Keynote Address: Follow the Governing Body

A keynote speech sets the tone for an event, laying the foundation for the main points of discussion or an underlying theme; outlining core ideas and key pieces of information.  Americans are most familiar with the keynote speeches given at political conventions.  No matter what one thinks of his position on the issues, everyone recognizes that Barack Obama’s 2004 keynote address propelled him onto the national stage and into the Oval Office four years later.

Giving a district convention keynote address will never propel a Jehovah’s Witness anywhere.  Like the use of the term symposium, Jehovah’s Witness conventions feature a “keynote address.”  This year’s keynote address (I have not listened to one since 1988) offers a revealing look at the Governing Body’s thinking.

The talk starts with a description of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, with huge columns supporting the roof.  The speaker quotes 1 Tim 3:14-15 “Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and foundation of the truth.” 

“Like a pillar, the congregation of God holds the truth up,” by preaching, supporting the organization, and maintaining good conduct. This talk does not say much about preaching.  Organizational refinements support the truth (the Organization), and enable Witnesses to become better Christians, it lists ten.  These are

1) A separate study edition of the Watchtower

2) Introduction of a public edition of the magazine

3) Reduction of the Awake magazine to sixteen pages

4) Combining midweek meetings, leaving a night free for personal or family study.

5) Arrangement for Pioneers (full-time preachers) to attend the Pioneer school twice

6) A Bible School for Christian couples

7) Greater use of audio and video productions

8) A redesigned website

9) Expanded efforts at preaching in Public places

10) New “Research Guide for Jehovah’s Witnesses

My comments:

The “study” edition of the Watchtower originated after an article on disfellowshipped family members produced negative publicity (family members aren’t supposed to talk to them).  Apparently, somebody figured out the need to keep some aspects of the religion out of public view.

The smaller Awake magazine is almost certainly a cost cutting measure.  I don’t know what the School for Christian couples entails.  If you’ve attended one, I’d like to hear about it.

Item four, “family study night” featured an interesting speaker comment.  He stated that many Witnesses expressed frustration at lack of time for personal or family study.  “Well, the Governing Body heard you” and cut out one night of meetings each week.  Funny, I thought the Governing Body listened to, and passed along God’s instructions. 

The last item, including demonstrations of its use, took up about one third of the talk.  It is a “simplified” reference list of Watchtower articles on various subjects.  “Simplified” means “most recent.”   In other words, it helps hide older, incorrect information.

The discussion then moves to a “Christian” (JW) duty to uphold the truth, through good conduct. It includes demonstrations on using the new Research Guide to determine, for example, how to dress for the convention. It also provides information showing why “worldly” dancing is bad.

The address ended by calling the congregation a “bulwark against false teaching” and encourages Witnesses to “be determined to keep working in harmony with the congregation.”

Several thoughts stuck me in listening to this.  I did not once hear the name Jesus.  There is no mention of Jehovah except indirectly, for example when speaking of “Jehovah’s Organization.”  In a talk that ran about half an hour, I only counted seven scripture references. 

The talk focused entirely on the Watchtower organization and its writings. In discussing good conduct, the talk demonstrates researching through Watchtower publications, not the Bible, to answer questions.  Nowhere does there appear to be room for conscience or individuality.  The Governing Body serves as final authority in even the most mundane matters.

I believe the Watchtower intended this talk for an “in-house” audience. People with no prior connection to Watchtower may be put off, offended, or disturbed by its content.  The overall impression it gives is that in Watchtower theology, the Bible, Jesus and even Jehovah, are subordinate to the Governing Body.