The Dark Side of Jehovah's Witness Governance: Power, Profit, and Control
Belonging to any organization or religion carries significant responsibilities and privileges. However, when an organization goes beyond the realm of religious liberty and begins to manipulate its members for profit, power, and control, it becomes an unsettling and concerning matter. In the case of Jehovah's Witnesses, the governing body's conduct and the structure of their organization raise troubling questions. This article explores the three sectors of Jehovah's Witnesses: the publishing corporation, the religious front, and the business corporation
The Organization's Structure
The organization is divided into three distinct sectors. Each sector plays a crucial role in achieving the overarching goals of the governing body, which are to maintain power, accumulate wealth, and exert control over its vast number of members.
Sector 1: The Publishing Corporation
The publishing corporation focuses on the distribution and creation of printed materials and online content. Its main objectives include:
Writing and updating official websites' content. Managing the public affairs office and public relations. Speaking on behalf of the organization in various capacities and filtering information to shape the organization's image.By doing so, they maintain a consistent narrative and control the message that is disseminated to the public and members alike.
Sector 2: The Religious Front
The second sector comprises the largest free labor force globally. These individuals are responsible for disseminating the organization's content, from printed materials to website traffic. In every country's branch headquarters, members work tirelessly to spread the message of Jehovah's Witnesses, contributing to the organization's growth without any remuneration.
Sector 3: The Business Corporation
The final sector, the business corporation, handles all financial transactions and accumulates the vast sums of money raised through member donations. This corporation is tasked with:
Managing bank accounts, stocks, investments, and real estate properties. Initiating various projects that benefit the organization, such as the construction of kingdom halls, ministry schools, and other facilities. Generating revenue from these projects, which becomes the corporation's property, even though the construction and funds were initially provided by members.By combining these sectors, the governing body is able to maintain a facade of a non-profit organization while simultaneously amassing wealth and power.
The Nature of Jehovah's Witnesses
While the Bible does not explicitly mention the concepts of hell and the Lake of Fire, Jehovah's Witnesses believe in a different interpretation. They believe in the possibility of true salvation through baptism and receiving the Holy Spirit.
This belief is personal, involving the heart, mind, and soul, and is a fundamental aspect of their faith. Many members of Jehovah's Witnesses have found such salvation and choose to share their experiences and beliefs with others. The following quote from a member encapsulates their perspective:
"I have found True Salvation in Jehovah God's Son, Jesus."
Power, Profit, and Control
The organization's structure and governance serve a larger purpose beyond religious faith. By maintaining a strict hierarchy and controlling all aspects of communication and decision-making, the governing body has created an environment where members are not free to think independently. This lack of freedom is deeply concerning and raises issues related to mind control and manipulation.
Some key points to consider:
Power: Jehovah's Witnesses can control millions of people, making them a powerful and elite corporation with significant financial resources. This power is built on the foundation of religious devotion rather than democratic principles. Profit: The organization's business corporation accumulates vast sums of money, which is then used to further the goals of the governing body. The fact that this profit is generated through member donations raises ethical concerns. Control: The organization's governance structure is designed to prevent members from thinking critically or questioning the leadership. This lack of transparency and independent thinking is a significant concern.The Legal and Ethical Implications
The organization's governance and operations raise several legal and ethical concerns:
The organization's use of member donations for-profit activities is questionable, as it lacks transparency and accountability. Shunning policies, which can be abusive and inhumane, further undermine the rights and dignity of members. The blood doctrine, which has led to the deaths of countless individuals, violates legal and ethical norms.In conclusion, the governance and operations of Jehovah's Witnesses raise severe questions about power, profit, and control. It is essential for individuals and organizations to remain vigilant about the potential for manipulation and abuse within religious contexts.