Posted by jowed [jowed] on October 26, 1999 at 15:30:52 {c/rgKhj4NcVF0XMkMDisEHOB.fjvPI}:
In Reply to: JUST WHAT IF . . .? posted by ros on October 26, 1999 at 12:24:48:
I have considered this as a real possibility as to a motive behind this "GB" posting.
To respond to your question, certainly I would welcome reforms is those areas you mention. However mere reforms would be of very little value in the long run if not motivated by and accompanied by genuine repentance and acknowledgment that they are not 'God's Channel of communication". If they continue to hold to that view, what is to prevent them from later on reforming the reforms. They could decide for whatever reason to revert back to their current positions. Have they not done that before. In the 70's they relaxed their shunning policy somewhat only to revert back to an even harder line and include disassociated persons in the same category as dfd' persons. How about the intimate practices of married couples?
I do believe that if they were truly repentant and came out with a series of articles in the WT which kindly and patiently explained wherein they were wrong, most of the R & F would follow along. Most of them I believe are sheep and would follow their "shepherds". Of course the WT would need to gradually teach them the need to follow, not men, nor organizations, but Christ. This I believe they could successfully do. What it would boil down to is whether or not the leadership can really come to the realization and manifest the faith that Christ is the head of his sheep and that he can care for his own. Would they really trust him. Likely some among the leadership may have or be able to cultivate that kind of trust; and others would not.
As for their physical care. I believe with all the WT assets, some arrangement could be made to care for those who would be unable to care for themselves. Their holdings are probably worth millions. Much of it could be sold and annuities purchsed to provide some income for those inside headquarters and many outside who have been hurt financially by WT policies. They already have numerous rooming accomodations at Brooklyn, and Patterson for example where these older ones could live out their remaining years. I for one would not begrudge them this.
Some of the printing facilities could be held on to a literature published to build up the flock, not in sectarian dogma, but in the relationship with God and His son Jesus. There are right here among us many who have demonstrated a love for others and some gifts for research, and writing.
Well, there is much more that I could say. I really pray that this will happen. The bottom line is that the faith of EACH ONE would be tested both the leadership and the flock.
jowed