Comments from the Friends - Online Edition - Summer 1997

LETTERS from readers
& brief items . . . CONTINUED

WT squirms over "1914" impact
SINCE dropping "the Creator's promise of a peaceful and secure new world before the generation that saw the events of 1914 passes away," last printed on page 4 of the Oct. 22, 1995 Awake!, the Watchtower Society has been struggling with reports of declining meeting attendance and door-to-door work.

Repeatedly, the "Questions from Readers" column in The Watchtower has been trying to quell apparent internal unrest over whether "the recently updated understanding" means "the end of the system of things could be delayed into the distant future?" (May 1, 1997, p. 29) and, "Does this mean that there is some question about whether God's Kingdom was set up in heaven in 1914?" (June 1, 1997, p. 28) (The Watchtower's answer amounts to No in both cases.)

Declaring that "more and more longtime, mature brothers of the other sheep . . . have had delegated to them weightier responsibilities in support of their anointed brothers," the May 15, 1997 Watchtower (p. 20) seems to be preparing JWs for another change in their leadership doctrine, as the ten remaining Governing Body members lapse into the infirmities of old age.

1986 significant? After noting that "Whenever it is that they are saying: 'Peace and security!' then sudden destruction is to be instantly upon them" (1 Thess. 5:3), the June 1, 1997 Watchtower comments, "Particularly since 1986, when an International Year of Peace was declared by the United Nations, the world has been full of talk about peace and security." (pages 9-10)

The June 1, 1997 Watchtower tries to address an increasing problem: "JehovahÕs Witnesses . . . are often misrepresented and placed in the same category as questionable religious cults and secret organizations." (p. 15)

"I couldnÕt talk to my mother" TO THE EDITOR: ...IÕm afraid to write this letter...I was raised a JW. I was even a Special Pioneer. I was disfellowshipped because I married outside... After 2 years I went back and for 1 year sat in the back row. (You know what I mean.) Not because I really wanted to be back in Kingdom Hall, but because I couldnÕt talk to my mother. I was going to have a baby by then and I wanted her to be part of it. I had lots of questions about their laws and beliefs by then. But I did it anyway. I was reinstated. But things werenÕt the same. After 4 years I divorced my husband because of abuse to self and children. My mother could no longer see me because I was disfellowshipped again. My mother came down with cancer. I couldnÕt see her. I found out she was going to have surgery. I went to the hospital. A band of Witnesses were there and informed me I wasnÕt allowed to be there. I couldnÕt see her... 16 years later my mother passed away. I couldnÕt go to the funeral; Witnesses were at the door and said my mother asked them to not let me in! I didnÕt get to see her to tell her goodbye. Anyway, IÕm having a really hard time now as far as church goes. I do belong to - - - - Church in - - - - -, TX. But the teachings that were drilled into all my life affect me so much that I canÕt seem to let go. How do I do this? Can you tell me if there are groups that can help?... Ñname withheld Texas

- - - - - - - - - -

Page design by Webshowplace