2021 Governing Body Update #6

[AH173]

With all the covid-19 news from last update ( it feels like almost a month now- but really 2+ weeks), I am really looking forward to next broadcast on how FDS will make their decisions based on current science and current facts with this virus.

Edited August 1, 2021 by AH173
update

[trottigy]

Bump

[Dages]

Three years later, we did good

[trottigy]

Yes, we did. I was actually looking for the one with Bro Splaine (I think) who gave the statistics. I wanted to quote it accurately.

 

Quote

Factors for Vaccination

 

Of course, the decision to be vaccinated is a personal one. What factors might a Christian consider in making the decision? 

 

Number one: As Jehovah’s Witnesses, we do not have a religious objection to vaccination. 

 

Number two: We are in the midst of a pandemic. As of July 9, over 19,000 of our dear brothers and sisters have died from the virus. 

 

Number three: In some lands, “the superior authorities” have made laws requiring all of their citizens to be vaccinated. In other lands, the superior authorities have not made laws, but they are strongly encouraging their citizens to be vaccinated. 

 

We each must weigh such factors when making our own personal decision. Continue to take reasonable precautions in accord with local conditions, especially if you have health problems or you’re up in years. Stay in touch with direction coming from the local health authorities, and be careful.

 

Snippet from the transcript 

[Datsun_120Y]

On 7/18/2021 at 10:50 AM, Dhanyel said:

I'm imagining in an emergency situation and we need to stay in a basement during the great tribulation, then half will be vaccinated and the other half will not, have you thought about that situation? a contamination arises....How to rescue these people and hide at the same time? 

Not every one has a basement lol

[carlos]

On 7/18/2021 at 2:50 AM, Dhanyel said:

I'm imagining in an emergency situation and we need to stay in a basement during the great tribulation, then half will be vaccinated and the other half will not, have you thought about that situation? a contamination arises....How to rescue these people and hide at the same time? 

 

This is a good example of why Jesus advised not to become anxious for the next day but take one day at a time. We may be anxious for things that actually never happen.

 

Three years ago we were worried what if the GT started and some were not vaccinated. Today nobody could care less if others are vaccinated or not. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

[LeolaRootStew]

If we're hiding in basements during the GT, Armageddon is my health plan. 

[Jwanon]

Can someone remind where does this idea of hiding in basements come from?

 

I thought it was prophecied that we would be attacked by Gog at the end of the GT, so why hide?

[jwhess]

24 minutes ago, Jwanon said:

Can someone remind where does this idea of hiding in basements come from?

 

I thought it was prophecied that we would be attacked by Gog at the end of the GT, so why hide?

The references are to the 2016 Regional Convention video on remaining loyal to Jehovah.  It depicts the GT and the faith of those gathered in the 'basement' of a brothers home.

 

It is one of the most touching videos of the end of the world as we now know it.  You can watch it in two parts on JW Library or JW.ORG

Edited Saturday at 04:05 PM by jwhess

[jwhess]

57 minutes ago, Jwanon said:

I thought it was prophecied that we would be attacked by Gog at the end of the GT, so why hide?

The Regional Convention video was not the only portrayal of 'basement' meetings during the GT.  Here are several more from the last few years.

 

 

[Jwanon]

43 minutes ago, jwhess said:

The references are to the 2016 Regional Convention video on remaining loyal to Jehovah.  It depicts the GT and the faith of those gathered in the 'basement' of a brothers home.

 

It is one of the most touching videos of the end of the world as we now know it.  You can watch it in two parts on JW Library or JW.ORG

 

Sure but I mean, biblically what is the basis

[careful]

its based on what other servants of Jehovah have had to do while facing persecution by hiding.  Maybe loosely based on Isaiah 26 vs 20

[Dolce vita]

2 hours ago, Jwanon said:

 

Sure but I mean, biblically what is the basis

May be : 1st century, when the apostle Peter was in prison and therefore persecuted, the Brothers gathered in Mark's house. Obviously a rallying point for the brothers who were hiding - Acts 12

[jwhess]

I don't believe that homes in Biblical times were known for 'basements'.

[jwhess]

We have pictured ourselve hiding in attics as well.

 

 

[Eejay]

On 10/31/2024 at 11:50 AM, Datsun_120Y said:

Not every one has a basement lol

I'd say most have neither basement nor attic. Location of any type, literal or symbolic, will be no protector at the end of this system of things. We are not like those described at Rev 6:15-17: "Then the kings of the earth, the high officials, the military commanders, the rich, the strong, every slave, and every free person hid in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. And they keep saying to the mountains and to the rocks: “Fall over us and hide us from the face of the One seated on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb, because the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”"

[Dolce vita]

36 minutes ago, jwhess said:

I don't believe that homes in Biblical times were known for 'basements'.

Sorry, I thought brother Jason wanted the biblical reference of a meeting point in case of persecution.

[Dhanyel]

Jehovah may provide help to protect us, whether in a basement, inside our homes, or any other place. The lesson is to follow the guidance of the elders at that time. Noah's ark is an example of this.