How do Jehovah's Witnesses interpret the Bible?

by brotherdan 11 Replies latest watchtower bible

  • brotherdan
    brotherdan

    This is the information for the number 3 talk this week.

    How do Jehovah’s Witnesses arrive at their explanation of the Bible?

    A key factor is that the Witnesses really believe that the Bible is God’s Word and that what it contains is there for our instruction. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11) So they do not resort to philosophical arguments to evade its clear statements of truth or to justify the way of life of people who have abandoned its moral standards.

    In pointing out the meaning of symbolic language in the Bible, they let the Bible provide its own explanation, instead of giving their theories as to its significance. (1 Cor. 2:13) Indications as to the meaning of symbolic terms are usually found in other parts of the Bible. (As an example, see Revelation 21:1; then, regarding the meaning of “sea,” read Isaiah 57:20. To identify “the Lamb” referred to in Revelation 14:1, see John 1:29 and 1 Peter 1:19.)

    As for fulfillment of prophecy, they apply what Jesus said about being alert to events that correspond to what was foretold. (Luke 21:29-31; compare 2 Peter 1:16-19.) Conscientiously they point out those events and draw attention to what the Bible indicates they mean.

    Jesus said that he would have on earth a “faithful and discreet slave” (his anointed followers viewed as a group), through which agency he would provide spiritual food to those making up the household of faith. (Matt. 24:45-47) Jehovah’s Witnesses recognize that arrangement. As was true of first-century Christians, they look to the governing body of that “slave” class to resolve difficult questions—not on the basis of human wisdom, but by drawing on their knowledge of God’s Word and his dealings with his servants, and with the help of God’s spirit, for which they earnestly pray.—Acts 15:1-29; 16:4, 5.

    How could someone write this and think that it was being honest?!?!?

  • NeonMadman
    NeonMadman

    JW's don't interpret the Bible at all. The Watchtower interprets it for them, and they swallow whatever they are told unquestioningly.

  • baltar447
    baltar447

    For instance, if the bible talks about a "generation", don't take that to mean anything but a period of 40 years up to 70 or 80. Oh shit, did we say that?

  • Ding
    Ding

    You "tack into the wind" until "the light gets brighter and brighter," which proves that you are the only organization in the world that "understands the deep things of God."

  • shepherd
    shepherd

    JW's are disfellowshipped if they try to interpret the Bible. That is restricted to the GB.

    Another answer...temporarily, because within 5 years they will have changed their minds.....

  • the-illuminator81
    the-illuminator81

    The brooklyn dinosaurs interpret the bible for them, by a show of hands. They spend most of their time discussing disfellowshipping. Apparently this is the most important subject for the governing body. They wouldn't be an evil slave if they weren't beating their fellow slaves around now would they? Every once in a while, they also postpone Armageddon. Mt. 24:48, 49.

  • cyberjesus
    cyberjesus

    they have a pair of magic glasses.

  • booby
    booby

    poorly!

  • designs
    designs

    Its like a recipe, a little pinch of this and a small scoop of that........

  • easyreader1970
    easyreader1970

    As someone else said, they are in a position now that they don't have to interpret the Bible. The Governing body trumps the Bible. All they have to have is some kind of vague idea - or principle, they will call it - and they can make up anything they want. They will tell you that the decisions that the GB makes are Bible based, but what that means is that the Bible has given them the authority to make up laws and rules willy-nilly.

    You don't spend time in the meetings reading the Bible, which might be framed or peppered with WBTS commentary. No, you read WBTS literature and occasionally they toss in a scripture or two so that they can remind you that the Watchtower is Bible based.

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