Can individuals read & understand the Bible alone, or do they need an organization and it's publications ?

Question

I'm courious why all Bible studies at the Kingdom Halls are referenced by the Watchtower

Answer 1

Jehovah's Witnesses understand the bible to be the only inspired infallible means of knowing God's will and purposes. They never pretend that bible study aids are more important than the bible itself.

Each congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses schedules five congregation meetings each week, typically at its Kingdom Hall. Two of those five meetings consider a bible-based lesson from The Watchtower or another publication, but the other three meetings are bible-based talks presented by congregation members. Speakers MUST use the BIBLE as the foundation of their talks, but it is true that speakers may include reference material from any responsible source (including The Watchtower, of course).

Jehovah's Witnesses unceasingly admonish their adherents to read, study, and meditate on the bible itself at their own homes with their own families. The Witnesses have long cited three INDISPENSABLE actions by true Christians:
1. Pray
2. Read bible
3. Preach

Those who attend the meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses will likely note that nearly everyone (adult and child) can comfortably and quickly locate each referenced Scripture during the talk. Other bible-study aids may be used by the audience during the meetings, but never even approaching the ubiquity of the bible among Jehovah's Witnesses.

Learn more:
http://watchtower.co.uk/e/20000622/
http://watchtower.co.uk/archives/index.htm#bible
http://watchtower.co.uk/e/dg/index.htm?article=article_04.htm
http://watchtower.co.uk/e/rq/index.htm?article=article_01.htm
http://watchtower.co.uk/e/lmn/index.htm?article=article_02.htm
http://watchtower.co.uk/e/ti/index.htm?article=article_05.htm

Answer 2

The Watchtower serves as guide, or focus point.

It is not a Watchtower study, but a Bible study.

How many have the time or resources to research everything needed to know to understand the bible.

May state 'all you need is the holy spirit'.

Yet many who confess knowledge of scripture based on HS, will teach many different things.

Examples:

Trinity:
a) not in bible
b) hinted at in the bible
c) main teaching of the bible.

Soul:
a) can not die
b) can die

Spirit:
a) everlasting
b) a invisible part of a human
c) breath

Hellfire:
a) doesn't exist
b) does exist

Salvation:
a) free gift, all you have to do is believe
b) free gift, but most have works.
c) free gift, but can never be taken away.
d) free gift, but can be taken away.

and the list goes on.

If the best way is by reading the bible yourself, relying of HS, then why don't more people believe the same things?

.

Answer 3

Simply following orders from the Bible chum. If you recall in the Bible we are repeatedly told to not forsake the gathering together for worship. While it is true we as individuals could serve God, isn't it easier to do so with the encouragement of others? Also consider, the apostles, men who were with Christ himself, recommended the need to gather together.

Answer 4

Yes, individuals are led by the holy spirit in understanding the bible. Others can give us insights with their studies, commentaries. It seems the more time we independently study, the better our understanding with the leading of the spirit.

Answer 5

To say it is not possible is to say that God is limited. However, he DOES have an organized way of doing things to the benefit of his human subjects.
Acts 8:30, 31. "30 Philip ran alongside and heard him reading aloud Isaiah the prophet, and he said: “Do you actually know what you are reading?” 31 He said: “Really, how could I ever do so, unless someone guided me?” And he entreated Philip to get on and sit down with him..."
The Watchtower highlights specific points or principles in the bible, compares examples of old with modern- day examples of faithful people, and helps us to make application of them in our modern society. It also helps to show how scriptures in the bible relate to each other. It is simply a tool to aid in bible study.
BTW, why do you only ask about the Watchtower? Other religions publish their own literature as well!

Answer 6

Why are there ministers, elders and "shepherds" appointed to oversee congregations if we can understand the Bible on our own? Why do churches have preachers?
Why does the Bible say that the congregations need elders and overseers? It is because we all need help to gain accurate knowledge. God helps those who take the lead by way of his holy spirit. It gives them the ability to interpret the Scriptures and to teach according to what God requires.
As Jehovah's people, we have such men to shepherd and guide us and we are grateful that we have them, for they give us our spiritual food at the proper time.

LOBT

Answer 7

Since you are curious (thk u)
You do have alot of Q's all about the Witnesses
& their / our activities.
Go & find out, what we do @ the Hall.
We sing also, accompanied w/ music.
YOU are invited to a Kingdom Hall
Everyone is.

Everyone needs someone/thing/s.
We are imperfect humans, &
especially, if ur new,
it really does help to apply in a practical way in your life,
the new you.
There's the Awake that has news from around the world.
And science articles, items of interest- food, plants,
animals, insects, water animals and the like.
also we do need reminders, @ 1st I was like
"again, we already studied this book"
(like the book of Daniel, example) )
Come to realize, I forgot things.
I needed to read it again.
I adjusted my thinking.

edit: I vote for micheal c to get best answer.

Answer 8

I am a little perplexed by the second part of your question, but to truly understand I guess it is best to say... Yes Bible Study daily personally helps us build a relationship with God Jehovah, but as the Ethopian Eunuch (Acts 8:27-31) said ""really how could I ever [understand] unless someone guided me?" though the quote is a paraphrase, it gets to the heart of the matter.you can read, and read it until you could quote ever single line, and verse, but what good would that be if the word was not alive for you, exerting power upon you to bring your life in alignment with Jehovah God's arrangements through his Christ Jesus. There are also warnings in several places in the Bible about not parting ourselves out from the love and underserved kindness of Jehovah God, we are constantly told in the Bible "keep putting up with one another" our imperfections can get in the way, and we have to do our part in not letting our own imperfections block God from doing the work he wishes to accomplish in all of us... if we would only listen.

Answer 9

I believe that the Holy Spirit works with individuals and will assist you in understanding and applying scriptural principles in our lives. People do not need an organization to supply them with understanding. Religious leaders can assist with specific questions and guide you in your search, but they alone do not have a monopoly on accurate knowledge and understanding of scriptures.

As far as bible studies at the KH, the fundamental belief with that organization is that they alone receive direction from the Holy Spirit and they act as the "faithful and discreet slave class". Most cults have as their fundamental creed this principle so that members are "forced" to believe what comes from them and not be receptive to God's direction.

Answer 10

The ones you see at the watchtowerare written so that you will not have aby other concept than the one supported by the watchtower. (JW) there is a book you mightfind interesting called "Kicked out of the Kingdom" You might also look at some more main stream Chtistian apologetics such as The Case For Christ> Ot pick up Kingdom of the cults by Walter Matrin.