When Organized Religion Goes Bad!

The WT is one of the most organized religions in the world. Their list of do's and don'ts is quite extensive. Every JW must follow ALL the rules or face disfellowshipping. Here are some examples showing the extent of the WT organizing their religion.

"Approved association with JW's requires accepting the entire range of the true teachings of the Bible, including those Scriptural beliefs that are unique to JW's. What do such beliefs include? (1) The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses are the sole interpreters of the Bible. (2) That 1914 marked the end of the Gentile Time and the  Establishment of the Kingdom of God in the heavens as the time for Christ's foretold presence. (3) Only 144,000 will go to heaven." {WT April 1, 1986 30-1}

"We serve not only Jehovah God but we are under our 'mother' (the organization). Our 'mother' has the right to make rules and regulations for us... This book, entitled Branch Organization Procedure, contains 28 subjects; and its sub-sections involve regulations and administration. In it there are 1,177 policies and regulations...this is an improved, fine-tuned organization, and we are expected to follow its policies. If there are some who feel that they cannot subject themselves to the rules and regulations now in operation, such ones ought to be leaving and not be involved here in the further progressive work. Some have fallen away from the organization, not from the Bible, saying there is no need for coming under law...This great program of organization procedure is gathering the things of heaven and earth." (JW Leader Albert Schroeder, May 29, 1980)

Not only does the WT want to control the JW's outward actions but also their thinking. Note--

“It is through the columns of The Watchtower that Jehovah provides direction and constant Scriptural counsel to his people . . . “The Watchtower, May 1, 1964, p. 277

Want to study the Bible--not without the WT guiding your thinking:

“Heavy research is not necessary. The Watch Tower has done it for you. The most beneficial study you can do is to read The Watchtower or Awake! or a new book by the organization.” The Watchtower, June 1, 1967, p. 338

“the Bible is an organizational book . . . For this reason the Bible cannot be properly understood without Jehovah’s visible organization (WTBTS) in mind.” The Watchtower, Oct. 1, 1967, p. 587

“Jehovah caused the Bible to be written in such a way that you need his human channel (WTBTS) to understand it.” The Watchtower, Feb. 15, 1981, p. 17

“An individual must have The Watchtower to understand the Bible.” 1983 Yearbook, p. 21

Read the Bible on your own or in small groups without WT books:

“Avoid independent thinking . . . questioning the counsel that is provided by God’s visible organization (WTBTS).” The Watchtower, Jan 15, 1983, p. 22.

So, don’t give up on the Bible and Christ because some large organized religion is obviously not following Jesus.