Their own Research Guide says this:
“Research Guide says: “
Do not go beyond the things that are written: This phrase is not a quote from the Hebrew Scriptures. However, it appears to have been a well-known rule or saying. This rule implies that God’s servants are not to teach anything that goes beyond the laws and principles expressed in God’s inspired Word. For example, Christians should not go beyond the limits that the Scriptures set regarding how to view themselves and others. The Corinthians had fallen into the trap of boasting in certain men, maybe Apollos and even Paul. They favored one person over the other and were creating disunity. Perhaps as an object lesson to the Corinthians, Paul had quoted the Hebrew Scriptures a number of times up to this point in his letter. He did it to support his arguments, using the phrase “it is written.”—1Co 1:19, 31; 2:9; 3:19; see also 1Co 9:9; 10:7; 14:21; 15:45.”
However, by what they have done with the vaccine, it is apparent that they have molded themselves into the same pattern of the Pharisees by seating themselves in the seat of Moses. As bad as it is and it is a huge betrayal of Jehovah, Jesus, brothers and sisters, I am still thankful it is being exposed so that we can clearly see it. The scripture below is basic but so important. Also, notice that the Pharisees wore the scripture-containing cases as though it was a safeguard. Can’t we say the same about the masks? And, now the main part of the ministry is the carts, which may be something to just be “seen by men” and often involves no spiritual discussions at all.
Matthew 23:1-12: “Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to his disciples, saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the seat of Moses. Therefore, all the things they tell you, do and observe, but do not do according to their deeds, for they say but they do not practice what they say. They bind up heavy loads and put them on the shoulders of men, but they themselves are not willing to budge them with their finger. All the works they do, they do to be seen by men, for they broaden the scripture-containing cases that they wear as safeguards and lengthen the fringes of their garments. They like the most prominent place at evening meals and the front seats in the synagogues and the greetings in the marketplaces and to be called Rabbi by men. But you, do not you be called Rabbi, for one is your Teacher, and all of you are brothers. Moreover, do not call anyone your father on earth, for one is your Father, the heavenly One. Neither be called leaders, for your Leader is one, the Christ. But the greatest one among you must be your minister. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
I remember the part that David Spane gave on one of the Broadcasts where he went into quite a long-winded detailed discussion of how they "fact checked" their resources so that everything they publish can be trusted thoroughly and we can trust that it is accurate information.
At the time, it sounded reasonable, but when that above update came out and those words came out of his mouth, he forever lost his credibility with me as did all the other GB. It is clear that they did not "fact check" this vaccine. All they said in the letter that was read out loud was "studies how shown" that those who take the vaccine "blah, blah, blah".
Now, I used to read medical studies for a living. I have binders full of them. I not only read the studies, but I read the footnoted studies that the studies referred to. I have found error after errors in these studies which is why they have the "peer review" process.
The whole reason for "peer review" is so that the scientific community can fact-check the study and see if the study was set it up well and see if the process for coming to their conclusions was sound and if the other scientists can duplicate the results or see if there were errors.
No such reference was given so that I could even read the study. The implication was "trust us". And the mantra during COVID was "trust the science". Even brothers and sisters who were doctors/nurses were brushed aside and silenced. Only the ones who agreed with what they were saying were listened to.
Uh, news flash: Science has NEVER been about trust. It's always been about questioning the results and being skeptical and asking questions. THAT is what the scientific method IS. And healthy debate and discussion is welcomed. That's what PEER REVIEW IS. That's why they have scientific JOURNALS.
It was insulting to my intelligence. One thing I've notice, especially after COVID, is how we are spoken to like children. The tone of voice is insulting. This is not how adults have conversations. It is patronizing, condescending, and demeaning. They sound like Mr. Rogers. The infantilizing process is something that a lot of the Witnesses that I know just LOVE because it makes them feel "safe" to "just trust the organization" and not have to do the deep study or thinking for themselves.
Jehovah has indeed allowed a "deluding influence" to go forth.
The one thing that has struck me on this site is how intelligent everyone is and what deep thinkers they are. It's wonderful. I feel like "iron is sharpening iron" here. In real life, I feel like I am having conversations with small children or with people with Alzheimer's.
I know that sounds stuck up, but when I have conversations with worldly people, it's not that way at all.
To be frank, it's so boring to talk with the Witnesses. And, during COVID, with the talks about "conspiracy theories and misinformation" I can't even talk about current events with them. The Zoom service groups had become so shallow and mundane that I just stopped going.
I think that's by design and it's got evil intent. And, it's 1984 thought control.
The scriptures say to love Jehovah with your WHOLE MIND. Jehovah gave us these beautiful brains with which to serve him with and which to think with.
I have come to believe that Jehovah has allowed this deluding influence to sift and test because the organization because He only wants those with a "whole heart, mind, and soul" who love him. His wisdom in all of this has clearly come to the fore and I go back and forth on whether to stay or go.
One minute, I feel compassion and want to stay and help, and the other I'm like "I'm out, I can't take this anymore". It's maddening.
