Sincere question for Jehovahs Witnesses by a witness?

Question

The question is on Idependant thinking. We are told by the society not to be independantly thinking, but isnt that how we are designed, in the bible doesnt it say to check for ourselves what we are being told and to think for ourselves and no let others opinions sway us?
Along those lines, why is it when a person of prominance comments at the meetings, and voices opinions on something(forinstance:saying myspace should be avoided all together as a general rule) does no one say anything? they are voicing dogma, their own opinions bases on principals no law. why is nothing said? its like its taken as law and thats it, some one said you cant, even though its their opinion its taken as law?

Answer 1

It seems unlikely that the questioner is actually a current Jehovah's Witness, but that seems somewhat beside the point.

Jehovah's Witnesses are certainly NOT discouraged from thinking and reasoning on matters to one's personal satisfaction. Rather, the publications of Jehovah's Witnesses simply caution a Christian against questioning the wisdom of the Scriptures, or the practicality of true Christianity, or the validity of the Bible itself, or the certainty of God's purposes.

(1 Timothy 6:3-5) If any man teaches other doctrine and does not assent to healthful words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, nor to the teaching that accords with godly devotion, 4 he is puffed up with pride, not understanding anything, but being mentally diseased over questionings and debates about words. From these things spring envy, strife, abusive speeches, wicked suspicions, 5 violent disputes about trifles on the part of men corrupted in mind and despoiled of the truth


That advice is not intended to quash the reasoning of individuals, but to remind them to keep testing themselves.

(2 Corinthians 13:5) Keep testing whether you are in the faith, keep proving what you yourselves are


When warnings are general, it is certainly easier on the audience. Of course, a Christian can be confident that he pleases God and Christ when he follows the direction of the Scriptures, and so the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses does not require more of its adherents than what the Scriptures teach.

When an elder expresses reservations about or teaches that Christians should avoid some SPECIFIC activity, does that have the same force as the bible? No, and Jehovah's Witnesses certainly do not accept it that way. A Witness who refused to avoided "rap" music or "MySpace" or even violent video games would not be "punished" by the congregation. But is a person who refuses to follow such well-intentioned counsel working in harmony with his own best interests and those of his fellow congregants?

(Hebrews 13:17) Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over your souls as those who will render an account; that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to you.

(1 Peter 5:5) In like manner, you younger men, be in subjection to the older men. But all of you gird yourselves with lowliness of mind toward one another, because God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/20041208a/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.org/e/20000601/article_01.htm
http://watchtower.org/library/g/2005/4/8/article_02.htm

Answer 2

Im not jehovahs witness but AMEN. I was going to pentecostal church and its the same. They are all the same. It is good to learn the word of God, but I have found it more to be the truth when I am at home reading the Bible. God has given free will to everyone, so for a congregation to give you rules it is just crazy. God makes the rules and you read them in the Bible. When they tell you not to be an independent thinker, it is their way of making you feel helpless so you will keep coming back to them. If you don't do this, your going to hell, if you don't do that your going to hell, I can't stand it. Just be yourself and make your own decisions. Just do what you think is right and you will find out when you die if you were wrong. I myself don't believe that God wants us all the be the same. I think God wants us to use this world he gave us to its fullest. Don't sit on a computer or sit in front of the television, go camping!!! Oh yeah and the pentecostals would tell me that if I didn't make it to church 3 times a week, id backslide and go to hell, and that if I didn't wear ONLY skirts, I was sinning and being manly. And then they told my husband he couldn't have a beard cause its not formal enough. I am happy just doing what I was raised with.

Answer 3

OK, I'm not a witness but I know some through my job. The witnesses I know would agree with the no Myspace thing and wouldn't question it. But they are older, 30-60 years old. So they may not really care about myspace anyway. But this seems like a really arbitrary thing, to ban Myspace, really they may be trying to prevent you from becoming more into the mainstream culture and straying from the religion. Just my thoughts.

Answer 4

I think acktung's answer is great. i would add thinking is something we should be doing all the time. It is an affront to Jehovah not to use our thinking abilities He gave us.

"Make sure of all things. Hold fast to what is fine." (1Thess. 5:21) "This is what I continue praying, that your love may abound yet more and more with ACCURATE KNOWLEDGE AND FULL DISCERNMENT." (Philip. 1:9) Now, how can we do that without independent, critical thinking?

The congregation in Beroea got great praise for, even having Paul and Silas there talking to them, they "WITH GREATEST EAGERNESS OF MIND, CAREFULLY EXAMINED the scriptures daily to see whether these things were so." (Acts 17:11)

"A person of prominence" in the congregation would mean a spiritually mature Christian, not necessarily in age, so of course that ones thoughts should be listened to. Keep in mind though, the Beroeans had Paul. They listened but still made sure themselves before believing.

What would happen to the clergy if all in Christendom did that?

Answer 5

Much turns around one's definition of the word 'independant'.
If it is interpreted as rebellious, then its understandable that organization would speak against it.
Similar to Jesus.
He came to teach certain things.
If someone following him criticized, complained and taught other things, Jesus would probably say:
"Fine. Believe what you wish. But if you're not going to accept what I say, please state your opinions elsewhere than around me."
The group they call the Faithful & Discreet Slave has a job to do.
If one agrees, work with them.
If one does not agree, fine ...please go disagree over there.
As for someone speaking negatively against things they don't really know, you're right, it should not become law.
That one speaking should choose his words alot more carefully.
As for you, don't lose your sense of humor.
Alot of potential troubles can be assuaged by a sense of humor.

Answer 6

Think about "God is love" and "God drowns babies".