The Iron Grip
The Watchtower's in-house publication "Our Kingdom Ministry" for September 2007 is revealing.
Our Kingdom Ministry September 2007 Question Box
Does "the faithful and discreet slave" endorse independent groups of Witnesses who meet together to engage in Scriptural research or debate?–Matt. 24:45, 47.
No, it does not. And yet, in various parts of the world, a few associates of our organization have formed groups to do independent research on Bible-related subjects. Some have pursued an independent group study of Biblical Hebrew and Greek so as to analyze the accuracy of the New World Translation. Others explore scientific subjects related to the Bible. They have created Web sites and chat rooms for the purpose of exchanging and debating their views. They have also held conferences and produced publications to present their findings and to supplement what is provided at our Christian meetings and through our literature.
Throughout the earth, Jehovah's people are receiving ample spiritual instruction and encouragement at congregation meetings, assemblies, and conventions, as well as through the publications of Jehovah's organization. Under the guidance of his holy spirit and on the basis of his Word of truth, Jehovah provides what is needed so that all of God's people may be "fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought" and remain "stabilized in the faith." (1 Cor. 1:10; Col. 2:6, 7) Surely we are grateful for Jehovah's spiritual provisions in these last days. Thus, "the faithful and discreet slave" does not endorse any literature, meetings, or Web sites that are not produced or organized under its oversight.–Matt. 24:45-47.
It is commendable for individuals to want to use their thinking ability in support of the good news. However, no personal pursuit should detract from what Jesus Christ is accomplishing through his congregation on earth today. In the first century, the apostle Paul warned about getting involved in exhausting, time-consuming subjects, such as "genealogies, which end up in nothing, but which furnish questions for research rather than a dispensing of anything by God in connection with faith." (1 Tim. 1:3-7) All Christians should strive to "shun foolish questionings and genealogies and strife and fights over the Law, for they are unprofitable and futile."–Titus 3:9.
For those who wish to do extra Bible study and research, we recommend that they explore Insight on the Scriptures, "All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial," and our other publications, such as those that discuss the prophecies found in the Bible books of Daniel, Isaiah, and Revelation. These provide abundant material for Bible study and meditation, whereby we can be "filled with the accurate knowledge of [God's] will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, in order to walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him as [we] go on bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the accurate knowledge of God."–Col. 1:9, 10.
The Watchtower is losing control over its members and they are trying to impede that by preventing them a comprehensive study of God's Word. Only their publications are allowed and any additional research cannot even be discussed.
This is already on top of a recent letter from headquarters to the body of elders.
April 3, 2007
"The Kingdom Ministry School textbook emphasizes the importance of thorough preparation on the part of the study conductor. But this does not mean that he should introduce additional material from his own personal research and thus possibly overshadow what has already been published in the magazine. Extensive research has already been involved in producing the study article, and the points to be emphasized are those included in the paragraphs under consideration. When outside material is introduced, if often detracts from what "the faithful and discreet slave" has prepared for the congregation. (Matt. 24:45-47) The impression may be given that the additional information from the conductor's research is of equal or greater value. When not adhering strictly to the published information, the conductor may appear to be calling attention to himself and his personal research rather than focusing attention on the material set out in the study article.
Implying that a person seeking a fuller grasp is being puffed up is just a pretense. God gave us a mind to use and means to detect truth. The Bereans would not be welcome at the Kingdom Hall for they "received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so" (Acts 17:10-11).
1 Thes 5:21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
4 comments:
The previous letter that was posted alluded only to "study conductors" at the congregation meetings. They were not talking about people in general.
Sticking to the written magazine (questions and answers) should be limited to what's given in the magazine. It relates nothing to do with "personal research".
I find nothing unusual if the Society asks their elders to stick to the written material instead of their own during congregations meetings.
I can see how you overlooked that simple concept. Yet, ignorance is not always bliss.
Hello, thanks for your comments.
Staying on topic is one thing, but this command goes beyond. It defeats the purpose when it cannot even be introduced because "the impression may be given that the additional information from the conductor's research is of equal or greater value."
With that explanation, I'm glad that christians are encouraged in study and sharing.
Keep in mind that people can do all the personal research they wish. They should do more than simply what's listed in the magazine. But some people go way off the subject and when they do it defeats the primary objective, which is to introduce some idea that has a theme throughout. Not some other crazy idea that means nothing.
Hope that makes sense.
Staying on topic makes sense!
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