by undercover 47 Replies latest jw friends
Doesn't the watchtower research to criticize? Can anyone show me even one watchtower publication in the last 100 years that doesn't in some way slam other religions, governments, businesses, the media, the UN, music, television, the internet, "worldly" people, sex, beards, hairstyles, education, the medical profession, or anything else?
JWs are masters at giving criticizm, but they squeal like pigs when the situation is reversed.
W
Doesn't the watchtower research to criticize? Can anyone show me even one watchtower publication in the last 100 years that doesn't in some way slam other religions, governments, businesses, the media, the UN, music, television, the internet, "worldly" people, sex, beards, hairstyles, education, the medical profession, or anything else?
Yes, but you're forgetting a major component of JW belief, namely the narritave that surrounds the history of the group. JWs don't just feel that they have done research that proves certain things true. They believe the leadership has been ordained by God in fullfillment of Bible prophecy to do so. Because of this, the research of the Watchtower is part of a divine mission of God. YOURS IS NOT. God didn't appoint you to do research, he appoint the WT.
Yes, but you're forgetting a major component of JW belief, namely the narritave that surrounds the history of the group.
Nah, I didn't forget that component. I deliberately ignore that which they have failed to prove.
W
To be honest with myself, I think I did research to find fault. I had never felt like I could do all of the things an upstanding JW was. I hated field service, giving talks, going to meetings, and hated the goody-two-shoes lifestyle. When I found Crisis of Conscience, I was inactive and not going to meetings.
For me, I'm sure the research was part curiosity, part hoping to find a reason to not feel guilty about not attending anymore.
If you were sincerely looking to uphold the faith by defending it from detractors, (A) I don't think you'd have over 6000 posts on this board and (B) I think you would be able to express your sincerity.
So your question is which is the best lie to tell them to throw them off?
I like the quotes from their own publications telling you to research your religion. Along with the fact that the truth has nothing to fear. Which both may justify doing research, but in my opinion don't put a reason behind it.
I'd tell them that you know people fall away over these issues and you want to make sure you have the correct understanding so that you don't fall into the same traps.
The Watchtower starts becoming nervous when people begin researching on their own.
For then The Watcthtower loses its standing as the sole source of information.
The Watcthower does not like to hav to answer questions raised by individuals who have used sources other than those printed by The Watchtower.
The Watchtower is a cult that has created a world of its own. Outside research coming into that world is not welcomed.
"The KM Sep 2007 QFR suggests we study the Daniel Book as a project. Daniel 4 talks about the 7 times. Luke 21:24 - Jesus talks about the Gentile Times. I'm having a really hard time finding a biblical basis for connecting these two concepts. Can you help me with that please?"
Here's my mega-answer. (Don't worry about all the work I put into it, I already have this stored for my own references.)
Use their own words against them:
The Truth that Leads to Eternal Life (1981) chap. 2 p. 13
Why It Is Wise to Examine Your Religion
The Bible informs us that “the true worshipers will worship the Father with spirit and truth.” (John 4:23) If our worship is to be acceptable to God, it must be firmly rooted in God’s Word of truth. Jesus reproved those persons who claimed to serve God but who relied heavily on the traditions of men in preference to God’s Word. He applied to them God’s own words from Isaiah 29:13, saying: “It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, because they teach commands of men as doctrines.” (Matthew 15:9) Since we do not want our worship to be in vain, it is important for each one of us to examine his religion.
5 We need to examine, not only what we personally believe, but also what is taught by any religious organization with which we may be associated. Are its teachings in full harmony with God’s Word, or are they based on the traditions of men? If we are lovers of the truth, there is nothing to fear from such an examination. It should be the sincere desire of every one of us to learn what God’s will is for us, and then to do it.—John 8:32.
Knowledge that Leads to Everlasting Life (1995)chap.5p.51par.20
Whose Worship Does God Accept?
With a desire to please God, each of us needs to examine our worship to make sure that it is not contaminated by ungodly practices or that we are not omitting something that he considers vital.—James 1:26.
Watchtower, May 1, 1958 p.261
Is Your Religion the Right One?
How can you tell whether your religion is the right one or not? A simple way of telling is to expose it to a test of God’s Word. If your religion is not in accord with what the Bible teaches, then it is not in harmony with truth. It is not right. “And if they speak not according to this word, they shall not have the morning light,” said God. It is important, then, that you “keep testing whether you are in the faith,” as Paul declared. Keep checking to see whether the things you believe are in keeping with God’s Word. But the question is, Are you willing to put your religion through such a test? There is nothing to fear, because if you have the right religion you can only be reassured by the examination. And if what you believe is not in keeping with the Bible, then you should welcome the truth, because it leads to light and life.—Isa. 8:20, Dy; 2 Cor. 13:5.
Watchtower, July 1, 1968 p.389
Is Your Religion the True One?
If a religion is not in accord with what the Bible teaches, then it is not in harmony with truth. It is not the true religion. (Rom. 3:4) You have nothing to fear in examining your beliefs by the standard of God’s Word, for if you have the true religion you can only be reassured. And if what you believe is not in keeping with the Bible, then you should welcome the truth, because it leads to eternal life.—John 17:3.
The following was a letter in response to an article in the December 8, 1983 Awake! entitled “The Pope on the Move.” Notice the organization’s return response.
Awake!, August 22, 1984p.28
FromOurReaders
ThePopeontheMove
You all loved it, didn’t you? You couldn’t resist taking a shot at the Catholic Church, could you? I will never forgive the way you mercilessly tore down the Pope. If Jehovah’s Witnesses must refer to cheap shots in attempting to bring down other religions, they’re in more trouble than the Catholics.
M. C., Florida
We surely were not trying to take cheap shots at the pope or the Catholic Church, nor were we criticizing Catholics.
The Catholic Church occupies a very significant position in the world and claims to be the way of salvation for hundreds of millions of people. Any organization that assumes that position should be willing to submit to scrutiny and criticism. All who criticize have the obligation to be truthful in presenting the facts and fair and objective in assessing such. In both respects we try to live up to that obligation.—ED.
The Watchtower organization claims to be the only avenue of salvation for mankind, being God’s sole visible channel for spiritual instruction. They should submit to any scrutiny and criticism, no matter the sources, just as they have stated that any organization that assumes that position should be willing. In saying “All who criticize…,” Watchtower is referring to themselves, so they “have the obligation to be truthful in presenting the facts and [be] fair and objective in assessing such.” These quotes are not written just for nonmembers. Everyone is urged to do the research and careful examinations, for their very lives are at stake.
motive dona matter. truth is truth is truth is truth.
What's that one scripture that says " don't judge something or someone till you hear the whole matter".
That is a scripture and not a JW hook line that got stuck in my head. I can't find the verse.
"When anyone is replying to a matter before he hears [it], that is foolishness on his part and a humiliation."
Proverbs 18:13
