Comments on: Barbara Anderson’s Reseach Reveals the Truth

By: Deano

Deano — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 19:03:40 +0000

It’s unfortunate that Mrs. B. Anderson came to the conclusion she did in regards to Mrs. Maria Russell.

Although from what I read; she (B. Anderson) has read > altogether accepting > what Maria Russell wrote .. viz. she has presented one individual’s word of that of others. . . witnesses – to – the “fact” of said badgering, et al

I ask tho that I not be misunderstood. I am not criticizing Mrs. Anderson’s efforts .. nor her intent ; I am not saying she ‘has an ax to grind’ or what..
but also, if I can add this.., the Bible Students are alive and happy -> not as followers of Russell, albeit tho that they (I, we..) read what he wrote critically too(!) finding in them the manifestation of a man that was ardent in his service to God, balanced and reasonable: yet having faults and of course infalible.

I reside in Africa, where it is (here) a great joy and blessing to serve along with many others who study God’s Word, the Holy Bible; and find an aid to study The Divine Plan of the Ages, as well many other valid writings still in publication: still circulated here anyway – - and let me tell you – - with ‘booo!!!’ from the J.W.s ; whose book God’s Purpose Triumphing for Man’s Good: p. 11 states that The Divine Plan… ceased circulation in 1929. Yeah; sure it did…as sure as Russell was this.. did that.. But, then someone at Bethel did poor research OR, in that case: had an alternative agenda

By: danielt

danielt — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 08:39:08 +0000

Barbara has an axe to grind. Her entire claims of Russell being an abusive husband are based on Maria Russell.

Maria Russell grew unhappy in their marriage due to the fact that Russell took a vow of celibacy and she kne w this was the deal when they married.

She also wanted a greater role in writing Watchtower publications.

The Russell critics often tell half.truths. For example, the judge in the divorce case said he found Maria’s claims of “Mental cruelity” unproven. In spite of this he still granted her the divorce.

Also, Maria Russell testified under oath that he ” DID NOT comit adultery.”

Barbara like a lot of former JW’s take their bitterness out on Pastor Russell, for the later sins of the orginization truly founded by JF Rutherford.

If you want to know the true group founded by Russell, attend a meeting of “Bible Students.” Yes, they still exist today.

By: how to study the bible

how to study the bible — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 07:57:54 +0000

Excellent read, thank you. Often seeking out for unusual and great stuff to read

By: Linda

Linda — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 17:49:02 +0000

Know man can read the heart only jehovah can. He is the one who forgives in a large way.Disfellowshipping can only make matters alot worse. True repentance has to come from the person themselves to God and then healing can begine. If there is a feeling of unworthyness it will always be hard for someone to return.There is really too much injustice inside the organization for love to florish.Only God can heal the hurt if the person is truly rependent.Jehovah said return to me and I will take you in. He wants know one to be lost. What love God has for us. Should we not have the same love for each other?Jesus went after the sheep when they went astray and then carried them back on his back.We need to be lead along by the greatest commandment ….love. Linda

By: Mike Stone

Mike Stone — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:43:24 +0000

I would like to comment on Barbara’s research. I was in the hopes that I could find something more on the constructin side of things. I have been an estimator and project manager for much of my career dealing with commercial and industrial projects. I know costs and I know the tricks contractors use to hide profits. The chairs being purchased is one area I saw immediately and have even questioned myself in past years. I also question purchasing Kingdom Hall pacakges from one or two suppliers. People will set up a company just to turn paper they thus skim off profits made on material used on a projet. I think this is being done with Kingdom Hall material, circuit overseer cars, assembly halls and basically anything the RBC touches. This unified effort of construction is questionable. Katrina efforts used FREE labor and the Watchtower collected Millions off Insurance Contracts that was clear PROFIT from the efforts of so many. Research this if you have the time. I guarantee it will be an eye opener.

By: Beleiver@heart

Beleiver@heart — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 20:29:38 +0000

I have read all of the comments made. I was baptized @ 18 and 2 years later, got disfellowshiped. I was very angry, so I dicided to join a church. It took me 6 years to realize my mistake. I must confess, I never read anything on Russell. There’s 2 side to every story. You guys have to remember that whether the man or woman is a JW or a church goer, they are sinners and it doesn’t matter what we see in them we have to look up to God and HIS words. I committed fornication, I was club hopping every week-end and go on field service talking to people about God. How 2 face of me? Before I got disfellowshiped, I met with the elders, they really tried to help repent, and return back to Jehovah and serve Him faithfully. That wasn’t my plan. I married the father of my children, a church minister. He cheated on me with choir girl and a prostitute/drug addict who came to the church for help. He still giving sermon at 3 other churches, and suppoting himself on the less fortunate. Yes, the policies are hard, but Jehovah is a God of order and he requires us to give him full devotion. Must of you who got disfellowship cannot tell me that you didn’t commit a sin, and the elders just decided to take this harsh action against you. I repented but leaving the congregation was my worst mistake. I am living with a clear and clean conscient(sp), I devote my life to do what I read in the bible and the publications at heart. There’s always a bad seed in every religion but in Jehovah’s congregation, true christian lives their lives according to bible principles. If they fall short, they pray Jehovah for forgiveness. I’m not sure what happened with some of you but not everyone received the truth from Jesus, very few did. I don’t see the organization as the governing body’s, Russell’s, the elder’s or whoevers but Jehovah’s organization. From seeing how so call christian live their lives in church, how the sheperd was treating and misleading the God’s sheeps, I am more than convinced that this organization is truly founded on God’s principal. Anyway, Jehovah always gives us His best, why shouldn’t we give Him our best. If a christian is not willing to live his/her life according to bible principle he/she should be disfellowship. My regards to all of you and hope that you don’t let Harmaguedon come and you didn’t repant.

By: Seeker

Seeker — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:33:16 +0000

To add to what Ive said above , Christians are called to be a community of believers united in faith , not just a group of people who meet for a bible study once or twice per week.

Christians are called to be a part of Gods “family” , all brothers and sisters collectively accountable to one another all equal in Gods eyes ,so all decisions with regard to fellowship and association are taken collectively as would be done in any health functioning family situation – all decide together what is for the good of the family and what is in its best interest…

By: Seeker

Seeker — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:22:56 +0000

Hi Wordly one ,
With all respect , I think you misunderstand Gershonite …

He was trying to explain the difference between the current JW policy and methods used in disfellowshipping and the views expressed by Russell , the founder of the Bible Student Movement whome JW s falsely claim as their founder.

Russell was of the opinion that if someone in the congregation committed a serious sin i.e adultery , then the entire congregation was to be involved in deciding on the matter not a committee of 3 as is practiced by JW s , shunning was also not something he endorsed, rather a withdrawing of fellowship or association was the idea and only if the person was determined to stubbornly continue or persist with a wrong course , which is what the Bible teaches wether or not one agrees with the policy. Sadly JW have adopted an extreme policy that does more harm than good.

By: Worldly One

Worldly One — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:41:49 +0000

In response to Gershonite….
I am a ‘worldly one’ who married a JW. He was disfellowshipped shortly after we began dating. He was never called before the congregation. A few of the elders had a meeting and they called to tell him he had been disfellowshipped.
You spoke of the ‘real meaning’ of disfellowshipping, but you didn’t say what that is. This is a practice I don’t understand. My husband couldn’t really explain it to me either and he has been a JW for over 20 years. All I know is that it doesn’t seem loving or merciful to withdraw the support of the congregation at a time when an individual may be struggling the most and most in need of that very support. Maybe you can help me understand this practice better, as it has left me feeling frustrated and resentful at the congregation, the organization, and my husband’s family. Any help you could offer would be appreciated. Thanks.

By: Gershonite

Gershonite — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 15:17:50 +0000

Having been a JW from 1967-1990, I left because I discovered that the understanding of Scripture taught by Charles Taze Russell was far different than the societies teachings.

Whilst his personal life will always be a debate, his understandings were superior. I do not agree with him but he taught the REAL meaning of disfellowshipping. The individual is called to a meeting of the COMPLETE membership. He/She has an opportunity to speak and members have the right to ask the individual questions. In front of the individual, the “case” is discussed and then a vote of ALL the membership is taken.

If the individual is disfellowshipped, the “right hand of fellowship” is withdrawn. This means that the individual will not be allowed to make comments at meetings or offer prayers BUT they are still spoken to inside and outside the meeting although they will not shake hands [right hand of fellowship]

The person is disfellowshipped from THEIR local group only and NOT the other groups within the fellowship.