To all the other JW's on Y!A, should we be on here talking to these people?

Question

I asked an elder about it and he asked me, do I know that there are no apostates on here? And I said no. He said then I should not be on here answering questions or asking them. So this is my last question and answer.

Answer 1

The bible encourages a Christian to listen to his bible-trained conscience, but it also encourages a congregation elder not to make himself a 'master of another's faith'. A typical Witness would be surprised and disappointed at the presumption of a so-called "elder" who did not allow individuals and family heads their personal decisions.

(2 Corinthians 1:24) Not that we [elders] are the masters over your faith, but we are fellow workers for your joy, for it is by your faith that you are standing.

(1 Thessalonians 4:11) Make it your aim to live quietly and to mind your own business

(1 Peter 4:15) Let none of you suffer ...as a busybody in other people’s matters.


Of course, one's conscience cannot be ignored.

(Acts 24:16) In this respect, indeed, I am exercising myself continually to have a consciousness of committing no offense against God and men.

(2 Corinthians 1:12) For the thing we boast of is this, to which our conscience bears witness, that with holiness and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but with God’s undeserved kindness, we have conducted ourselves in the world, but more especially toward you.

(2 Timothy 1:3) I am grateful to God, to whom I am rendering sacred service as my forefathers did and with a clean conscience, that I never leave off remembering you in my supplications, night and day

(Hebrews 13:18) Carry on prayer for us, for we trust we have an honest conscience, as we wish to conduct ourselves honestly in all things.

(1 Peter 3:16) Hold a good conscience, so that in the particular in which you are spoken against they may get ashamed who are speaking slightingly of your good conduct in connection with Christ.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/20050508/article_01.htm

Answer 2

I don't really ask religious questions on this website because I know that I won't find the truth here. I'll still ask some questions and answer some that grab my attention but I think that it should be up to everyone's conscience as what to do or not do. I won't knowing walk into a question that's really taunting our faith and answer it. You just have to use better judgement.

I know that there are probably a lot of apostates on this website and beyond. I think that what would really be wrong is for me to personally converse with someone online (which I don't do) and develop an attachment to them.

Answer 3

As a JW myself, it is a matter of conscience. I have no problem with it. Apostates can be anywhere but I know I am not going to hide in my house because of them.

The good I may do far out weighs reading some apostate comment. Some of the ridiculous questions and comments must puzzle even apostates. There are some people who want answers sincerely. I am not goimg to close them off.

I don't underestimate apostate thinking. I know my faith and am ready to defend it.

I believe most of the fear from the friends comes from inexperience with the internet. They don't understand it so go a bit overboard in their fear. Better to err on the side of caution.

For me, it is my ministry. My health would have me getting to a house and collapsing on the steps for 20 minutes or so before talking to anyone. I really think some people might object to that.

If that is your decision to leave, go. Your comments will be missed as will your help. A good conscience is more important.
Agape

Answer 4

It is a personal decision.

There are people here that ask sincere questions and others that just want to joke around.

When questions centre on JW's some repeat lies about JW's, no JW wants to read that nonsense. As soon as I see it is nonsense I ignore it and may write my own answer to put the truth out there.

Of course we would not associate with 'apostates' (specifically ex- JW's who actively oppose us), especially in view of the Bibles own direction on this matter (Ro 16:17,18; 1 Co 5:11; 2 John 9,10). Others that oppose us are not technically 'apostates' but may spew out much of the same garbage.

You are wise to avoid any situation where you might unwittingly have contact with such ones, especially as they might hide what they are.

Psalm 26:4 says:
I have not sat with men of untruth;
And with those who hide what they are I do not come in.

Any apostates out there will likely target questions that focus on JW's, so they can spew out their trash to misrepresent us.

Some witnesses might reason, that answering questions here is little different to answering them in our regular door to door work. They may feel that any contact with apostates will be fleeting, still we should not think we are immune to being caught out, even if we are very cautious.

Of course we would not willingly read apostate rantings, but what if a sincere person raises a question asking whether something they heard about JW's is true? See the direction in The Watchtower 1986 3/15 pg13,14

I greatly respect your decision,

warm Christian love
your brother

Answer 5

This is a rather old question.

I currently am on disability. I am on the net allot to, among other things, sell items on eBay and various other sites. When I first saw Y!A I used it to find info on the various items I sell and buy. To ask questions, you must answer some, so I went to categories I know about. One day for a Larf I typed in Jehovah. Boy was I surprised at how many questions, and often WAY off answers, there were. Since I know about my beliefs, I answer questions about them. I try to be a Witness to others in actions and speech, anywhere, whether online or in the real world. Sure sometimes I stumble, but I try to get back up. I simply answer the questions asked. I try to tailor my answer to the specific question. There is little 2 way communication.

I do appretiate your concern. We must all, whether Witness or not, and, whether on line or not, be careful of who we associate with.

The key word here is Discernment.

Answer 6

I am not a JW but I did work in an office a few years ago, where several of my co-workers were. I found them to be people who were not afraid of debate and could handle themselves quite well in a theological discussion. I like to read Q&A's by Jehovah's Witnesses. I would be sorry to see them go away.

Answer 7

I'm confused. Didn't Jesus himself say that he came not for the the good guys, but for the sinners? Did he not hang around various shady individuals of the time? But I understand that we are not perfect like Jesus was and people can be made to stumble on this site. I'm not a JW, but I respect their views.

Answer 8

My opinion is NO,

Just read some of the comments on this board.
I'm rarely if ever here because I just get to darn mad.

Answer 9

Well, I am a Witness.
and I pick and chose which Q's
I want to answer or not answer.
sad, that ur leaving....
1 less speaker of truth.

Answer 10

I think if you know who and what you believe in shouldn't be a problem no one on here is going to change my mind about who God is and what he has done for me