Witness

I think that main problem all religion have, and JW too, is in this: People who lead a religion invoke God’s authority for every word they utter in front of people. GB is among the same class. When GB stops claiming that both, correct and false doctrines and instructions came from God, then they may be closer to God and  "truth".

Many religious organizations are high profile, like Mormonism, the Catholic Church and Islam. Blood, sweat, even tears over the centuries created some stunningly beautiful buildings.  JWs pride themselves on their own building feats, as if God has blessed their hand, when history shows greater works in the name of religion have been built. All it takes is slave labor and money.  
I know I’ve referred to John 4 so many times, and Jesus’ conversation with the woman at the well.  She pointed to the mountain in Samaria where her temple stood; Jesus mentioned the temple in Jerusalem.  These were literal places which he remarked would no longer be used for worship. No mountain would be necessary to worship God.    But man continued building “mountains" to worship God.  They named them, “God’s house”or " God's temple".  How many houses of God or temples stand in various religions today?  Which one does God really reside in?  Which one would He choose?  Such works are futile attempts for over 2,000 years. They all have left a legacy of lies, while promising salvation, and the WT organization is following in their footprints.
“Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, 6 “These things which you see—the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.”
7 So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?”
8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them.”  Luke 21:5-8
 
“For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.”  Phil 3:18,19
 
 
 

Many religious organizations are high profile, like Mormonism, the Catholic Church and Islam. Blood, sweat, even tears over the centuries created some stunningly beautiful buildings.  JWs pride themselves on their own building feats, as if God has blessed their hand, when history shows greater works in the name of religion have been built. All it takes is slave labor and money.  
I know I’ve referred to John 4 so many times, and Jesus’ conversation with the woman at the well.  She pointed to the mountain in Samaria where her temple stood; Jesus mentioned the temple in Jerusalem.  These were literal places which he remarked would no longer be used for worship. No mountain would be necessary to worship God.    But man continued building “mountains" to worship God.  They named them, “God’s house”or " God's temple".  How many houses of God or temples stand in various religions today?  Which one does God really reside in?  Which one would He choose?  Such works are futile attempts for over 2,000 years. They all have left a legacy of lies, while promising salvation, and the WT organization is following in their footprints.
“Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and donations, He said, 6 “These things which you see—the days will come in which not one stone shall be left upon another that shall not be thrown down.”
7 So they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, but when will these things be? And what sign will there be when these things are about to take place?”
8 And He said: “Take heed that you not be deceived. For many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am He,’ and, ‘The time has drawn near.’ Therefore do not go after them.”  Luke 21:5-8
 
“For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: 19 whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame—who set their mind on earthly things.”  Phil 3:18,19
 
 
 

"that taught you the truth about the ransom sacrifice and god's name"  No, they didn't.  I was not lacking in religion before I became a JW.  I was well aware of why Jesus came to earth, and am even more keen to understanding that since leaving the WT, as well as the true role of the anointed.  And absolutely no, they have not taught me "god's name".  Through research that people all over the earth can tap into, they can find that the name "Jehovah" has been existence for a long time. (400 years or so)  You can thank the Catholics for that.  However, saying that name means nothing.  Learning to know God is the beginning of understand His true name.  I am finally on that path, without the need to please men who desire to rule over every JW - including God's holy priesthood.  
Arauna, I have no desire to return to the organization/idol.   I do not regret being labeled an apostate, because it is an empty word.  I realize I had actually turned away from Jesus and the Father by participating in doctrines  - a "different gospel" according to men while in the organization.    For that transgression against my only Rock, I have repented.  I am wondering how comparing doctrine of two similar religions, your's and the Catholic Church, using myself as an example regarding excommunication and disfellowshipping, turned into my being an "unthankful dog".  You seem to be all over the place! 
"I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, 7 which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.
But I make known to you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. 12 For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ."  Gal 1:6-12
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

I know what it means also.  I was raised a Catholic, and while the Watchtower has clamped down with a heavy hand about  disfellowshipping and shunning, the Catholic religion has relaxed its view on excommunication.  
Think how you view me, an apostate, and someone who rejects the organization.  I do not reject God and Christ, but my label "apostasy" is viewed as the worst of the worst of the apostate labels one could receive.  Any JW in my area cannot make eye contact with me, since I am evil....and apparently full of hate.  
I'll borrow a quote from the article I posted, replacing "Watchtower" where needed:
"This means that you are looked upon with the blackest contempt by the "Watchtower", being cursed and damned with the devil and his angels".  Actually, there is a JW on here who has alluded to similar words about myself. 
Just as Gockentin said about the organization, "there is just no other way to succeed",      this would mean everyone on the outside of the organization, is cursed and damned with the devil and his angels.
Another quote:
"This is Cannon law which the "Watchtower hierarchy" seeks to enforce on the pretext that it is God's Law"
So you see, the comparison is not "oranges to mars", but oranges to oranges. 
 
 
  

I know what it means also.  I was raised a Catholic, and while the Watchtower has clamped down with a heavy hand about  disfellowshipping and shunning, the Catholic religion has relaxed its view on excommunication.  
Think how you view me, an apostate, and someone who rejects the organization.  I do not reject God and Christ, but my label "apostasy" is viewed as the worst of the worst of the apostate labels one could receive.  Any JW in my area cannot make eye contact with me, since I am evil....and apparently full of hate.  
I'll borrow a quote from the article I posted, replacing "Watchtower" where needed:
"This means that you are looked upon with the blackest contempt by the "Watchtower", being cursed and damned with the devil and his angels".  Actually, there is a JW on here who has alluded to similar words about myself. 
Just as Gockentin said about the organization, "there is just no other way to succeed",      this would mean everyone on the outside of the organization, is cursed and damned with the devil and his angels.
Another quote:
"This is Cannon law which the "Watchtower hierarchy" seeks to enforce on the pretext that it is God's Law"
So you see, the comparison is not "oranges to mars", but oranges to oranges. 
 
 
  

This is partially correct, but not for all who left JW church. In videos from ex-JW i heard some of them complaining how they were not been able to celebrate Christmas or birthdays. I don’t go into the theological justification of their demands, but I don’t think it’s something that should be crucial to leaving or staying in the organization.
There are so many other “details, bigger and smaller that should decide someone’s departure. Many things have been discussed at this Forum and, you will agree with me, they go far beyond, outweigh the issue of celebrating birthdays. It is possible that in some people there may be some individual trigger to change the state of feelings about the organization. But that moment when that happens is just a continuation of a process that has been in that individual’s subconscious and consciousness for a long/longer time. It doesn’t happen “overnight”, that decision is not impulsive. 
I observed the children of one mother in the former congregation. Teenagers. As they grew older and reached adulthood, their attitude toward belonging to the JW changed. The eldest sister left JW immediately after coming of age. The younger sisters soon after one by one also left the organization. I guess, I'm actually sure, that they didn't have problems with purely theological dilemmas or what the leadership of the organization was like, but with personal freedoms and pressures from mothers and elders (they were forbidden to associate with their father who was excluded many years ago and I think it was trigger for their decisions).
This example, about issue of (MUST) shunning own dfd father was too much for them. And their reaction was completely  natural and normal. WT JWorg and lawyer in video presented showed double face, showed hypocrisy. And want to look good in front of "secular", "worldly" people. They want to hold Image of Organization. And that "detail" is also "trigger" for some JW people to "come out of her" aka organization.

Mr Tom, the Author of two books, did you watch this short video? Do you read WT publication?
If your answer is yes, than please repent for your bad comment. :)) 

Quote @Arauna Depends on your inclination and the subject.  Here on this forum you hold up well because there is only one view spewed by you.. a destructive one.  I think I can make a good case for NOT watching videos against JWs.  You are a good example of it ...... your hate-…... seems to be fueled by watching all these videos against JWs which are spinned and propagandized in a certain way.
I READ news articles and i try my best to read them from different sources. I don't watch videos. I can never understand what they are saying on the videos. As for HATE, Arauna HATE seems to be YOUR favorite word. I would say you have OCD about it.   I love those close to me as i know them well enough to have reason to love them. JWs don't have love, they just pretend. It is so obvious because they would not be able to just switch it off like they do if it was real love. I still haven't seen any true use of scripture, that would say SHUN those that leave the CCJW for the right reasons. 
 

Arauna, it seems you might be a little confused about who posted the video.  It was me, not @4Jah2me.  As I recall, it is difficult for him to hear any videos posted here, at least at one point.  Perhaps that has changed by now.  
 
You must play golf, since I've heard this example from you before.
As the Watchtower shows, young adults - children - have been forced to leave their homes when disfellowshipped.  The lawyer was lying.  
 
Should we be comparing the rules of a club to our worship of God?  
I know you've seen this before:

Oh, I see you added more to your initial comment.  
"He just said something you did not like" - Of course I don't like it, because it is a lie. 
"which is not the same as “committing perjury.” 
Perjury:  "the offense of willfully telling an untruth in a court after having taken an oath or affirmation."
He stated:
 
 
 
 

What am I thinking? Would an organization which calls itself “the truth”, yet has sputtered out a hundred plus years of lies, send out a representative who would tell the truth about his own organization? 
“ And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. 13 For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. 15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve."  2 Cor 11:12-15
 
Everything about the organization, is a masquerade.
 
Masquerade!
Paper faces on parade . . .
Masquerade!
Hide your face,
So the world will
Never find you!
Masquerade!
Every face a different shade . . .
Masquerade!
Look around -
There's another
Mask behind you!
Flash of mauve . . .
Splash of puce . . .
Fool and king . . .
Ghoul and goose . . .
Green and black . . .
Queen and priest . . . (Rev 2:20; 13:11; 18:7) (Ezek 44:6-9;2 Chron 13:9; 23:6; Mark 13:14; 2 Thess 2:3,4)
Trace of rouge . . .
Face of beast . . . (Dan 8:13; Rev 13:1,2,5-8, 11,12)
Faces . . .
Take your turn, take a ride
On the merry-go-round . . .(Isa 5:20)
In an inhuman race . . .
Eye of gold . . .
Thigh of blue . . .
True is false . . . (2 Thess 2:9,10)
Who is who . . .?
Curl of lip . . .

Swirl of gown . . .
Ace of hearts . . .
Face of clown . . .
Faces . . .
Drink it in, drink it up,
Till you've drowned (Rev 8:10,11)
In the light . . .
In the sound . . . 
But who can name the face . . .? 
(Phantom of the Opera)
 
https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2015/12/locust-scorpions-abaddon.html
 

Does the court know the inside and out of jw . org?  This man is to represent an organization, in truth, and under oath.  
Yes, he will be "disbarred" by Jesus Christ and the Father....unless he repents.  

Oh, I see you added more to your initial comment.  
"He just said something you did not like" - Of course I don't like it, because it is a lie. 
"which is not the same as “committing perjury.” 
Perjury:  "the offense of willfully telling an untruth in a court after having taken an oath or affirmation."
He stated:
 
 
 
 

I knew my comment would open a wave of persecution to come my way. 🙂  

Hmmm.  It's too bad this Witness attorney was not ordered to shut up for committing perjury.
"Jehovah's Witnesses don't use the word, shun or shunning, they refer to it as disfellowshipped, disfellowshipping...."
WT's infamous video bears the title,  Loyally Uphold Jehovah’s Judgments—Shun Unrepentant Wrongdoers
 
Your use of adhominen attacks remind me of how little intellect you care to show for scriptural truth.  Maybe because you don't care to possess such discernment - of what is truth and what is a lie?   


 

I knew my comment would open a wave of persecution to come my way. 🙂  

Hmmm.  It's too bad this Witness attorney was not ordered to shut up for committing perjury.
"Jehovah's Witnesses don't use the word, shun or shunning, they refer to it as disfellowshipped, disfellowshipping...."
WT's infamous video bears the title,  Loyally Uphold Jehovah’s Judgments—Shun Unrepentant Wrongdoers
 
Your use of adhominen attacks remind me of how little intellect you care to show for scriptural truth.  Maybe because you don't care to possess such discernment - of what is truth and what is a lie?   


 

No hate is ever intended, only scriptural truth.
 
Here is an example:
God's anointed have every right to challenge the authority of men not part of the Body of Christ who demand to rule over them.  Rom 14:4  No one has the authority to tell God's anointed priesthood that they must not bond together as one Body.  This defies scripture.  1 Cor 12.
Another most recent example is the WT refusing to take part in the ARC Redress Scheme.  While contemplating that thought, read Prov 30:13,14 once again.
 
 
  
 

As i understand title of his speech was, "Protect yourself from lies". In JW world, lies are, exists only outside "spiritual borders". Well JW members are safe, they just need not to open TV or surfing web, and all "truths" will stay safe and sound. :))
Again:  As described previously in the Newsroom section of jw.org, the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses was monitoring the situation and providing direction to all congregations in harmony with the recommendations from authorities.- https://www.jw.org/en/search/?q=covid+19
This means, if world leaders failed in "planetary crisis", than GB failed with them too. :)) Nothing about motives. GB made simple copy paste of information about pandemic from secular sources and with or without some own colors forward instructions. 
Yes, GB leaders put in question ARC and Australian Government call for cooperation only. Or Courts in US by refusing product documents. Or victims of CSA. Or, own past doctrines they put in question too. Many other things they do not put in question.
JW members, they not put in question how trustful GB are, and they not put donation money in question, selling KH is not reason to question ..., 
So many Sreckos in a single comment from you. Woo factor at work? :))
 

"Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. "  Eph 5:6-11

I believe there is more sadness about this thought, than humor.  You are not far off at all in your harmless illustration, and the reaction that would come from it, since it reminded me of the question posed on facebook at the time the W 13/11/15 was studied.  You may remember this:
Question:  "If you were to go to the Kingdom Hall next Sunday and listen to a letter from the Governing Body instructing ALL in attendance to swallow an unknown pill, would you obey without hesitation, keeping the admonition from today's Watchtower in mind?  Yes or No?
Here's one frightening answer:  "With faith, I will take it.  Even if I perish, jehovah will remember me".
Obviously, not all JWs would feel this way.  But, they cooperate with an organization that has convinced thousands to submit to any direction by the Governing Body.  Surely, this alone would make the more sensible ones to sit up and take notice of the manipulative power this organization is capable of.  
"But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping."  2 Pet 2:1-3
Jesus Christ's headship is barely referred to by the GB.  Yes, they have denied "who bought them". 2 Pet 3:17; Rev 8:10,11; (John 7:38) 
Millions of people are following uninspired men, and an organization whose teachings are laced with deceit and pitfalls.  In Mr. Gockentin's presentation, he stated, "protect yourself from lies". 
This is exactly what those who leave the organization are doing - protecting themselves from an outlandish, devilish lie.  2 Thess 2:9-12   
Here is the article - 
https://jwsurvey.org/cedars-blog/would-you-take-the-pill-a-simple-facebook-test-has-shocking-results
 
Wormwood/The False Prophet/Armageddon - https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2014/12/wormwood-armageddon-false-prophet.html
 
 
 
 
"
 
 

"Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not become partners with them; 8 for at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), 10 and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord. 11 Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. "  Eph 5:6-11

I believe there is more sadness about this thought, than humor.  You are not far off at all in your harmless illustration, and the reaction that would come from it, since it reminded me of the question posed on facebook at the time the W 13/11/15 was studied.  You may remember this:
Question:  "If you were to go to the Kingdom Hall next Sunday and listen to a letter from the Governing Body instructing ALL in attendance to swallow an unknown pill, would you obey without hesitation, keeping the admonition from today's Watchtower in mind?  Yes or No?
Here's one frightening answer:  "With faith, I will take it.  Even if I perish, jehovah will remember me".
Obviously, not all JWs would feel this way.  But, they cooperate with an organization that has convinced thousands to submit to any direction by the Governing Body.  Surely, this alone would make the more sensible ones to sit up and take notice of the manipulative power this organization is capable of.  
"But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them—bringing swift destruction on themselves. 2 Many will follow their depraved conduct and will bring the way of truth into disrepute. 3 In their greed these teachers will exploit you with fabricated stories. Their condemnation has long been hanging over them, and their destruction has not been sleeping."  2 Pet 2:1-3
Jesus Christ's headship is barely referred to by the GB.  Yes, they have denied "who bought them". 2 Pet 3:17; Rev 8:10,11; (John 7:38) 
Millions of people are following uninspired men, and an organization whose teachings are laced with deceit and pitfalls.  In Mr. Gockentin's presentation, he stated, "protect yourself from lies". 
This is exactly what those who leave the organization are doing - protecting themselves from an outlandish, devilish lie.  2 Thess 2:9-12   
Here is the article - 
https://jwsurvey.org/cedars-blog/would-you-take-the-pill-a-simple-facebook-test-has-shocking-results
 
Wormwood/The False Prophet/Armageddon - https://4womaninthewilderness.blogspot.com/2014/12/wormwood-armageddon-false-prophet.html
 
 
 
 
"
 
 

No.1 and No.2 originated from Bible, and not from GB. No.3 is general statement, nothing unique.   
Agree!
Application was already done at world scale and was instruction made not from God, Bible or GB, but from "secular authorities". They told people to stay at home, in Croatia and in many other countries. :)) Another application..... only for JW members??