instead of having to read Watchtower publications?
2007-11-15 00:04:54 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Oh hell no. There's NO way you'd believe what they teach if you did that.
2007-11-15 00:39:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 7⤋
Just as when you study a course in school, such as science, you have your books and work books and tests to learn the subject. Many times you go out in the field to do personal research and labs. You may look up additional information on the internet or other books. All these add in better understanding the subject.
The same is true of Jehovah's Witnesses, when studying the bible, the publications do not take the place of the bible. They take a subject and put all the scriptures that pertain to that subject together, so you get a complete understanding of how the Bible or God views that subject. Then there are questions to make us think and reason on the matter, modern day illustrations to help us come to an accurate understanding. There's also added research on why certain things were done in bible times, so that the bible comes alive for us.
We are all encouraged to read the bible daily. You could read the Bible alone, but with 66 books on a vast variety of subjects and prophecies, it would be hard to retain what you are reading without an indepth study. Just the book of Revelation, how many people could read the book of Revelation and accurately understand it? We are currently studying the book of Revelation and have a study guide to help us. It takes Revelation verse by verse and sites other scriptures that help us to understand the meaning. This is the third or fourth time we have studied this book and each time the majority of it is new me.
When someone becomes a Jehovah's Witnesses they have usually studied the bible for 6 months to a year and there are several bible questions that they need to answer and give the scriptual references. This is to make sure they fully understand what Jehovah's Witnesses believe before they can be baptized.
Could someone become a Witness without the bible study aids. I'm sure they could, many in countries under ban may not even have a bible, and have to rely on their memory. Those who diligently studied prior to the ban, would have a better chance of remembering what the bible says, and staying strong under trail.
2007-11-15 10:59:50 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
You must not be one.One hour of our Sunday services is a question and answer session on that week's Watchtower article.Earlier this year we had a series on displaying and appreciating the fruits of the spirit.There were also ones on the devotion of Daniel to his god,Jehovah.And the prophecies in Ezekiel and Isaiah.Many times I enjoy the Watchtower study more than the Public Discourse in the first hour,because the audience participates more fully.Each of the study articles has scriptures cited and the audience is encouraged to look them up,because we look to the Bible as our chief reference book.I always find something about God that I did not appreciate before.The Ethiopian Eunuch in the Book of Acts had to have the scriptures explained more fully before he could accept Christ's Sacrifice,and you would not get that while studying alone.Jesus disciples were not taught from just the Bible alone,but also by the Son of Man as a group,with Holy spirit.He raised the Dead,healed the sick and the lame,and showed the apostles what God required of them.We pray for that same spirit at our meetings.
2007-11-15 09:06:09 · answer #3 · answered by gary s 6 · 5⤊ 1⤋
NO a hundred times!!!
Here is a quote from the Watchtower 15-Aug-1981
"They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such 'Bible reading,' they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were teaching 100 years ago..."
And another from the Watchtower; 15-Sep-1910
"Furthermore, not only do we find that people cannot see the Divine Plan in studying the Bible by itself, but we see, also, that if anyone lays the Scripture Studies aside, even after he has used them, after he has become familiar with them, after he has read them for ten years - if he lays them aside and ignores them and goes to the Bible alone, though he has understood his Bible for ten years, our experience shows that within two years he goes into darkness. On the other hand, if he had merely read the Scripture Studies with their references, and had not read a page of the Bible, as such, he would be in the light at the end of the two years, because he would have the light of the Scriptures. "
The Scripture Studies mentioned are Watchtower studies.
So as you can clearly see, from their own words the answer to your question is NO
Any publication or commentary that would lead someone to a different conclusion than reading the bible alone should be trashed.
2007-11-15 08:26:57 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 5⤋
the bible is the way that Jehovah talks to us. we do have meetings. we are not a cult and do not have any dues. I wish people who say we are a cult learn what a cult is. a cult worships man, we worship Jehovah . a cult live together. we live in our own homes in 236 lands. a cult also does not work on jobs together with you or have there children go to your schools. we do. the watchtower is a magazine and has scriptures that we look up in the bible. we have free bible studies for our neighbors worldwide so that you can understand the bible better. visit a kingdom hall and see what we are all about. we are a loving family, no matter who you are. people who know nothing about us, will tell lies about us.
2007-11-15 08:30:13 · answer #5 · answered by lover of Jehovah and Jesus 7 · 6⤊ 3⤋
No one among Jehovah's Witnesses is forced to read anything.
Our main textbook is the Bible, the inspired word of God.
The Watchtower, however, has helped us understand Bible prophecy that proves we are living in the time of the end and that God’s Kingdom will soon bring peace to the earth. Our genuine concern for the lives of others moves us to share this marvelous hope with them.
Never have the Witnesses said regarding the Watchtower ‘These are the words of Jehovah.’ The Watchtower, the official journal of Jehovah’s Witnesses, has said: “We have not the gift of prophecy.” (January 1883, page 425) “Nor would we have our writings reverenced or regarded as infallible.” (December 15, 1896, page 306) The Watchtower has also said that the fact that some have Jehovah’s spirit “does not mean those now serving as Jehovah’s witnesses are inspired. It does not mean that the writings in this magazine The Watchtower are inspired and infallible and without mistakes.” (May 15, 1947, page 157) “The Watchtower does not claim to be inspired in its utterances, nor is it dogmatic.” (August 15, 1950, page 263)
The brothers preparing these publications are not infallible. Their writings are not inspired as are those of Paul and the other Bible writers. (2 Tim. 3:16) And so, at times, it has been necessary, as understanding became clearer, to correct views. (Prov. 4:18)”—February 15, 1981, page 19.
I like reading the Watchtower. You'd really miss out on a lot if you decided to isolate yourself.
2007-11-15 08:09:50 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 7⤋
That would be best. You will find quickly, that the Watchtower does not follow the Bible closely, and then you can find a truthful way to worship.
2007-11-15 19:59:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 3⤋
Yes, of course.
Naturally, he must also pray and preach as he is able.
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/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
2007-11-15 08:12:11 · answer #8 · answered by achtung_heiss 7 · 6⤊ 5⤋
Firstly I am not a JW.
My mum is.
I think you could , but I think it would not take long before you did.
I have been to their meeting with my mum. ( I didn't trust them at first) but even I was drawn to read their books and magazines.
You may be surprised as I was how good and interesting they are.
I do not agree with all they teach but they do make sense and are really nice people .
By the way I do not quite understand why I am drawn to defend them but I really hate it when people run down religions especially such good people
2007-11-15 08:30:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 2⤋
NO.
To get his message across requires organisation.
Jesus organised his apostles, and they in turn organised people who in time became disciples.
It can not be done solo.
Satan is always there to try and prevent the preaching of the Good News.
(Revelation 12:12) On this account be glad, YOU heavens and YOU who reside in them! Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to YOU, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time.”
(2 Corinthians 4:4) among whom the god of this system of things has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, that the illumination of the glorious good news about the Christ, who is the image of God, might not shine through.
How can the billions in the world be reached unless EVERYONE preaches.
(Psalm 68:11) Jehovah himself gives the saying; The women telling the good news are a large army.
this is NOT to infer that women should be church leaders. Just preachers.
(1 Timothy 2:11-15) Let a woman learn in silence with full submissiveness. 12Â I do not permit a woman to teach, or to exercise authority over a man, but to be in silence. 13Â For Adam was formed first, then Eve. 14Â Also, Adam was not deceived, but the woman was thoroughly deceived and came to be in transgression. 15Â However, she will be kept safe through childbearing, provided they continue in faith and love and sanctification along with soundness of mind.
2007-11-15 08:14:59 · answer #10 · answered by pugjw9896 7 · 3⤊ 7⤋
No, you must go to Kingdom Hall, interact with the rest of the congregation, and cooperate with them.
2007-11-15 08:17:39 · answer #11 · answered by TarKettle 6 · 2⤊ 3⤋