The WBTS, Doubting Thomas, and Apostates....

by LDH 3 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  LDH

  I would love for someone who has a Bible handy to go ahead and quote passages if possible. I'm just going to 'freestyle' from memory.

  It occurred to me last night that the WBTS is having the same problem that Jesus had. Namely, those who call themselves 'followers' need to have the truth proved to them.

  After Jesus had risen from the dead, 'Doubting Thomas' was present on one occasion. He had to touch the wounds that Jesus had! No, he wasn't content to let his eyes decieve him. Although he could have easily seen nail holes in Jesus hands, he didn't stop there. If I'm not mistaken, he had to put his hand in the wound where Jesus had been pierced with a spear! How did Jesus react to Thomas?

  Now fast forward to the WBTS. Not only do they publish articles encouraging people to keep their doubts to themselves, they even go so far as to say you can't even harbor or have these doubts!

  Now, in your opinion, what is the lesson of these two examples?

  Lisa
• 

  JanH

  Lisa,

  Now, in your opinion, what is the lesson of these two examples?

  Jesus issued a mild rebuke to Thomas. So the lesson is, Jesus disliked those who did not exercise blind faith. The WTS requires blind faith and punishes those who express any doubt.

  Of course, Christianity has done the same from day one. The lack of real "holes-in-Jesus-side" to show real doubters persuaded them that they could do better than Jesus' mild rebuke.

  - Jan
  --
  "Doctor how can you diagnose someone with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and then act like I had some choice about barging in here right now?" -- As Good As It Gets
• 

  Yerusalyim

  Actually, this story related from the 20th Chapter of John's Gospel has Thomas doubting because he wasn't there when Jesus showed up the first time. Being a big talker he said

  "Unless I see in his hands the print of the nails, and place my finger in the mark of the nails, and place my hand in his side, I will not believe"John 20:25 RSV

  
  When Jesus showed up again, he challenged Thomas to do just that, but rather, Thomas fell to his knees and said "My Lord and My God"
  Jesus was willing to provide Thomas the proof he sought, but praised those who, without seeing, would have faith. Jesus point, we must see with the eyes of faith. The Society's point. Listen to us or we'll DF you, we don't have to offer proof.

  YERUSALYIM
  "Vanity! It's my favorite sin!"
  [Al Pacino as Satan, in "DEVIL'S ADVOCATE"]
• 

  LDH

  Yup and Yup.