I know this sounds overboard but it’s been haunting me for awhile. I’ve mentioned this before on the main site a few times yet I didn’t get many replies. I wondered if a could be the case since the vax push has been very apparent in the last few updates. I can’t say exactly how many of the friends are on board with it but there does seem to be some objection on the matter. But there was an article that could potentially lead into such a situation. In the article
*** w13 11/15 p. 20 pars. 17-18 Seven Shepherds, Eight Dukes—What They Mean for Us Today *** it states:
17 Elders who are reading this article can draw some useful conclusions from the account we have just considered: (1) The most practical step that we can take to prepare for the coming attack of “the Assyrian” is that of strengthening our faith in God and helping our brothers to do the same. (2) When “the Assyrian” attacks, the elders must be absolutely convinced that Jehovah will deliver us. (3) At that time, the life-saving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not. (4) Now is the time for any who may be putting their trust in secular education, material things, or human institutions to adjust their thinking. The elders must stand ready to help any who may now be wavering in their faith.
One notorious ex-JW who is firmly secular, mentioned this part of the article when answering a persons call about a similar situation happening in the Org like Heaven’s Gate. What do you guys think?
Here's Jim Jones' last talk:
I listened to the tape that you linked and did some poking around about what happened at Jonestown. And while I won’t speculate as to whether that will literally happen amongst JWs, I will say that there were some preparatory lessons to be had …especially if you consider how it all started compared to how it ended.
The whole movement with Jim Jones started off in a loving, caring, idealistic way. He did a lot of good in ways that were sorely needed in the early years, which is what drew in the converts. But as the movement picked up steam, cracks in the foundation started to show. There were allegations of abusive behavior while the group was still in the US. That’s what prompted the move to South America. But despite these things that should’ve caused pause, about 1000 people followed him into the jungle of Guyana, thousands of miles from home. Some immediately regretted it upon arrival …but what do you do then?
It was after the move that the abuse really stepped up, when there was no one to step in. He had armed guards stationed around the camp and any who tried to escape were subject to punishment and/or “drug rehabilitation“ until they showed no more desire to escape. He was spreading propaganda saying that people were poised to massacre and raid the camp. That they were going to take their children and that the bad guys were putting people in concentration camps. They couldn’t leave the camp to be able to find out for themselves if his tales were really true.
He would also hold ”drills” on “white nights” where he would tell everyone to drink from the cups. They had no idea whether it was laced or not. Think of the conditioning that he’s putting them through by doing this. He was also able to determine who was reticent about drinking the “Koolaid”. Those are the ones he made drink first when he decided that this was the day.
But listening to the tape with all this context in mind, you can really get a sense of the turmoil that was going on. You can hear one lady put forth her voice to argue for individual rights. She believed that everyone should be able to make their own choice. Then the fanatics start voicing their disapproval. They get up and start giving motivational speeches with much accompanying applause. Jones and others are telling those in the audience to stop crying and ‘Why do you have tears in your eyes?’ ‘You should want to lay down your life for this cause.’ ‘How do you want to die? In a way that you choose or let the enemy cause you a much worse death and steal your children?’ The psychological warfare was in full swing but many of these people were not fully convinced that this was the answer. But remember the armed guards…
They start giving the drink to the children. The children start convulsing and foaming at the mouth. Jones says, ‘Don’t worry, it’s not causing them pain.’ Imagine what the other children are thinking as they’re seeing their little friends dying. The speeches rage on. Children are crying, parents are told to stay calm, to keep their emotions in check …’this Is noble, it’s for a good cause’. Children keep crying. Soon it’s the adults turn. ‘Hurry, hurry,’ urges Jones. Recall the armed guards. These people have a choice …drink or else. When it was all over, the teams found that some of the bodies had injection marks on them, indicating that some had not been so willing to down the poison. Absolutely disgusting!
So what are the lessons I gleaned from this lil sojourn down history’s lane …that may have some bearing on the situation with JWs? Well, first off, Jones’ movement just started so well. It met a deep need for people and at least in the beginning, really helped people. That’s where the trust got built up. I’m sure most of us feel that there were some good things that the WT provided for us in the beginning. The trust was built. And then come the red flags. But hasn‘t this religion done so much good, taught us about the Bible and introduced us to Jehovah? No organization is perfect so despite the cracks, we’re going to continue to show our loyalty.
But there‘s dangerous people who are poking their noses into our paradise. They don’t like what they are seeing in our garden …so we must keep them out! It’s not perfect but haven’t we gained so much? We must protect our group at all costs! So then starts the cutting off of outside family and friends. But now with the seclusion, where do you go if you decide things are starting to get ugly in here? The armed guards ahem elders start coming out. The drugs are here to appease the situation …it’s good to have questions but but but maybe some things are just better swept under the rug. Don’t worry about it, just keep busy …you won’t even have time to entertain those thoughts. But if that doesn’t convince you, well maybe losing access to everyone you ever cared about will help nudge you in the right direction. We’ll view you as spiritually dead …and since you’ve cut everyone else off, where will you go? As Jim Jones indicated on the tape, ‘You can’t be happy without me.’ (Paraphrased)
Now here’s where it gets real interesting… It behooves us to really consider carefully Jesus’ warning to flee because there came a point where leaving was no longer possible. The lady who valiantly stood up and shared her view to Jim that each one should be able to choose for themselves was courageous. It would have been difficult to stand her ground in the midst of these loud fanatics. However, she stood up and said what she felt was right. I really feel love for that lady. The kicker is though …that she died that night with the rest of them. There was no way out. The armed guards weren‘t moved by her pleas.
As I said, I’m not going to speculate as to whether there will be a literal Jonestown amongst JWs. However, there are definite parallels in the tactics that Jim Jones used and the tactics that are used against trusting JWs. Silence the conscience and don’t dwell on those cracks you see forming all around you. Just stay put and put all your worries out of your mind …Now try to imagine what it will be like in the midst of the organization when things really start going awry. Say if a negative toll from the vaccine ‘mandate‘ starts to surface. JWs who had fully trusted in the GB start to see that they were betrayed. They begin to see that there are actually injuries and deaths from the vaccine. There may be confusion and tears. Some may valiantly stand up trying to reason with the leaders. Then come out those Loyal to the Death adherents who will defend the GB no matter what the evidence shows. It’s their voices that overpower. More confusion and perhaps anger. Out comes the announcement that everyone’s been told will come. Just be obedient even though it makes no sense from a human standpoint!
BUT…
We can’t know what will come of it all …but I think it’ll be very wise to heed Jesus’ admonition to flee at some point.
My takeaway is that it’s not worth being that lady, valiant though she was …still trying to talk some sense into a leader whose actions clearly showed that he couldn’t be swayed from his mad course.
It makes me think of the song The Gambler by Kenny Rogers …
You got to know when to hold ‘em
Know when to fold ‘em
Know when to walk away
And know when to run
That‘s my two bits😅
