Chapter 20 - Amos and Obadiah

[SusanB]

Here is the link to read the chapter and/or listen to the audio: http://jehovah-is-king.com/amos-obadiah/

I think a lot of this chapter has actually been thoroughly discussed on the forum but if any of you have a topic from this chapter, just post it and it can be discussed again. I found some interesting questions for thought that are mentioned in this chapter and I wanted to highlight those. For background the chapter clarifies who Edom, Ammon and Moab symbolize and I find it another exact fit. Here is the quote from Chapter 20:

”The November 15th, 2004, Watchtower correctly points out that Edom, Ammon and Moab were closely related to the Hebrews. The Edomites were the descendants of Esau—Jacob’s twin brother. Ammon and Moab were the two sons that Lot had by his daughters when they were reduced to living a caveman-like existence in the aftermath of the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The three nations that descended from Esau, Moab and Ammon had similar customs and dialects and were geographic neighbors to the sons of Jacob after the Exodus. What is the significance of that as it applies to the prophetic Edom, Ammon and Moab? The Watchtower offers no interpretation—for reasons that will become apparent. But, it should be evident that Christendom is aptly symbolized by those three nations; seeing that nearly all sects of Christendom today have evolved from the three main branches of Catholicism, Orthodoxy and Protestantism. And, just as Edom was the most dominant nation of the three and is mentioned most frequently in prophecy in relation to Jacob, it appropriately pictures the Catholic Church.”

Most active brothers and sisters do not fully realize who is symbolized by Edom, Ammon and Moab and they don’t realize that the judgment and correction of Jehovah’s people is still to come. And yet the following questions (from Chapter 20) should provoke some self-examination and reflection:

”If Jehovah is in fact going to judge the leaders of his people, is it not the responsibility of each individual to honestly evaluate the policies and practices of the organization that elders are obligated to defend? After all, it is not human opinion that determines how God judges. If even one child has suffered harm due to the negligence of appointed overseers or because of their having enforced tactics and policies emanating directly from Bethel’s Legal Department, is that not reason enough for them to humbly confess and repent of such badness? That is the choice Jehovah placed before the house of Israel: Either they repent, or Jehovah would set their house on fire. In fact, Jehovah pleaded with his people to repent of their wickedness so as to keep living. Amos 5:6 reads: “Search for Jehovah, and keep living, so that he does not burst out like a fire on the house of Joseph, consuming Bethel, with no one to extinguish it. You turn justice into wormwood, and you cast righteousness to the earth.”

Now with these questions in mind, we can consider what pattern of repentance was shown in ancient times that brought healing to God’s people and I thought of 1 Chronicles 21:16 where Satan had inspired David to number the Israelites and it brought judgment against the nation and 70,000 died by Jehovah’s command. But here is the lesson in repentance: “When David raised his eyes, he saw Jehovah’s angel standing between the earth and the heavens with a drawn sword in his hand extended toward Jerusalem. David and the elders, covered with sackcloth, at once threw themselves down with their faces to the ground. David said to the true God: “Was it not I who said to number the people? I am the one who sinned, and I am the one who did wrong; but these sheep—what have they done? O Jehovah my God, let your hand, please, come against me and my father’s house; but do not bring this scourge on your people.”

What I noticed in the account is that David 1) confessed his sin; 2) showed true and obvious regret; 3) he accepted responsibility and did not try to deflect the blame on others; 4) he prayed to Jehovah in an honest and heartfelt expression.

And then in the Greek scriptures we have Acts 19:18-20, which shows a similar pattern: “And many of those who had become believers would come and confess and report their practices openly. Indeed, quite a number of those who practiced magical arts brought their books together and burned them up before everybody. And they calculated their value and found them worth 50,000 pieces of silver. Thus in a mighty way, the word of Jehovah kept growing and prevailing.

 

[Watchman]

Rather than deal with some of their discrepancies of interpretation, the Watchtower is slowly shutting the book on prophecy. Their approach now is to turn prophecy into behavior modification lessons. The best example of that is what they have done to Jeremiah.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Rather than deal with some of their discrepancies of interpretation, the Watchtower is slowly shutting the book on prophecy. Their approach now is to turn prophecy into behavior modification lessons. The best example of that is what they have done to Jeremiah.

I had not looked at it that way. I think you’re right. How can they discuss prophesy when its critical interpretation has already been completed so they say?! There is nothing left to hang the surrounding issues of preparedness upon that lead to salvation? They have cut out their own tongues and left themselves without a voice!

 

[SusanB]

Rather than deal with some of their discrepancies of interpretation, the Watchtower is slowly shutting the book on prophecy. Their approach now is to turn prophecy into behavior modification lessons. The best example of that is what they have done to Jeremiah.

Yes this is how they deflect anyone correcting them by twisting the meaning of the scriptures to apply to those who do not worship Jehovah.

*** jr chap. 3 p. 32 par. 2 “You Must Say to Them This Word” ***
2 However, some Witnesses might say: ‘Our preaching work is different from that of Jeremiah. He was God’s spokesman to a nation that was dedicated to Him, while most of those to whom we preach do not know Jehovah.’ That is true. But by Jeremiah’s time, most Jews had become “unwise” and had left the true God. (Read Jeremiah 5:20-22.) They needed to change to worship Jehovah acceptably. Similarly, people today—whether claiming to be Christian or not—need to learn to fear Jehovah and pursue true worship. Let us see how we can serve the true God and help people by imitating Jeremiah.

https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=1102010142&srctype=wol&srcid=share&par=4

and they say to read Jeremiah 5:20-22 which clearly shows the message is intended for Jehovah’s people and not non-worshippers:

Jeremiah 5:20-22:
“Declare this in the house of Jacob,
And proclaim it in Judah, saying:
“Hear this, you foolish and senseless people:

They have eyes but cannot see;
They have ears but cannot hear.
‘Do you not fear me?’ declares Jehovah,
‘Should you not tremble before me?
It is I who placed the sand as the boundary for the sea,
A permanent regulation that it cannot pass over.
Although its waves toss, they cannot prevail;
Although they roar, they still cannot pass beyond it.”

It is true that everyone needs to learn to fear Jehovah and pursue true worship regardless of whether or not they are claiming to be Christian but some of the messages are especially pointed because they are intended for those who do claim to be Christian and are not living up to their name.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

I think the failure for people to investigate their leadership is simply because they think it right. For example, no one knows what pure worship is like, or Jehovah’s “organisation”. They just accept it. I’m not being obtuse, but I feel it part of the permitted lie. Why? Because of the end result in exposing the lie and what it means, and what must be done by those awakened. Educate me!

 

[SusanB]

Chapter 20 was very eye-opening to me regarding the lack of justice within the ORG. I think it really hit me square in the eyes because I was already very familiar with the scriptural principles and yet until I read Robert King’s book, I did not connect the dots on this matter. Here is the quote:

“…take the matter of the Watchtower’s policy regarding two witnesses: According to the Law of Moses at Deuteronomy 19:15, “No single witness may convict another for any error or any sin that he may commit. On the testimony of two witnesses or on the testimony of three witnesses the matter should be established.”

Although in other matters, such as observing a weekly sabbath, the Watchtower is quick to point out that Christians are not bound by the law that God gave exclusively to the ancient Hebrew nation, when it comes to allegations of child sexual abuse the Watchtower has come to view the “two witness” aspect of Jewish law as more than a mere principle, but rather, as a binding law.

One reason that God gave his nation a law requiring two witnesses was so that it might work as a safeguard to prevent wicked individuals from falsely accusing an innocent person. That is why the law went on to say at Deuteronomy 19:16-18: “If a malicious witness testifies against a man and charges him with some transgression, the two men who have the dispute will stand before Jehovah, before the priests and the judges who will be serving in those days. The judges will thoroughly investigate, and if the man who testified is a false witness and has brought a false charge against his brother, you should do to him just as he had schemed to do to his brother, and you must remove what is bad from your midst.”

Analyzing the passage above, even the Jewish law stipulated that in case there were not the mandatory two or three witnesses to substantiate the charges the judges and priests were under obligation to investigate and make a determination. How could the judges know if the accuser was scheming against his brother? As it says, they were to make a “thorough investigation.” The case was not simply dropped because there were no other witnesses. The accuser and the accused were not told to “wait on Jehovah.” It was up to the men serving as judges to establish the guilt or innocence of the accused; and consequently, the guilt or innocence of the accuser as well. So, if the elders of Bethel are going to make a pretense of following Jewish law in the administration of Christian affairs they are obligated to follow the whole law, even as Paul wrote at Galatians 5:3.”

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Chapter 20 was very eye-opening to me regarding the lack of justice within the ORG. I think it really hit me square in the eyes because I was already very familiar with the scriptural principles and yet until I read Robert King’s book, I did not connect the dots on this matter. Here is the quote:

“…take the matter of the Watchtower’s policy regarding two witnesses: According to the Law of Moses at Deuteronomy 19:15, “No single witness may convict another for any error or any sin that he may commit. On the testimony of two witnesses or on the testimony of three witnesses the matter should be established.”

Although in other matters, such as observing a weekly sabbath, the Watchtower is quick to point out that Christians are not bound by the law that God gave exclusively to the ancient Hebrew nation, when it comes to allegations of child sexual abuse the Watchtower has come to view the “two witness” aspect of Jewish law as more than a mere principle, but rather, as a binding law.

One reason that God gave his nation a law requiring two witnesses was so that it might work as a safeguard to prevent wicked individuals from falsely accusing an innocent person. That is why the law went on to say at Deuteronomy 19:16-18: “If a malicious witness testifies against a man and charges him with some transgression, the two men who have the dispute will stand before Jehovah, before the priests and the judges who will be serving in those days. The judges will thoroughly investigate, and if the man who testified is a false witness and has brought a false charge against his brother, you should do to him just as he had schemed to do to his brother, and you must remove what is bad from your midst.”

Analyzing the passage above, even the Jewish law stipulated that in case there were not the mandatory two or three witnesses to substantiate the charges the judges and priests were under obligation to investigate and make a determination. How could the judges know if the accuser was scheming against his brother? As it says, they were to make a “thorough investigation.” The case was not simply dropped because there were no other witnesses. The accuser and the accused were not told to “wait on Jehovah.” It was up to the men serving as judges to establish the guilt or innocence of the accused; and consequently, the guilt or innocence of the accuser as well. So, if the elders of Bethel are going to make a pretense of following Jewish law in the administration of Christian affairs they are obligated to follow the whole law, even as Paul wrote at Galatians 5:3.”

Thanks. Good points. There is another issue about child abuse “witness requirements“ that the GB have not considered insofar as witnesses are concerned to a crime - and I was surprised that the lawyer at the Australian commission did not pick up on either - and that was the testimony of the victim. Abuse testimony is not exactly difficult to substantiate to informed interrogators and the law permits what are called evidence indicators of abuse (technically unsubstantiated but nonetheless “believable” because the experiences are unique and cannot be mimicked). If anything, the GB condemn themselves by their intransigence on this matter. I think their motive is not to “protect Jehovah’s name’, but to retain their luxurious lifestyle and bathe in their self importance.

 

[SusanB]

Chapter 20 has some great commentary and really at some point, I am just “preaching to the choir” but I never get tired of reading meaningful scriptures and this one from Amos 5:10 is the exact situation in the ORG today.

Amos 5:10 reads: “They hate those who give reproof in the city gate, and they detest those who speak truthfully.”

 

[Ms_ladyblue]

Although in other matters, such as observing a weekly sabbath, the Watchtower is quick to point out that Christians are not bound by the law that God gave exclusively to the ancient Hebrew nation, when it comes to allegations of child sexual abuse the Watchtower has come to view the “two witness” aspect of Jewish law as more than a mere principle, but rather, as a binding law.

And what about what the Law states here at Deut. 22:25-27 concerning God’s laws on sexual relations?

“If, however, the man happened to meet the engaged girl in the field and the man overpowered her and lay down with her, the man who lay down with her is to die by himself, and you must do nothing to the girl. The girl has not committed a sin deserving of death. This case is the same as when a man attacks his fellow man and murders him. For he happened to meet her in the field, and the engaged girl screamed, but there was no one to rescue her.”

Point being, that in cases like this and similar ones you read in that chapter, there are NO OTHER WITNESSES.

 

[Medi-tator]

Man-oh-man, not unlike other chapters in Jehovah Has Become King, this chapter is loaded with prophetic pronouncements of epic proportions. Who would have thought that those "minor" books of Amos and Obadiah could contain so much applicable info for our exact time period, right now. Like I said, there is a ton to consider in the 23 pages of this chapter with several interesting questions answered but here is a sampling of something I found interesting that RK commented on:

(I thought I would join Sister Susan in highlighting some of this amazing chapter)

Begin of Robert's comments =================

"The Society frequently invokes the biblical account of the rebellious Korah, who challenged Moses’ authority and who was subsequently swallowed alive when Jehovah caused the very earth beneath his feet to fissure. The implication is that anyone who dares call Bethel to account for its behavior will be similarly plunged into Sheol, or worse—the everlasting fires of Gehenna! But, alas, in spite of the hardships that all of the Israelites must have endured in their Wilderness trek, Korah was not the victim of Moses’ heartless and hurtful policies,was he?

Jehovah described Moses as being the meekest man on earth, by far. Does the leadership of Jehovah’s Witnesses exhibit what could be described as meekness? Although as individuals some members of the Governing Body and extended leadership of the Society may possess Christ-like humility, as an institution it has become ruthless and hypocritical. Amos 5:12 relates these additional words of God: “For I know how many yourrevolts are and how great your sins are —You harass the righteous, you take bribes, and you deny the rights of the poor in the city gate.”

There is no barrier to Jehovah’s laser-like vision. God is able to see behind any façade or pretense that may be erected by men. God even sees into the future so as to offer reproof in advance! For a certainty, Jehovah is fully aware of the fact that not only has the Watchtower crushed the plaintive cry of the poor abused ones and arrogantly scoffed at any criticism of its unrighteousness, but as the prophecy indicates, it takes
bribes.

End of Robert's comments ===================

AND HERE IS ANOTHER SAMPLING

Begin of Robert's comments =================

“Because they sell the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of sandals. They trample the heads of the lowly into the dust of the earth, and they block the path of the meek. A man and his father have relations with the same girl, profaning my holy name.” — Amos 2: 6-7 How many meek and lowly seekers of God have been or will yet become stumbled by the Watchtower’s wicked doings and injustice? How many children have to be sacrificed in order to protect the Watchtower’s public image?

In the verse quoted above, Jehovah makes a connection between the immorality of prostitution and the selling of lowly persons for mere money. Today among Jehovah’s Witnesses, instead of temple prostitution between presumably consenting adults, Jehovah’s name has been profaned by the even more morally repugnant sin of child molestation. Similar to Jehovah’s condemnation of Israel in ancient times, the
rebuke applies to Jehovah’s Witnesses today for tolerating and coddling child molesters while persecuting their victims and advocates and paying out millions in donated funds to buy their silence.

The primary concern of the top level of the Society’s hierarchy does not appear to be the spiritual welfare of those whose faith has been shattered, but of merely keeping the status quo and protecting its public image. Above all other things, the financial welfare of the vast Watchtower publishing empire appears to be Bethel’s main consideration.

Therefore, it seems that these words of Amos are directed toward those who are the honored ones of Bethel, the princes of Jehovah’s earthly estate —living at the expense of others: “They lie on beds of ivory and sprawl out on couches, eating the rams of the flock and the fattened calves; they improvise songs to the sound of the harp, and like David, they invent musical instruments; they drink wine by
the bowlful and anoint themselves with the choicest oils. But they are unconcerned about the catastrophe of Joseph.” —Amos 6:4-6

End of Robert's comments =================

Another amazing chapter!! Thank you RK!!

Med

 

[evw]

Man-oh-man, not unlike other chapters in Jehovah Has Become King, this chapter is loaded with prophetic pronouncements of epic proportions. Who would have thought that those "minor" books of Amos and Obadiah could contain so much applicable info for our exact time period, right now. Like I said, there is a ton to consider in the 23 pages of this chapter with several interesting questions answered but here is a sampling of something I found interesting that RK commented on:

(I thought I would join Sister Susan in highlighting some of this amazing chapter)

Begin of Robert's comments =================

"The Society frequently invokes the biblical account of the rebellious Korah, who challenged Moses’ authority and who was subsequently swallowed alive when Jehovah caused the very earth beneath his feet to fissure. The implication is that anyone who dares call Bethel to account for its behavior will be similarly plunged into Sheol, or worse—the everlasting fires of Gehenna! But, alas, in spite of the hardships that all of the Israelites must have endured in their Wilderness trek, Korah was not the victim of Moses’ heartless and hurtful policies,was he?

Jehovah described Moses as being the meekest man on earth, by far. Does the leadership of Jehovah’s Witnesses exhibit what could be described as meekness? Although as individuals some members of the Governing Body and extended leadership of the Society may possess Christ-like humility, as an institution it has become ruthless and hypocritical. Amos 5:12 relates these additional words of God: “For I know how many yourrevolts are and how great your sins are —You harass the righteous, you take bribes, and you deny the rights of the poor in the city gate.”

There is no barrier to Jehovah’s laser-like vision. God is able to see behind any façade or pretense that may be erected by men. God even sees into the future so as to offer reproof in advance! For a certainty, Jehovah is fully aware of the fact that not only has the Watchtower crushed the plaintive cry of the poor abused ones and arrogantly scoffed at any criticism of its unrighteousness, but as the prophecy indicates, it takes
bribes.

End of Robert's comments ===================

AND HERE IS ANOTHER SAMPLING

Begin of Robert's comments =================

“Because they sell the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of sandals. They trample the heads of the lowly into the dust of the earth, and they block the path of the meek. A man and his father have relations with the same girl, profaning my holy name.” — Amos 2: 6-7 How many meek and lowly seekers of God have been or will yet become stumbled by the Watchtower’s wicked doings and injustice? How many children have to be sacrificed in order to protect the Watchtower’s public image?

In the verse quoted above, Jehovah makes a connection between the immorality of prostitution and the selling of lowly persons for mere money. Today among Jehovah’s Witnesses, instead of temple prostitution between presumably consenting adults, Jehovah’s name has been profaned by the even more morally repugnant sin of child molestation. Similar to Jehovah’s condemnation of Israel in ancient times, the
rebuke applies to Jehovah’s Witnesses today for tolerating and coddling child molesters while persecuting their victims and advocates and paying out millions in donated funds to buy their silence.

The primary concern of the top level of the Society’s hierarchy does not appear to be the spiritual welfare of those whose faith has been shattered, but of merely keeping the status quo and protecting its public image. Above all other things, the financial welfare of the vast Watchtower publishing empire appears to be Bethel’s main consideration.

Therefore, it seems that these words of Amos are directed toward those who are the honored ones of Bethel, the princes of Jehovah’s earthly estate —living at the expense of others: “They lie on beds of ivory and sprawl out on couches, eating the rams of the flock and the fattened calves; they improvise songs to the sound of the harp, and like David, they invent musical instruments; they drink wine by
the bowlful and anoint themselves with the choicest oils. But they are unconcerned about the catastrophe of Joseph.” —Amos 3:4-6

End of Robert's comments =================

Another amazing chapter!! Thank you RK!!

Med

Thank you Med-tator, may I make one comment? the last text you quote is from Amos 6 v 4-6, instead of Amos 3

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Chapter 20 has some great commentary and really at some point, I am just “preaching to the choir” but I never get tired of reading meaningful scriptures and this one from Amos 5:10 is the exact situation in the ORG today.

Amos 5:10 reads: “They hate those who give reproof in the city gate, and they detest those who speak truthfully.”

I don’t think you’re preaching to the choir. My part of the choir can’t remember the words to the song half the time. It’s good to get these reminders. Please continue!

 

[Medi-tator]

Thank you Med-tator, may I make one comment? the last text you quote is from Amos 6 v 4-6, instead of Amos 3

Thank you evw! Corrected

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Man-oh-man, not unlike other chapters in Jehovah Has Become King, this chapter is loaded with prophetic pronouncements of epic proportions. Who would have thought that those "minor" books of Amos and Obadiah could contain so much applicable info for our exact time period, right now. Like I said, there is a ton to consider in the 23 pages of this chapter with several interesting questions answered but here is a sampling of something I found interesting that RK commented on:

(I thought I would join Sister Susan in highlighting some of this amazing chapter)

Begin of Robert's comments =================

"The Society frequently invokes the biblical account of the rebellious Korah, who challenged Moses’ authority and who was subsequently swallowed alive when Jehovah caused the very earth beneath his feet to fissure. The implication is that anyone who dares call Bethel to account for its behavior will be similarly plunged into Sheol, or worse—the everlasting fires of Gehenna! But, alas, in spite of the hardships that all of the Israelites must have endured in their Wilderness trek, Korah was not the victim of Moses’ heartless and hurtful policies,was he?

Jehovah described Moses as being the meekest man on earth, by far. Does the leadership of Jehovah’s Witnesses exhibit what could be described as meekness? Although as individuals some members of the Governing Body and extended leadership of the Society may possess Christ-like humility, as an institution it has become ruthless and hypocritical. Amos 5:12 relates these additional words of God: “For I know how many yourrevolts are and how great your sins are —You harass the righteous, you take bribes, and you deny the rights of the poor in the city gate.”

There is no barrier to Jehovah’s laser-like vision. God is able to see behind any façade or pretense that may be erected by men. God even sees into the future so as to offer reproof in advance! For a certainty, Jehovah is fully aware of the fact that not only has the Watchtower crushed the plaintive cry of the poor abused ones and arrogantly scoffed at any criticism of its unrighteousness, but as the prophecy indicates, it takes
bribes.

End of Robert's comments ===================

AND HERE IS ANOTHER SAMPLING

Begin of Robert's comments =================

“Because they sell the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of sandals. They trample the heads of the lowly into the dust of the earth, and they block the path of the meek. A man and his father have relations with the same girl, profaning my holy name.” — Amos 2: 6-7 How many meek and lowly seekers of God have been or will yet become stumbled by the Watchtower’s wicked doings and injustice? How many children have to be sacrificed in order to protect the Watchtower’s public image?

In the verse quoted above, Jehovah makes a connection between the immorality of prostitution and the selling of lowly persons for mere money. Today among Jehovah’s Witnesses, instead of temple prostitution between presumably consenting adults, Jehovah’s name has been profaned by the even more morally repugnant sin of child molestation. Similar to Jehovah’s condemnation of Israel in ancient times, the
rebuke applies to Jehovah’s Witnesses today for tolerating and coddling child molesters while persecuting their victims and advocates and paying out millions in donated funds to buy their silence.

The primary concern of the top level of the Society’s hierarchy does not appear to be the spiritual welfare of those whose faith has been shattered, but of merely keeping the status quo and protecting its public image. Above all other things, the financial welfare of the vast Watchtower publishing empire appears to be Bethel’s main consideration.

Therefore, it seems that these words of Amos are directed toward those who are the honored ones of Bethel, the princes of Jehovah’s earthly estate —living at the expense of others: “They lie on beds of ivory and sprawl out on couches, eating the rams of the flock and the fattened calves; they improvise songs to the sound of the harp, and like David, they invent musical instruments; they drink wine by
the bowlful and anoint themselves with the choicest oils. But they are unconcerned about the catastrophe of Joseph.” —Amos 6:4-6

End of Robert's comments =================

Another amazing chapter!! Thank you RK!!

Med

Very good reasoning In these words. The modern application is too applicable to be ignored. It reminds me about the popular argument as to whether the watchtower is the relevant party to prophesy in these days. Very much so that it is, it seems. When one looks at competing religions, their God is nameless and where their God has a title, it is not relevant to scripture. No other religion can insult Jehovah so directly and by name as watchtower can. (BTW Meditator. You must keep up with the times: you cannot say “man-o-man“ any more. It has to be “They-o-They”. It’s all in the chosen “pronoun“ now! You’ll end up with you-tube giving you a strike if you carry on like that).

 

[Medi-tator]

You’ll end up with you-tube giving you a strike

You mean Them-Tube, those guys?..I mean those they? Ah, fussocks it!

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

You mean Them-Tube, those guys?..I mean those they? Ah, fussocks it!

Hoist by my own petard! Them-tube….I should have known better! Awww Saggermakers-bottomknocker!
😃 only on e-watchthem.com

 

[SusanB]

The commentary on today’s daily text seems to dovetail perfectly with Chapter 20 of Robert King’s book. The ORG has racked up a pretty impressive record of not only “double-faced divination” but their duplicity on the issue of child abuse is pretty appalling when you actually break it down. Here is a quote from Chapter 20:

”While the Watchtower’s Legal Department hypocritically appeals to the Law of Moses in regards to the need for two witnesses in child abuse cases, under different circumstances the Watchtower alternately argues that the Law of Moses is not binding upon Christians. Yet the Watchtower’s own policies violate key legal principles embodied in the Law.

For example, Exodus 21:28-29 states: “If a bull gores a man or a woman and that one dies, the bull must be stoned to death and its meat is not to be eaten; but the owner of the bull is free from punishment. But if a bull was in the habit of goring and its owner had been warned but he would not keep it under guard and it killed a man or a woman, the bull is to be stoned and its owner is also to be put to death.”

According to God’s law, the owner of a bull who knew that the animal in his possession posed a danger to others, and yet did not take appropriate measures to protect the unwary from being gored, and someone ended up being gored to death by the bull, then, the negligent owner was held accountable for manslaughter.

The principle certainly applies in cases where child predators are allowed to remain in congregations and the elders neglect to even warn parents and children of the lurking danger.

In the case of Larry Kelly, he even confessed to the Dumas elders and the Amarillo elders knew of his crime as well but allowed Brother Kelly to serve alongside his unsuspecting brothers and sisters. Clearly, in accord with the principle of law regarding the negligent owner of a goring bull, the elders who knew of Kelly’s perverse propensities were responsible to warn the families in their charge and make sure that he was never allowed to befriend the children in the congregation. In this they failed to provide even a modicum of protection.

But alas, the local elders were not the only ones at fault. The Watchtower’s policy prevented the elders from doing what any decent person would consider to be the right and sensible thing to do. Indeed, had the elders disregarded the mandate from the Legal Department they likely would have been removed from their positions as overseers.”

Anyone recall times when we would compare worshippers in Christendom treating religion like a dinner buffet, where you pick and choose principles you like while you ignore the ones that you don’t like? And, yet the ORG has clearly done the same thing regarding the two witness rule.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

The commentary on today’s daily text seems to dovetail perfectly with Chapter 20 of Robert King’s book. The ORG has racked up a pretty impressive record of not only “double-faced divination” but their duplicity on the issue of child abuse is pretty appalling when you actually break it down. Here is a quote from Chapter 20:

”While the Watchtower’s Legal Department hypocritically appeals to the Law of Moses in regards to the need for two witnesses in child abuse cases, under different circumstances the Watchtower alternately argues that the Law of Moses is not binding upon Christians. Yet the Watchtower’s own policies violate key legal principles embodied in the Law.

For example, Exodus 21:28-29 states: “If a bull gores a man or a woman and that one dies, the bull must be stoned to death and its meat is not to be eaten; but the owner of the bull is free from punishment. But if a bull was in the habit of goring and its owner had been warned but he would not keep it under guard and it killed a man or a woman, the bull is to be stoned and its owner is also to be put to death.”

According to God’s law, the owner of a bull who knew that the animal in his possession posed a danger to others, and yet did not take appropriate measures to protect the unwary from being gored, and someone ended up being gored to death by the bull, then, the negligent owner was held accountable for manslaughter.

The principle certainly applies in cases where child predators are allowed to remain in congregations and the elders neglect to even warn parents and children of the lurking danger.

In the case of Larry Kelly, he even confessed to the Dumas elders and the Amarillo elders knew of his crime as well but allowed Brother Kelly to serve alongside his unsuspecting brothers and sisters. Clearly, in accord with the principle of law regarding the negligent owner of a goring bull, the elders who knew of Kelly’s perverse propensities were responsible to warn the families in their charge and make sure that he was never allowed to befriend the children in the congregation. In this they failed to provide even a modicum of protection.

But alas, the local elders were not the only ones at fault. The Watchtower’s policy prevented the elders from doing what any decent person would consider to be the right and sensible thing to do. Indeed, had the elders disregarded the mandate from the Legal Department they likely would have been removed from their positions as overseers.”

Anyone recall times when we would compare worshippers in Christendom treating religion like a dinner buffet, where you pick and choose principles you like while you ignore the ones that you don’t like? And, yet the ORG has clearly done the same thing regarding the two witness rule.

I think the mafia were experts at choosing bits of Catholicism to follow, especially where the bible says “Thou shalt not contract a hit.” Exodus 20. Actually, Exodus 20 also makes note of another principle where is says “Thou shalt not flog off the property of the brothers that has been bought and dedicated to Jehovah. But there even seems to be more.
”Thou shalt not bow down before idols and worship them and you shall not take the name of Jehovah in vain, like appointing yourself as a channel for His voice”. Maybe the watchtower Bible doesn’t have exodus in it.

 

[SusanB]

With some scriptures, it seems like the path the ORG is taking has really fleshed out the fulfillment of those prophetic scriptures. When I read the scripture in Amos 6:4-6 I can’t help but think of the music videos that the Society is creating each month. Here is a quote from Chapter 20.

”Therefore, it seems that these words of Amos are directed toward those who are the honored ones of Bethel, the princes of Jehovah’s earthly estate —living at the expense of others: ‘They lie on beds of ivory and sprawl out on couches, eating the rams of the flock and the fattened calves; they improvise songs to the sound of the harp, and like David, they invent musical instruments; they drink wine by the bowlful and anoint themselves with the choicest oils. But they are unconcerned about the catastrophe of Joseph.’ —Amos 6:4-6”

 

[evw]

With some scriptures, it seems like the path the ORG is taking has really fleshed out the fulfillment of those prophetic scriptures. When I read the scripture in Amos 3:4-6 I can’t help but think of the music videos that the Society is creating each month. Here is a quote from Chapter 20.

”Therefore, it seems that these words of Amos are directed toward those who are the honored ones of Bethel, the princes of Jehovah’s earthly estate —living at the expense of others: ‘They lie on beds of ivory and sprawl out on couches, eating the rams of the flock and the fattened calves; they improvise songs to the sound of the harp, and like David, they invent musical instruments; they drink wine by the bowlful and anoint themselves with the choicest oils. But they are unconcerned about the catastrophe of Joseph.’ —Amos 3:4-6”

Sorry Susan, but it is Amos 6:4-6