AUTHORITY:    Examining the Watchtower Society's control over the lives of JW’s.

"Some claiming to be fully devoted to Jehovah find it difficult to learn to be obedient to organization instructions....If you find it difficult to be in harmony with the organization instructions, that is sufficient reason for a careful self-examination to see what is your standing before the Lord."

     –The Watchtower December 1, 1933, p.364

"Those who recognize Jehovah's theocratic organization, therefore, must recognize and accept this appointment of the 'faithful and discreet slave' and be submissive to it."

     –The Watchtower October 1, 1967, p.590

"Jehovah's organization as directed by his 'faithful and discreet slave' class should influence our every decision..."

     –The Watchtower March 15, 1969, p.172

"...recognition of that governing body and its place in God's theocratic arrangement of things is necessary for submission to the headship of God's Son."

     –The Watchtower December 15, 1972, p.755

"Would not a failure to respond to direction from God through his organization really indicate a rejection of divine rulership?"

    –The Watchtower February 15, 1976, p.124

"Avoid independent thinking....How is such independent thinking manifested?  A common way is by questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization."

     –The Watchtower January 15, 1983, p.22

"...an organization to direct the minds of God's people."

     –The Watchtower March 1, 1983, p.25

"To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must identify that organization and serve God as part of it."

     –The Watchtower February 15, 1983, p.12

"Approved association with Jehovah's Witnesses requires accepting the entire range of the true teachings of the Bible, including those Scriptural beliefs that are unique to Jehovah's Witnesses."

     –The Watchtower April 1, 1986, p.3