for+ the+ widest+ possible+international+cooperation+aimed+at+accelerating+the+reduction+of+global+greenhouse+ gas+emissions+and+addressing+adaptation+to+the+adverse+impacts+of+climate+change
THIS MEANS REDUCTION OF AIR FLIGHTS, CARS ETC... JUST THE MOST IMPORTANT TRAVELLING. LUCKILY MOST AIRLINES HAVE ALREADY GONE BUST DURING CORONA.... AND AIR TRAVEL IS SOMETHING OF THE PAST
t.+We+reaffirm+that+the+protocol,+another+legal+instrument+or+agreed+outcome+with+ legal+force+under+the+Convention+applicable+to+all+parties+shall+address+in+a+balanced+manner,+
COUNTRIES WHO DO NOT COMPLY FACE PRESSURE AND ALSO BOYCOTTS.
We+ recognize+ that+ social+ and+ economic+ development+ depends+ on+ the+ sustainable+ management+of+our+planet’s+natural+resources.+We+are+therefore+determined+to+conserve+and+ sustainably+ use+ oceans+ and+ seas,+ freshwater+ resources,+ as+ well+ as+ forests,+ mountains+ and+ drylands+ and+ to+ protect+ biodiversity,+ ecosystems+ and+ wildlife.+
YES BY GIVING PEOPLE GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOOD FROM THE MAJOR GLOBAL  FOOD SUPPLIERS.
DAMS MAY BE REMOVED TO LET NATURAL WATER FLOW....HYDRO ELECTRICITY MAY NOT BE USED BUT NATURAL WATER FLOW .  MANY OTHER PLANS TO KEEP EVERYTHING NATURAL AS NATURE INTENDED.      I AGREE WITH THIS IDEA ..... IT IS THE IMPLEMENTATION THAT IS THE PROBLEM .....  IF THEY SUCCEED IT WILL BE WONDERFUL (MANY PEOPLE MAY DIE OF THIRST IN THE MEANTIME AND HAVE TOO LITTLE WATER TO WASH OR COOK.)   NEVERTHELESS  WE WILL INHERIT A BEAUTIFUL CLEAN EARTH  AFTER ARMAGEDDON.
sound+ management+ and+ safe+ use+ of+ chemicals,+ the+ reduction+ and+ recycling+ of+ waste+ and+ the+ more+ efficient+ use+ of+ water+ and+ energy.+And+we+will+work+to+minimize+the+impact+of+cities+on+the+global+climate+system.
AGREE WITH THE CHEMICAL STUFF.  MOST PEOPLE WILL LIVE IN CITIES. AND SPEED TRAINS AND TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE CITIES.  TRAVEL WILL BE LIMITED OUTSIDE CITIES. I HAVE WATCHED SOME SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS ONLINE AND IT IS QUITE SCARY ON WHAT THEY PLAN FOR US.  IT SOUNDS WONDERFUL BUT THE FREEDOM WE HAD BEFORE TO GO INTO NATURE WILL BE A NO-NO.  IF CRIME BREAKS OUT IN A CITY THEY WILL JUST CLOSE IT UP AND LET PEOPLE MURDER EACH OTHER... OR SEND IN ROBOCOPS...... DRONES OR THE LIKE.
We+ will+also+ take+account+of+population+ trends+and+projections+in+our+national+rural+and+urban+ development+ strategies+ and+ policies.+ We+ look+ forward+ to+ the+ upcoming+ United+ Nations+
THEY ARE PUSHING ALL KINDS OF PROGRAMS TO LIMIT NEW BIRTHS. ABORTIONS AT 9 MONTH IS ALREADY AROUND IN SOME CITIES.  CHILDREN ARE TAUGHT PORNEIA, TRANSGENDERISM, TO KEEP THEMSELVES SEXUALLY ACTIVE WITHOUT PRODUCING CHILDREN.  THERE IS TALK OF VACCINES (WHICH, BY THE WAY, WAS TESTED IN AFRICA) AND OTHER METHODS.  THESE ARE THINGS WHICH THE PRESS ARE FLAGRANTLY TOLD TO IGNORE AS 'CONSPIRACY" BUT GO AND  WATCH THE MEDICAL TESTING THAT IS GOING ON AND YOU WILL FIND ANOTHER REALITY. 
THE SYNTHETIC GENETIC FIELD, NANO-TECHNOLOGY ETC IS FRIGHTENING.  THEY CAN SILENTLY USE THIS TO MAKE PEOPLE SICK.... AND NO-ONE WILL BE THE WISER OF IT.  THIS WEEK AGAIN THERE WAS A WARNING FROM THE BILLIONAIRE WHO IS DOING NEURO-IMPLANTS AND AI RESEARCH FOR BETTER LEGISLATION.  THERE IS NO LEGISLATION TO CURB WICKED ADVANCEMENT.  HE STAYS AHEAD OF THE CURVE BECAUSE HIS COMPANY IS INVESTED IN IT.... BUT AT REGULAR INTERVALS HE WARNS AGAINST IT.  HE IS NOT PREPARED TO GIVE UP HIS ECONOMIC LEAD.
Sustainable+development+cannot+be+realized+without+peace+and+security;+and+peace+and+ security+will+be+at+risk+without+sustainable+development.+The+new+Agenda+recognizes+the+need+ to+build+peaceful,+just+and+inclusive+societies+that+provide+equal+access+to+justice+and+that+are+ based+on+respect+for+human+rights+(including+the+right+to+development),+on+effective+rule+of
HERE IS THE CRUX OF THE MATTER - IT WILL ALL LEAD TO PEACE AND SECURITY.  MOST GOVERNMENTS HAVE BOUGHT INTO THIS AGENDA AND THEY ENDORSE IT AND ARE WORKING TOWARDS IT THROUGH THEIR 'FOREIGN COUNCILS'.  EUROPE, AUSTRALIA, NZ, SOUTH AFRICA, CANADA (THEY WILL BE TESTING THE VACCINE THERE! IT SEEMS) 
+Factors+which+give+ rise+ to+violence,+insecurity and+injustice,+such+as+inequality,+ corruption,+poor+governance+and+illicit+financial+and+arms+flows,+are+addressed+in+the+Agenda.+
FACTORS TO VIOLENCE ARE IDEOLOGIES AND WORLD VIEWS THAT ARE AGAINST GOD.  UN PROMOTES VALUES WHICH WILL NOT LEAD TO PEACE AND SECURITY. TO FORCE PEOPLE TO HAVE PEACE WITH EACH OTHER IS NOT THE SOLUTION - TO TEACH PEOPLE MORALS IS THE SOLUTION. BUT THIS IS WHY THEY WILL NEED ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE - TO CONTROL PEOPLE. 
THIS LOCK-DOWN HAS HELPED WITH REDUCTION OF ARMS FLOW, CHILD TRAFICKING.... WHICH IS POSITIVE.  AN ELECTRONIC MONEY SYSTEM WILL IMPROVE TAX EVASION AND OTHER CRIMES. HOWEVER IT ALSO GIVES THEM A TOOL FOR OPPRESSION AS IS SEEN NOW IN CHINA - A SOCIAL CREDIT SYSTEM. 
s.+It+will+facilitate+an+intensive+global+engagement+in+support+of+implementation+of+all+ the+Goals+and+ targets,+bringing+ together+Governments,+ the+private+sector,+civil+society,+ the+ United+Nations+system+and+other+actors+and+mobilizing+all+available+resources.
GEORGE SOROS AND OTHER MAJOR CORPORATIONS ARE IMPLEMENTING THIS IN SOUTH AFRICA AND OTHER COUNTRIES.. DONATING MONEY AND WORKING THROUGH CORRUPT NGOS. THE UN AIDS FUND HAS BECOME A SLUSH FUND ETC.  THE NGO AGAINST CORRUPTION IN UKRAINE WAS FOUND TO HAVE THE MOST CORRUPTION (lol).  YES - ALL CORPORATIONS AND BILIONAIRES ARE WORKING TOWARDS THIS GOAL.... WHICH SOUNDS WONDERFUL
BUT THE MARKETING OF IT IS MORE BEAUTIFUL THAN THE REALITY.  LOOK WHAT IS HAPPENING IN SOUTH AFRICA AND AUSTRALIA AND YOU WILL GET A GOOD VIEW OF WHAT IS WAITING FOR THE WORLD. DRONES ENFORCING un'S WORLD HEALTH ORG. RULES. PRISON SENTENCES ETC. HYDROXYQUININE BANNED AS A MEDICINE WHEN THERE IS PROOF THAT IT WORKS. INCONSISTENCIES AND MAJOR  INJUSTICES! 
 
I CAN GO ON AND ON AND ANALYZE THE DOCUMENT FOR YOU.... BY SHOWING THE HISTORICAL RECORD OF THE UN AND ITS CHANANIGANS. 
 By+ 2020,+ maintain+ the+ genetic+ diversity+ of+ seeds,+ cultivated+ plants+ and+ farmed+ and+ domesticated+animals+and+their+related+wild+species,+including+through+soundly+managed+and+ diversified+ seed+ and+ plant+ banks+ at+ the+ national,+ regional+ and+ international+ levels,+ and+ promote+access+ to+and+ fair+and+equitable+sharing+of+benefits+arising+ from+ the+utilization+of+ genetic+resources+and+associated+traditional+knowledge,+as+internationally+agreed 2.a Increase+ investment,+ including+ through+ enhanced+ international+ cooperation,+ in+
GENETIC DIVERSITY IS DISAPPEARING BECAUSE COMPANIES LIKE MONSANTOS ARE REPLACING FOODS WITH GENETICALLY ENGINEERED FOODS - SO THEY CAN OWN ALL THE PATENTS. SEEDS ARE INFERTILE SO THEY ARE THE ONLY COMPANY ALLOWED TO SELL THIS SEED.  THIS IS ONGOING AND NOT MENTIONED IN THE DOCUMENT.  THE BEAUTIFUL DREAM OF BUIODIVESITY IS A SCAM WHEN MONSANTOS (OF WHICH GATES OWNS STOCKS AS WELL) IS GENETICALLY ENGINEERING FOODS AND TAKING PEOPLE TO COURT WHO ACCIDENTILY HAVE BEEN FOUND TO HAVE CROSS-POLINATION ON THEIR LAND. THEY LOSE THEIR FARMS.
YES I CAN GO ON AND ON.  THEY REAL PROBLEMS THAT CORPORATIONS MAKE - THE POLUTION BY THE CORPORATIONS ARE NOT ADDRESSED. THE CORPORATIONS ARE PART OF THE PLAN... THEY ARE HELPING TO BRING IT IN BECAUSE THEY WILL BE THE BENEFACTORS OF THE PLAN.  BP, MONSANTOS ETC ARE THE BIGGEST POLLUTERS... AND THEY ARE THE ONES GIVING MONEY TO BRING IN THE PLANS. 
Most of these corporations or forums include the 4th industrial revolution in their plans. what is the 4th industrial revolution.  I suggest you find out.... it is quite frightening.
 
 

Oops sorry that was meant to be a laugh not a thanks 😊 

As it turns out, I have been assigned the #4 talk this week on how Paul described certain fellows few have heard of as “a strengthening aid” to him, as one taking the lead in the work at the time.
Whether I can use you as a modern-day example is dubious.

No, that is not a problem at all. None of the items of baptism are affected.
If the map changes because roads have been added or deleted, do you burn the city down?
You are so silly, John.

Yes, and one of those standards is the two witness rule.

Just last night, my hubby and I were watching a series on "Evil Murderers". This particular episode was about a man who tortured and murdered 8 women. He was caught and admitted to the murders, not only that, but as proof he gave the police the names and details of what each victim had been wearing. He also told them the name of one victim who got away 15 years earlier, describing in detail how and where she got away. The police checked their records and found the surviving victim, and exactly matching details of what she had reported. The woman, who had been 21 at the time, had not been believed all these years, even though she had marks on her body. Her own mother said she made the story up. The woman ended up in counseling for years, and said she even started doubting herself. Imagine how she felt when 15 years later she was finally  vindicated. The murderer was convicted, and put on death row, but even when the criminal admits to the crimes, and even where there is undisputed proof of guilt, the criminal can appeal many times. As a consequence the appeals process takes decades to complete, and costs the taxpayer millions of dollars.

Why am I telling you this story? You will only say "we'll that is the world, you guys should be better anyway"  Well yes, I should hope we are better, and when the death penalty was in existence during Israelite times, this guy would have been executed immediately. Today, we (JWs) don't execute people obviously, however, the consequences for a crime can be severe. You all harp on about how devastating disfelliwshipping is. Do you not think that before this action can be taken it has to be established that the "sinner" really is guilty? How would you feel if you lived in Israelite times and one person falsely accused you of something deserving the death penalty, and no second witness was required? What about today. How would you feel if one person falsely accused you of something deserving disfellowshipping, and you were disfellowshipped on the basis of that one person's testimony? If you are honest, you will admit that the requirement of at least 2 witnesses would be quite desirable in that case.

As regards CSA, the org. is not in trouble because of some maliciously and wrongfully applied scripture involving the two witness rule. The org. is in trouble because it handled cases of CSA at a congregational level only, without involving outside authorities, (who by the way without adequate witnesses would not have done anything prior to the 00's either, and you know all about that, as you didn't get any justice).
 

There is something else I wanted to add to this. It's not that JW's personal views are valueless, but if you look up the definition of "to harbor" you will see that it means something like "keep (a thought or feeling, typically a negative one) in one's mind, especially secretly....with the synonyms  "nurturing" "nursing" "cherishing". It's all about attitude. There may be something that a JW understands differently to the GB/FDS, they just don't see it the same way. If someone understands something differently to the GB/FDS, do you think it would be reasonable to expect that someone to stop seeing it that way just for the sake of it? Or has it more to do with the attitude of that person? For example, someone may not really accept the explanation of the "Generation" although they tried, but just can't. The immature person might want to make a big deal out of it. They may "nurse" their idea until it becomes unbearable and consumes everything else, including all the "truths" they previously cherished. Now the only idea they "cherish" is their own opinion. The mature Christian accepts they may understand things differently and moves on, and waits till things become clearer one way or another. Let's say at some point in the past someone had a personal opinion on a subject which was not the official understanding at the time. Some years later though, the very opinion they had, now becomes the official teaching. Does that mean they were guilty of having the trait of an immature Christian just for having that different opinion? Obviously not. But they would have been an immature Christian had they "harbored" those thoughts to the point of advocating their opinion and becoming consumed by it.
When it's not merely a personal opinion or idea but a clear unambiguous Bible teaching. This is why it's important to know your Bible well. Those who didn't get carried away with 1975 were cognizant of the scripture which clearly says "no one knows the day or hour" no matter what anyone else was saying. Some who did get carried away blamed the org. for their losses. It's up to each person how they react, in the end we stand alone in front of the judgement seat of God and render an account for ourselves, not for anyone else.

I also apologize for the (really) late response.
Notice I said unquestioned obedience. There is a big difference, and I think this is what our issue should be, not the obedience which results from cooperation,  but obedience which goes above obedience to Jehovah.  The scriptures are clear, we must obey God as ruler rather than men. So if our obedience to anyone, including the GB, conflicts with God, then we do not obey. This rule governs any of those quotes from the WT you posted. Of course, when one discusses the general aspects of obedience, including those quotes, one assumes that in reality the FDS is not going to instruct anyone to go against God and do something unscriptural. So that means that one can take those quotes at face value and happily obey, without any qualms. However, it is possible that some would allow their obedience to cross the threshold of what is scriptural, because they intend to obey the FDS no matter what, and that is the point I was trying to make.
I understand why you say this, but the context of that particular paragraph is Christian maturity as exemplified by  "oneness of the faith" as spoken of by the apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:11-14 : " And he gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelizers,  some as shepherds and teachers,  with a view to the readjustment of the holy ones, for ministerial work, to build up the body of the Christ, until we all attain to the oneness of the faith and of the accurate knowledge of the Son of God, to being a full-grown man, attaining the measure of stature that belongs to the fullness of the Christ. So we should no longer be children, tossed about as by waves and carried here and there by every wind of teaching by means of the trickery of men, by means of cunning in deceptive schemes". So if "oneness of the faith" here is the concern, then it is natural to regard "differing private ideas" about Bible interpretation as undesirable. Sometimes though we may not be able to stop "private ideas", and whether this is because of Christian immaturity or not, it is ultimately between us and Jehovah and not the GB/FDS. 
No doubt it must cross people's minds though that how come 8 men can wield such authority, supposedly over the faith of 8 million people, with only a claim that they are the fds of Matthew 24. But really, although they make that claim, it does not obviously mean that they are inspired or infallible, nor that they actually do wield authority over our lives, or our spirituality/faith. All these aspects are our own responsibility, our personal faith.Their responsibility is to provide food at the proper time, and also, to shepherd the congregations in order to keep them clean with respect to morality and spiritual cleanses (not mixing pagan ideas with Christianity). If the congregation was allowed to get contaminated with worldly attitudes (e.g. immorality) and false teachings, then the congregation would lose God's favor as it would no longer be clean. Some Jws and many ex-jws misinterpret this to mean that the GB controls people's lives.
 

100% true.  Somehow though I think that the idea of unquestioned obedience to a group of uninspired men exists in the minds of some Witnesses, but not all. I had a conversation along similar lines with Witnesses on another website, and when I pointed out that Br. Jackson of the GB himself indicated that we should not have unquestioning obedience to them, and I even quoted Br. Jackson to support what I said, I got thrown out of the forum. I paraphrase Br. Jackson here as I am on another computer and do not have access to the transcript where he made that quote. Basically, the gist of what he said was that "if the GB said something that was out of line with the scriptures, then all other JWs who have the Bible, would see that it was wrong direction". In other words, if others recognized from the Bible that certain direction was wrong, they would not follow it, no matter who it came from.
So really, that kind of solves the problem. Someone has to take the lead, and if we use the Bible as a measuring stick, and see that that person, or body of persons are going against the scriptures, then it would be wrong of us to obey them in that particular instance as we must obey God as ruler, rather than men.

Oh, yes, it would make me feel like in the Paradise! I’ve included a new post regarding some collateral ideas. Your answer inspired me to write another post I had in my mind for a while: Our problem with the humility.

Had the supposed first century GB secrets meetings?

·        (Acts 15:7-25) “After much intense discussion had taken place, Peter rose and said to them:[…]10 So why are you now making a test of God by imposing on the neck of the disciples a yoke that neither our forefathers nor we were capable of bearing? […] 12 At that the entire group became silent […] 22 Then the apostles and the elders, together with the whole congregation, decided to […] 24 Since we have heard that some went out from among us and caused you trouble with what they have said, trying to subvert you, although we did not give them any instructions, 25 we have come to a unanimous decision to…”

We can observe from this account about the transcendental meeting:

·        The difficulty to arrive to the final accord – “intense discussion”

·        The different contributions for his name – “Peter, Paul, James…”

·        The dissimilar opinions – “you… imposing on the neck of the disciples a yoke”

·        The lack of secrecy – “decided to… etc.”

What added benefits we would find?

Let’s take, for example, the “other sheep” parable. (By the way, JWI, your exposition about the two congregations was in the way in try to teach others, but most of the time I find it difficult or impossible, I’ll explain it later). If we maintain both possibilities open:

·        We wouldn’t have to change once and again about meanings.

·        We wouldn’t have to expel brothers for sectaries.

·        We, mainly the GB, would show more humility.

The problem is, in my opinion, that the “slave class” has converted in core doctrines what are, in reality, explanations, applications “interpretations” –yes, I know this is a taboo word in our dictionary. Many times I mention to brothers with doubts: “the core teachings brother Russell started to teach are the same we are believing at this precisely time: dead condition, hell, soul, trinity, life on earth and so.” Our failure are the prophecies and similar.

It’s a matter of loyalty

When I read Rev 1 to 3 I found something shocking. Most of the congregations were in very bad condition… but Christ had them in his very hand, overseeing them. So, if I was in one of those congregations what should I have to do with the attitudes and actions of the body of elders on those congregations? Would I like to direct my “bible students” of those days to my congregation, attending the meetings?

Yes, if some elders influenced by Jezebels would have to influence me to consent sexual immorality, I’ll try to refuse his bad influence. But, in spite my despair, trying to correct the body of elders wouldn’t be my war, but Christ’s. Let me put modern examples.

Do you remember the short period (perhaps in the 80, I don’t remember) when were given instructions to report TWICE each month? I’m not sure how long was this arrangement, perhaps only months! Now, I’m an elder in the congregation on those days and I feel this disposition is completely silly (well, it was), and I begin to discourage the brother to inform two times monthly.

Is it the same to report our ministry twice each month than teach others to commit sexual Immorality? Rev 2:20?

So, in spite I disagree with some dispositions or teachings from the GB, I let the things in the hands of the Master. Is His responsibility, not mine.

Why Uzzah had to hold the Ark? (1Chr.13:9) Yes, it was a fault from the GB of those days, but it was a problem between Jehovah and His anointed.

I find no way to teach in my congregation in this open way if the GB don’t show the way to make this way. Sometimes, nevertheless the brothers on charge of the teaching have been close to this:

·        *** ip-1 chap. 18 pp. 241-243 par. 21-23 Shebna’s experience reminds us that among those who claim to worship God, those who accept privileges of service should use them to serve others and to bring praise to Jehovah. They should not abuse their position in order to enrich themselves or gain personal prominence. For example, Christendom has long promoted herself as an appointed steward, the earthly representative of Jesus Christ. However, just as Shebna brought dishonor on his father by seeking his own glory, Christendom’s leaders have brought dishonor on the Creator by amassing riches and power for themselves. Hence, when the time of judgment “to start with the house of God” came in 1918, Jehovah removed Christendom

·        23 What happens to Shebna? We have no record of how the prophecy about him, recorded at Isaiah 22:18, was fulfilled. When he exalts himself and is then disgraced, he resembles Christendom, but he may have learned from the discipline. In this, he is very different from Christendom. […] What a fine lesson for those who lose positions of service in God’s organization!

A fine example! Two opens applications!

Another one: how to flight when the disgusting thing starts to stand where it should not be?

*** w99 5/1 p. 19 par. 22 “We cannot presently have full details about the great tribulation, but we can logically conclude that for us the flight Jesus spoke of will not be in a geographic sense. God’s people are already around the globe, virtually in every corner. We can be sure, though, that when flight is necessary, Christians will have to continue to maintain a clear distinction between themselves and false religious organizations. It is also significant that Jesus warned about not going back to one’s house to retrieve garments or other goods.”

In other words: the GB is not sure about the fulfillment and let it clear his lack of knowledge. Perfect! For me, what wonderful it’ll be if a lot of applications and meanings about the Scriptures the GB would have this attitude. “We have no full details, we aren’t sure, both possibilities fits this prophecy.”

To finalize, I prefer the older explanation about the meaning of the illustration of the leaven and the woman (Mat.13:33) Obviously, I teach others the modern one. But what damage would happen if the GB would have said “both applications are possible?”

So, JW Insider, summarizing. Of course I’d like the GB would show more humility, that he would be more open indicating his own doubts in form of possibilities, not “lights or flashes.” But if they need to be corrected, they have a Master. I pray this Master guide them, so the Master hadn’t to punish them!

 

 

 

Who is more loyal?
This is a real conversation I had with a brother. He insisted I should follow some instructions in our congregation. I agreed but I also mentioned this arrangement was silly. Then, he insisted, if I were more loyal I would not think it was silly. So, I gave him one example:
One person is blind, and his master demand him: “take this envelop and deliver it in the house at the end of this road.” So, he does, helping himself with a walking stick, happy whistling while is serving his chief.
What the blind servant ignores is that the road is flanked, surrounded with deep cliffs. But as he didn’t see anything was very happy and confident.
Now. The boss orders to another employee doing the same thing, but this time the servant see perfectly the riffs. And still worst, he is afraid of heights.  But this second servant also obeys the master. This time without whistles, but swallowing saliva and sometimes closing the eyes.
Then, I asked to my interlocutor: who is more loyal?
And he insisted, “both sowed the same loyalty.” What’s the opinion of you, the reader? Who was more loyal?
A very difficult situation.
Sometimes, I putted myself in the next situation.  I am one of the men following David when he was persecuted by Saul. Then I get shocked, the anointed of Jehovah I admire give a very strange order: “let’s kill all Nabal’s house.” I immediately think this is a terrible injustice but, I ride the horse with the other 400 and obey the anointed. What a relief when Abigail stops him!
Years later I’m serving in the army under Joab. Then, my general give me strange orders from the King: Uriah must be abandoned in the middle of the fight. I think: “what, this is a murder.” But, of course, the order comes from the king anointed by Jehovah, sure the king has more information than me. Perhaps Uriah is a traitor. I feel terribly wrong, but I obey.
What I’m proposing is: if I want to be loyal, must always agree with the instructions from the “slave” class? Have I the right to think some orders, explanations, directions from these brothers are silly, sometimes completely wrong?
I follow these teachings, of course, but, please, don’t force me to always agree with them!

Allow me to play devil’s advocate. Re-reading several posts of JW Insider, I extract two main points.

One. JW Insider respect the GB. He considers these brothers as carrying an enormous responsibility. For him they are some kind of body of elders with global, worldwide concerns.

Derived from this view, we should respect them and obey them, following the Heb.13:17 counsel: “Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over you as those who will render an account”
Two. JW Insider disagree with the application of the slave’s parable to these brothers.

Well, and what’s the matter? It isn’t the main point to obey the brothers leading the congregation, even the universal congregation? Does this obedience depend of the meaning of one parable? What if (our understanding of) the meaning changes? Should we then, stop obeying them?

I’m completely sure the GB is very conscious of the special meaning of the next verses to all of them:

·        (James 3:1) “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier judgment”
·        (Luke 12:48) “Indeed, everyone to whom much was given, much will be demanded of him, and the one who was put in charge of much will have more than usual demanded of him”
·        (Luke 19:22) “He said to him, ‘By your own words I judge you”
I don’t envy them. They deserve our respect and prayers. Regarding the last verse I’ve quoted, as it applies to the bad slave, I’m not saying the GB is this bad slave. I mean that according Jesus words, if one person or collective claims to be something will be judged according his affirmations.

And I don’t think any presumptuousness about them, rather they had the same attitude -I think so-  of Isaiah when he said: (Isaiah 6:8) “Here I am! Send me!” In other words, they have seen the responsibility to oversee the worldwide congregation and don’t refuse to accomplish.

Sorry if after this defense JW Insider goes to hail!!

Fair enough, but to me, it's pretty simple. If the words of Jesus and Paul substantiate the viewpoint that Christians should avoid looking to any kind of Governing Body as a "sole channel" then we are jumping the gun by worrying about any particular response to any Governing Body that makes that claim. We first need to deal with whether the claim is proper. I have no doubt that the claim of Moses was proper. The Bible said it was. I also have no doubt that this particular claim of the Governing Body is improper. The Bible said it was.
To me, it's exactly as simple as having a group of very respected and authoritative elders in the congregation claiming that we should celebrate Christmas, for example. Not likely to happen, but for the purpose of this illustration, let's say that it will happen in 2018. If these are very respected elders who are pillars in the congregation and good examples and have offered a lot of excellent spiritual teaching in the past then perhaps many in the congregation will go along. But let's say that some others are still respectful, but don't go along with these elders. Let's say that those who don't go along are told that they are acting like Korah, Dathan and Abiram. In such a case, I think the first thing to concern ourselves with is whether the reference to Korah et al is appropriate. It's only appropriate if the respected, authoritative elders are really in a situation comparable to Moses.
To someone who believes that the elders are in a situation comparable to that of Moses in Numbers 16, then obviously the situation would appear similar, and nothing could likely be said that could easily convince them otherwise.
That's why I refer directly to the words of Jesus and Paul that address this exact kind of situation. It was Jesus and Paul who said that it was the spiritual responsibility of all of us to be servants of each other. Jesus spoke out directly against any kind of governing body that would think of itself as if they were in a similar situation to the seat of Moses. And Paul spoke out directly against a situation that had occurred due to problems emanating from the congregation where the Jerusalem council provided leadership, and went so far as to show how he did not treat the Jerusalem council as if they were a governing body for other congregations. 

Please don't think that just because I believe the Governing Body has made a serious error of judgment as to doctrine that this is some disaster. They have already admitted to hundreds of errors over the years, and this would not be much different. They are elders of a congregation and therefore not above error and not above criticism. We should take to heart Paul's counsel to Timothy in 1 Timothy chapter 5. He knew that Timothy might be much younger, but should not let anyone look down upon his youth. He told Timothy that older men (elders) should be respected and not severely criticized, but also that they were not above criticism. Those elders who preside in a fine way are worthy of double honor, even "wages" (1 Tim 5:17,18). But he also said that accusations against elders would occur, and some would need to be reproved before all onlookers. Timothy was not to show prejudice or partiality:
5: 1 Do not severely criticize an older man. On the contrary, appeal to him as a father, to younger men as brothers. . . 17 Let the elders who preside in a fine way be considered worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard in speaking and teaching. 18 For the scripture says, “. . .  “The worker is worthy of his wages.” 19 Do not accept an accusation against an older man except on the evidence of two or three witnesses. 20 Reprove before all onlookers those who practice sin, as a warning to the rest. 21 I solemnly charge you before God and Christ Jesus and the chosen angels to observe these instructions without any prejudice or partiality.. . .  24 The sins of some men are publicly known, leading directly to judgment, but those of other men become evident later. 25 In the same way also, the fine works are publicly known and those that are otherwise cannot be kept hidden.
Paul made the same point about partiality in Galatians just before he mentioned that he had to reprove elders with respect to Peter, James, John and Barnabas, and the problems they had caused both in the Jerusalem congregation and which had spread as far as Antioch and Asia Minor.
(Galatians 2:6) 6 But regarding those who seemed to be important—whatever they were makes no difference to me, for God does not go by a man’s outward appearance—those highly regarded men imparted nothing new to me.
(Galatians 1:10-12) 10 Is it, in fact, men I am now trying to persuade or God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still pleasing men, I would not be Christ’s slave. 11 For I want you to know, brothers, that the good news I declared to you is not of human origin; 12 for neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it was through a revelation by Jesus Christ.
The Word of God is our revelation by Jesus Christ. We are taught our doctrine from that source, and if anyone has tried to add any gospel to that, then they are "accursed" according to Galatians.
(Galatians 1:7-9) . . .. 8 However, even if we or an angel out of heaven were to declare to you as good news something beyond the good news we declared to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, I now say again, Whoever is declaring to you as good news something beyond what you accepted, let him be accursed.
And then Paul went on to show how this applied not just to himself or an angel from heaven, but even to the so-called Jerusalem council, which today we might call "the Governing Body."
(Galatians 1:16-20) . . .I did not immediately consult with any human; 17 nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before I was, but I went to Arabia, and then I returned to Damascus. 18 Then three years later I went up to Jerusalem to visit Ceʹphas, and I stayed with him for 15 days. 19 But I did not see any of the other apostles, only James the brother of the Lord. 20 Now regarding the things I am writing you, I assure you before God that I am not lying.
(Galatians 2:1, 2) . . .Then after 14 years I again went up to Jerusalem with Barʹna·bas, also taking Titus along with me. 2 I went up as a result of a revelation, and I presented to them the good news that I am preaching among the nations. This was done privately, however, before the men who were highly regarded,. . .
(Galatians 2:6-13) 6 But regarding those who seemed to be important—whatever they were makes no difference to me, for God does not go by a man’s outward appearance—those highly regarded men imparted nothing new to me. 7 On the contrary, . . .  when they recognized the undeserved kindness that was given me, James and Ceʹphas and John, the ones who seemed to be pillars, gave Barʹna·bas and me the right hand of fellowship, . . . 11 However, when Ceʹphas came to Antioch, I resisted him face-to-face, because he was clearly in the wrong. 12 For before certain men from James arrived, he used to eat with people of the nations; but when they arrived, he stopped doing this and separated himself, fearing those of the circumcised class. 13 The rest of the Jews also joined him in putting on this pretense, so that even Barʹna·bas was led along with them in their pretense.
It seems now that it is almost too scandalous for some commentators to notice that that it was actually men from James, the "leader" of the Jerusalem council, who were the very "false brothers" sent to spy upon the "freedom" of the Antioch congregation. Paul goes to very great lengths here to show how he resisted the men from James and especially the effect they had on Peter and Barnabas and other Jews. He speaks of the "council of Jerusalem" as if it were something that he was right to almost ignore completely for 14 years. And then he comes as close as possible to speaking of the potential of these men as being something "accursed." He makes it clear that although they seemed to be pillars, and highly regarded, that Paul himself needed to steer clear of them for as long as he could until the ministry based on the revelation by Christ had taken enough of a foothold.
Does this mean he had no respect for them? Not at all. He just needed to avoid treating them as if they were some kind of governing body. He wanted to make sure that congregations outside of Jerusalem knew that they had no reason to treat them with any kind of partiality or doctrinal deference. He doesn't speak against the office of "apostleship" itself, but this was clearly a necessary transition toward the idea of basing our doctrine on the inspired writings themselves, especially at a time when the living apostles would soon disappear from the scene. 

Most Witnesses obviously want to live peaceful Christian lives and conduct ourselves in a way that pleases Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. None of us really want the job of being responsible to take a specific position on all doctrinal matters and setting priorities for organizational direction in our overall global ministry. But we can be thankful that among Christians, there will always be a few that will take the lead in those heavy responsibilities.
The very desire to take the lead in such matters seems like an assignment that only someone who is very brave or very foolhardy would take. It seems that, from a worldly perspective, only the most haughty among us would reach out for such an important job. Yet, we know some of these brothers very well from either personal acquaintance, or perhaps they were Circuit and District Overseers in our congregations. Perhaps we worked alongside some of them in a Branch Office. We get to know their personalities from presentations, speeches, and broadcasts. We see them interact with each other at some events.
All in all, the majority of them seem to be good, God-fearing, humble men who want to do what is right, the same as the rest of us. We don't get the idea that any of them "schemed" to get to this position. We know that the guidelines for elders apply to them just as they apply to congregation elders. And it's my opinion, but I see a certain stability and faithfulness to worthy goals among all of them. 
Now it's easy to say good things about these men, and that's my point. When these men were mostly chosen only from a certain similar mold, there was not a large "pool" for these "gifts in men" to be chosen from. In the past, most had been chosen from a limited bureaucratic background. At the point when there were 17 GB members alive at the same time, most (but not all) had the ability to give a good talk, but at least half of them were seriously lacking in Biblical expertise, and at least half of them had very little experience even in the door-to-door field ministry for the last 40 years of their lives. We should not have been surprised that certain kinds of flaws showed up among these men so that several were dismissed, and a lot of politics and scheming was known to go on among those who remained.
But the current group, especially after the death of Theodore Jaracz, have been chosen from a much wider pool of candidates. These men have made more progress in the last 20 years than in the previous 100 years. They are managing a much bigger, and smoother operation, with millions and millions more persons in their care. Doctrinal changes over the last 20 years have been steady and clearly beneficial overall. The quality of the publications and the website has improved greatly. It's reach is enormous. 
I've already stated my opinion that the GB are not the equivalent of the "faithful slave" from a Biblical standpoint. But that's not the point of discussion here. These men, the GB, who have taken the lead for doctrinal and prioritized the organizational and ministerial direction have taken on an important and necessary assignment. They admit that they aren't perfect. Of course, that statement is meaningless, because such a statement almost always is used with the intention of meaning "perfect, for all practical purposes." But they don't leave it at that. They admit that they have made serious errors in doctrine and leadership. they admit that the spiritual food they produce and distribute is not always perfect.
So, with that said, I think one way of looking at the overall picture is to see these men in the position of keeping order. They take the lead at the "highest" level, not because they think that you must think that all these doctrines are perfect. They do it because it keeps order and harmony. They do it by taking a stand on certain doctrinal matters and setting organizational priorities. Sure, they may do some of this by majority vote, but ultimately they make choices. This is part of remaining organized in any organization and not falling into chaos. Going off in many directions is inefficient. Even trying a certain direction that proves untenable has a certain value if it's caught early enough, and there is humility to change.
Taking a stand means that we will sometimes discover we took the wrong stand, but it also has an advantage in making our beliefs transparent. If a doctrinal stand is taken, our thinking is clearer on it, and contradictions show up more easily. It would be easy to be 100% accurate by taking a less dogmatic stand on many things. But this makes it harder to test whether we are thinking correctly and reasonably on some of our beliefs.
I think that it could be like those logic puzzles, like they do for LSAT tests, where you get 5 to 10 clues, and have to figure out, for example, where everyone lives and what they do, what they drink, and the color of their house:
Bill is a plumber who drinks whiskey and lives in the green house that is next to a corner house. John is not a carpenter, and he drinks soda and lives in either a red or blue house that is two houses from Sally's house. etc. etc. etc. Sometimes you get to a point where you just need to take a stand and say that John must be in a blue house, for example, even if you don't know for sure, so that you can properly test if it works. (Actually, Sudoku was probably a better example, come to think of it.)
So, we can have doctrinal claims that are still in the middle of such testing. We took a stand, and it clarifies our position so that it can be more clearly tested. It can work for both trivial and important matters like: whether Moses wrote all of the first five books of the Bible himself, or whether Galatians was written prior to 1 Corinthians, or whether the "other sheep" are Gentiles or "spiritual Gentiles."
If we (as an organization) take a stand, it should be faster to get to a point where we can take a consistent stand on all important matters of doctrine and teaching. This assumes that haughtiness and love of tradition don't get in the way of change. And that gets back to having the right kinds of personalities taking the lead.

That is why in the end they will turn against us.... we expect that.  But we cannot sit on the fence.  We take sides with Jehovah's government while being totally a-political and totally NON-violent. We are not pacifist because we promote faith in Jehovah's future government.  The bible indicates that Armageddon will be against the hardened rulers who will oppose the incoming kingdom government. Read revelation 19.  The sign will be there that Jesus wants to take over.
We will give a warning message - even if we all are in prison....... which I hope will happen because we will strengthen each other and our incarceration will send a clear message.
Before Armageddon, many people will die of hunger, joblessness, viruses, natural disasters......(the 4 running horses of Revelation).  These people who die prior will get a resurrection.  If the UN plan is anything to go by - they want to reduce the earth's population and bring in the 4th industrial revolution....... mix human DNA will synthetic DNA or reprogram our DNA - just like before the flood when Satan was behind the hybrid race that could not produce children..... .   
So by the time Armageddon comes it will be the hardened criminal oppressors/atheists who will stand up against Christ and his heavenly armies.  Just like Noah's righteousness condemned his generation - the same will happen soon.
We stay faithful to Jehovah and may he give us the strength to do so......

As I see it, you would have three choices: 1.Don't let it bother you, pray about it, and wait until perhaps things cleared up 2.if it really bothered you, talk to a mature Christian about it, or 3. Leave, because why would you stay if you don't agree.
What you do, would be up to you. What you chose to do in the end would probably depend on what you disagreed with, and how important it was to you.

" there is nothing wrong with a personal opinion, it is the advocating or insisting on it". I would never insist on my opinion with the friends. I will mention it once, have a discussion,  but I will not keep on going on about it.
I am talking about it here, as this is a controversial section, and people have the choice to either come here and read it or not. In this regard I am not pushing my opinion on a captive audience. In fact I don't think I am pushing my opinion at all (correct me if I am wrong) I am merely explaining how I feel and why.

You didn't read my answer properly.

It says a "mature Christian". We are all at different levels of Christian maturity, learning and adjusting out views and opinions. It also suggests there is nothing wrong with a personal opinion, it is the advocating or insisting on it. That is immature. As for harboring private ideas, well, no one can stop private ideas, and no one except Jehovah needs to know about them. Again to what extend and what KIND of private ideas one harbors does have a baring on the maturity of the Christian. The operative idea is NOT "harboring". This suggests that on the contrary, we should be able to talk about them. And if these private ideas foster doubt, then we should definitely talk to a mature Christian about them.
As regards "To survive the great tribulation and Armageddon, the WTS says the great crowd must be JWs in good standing" JWInsider has covered that.