Open letter to the Governing Body

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

I enjoyed that article and I think it makes it clear that no matter how hard we try to be objective in our examination of ourselves, we cannot truly see our selves in the same light that Jehovah sees us. And, moreover, we cannot attain to righteousness from our examination of ourselves because the heart is treacherous and everyone, at times, does not always recognize even their own motivations.

Jeremiah 17:9-10: “The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it? I, Jehovah, am searching the heart, Examining the innermost thoughts, To give to each one according to his ways, According to the fruitage of his works.”

I can see that point too - but that is the point in that we cannot ever qualify our worship. In other words, that watchtower cannot boast of “pure worship” because who are we to qualify our faith from within, as being acceptable, either to ourselves or in the sight of others and specifically Jehovah? In other words then, we should be concerned as to the opinion of others, taking in the viewpoint of others and examining it against our own standards and learning? If we ask that of watchtower, then why not ourselves?

I certainly care about getting things balanced! Of “seeing the truth” and thus to feel it can be argued correctly. We “know” that voice, do we not? That is not a boast, but for each of us our faith has to be argued from a solid foundation that answers the scriptures holistically and where there is no room for doubt or alternative comparisons. For example, 1914.

It also applies solely to the scriptures. It cannot be based upon our understanding but upon what is written. That can be tested. And testing truth is critical. Therein is the difference in that the Bible speaks for itself, not ourselves speaking for the Bible. Thus “Do not take away from or add to what is written.” Thus the scripture is the “judge” that cares not what is thought of it because it IS the law and the judgement of men is subservient to it in all respects.

I can see your point and that of Proverbs in that Jehovah is the ultimate judge of our heart and the extraordinary variance in our conscience as to what is acceptable and what is not. That would indeed account for the judgement of others not necessarily being applicable to our own conscience. Yes, in that article of faith we should not allow ourselves to be easily swayed because man is treacherous. But I have to ask myself if that is the way that it is applied in general when clearly watchtower and their companions apply it in the sense that “we are right, you are wrong”. I feel many remain in watchtower for that very reason in that they no longer search and prefer instead to believe in their own broad thinking that is full of allowances - the “broad pathway” “having their ears tickled”

Mankind is apt to call his own thinking the Truth. Winder made that statement clear enough and actually went beyond it - if that is possible - by adding that “we know how Jehovah teaches”!!

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

I found this article quite interesting and helpful Barney..https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/1-corinthians-4/

Thanks. I have read it. See above where I answered Susan. What do you think?

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

Thanks. I have read it. See above where I answered Susan. What do you think?

I think that if we're trying hard to do what's right in Jehovah's eyes by studying his word which is where and how he teaches us then our consciences should be clear, even though 2 different people could both be studying the Bible but both come up with completely different outcomes, yet both have clear consciences. Just a relatively small anecdotal example: me, my brothers and mum had a terrible life when growing up, foraging for food, never wore anything new, very poor home conditions, practically nada at Christmas and birthdays, all due to dad spending all his money on drinking and gambling. The deprivation went deep. Anyway, I was pretty convinced that I deeply understood what gambling is and that I'd never get into it, ever.. anyway, during the school holidays I used to take my kids to the seaside amusements and buy them a few bags of 2p's to play on the 2p machines, they absolutely loved it and it lasted ages, so I felt it was cheap entertainment. Unfortunately our book study elder did not and he seriously counseled me and my kids about how it was gambling even though big money wasn't involved, the principle was the same and in time, it could lead on to bigger things.. obviously it never did, neither me nor any of my kids ever got involved in gambling. My conscience was clear at the time and still is. I've no idea if that elder ever changed his way of thinking but there you are..

 

[Neoluna]

Respectfully, your making this whole end of this present system of things sound really simple. I don’t know about that Sir this is pretty dang heady stuff, I mean Jehovah even saw fit to keep His first born son ignorant from every single detail. Naah I think it’s a little more complicated than what you’re implying.
Sincerely Brain

Respectfully, i have no idea as to what your referring too. My comments were about the governing body members knowing the 1914 prophecy is a fraud. Im not implying anything related to the end of this present system of things sounding really simple

 

[Melinda Riling]

Letters are in the mail. I was thinking how powerful this letter would be if it came in from different locations from all over the world. I hope others will join me. This is my first batch....I am sending this letter to my contact list of Witnesses.

 

[SusanB]

I can see that point too - but that is the point in that we cannot ever qualify our worship. In other words, that watchtower cannot boast of “pure worship” because who are we to qualify our faith from within, as being acceptable, either to ourselves or in the sight of others and specifically Jehovah? In other words then, we should be concerned as to the opinion of others, taking in the viewpoint of others and examining it against our own standards and learning? If we ask that of watchtower, then why not ourselves?

I certainly care about getting things balanced! Of “seeing the truth” and thus to feel it can be argued correctly. We “know” that voice, do we not? That is not a boast, but for each of us our faith has to be argued from a solid foundation that answers the scriptures holistically and where there is no room for doubt or alternative comparisons. For example, 1914.

It also applies solely to the scriptures. It cannot be based upon our understanding but upon what is written. That can be tested. And testing truth is critical. Therein is the difference in that the Bible speaks for itself, not ourselves speaking for the Bible. Thus “Do not take away from or add to what is written.” Thus the scripture is the “judge” that cares not what is thought of it because it IS the law and the judgement of men is subservient to it in all respects.

I can see your point and that of Proverbs in that Jehovah is the ultimate judge of our heart and the extraordinary variance in our conscience as to what is acceptable and what is not. That would indeed account for the judgement of others not necessarily being applicable to our own conscience. Yes, in that article of faith we should not allow ourselves to be easily swayed because man is treacherous. But I have to ask myself if that is the way that it is applied in general when clearly watchtower and their companions apply it in the sense that “we are right, you are wrong”. I feel many remain in watchtower for that very reason in that they no longer search and prefer instead to believe in their own broad thinking that is full of allowances - the “broad pathway” “having their ears tickled”

Mankind is apt to call his own thinking the Truth. Winder made that statement clear enough and actually went beyond it - if that is possible - by adding that “we know how Jehovah teaches”!!

So true and thus the need to accept correction. That is when we are in true spiritual danger when we refuse to listen to or even consider correction, which is what the GB has done to themselves. It also exposes their motive of wanting to prove themselves righteous instead of searching for Jehovah’s righteousness. What a lesson for us all.

 

[a believer]

So true and thus the need to accept correction. That is when we are in true spiritual danger when we refuse to listen to or even consider correction, which is what the GB has done to themselves. It also exposes their motive of wanting to prove themselves righteous instead of searching for Jehovah’s righteousness. What a lesson for us all.

Last week, I had come across a news update and, as far as I can determine from my translator, the Watchtower organization's leaders appear to have placed themselves ahead of the Bible in order of importance, which goes to the point you make here. If they put themselves ahead of the Bible, they are putting themselves above correction.

—Timothy


Source: https://osservatoreteocratico2.blogspot.com/2025/03/adunanza-speciale-del-29-marzo-2025.html

Quoting from the page, via translation:

But what about how Jehovah helps us when we are attacked in the media? Jehovah protects us when there is a media attack mainly with two tools: the first is the faithful and discreet slave, the governing body, which uses the local branch office to defend and legally establish the good news and protect our good reputation.

The second tool Jehovah uses is the wise principles in the Scriptures that we can apply when attacked in the media.

 

[Watchman]

Letters are in the mail. I was thinking how powerful this letter would be if it came in from different locations from all over the world. I hope others will join me. This is my first batch....I am sending this letter to my contact list of Witnesses.
View attachment 8687

YOU GO GIRL!!!!

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

Letters are in the mail. I was thinking how powerful this letter would be if it came in from different locations from all over the world. I hope others will join me. This is my first batch....I am sending this letter to my contact list of Witnesses.
View attachment 8687

Ok Melinda, I'll send some, but I haven't got a printer. I'll see if I can get the library to print a few off for me. Have you put sender's address on (your home address?)

 

[Melinda Riling]

Ok Melinda, I'll send some, but I haven't got a printer. I'll see if I can get the library to print a few off for me. Have you put sender's address on (your home address?)

I put my address for the return address

 

[Watchman]

I put my address for the return address

I used to use my home address, but to throw them off, I started using Kingdom Hall addresses as the return address. Theocratic warfare and all, right? Am I evil?

 

[Melinda Riling]

I used to use my home address, but to throw them off, I started using Kingdom Hall addresses as the return address. Theocratic warfare and all, right? Am I evil?

You are on their radar. They don’t know me.

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

I put my address for the return address

Hmm.. I don't want to do that, the elders will tell my son and then encourage him to keep away from me. My youngest daughter has just come back into our lives after 12 years, I can never allow the elders to rip us apart again

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Last week, I had come across a news update and, as far as I can determine from my translator, the Watchtower organization's leaders appear to have placed themselves ahead of the Bible in order of importance, which goes to the point you make here. If they put themselves ahead of the Bible, they are putting themselves above correction.

—Timothy


Source: https://osservatoreteocratico2.blogspot.com/2025/03/adunanza-speciale-del-29-marzo-2025.html

Quoting from the page, via translation:

But what about how Jehovah helps us when we are attacked in the media? Jehovah protects us when there is a media attack mainly with two tools: the first is the faithful and discreet slave, the governing body, which uses the local branch office to defend and legally establish the good news and protect our good reputation.

The second tool Jehovah uses is the wise principles in the Scriptures that we can apply when attacked in the media.

Wow! The GB really are ahead of themselves with their priorities. Jehovah goes to them first to fix His problems here on earth and then sees what He can do to bring bible principles into play as backup. It rather gives watchtowers arrogance a whole new meaning.

 

[Ana]

Can someone enlighten me on this scripture Robert quotes in his letter please? The scripture 1Corinthians 4:1-5 where is says “….i do not even examine / judge myself….”. Is this not the critical need within one’s faith to examine what we are, what we understand, what we are told, so as to ensure or at least satisfy ourselves that we are correct not only in our reasoning upon the scriptures, but also in our worship - to ‘know one’s place” and to know exactly where we stand - to guard against falsehood not only in ourselves, but in what we preach/teach to others!

This scripture has always bothered me in its seeming offhand, almost arrogant stance some may think, in that it says that “It is a very small thing that I should be judged by you…what others judge of me, and I do not even judge myself …..it is the Lord that judges me”.

There are, it seems, two applications here, in that, it’s true to say that courts of the land can offer no meaningful judgement against the truths spoken by the Bible, or indeed what others may argue about the truth of the Bible. But surely there is another application in that the witnesses, and ourselves included, should not be self confident in our understanding and, like the Boreans, search for meaning, to listen to what others say, to research the scripture and to not be arrogant in our thinking? The process applies to the governing body as much as it applies to ourselves to have the humility to consider and reconsider, refine, our understanding. To say that “We care not…” of the opinion of others is an arrogance too far for me - merely because for me at least, I have done nothing but change my thinking since I have been reading the comments of others here over these years, and seen the same thing in so many others too. It reminds me daily of Socrates who said: “I know that I know nothing.” Never a truer word spoken in my opinion.

Suelo leer el contexto de los párrafos de la Biblia que quiero entender. Esta carta a los Corintios la escribe Pablo a los llamados por el Espíritu, a los llamados Santos que habían recibido los dones del espíritu. Les pedia varias cosas en esta carta. Primeramente que no hubiese división entre ellos, por aquello de yo soy de Pablo, Apolos, Cefas, tanto insiste en esa carta que agradece no haber bautizado salvo alguna escepcion, para que no le atribuyesen a él su bautismo, sino a Cristo. Los textos que citas son la respuesta a las reflexión que hace sobre el examinar de los judíos pidiendo señales. Recalca la forma de Jehová de elegir las cosas débiles del mundo para avergonzar las cosas fuertes. El examen del que habla Pablo es espiritual, llamando la atención a que sólo Jehová puede hacer ese examen: 1Corrintios 2:15,16-Sin embargo, el hombre espiritual examina de hecho todas las cosas, pero él mismo no es examinado por ningún hombre. 16 Porque “¿quién ha llegado a conocer la mente de Jehová, para que le instruya?”. Pero nosotros sí tenemos la mente de Cristo. Lo que resalta Pablo en los versículos que quieres comprender es la fidelidad, no el examen antes de que venga Jesús. Todo examen de un llamado por el Espíritu antes de que Jesús venga no debe ser hecho por hombres. Porque cuando Jesús venga todos los los elegidos serán examinados por el : capitulo 4:5- Por lo tanto, no juzguen nada antes de su debido tiempo, hasta que venga el Señor, el cual sacará a la luz las cosas secretas de la oscuridad así como también pondrá de manifiesto los consejos de los corazones, y entonces a cada uno su alabanza le vendrá de Dios.

La conclusión de este capítulo es significativo para poder observar y comparar cómo hoy, los que se creen escogidos, tratan a otros hermanos suyos que también se creen escogidos.

Personalmente, en lo que a otras cuestiones se refiere, este texto fue clave para entender que no debía de juzgar mi persona severamente y así poder corregir mis intentos de suicidios en el pasado. Hoy en día aunque no me creo escogida no juzgo más allá de lo que me corresponde. Que poder tiene la palabra de Jehová, hermanos míos!

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Suelo leer el contexto de los párrafos de la Biblia que quiero entender. Esta carta a los Corintios la escribe Pablo a los llamados por el Espíritu, a los llamados Santos que habían recibido los dones del espíritu. Les pedia varias cosas en esta carta. Primeramente que no hubiese división entre ellos, por aquello de yo soy de Pablo, Apolos, Cefas, tanto insiste en esa carta que agradece no haber bautizado salvo alguna escepcion, para que no le atribuyesen a él su bautismo, sino a Cristo. Los textos que citas son la respuesta a las reflexión que hace sobre el examinar de los judíos pidiendo señales. Recalca la forma de Jehová de elegir las cosas débiles del mundo para avergonzar las cosas fuertes. El examen del que habla Pablo es espiritual, llamando la atención a que sólo Jehová puede hacer ese examen: 1Corrintios 2:15,16-Sin embargo, el hombre espiritual examina de hecho todas las cosas, pero él mismo no es examinado por ningún hombre. 16 Porque “¿quién ha llegado a conocer la mente de Jehová, para que le instruya?”. Pero nosotros sí tenemos la mente de Cristo. Lo que resalta Pablo en los versículos que quieres comprender es la fidelidad, no el examen antes de que venga Jesús. Todo examen de un llamado por el Espíritu antes de que Jesús venga no debe ser hecho por hombres. Porque cuando Jesús venga todos los los elegidos serán examinados por el : capitulo 4:5- Por lo tanto, no juzguen nada antes de su debido tiempo, hasta que venga el Señor, el cual sacará a la luz las cosas secretas de la oscuridad así como también pondrá de manifiesto los consejos de los corazones, y entonces a cada uno su alabanza le vendrá de Dios.

La conclusión de este capítulo es significativo para poder observar y comparar cómo hoy, los que se creen escogidos, tratan a otros hermanos suyos que también se creen escogidos.

Personalmente, en lo que a otras cuestiones se refiere, este texto fue clave para entender que no debía de juzgar mi persona severamente y así poder corregir mis intentos de suicidios en el pasado. Hoy en día aunque no me creo escogida no juzgo más allá de lo que me corresponde. Que poder tiene la palabra de Jehová, hermanos míos!

You raise some interesting points Ana, I shall think upon them. Thanks.

 

[Jerry&Phyllis]

I might as well send out an email to the few hundred elders I have on my database.

We sent out an email to approximately 60 individuals this morning with your article "Open Letter to the Governing Body Of Jehovah's Witnesses" included.
Over half were past and present elders and circuit overseers in MO, NC, TN GA and, of course, Florida.

If we all try to support this endeavor, perhaps the "flood" of letters all within a few days of each other will be in sufficient numbers that it will command their attention.
We'll see.......

 

[Watchman]

We sent out an email to approximately 60 individuals this morning with your article "Open Letter to the Governing Body Of Jehovah's Witnesses" included.
Over half were past and present elders and circuit overseers in MO, NC, TN GA and, of course, Florida.

If we all try to support this endeavor, perhaps the "flood" of letters all within a few days of each other will be in sufficient numbers that it will command their attention.
We'll see.......

That is awesome. I really appreciate the support. The open letter is now available in Slovakian, Dutch, Spanish, and German.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

What I get out of 1Corinthians 4:1-5 where is says “….i do not even examine / judge myself….” is summed up in verse 4 "My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent." We may think we are ok with God, but none of us are able to totally analyze the heart of ourselves, or anyone else. The GB may or may not have a clear conscience, but they have publically displayed something more than a little off. That being said, we can all speculate what a man is, including the men making up the GB, by there actions. But all judgements by mere imperfect humans, are still speculation until Jesus arrives to read the entire heart of every man, woman, and child. At that time, he will take care of his own.
Verse 5 says Jesus will hold all hearts in proper judgement when he arrives. 5. "Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God."

I would think that we certainly can analyze our heart. At least, that is what I draw from the verse “miserable man that I am, for what I should do, I do not do…”. I agree that we cannot judge others for the very reason you state though, because what is true to both sides of the coin is our conscience, and certainly that can become deceptive because this world exists to draw us into it and our values become distorted. The modern term is gaslighting but I feel the best example of recent times is the vaccine, but the most pointed example of course is what Germany achieved to demonise the Jews.

If we do search out hearts/conscience I think it possible to connect with the true values of Jehovah as He has expressed them to us and are inlaid into our thinking. We instinctively know these limitations from several points of view - instinct, morally, in justice, and of course in the inbuilt standards of love. The very sense of justice dictates all our decision making and love expresses its dealings with others.

I feel that when it comes to the GB, as the bible suggests: “by their fruits you will know them.” And this applies to those who choose to do good or bad equally. Were this not the case, then where does choice come into it? Essentially then, what the problem is, is deception of others and self deception within ourselves. Choice.

Personally, I think it folly to assume approval from Jehovah simply because we cannot hope to feel the depth of understanding required. Are we not loved for our potential? We are asked to pray for understanding, along with the wisdom to use it, so it does illustrate a common deficit in our character, but as the parable of the talents suggest, we are given according to our spiritual need - and that to me at least, this is where I feel the scripture has its validity in that we are judged on potential - to develop what we are given. That leaves the responsibility upon ourselves and acknowledges our capacity to make the correct decision no matter our stage of development. That being the case, though the conscience of the GB may be unaffected, or shall we say, unchallenged, it does not mean that they are innocent in what they do. I think perhaps on reflection that this may be what Paul refers to.

 

[BARNABY THE DOG.]

Letters are in the mail. I was thinking how powerful this letter would be if it came in from different locations from all over the world. I hope others will join me. This is my first batch....I am sending this letter to my contact list of Witnesses.
View attachment 8687

A very appropriate stamp you have in the envelope!

 

[Proverbs 14 v 15]

Letters are in the mail. I was thinking how powerful this letter would be if it came in from different locations from all over the world. I hope others will join me. This is my first batch....I am sending this letter to my contact list of Witnesses.
View attachment 8687

I wonder if they'll reply to you?

 

[Melinda Riling]

A very appropriate stamp you have in the envelope!

I had only two choices at the post office. The ted heart or the military Purple Heart

 

[Nomex]

I want to point out a couple or three things from the article. Let me get the jab out of the way first. The lack of humility from the GB never ceases to amaze me. So I wanted to add a little addendum to me previous label for the GB. The GB are the F&DS, and will be found faithful when Jesus does inspect them all you have to do is ask them.

Now that that is outta of the way. As @Proverbs 14 v 15 mentioned in a comment here, it seems a waste of time to write to Bethel. In fact, the last few years have done nothing but put an exclamation point on that fact. However, when I was growing up, it used to be emphasized that in part the preaching work is a warning work. In like manner, whether they toss every letter in the trash it serves as a warning, and we know Jehovah does not exercise judgement without first a warning. So that when they make their claim, "lord lord, didn't we prophecy in your name..." and "‘Master, I knew you to be a demanding* man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you did not winnow. 25 So I grew afraid and went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’" They will not be able to use these excuses.

Which brings me to another point. One issue they have with the whole 1914 delusion, is the fact that the preaching work should have been a call to keep awake for Jesus return. They cannot provide "food at the proper time" when they claim such a world shaking event has already taken place. Not only have they failed to warn the world, they fail to warn Jehovah's sheep.

Finally, while reading the part about Trump attempting to normalize relations with Russia. Fist of all, I think he's going to pull it off, that and some kind of peace deal in the middle east. I think it is going to be the Trump admin that declares "peace and security", but the part I find interesting in all this is, if Trump does make some kind of deal with Russia, it's really going to throw a monkey wrench in WT's whole "Russia is the KOTN" narrative. Maybe if they have time, (perhaps they'll be some time between a Russian "alliance" and the declaration of "peace and security") then WT can concoct an "over lapping generation" explanation, on how and why they weren't wrong. It seems they will always have an answer that is until Jesus finally does come and puts an end to their "answers."

 

[Carl]

I want to point out a couple or three things from the article. Let me get the jab out of the way first. The lack of humility from the GB never ceases to amaze me. So I wanted to add a little addendum to me previous label for the GB. The GB are the F&DS, and will be found faithful when Jesus does inspect them all you have to do is ask them.

Now that that is outta of the way. As @Proverbs 14 v 15 mentioned in a comment here, it seems a waste of time to write to Bethel. In fact, the last few years have done nothing but put an exclamation point on that fact. However, when I was growing up, it used to be emphasized that in part the preaching work is a warning work. In like manner, whether they toss every letter in the trash it serves as a warning, and we know Jehovah does not exercise judgement without first a warning. So that when they make their claim, "lord lord, didn't we prophecy in your name..." and "‘Master, I knew you to be a demanding* man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you did not winnow. 25 So I grew afraid and went and hid your talent in the ground. Here, you have what is yours.’" They will not be able to use these excuses.

Which brings me to another point. One issue they have with the whole 1914 delusion, is the fact that the preaching work should have been a call to keep awake for Jesus return. They cannot provide "food at the proper time" when they claim such a world shaking event has already taken place. Not only have they failed to warn the world, they fail to warn Jehovah's sheep.

Finally, while reading the part about Trump attempting to normalize relations with Russia. Fist of all, I think he's going to pull it off, that and some kind of peace deal in the middle east. I think it is going to be the Trump admin that declares "peace and security", but the part I find interesting in all this is, if Trump does make some kind of deal with Russia, it's really going to throw a monkey wrench in WT's whole "Russia is the KOTN" narrative. Maybe if they have time, (perhaps they'll be some time between a Russian "alliance" and the declaration of "peace and security") then WT can concoct an "over lapping generation" explanation, on how and why they weren't wrong. It seems they will always have an answer that is until Jesus finally does come and puts an end to their "answers."

We all know the chances of a GB member reading one of these letters is nearly zero, but they will be read by some low-level staffer. Maybe this will wake them up, and they could give the letter to a GB member. I suggest putting 2 Bible verses in as an introduction and a conclusion:

Please don't toss this letter in the trash, because I will only... “Take another scroll and write on it all the same words that were on the first scroll, which King Jehoiakim of Judah burned up." Jeremiah 36:28


I have fulfilled my Bible mandated obligation to warn the GB of their error. "But if you warn someone wicked to turn back from his way and he refuses to change his course, he will die for his error, but you will certainly save your own life." Ezekiel 33:9

 

[BrooksB]

all you have to do is ask them