Posted by J [J] on April 05, 1999 at 08:58:38 {6.uz.4vynMehU3MO1aSEeFQE7AtTPE}:
In Reply to: ?s for the reform minded posted by Julie on April 05, 1999 at 06:42:41:
Here's my crack at this for what it is worth:
Would charity still consist of handing out tracts in the midst of disaster?
Charitable activities should be expanded to aid ANY who need assistance. While tract work will still continue we need to make more of an effort to help those in need until such a time that "God's Kingdom corrects matters"
Would the superiority complex many JWs sport still be encouraged?
It will likely continue but should not be "encouraged". Even the Apostles fought this tendancy. "who is greater..."
Would you have the WT "come clean" about mistakes in the past? (i.e. organ transplants, failed prophesies etc.)
This would be a necessity. "confession is good for the soul" Shifting of blame is not "acts befitting repentance. Articles such as the recent one saying that suffering due to alternative service is the individual's own fault should be retracted and apologies made!
How would you go about getting the 5 million followers to "reform" with you?
Advertise Advertise Advertise - Publish in KM and study articles along with Keynote Address at conventions.
Would you still stick with the "slave labor" arrangement for
the printing facilities?
I do not consider it slave labour. Donation of one's energies and time to something one believes in is noble. I would like to see increased compensation and some kind of retirement plan instituted for long time servants.
Would you reconsider the cross over the torture stake in the light of evidence presented by those without personal interest?
Not a necessity in my opinion. I'd stop using it as a judgement tool against "Babylon" though. It is not a big enough issue to be concerned with. I still would not wear a cross or stake around my neck though.
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?
Some matters do need to be dealt with on the local level. Ratting on other flock members must be stopped however as do the star chamber approach to committee matters.
Would you eliminate books like the Secret Elder Handbook?
No. Policy matters need to be written and clear instructions given to those "taking the lead". For the record there is too much ado about nothing about this book. Any who read it are dissappointed that it is not as juicy as they thought. There is another publication entitled "Branch Organization" that details everything about how a Branch should be set up and organized. All the Bethel rules are outlined therein. That is by far a more interesting read. But alas I digress. the "Pay Attention" book is simply a compilation of watchtower quotes and scriptural references with minor editorial commentary. YAWN. I know I was somewhat let down when I first received it. Wasn't any more enlightened than I was before I read it.
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?
We need to become less judgemental about other religions. We can debate theological positions etc but it is not our place to judge others as wicked and destined for destruction.
I think I know that the blood prohibition
Conscience matter!!
and shunning nonsense
I am yet undecided on this. Some sort of shunning is "somewhat" scriptural. I disagree with cutting off family ties or being rude to such ones. But some sort of non association (except for families) is appropriate for gross unrepentant sinners. i.e. Would you invited a man whose has regularly cheated on his wife to your home for dinner? But would you help such an individual if he was in need? For me the answers are no i would not actively associate but would continue to act charitably towards him including a friendly smile should we see each other in a mall.
Good questions Julie. Got me thinking again about where I stand on
these issues. Can't really say I have been spending a lot of time recently thinking about the Org. Too busy with life.
J