Why can't Jehovah Witness read the bible on their own?

Question

I understand that they cannot read the bible freely because they are not allowed to have the Holy spirit give them a revelation unless approved by New York.

I also understand they cannot go into another church building because with the truth they might get contaminated.

I understand they cannot associate with anyone outside of their religion.

I also understand they are not allow to have a mind of their own. They do not have free will.

Please understand, I have talked with many JW and the minute you don't agree with them the conversation is over. They lie, they tell you they are coming back and never do.

And one more thing. I know for a fact they cannot accept new bible relvelation unless first approved from headquarter. It is neccessary they all speak the same thing and grow at the same level.

I have yet to meet a JW that read and study the bible on their own and I have talked to many. What you call study is from your manuscripts not from free will.

Going to a funeral is not going to a church. With the truth you can and should be able to go anywhere, but you can't. You can if you want too but you will be in trouble.

Even all the apostles did not agree on the same things. When Paul had to chastise Peter for separating himself form the gentiles.
And for your information I have visted the hall and spoken with many JW, that is the reason I ask the question in the first place. To thy ownself be true.

Answer 1

Dear Slam Dunk,

My experience has been similar to Will J.'s when I have studied with Watchtower Witnesses. It is a little bit of the Bible and a whole lot of the Watchtower publications.

My mom became a jw before I was ever born but to this day I thank my heavenly Father for the fact that my dad brought me up in his church.

Through the decades Mom has gone to weddings and funerals. She sat next to me at my dad's funeral. Since my youngest brother was in Iraq, oops he is in Iraq now, he was in Bosnia then, I asked to have the funeral recorded so he would be able to watch it.

Mom and I watched the tape together a few weeks afterward and we both took notes. I took notes about the great things that were said about Dad and Mom took notes about the things she disagreed with regarding the funeral.

Mom does assoicate with my siblings and I even though none of us became jws. However she has forbidden me from speaking to her about my cousin who left the organization.

For the past three years I've made an offer to my mom regarding reading the Bible. I sent her a copy of The Daily Walk Bible and told her that if she would read it along with me throughout 2005 then 2006, I would read the NWT with her throughout the following year. She refused saying that at the Kingdom Hall they read the Bible through every three years. For 2007 I tried a different tack. I told her that I would be willing to read the NWT with her by reading three chapters every day in order to read the whole thing in one year. She still refused, repeating that she reads the whole Bible thoroughly every three years.

Maybe Mom will change her mind for 2008. After all the book that jws gave me last December said that people should read the whole Bible through in one year to know what it says.

You are certainly right about " ...not allow to have a mind of their own. They do not have free will." That is why I pray for them along with several other people that I have met on Yahoo Answers. May God heal their blind eyes.

For His glory,
JOYfilled

Answer 2

Charles Taze Russell did not believe in an organization such as "Jehovah's Witnesses". That organization was formed after Russell died. Russell started no religion at all, much less starting a relgion similar to that which he preached against. If there is anything such as an Illuminati bloodline who cannot help but serve Satan, then the Bible is false. Russell's grave is not in the shape of a triangle. Many confuse Rutherford's pyramid monument with Russell's grave. Rutherford's pyramid monument is not a grave; it is not a tomb; there is no one buried in or under Rutherford's pyramid monument. Rutherford's pyramid monument does have a cross and crown symbol on it; that symbol is used for Biblical purposes. I have written a lot about Russell, the alleged Illuminati, cross and crown, etc. See the links provided below.

Answer 3

Thursday meetings are a theocratic ministry school where members are expected to deliver presentations on bible chapters.

How can one deliver a presentation with out doing research on the scriptures on their own? It would not be "their" presentation if they were given what to say. It would not even be a school if they did not research the Scriptures.

>I understand they cannot associate with anyone outside of their religion.

For one that accuses others of not reading the bible, you seem to have forgotten Jesus words. (or don't know them)

Corinthians 6:14: "Do not be unevenly yoked with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and lawlessness have in common? What fellowship has light with darkness?"

Why would JWs attend another church if the church teachings don't believe that Jesus is not apart of a pagan trinity? Or worshipping ONLY Jehovah (yahweh)?

Matt 4:10 - Then Jesus said to him, "Go, Satan! For it is written, 'YOU SHALL WORSHIP JEHOVAH YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.'"

Answer 4

So the problem is YOUR understanding. Jehovah's Witnesses are ENCOURAGED to make daily Bible reading a habit.

"I also understand they are not allow to have a mind of their own. They do not have free will."

Oh yes, we are ALL just little automatons awaiting orders from the mother ship. What drivel!

Answer 5

who said that we cannot read the bible on our own. we do everyday. if we want to befriend someone out side of the kingdom hall, we can, that is up to the person. I talk to many people that are not Jehovah Witnesses. we do have free will and can think for ourselves. all you are doing is slandering Jehovah Witnesses. if our family is not a witness, we still talk with them, because they are still family. learn what Jehovah Witnesses are all about. have a free bible study. www.watchtower.org

Answer 6

Dear Questioner:

I apologize for the false information people have been feeding to you.

Jehovah’s Witnesses—What Do They Believe?

Jehovah’s Witnesses today form an international organization that is completely separate from all other religious organizations. Since we are often misrepresented, it would be a mistake to expect to learn the truth about us from prejudiced sources. So we are pleased to explain to you some of our principal beliefs.
Why are Jehovah’s Witnesses persecuted and spoken against?

(See also 1 Peter 4:3, 4.) The Bible shows that the whole world lies under Satan’s control. he is the principal instigator of the persecution.—1 John 5:19; Revelation 12:17. Persecution comes because Jehovah’s Witnesses put Jehovah's commands above of those of any earthly ruler.

Jehovah's Witnesses are repeatedly invited to read the Bible - every day, indeed. In fact, the words, "READ GOD'S WORD THE BIBLE DAILY" appear on the top of the Watchtower buildings in prominent fashion in New York City, which encourages everyone - not only Jehovah's Witnesses, to read the Bible.

Jehovah's Witnesses have to mingle with other people. They are neighbors and fellow employees or in other matters of life. They are on the street, offering their magazines to passersby. Or you may have spoken briefly with them at your door.

Actually, Jehovah’s Witnesses are interested in you and your welfare. They want to be your friends and to tell you more about themselves, their beliefs, their organization, and how they feel about people and the world in which all of us live. To accomplish this, they have prepared this brochure for you.

In most ways Jehovah’s Witnesses are like everyone else. They have normal problems—economic, physical, emotional.

It is of vital importance to them that their beliefs be based on the Bible and not on mere human speculations or religious creeds. They feel as did the apostle Paul when he expressed himself under inspiration: “Let God be found true, though every man be found a liar.” (Romans 3:4) When it comes to teachings offered as Biblical truth, the Witnesses strongly endorse the course followed by the Beroeans when they heard the apostle Paul preach: “They received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11) Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that all religious teachings should be subjected to this test of agreement with the inspired Scriptures, whether the teaching is offered by them or by someone else. They invite you—urge you—to do this in your discussions with them.

From this it is apparent that Jehovah’s Witnesses believe in the Bible as the Word of God. They consider its 66 books to be inspired and historically accurate. What is commonly called the New Testament they refer to as the Christian Greek Scriptures, and the Old Testament they call the Hebrew Scriptures. They rely on both of these, the Greek and the Hebrew Scriptures, and take them literally except where the expressions or settings obviously indicate that they are figurative or symbolic. They understand that many of the prophecies of the Bible have been fulfilled, others are in the course of fulfillment, and still others await fulfillment. After working with Jehovah’s Witnesses in connection with an international convention, an official observed: “Now I see normal, smiling people, even better than many people I know. They are peaceful and calm, and they love one another very much.” He added: “I really do not understand why people tell such lies about them.” Jehovah’s Witnesses do not hold ritualistic meetings, nor is their worship cloaked in secrecy. Non-Witness author Julia Mitchell Corbett notes: “When they meet, usually more than once a week, in Kingdom Halls (their meeting sites are not called churches), most of their time is spent in Bible study and discussion.” Their meeting places are clearly marked with a sign. The meetings are open, and the general public is invited to attend. Unannounced guests are more than welcome.

The “Witnesses have earned the reputation of being honest, courteous, and industrious,” adds Corbett in her book "Religion in America". Many who are not Witnesses readily acknowledge that there is nothing freakish or bizarre about Jehovah’s Witnesses. Their conduct does not clash with what is accepted as normal social behavior.

The director of news and special projects for a television station in the United States wrote to Jehovah’s Witnesses in response to a biased report about the Witnesses on the TV news show 60 Minutes. He said: “If more people lived the way your faith does, this nation wouldn’t be in the shape it is in. I am one newsman who knows that your organization is founded on love and a strong faith in the Creator. I want you to know that not all News people are as biased.” If you would like further accurate information, please feel free to get in touch with Jehovah's Witnesses at the local Kingdom Hall. Or visit their official web site - http://www.watchtower.org

Answer 7

According to those who claim to have holy spirit,

They teach that the trinity is

"Not taught in the bible",

"hinted at in the bible",

"Is taught in the bible".

Which holy spirit person am I to believe?

They teach about hell.

"It does not exist"

"It is a spiritual condition that a person is removed from God."

"It is a place of fiery torment".

Which of these 'spirit begotten' Christians should I believe?

Rapture?

"No rapture"

Rapture before Great Tribulation"

"Rapture after Great Tribulation."

Which born again spirit begotten Christian should I believe?

This is just a few examples.

What you are recommending is what Satan offered to Adam and Eve.

What Peter (2 Pet 2:17 These are fountains without water, and mists driven by a violent storm, and for them the blackness of darkness has been reserved. 18 For they utter swelling expressions of no profit, and by the desires of the flesh and by loose habits they entice those who are just escaping from people who conduct themselves in error. 19 While they are promising them freedom, they themselves are existing as slaves of corruption. For whoever is overcome by another is enslaved by this one. 20 Certainly if, after having escaped from the defilements of the world by an accurate knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ,

or Paul

1 Cor 1:10 Now I exhort YOU, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that YOU should all speak in agreement, and that there should not be divisions among YOU, but that YOU may be fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.

2 Cor 13:11 Finally, brothers, continue to rejoice, to be readjusted, to be comforted, to think in agreement, to live peaceably; and the God of love and of peace will be with YOU.

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I freely chose to worship Jehovah.

I freely chose to do Jehovah's will.

I freely chose to call Jesus my Lord (Master)

I freely chose to obey all of Jesus' commands.

This is another case of a so called expert on Jehovah's Witnesses who has no clue what or who we are.

.

Answer 8

I did study with a couple of Jehovah Witnesses for about one year. The basic study was to go over the books of the Watchtower organization and then find some scriptures to back up what they claim.

When I found a scripture to counter their claim, they always made an appeal to what their book said and the one scripture to back it up.

It seemed they placed their organization's teachings above the Bible.

Answer 9

wow...im sorry you have been mislead by an apostate or misunderstood whichever JW you may have spoken to...or maybe you haven't had the time to get to know one to know what we are really about and the type of people we are. We are Bible students....i say that because we study the Bible...do research...examine it...and read it everyday on our own or if we choose with our family or friends. Psalm 1:1: ...read in an undertone day and night...
If you ask why we can't read it on our own because you see us talking to other people with use of the Bible....the reason is...we want to share our knowledge of God's Word, the Bible, with others because many people do not understand the Bible and the message of hope it contains for the future under God's Kingdom.
And i don't even know what to say about that part on us not being able to read the Bible freely because we are not allowed to have the holy spirit unless approved by New York...first...we don't receive holy spirit from humans...or man...we receive that from Jehovah God...and the only connection i guess you know we have with New York is our Branch office there(Bethel-there is Patterson, Walkhill, Brooklyn..etc)...which is one of many that we have all around the world in different countries...and we do not receive holy spirit from them...but that is where a large amount of our literature is printed...the Watchtower, Awake, DVDs, CDs, and other items...and we do not receive visions today...
It's not that we can't go into another church...but we DON'T WANT to go into another church? For what reason would we? When we dedicate our lives to Jehovah as a Jehovah's Witness...it is because we know we have found the truth...and are satisfied with living our lives in harmony with God's Will...we do not need to look elsewhere or visit another religion's place of worship...and before we dedicate our life to Jehovah...we do our research and examine everything...from the Bible...and if we feel it's right...then we dedicate our lives and live our life in harmony with God's laws and principles set out in the Bible...Our place of worship is called a Kingdom Hall too...not a church...and we have approx 100,000 different kingdom halls around the world...and it is continue to rise in number and is growing everyday....and we visit these if we choose because we know no matter what country what language or the people...if they are JW's we are learning and teaching from the Bible....without twisting words or choosing not to observe certain commands from Jehovah.
And we don't associate with anyone outside of our religion? To simply put it...we do. I have family outside of my religion...i work with people outside of my religion...i went to school with people outside of my religion...when i go places(like the movies, the mall, a theme park, fair, etc.) i have people all around me from different religions...Now we do not unnecessarily associate with people of different religions like having parties together...and so on....but we do...and we talk to people of different religions everyday...and enjoy doing so...to enlighten ourselves and enlighten others.
And a mind of our own....? Trust me...i got a mind of my own...just like everybody else....And WE ARE NOT BRAINWASHED....just because we have strong faith and fight to do what is right when so many choose the easier way to do what is wrong does not mean we do not have a mind of our own...i choose what i want to wear, eat, listen to, read, write...do for fun...etc...but when i do this...i used my Bible trained conscience and the Bible to guide me. We all as human's have free will...and Jehovah God made us with free will because He is a loving creator...he doesn't want us to be robots...that would not be loving or interesting either. If we did not have free will...we would all look the same...dress the same...talk the same....do the same....but that is not the case...Jehovah's Witnesses is a large brother hood of people from all nations throughout the earth who follow the commands found at Matthew 28:19,20(preach, teach and make disciples)...Matthew 6:33(seek God's Kingdom 1st)...we display love towards all-John 13:35( "By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves."). We are united by true worship...I hope i helped clarify somethings that you misunderstood...and i encourage you that anytime you get to speak with a JW on a face to face basis or wherever...to do so...and learn about us...and our Almighty God, Jehovah....

Answer 10

Simple. Because they're a cult, just like the christianity that spawned them.

Thinking for yourself and learning about other ways of doing things is frowned upon by every cult ever created. That goes for judaism, christianity, islam, all the wacky neopagan "traditions" popping up like mushrooms, and all the others.

Why? Because religion is a multitrillion dollar business.