Posted by foryearsmisled [Guest] on November 14, 1999 at 03:53:51 {fiuUEQ5dxUMPx18PHtJEni6QXcPL8M}:
Hi everyone out there in the world, either JW's or just those who are interested.
I would like to comment on the claim of a GB member posting on the net.
I am personally very sceptical, but I have read with interest his supposed postings and those of others. I noticed for instance one saying that in some way Ray Franz could provide proof or not of his claim.
I think we are all missing the issue here. Let me explain, I was a JW for most of my life. A fourth generation JW if you count the early term of Bible Students. I have had responsibility including seven years as an Elder, with four of those spent as Watchtower Overseer.
In the end I could not carry on speaking from the platform and trying to persuade the Brothers and Sisters that what I was reading was the 'Truth' as our Lord and Master intended. What I'm trying to say is that I shared a responsibility before the Father in the fact that I now believed that I was passing on untruth. In all conscience I could not continue, and I resigned hoping that I could carry on as a rank and file member of the congregation.
The trouble was that as I started to study and examine all kinds of issues, and I realised that I couldn't even bear to go inside a Kingdom Hall. I am more convinced now that an organization such as the WT Society is not backed by our Heavenly Father than I was ever convinced that they were.
The point is that I took direct action even though it hurt and was bewildering in the first instance. The action was necessary because of my relationship with the Father through my mediator Jesus Christ, and although I will have to answer for my joint responsibility to my Lord and Saviour for the wasted years I spent in the JW sect, I am happier now that I have found true Christian freedom and feel that I have at least some of the 'real truth' - from the Bible!
I would therefore say to this claimed GB member that what you say is not important. What you do is! You are partially responsible for a vast array of what I consider heinous crimes against my Brothers and Sisters who are too frightened to take direct action against untruth, to frightened to challenge and question things that are obviously questionable.
Take one issue, Blood! If just one man, woman or child has died as a result of the WT Society's constantly changing policy, just one - then you are partially responsible and your Heavenly Father will expect an accounting. He is merciful, but all of us will still have to pay according to our share of responsibility.
Therefore I appeal to you to take direct action. While still a GB member (if that is what you are) then expose the wrong! Cast out the moneychangers! You cannot think to stay there and work from the inside. You cannot sew new patches on old wineskins.
I appeal in this way because members of my family still attend meetings and submit themselves to your yoke of bondage and slavery. Allow them the chance of freedom of the Christ.
Here I have to tread carefully as they still believe at the moment and I don't want to frighten them further into the organization. They are beginning to realize gradually. So gently, gently does it. However, know this that I don't hold you totally respnsible. I am more responsible for not seeing the error sooner.
May I take this opportunity at this time of thanking Ray Franz for his helpful books. Thankyou for saving me a job! Those books sum up my feelings so well, and deal with all the issues that I have had questions about. If anyone knows his address or phone number, then pleas email me it so that I can thank himself in person.
Finally for all those out there who have had similar experiences themselves, I feel for you and understand. Please email me if you want to talk, and please think about me as I tread that very fine path of avoiding disfellowshipment.
May the Father bless all those who love truth.