Changes to the Baptism Questions

(Cedars' vlog no. 284) In May 2019, subtle changes were introduced to the questions Jehovah's Witnesses must answer verbally before pledging themselves to their religion by water baptism. I dissect the new wording using recent JW convention footage.

#baptism

[laurajones]

I had a very nice pair of ladies come to my door on Sunday inviting me to the “Love Never Fails” convention. I immediately told them that I have been studying JW beliefs and culture by watching your channel, and jwsurvey and jwfacts and that I do not share their beliefs and am not interested. Then I smiled and offered them a cold beverage, because it’s Texas and it’s 90, 000 degrees outside. They politely declined, and were on their way. The entire exchange was witnessed by my 9 year old. I used the experience to explain to her that no one, not a church, organization, or person, has the right to tell her how to think or feel. She said “mommy, I feel sorry for those nice ladies. I hope they get better.” Me too, baby. Me too.

I have a good friend who left a high-control group after 16 years. I have seen the unpacking of all that mess. I wish I could have said something to them, but there’s nothing I could say. So I said goodbye politely, and wished them a good day. I saw my neighbor being nasty to them (there was a group of them canvassing the neighborhood.) I may not have been interested, and was firm in my refusal, but treating people with compassion and dignity may someday help them wake up. It did for my friend.

[DavidTaylor-kiir]

I appreciate how you’re always improving on your audio visual effects in your videos. Great job. Top-notch, professional quality productions.

[byebyewatchtower]

Notice the 2 questions are not based on any scripture. Especially the 2nd question.

[theirregularpioneerchannel]

Also, this is a minor point but I could not stand the excessive clapping when GB helpers, or GB members gave talks. Even when I was PIMI, I got tired of the audience clapping uncontrollably like seals every time a GB member as much as sneezed into a microphone. I could have sworn they told us we weren’t supposed to be followers of men 🤔

[jamesjourneyman]

With respect to this content creator’s opinion, although the wording is subtle, the implications are HUGE. I respectfully offer my opinion, which is; as with most every change made within this religion, this change has a deeper agenda than what’s on the surface. Yes, it’s likely that the organization will continue to claim it is directed by God’s spirit, so why change the questions? My opinion is that it’s not, a mere as was said, tinkering with the wording “with the aim” of making it simpler, but rather, as was also said, “You are “pledging yourself” “Wedding yourself to an organization that claims authority over you” in a more complete way, legally. Let’s not forget, this ceremony and public declaration is looked at as a legally binding contract. One has only to go back farther than 1985 and compare the questions over the years to see how serious the changes really are. Here’s the real aim in my opinion. The Holy Spirit has been slowly but surely taken out of the equation as far as personal autonomy is concerned. I crave your indulgence as I look at the historical changes in snapshot form, especially as relates to question #2. If one follows the Bible, baptism is to be done simply in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Why not baptize folks and say, ‘I now baptize you in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit”, instead of asking ever changing questions? With JW’s two questions historically, starting from 1966, The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit was in the questions along with personal autonomy phrases. Notice the wording in question two, paraphrasing. 1966 “Have you dedicated yourself to do God’s will...as revealed to YOU...?”, 1970, “Have you dedicated yourself unreservedly to Jehovah God...to do his will as is revealed to YOU...?”, 1973, “Have you dedicated yourself unreservedly to God...as he reveals it to YOU...?” In 1985, the Holy Spirit was still included in the organization although it was carefully worded to 1. Be directed by it, not inspired by it AND 2. it’s no longer YOU who’s being directed by the Spirit, it’s the organization. In THIS more subtle change, the Spirit is now completely out of the equation. Can you imagine five years from now trying to argue with the elders that you actually dedicated yourself to Jehovah God, Jesus Christ and do you your best to follow the leadings of the Holy Spirit that you've prayed for everyday? Legally speaking they can now say, your public declaration is that you knew you were doing no such thing. I’m summary, the two serious implications of this new wording are, 1. The Holy Spirit it taken out of the equation during the purported most important day of a “Christian’s” life which is a direct tie in to one getting on the road to salvation. This is, if nothing else, blasphemy against the Spirit and replacing salvation with men. 2. Any JW who is baptized from this point forward has in essence been defanged when they wake up from the indoctrination and tries to argue their case with the still sleep and authoritative elders. -Blessings

[jasonno]

What is the reason to simplify an already simple question? Time saver? No, there is some underhand legal reason here. As there was when they changed it in the 80's.

[peterbartley]

I rarely disagree with you Lloyd, but if the Watchtower have changed that baptismal wording, it will be for a reason other than 'simplification'. There will be either a 'legal loophole' they need to exploit, or a 'protection against litigation'.

[lowpolyzoe]

Okay I've never been a witness but the fact these questions are asked publicly and you're expected to yell "yes" with the group is basically discouraging you from saying no even if you have serious doubts about going through with it

[chadmon]

Interesting. I wonder if the reference to Jehovah’s Organization is in response to the recent negative publicity they are getting around shunning. This way they can point back to the baptism question to try and justify shunning if someone leaves and draws attention to the unscriptural and hateful practice. Also it’s another way to bring the focus onto themselves and the newly famous GB. To use Tony’s term they need to “trust the channel”, which just so happens to be him and his 7 mates! Thank you for the video!

[jonsixtythree]

Watchtower = Jehovah.

Jehovah = Watchtower.

“The creatures outside looked from pig to man, and from man to pig, and from pig to man again; but already it was impossible to say which was which.”

George Orwell, Animal Farm.

[amberb]

Thank you always Lloyd for your well organized videos and the time you spend in preparation. You’re the best

[leetrippii]

They took that spirit directed part out probably because of law suits and people saying they are from god but now they can say we been said we are not inspired so they followed because they wanted to

[estrutheg]

If baptized before 2019 you need a do over. Because you were baptized under spirit directed organization.

[dogsdroolllquinavancepasre]

He said “watch the hand” like he was putting a spell on them. 🧟‍♂️💫✨⚡️
Very bizarre!

[ΟριζόντιοςΚατακόρυφος]

Where in Bible there are these two questions?
Where is the name of "the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit"?
Without any doubt, jws just made of a new kind of bible..

[xptweak]

I cant believe people are still joining this cult!

[saracarlson-kringle]

"I solemnly swear I am up to no good." "Mischief managed."

[darthfader]

My opinion: This new wording clears up the question of "inspiration" and may be intended to make the organization appear less cult like. Additionally the name Jehovah now becomes more a corporate identity. There may be some legal motivation due to the amount of financial loss due to lawsuits and problems with different Governments legal systems.

[cindyluwho]

Hi Lloyd. I've been meaning to tell you: I love the song at the intro & outro of your videos by Martin Hall.. It's perfect for the theme at hand.
I can't thank you enough for your activism & emboldening those of us who are plotting our escape. Thank you!

[Cherryvanilla]

If its not spirit directed who is directing it? That is quite important. It seems to be making it clearer and clearer that it is not.