Is the Watchtower Magazine God's word to us?

Question

Quote: "It should be expected that the Lord would have a means of communication to his people on the earth, and he has clearly shown that the magazine called The Watchtower is used for that purpose." (1939 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, p. 85.)

Funny, I always thought it was the bible.

Quote: All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" can become known only through Jehovah's channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave. The Watchtower; 10/1/1994; p. 8.

Conundrum: What do the names David Koresh and Jim Jones mean to you?

Stevie P. : The fact that you can't wait for me to get zapped tells me all i need to know about you.

DougLawrence: We have several points of agreement, but some of the things about the men in Brooklyn also bother me about the men in Rome. And the pope is not my supreme leader. No offence intended.

Hannah, the faithful and wise servent of matthew 24 is one of several examples Christ gave to his disciples after the questioned him in verse 3 of that same chapter about the signs of his return. Having already warned us in verses 36-39 of Matthew 24 that many would would not be wise, and continue to live life not realizing his return was imminent, in verses 45-47 he tells us to be wise servents doing our master's will daily, so that we won't be surprised by his return. The wise servent is ANT believer who watches, waits, and prepares for his master's return.

Hannah, who then is the EVIL servent spoken of in Matthew 24:48-51?

That should be ANY, not ANT,lol.

Hannah, to complete my answer to your questions, if an assignment was being made in the verse about the discreet slave, it was made to ALL believers everywhere, not a select few. All Christians are to be faithful servents doing Jesus' commands, and thereby feeding the flock, no matter how large. The verses concerning the discreet slave a part of a larger teaching in matthew 24 about the signs of Christ's return. All christians everywhere, are to prepare for his return. Not just 144,000.

Hannah, first you failed to address the context of Matthew chapter 24. The topic is clearly Jesus return. Do you deny this? The question 'who is the slave' is indeed rhetorical. The answer remains all born-again believers in jesus christ. We are all to feed the flock. Some oare placed over many, as a Pastor. Some are placed over few, such a a father or mother. The fact remains that if all believers are fulfilling their call in christ, the flock will be fed. Your interpretation of the slave passage is reasonable only to Witnesses. I know you believe the JW's are the discreet slave, as you have been taught by your Governing Board. Also, I do not accept that all spiritual "food" distributed by every denomination is profitable. For instance, I reject as false many of the doctrines of JW's, Mormons, and 7th day Adventists. There-in lies the responsibility of the INDIVIDUAL believer to be able to tell what food is good, and what food is poisoned.

Hannah, also as far as yahoo Answers goes...Yahoo Answers does not claim to be the ONLY spokesman for God, as the watchtower does. Don't bother denying it, the quotes from the Watchtower are numerous and easily accessible. Neither will you find a book, magazine, or website published by "Greg M" making statements along the lines of what the WTBTS makes. lastly, I've read the internet guidelines put out by the JW leadership and I'm surprised to even find any JW's in Yahoo answers. I'm sure this isn't a properly "supervised" website for JW's. Also, given your commands to avoid apostates and to avoid the "voice of strangers" it seems again strange that you'd even be allowed to be in here.
I'm referring to the guidelines published in 1999 by the Watchtower.

Little lamb: hannah is quite obviously an intelligent woman. I only have a high-school diploma, so although I'm sure you see her as superior to me in intellect, I'll continue to take up the challenge of defending God's word.

Little lamb: nothing to forgive! We're good.

Hannah J Paul, The fact that I find Witness teaching dangerous is nothing I apologize for. The fact that I call it into question is nothing I apologize for. I find it odd that you take such offense at my mentioning the specific teaching of your organization. Everyone who comes in here to talk about religion comes into sharp criticism. Some people seem so surprised to find out that everyone doesn't agree with them. if it bothers you that much to have your beliefs called into question, then I will expect not to see you answering any more of my questions. When a question is posted, we all have the choice to pass over it or click on it. I might add that my opinions about JW teaching are no stronger than your opinions about trinitarians or those of us who you say are "babylon the great." Thanks for your input.

Answer 1

No matter who says it, the phrase "We know what's best for you." is scary.

Answer 2

Here is a quote out of literature of the WatchTower Bible and Tract Society;
"" All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" can become known only through Jehovah's channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave.""(The Watchtower; 10/1/1994; p. 8.)

Note this is recent material - therefore this would be considered valid by their own standards.

You may wonder what "valid by their standards" means. It means current doctrine or teaching(s). The dogma and doctrines of the WatchTower Bible and Tract Society (WTB&TS) have changed over the years.

Now back to the quote.
When a JW talks about the "Faithful and Discreet Slave" or it is referred to in the literature that is used it means "The WatchTower Bible and Tract Society".

The Catholic Church has the Pope as the head of the church.
The Mormon people(Latter Day Saints) have The President of the Church.
The WatchTower is headed by the Governing Body which is called "The Faithful and Discreet Slave" (FDS class)

All printed material and doctrinal writings go through and are approved by the G.B. before being released to the congregations.

This material is considered by the Jehovah's Winesses to be directly inspired by God as they have been taught by the WTB&TS.

Here is the quote to back this:
"All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" can become known only through Jehovah's channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave." (The Watchtower; 10/1/1994; p. 8.)

Many that are JW apostates or "anti WTB&TS" informationists think that the Governing Body, last known to be headed by D.A. Adams, are a "man made and self appointed" leadership just the same as they themselves teach against in the Papacy and Mormonism.

JW apostates or "anti WTB&TS" informationists, for the most part often point out the "flip-flop" in dogma and the propensity to set dates on end time prophecy show that the G.B. and the WTB&TS as a whole to be both lukewarm and false prophets.

Many people do not know who or what the JWs(WTB&TS) teach and are full of mis information.

There are many that do know what is taught and disagree.

There are a few of ex JWs that consider the WTB&TS to subtly and blatantly exert a mind control on the followers and to see this takes time and research.

Answer 3

Oh Greg M, Hi Little Lamb here. HannahJ is quite smart and equip with knowledge. You know that. I would think twice before I would take on a challenge! Oh well, its good to take notes. Why did you delete the other question? I wanted to read the answer's!

Dear Greg, you got a diploma, just like me! Good for us. Better yet, both of us learn from the wise ones.
Greg, I did not mean it to sound like you are inferior. I never put down anyone like that. Who am I to do so, I'm just a little person compare to other's, you know what I mean. I find you to be quite smart yourself. What I meant is you do have a challenge and a good one. Christian Soldier is correct to in what he says. Sorry, I must have put my foot in my mouth again. Am I forgiven?

Thank you!

Answer 4

Ah I remember those days when the Jehovah Witnesses came knocking on our door at 8 in the morning when everyone was still asleep and all I did was ignore them. You're right, the Bible is a better means to communicate with the lord through his follower's teachings. But the Watch Tower has inspirational stories that are easily understandable since they are current.

Answer 5

The boys from brooklyn may believe what they print, but almost no one else does.

On the other hand, the authorative voice of God in the world has never been the bible alone, but rather the authentic and universal church that Jesus founded, empowered, personally guaranteed, and endowed with the constant presence of the Holy Spirit.

The bible, wonderul as it may be, is only a book, and a completed one, at that.

God leaves it up to people to govern his church, and he's given power and authority to certain people to do just that.

The universal church is the authentic and living people of God ... the mystical body of Christ ... with Jesus at it's head ... the Holy Spirit as the constant arbiter of divine truth ... and the Pope as the supreme earthly leader.

So it isn't really "funny" when people mistake the bible for the authentic church ... or when people mistake some fringe group for the real thing.

It's actually very, very sad.

Answer 6

Not to me but to JW's. It's tragic! It's where they get their heretical doctrine! It's an addition to Scripture!

You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. Deut. 4:2

All SCRIPTURE (NOT MAGAZINES) is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Tim. 3:16-17

Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim. 2:15

********
Greg-

I don't care what level education you have. God uses the weak to humble the strong, and the simple to humble the wise! You don't depend on your own intelligence but you do depend on the Word just like I do, and in so doing we and others who study ONLY the Bible are extremely wise!

But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty. 1 Cor. 1:27

Keep marching forward brother!

Answer 7

I think I mentioned in another question, I had the JW's charged with littering for leaving the Watchtower on my doorstep, just so it could get wet and windblown all over the neighborhood before I got home.

If god want's to talk to you .. he doesn't need a magazine ... he'll find you himself!

Answer 8

Yes. Obviously with so much Confusion in the churches you need a Voice of Clarity. Whats there to Doubt?

Answer 9

The Watchtower Magazine is Watchtower Magazine's word, not God's. It's a creation of men, not God.

The Bible (not the JW version of it) is the revealed Word of God.

Answer 10

Thank you for this question, it is very interesting.

They go as far as telling that God is the editor of the Watchtower Magazine.

Answer 11

I think it is the JWs word on what should be. Too bad they are so pushy, they are the only ones that show up at my door.
God Bless