An Appeal to Jehovah's Witnesses
If sincerity and zeal alone determined what is Truth, then the "Jehovah's Witnesses," would have an argument almost second to none, in favor of its teaching. Its publishing organization has flooded the world with a succession of leaflets, pamphlets and books proclaiming its doctrines; its members are untiring in their proselytising zeal, supplementing these public appeals by voluntary donations and goodwill.
All this would be very commendable if the things preached were in accordance with Divine Truth, but if not, the words of the Master apply:
"If the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness" (Matt. 6: 23).
Something more than sincerity, and zeal, and proselytizing fervor is required in the things of God and that is a mind disciplined to seek and accept the truths of His Word. Paul shows, in 1 Corinthians 15:14 that it is possible to be found "false witnesses of God." He spoke of some who had -
"a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge" (Rom. 10: 2).
These "compassed sea and land to make one prosleyte" only to lead him into greater error (Matt. 23:15). Unfortunately, as we shall show, the energy of "Jehovah's Witnesses" has been harnessed to error, and not truth.
"Jehovah's Witnesses" have never hesitated to hold up the failings of others for all the world to see, and to classify the world's denominations as part of "Satan's organization." A group that so roughly handles the opinions and teachings of others must, itself, be prepared to have its own ideas ruthlessly examined. If they are firmly based upon the Rock of Truth, it has nothing to fear; but if not, its members are well advised to do what they of Berea are reported to have done when the Apostles preached to them the truth in Christ Jesus:
"They searched the Scriptures, whether those things were so" (Acts 17: 11).
To quote the Watchtower itself:
"The Watchtower... invites careful and critical examination of its contents in the light of the Scriptures." - Watchtower August 15, 1950 p. 263
Yet, sad to say, this very journal reveals that Jehovah's Witnesses are exempt from such examination. That questioning their beliefs and practices is akin to treason, independent thinking, and a subtle design of the Devil. [See Watchtower "Exposing the Devil's Subtle Designs" 01/15/83 p. 22] Why? Because many passages from the Bible are quoted therein, but many are either quoted out of context, or are misapplied in order to conform to their teachings.
A faulty use of Scripture must result in instability of doctrine, and though Truth does not vary with time, it is significant that the doctrines of the "Watchtower" have been constantly revised. An example of this is found in the subject of the restoration of the Jews to Israel. C. T. Russell the founder and first president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, taught that the Jews must return in fulfilment of prophecy. His teaching was followed by J.F. Rutherford for some time, but later, changed his mind upon this subject, and today the "Jehovah's Witnesses" repudiate the very ideas they then set forth before millions of people as truth!
Meanwhile, the Jews have and still are returning to the land in fulfilment of prophecy, as the Bible from the very beginning maintained they must (Jer. 31: 10, Ezek. 36: 22-24; 37: 21-22). Yet this truth, now vindicated by events, is vigorously opposed by Jehovah's Witnesses. We believe that if members of this organization were to carefully examine their teachings, without bias, in the light of Scripture, they would see the need to considerably amend many of their doctrines.
Among the tenets promulgated by the "Jehovah's Witnesses" are some that are true, false, peculiar to them alone, and some that have been borrowed from other religious systems.
They are most outspoken against Roman Catholicism, and yet they cling to some of the teaching of that system.
The reader will understand that it is impossible for us to thoroughly examine all the beliefs propagated by the "Jehovah's Witnesses" through their various legal entities [e.g. Watchtower Bible and Tract Society] within the compass of this short article. We propose to comment upon a few of those peculiar to them, as our space permits, recognising that much more could be said upon those we touch upon, as well as other matters, if we had more space at our disposal.
We ask the reader to bear with us in this, and (particularly if they are a member of the "Jehovah's Witnesses" to give the evidence we submit thier candid and unbiased consideration.
We pray this site and its contents may be, not only an "eye-opener", but a blessing, in revealing to you God Plan of the Ages. A Plan that will involve every man, women and child ... a Plan that involves YOU!
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8 comments:
11:04 AM
Son, you really need to get a grip on reality. The "Bible Students" are old old old old news. Jehovah has gone far beyond what Bro. Russell taught so long ago. You need to keep up and actually study your Bible instead of existing spiritually in stagnation.
1:43 PM
Well Jason, the "old old old old news" never grows stale. The "old old old old news" is THE GOOD NEWS! What have the Jehovah's Witnesses introduced since the death of Pastor Russell? Obsolutely nothing. Disco light theology that flickers on and off. Playing the old kids game, Old light, new light 1, 2, 3
9:15 AM
Humm, for someone who used to be one of Jehovah's Witnesses your ignorance is showing.
4:21 PM
Well Elijah, you say "light upon truth is progressive." That I would agree with, but the question is to what extent. Does new light estinguish old light? I mean if new light is now old light, then it must be error to begin with. What did Pastor Russell have to say about new light?
"If we were following a man undoubtedly it would be different with us; undoubtedly one human idea would contradict another and that which was light one or two or six years ago would be regarded as darkness now: But with God there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning, and so it is with truth; any knowledge or light coming from God must be like its author. A new view of truth never can contradict a former truth. "New light" never extinguishes older "light," but adds to it. If you were lighting up a building containing seven gas jets you would not extinguish one every time you lighted another, but would add one light to another and they would be in harmony and thus give increase of light: So is it with the light of truth; the true increase is by adding to, not by substituting one for another."R188
9:26 PM
My point exactly Mark. They claim new light, yet what they have proven since the death of Pastor Russell is that their understanding evolves not around scriptures, but around man and their lack of understanding.
3:11 PM
Well elijah, we may "revelve" around one man's thinking, but you revolve around a group of men's thinking. We at least have the freedom to agree to disagree. You don't have that luxury.
As to who has what blessing? I love it when JW's use the numbers game. It is quality not quantity. I've lived in this neighborhood for 8 years. A kingdom hall up the block.
I've been visited by Mormons, 7th Day Adventist and the Baptist, NEVER a JW.
All these groups are larger than the JW's. The Mormons and SDA's have a tremendous witness outreach, far surpassing the Watchtower.
Just because you've never heard of a group, does not mean that they are insignificant.
Since JW's are told not to associate with those outside of their faith, it is quite possible that you have seen us.
We have dozens of journals in circulation. as well as dozens of newsletters. We have several radio and television programs. There are about over 50 websites, we advertise in the major newspapers and magazine, we do radio and television commercials.
We have software, books, booklets, tracts, CD's, DVD, videos.
1:23 PM
Elijah, there is a major difference between Pastor Russell as “That Servant” and the Watchtower’s “Faithful and Discreet Slave class”. Pastor Russell never claimed to be anything but a humble servant of the Lord. He stated not to accept what he wrote because he wrote it, but because we proved it to ourselves with Bible in hand. He challenged his readers and critics alike to "rightly divide the word of truth." The Watchtower’s FDS class, claim the opposite. They claim to be that the FDS class, appointed by Jehovah. And state that they alone have the truth, that one need not do any research, BUT read Watchtower publications. They will also disfellowship anyone who openly disagrees with their Biblical interpretation. Even the bereans of old searched the scriptures to see if what the apostles taught was scriptural.
You doubt that I have been visited by the Baptist and SDAs? I don’t see why not. It is the truth. The SDA were going door to door selling their books, several of which I purchased (Bible stories for children). The local Baptist church were inviting their neighbors to attend their services. As to the JW’s? We were visited once by Spanish JW’s, who spoke to my wife. The JW’s in my area don’t know me, so there is no reason for them to "black list" us on the back of the “territory card.”
You say: “Like Jesus said, anyone can say "Lord, Lord" - its another thing to actually be doing the Father's will.” Let me ask you what is the will of the Father? I’d really like to know the JW view of this!
You also state in regards to newsletters and journals: “These too mean nothing if they are not teaching the Truth from Jehovah's Word or are promoting doctrines that that Jehovah's Word does not appear to actually support.” I agree, so why don’t we discuss God’s word? You can e-mail me!
You said: “Jehovah's Witnesses can support their teachings from just the Bible.” As can Bible Students, you also state: “That is why they have discarded many of … bro. Russell's ideas as all these, under Bible examination, cannot hold up.” Well, let’s discuss this! What doctrines of Pastor Russell do you feel are in error, and let’s stick to doctrine and not so much personal choices. What do you say? If you truly believe you have the truth, then you have nothing to fear or hide.
RR
8:57 PM
Bro. Elijah, Jesus made a good point that I believe is here very well demonstrated: 'don't throw your pearls before swine or give what is holy to dogs' because after they 'trample them under the mud (put down the spiritual gems of truth) they turn on you and rip you open'. (Matt. 7:6)
I would say to continue to try and reason with this person is giving what is holy to one who is not, according to what our Lord Jesus said, deserving. A real waste of time and effort.
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