I find it quite amusing and intriguing that Jehovah’s Witnesses insist the Governing Body aren’t their leaders, claiming they only follow Christ and the Bible.
So if you were to ask a Jehovah’s Witness: Are the Governing Body your Leaders?” These are some of the responses you’d get:
“No, they are not. The, Bible tells us all, exactly who Jehovah God has assigned as “the Leader” of his organization of Jehovah’s witnesses. Matthew 23:10, (NWT) answers, it reads: “Neither be “called leaders,” for your “Leader” is one, the Christ.” And, now, …you “have seen,” with your “own eyes” that “Jesus” is our “Leader,” ”
“No, the Governing Body is not our leader, and neither are it’s members. Our leader is Jesus Christ.”
Likewise, Charles T. Russell is not our founder. He died 15 years too early to even hear of Jehovah’s Witnesses, for crying out loud! He also believed and practiced very differently from us.
Can you picture Jehovah’s Witnesses being founded by a man who celebrated Christmas and Easter, used the Cross, prayed to Jesus, repeatedly predicted dates for Armageddon, went by the title “Pastor”, taught belief in the Rapture, only occasionally mentioned “Jehovah”, and opposed organized religion?!? Once again, Jesus Christ is our founder.”
They may deny it, but the Governing Body has a significant impact on their thoughts, feelings, education, social lives, and much more.
Here are some questions for Jehovah’s Witnesses who believe the Governing Body isn’t in control:
- Did you know that you’re not allowed to study the Bible in groups unless you’re using Watchtower materials? The Governing Body specifically discourages independent Bible study groups without their resources.
- Have you heard that the Governing Body asserts the Bible is meant for the Organization, not for individuals? They often claim you can only have a relationship with God by submitting to the leaders of the Watchtower.
- Why are Jehovah’s Witness men allowed to wear beards now? Who decided that? The Bible says in Leviticus 19:27 that men shouldn’t shave their beards. Isn’t this evidence that members follow human rules rather than the Bible?
- Why can Jehovah’s Witnesses now greet disfellowshipped individuals and invite them to meetings? Jesus taught love and mercy for all. Why did they need the Governing Body’s approval to show kindness? This indicates that their feelings and friendships are shaped by the Governing Body.
- Remember when organ transplants, vaccinations, and blood fractions were prohibited? Many suffered because of those rules, and the Governing Body never issued an apology. Again, this illustrates their control over members.
- Why did Jehovah’s Witnesses have to report their ministry hours for so long? The Bible doesn’t mandate it! They only stopped because the Governing Body said it was no longer necessary. Who are they genuinely following?
- When Paul spoke about avoiding sinful people, he meant everyone should make their own choices. But within Jehovah’s Witnesses, a small group of elders decides who to shun, leaving members unclear about their relationships. This shows how friendships and compassion are dictated by the Governing Body.
- During meetings, members simply echo the Governing Body’s interpretations. Questioning them can lead to public shame or even disfellowshipping. There’s little room for free speech in those gatherings.
- Even clapping for someone who’s reinstated was once prohibited! When they finally reversed this decision, it highlighted just how much the leaders control emotions and expressions. There isn’t much space to be genuine.
- Jehovah’s Witness elders are expected to call the Watchtower instead of the police when serious crimes occur. This practice conceals crimes like pedophilia and endangers everyone. Common sense and morality seem to be dictated by the Governing Body. Don’t believe me? (Lookup Michael Penkava & Colin Scott from Crystal Lake, Illinois, 2 elders who were found guilty of failing to report a Jehovah’s Witness child molester)
It’s astonishing that Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t recognize how profoundly the Governing Body influences their lives, hearts, and morals while claiming they only follow God. It’s both amusing and disheartening!