Patiently waiting for Truth

apostate /əˈpɒsteɪt/ noun a person who renounces a religious or political belief or principle. abandoning a religious or political belief or principle. "an apostate Roman Catholic"   I do wish we could all be of some agreement as to what Apostate really means. 
It seems some here think as I do, that it renounces a religious or political belief or principle.
Whereas others think it is turning against God and Christ. 

Two points.  
@Witness said.
And your reply was
So are you now admitting that it is people that LEAVE THE ORG that are apostates OF THE ORG ?  
NOT turning against God or Christ, because that is the second point. 
You say " modern-day apostates have gone the atheist route ".
So you are saying that you KNOW that most people who are apostate to JW Org are now atheist. That's a big accusation.
However in reality you don't even know how many are still serving God or how many are not. You just have your own agenda and write things to suit it. 

(now, we’re finding out that they are donating donated money to politicians…’robbing from the poor and giving to the rich’ to support wt’s platform.)
I think you need to give full details of this if you are making this a serious accusation.  Or at least give us a link or reference to be able to 'check it out' 
My feeling about the CSA situation and that 25 year Pedophile Database (information of which seems to have gone very quiet of late) is they someone is being paid off to keep it all quiet. If your accusation is correct then I'd like to know the details. But right now I will keep an open mind about it. 

Now this is interesting because the GB of the JW org say they are the F&DS and they say they are 'guided' by God. 
One would think that if the Watchtower / JW Org was God's chosen organisation then the Leaders would have known as much as you did back then. In fact they should have known even more, and should have known before you did.  Then they should have protected their own people, rather than leave them there to suffer. 
Tell me, these rare few that know so much more than everyone else. Are they guided by God or men ? 

This is exactly what happened with the early Christians. It was a point David S said in his talk, and I was surprised because I had said it in TTvtA & I had otherwise heard it nowhere else.
Within 35 years after Jesus death, Christians has the reputation of “haters of the human race.” (Tacitus—writing on the persecution of Nero’s time) How could that possibly be? One religious scholar (G.A. Wells) said it was due to their “informants,”—former members eager to put the faith in the worst possible light. These would have been persons such as John wrote of, those “chattering about us with wicked words”—ones such as yourself,  jealous of being usurped and ready to say the most vile things about former brothers and sisters, characterizing the “presumptuous” Peter as being a racist for his one time avoiding the Gentiles, for instance, or a coward for 3 times denying his Lord. “He’s the one with the keys to the kingdom?” I can hear you jeering right now.
The vast majority of modern-day apostates have gone the atheist route.

I can relate to that because I have debated conspiracy theorists before, the legit ones, not the the alleged ones the MSM brands people.
Sadly, but true, there are conspiracy theorists in the Abrahamic Faiths (i.e. those who believe God as given people superpowers by means of magic.... Yeah it gets that weird), some of which, I had mentioned before.
That being said, this "IBSA conspiracy" can be considered debunked.
 

@Patiently waiting for Truth The Jehovah's Witnesses were AFTER the Schisms, 3 of them to be exact. Likewise with the other groups, even the DBSA. 
And no, do not make assumptions, that information only took 2 minutes of research, that is elementary knowledge just by the history itself.
If you forgot, here is the image again, you should know this because you are a former Jehovah's Witness, granted you always said because you were once part of the faith, you knew everything:
                         
You made the claim that the IBSA still exist, it was already known of Associated and Free Bible Students, and how the JWs came to be as noted below:
So you are attempting to justify a UK only based Charity? Your own quotation kills your resolve:
You were asked on activities, not names also...
Not to mention your link leads to sources that shows Data analytics for for financials, you were asked on recent activities of the IBSA itself (of which you claim are still active DESPITE the schisms), as in gospel preaching and the like. Not to mention you deliberately, and knowingly went around history to justify misinformation. That is essentially lying on purpose.
As a side note, your original link has no connection at all, so it shows you are just looking for something to justify nothing.
That being said, the focus originally was about FACTS over OPINION. Just this IBSA thing alone, you made an unproven statement. You later tried to use the above to justify yourself which ultimately puts you in error.
Again, misinformation, misconception, opinions with no factual backing.
You asked before what it takes to achieve knowledge and or understanding of core teachings, the answer was very simple - Research. In this case, only a few seconds of searching, which you could have done instead of jumping to your own conclusions, which was seen as a bluff.
What makes it even worse now, in regards to Witness' remark, you just proved the GB to be in the right when it comes to people jumping to conclusions without having all the facts and going about listening to misinformation to draw your own conclusion, mainly from things that former witnesses use and conjure up some narrative to intertwined it with something; mixing what is seen by the public with false information.
There is a saying we have in the US, that fits this type of situation - Congratulations, you just played yourself. 
Anyway, it is very easy to find the activities of the other groups in regards to their gospel spreading, etc. as is the difference between them; from the Associated Bible Student Factions and the Free Bible Student Factions, as well as apart from the Jehovah's Witnesses and the Free Man group, again with DBSA, their recent activities, in example (http://www.dawnbible.com/2021/2108cl-1.htm), likewise with what was quoted before.
That real estate notation is irrelevant. If it was International (definition - https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/international), it would not be secluded to the UK only, likewise with your latter link, which goes a contradiction on your part.
That being said, if the IBSA existed today, there wouldn't even be groups that came out of it, which is why I asked you to answer question 1 and 2. IBSA would still be active, even maintain their Restorationists roots and go about how those in Restorationism operate - The DBSA would not exist, The Layman's and the Free Man, or any of the Associated/Free Bible Student groups would not exist because they'd all already be under the umbrella of the IBSA, an international group with the same motive and operation. Even the Jehovah's Witnesses would not exist, nor the name "Jehovah's Witnesses" would ever be given at all. There wouldn't be any Schisms, no Rutherford or anyone else, etc. But that, my friend, is in a different realm of reality, an imaginative one, a "What If" type situation.
When you discover time travel, JB, perhaps you can do whatever you wish, alter the timeline so to speak.
All that said, you show yourself an example of someone who goes about unproven things, misinformation and the like - and now, it is shown for all to see, so you should have kept that IBSA card tucked away in your pockets, so to speak.

This is what I can give you.  https://speakoutinfearlessness.blogspot.com/2021/07/watchtower-of-jehovahs-witnesses.html?fbclid=IwAR1wyzf4vYeWVirn52OYeRnPz2dAy1r0lQnwxbJ4kCczdtFV1DTSu9ehQHo
I went to followthemoney.org after seeing your post and came up with the same info as in the video.  But, by the powers that be, any reference to the Watchtower Society is now gone.  Take from it what you will.  The organization has hidden its sins, its hypocrisy...its true dealings in the world, for a number of years, and it will continue to make a hard effort to do so, until God exposes every crack in its walls.  No longer will they be able to whitewash over them.  Ezekiel 13
 

lol you can't be serious? The link says international bible students, but the website in question is an archived database of what the IBSA was when it existed. IF you are trying to humor me, you just did.
Evidence to that is archived information with no updates, the website even tells you they do not produce anything. That statement you stated says who are the Bible students, it does not make any indication of the IBSA itself, granted, from the IBSA several groups were formed, in this case, the Jehovah's Witnesses.
More so history isn't your strong point, and you simply set yourself up badly here.
There has not been any update on that website, and it has a collection and even archives of what was professed by them and others, i.e. links takes you elsewhere to information that isn't in associated with IBSA. The links relay to other sources that isn't of IBSA, more so, does not even associate with IBSA. and it is not secure (very telling when source is checked, meaning anything can be put there).
Something tells me you pulled the first item off of a google search, when to the "about" page to copy that quote. Therefore - You sought to Excalibur, but you found a wooden sword instead.
This also pushes the fact that to Res Lite's credit, and the evidence, the group broken into different groups, as shown here, this picture below can also be found online for the general public to see.
There are 5 Associated Bible Students, DBSA is included among them, then there are the Free Bible Students, 3, making it a total of 8. Max number being 11, which includes the Laymen's, Jehovah's Witnesses, and The Free Man Group. There are other groups that came out of the Associated and Free branches, but I am focusing on the early ones of which DBSA is a part of.
 
                                   
 
That being said, you walked into a bear trap with this one for your claim. Let's see if you can hold to your so called source.
2 Questions for you since you provided this link:
Question 1 - If the IBSA is present today as you claim, then why do Free and Associated Bible Students and the latter, such as groups similar to DBSA exist after the schisms?? If the IBSA existed, there wouldn't be a need for such groups and JWs would not even be here. 
Question - 2 From your link, as you claim the IBSA is active today, can you name a few updates from the years 2020 and 2021? What updates have they done so far concerning God and or Scripture (Remember - the IBSA was a unified group since it's inception)? I can give you a list of DBSA activities [1950-1963], even recent updates [2020-2021], I have information on the other ones, but since I brought forth Res Lite, he will be my example. They differ from other Bible Students as well as the JWs themselves.
In fact, here is the most recent information about them:
Clearly this group is active.
So I will wait since you want to make make the claim.
As pointed out,
You'll have to explain why you suggest the IBSA exist today when there are different associated and free Bible students that came out of them, as well as the JWs. For if they existed, the JWs may not have even been existing as we speak.
Second, you stated they are active despite the fact their time has passed. If they are active as you claim, can you bring up any recent activity from them, by quotation and a source?
That is what is on the table right now.
I'll wait. and there is a meme for that one too, which seems to be right for this occasion:
                                                         
 
Also other facts, which shows us the IBSA eventually broke into various groups (You do not have to read it but it is here so people can see your folly)
 

What are JWs putting their faith in?  Many leave the organization and find their faith in the Father and the Son has blossomed.  They grow in their love for them.  They gain knowledge of God's word.  They experience a closeness to the Father and Jesus Christ that they never had before.
So, what part are JWs taking in this war?  They are putting up a "hard fight" for their faith in an organization and men who lord it over them.  (Rom 1:25; Rev 13:4; 2 Thess 2:9-12)
 

Yes the last words of his talk were…
“False rumors are often spread during wartime. Brothers, this is war. We need to put up a hard fight for the faith as if our life depended on it — because it does! “
And this is the war that will continue, until the Wt. is gone. (Matt 24:6)  Every JW believes they are spiritually “safe” within the organization. (1 Thess 5:3)  Anyone who exits, becomes the “apostate” - they can’t be trusted, they are the liars, and liars must be silenced.  Truth, must be silenced within the Wt. So, it is God who has rejected those who leave, because they reject the teachings of men guaranteed to fail?  THIS is the decision-making war of Armageddon; and the underlying reason that “this is war”, has to do with trampling of God’s anointed/Temple by the full leadership. The GB directs the elders to silence the anointed.    (Joel 3:1-14;1 Cor 11:19; 1 Pet 2:5,9; 1 Cor 3:16,17; Luke 21:24; 2 Thess 2:3,4,7-10; Rev 11:2; Dan 8:13; Jer 12:10; Rev 13:1,2,5-7, 11,12,15)
Since Splane expounded on this war, it should be clear that Armageddon has nothing to do with the UN, Russia or Christendom…obviously! These political and religious entities are not  Watchtower’s greatest threat.  How can they be, when they’ve shared the same bed together?  (now, we’re finding out that they are donating donated money to politicians…’robbing from the poor and giving to the rich’ to support wt’s platform.)
The organization’s threat comes from those who were once among them, who now see their lies and sins, and lay them bare for all JW,s and the world to hear. Not good for business in the corporate world! 
Yet their greater threat is the exposure of lawlessness enacted against the “city that is called by My name” – the members of God’s Temple in the anointed. (Isa 43:10; 1 Pet 2;5,9) If only they would wake up, repent, and leave their captivity to lies behind.  (2 Chron 7:14; Jer 25:29; Isa 1:4-9; Rom 9:31-33; Col 2:8; Rev 18:4-8,10)
From Proverbs 21 - 
A proud attitude, accompanied by a haughty look, is sin;
    they reveal wicked people. 4
A fortune gained by deceit
    is a fleeting vapor and a deadly snare. 6
The soul of the wicked craves evil;
    he extends no mercy to his neighbor. 10
The Righteous Onetakes note of the house of the wicked
    and brings the wicked to ruin. 12
When justice is done, it brings joy to the righteous
    but terror to evildoers. 15
One who is wise can go up against the city of the mighty
    and pull down the stronghold in which they trust. 22
The proud and arrogant person—“Mocker” is his name—
    behaves with insolent fury. 24
A false witness will perish,
    but a careful listener will testify successfully.28
The wicked put up a bold front,
    but the upright give thought to their ways.29
 There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan
    that can succeed against the Lord.30
 The horse is made ready for the day of battle,
    but victory rests with the Lord.31
 
Wars to Cease
 
 
 
 

Now you’ve got it.

http://www.internationalbiblestudents.org/
Who are the Bible Students?"
The association of International Bible Students has existed continuously since the days of Pastor Charles Taze Russell to the present. In Brother Russell's day, the IBSA was a cooperative association of Bible Student congregations worldwide, all united by the common beliefs taught in Brother Russell's Studies in the Scriptures series. The Watchtower was merely a publishing house and lecture service, with NO central control over these thousands of associated, but independent congregations.
I presume this is out of date then ? 
 

http://www.internationalbiblestudents.org/
Who are the Bible Students?"
The association of International Bible Students has existed continuously since the days of Pastor Charles Taze Russell to the present. In Brother Russell's day, the IBSA was a cooperative association of Bible Student congregations worldwide, all united by the common beliefs taught in Brother Russell's Studies in the Scriptures series. The Watchtower was merely a publishing house and lecture service, with NO central control over these thousands of associated, but independent congregations.
I presume this is out of date then ? 
 

Where is your evidence concerning the ideas? If you paid attention the focus was on their view, and the outside views are merely secondary, even those that pretend your former faith.
Date pertaining to what? Because you confused various events with God's Day 3 times now. This is why you were called out when you used Mark 13:32, which has nothing to do with 120/2034 concerning Genesis 6:3-4 for some.
If Rando was pointing directly to God's Day, likewise with Res and @JW Insider, then you'd have a case here. There are a group of people who believe 2034 is God's Day, and these folks aren't JWs, in fact, the link I cited yesterday even proves that. ExJws attest that JWs alluded to and believe God's Day will take place in 2034, pushing the notation that they made this claim and or pushed this idea.
In Rando's case he seems more focused on fulfillment and events as is warnings that correlate with Noah's Day. Even more evidence to that is from the 2003 Watchtower, which was linked (only took minimum research to find) of which the focus concerning Noah derives from, yet you ignored it. Here it is again - https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2003923
The irony here is you link JW stuff from time to time, why not this one?
You say this now, yet you earnestly attempt to speak of Newton.
The notation of 2034 did not originate with Jehovah's Witnesses. If you have people like Isaac Newton going about it, this alone shows it predates even the founder of the Bible Students himself. So much so, even modern Day Bible Students by their notation constitutes to that.
That being said, it can be said here that the Jehovah's Witnesses went on with what pastor Russell himself came to understand, and to JWI's credit - his findings was on point, clear cut.
Why question when the information and findings are presented? The real question is did you even bother to read said findings that JWI brought up (the thread of which he mentioned you in).
This is minor but this 2034 year is so spoken of by those in the religious space, that it was allegedly found in a graphic video game novel, ironically enough, with JWs being a faction.
I'm suggesting that those who dive into misconceptions tend to come up with their own ideas and opinions about something or someone without research, discernment, etc. This is highly evident with how you are utterly unaware of Strong's and context at times, which you exposed yourself in this matter; others merely call it out.
Ok if the matter is this important, can you tell us HOW and WHY @BroRando came up with this conclusion?
So now you spin a contradiction. Here you say they are right and or wrong at times, but other times you say they are wrong 100%?, often times constantly mentioned GB, csa, and a list of other things - Which is it?
No, that isn't the general consensus of this forum. A FORUM is a discussion space, this one in particular is just as that, and it was a place of debate before all the changes.
In this discussion, we are focused on the 2034 notation, and the misinformation pieces brought up and Traditions of Men, which you brought up, but cannot even bring forth evidence to.
It does not matter if you are currently a Jehovah's Witness, or a former, what matters is information.
If you read my comments, you'd know what I am pointing to. You do not have to agree/disagree with JWs, but to go about misinformation only allows for others to be misguided, confused and start spouting opinions can most often be unproven. Even outside of the JW faith, this is the same with those who spread misinformation or their own ill opinion about Scripture.
Not once I mentioned the religious leaders directly, so where are you drawing this statement?
Yet here you are confusing various events of fulfillment with God's Day. If you looked at what JWI's comments, you'd see what his conclusions were exactly in regards to Rando.
The fact you made this statement ultimately proves that you didn't even bother to read, let alone the comments made against you on that thread - I even quoted JWI, interestingly you did not catch that.
International Bible Students had since pass. Where have you been? Such ones are called the DBSA best known as Dawn Bible Students Association. They're often called Russellites (which they do not refer to themselves as such because it is Sectarian). Outside of JWs, they are the ones to defend Russell with extreme prejudice - mostly semi active in the US and in the UK.
Res Lite is a, in his words, Hellbent on Finding truth to the Scriptures. Res Lite is a Christian who studied Russell for a long time, 7-8 decades of research and study, and often comes to blows with JWs who do not know Russell too well and ExJWs who attack Bible Students. Res Lite does not like ExJWs due to what happened back in 2017, as is, with those attempting to claim that he is a Freemason, which that in of itself is false and misinformation often promoted by former JWs and weaponized to use against current Jehovah's Witnesses (and DBSAs, as is with Yah followers). Some DBSAs other than Res have put some of their findings out there, mainly to bring a gap, as to others, they invest their lives in the past.
You think? The known information is fact. Again, it does not take that much time to do quick research.
JWs are new, they were originally Bible Students. After the death of Pastor Russell, Rutherford took over, and it wasn't until the late 1920s - early 1930s, the name change from Bible Students to Jehovah's Witnesses took place.
How are you so sure they removed all books?
Ok, and what point are you suggesting that they say new light? Again, Restorationists are this common when they come to a new discovery in Scripture or an understanding of something.
How is it new light if it was most likely brought up by those who predate Bible Students themselves?
The difference between the views of 2034 are mentioned already - Rando was put into 1 out of the 3 categories, Newton and the others, which can easily be identified.
One can only see this if they have a basic understanding of Rando's view and what JWI made note to.
For it is known that various things are to take place before God's Day, of which we do not know the time and day, of which Mark 13:32 actually fits.
So that being said, if Rando fits the second one, why are you stating he is suggesting something totally different? As mentioned you made the claim 3 times.
 

Luke 22:36
Berean Study Bible
“Now, however,” He (Jesus) told them, “the one with a purse should take it, and likewise a bag; and the one without a sword should sell his cloak and buy one.   
Yes I know that scripture is for entirely different reasons, but it seemed to fit well  '''
Maybe ask @Pudgy what he thinks of guns ? I think he and 'Billy the Kid' might own a few.
It must be terrible to actually live in those conditions though. Here in England it is more knives than guns but no doubt it will get worse.  If I find time I will try to listen to some of the 'new light' from the Org. 
 

You would think so. But from what I have come to understand is, if JW's even attempt to judge the GB / Watchtower writers, that will automatically put them in the position of being viewed as one doubting that Jehovah God is using this organization. Unfortunately, this sort of questioning is not welcome as if they are going by the example of the Bereans by doing their due diligence when it comes to the rank-and-file members. No, It goes against what they have publicly declared to hundreds if not thousands during their baptism ceremony.
Yes, members are baptized in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, but within this public declaration, it also includes in their 2nd question confirming that they believe that this organization is the one that Jehovah is using. 
If a member judges, scrutinizes or finds fault with any interpretation of the scriptures by the GB or Watchtower writings, that one could be considered "running ahead of the chariot." Reminded who taught them the truth in the first place? ( which in actuality, is a swift reprimanding statement that is pretty much saying, know your place kiddo, & how dare you question mother Org! ) this is if a member is getting kind feedback if they chose to go to the elders with any doubts. Otherwise that one is declared an apostate, and when that happens, it never turns out to be a good day. 
From what I gather from this latest summer symposium is, if there are gang members in your neighborhood who are killing your neighbors and harassing your own son on a regular basis, it would be wrong to own a gun for the protection of your family and home. ( I Linda, am not advocating for whether or not anyone should own a gun. ) But on the other hand
GB member, brother Splane has declared to the members, that we are at war [with them their apostates.]

You have all deliberately avoided the point. Although James did give it a good shot.
Don't JWs have to judge the credibility of the GB / Watchtower writers ? 
My point was that surely a Bible should say EXACTLY what it means. IF 'certain people' think they have 'special insight', then surely those 'certain people' are responsible for giving a TRUE translation of God's word. 
I used one small scripture as an example. But if by that one scripture it can be shown that the translation is not a TRUE one, then how can the translation be trusted ? 
Pudgy here says it does not matter. But if i remember rightly, the GB through it's Watchtower magazine, have said that JWs will be given instruction 'that might not make sense', but that JWs are to obey that instruction anyway.
So credibility does matter. It matters to the point of life or death according to the GB. It certainly mattered in bible times for those very reasons. 
But if such people cannot even produce a truthful honest translation of God's word, then how can they be trusted with you life ?  

Well yes. you and James always were in agreement. 

Wow. You and SM must get on well. All you do is criticize and judge me. You deliberately avoid the whole point of this topic because you get your pleasure, not from serving God, but from trying to wind people up and to get material for your books.
Have a good day Tom.  

John 2 From verse 19 onward. 
 When it was late that day, the first day of the week, and the doors were locked where the disciples were for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in their midst and said to them: “May you have peace.” 20  After saying this, he showed them his hands and his side. Then the disciples rejoiced at seeing the Lord.21  Jesus said to them again: “May you have peace. Just as the Father has sent me, I also am sending you.” 22  After saying this he blew on them and said to them: “Receive holy spirit. 23  If you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven; if you retain those of anyone, they are retained.”24  But Thomas, one of the Twelve, who was called the Twin, was not with them when Jesus came. 25  So the other disciples were telling him: “We have seen the Lord!” But he said to them: “Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails and stick my finger into the print of the nails and stick my hand into his side, I will never believe it.” 26  Well, eight days later his disciples were again indoors, and Thomas was with them. Jesus came, although the doors were locked, and he stood in their midst and said: “May you have peace.” 27  Next he said to Thomas: “Put your finger here, and see my hands, and take your hand and stick it into my side, and stop doubting but believe.” 28  In answer Thomas said to him: “My Lord and my God!” 29  Jesus said to him: “Because you have seen me, have you believed? Happy are those who have not seen and yet believe.”
I did the biblehub thing to compare these verses and as far as I could see they all compare favourably with this NWT translation. 
BUT it seems that some people on here do not agree with any of them. 
Some of you, even some JWs, want to change the wording. You want NAIL, instead of NAILS. And you want WRISTS instead of HANDS. 
Now this is only ONE small portion of scripture. This portion is from the New World Translation written by the Watchtower Soc' / JW org, and approved by the GB of those orgs. And yet even JWs do not believe it. 
So how is a Christian supposed to 'study' God's word if that 'word' is not translated properly anywhere ? 
Some here will say, 'You have to do research'. But surely that would mean spending ten minutes on every line written. Not only would you lose the sense of it, you would quickly become demoralised. 
Some here call me a fool for my hoping in a True Anointed remnant. So continue to do so, as now I'm also hoping in a TRUE translation of the Holy Scriptures. 
People need to be able to trust what they are reading in God's word. But how can they if all translations are written according to the writer's own beliefs and agenda... If Strong's or any other, show that things can be translated in various ways, then how does the average Christian know which way is the right way ?
Remember Matthew 11 : 25 & 26
At that time Jesus said in response: “I publicly praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and intellectual ones and have revealed them to young children. 26  Yes, O Father, because this is the way you approved.
Some of us are like young children. We are not wise and intellectual ones.  So, some of us need TRUTH to be simple. But 'religions' have made TRUTH to be difficult. 'Religions' have added burdens to even basic Bible study, by not translating it truthfully. Because 'religions' all follow their own agenda. 

You have all deliberately avoided the point. Although James did give it a good shot.
Don't JWs have to judge the credibility of the GB / Watchtower writers ? 
My point was that surely a Bible should say EXACTLY what it means. IF 'certain people' think they have 'special insight', then surely those 'certain people' are responsible for giving a TRUE translation of God's word. 
I used one small scripture as an example. But if by that one scripture it can be shown that the translation is not a TRUE one, then how can the translation be trusted ? 
Pudgy here says it does not matter. But if i remember rightly, the GB through it's Watchtower magazine, have said that JWs will be given instruction 'that might not make sense', but that JWs are to obey that instruction anyway.
So credibility does matter. It matters to the point of life or death according to the GB. It certainly mattered in bible times for those very reasons. 
But if such people cannot even produce a truthful honest translation of God's word, then how can they be trusted with you life ?  

What I seem to notice is that JWs (or pretend JWs) will use outside information when it suits them, and discard outside information when it does not fit with their ideas. 
Now regarding 2034. Surely it does not matter how many people have 'come to this conclusion' ?  Firstly, why are people needing to find a date ?  And why would JWs need to trust the words of 'worldly' men or men of other 'faiths' ? 
At this point I would question, is 2034 a Watchtower / JW Org teaching, or is it just a Rando teaching ? 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Are you suggesting that JWs have only 'true' information ?  This, you see, is an important matter.
The Watchtower / JW org is truthful on some matters, but that does not mean they are honest in all things. However the general consensus on this forum is that if a person leaves the JW Org, then they have left God, or left the 'truth'. 
So, are you saying that none of the Watchtower / JW Org teachings can be 'misinformation' ? 
Are you saying that the Governing Body of the Watchtower can not have 'misconceptions' ? 
 
Yes, by @JW Insider references, Russell tied himself up in knots with dates, predictions and then doubts about it all. 
But quite funny that Russell thought that people would still be reading his books now. The International Bible Students which still exist, seem to support Russell I think. 
Since Rutherford started the new organisation of the JWs there must have been a hundred books written by them, most of which have now been removed. They keep saying they have 'new light'. 
So, is 2034 'new light' or just some peoples dream ? 

Come come. Add hypersensitivity to the list.
Jesus nailed through the hands or wrists? That’s your crisis of faith that causes you to patiently wait?
Who cares? If he was shot with a gun it wouldn’t change the meaning & results of his death, and that’s what you should focus on.
 

NAILS OR NAIL, HANDS OR WRISTS, AND OTHER SUCH SCRIPTURES. HOW DO CHRISTIANS KNOW WHAT IS TRUE ?
The ONLY reason such considerations are important is judging the credibility of those who claim to have "special insight" about such things, and who in doing so enhance their own authority and perception of their alleged wisdom.
other than that .... the IMPORTANT thing is that Christ did die for the forgiveness of our sins.
Nail or Nails, Hands or Wrists .... who gives a cat's coughed-up fur balls?  ..... the ONLY way to judge a religion is this:
                        "Is it in the long term best interests of Civilization?"
How THAT is judged is , Is it fair, honest, kind, and equitable ...peaceable, courageous, valiant and virtuous?  And noble.
.... and most important, Righteousness .... that is ... doing good because it is God's will to do good.
It is not important if Jesus was stapled to a cardboard shipping container.
.... not really.