New elders' manual - a few more details

Per a recent BOE letter:

-- New manual will be softcover

-- Elders can keep their old elder manual if they choose

-- Elders warned never to leave the new manual where others can see it  - it is for elders only (bolded in letter also)

-- A new term will be introduced - "Brazen conduct" will be alongside, or even replace, the term "loose conduct" as it "more accurately reflects the original Greek word translated 'loose conduct' in the New World translation"

That's pretty much all of the semi-interesting stuff. The bulk of the letter dealt with which chapters to read prior to the next elders school, what to do (re: the textbook) if an elder moves in or out or is newly appointed, etc.

The most surprising things to me were (1) Softcover? Really? You're so cash-strapped you can't even afford to hard-bind a few thousand books for your "elite"? and (2) "Brazen conduct" is a "better translation" than the NWT's "loose conduct" - seems to be a bit of a dig at dearly departed Freddy.

Softcover- you can bet a bunch of elders will want to run out and get hardcovers from [the stores formerly known as] Kinkos.
I can see some directive not to do that come out, else the "worldly" store staff will see the secret book and their eyes might burn.

Brazen vs. Loose. ????  Hmm.  "Brazen" seems to be more about the attitude of the conduct and "loose" seems to say something about the conduct itself.  That could actually be a softening on minor infractions if the violators are willing to kiss some elders asses.

"loose conduct" was kind of that catch-all for everything from fondling a breast to getting into a fist-fight to not being obedient to the elders.   Wonder if "brazen conduct" will be similarly used or if they will give it a definition upgrade to fit the shiny, new term.

How long before the new book goes on-line?

How long before the new book goes on-line?

Roughly 24 hours after it is shipped to the congregations, via some "rogue" older or 2 (or 1000).

And within a week there will be dozen online and/or you-tube analyses of the contents.

Actually, I'm also surprised they didn't implement some stronger controls to, if not prevent it, at least have a better idea where the leaks are.

I like "brazen". That's classy and bold. Kind of has a ring of "being outspoken" and "having courage and character".

Loose conduct always had a ring of something sexual, like being a slut.

I think "loose conduct" was an evil way to use a word to assault your character and make people's imaginations wander.

Brazen has a triumphant sound to it.

Brazen (bold) apostates!

Yes, good word.

Brazen to me is more of a "catch all" phrase where the BOE can use it with impunity as to where they see fit. It can cover sexual issues to something where someone is "too bold or shameless" in their thoughts/actions. Personally this will cause huge problems because this will give the BOE more supposed "power".

ouuu I like brazen ......I shall now liked to be referred to as ' that Brazen ,Brassy ,Blonde bomb -shell '......

Thanks for the update, sir...

Brazen vs. Loose. ????  Hmm.  "Brazen" seems to be more about the attitude of the conduct and "loose" seems to say something about the conduct itself.  That could actually be a softening on minor infractions if the violators are willing to kiss some elders asses.

Actually I kind of interpreted it a little differently.  I guess it depends on if it "replaces" loose conduct or is introduced "alongside".

I agree that brazen seems to be more about the attitude than the actual conduct, which to me signifies that they'll now have the means at their disposal to punish, er, I mean counsel, anyone whose attitude they don't like.  They no longer have to wait until some actual loose conduct is committed...they can go after anyone who displays a bad attitude or questions authority.  This way they're nipping in the bud the actions of anyone who might be in the early stages of openly questioning or doubting...

I agree that brazen seems to be more about the attitude than the actual conduct, which to me signifies that they'll now have the means at their disposal to punish, er, I mean counsel, anyone whose attitude they don't like.  They no longer have to wait until some actual loose conduct is committed...they can go after anyone who displays a bad attitude or questions authority.  This way they're nipping in the bud the actions of anyone who might be in the early stages of openly questioning or doubting...

Exactly, they have more latitude to make their judgements.

"Brazen" is a better English word to encompass non-sexual activity, IMHO.

Thanks for the info.  Here is my take:

1.)  Softcover - this is PERFECT!!  An Elder shouldn't have a hardcover of the elder's manual, as it's too rigid to carry around all the time in your coat pocket, etc.  But a soft cover edition - you can keep that on yourself practically all the time!!!  It's flexible, and with it being soft it's like a quick mini-reference with all of the hand-written direction in it.  

Just imagine, you're not sure which infraction of The Law Brother McFeely has broken, so you whip out your handy-dandy soft-cover Neo-Pharisee Rule Book and viola!!  Pedophelia; Step 1.) Do not report.  Step 2.) Silence the victim through fear and manipulation via threats of DF'ing.  Step 3.)  Isolate pedophile to new congregation. 

2.)  The term "Brazen Conduct".  Oh my, the Governing Body are really wising up to the flock "awakening" through online sources and starting to question, aren't they???  This wide-reaching term will blanket a multitude of areas we can't even begin to comprehend yet!!  It's basically giving the Elder's a license to disfellowship whomever they see fit, all under the guise of, "Well, Sister College Degree was showing a Brazen Attitude with all of her QUESTIONS!!!"  That will shut them up!!!! 

So let's summarize, in the past 2 years or so we've seen the following:

1.)  New Neo-Pharasitical rule book:  "Keep Yourself in God's Love"

2.) Shortened public talks and only using Society approved outlines, no room for opinions.

3.) Constant harping of "Follow the F&DS", which has increased ten-fold since late 1980's, or even the 90's.

4.)  No independant study or even reading other biblical translations, via the Sept KM, QFR.

5.)  New rules on not holding hands or showing affection during prayers at meetings.

6.)  Now, we have a new Elder's Manual.

Anyone else see the control, Control, CONTROL, pattern shaping up here????   Astounashing!!!

- Wing Commander

WC, which Sept KM are you referring to? and can you provide the source for the QFR. Thanks.

Interesting that they seem more interested in having the elder's disciplinary printed materials "perfectly correct in translation" than their bible itself.

But, maybe a new NWT is coming - I have wondered when they were going to add the phrase Governing Body to it.

LOL, JWoods, if they did that I think that would be the last straw for me.

Elders can keep their old elder manual if they choose.

That makes me laugh.  Of course the elders can keep their old manuals.  Why shouldn't they, when they could download a replacement in a matter of minutes from the Watchtower's arch enemy, the INTERNET.

On the soft cover...Doesn't that make it even EASIER to photocopy and PDF?

Thanks Sir82. I still can't stop myself from having a morbid curosity about this stuff. Can't wait to see your review of the program!!

brazen

out to act in a bold unashamed way.

interesting what they might be able to do with that

Wait a minute, what is this no affection or holding hands during a prayer or meeting? Come on, isnt that the time when MS who are fighting with their wives get to try and make-up without saying sorry?