Posted by JOB [Guest] on November 13, 1999 at 03:13:06 {OA5YBxH8IA0Fnnso31esni6QXcPL8M}:
In Reply to: Disgruntled posted by LurkerJDub on November 12, 1999 at 12:51:02:
Dear Lurker,
I understand you completely. I too have experienced an unsettling after many years in Jehovah's organization. I have decided to stay too.
Here's why:
I also can find no other religion who teaches the plain truths from the Bible the way the WTBTS does. Sure they have been wrong about a few things. Big deal. Other so-called "Christian" religions teach outright demonic doctrines such as immortality of the soul, the trinity and the like.
What is it that it says in Proverbs somewhere? 'A slap in the face from one who loves you is better than kisses from an enemy.' --or words to that effect. I believe that - wholeheartedly.
Here's another reason I stay. It is so easy to be critical of others, and especially those in any kind of an authority position. I could easily find much to criticize about those taking the lead in our organization if I wanted to. But the fact is that they are just men doing the very best they can to lead an ENORMOUS world-wide group. Can you imagine what a difficult task this must be? I don't think I could do nearly as well if I were in that position.
On this board which I've known about since its inception, but since I really have only read for the last few days, I see so much deep-seated hatred and animosity toward those in authority positions among Jehovah's Witnesses. I see strong inferences of some sort of nefarious agenda among the governing body.
Well, frankly I question a few policies myself, but I am only one individual among millions. Who am I anyway, that I should insist that my own personal preferences be the guide for millions?
I see no secret plot at the top of our structure to control our minds the way some here suggest and even accuse. I see faithful men of God, doing their level best to fulfill their responsibilities as part of the "faithful steward."
My personal view is that too much emphasis is placed on pioneering, for example. I've know many MANY pioneers in my years in the truth, and I've loved each and every one of them. But I have a problem with the pioneer program. I think it slightly resembles a clergy/laity distinction. It certainly has no biblical basis. While I am certainly no judge of hearts, I have seen evidence that some pioneer just for the recognition as being a pioneer, and I think this is so wrong.
Well, I don't want to use this time and this space to start airing grievances. It leads to a bitterness of spirit that I find very distasteful. Besides, I find so much good among the brothers and sisters, I hate to dwell on the shortcomings.
I love Jehovah God, and I love his son Jesus Christ. I love Jehovah's Witnesses, who were the only ones who could explain the Bible to me in a way that was understandable and made perfect sense. I am not going to be so ungrateful that I will turn and bite the hand that has fed me, like a rabid animal might do, just because I have a few little disagreements.
I believe the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society today is still Satan's arch-enemy in this world. That's where I choose to stay -- in the camp of Satan's enemies, even if it becomes uncomfortable in some ways.
-Job