I already know the answer to this:
There is right and there is wrong, one right answer and that answer must be adhered to by all the congregation, which is uniform in belief, structure, purpose, truth, teaching, etc. I can buy that, and it makes sense. I can't say what it is, I don't know, but something feels wrong. Like Stepford Wives wrong. I don't know if this is the devil trying to confuse me into thinking that what is good and right is wrong (the Bible says that people will call bad good and good bad) or if I really am onto something. It freaks me out and makes me afraid, no TERRIFIED to commit. I hope someone offers me something on this, because I really am sincere. I know that others may have bad intentions, wanting only to trip you up as the Scribes did with Jesus. I assure you that my questions are sincere, at least I think they are. If the devil is making me question I am unaware. Thank you in advance.
2007-03-07 15:24:28 · 25 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I appreciated your question and can see you are sincere. I too have studied the Bible with JW's.There is so much opposition from the "world" as you can see from certain answers on here. Jesus wasn't all that popular either, except with those who had a real yearning for Truth. With so many opinions and choices of what is true or false in religion, it's hard to believe that there is any true religion. But it makes complete sense to me that if there is ONE TRUE GOD, that there could also be ONE TRUE RELIGION. For my self, I have been the only one to stand in the way of my committing my life to Jehovah, and the quality of my life has suffered from my indecision. What scares me the most is being cut off from Jehovah or his organization, for NOT committing. I know I would have much more peace of mind. Best to you. (and me).
2007-03-07 16:26:18 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 3⤋
So far no one who is a JW (and therefore would know) has answered, so here goes:
I was once like you. I started learning what they were teaching but I kept a skeptical attitude toward it and heres why; Knowing the truth about God and his word brings on responsibility. This is mentioned in Ezekiel 33:7. NO ONE is at that Kingdom Hall who doesn't want to be. All the accusations of "brainwashing" and "programming" are just hate comments. They're reacting out of ignorance. I say ignorance because they're only repeating what they heard someone else say about Jehovah's Witnesses. They don't really know. I could just as easily and believably say that THEY are the ones who are all "programmed" into having their opinion of JWs!
You say that you're TERRIFIED to commit, but that everything concerning JWs makes sense to you. Is it the truth that makes you terrified or the commitment and subsequent responsibility that comes with it. I'm sure you've read Matthew 28:19, 20 where Jesus gives us the commission to go and make disciples, right? The hardest thing about being a new JW is carrying out that job. That's understandable. We get mocked and ridiculed all the time for going door- to- door, but then Jesus said that would happen, didn't he? If this scares you, or if ANYTHING scares you, then make it a matter of prayer. And you're probably right about Satan trying to cast doubt in your mind- he's good at it! As I said in your other question- Read and study the bible carefully and pray often! Your terrified heart will come to be at peace. Please email me if you wish to discuss further!
2007-03-07 23:54:51 · answer #2 · answered by Anomaly 4 · 5⤊ 2⤋
Your questions are very legitimate. God speaks to us in a still small voice so I encourage you to listen. Read the Bible (more than just one version) and ask God to show Himself to you. The Bible says that His people perish for lack of knowledge so before you commit to something that makes you terrified, know that fear is from the devil and if that were the right place for you, you would NOT be terrified. Also, not all are scribes with bad intentions...weigh everything against what the Bible says and what God is speaking to you!!
2007-03-08 00:17:20 · answer #3 · answered by cbmultiplechoice 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
We are not trained to give the same answers as someone above me said. The fact that we study the Bible daily and that we attend the meetings regularly (where we also learn what the Bible really says) makes us 'prepared for every good work'. - 2Timothy 2:21
Compared to other religions we are organized and we receive the same 'food'.
"At any rate, to what extent we have made progress, let us go on WALKING ORDERLY IN THE SAME ROUTINE." - Philippians 3:16
“Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their FOOD at the proper time?" - Matthew 24:45
Of course our answers are alike. Isn't that normal? We can't say what we personally think (we're imperfect) but what the Bible says.
In my country the dominant religious body is the Romanian Orthodox Church; its members make up 86.7% of the population according to the 2002 census. I once asked a classmate (orthodox) to explain me the trinity. He told me that God isn't equal with Jesus. After that I asked the Religion teacher. He said that the Orthodox believe that God is equal with the son. This shows that most of them don't know what their religion's beliefs really say. They are confused.
Now, you conclude which religion has Jehovah's support.
2007-03-08 03:08:09 · answer #4 · answered by Alex 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
My guess would be that so few people feel the combining blessing of the holy spirit. It is likely why so few religions agree with other religions, or even have agreement among the congregations of the same religion. Look at recent news reports about the Presbyterians wanting to foreclose and take the property of congregations who are not following the mandates of the leadership.
2007-03-08 01:07:44 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Im not sure what exactly you are asking.. but.. everyone has a different relationship with God. No matter what. Even if everyone did the same thing as everyone else everyday.. and so on.. we would all still have different relationships with God. Now... for the most part everyone should go by the same .. i guess.. guidelines and what not.. b/c .. if one christian lets say... lied all the time.. while another committed adultry all the time.. are they truly christian? No... they were not following God's word... (obviously) But we arent perfect either... thats why there is a thing called forgiveness :D I really dont know where im getting at by this.. ahaha.. but basically.. the basis to our answers should be the same.. but everything else -- different.. Do you get what I mean? I really do hope this helps.. Im not the greatest with words.. ahah.. But to be honest.. i wouldnt go around asking a bunch of other people questions about God.. Go ask him himself! :D Thats like.... asking your.. I dont know .. sister (if you have one) about your mom ....
Only God can truly answer any of your questions.. always remember that.
I hope I helped.. at least a little bit.. ahaha... but still -- ask him.
2007-03-07 23:35:28 · answer #6 · answered by ? 1 · 1⤊ 3⤋
You could say that about the Mormons, too.
And about those who read (study?) the Left Behind series instead of the Bible.
When you hear sermons & have Bible studies from the same source you all get the same answers.
How come it's not the same with all denominations? Isn't that what denominations are for? People of one belief/doctrine gathering together?
2007-03-07 23:43:42 · answer #7 · answered by V 5 · 5⤊ 1⤋
The same answers to the same questions (if they're biblicaly correct ) provide "consistency" in sound teaching. You would be better off to get a good study bible & start reading on your own. There are great study guides to go with it that you can get from a christian bookstore. There are also bible study groups where you can experience learning & support...beginners usually start there..... The New International Version (Study Bible) is great & easier to understand. God Bless<>< <><
2007-03-07 23:45:38 · answer #8 · answered by skittles 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Whenever you belong to a "group" there is going to be like mindedness. Even atheists use the same lines, especially on this site. You just need to decide if those are the things you truly believe in. If they aren't, keep looking!
May God Bless you.
2007-03-07 23:38:14 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Jehovah's Witnesses demonstrate individuality in a wide range of diversities and preferences. But when it comes to true worship, does the bible encourage thousands or millions of competing visions for the Christian congregation?
(1 Peter 2:21) Christ suffered for you, leaving you a model for you to follow his steps closely.
(John 13:15) For I [Jesus] set the pattern for you, that, just as I did to you, you should do also.
(Romans 12:2) Be transformed by making your mind over, that you may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.
(1 Corinthians 2:12-16) Now we received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God, that we might know the things that have been kindly given us by God. These things we also speak, not with words taught by human wisdom, but with those taught by the spirit, as we combine spiritual matters with spiritual words. But a physical man does not receive the things of the spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot get to know them, because they are examined spiritually. However, the spiritual man examines indeed all things, but he himself is not examined by any man. For “who has come to know the mind of Jehovah, that he may instruct him?” But we do have the mind of Christ.
(Philippians 2:5) Keep this mental attitude in you that was also in Christ Jesus
2007-03-08 04:08:17 · answer #10 · answered by achtung_heiss 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋