Corn-pone Opinions

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Editor’s Notes: I’m pleased to introduce an old friend, Richard E. Kelly, as another regular contributor to InsidetheWatchtower.com. Dick actually wrote this particular article over two years ago for another website that I was managing. I’ve asked him to allow me to republish it here – not because it was originally directed at Jehovah’s Witnesses – but rather because it so clearly demonstrates their attitude about what and how they preach. Mark Twain had a unique talent for pointing out the hypocrisies and foibles of the people of his time. But like more recent humorists Will Rogers and George Carlin, his well-crafted prose was able to expose truth in a clear and palatable way for his readers. Over fifty years ago, my grandfather shared some words of wisdom that are as relevant today as they were when I first heard them. And they were, “Dickie, you’ve got to read and … Continue reading →

District Convention “New Light” Review – 2

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“Mad Sweeney” continues his comments on the last major segment of the 2011 “Let God’s Kingdom Come” District Conventions: The final convention segment I think important to talk about is also the final part of the entire convention. It relates to the hype mentioned earlier in this article about the graphic found on the reverse side of the convention invitation. In case the image on the screen is difficult to read, the text is as follows: Jesus taught his followers to pray: “Let your kingdom come.” (Matthew 6:10) What is God’s Kingdom? When will it come, and with what effect? The answers to these questions are contained in the fulfillment of a prophetic dream that was recorded by the prophet Daniel over 2,500 years ago. – Daniel 2:31-45. Why should you be interested in that dream? Because its fulfillment will have a direct impact on the lives of everyone living … Continue reading →

J’accusé – Editor called a “liar”

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This website hadn’t even been formally announced when I got the following contact message (August 2, 2011): “Mr. Editor – You are a liar. There I said it, and I won’t take it back. You don’t even identify your self [sic] (everyone else seems to!), so I guess that lets [sic] you tell lies about Jehovah and think you can get away with it. You know why your [sic] a liar? Because this is what you said – “In the 1970s, Jehovah’s Witnesses continued to promote and encourage their abusive ideas of “tough love.” I clearly remember my little brother taking many a trip down the aisle to the Kingdom Hall bathroom (or outside to the parking lot) for a spanking. Even in this day and age where spanking your child can get you arrested in some jurisdictions, there are still locations in many Kingdom Halls that have been set … Continue reading →

Watchtower Puzzle: Spirit-Directed vs Inspired

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Scan your Bible and you probably won’t find the term spirit-directed. I searched for that term online and could not find a dictionary that defines it. That’s puzzling in view of the fact that Watchtower publications have used it 33 times. I’ve also been mulling over the question about spirit-direction and inspiration as defined by those publications and I’m not certain that I understand a few other puzzles that seem to crop up. Maybe you can help. Let’s first establish some Watchtower-defined principles to set the groundwork, examining what they’ve told the flock. You’ll see that the following is supported within pages of The Watchtower: Its organization is spirit-directed1 and, in fact, is the only such one on this earth.2 Jehovah’s visible organization is under the control of a governing body3 (currently 7 men). Their governing body is spirit-directed.4 This governing body approves what is written and published.5 The organization is … Continue reading →