Jehovah's Witnesses & Truth?

Question

Although I'm not a JW, I want to know how you honestly feel about the below mentioned points.

Serious thoughtful replies only. (If you hesitated when reading that, please post elsewhere).

1. If you look throughout history, all major forms of religions (Jews, Arabs, Hindus, Protestants, Muslims, Christians) have engaged in warfare with other groups or even amongst themselves (mine included). But jehovah's witnesses have not done so historically.

2. If the bible said that the good news is to be preached to the ends of the earth, then why haven't other groups done so? Ok, some churches may say they have missionaries, but is this being done GLOBALLY? JW's are everywhere. Islands, major continents, rural areas, indigenous lands.

What gives? It's annoying having them knock at doors, but objectively, what other religions come close? Mormons?

It's my understanding that JW choose not to engage in war when they have a choice. Can someone verify that?

Also does time really matter? If we all use the same bible (or a religious text of codes and regulations), then why do we have different viewpoints and interpretations? "Thou shall not kill" only applies to certain groups, but others are exempt?

The JW I spoke to mentioned that they have missionaries and door to door activity that span over 230 countries.

We only send a couple to here and there, but that's the extent of our activity.

Well, I'm not concerned with the method in which they preach (didn't Jesus do door to door?), but the fact that it is probably the most EXTENSIVE and organized preaching work done thus far.

A poster wrote: "It's interesting that Jesus noted that his enemies, the Jewish scribes and Pharisees, were exceedingly zealous to make proselytes (Matt 23:15)."
I'm a little confused. Don't JW believe in Jesus? I don't follow the poster's reasoning ...

Well ... door-to-door, house-to-house - However, I was only commenting/interested on the wide EXTENT of the ministry that JW's do.

Hm, interesting point about the time gap (~2000 years). Can a JW explain this? But wouldn't this still reinforce question #1? I mean all those battles and wars that took place during that time span, and the above mentioned groups that participated in it ... still a little disturbing.

Mennonites, Brethren, Buddhist - Interesting ... that is true.

But do those groups' beliefs fit in with the bible? (Ok, that is probably another discussion, and I won't go there)

Answer 1

Interesting observations. It's refreshing to see that some people are still honest-hearted and open-minded about religion.

1. Romans 12:17- 21 says:
Return evil for evil to no one. Provide fine things in the sight of all men. If possible, as far as it depends upon YOU, be peaceable with all men. Do not avenge yourselves, beloved, but yield place to the wrath; for it is written: “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says Jehovah.” But, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by doing this you will heap fiery coals upon his head.” Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good.

Even simpler is in the 10 Commandments "You must not murder." "Thou shall not kill." It's a simple concept that we as Jehovah's Witnesses live by.

2. I have received a knock at my door by other churches. The message was: Please come to my church and worship with us.

That's not the message Jesus intended for us to spread. the message is found at Matthew 24:14:
And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.

Many churches do not even KNOW what this kingdom is, let alone spread its message.

So, it is up to witnesses of Jehovah to "Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded YOU." (Mathew 28:19,20)

It's a life-saving message. (John 17:3) You can tell that we have divine backing by the wealth of Bible understanding we have as a whole.

Answer 2

Jehovah's Witnesses follow the bible administion to "learn war no more" Is 2: 4; John 6:15; 17: 16. Jesus taught his followers to "love their enemies" and to have "love among themselves" John 13: 35. There are close to 7 million witnesses worldwide in 239 lands. All Witnesses believe the same, they follow the bible, thus no matter what country they live in, they will not participate in war or political uprisings.

Many witnesses have died due to their stand. Hitler killed many and put them in concenstration camps for refusal to join his army or to "Heil Hitler". Russia sent many to Siberia to die and many were killed. Many brothers were killed in Malawi back in the 70's. and recently in Rawanda. There are some in prision to this day for their stand against war. Would a true christian have joined Hitlers army? " We must obey God as ruler, rather than man." Acts 5: 28

As far as preaching, yes, we are worldwide and we are organized. Our goal is to "preach about the good news of the kingdom" and " to make disciples" not to convert, but to teach people the bible and let their heart lead them to want to worship Jehovah. Others do missionary work, but is that work actually doing the work that Jesus commanded at Matt 24: 14 "This good news of the kingdom will be preached to the entire inhabited earth, as a witness to all nations, and then the end will come." I'm not saying what others do is not noble and heartfelt, many do charity type work as missionaries, helping orphans etc... Which as a christian, we should help others in need, but that is not fulfilling Jesus commanded at Matt 24: 14. Jehovah's Witnesses want to help give people a hope for the future by means of God's Kingdom.

I truly believe that Jehovah's Witnesses are following the bible as close as humanly possible for imperfect humans and they have found the truth in the bible and are worshipping as the early christians and the faithful men of old.

Answer 3

I used to be a Catholic.But the hyposcisy and idolatry left me wanting.There was no substance to what they taught.Jehovahs Witnesses on the other hand(of which I have been one for 10 years now),strictly adhere to the Bible as the basis for all their beliefs.It does not matter which Bible is used,as the theme in all Bibles is the same,although the translations in some do favor the beliefs of the translator.
When you stop and think about it.There really is only one true God.Therefore there must only be one true religion.Jesus himself stated this at Matt.7:13,14 when he said:"Go in through the narrow gate,because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction,and many are the ones going in through it;whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life,and few are the ones finding it."
Jesus warned that his followers would be persecuted and hated.Jesus himself was murdered.Yes,Jesus did go from house to house and he taught his disciples to do the same.(Acts.5:29;20:20).Before his ascension into heaven his last command to his followers was for them to:"go thereforth and make disciples of peoples of all the nations.......teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you...."So despite hatred and persecution,we do this preaching work in obedience to Christ's command.We very much value our relationship with Jehovah God and Christ Jesus and even though we annoy people by calling at their homes,most dont stop to realise that we do not find this an easy task to fulfill,but because of our love and dedication we press on until our God Jehovah tells us to stop.- Matt.24:24 - "This good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth,for a witness to all the nations,and then the end will come"

Answer 4

1. Full marks to the JWs for refusing to fight in wars. But let's also applaud the untold millions of Christians world-wide, from a huge range of denominations, who did likewise (Mennonites, Brethren etc). And, even more significant, the pacifists from NON-Christians groups (Buddhists, Bahi's etc). One does not have to be a JW to be neutral to war! But, to read their literature, you'd think ONLY they took such a stance! How they boast about their denomination being unique in this respect! Well, there was a group of anti-Nazi's known as The Solf Circle who actively tried to stop Hitler's rise to power. They brought relief to the Jews and political enemies of the regime. 74 were betrayed to Himmler, many tortured and executed. Not one of them was a JW. How do I know? Because they were infiltrated as they gathered to celebrate a colleague's birthday! You will never read of such heros in JW literature.

2. If the good news had NOT been preached to the ends of the earth by non-JWs, then how come it had spread to every nation, with billions of members, over 2,000 years, before the JWs started door-knocking? What accounts for its immense rise in evangelizing the nations and translating the Bible prior to 1860? Missionaries are but a tiny aspect of Christians reaching out, but don't forget the sum total of non-JW missionary outreach is thousands of times greater than the sum total of JW missionary work! So let's not knock it! Finally, the idea that Jesus and the first disciples worked streets like JWs do is absurd. The houses they visited and stayed at were those of believers; hospitality was the main reason for their calls - to receive it! Christians majored in preaching in public places where groups or crowds gathered (after the synagogues were closed to them, that is.) And although JWs boast that they're "everywhere", in some places there are hardly any of them. Christians let JWs get on with it - if they want to door-knock, that's fine. But Christians spread the gospel in more ways than JWs are capable of even imagining. They just don't go blowing their trumpets about it. Nor do they view it as somne kind of competition. They support other denominations. Not so the JWs!

Answer 5

It is interesting to note that some who respond to your very specific questions throw other things into the mix that have absolutely nothing to do with the questions at hand. Your objective seems to be to find honest responses to your honest questions. Their objective seems to be to denigrate Jehovah's Witnesses at every half opportunity. And here they have found another golden one.

If war is acceptable for Christians, why did the first century Christians remain neutral? The Jews were suffering under the hated yoke of the Roman empire. Christians as well. There were factions of Jewish zealots seeking freedom by means of carnal warfare - armed resisters. Some were known as the Sicarii – the dagger men – who carried out assassinations. Surely human freedom was reason enough to fight; particularly when one considers that the vast majority of these suffering were God's people! Yet, Christ, his apostles and disciples - and, indeed, all Christians thereafter - remained strictly neutral when it came to such. They wanted freedom, yes! But they were NOT prepared to violate the teachings of Christ to get it.

One poster mentioned that Jehovah's Witnesses do not go to war when it counts. When it counts? When does it count? Who determines that? And did it not count in the first century? Responders to these types of questions often overlook the very obvious in their attempt to deny truths. Here is a truth: first century Christians remained strictly neutral as to the affairs of the world and they most assuredly did not participate in carnal warfare – ever. Secular history reports that up until the time of Marcus Aurelius – who was a Roman emperor from 161 to 180 – "no Christian became a solider, and no soldier, after becoming a Christian remained in military service." What religious group consistently imitates that example? Historically, Jehovah's Witnesses.

Another truth that is often ignored: first century Christians went door to door in their ministry. Jesus did it, he trained his apostles to do it and he trained his disciples to do it. Long after his death, it was still being done this way. Luke 8:1; Luke 9:1; Luke 10:1; Acts 5:42 and Acts 20:20 testify to the veracity of this in a resounding voice. It is indisputable that this is the way the ministry was carried out. But respondents tell you that in their opinion, this is not the way to do it. Well, does that mean that Jesus and the first century Christians did not know what they were doing? Was Jesus carrying out an inferior ministry? Did he outline a better method for modern 20th century times that lay ahead? And if so, where, please, can we find it in the Bible?

As to the extent of this ministry, it is a fact that some 6,741,444 Jehovah's Witnesses carry out their ministry in over 200 lands. They devote an average of 1.3 billion hours each year to the preaching of the good news. They conduct an average of 6,286,618 personal one-on-one weekly home Bible studies at the convenience and comfort of the householder. Not individuals here and there. Not small groups here and there. No, 6,741,444 witnesses carry out this ministry consistently 52 weeks a year, every year. Christ commanded his followers to preach and teach about the good news of God's kingdom, making disciples of people of all nations, teaching them to observe Christ's commandments. These ones would in turn do the same thing Compare, please Matthew 24:14, Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8. Now, who obeys this command consistently, globally, faithfully? Who faithfully carries out this commission, globally, even today? Historically, Jehovah's Witnesses.

Hannah J Paul

Answer 6

I have a good idea..tomorrow is Saturday...When JW's knock on your door ...open the door and tell them...I have some questions to ask you...then I would appreciate you leave and let me consider what you have just said.
Then the next time they come..ask a few more questions then politely send them on their way.....
You will learn we are kind, friendly, and most of all knowledgeable about the truth of God's word. Jesus told us we must tell everyone about the kingdom..that's why we go to door to door and worship Jehovah God at the kingdom hall....and we pray for the kingdom to come on earth as it is in heaven.....Jesus is the king of the Messianic Kingdom..And the Bible's theme is The Kingdom.

Try this approach..it may help you.

Answer 7

The facts speak for themselves. Jehovah's Witnesses remain neutral in the conflicts of this world in obedience to the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. This despite the fact that it has resulted in their being persecuted on all sides of the conflict. It is not just odd isolated cases, but as a whole. As a whole Christendoms religions have not remained neutral, but have encouraged their congregants to participate.
The facts speak for themselves. No other group comes close to Jehovah's Witnesses in spreading the good news of God's kingdom globally. Not only are missionaries present in over 230 lands, Jehovah's Witnesses make the effort to translate Bibles and Bible literature into every language, not just the major ones. Currently information is available in over 300 languages.

Answer 8

1) The meek shall inherit the earth. Witness boys have to register for the draft at 18 but are exempt from the military. We live by "You shall not murder". Taking another life is wrong in Jehovah God's eyes. We follow that our God teaches us. We also live by God's laws, not man's.

2) I can't speak for any other religion, only the one where my faith is. Yes, we are in over 234 lands now. We all preach the same message of Jehovah God's Kingdom. Jesus Christ commanded his followers to go and make disciples of all people from every tongue and every tribe and nation. So, we do just that.

You ask "what gives?" to us going door to door. Jesus walked everywhere and went door to door preaching the Good News of his Father's Kingdom. We follow his footsteps very closely.

Look at it this way: As most of Christendom believes that the Christ will return, if it was he that knocked on your door to tell you of God's Kingdom, but you didn't know it was him, would you shut the door in his face? Then a few days later you find out it was Jesus Christ himself that came to you, how would you feel for shutting the door on him? What could you possibly say to him, for you not caring to listen to him? Remember, his own people didn't believe he was the Christ.

Makes you think a little, doesn't it?

I have a sister that is Mormon. They only go out door to door for 2 years and only the men go out. Witnesses don't retire from their ministry and more Witness women go door to door than men, only because of husbands working.

Answer 9

I notice from the answers provided that answers for question one are not the same for question two which is strange since Christ said not to kill (Luk 18:20) and preach about the kingdom. (Mat 10:7)

Did Jesus say that preaching was to be stopped after he died?

Matt 28:19,20 - Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded YOU. And, look! I am with YOU all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.

Which group is listed in both 1 AND 2?

Is. 43:10 - “You are my witnesses,” declares the Lord.

Answer 10

Jehovah's Witnesses are hated because they stick closer to the Bible than others. They will not go to war for any reason. They follow Jesus' words at Matt. 5:44: "I say to you: Continue to love your enemies and to pray for those persecuting you." Their public ministry is carried out world wide by people of all ages, not just young men. Their principle magazine the Watchtower is distributed in over 140 languages.

JW's preach from door-to-door in compliance to Jesus' command to "preach the good news of kingdom." Matt. 24:14; 28:19.

It's amazing that other religions still consider themselves Christian even though they have no intention of engaging in the public ministry, but they accuse JW's of "salvation by works." Go figure.

Answer 11

You asked "Didn't Jesus go door to door?"

The answer is No, apparently not, according to the Bible. You can read all the gospels and you will never find where Jesus, the apostles, or any Christian ever knocked on anyone's door, to preach the good news. The Bible tells us they went city to city speaking in public places, then going into the homes where they were invited to continue teaching them. When the Bible says the apostles went from house to house, it is apparently not meaning they went 'door-to-door' as a door-to-door salesperson would do today. "House to house" is one of several ways that that particular Greek expression is translated, and often simply means that they taught people in their homes. The same expression appears several other times in the Bible and it is often translated "in their homes" or "in private homes" . In fact, the expression appears in places where it couldn't possibly have reference to going 'door to door'. But dont' take my word for it. Read the New Testament and you won't find even one instance of door knocking.

As for the preaching being done world wide, remember that there were no Jehovah's Witnesses until late in the nineteenth century . But for 2000 years before that, the Bible was translated and the good news about Jesus managed to be spread throughout the earth without them. House-to-house preaching is only one of many methods to witness about Jesus. Jesus said to witness about him - he didn't specify it had to be in a certain format.

It's interesting that Jesus noted that his enemies, the Jewish scribes and Pharisees, were exceedingly zealous to make proselytes (Matt 23:15).