The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses – Under the Spotlight.
The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses hold considerable power and influence over the lives of some 8,000,000 Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Given that this is the case, then it behoves honest, God-fearing people to examine closely their teachings and record. Why? Because we need to be able to judge correctly as to whether we should put our trust in them, be obedient to their rules, and believe their teachings.
In Acts 17:2-3 we find the account where Paul went in to the synagogue of the Jews in Thessalonica for 3 sabbaths running. He reasoned with his audience from the scriptures: “So according to Paul’s custom he went inside to them, and for three sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, 3 explaining and proving by references that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and [saying]: “This is the Christ, this Jesus whom I am publishing to YOU.” (NWT Reference Edition, from which all Bible quotations are taken in this article unless otherwise noted).
A few verses later the Apostle Paul states that the Jews in Beroea “were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.” (Acts17:10-11)
How does this affect you and me?
- Have you personally checked if everything the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses teaches and lays down as rules, are to be found in the scriptures?
- Have you checked the context of scriptures to see if the context agrees and supports the interpretation it is given?
For Example:
Have you checked in the Bible and found where it says that “a new born child is an enemy of God”?
Have you checked in the Bible and found where it says we can all be “friends of God”?
The author of this site was brought up as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I can honestly say that when I was younger I had no idea who any of the members of the Governing Body were except perhaps the President (as there then was).
However my illusion of them being godly, studious men, with our best interests at heart has been evaporated over recent years. This speeded up with the advent of JW Broadcasting. Now the majority seem anything but godly or studious. Instead they are out of touch with reality, with delusions of grandeur.
Thus this site arose.
Aim of this site – To put the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses under the Spotlight
The aim of “The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses under the Spotlight” website is to draw attention to the policies and teachings of the Governing Body which can be damaging to existing Jehovah’s Witnesses or their families.
As a result of our own personal research, we have found and continue to find many serious problems with the teachings of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. We accept that many Witnesses are genuine God-fearing Christians. After all, although former Witnesses ourselves, we are still God-fearing Christians. We are also no longer attached to any religious organization.
Our aim in providing this site is to help encourage existing Witnesses to wake up to the outright lies and misunderstandings they are being taught by the Organization. We also want to provide support to those waking up or woken up who appreciate a critical review of the issues with the Organization’s propaganda.
The material is provided so that they can be encouraged. Also we hope with it they can assist their loved ones to likewise wake up to the problems with the incorrect message being given by the Governing Body and its assistants.
Why do it?
Many Witnesses that wake up to the errors of what they believed with all their heart to be God’s organization on earth are devastated. Many lose their faith in God as a result. We will have succeeded in our aim if we can help even just a small number of Witnesses to keep their faith in God. It can be faith shaking to become aware of the shortcomings of the Organization.
Our fervent desire is to help all Christians. In particular, Jehovah’s Witnesses, to take a firm stand for their faith in God and Jesus Christ, not any man-made organization or religion. J.F. Rutherford’s statement that “Religion Is a Snare and a Racket” is most definitely true. This site is provided as a stepping stone to true Christian freedom.
Contents
As you will see from the menu’s we particularly focus on policies that are damaging to families. Examples include the insistence on a two witness rule in cases of child sexual abuse. All policies are examined from a scriptural point of view. We also from time to time publish open letters to the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses asking them to change their damaging policies. To date (17/04/2022) we have not received any replies or seen any indications of possible changes.
Watchtower Study Reviews
For reviews of Watchtower Study articles and other publications including videos and broadcasts, please see our sister site https://awakenjw.com/.
False Teachings
Disfellowshipping as applied and directed by the Governing Body is unscriptural. It can lead to severe mental anguish and harm among families and individuals affected. This is especially so with the very strict shunning policy that is suggested in videos and broadcasts which then follows. Sadly, these policies have led to many suicides. The Governing Body’s teachings on this subject are analysed from a scriptural point of view to see if they really have a strong basis in the Bible.
Does the Bible teach that the Gentile Times started in 607BCE and ended in AD1914? Did the Gentile Times start in 607BC or 587BC or at another time? Did they last 2,520 years ending in AD 1914?
Open Letters to the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Open Letters to the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The letters are about their teachings and policies. They are also about the damaging effects of such on the flock they claim to shepherd and care for. These letters ask them to reconsider their position and gives scriptural reasons for doing so.
Damaging Policies of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses
Blood
What does the Bible really teach about the use of blood? What other Bible principles should be applied to its use? How do Jewish people view blood transfusions and what is their reasoning? Does the body consume or feed on transfused blood?
Disfellowshipping and Shunning
Disfellowshipping as applied and directed by the Governing Body is unscriptural. It can lead to severe mental anguish and harm among families and individuals affected. This is especially so with the very strict shunning policy that is suggested in videos and broadcasts. Sadly, these policies have led to many suicides. The Governing Body’s teachings on this subject are analyzed from a scriptural point of view to see if they really have a strong basis in the Bible.
Handling of Child Sexual Abuse cases
The sexual abuse of children is abhorrent to the author and to the majority of people. The Governing Body claims to abhor the sexual abuse of children, yet their actions tell a different story. If they truly are leading God’s Organization, then surely they would have the best policies in the world for protecting innocent minors.
Instead, they preside over an environment that is one of the worst for protecting children. An environment that instead gives protection and secrecy to such sexual predators. The claim is that they have to follow scriptural direction and insist on two (human) witnesses. But, showing hypocrisy, in other things, such as proof of adultery or fornication they can waive this rule. Their policies are examined in the light of the very scriptures they claim to adhere to.
Erroneous Teachings
Here we examine such examples as the phrase “appointed by Holy Spirit”. This phrase is used in connection with the appointment of Elders and Ministerial Servants in the congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Are they appointed directly by the Holy Spirit? Should they be obeyed as if God were speaking through them or directing them? Or are they appointed by men? What light do the scriptures give on the subject?
