Jehovah's Witnesses Official Web Site
Beliefs Future Medical Topics Contact Us Publications Languages Search
What Is the Purpose of Life?
Christendom Has Betrayed
God and the Bible
People in many lands have avoided the Bible and have lacked respect for it because of the bad conduct of those who claim to follow it. In certain lands it has been said that the Bible is a book that leads to war, that it is a white man's book, and that it is a book that supports colonialism. But those are mistaken views.
The Bible, written in the Middle East, does not support the colonial wars and greedy exploitation that have been carried on in the name of Christianity for such a long time. On the contrary, by reading the Bible and learning the teachings of true Christianity taught by Jesus, you will see that the Bible strongly condemns warring, immorality, and the exploiting of others. The fault lies with greedy people, not with the Bible. (1 Corinthians 13:1-6; James 4:1-3; 5:1-6; 1 John 4:7, 8) So do not let the misconduct of selfish people who live contrary to the Bible's good counsel prevent your benefiting from its treasures.
Included among those who do not live by the Bible are the peoples and nations of Christendom. "Christendom" is defined as that part of the world where Christianity prevails. It is largely the Western world with its church systems, which from about the fourth century C.E. became prominent. Christendom has had the Bible for centuries, and its clergy claim to teach it and to be God's representatives. But do the clergy and missionaries of Christendom teach the truth? Do their actions really represent God and the Bible? Does Christianity really prevail in Christendom? No. Since its religion came to the forefront in the fourth century, Christendom has proved to be an enemy of God and of the Bible. Yes, the facts of history show that Christendom has betrayed God and the Bible.
Unbiblical Doctrines
The fundamental doctrines of Christendom are based not on the Bible but on ancient myths—those of Greece, Egypt, Babylon, and others. Teachings such as the inherent immortality of the human soul, eternal torment in hellfire, purgatory, and the Trinity (three persons in one Godhead) are not found in the Bible.
Dante's "Inferno"
For example, consider the teaching that bad people will be tortured forever in a fiery hell. How do you feel about this idea? Many find it repugnant. They find it unreasonable that God would forever torture humans, keeping them in excruciating pain. Such a fiendish idea is contrary to the God of the Bible, for "God is love." (1 John 4:8) The Bible is clear that such a teaching 'had not come into the heart' of Almighty God.—Jeremiah 7:31; 19:5; 32:35.
Hindu trinity
Today many religions, including the churches of Christendom, teach that humans have an immortal soul, which at death goes to heaven or hell. This is not a Bible teaching. Instead, the Bible clearly states: "The living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all, . . . for there is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in Sheol [the grave], the place to which you are going." (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10) And the psalmist states that at death man "goes back to his ground; in that day his thoughts do perish."—Psalm 146:4.
Recall, too, that when Adam and Eve broke God's law, the punishment was not immortality. That would have been a reward, not a punishment! Instead, they were told that they would "return to the ground, for out of it [they] were taken." God emphasized to Adam: "For dust you are and to dust you will return." (Genesis 3:19) Thus, the teaching of inherent immortality of the soul is not in the Bible but was borrowed by Christendom from non-Christian peoples who lived before them.
Christendom's Trinity
Also, Christendom's Trinity doctrine portrays God as some mysterious three-in-one God. But that teaching is not found in the Bible either. For instance, at Isaiah 40:25, God clearly states: "To whom can you people liken me so that I should be made his equal?" The answer is obvious: No one can be his equal. Also, Psalm 83:18 simply states: "You, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth."—See also Isaiah 45:5; 46:9; John 5:19; 6:38; 7:16.
The teachings of the Bible about God and his purposes are clear, easy to understand, and reasonable. But the teachings of Christendom's churches are not. Worse, they contradict the Bible.
Ungodly Actions
In addition to teaching false doctrines, Christendom has betrayed God and the Bible by her actions. What the clergy and churches have done in past centuries, and have continued to do in our time, is the opposite of what the God of the Bible requires and the opposite of what the Founder of Christianity, Jesus Christ, taught and did.
For instance, Jesus taught his followers not to meddle in this world's political affairs nor to get involved in its wars. He also taught them to be peace-loving, to be law-abiding, to have love for their fellow humans free from any prejudice, even being willing to sacrifice their own lives rather than take the lives of others.—John 15:13; Acts 10:34, 35; 1 John 4:20, 21.
Indeed, Jesus taught that love for other humans would be the mark that would identify true Christians from false Christians, pretenders. He said to those who would follow him: "I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves." —John 13:34, 35; 15:12.
Contrary to the teachings of Jesus, the clergy on both sides have backed wars
Yet, century after century, the clergy of Christendom have meddled in politics and have supported the wars of their nations. They have even supported the opposing sides in wars within Christendom, such as the two world wars of this century. In those conflicts the clergy on each side prayed for victory, and members of one religion from one country were killing members of that same religion from another country. But that is how the Bible says Satan's children, not God's, act. (1 John 3:10-12, 15) Thus, while the clergy and their followers have claimed to be Christian, they have contradicted the teachings of Jesus Christ, who told his followers to 'put away the sword.'—Matthew 26:51, 52.
For centuries the churches collaborated with the political powers of Christendom when those nations conquered, enslaved, and humiliated other peoples during the age of imperialism. That was the case for centuries in Africa. China too experienced this, when Western nations carved out spheres of influence by force, as during the Opium Wars and the Boxer Rebellion.
The religions of Christendom have also been in the forefront of the persecuting, torturing, and even killing of those who disagreed with them during those centuries of history called the Dark Ages. During the Inquisition, which lasted for hundreds of years, fiendish practices, such as torture and murder, were authorized and carried out against decent, innocent people. The perpetrators were the clergy and their followers, all of whom claimed to be Christian. They even tried to stamp out the Bible so that the common people could not read it.
Not Christian
No, the nations and churches of Christendom were not, and are not, Christian. They are not God's servants. His inspired Word says of them: "They publicly declare they know God, but they disown him by their works, because they are detestable and disobedient and not approved for good work of any sort."—Titus 1:16.
Jesus said that false religion could be identified by what it produced, its fruitage. He said: "Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to you in sheep's covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. By their fruits you will recognize them. . . . Every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit; a good tree cannot bear worthless fruit, neither can a rotten tree produce fine fruit. Every tree not producing fine fruit gets cut down and thrown into the fire. Really, then, by their fruits you will recognize those [false prophets]."—Matthew 7:15-20.
Thus, by what they have taught and what they have done, the religions of Christendom have demonstrated that their claim of believing in the Bible and of being God-fearing and Christian is a lie. They have betrayed God and the Bible. In doing so, they have disgusted millions of people and caused them to turn away from belief in a Supreme Being.
However, the failure of the clergy and churches of Christendom, as well as the failure of other religions outside Christendom, does not mean the failure of the Bible. Nor does it mean that God has failed. Rather, the Bible tells us about a Supreme Being who does exist and who does care about us and our future. It shows how he will reward honesthearted people who want to do what is right, who want to see justice and peace prevail throughout the earth. It also shows why God has allowed wickedness and suffering to exist and how he will rid the earth of those who harm their fellowman, as well as those who claim to serve him but do not.
:
2006-08-08 06:31:25
·
answer #1
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
No, you do not need to go to "church." It does not say anywhere in the Bible that you need to do so. Although, being around people that believe like you do is in the Bible. The "church" is supposed to be the believers, not the building.
I am reminded of a parable: A man decides he does not need to go to church anymore, he can just read his Bible and he will be fine. After many weeks, the pastor decides to pay the man a visit. They sit in front of the man's fireplace, both knowing why the pastor is there, and talk very little while enjoying a warm beverage. After some time, the pastor goes to the fire and, using tongs, moves a coal away from the rest of the fire and sits back down. The coal that is alone begins to die out and get cold. When the coal is cold, the pastor gets up again and moves the coal back to the fire, where it immediately lights up with the rest of the fire. The man looks at the pastor and says, "I'll see you on Sunday, Pastor."
As far as God speaking to you. Just open your eyes and ears and listen. Look at the world, and nature, if you really look, you can see God in everything and hear him speaking to you through his creation.
2006-08-08 06:27:59
·
answer #2
·
answered by Icy U 5
·
1⤊
0⤋
It really does help when you go to church IF your church is a Bible believing, Bible teaching church. The bible says" to not forsake the assembling of the brethern" that is for encouragment and learning. When you get close to Him, you will come to know when He speaks to you. To begin, let Him speak to you in scripture. Doyou have a good bible? Read it, start with John, read it over and over till you really understand it. I also read five Psalms everyday for my early morning devotion. It has helped me an awful lot. On the 1st day of the month, I read 1-5, the 2nd I read 6-10, and so on. Everyday I read 5 Psalms and at the end of the month I start all over. The New Testament is very good for showing you howto try to live. Don't be sad, keep looking for Him, when He knows you are looking He will make sure you find Him. He loves you and His desire is that you enjoy a personal relationship with Him..
2006-08-08 06:35:32
·
answer #3
·
answered by Grandma Susie 6
·
0⤊
0⤋
It can be hard to find a good and honest church these days; I don't attend myself. You should try reading A Purpose Driven Life, or visit one of the websites below, these are some of the resources I use. Feel free to send me a message if you need more help. I know that God talks to me when I feel peace in my heart. I pray and am still, to hear Him speak. God bless!!
2006-08-08 06:27:30
·
answer #4
·
answered by ♥ Luveniar♫ 7
·
0⤊
0⤋
You don't have to go to church--I think that's more for meeting friends with similar interests, and getting support from others if you need it. For your personal relationship with God, read the Bible. Don't rush through it. Set aside some quiet time for yourself and read maybe just one chapter. Start in the gospel of John. Then, just sit or lie down, and try to open your mind, try to let go of other thoughts like housework and bills. When your mind is very quiet and calm, think about what you read, and ask God to help you understand it. Christianity is a journey, and no one expects you to be perfect.
2006-08-08 06:26:30
·
answer #5
·
answered by TigerLilly 4
·
0⤊
0⤋
Hi Louise, its not really about having a good attendance record for the rolls, its about cultivating a relationship one on one with God, to often attending church people get to wrapped up in the traditions of the worship service don't let that part throw you. There are different questions other than the singing you might want to consider. First does the minister preach from the Bible or does he go off on "This is What I think about this" and talk about politics or just about anything other than what God's word has to say. second get to know your Bible read and study it, are things being preached that don't agree with what it says. If things are being preached that don't follow what the Bible says then find a church where what is being preached does follow the Word. As for people seeming fake, well they are people and we as people are flawed, they want to do the right thing but often times with our backgrounds we cannot help but do the wrong thing. As we study God talks to us through His word as we begin to know about him we start to think about what he has to say in the Bible and our ultimate goal is every day to be a little bit more like Him. But ultimately one day when life here is over we will have to give an account for ourselves and He will not ask us about what our parents or our relitives or our friends have done but what have we as an individual have done. We can only control what it is that we do, therefore we will only have to answer for ourselves and not what others have done. so yes it does matter, don't go to church for your parents or friends but for yourself and to please God, as any parent is proud of what his children do when we please Him (our heavenly father) He is proud when we do the things he wants us to do..to learn about and to become like him is one of those things. As for Him speaking to us He speaks in a quiet and undemanding voice and because of this when we learn to stop and be still and shut out the chaos that is around us and we begin to think as He does then we will be able to hear Him.
2006-08-08 09:30:18
·
answer #6
·
answered by radtech 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
You don't have to go to church to feel close to God. Some people just find it better to communicate with God at church. Personally, I think that the best way to communicate with God is to find a quiet area and just talk to him. Tell him your problems, your pains, your joys and share your hapiness. It's sort of like a diary but not really. You will know when you communicate with God because every time you're in your quiet space and relieve your burden THAT is when God is with you. He is ALWAYS with you.
2006-08-08 06:28:03
·
answer #7
·
answered by surani_ud 3
·
1⤊
0⤋
Are you sad because god won't talk to you or for some other reason? If its because god won't talk to you then I can't be of much help since I don't belive in him. If its for some other reason, then I suggest you speak to other people, in your family or at church. Perhaps they can give you a better idea.
You might want to reflect on why you feel the need to speak to god.
2006-08-08 06:27:32
·
answer #8
·
answered by boukenger 4
·
0⤊
0⤋
i dont go to church but iam a born again christian i belive in god and what he stands for ihave been baptised im not perfect nad do fall short at times, but im human and no1 is perfect. i talk to god and have a strong realationship with him too, i try and tell ppl about god and what he has done for me. i would love to go to church but dislike the fact that ppl there look out of the webs of their eyes in contemptment. i feel that if you love and trust also belive in god then u wont go to hell cause you do not go to church, if 1 or two come and worship in his name is that not doing what they do in church? yes they can teach me more but they too fall short so why take the negative looks and feeling that some ppl give u while ur mind is on serving the lord. you can praise god and worship him in ur closet god loves to hear u praise him, if u never praise him then maybe one needs the church, but i have church in my heart, ive caught the holy ghost slightly 1 time in church, but found the more i praise god by myself and was able to release it all without the strange looks from other, i have had the holy spirt to move within me like never before. and afterwards i tell u that no preacher or congergation could have ever given me that type of feelings. i pray that i have help u in some way. so feel free to praise the lord at home. and if im wrong please some check and strighten me to a better way of thinking.
2006-08-08 06:33:35
·
answer #9
·
answered by 1plum 4
·
0⤊
0⤋
Church is a lie. God will never talk to you, regardless if you believe in him or not. Maybe you can write him a letter and mail it, like you may have done for Santa Claus, if it will make you feel better. God wants you to stop feeling so sorry for yourself and take charge of your own life. He told me so last time we talked.
2006-08-08 06:27:09
·
answer #10
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
Matter is what makes you me and practically the whole lot else that may be obvious touched or smelled Dark topic is simply the title they deliver to some thing that they have got no notion what it's, so that they name it darkish topic for the reason that it doesnt have interaction with regualr topic in any respect, the one manner we all know of it's given that of its gravitational results. Kind of like how we all know approximately black holes despite the fact that we cant see them however we observe them given that in their gravity. Antimatter is well-nigh the equal as topic, simply the expenditures are reversed so if topic and anti-topic come into touch they break each and every different, and anti topic isn't imaginary, it's been created within the laboratory so it is extremely truly.
2016-08-28 10:50:55
·
answer #11
·
answered by ? 4
·
0⤊
0⤋