2007-12-27 03:16:18 · 19 answers · asked by Jereme K 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Hello Jereme.
Yes it can be, but you need to keep in mind that "Watchtower" (society) is a legal instrument, and "The Watchtower" (magazine) is a printed aide that reflects what the Bible teaches... so Jereme, this means that you should study your Bible, learn and then compare that with the magazine because this is not made pretending to replace the Bible at all. The people that administrate Watchtower are not angels or perfect spirits, they are humans and like all the human beings they are not except of error, I mean "people". That's why Jehovah's Witnesses are so deep trained in the Bible teachings.
A.
2007-12-27 03:22:49 · answer #1 · answered by Azazel (Advocatus Diaboli) 5 · 5⤊ 5⤋
There is really no one on earth that can be trusted 100%- The Witnesses encourage people to investigate and analyze what they are being taught Lying is discouraged, however not everyone is entitled to the truth. The bible has ground rules established to deal with in the cristian congregation, In order to maintain A bad apple from corrupting all the rest the bible admonished us to remove the unrepentant from among the congregation, but How is this done? By running to the elders of the cong? Bible instruction is to talk to that brother, let him know that you are the to help him overcome the sin, if he does not listen, again the biblical instruction is to, take someone else as a witness, and if he still does not get it together then and then alone you go to the elders and try to get some help for that person, the elders then work with that person and give him time and help him spiritually and in any other way they can. If the person continues the bad acts, then and only then will they consider expelling the brother. I think JW'S are an example in today's world, they specially shine in a world where you cant tell a believer from a believer, but as soon as we start a conversation with a person anywhere they immediately ask ARE YOU A JEHOVAH'S witness?
2016-04-11 03:07:46 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't know. Can you trust a religion that doesn't have a leadership that is fully compensated for their time and is provided many other perks such as homes and limos, like other churches?
Can you trust a religion that teaches everyone the same, rather than keep advanced knowledge of the Bible in the hands of the chosen few who provide leadership to the member so that the membership are not burden with the need to learn the whole Bible, rather than just Bible Stories?
Can you trust a religion that does not have large financial holdings in retail businesses?
Finally, The Watchtower turned down a perfectly legitimate request by New York City to rent the first floor of their newest residential buildings for use as little shops and pubs. How could they possibly turn down all that money? Any other religion would have jumped at the offer.
2007-12-30 17:15:35 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes.
The Watchtower has taught for decades is that the Bible is the only inspired communication from God today. Similarly, the Bible is the only infallible means of discerning the thoughts of the Almighty. Faithful and discreet servants of God have performed much good in the century-plus since The Watchtower began publication, but its writers have never once claimed to be either infallible or divinely inspired.
Clearly, true worshippers should be far more concerned with the Word of God than with even the best of bible study aids. As an illustration, consider that a stylish pair of precision eyeglasses are still no comparison with the miracle of the beautiful human eye!
The larger issue of God's Kingdom has always been of primary concern to modern Jehovah's Witnesses. The Kingdom preaching work today is not distracted by worries over long-past mistakes of Moses, King David, Apostle Peter, or magazine writers a hundred years ago.
Perhaps it should be noted that Jehovah's Witnesses are NOT trying to preach themselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord.
...(2 Corinthians 4:4-6) For we are preaching, not ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake.
Jehovah's Witnesses remain unaware of any earthly group which is both infallible and also performing a global preaching campaign in obedience to Christ Jesus himself:
...(Matthew 28:19,20) Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And, look! I am with you all the days until the conclusion of the system of things."
Jehovah's Witnesses feel as did Peter:
...(John 6:68) Peter answered him: "Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life
Read for yourself the clarity and wisdom in the publications of Jehovah's Witnesses:
http://watchtower.org
2007-12-27 14:50:16 · answer #4 · answered by achtung_heiss 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
No. The Watchtower can't be trusted. (I'm glad I printed out answers from your pages):
They claim they never published a biography of Russell:
"But, is it true you have never published a biography of Pastor Russell? … That’s right. Jehovah’s Witnesses admire the qualities he possessed as a man, but were we to give the honor and credit to Pastor Russell, we would be saying that the works and success were his; but Jehovah’s witnesses believe it is God’s spirit that guides and directs his people." —Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Divine Purpose, 1959, p. 63
(Read the actual page here: http://www.4jehovah.org/downloads/jehovahs_witness/history/russell1.pdf)
But that's untrue. They did publish a biography:
"A brief biography of Russell along with his will and testament was published in The Watch Tower of December 1, 1916, as well as in subsequent editions of the first volume of Studies in the Scriptures." —Jehovah’s Witnesses — Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom, 1993, p. 64
They also claimed that adjustments in the organization’s viewpoints have never been to previous points of view:
"At times explanations given by Jehovah’s visible organization have shown adjustments, seemingly to previous points of view. But this has not actually been the case." —The Watchtower, December 1, 1981, p. 27
But that's untrue also:
1886 Sodomites Resurrected = Yes! --The Divine Plan of the Ages, 1886, pp. 110-111
1952 Sodomites Resurrected = No! --The Watchtower, June 1, 1952, p. 338
1982 Sodomites Resurrected = Yes! --You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, 1982, p, 178
1989 Sodomites Resurrected = No! --You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, 1989ed, p, 178
1886 “Higher Powers” = Human Governments --The Divine Plan of the Ages, 1886, p. 266
1935 “Higher Powers” = Jehovah God and Jesus Christ --Loyalty, 1935, p. 6
1963 “Higher Powers” = Human Governments --Babylon the Great Has Fallen, 1963, p. 548
The Watchtower claimed:
"A new view of truth never can contradict a former truth. ‘New Light’ never extinguishes older ‘light’ but adds to it."—Zion’s Watch Tower, February 1881, p. 3, Reprints p. 188
When the Society’s teachings switch back to old views, how can this be called "new light?" Isn’t this really "old light" revisited?
Ironically, The Watchtower says:
"Knowing these things, what will you do? It is obvious that the true God, who is himself ‘the God of truth’ and who hates lies, will not look with favor on persons who cling to organizations that teach falsehood… And, really, would you want to be even associated with a religion that had not been honest with you?"—Is This Life All There Is?, Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, 1974,p. 46
Well, Jehovah's Witnesses, would you really want to be even associated with a religion that had not been honest with you?
2007-12-28 09:04:08 · answer #5 · answered by RidiculousQstioner w/Vengeance 2 · 0⤊ 5⤋
I'm not a JW can I still answer....?
Well, I think I'll go ahead and try...
I think of it like this...
If I'm lost somewhere and I'm trying to find my way...
And I meet up with someone who keeps saying
I Know The Way, Follow Me.
But keeps getting us More lost or is backtracking...
I'm going to eventually think, this is the blind leading the blind and I can't trust him.
The Jehovah's Witness Organization has not only made mistakes, but out right lied so many times.
I don't see how they can be trusted.
2007-12-27 08:55:09 · answer #6 · answered by Mathair 2 · 4⤊ 4⤋
Simply NO!
They add to God's word to make what they teach seem like it is the truth. They unknowingly are being used by one of the biggest cults besides Mormonism in American history.
I would ask my JW friends, do you feel obligated to your religion? Does your religion come before your family? Do you feel guilty if you haven't done all of your work for the kingdom hall?
If you answer yes to any of the above you are in a false religion. Why ?
Because.....................
There is no condemnation for those in Christ. WAKE UP in the name of Jesus.
Great question!!!
2007-12-27 10:18:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 4⤋
Why wouldn't a Jehovah Witness trust the Watchtower? Ask someone else if the Watchtower can be trusted.
My answer is no -- just in case you ask me.... :)
2007-12-27 03:20:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 6⤊ 9⤋
No Way
2008-01-02 11:51:21 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
If you are referring to the "Watchtower Bible and Tract Society"
Yes.
.
2007-12-27 05:00:43 · answer #10 · answered by TeeM 7 · 6⤊ 5⤋