QUESTION: Before I ask this question I just wish to make it clear that this is not a personal attack on you, so please do not take offense.  Okay, so I acknowledge that you have often clearly stated that you are not anti-JW, or bitter about having been disfellowshipped, and that you actively encourage those who are in the Watchtower organization, or those who are studying with Jehovah’s Witnesses, to continue doing so.  You also state that you believe that the Jehovah’s Witnesses have, on the whole, the Truth, though you disagree with some of their teachings (1914 etc.)  However, I have noticed that you often appear to ridicule many of the teachings of the organization in your podcasts and commentaries. You also seem to attack the members of the Governing Body at times.  Don’t you think that your negativity could cause some Witness or Bible studys to stumble and leave the organization, despite the fact that you advise that they remain?

Yes. It is possible. I suspect some have been stumbled by what they read on e-Watchman.

Unfortunately, though, the Watchtower itself has stumbled many more of Jehovah’s Witnesses and interested persons than I ever could, even if that was my intention, which, of course, it is not. For example, am I the source of the stumbling blocks related to the Watchtower’s child abuse scandal that has been widely publicized in recent years?

The thing is, the Watchtower has repeatedly warned Jehovah’s Witnesses not to even peek at websites such as mine, which may criticize the leadership of the organization. So, any of Jehovah’s Witnesses who disregard that warning must take some responsibility themselves.

From my standpoint, my presence on the web is an open conversation I am having with the leadership of the Watchtower —a conversation in which I speak for God. I know that sounds presumptuous. Perhaps the more modest way to put it is that I allow Jehovah to speak for himself by means of the Scriptures. Shall we expect the Watchtower to bring the focus of Jehovah’s prophetic denunciation upon itself?

Look at the ministry of Jeremiah. He was tasked with presenting the issues that Jehovah had with his people before them, all out in public. Jeremiah posted himself in the gate of the city so that all passersby could hear what Jehovah had to say. And it was not well received by most. Jeremiah was assaulted and made to be a laughingstock —a pariah. The king even shredded and burned the scroll that was presented to him from Jeremiah.

Jeremiah rejoiced that he had the privilege of speaking God’s message, but he was rightly filled with indignation against those whom God himself called “my people.” That is why Jeremiah said: “Your words were found, and I ate them; and your word became to me the exultation and the rejoicing of my heart, for your name has been called on me, O Jehovah God of armies. I do not sit in the company of merrymakers and rejoice. Because your hand is upon me, I sit alone, for you have filled me with indignation.” —Jeremiah 15:16-17

I am similarly happy to have my assignment, but also filled with indignation because of the deception, arrogance and hypocrisy on the part of the leadership of the Watchtower.

Ultimately, through it all, Jeremiah prevailed. I hope to as well.

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