Posted by Cygnus [Cygnus] on April 05, 1999 at 08:18:09 {6.uz.4vynMh1hzMDt7ogL4bdfUTIaI}:
In Reply to: ?s for the reform minded posted by Julie on April 05, 1999 at 06:42:41:
Okay, I'll take a shot at those questions. (putting on reform-minded hat)
: Would charity still consist of handing out tracts in the midst of disaster?
Yes, for the reason that "God's Kingdom is the ultimate solution to man's problems" and such informative material gives downtrodden people a "real hope for the future."
: Would the superiority complex many JWs sport still be encouraged?
Yes, JWs have a lot of pride in their international organization and in the accomplishments of love and unity. Apostle Paul's letters could also be accused of demonstrating a "superiority complex."
: Would you have the WT "come clean" about mistakes in the past? (i.e. organ transplants, failed prophesies etc.)
Yes, if only to quiet critics from evangelical organizations who focus on matters that just about every JW finds miniscule in importance, but that uninformed people of the world make an issue out of.
: How would you go about getting the 5 million followers to "reform" with you?
Easy. Print it in the Watchtower or Kingdom Ministry. When it's in print, it's policy. Repetition for emphasis wouldn't hurt, either.
: Would you still stick with the "slave labor" arrangement for the printing facilities?
Yes, it is all volunteer. It should be made more attractive however. Perhaps some sort of training or educational program could be included for people who serve for 2-4 years and then need to get a real job.
: Would you reconsider the cross over the torture stake in the light of evidence presented by those without personal interest?
Yes. It is really irrelevant what instrument was used to secure Christ's death, and the WT should stop making an issue out of it. But for the sake the consciences of many, we would not start using the term "cross." "Tree" is a good compromise.
: Would you cease the judicial hearings and the arrangement where the faithful are encouraged to "turn in" those who aren't with the program completely?
There is a phrase commonly used when discussing building codes -- "authority having jurisdiction." Local elders are the authority having jurisdiction in their and only their congregation, and their authority should only be leveled as far as that congregation.
Judicial hearings should end with 10% or less disfellowshipings.
Christians should not use the elders as the local disciplinarians. They should be able to correct each other, as grown adults in the faith. Elders ought to be called in only once in a while, under extreme circumstances (Gal 6:1-5).
: Would you eliminate books like the Secret Elder Handbook?
No. Those in positions of reponsibility need some guidelines that others need not have access to. This is not uncommon in any organization.
: Last but not least, since the excuse that the organization has been run amok by "imperfect men" is so widely used to explain WT errors, could other religions also be given such consideration?
Absolutely, however, to be consistent with currect JW teaching, only the "anointed remnant" are counted as the true Ambassadors for Christ, and therefore representatives of the true religion. We could ease up on the demonization of Christendom, but they cannot be included as being representative of true Christianity.
How was that? :-)