Don't you hate it when you're reading a work and the author directs you to another publication only to find out that the publication is an article in scholarly journal that you have to pay anywhere from 5 to 20 dollars to read? I know I do.
The Watchtower Society publishes over 2 dozen articles monthly free of charge (see their main journal the Watchtower and its companion Awake!). Both in print and electronically. Whether you disagree or agree with their positions is another matter. However, no one can deny that it is remarkable that while other institutions/organizations publish articles/journals as well (not to mention, for a price), the Society does it free of charge.
I was researching the burial customs as presented in the Hebrew Scriptures and in archaeological findings for an upcoming blog entry, but only to find out that the article I need is worth $9 just to read (in electronic format, not in print). Not happening! It's not even like it's a full book, it's simply an article.
Anyhow, if anyone is even semi-interested in the topic see Insight in the Scriptures Volume 1, (Brooklyn: Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, 1988), page 377, "Burials, Burial Places" for a brief overview. See also Dr. Craig Evans in "Jewish Burial Traditions and the Resurrection of Jesus."
I completely understand where you're coming from. Non-popular in-depth theological works are ridiculously overpriced. However, I will say that if the publishing companies had millions or billions of dollars coming in through donations (as the WT does), then resources would be much less expensive or probably free. Remember, there was a day when the WT charged for publications and probably for the reason that they couldn't afford to do it for free.
ReplyDeleteThankfully, there are some journals that offer free reads such as the Master's seminary journal. But this is probably because John MacArthur's ministry receives a large amount of donations. Answers in Genesis also offers many of their in depth journals for free.
Think about it this way; full time scholars have to provide for their families too, otherwise they wouldn't be full time scholars. I'm sure there are those in the WT who work full time in the org and receive what they need to live comfortably. I have no problem with scholars receiving the same treatment.
How about if there pastors volunteered their time instead of living 'high on the hog'from the 'tithes and offerings' of their members,the way elders among Jehovah's witnesses do.Our governing body members make do with a generous $120 a month plus room and board.As do all the other workers at bethel.
ReplyDeleteP.S. That is why Christendom will never halt our advance,her mercenaries are no match for Jehovah's volunteers.
ReplyDeleteI know what mean esp. trying to look at JBL articles, sometimes you can find them for free as PDF's but they $20-30 to read them
ReplyDeleteIm looking forward to your post, Is it about Jesus' burial or burials in general?
@aservantofJehovah,
ReplyDeleteI'm not here to defend pastors who get private jets and drive new BMW's. But are you really going to criticize elders in a church who get the salary of a school teacher in order to provide for their family? How is this any different from JW's providing housing, food, healthcare, etc. for the GB and those at Bethel?
@apologeticfront:The housing you speak of was built for the most part by unpaid volunteer labor.And if public servants in your country were forced to endure that standard of housing there would be riots in the streets.And did I mention that our elders are unpaid volunteers.Our leadership makes sacrifices that Christendom's clergy would find unbearable.
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