Watchtower - Would like a Jehovah's Witness answer only, please?

Question

I am a Christian, I am part of an evangelical church. On my mother's side of the family there are a lot of Witnesses. My family is close and whenever I ask a question pertaining to the origins of WTBS doctrine, it usually winds up heated and with me being sorry I brought it up. I wind up getting mags and books whenever we go to one of their houses. I have been to your meetings on special visitor sermons. I have read many pieces of the Watchtower literature. My great aunt passed away and I grabbed at least a hundred books, some from the beginning of the 20th century. Some of the statements I found are "crazy", I have seen comments made about this on websites by ones who "used to be" JW, but I want to hear from a person who attends the kingdom hall, not someone who just attacks. I know the term "new light" - but how can a group be God's direct channel, but not be inspired, and totally change your belief from 1 to 2 to 3 and back to 1.
(No insults or offense meant)

One that my family is in turmoil over right now, blood transfusions - the understanding is all over the place. What is acceptable? You couldn't have it at all, now you can have blood but only in separate parts. The changes are every few years.
Another is Christ's coming and Armageddon - the official dates from the Brooklyn Bethel has been moved over 120 years and back & forth in the last 120 years.
The QUESTION I am looking for an answer to is, if a particular group in Bethel is The FDS, and they are communicated to by God, [they say they are the "prophet" and they get it wrong, now they say they're not a "prophet"], why can't you disagree or at least discuss that they might be wrong on other points. The Bible IS the word of God; The Bible was given to whom, all or a select few?

Answer 1

Even though I am not a Witness any more..I can provide Watchtower documentation, that you will probably not get from mainstreem witnesses:




Jehovah's Witnesses claim to be God's only prophet....Does God not condemn them?
Remember Deut. 18:22, "If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him." If someone makes a false prophecy, and they have claimed to be a prophet of God, then they are false prophets and are not to be listened to.
Do the Witnesses claim to be the prophet of God? Yes, they do.

In 1972 the Jehovah's Witness Watchtower claimed to be the prophet of God.
IDENTIFYING THE "PROPHET" -- "So does Jehovah have a prophet to help them, to warn them of dangers and to declare things to come? These questions can be answered in the affirmative. Who is this prophet?...This "prophet" was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah's Christian Witnesses..
1 day ago - 6 days left to answer.
Additional Details
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1897 "Our Lord, the appointed King, is now present, since October 1874," Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 4, page 621.

1899 "...the ‘battle of the great day of God Almighty' (Revelation 16:14), which will end in A.D. 1914 with the complete overthrow of earth's present rulership, is already commenced." The Time Is at Hand, page 101 (1908 edition).

1916 "The Bible chronology herein presented shows that the six great 1000 year days beginning with Adam are ended, and that the great 7th Day, the 1000 years of Christ's Reign, began in 1873." The Time Is at Hand, page ii, (forward).

1918 "Therefore we may confidently expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of old, particularly those named by the Apostle in Hebrews 11, to the condition of human perfection." Millions Now Living Will Never Die, page 89.

1922 "The date 1925 is even more distinctly indicated by the Scriptures than 1914." The Watchtower 9/1/22, page 262.

1923 "Our t
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1923 "Our thought is, that 1925 is definitely settled by the Scriptures. As to Noah, the Christian now has much more upon which to base his faith than Noah had upon which to base his faith in a coming deluge." The Watchtower, page 106 4/1/23.

1925 "The year 1925 is here. With great expectation Christians have looked forward to this year. Many have confidently expected that all members of the body of Christ will be changed to heavenly glory during this year. This may be accomplished. It may not be. In his own due time God will accomplish his purposes concerning his people. Christians should not be so deeply concerned about what may transpire this year." The Watchtower, 1/1/25, page. 3.

1925 "It is to be expected that Satan will try to inject into the minds of the consecrated, the thought that 1925 should see an end to the work." The Watchtower, Sept, 1925 page 262.
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1926 "Some anticipated that the work would end in 1925, but the Lord did not state so. The difficulty was that the friends inflated their imaginations beyond reason; and that when their imaginations burst asunder, they were inclined to throw away everything." The Watchtower, page 232.

1931 "There was a measure of disappointment on the part of Jehovah's faithful ones on earth concerning the years 1917, 1918, and 1925, which disappointment lasted for a time...and they also learned to quit fixing dates." Vindication, page 338.

1941 "Receiving the gift, the marching children clasped it to them, not a toy or plaything for idle pleasure, but the Lord's provided instrument for most effective work in the remaining months before Armageddon." The Watchtower, 9/15/41, page 288.

1968 "True, there have
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1968 "Why are you looking forward to 1975?" The Watchtower, 8/15/68, page 494.

A JW might say that the organization is still learning. If that is so, then how can they trust what they are taught now by the Watchtower? Will what they are being taught now change also?
A true prophet of God won't err in prophesying. Only a false prophet does. The Jehovah's Witness organization, that claims to be a prophet of God, is really a false prophet. Jesus warned us by saying, "For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect -- if that were possible" (Matt. 24:24).

Answer 2

If you are a member of an evangelical church, you're going to run up against lots of things that you'll disagree on. I'm not surprised that your discussions wind up as heated. JWs do not enter into dialogue. They have no interest in learning about what they see as false belief. That's why you're getting the WTBS tracts & pamphlets.

If you are truly interested in JW beliefs, and wish to continue talking to family members, read the pamphlets and look at their website. Try to be as objective as you can and deflect any hostilities. You would probably get the same responses from ANY Jehovah's Witness.

It's important to know your own theology. Things that sound good on the surface can be looked at with a little more depth that way. The verses they provide about blood transfusions, for instance, need to be looked at in the light of what was really intended by the biblical authors. Again, look at it objectively. Yes, the verses quoted can be looked at in a JW light. They will show you black-and-white proof, and make no exceptions to the verse. But is taking in blood intravenously in order to save a life, the same as the intent of the verse in Acts, i.e. a blanket statement that includes the medical world, equating it to entertainment or as devotion to idols? You'll have to make your own call on this.

Hopefully you're just trying to understand JW beliefs, and you're taking the "high road" with your questions. I haven't seen JWs reciprocate in that effort. Keep asking, keep trying to understand.

Answer 3

It has been said that all religions can be considered "cults". If that is the case then there is no need for a discussion. Obviously, it is up to personal interpretation. Most everyone who has a sound and logical mind does NOT want to be "controlled" in any way. If a religion feels that they are teaching the truth and someone else feels they are not, the best thing to do is find "facts", especially scriptures from the bible. My conclusion is Jehovah's Witnesses are Christian or "foot-step" followers of Christ Jesus.

Answer 4

Humility is a prime requirement to serve God.

Are we willing to change to his requirements?

From Gen. 3:15 to the end of Rev. ch 22, Jehovah's inspired word was progressive.

Daniel wrote that he did not understand all the things he saw.

The Watchtower has never claimed to be inspired of God,
yet you, in a round about way, are saying we are.

JW's are the first to tell you, "Yes, we have made mistakes"

But what disciple of Christ has not?

As to belief 1, 2, 3, and back to 1, you will have to show me that one.

As an 'spirit' guided evangelical are you telling me you know everything there is to know contained in the bible?

Are you telling me you can't pick up the bible and read a verse and say

"I never knew that?"

Even though you've read that verse 50 times before?

As our bibles get better and as our understanding of the original languages get better, are we willing to let God's truth guide us?

I think it's amazing how many different and opposing answers you can get in this forum, all from 'spirit' guided Christians. Why?

Because most choose only the one verse they like and shape all other verses to their beliefs.

Jehovah's Witnesses strive very hard to find the answer based not on one verse, but on all the verses pretaining to that subject.

Kingdom: Daniel 2:44 & Luke 17:22, Rev 19:15, 16;

All these scriptures have to be right.

Jesus: John 17:3; 2 Cor 4:4; Col 1:15; Heb 1:3; Rev 3:12, 14

What do we learn concerning Jesus?

Are we willing to make the changes?

Jehovah's Witnesses have proven they are willing to bring their lifes into harmony with God's Word.

.

Answer 5

We have several decades studing the bible, for example how many in you church know the date of Jesus´s death? you know that we teach that (Nisan 14) and many other things ut the most important thing is what will happen after Armageddon with this planet under Jesus rulership, that doctrine the main topic of the bible and teach only by JWs is something that didn´t changed it , over of that the more you read the bible you will be growing in knowledge but the main things are exactly the same.

Answer 6

it looks to me like you have a lot of issues with the beliefs of us Jehovah's witnesses, and having many in your family that don't exactly agree on everything.

if I were you, rather than try to have all my questions answered via the Internet, (you are never 100% sure of who you are corresponding with), why don't you find a witness that is NOT in your family,make them promise their confidentuality, and discuss these issues with that person. that way, there would be less a chance of misunderstanding, and a better chance for your questions to be answered completely.
just my suggestion.

also, you say you have a lot of literature, do you have the book, "Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers of God's Kingdom" ? this is an excellent book that gives a great amount of history involving JW's.

Answer 7

All my spiritual brothers & 1 sister have given the answer
through the Scriptures.Tik_of_toq; TeeM, achtung_heiss,
the alter ego*, Ishvarlan, sugarpie, THA, moises_F, JR.

The Bible is God's written word to mankind.
see, "mankind,"
With God there is no partiality.

All I can say is that your inherited library is Priceless.
Invaluable. If you ever didn't want it any longer,
you could donate it to your local Kingdom Hall.
I personally, would Love to increase my library.

*don't know who this is,
and even tho' he seems
to be yellin', he's still correct.

Answer 8

It depends on what doctrine changes you're referring to. Many opposers claim we rejected organ transplants ect. in the early 1900's but that is found out not to be true. The Watchtower never fully agreed with those things, but they always started it was based on the persons decision. Anti-Jehovah's Witnesses sites may SEEM like they have accurate information to expose the Jehovah's Witnesses, but they usual take quotes out of context.

So if you want to get a correct understanding on doctrine changes, search created sites by some of Jehovah's Witnesses (non-official Watchtower site) and they will show you what actually took place in those years, things which Anti-Jehovah's Witnesses don't bother showing to the public.



Update: Whats subtracted from blood is not actual blood. Plasma contains mostly water, salt and a few other things. Blood needs these things to flow properly in your system, and those things taken from the blood (plasma) is what we can use, and it does not go against Gods law.

As for you other questions, go here.

http://www.jehovah.to/exe/general/prophetic.htm
http://www.jehovah.to/xlation/fp.html
http://users.picknowl.com.au/~hepburn/prophecy.htm


If you're trying to attack us, then I would not go any further with this discussion. I offered you sites that should clear up your misinformation.

Answer 9

Jehovah's Witnesses have never pretended that they are infallible or inspired. Jehovah's Witnesses have never pretended that they experience miraculous messages from God or Christ. For more than a century, Jehovah's Witnesses have always presented their suppositions as the result of sincere bible research, rather than as "predictions" or "prophesying".

Interestingly, however, even those Christians who did enjoy direct communication from heaven at times came to wrong conclusions; these wrong conclusions were even communicated "out among the brothers"!

For example, the apostle Peter enjoyed remarkable privileges in the early congregation, but it seems that he was the source of an incorrect teaching about the apostle John that was not formally corrected until several DECADES had passed, and John himself finally wrote his gospel about 98 C.E.

(John 21:21-23) Peter said to Jesus: “Lord, what will this man do [that is, the apostle John]?” Jesus said to him: “If it is my will for him to remain until I come, of what concern is that to you? You continue following me.” In consequence, this saying went out among the brothers, that [the apostle John] would not die. However, Jesus did not say to him that he would not die, but: “If it is my will for him to remain until I come, of what concern is that to you?”


Jehovah's Witnesses apply the term "prophet" only in a very limited sense to themselves as a religion, not to individuals. The Scriptures indicate that whenever Jehovah purposes to execute judgment upon a people, he always makes arrangement for a 'prophet's work' as a warning. Their self-description as a "prophet" (in this limited sense) does not indicate special inspired knowledge or foreknowledge, but their willingness to perform Christ's assigned warning work in our day leading up to Armageddon.

What group is working harder than Jehovah's Witnesses to preach God's message globally (as Noah did before the Deluge)?

(Amos 3:7) For the Sovereign Lord Jehovah will not do a thing unless he has revealed his confidential matter to his servants the prophets.

(2 Peter 2:5) Noah, a preacher of righteousness...

(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.


Learn more:
http://watchtower.org/e/20000622/
http://watchtower.org/e/19990715/article_02.htm

Answer 10

I'm sure that if YOU do ENOUGH Reading of the Literature that you have You WILL NOTICE "Somewhere" that Jehovah's CHRISTIAN Witnesses USED 2 be Referred to as "Bible (STUDENTS)" !

A STUDENT is an Individual that DOESN'T Know EVERYTHING But is IN THE (PROCESS) of trying 2 Learn Everything !

These JW's WERE "Bible STUDENTS"; Simply Meaning that they were trying There BEST 2 Understand God's Word the Bible !

A STUDENT is Someone that DOESN'T Know Everything BUT is HUMBLY Willing 2 Learn !

I can't STRESS ENOUGH that this this LIBRARY that you Inherited is INVALUABLE ! ! !

I really HOPE that You KEEP Your JW Library but if you ever decide 2 SELL it (LET ME KNOW) Because I would be VERY HAPPY 2 have YOUR INVALUABLE Library ! ! !

Answer 11

WHY SHOULD WE CLAIM inspiration when God used his inspiration for the authoring of the Bible alone, and nothing else, the word "INSPIRATION" appears only once in the Greek Scriptures(NT) specifially for one purpose:

(2 Timothy 3:16-17) “. . .All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work. . .”

--WE MIGHT illustrate the sole importance of the Bible in comparison with truly related literature:

-----OUR EYES might be compared to the Bible in that it alone sees and presents the true picture of the truth!
-----OUR glasses or contacts might be compared to our very accurate kindred literature, that need to be exacting!
***NOW THEN IF that is what our literature REALLY does, then yes they may act as a GUIDED channel to the truth, we feel that indeed our literature above all others , has Jehovah God's and Christs guidance!
--WE ALSO try to provide reasonable proof to our claims!

--I am not sure what you mean by 1 to 2 to 3 and then back to 1, If you wish to clarify , please do!