January 15th, 1983 Par. 20 Watchtower Magazine -- My Parents Rejected This Statement Way Back Then ...I Remember!

[Servant Covenant (Isaiah 49:8)]

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January 15th, 1983 Page 27 Par. 20 Watchtower Magazine -- My Parents Rejected This Statement Way Back Then ...I Remember!
Watchtower's Double Standard On Thinking! [Compare Romans 12:1 NWT]
(Unplugged Witness)

[Mine]I personally remember my parents rejecting this presumptuous statement on the Watchtower Society's part, in the January 15th, 1983 Watchtower Magazine paragraph #20, article entitled "Armed For The Fight Against Wicked Spirits"... In my final Elder's Meeting (August 1990) before I disassociated myself from the JW Organization, I was told to my face, "You, as an Elder, cannot do any thinking...The Watchtower Society does all of our thinking for us"...that was the "final straw" for me. -- Donald C. Burney

The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses praises the public for using their "power of reason" to find 'The Truth.' But what happens to a Witness who uses that same power on the organization itself? -- See Romans 12:1 New World Translation & "...the power of reason".

In the 2025 Convention talk, Governing Body helper Mark Noumair presents a powerful argument, urging his audience to use their "power of reason" and to "dig for the truth" themselves, holding up Copernicus as a hero who challenged the popular beliefs of his day.

We analyze Noumair's exact words and place them alongside the Watchtower's own published statements about "independent thinking." The evidence reveals a profound double standard: The very "power of reason" that is celebrated as a tool for outsiders is reclassified as a "dangerous" trap for baptized members.

This analysis exposes the core "bait-and-switch" mechanism—how the rules for finding truth appear to change the moment a person joins the organization. This is an appeal for every JW to think deeply about what is truly being taught.

Disclaimer: This channel focuses on a critical examination of the doctrines and organizational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses, not an attack on individual members. All analysis is based on publicly available information and a scriptural perspective. -- Unplugged Witness

This video was released 1 day ago by Unplugged Witness on YouTube.

Here is the link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4atrxoV_i6E&t=564

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[Signet Ring Servant (Haggai 2:23)]

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Hi all,

These two (2) paragraphs say it all...

Link: https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1983047

Fight Against Independent Thinking

19. (a) How has Jehovah always guided his people? (b) How is independent thinking manifested by some persons?

19 As we study the Bible we learn that Jehovah has always guided his servants in an organized way. And just as in the first century there was only one true Christian organization, so today Jehovah is using only one organization. (Ephesians 4:4, 5; Matthew 24:45-47) Yet there are some who point out that the organization has had to make adjustments before, and so they argue: “This shows that we have to make up our own mind on what to believe.” This is independent thinking. Why is it so dangerous?

20. (a) Of what is independent thinking an evidence? (b) What will help us to avoid placing our own views ahead of the organization’s? (c) What first-century example is it well for us to follow?

20 Such thinking is an evidence of pride. And the Bible says: “Pride is before a crash, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” (Proverbs 16:18) If we get to thinking that we know better than the organization, we should ask ourselves: “Where did we learn Bible truth in the first place? Would we know the way of the truth if it had not been for guidance from the organization? Really, can we get along without the direction of God’s organization?” No, we cannot!​—Compare Acts 15:2, 28, 29; 16:4, 5.

End of quote.

...any thoughts. (Remember, today is the 9th of Av.)

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[Scapegoat (Leviticus 16:10)]

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NO INDEPENDENT THINKING ALLOWED!
(Facts On JW)

Independent thinking contradicts official teachings, viewing such questioning as potentially dangerous to one's faith and the unity of the congregation. Members are expected to rely on the organization's publications and guidance rather than developing personal theological interpretations. -- Facts On JW

This video was released 4 hours ago by Facts On JW on YouTube.

Here is the link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1a3UzC1y_UE&t=3265s

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