Posted by MK [MarkA] on October 25, 1999 at 12:36:01 {DjTI9F5X/Yz1ZzNgtkvUamVuqdIOi.}:
Does the light get brighter? I believe it does. Everyone evolves to a higher awareness. Science, medicine have evolved and understand things they didn't a few decades back. So, of course the same would be true regarding the witnesses and the GB.
Science and medicine have made mistakes in their understanding of things which might have caused injury to some, however we gladly receive any new developments or stage they reach in perfecting themselves rather than ostracize them for trying.
It should've been the same with the JWs. The problem with trying to defend the light getting brighter theory is their obstinacy in confirming to receive direction from God. So if they make mistakes, the fault falls on Jehovah who directed them and by extention probably means he doesn't know more than the common guy.
The culminating point in JW's history is the 1975 date. This should have been the turning point, the chance to make the light brighter by admitting the probability they were not so directed by God and that they were normal human beings just trying hard to get it right. Spiritually they would've been better and gained much respect. Lacking to have done this is what ticks people off.
Most posts here do not reflect disagreement with JW's doctrine in general cause most know they have achieved a better understanding of basic truths than most organized religion have. Or should I say they have stood up against false teachings rather than follow status-quo.
Looking at the slave parable in Matthew, 1975 might be the turning point of this prophesy.
The first part refers to the faithful and discreet slave providing food for the domestics. I strongly believe most in the higher ranks of the organization were humbly trying to do this (yes there is always a few rotten apples in a bunch). Not without error I will admit, but the motives were honest. Maybe they were not "inspired" but rather very dedicated to see the truth prevail.
But 1975 was a slap in the face to these men and should've been an occassion to turn the other cheek with humility. They failed to do this. Also the generation issue was starting to draw attention by it's non-fullfillment. Another chance for humility which was rejected.
So it might be that the words of Jesus are taking place today when he say's... "But if ever that evil slave should say in his heart, 'My master is delaying', and should start to beat his fellow slaves and should eat and drink with the confirmed drunkards...." By using the term That, Jesus refers to the initial faithfull slave. He's talking about the same individual.
The time is certainly appropriate cause the master does seem to delay and places like H20 are full of slaves and ex-slaves who feel the slave in charge is abusing his authority, refusing to listen to the cries of his fellow slaves. Also by saying that this slave would start to "eat and drink with the confirmed drunkards" most likely means that the slave will slack off and start making concessions just like known religious leaders usually make. In other words attempting to please wordly organizations. We see some of this already taking place.
Mark, who has no idea what to say next, will leave it to the replies. Take care.