Posted by metatron [metatron] on November 04, 1999 at 07:48:49 {yxewwqp4aASCFBHEQNcwP/cA8RWhz2}:
some have expressed pessimistic thoghts about the
future of reform. Some feel it would be necessary
for the GB to plainly disavow Divine guidance before
any meaningful reform takes place: a radical step,
viewed as unlikely.
If we review the facts regarding the process of change
in the organization, a more optimistic picture emerges.
1) Changes are not based solely or dominantly on what
the Bible teaches. They are based largely on the
"body of tradition" of what the WT. has already
taught or commanded as policy. The Bible is used
mostly as a "springboard" or "a fiddle on which
any tune can be played". This is why so many
explanations in the WT. don't possess rigor or
depth. Yet this de facto "disengagement" from
the scriptures also makes reform possible if
it can be shown to be necessary for the survival
of the organization i.e. those in power.
2) Statistics are the key. If they are running out
of money, if congregations are shutting down,
eventually compromise will be seen as unavoidable.
The aftermath of the 1975 mess (C of C) shows
this clearly. They were forced to make a
half-hearted admission in the WT. to "explain"
what went wrong.
3) There has GOT to be a quietly growing erosion of
faith in the undefendable collection of WT.
doctrine at all levels. This silent decay opens
the way, removing barriers to moderation and
reason.
The clock is ticking, the ultimate outcome is plain.
The only obstacle is self-willed blindness among
those who dominate. Pressure and more defeats will change that as surely as Vietnam and Afghanistan
humbled the proud who thought themselves invincible.
metatron