Posted by Farkel [Keflar] on November 02, 1999 at 12:14:25 {.c1iAaocfMjc7.1TE24IvhKqcjatLo}:
In Reply to: **Reform - Why NotPossible posted by Camryn on November 02, 1999 at 11:40:45:
:Could the GB say, "We are not God's organization" and still "go on with things?" I guess they could, but who would "go on" with them?
I think that maybe you haven't considered the consequences of them actually admitting that they are not the only true religion in God's eyes. If they did that, then they immediately lose their pharisaical authority over believers. Blood would have to then be an issue of personal conscience. So would "field service" as it is now mandated. Ditto with personal Bible study without having to use WTS publications. Meddling in the bedroom affairs of married couples, and a host of other things they now get away with would no longer be their perogative, since they can clearly justify most of that stuff from the scriptures. Their "interpretation" of scripture, which they now get away with would only be considered opinion by the R&F.
I think they would retain many members if this were too happen, and a true, loving attitude was maintained by the elders. Elders could even then be elected locally (as in the past WTS days), since they would have no way to justify "Theocracy" and "Organization."
I even suspect they could gain many new members if they did this.
And I wouldn't care, either. They would no longer be the controlling, manipulating, cold-hearted leaders (and members) that they are now. Forums like this would dry up by the dozens. And even apostates would be celebrating such a change!
It's not unreasonable to suspect that a minimum of 20 or 25 percent of the membership would stay with such new changes in effect. At least that gives them something to build on.
:Are there any Ex-Witnesses on this list who would go back to 5 meetings/week, go door-to-door with the Watchtower and Awake! etc., etc., etc if the GB comes out and admits that "the Society is not God's spirit-directed organization?"
Not me.
Farkel