Dear Interested One,
Your interest in spiritual things is admirable. No doubt you see Jehovah's Witnesses as possessing a great deal of Bible knowledge. However, before continuing with your study, it would be wise to study the history of this religion, from its early beginnings in the late 1800s until now. One of the most direct ways to do this is to find copies of their literature that is now out of print. You can then compare what you read there with how Witnesses describe their own history. Does it seem like they are trying to conceal uncomfortable facts about themselves? Use your own judgment.
It would be particularly helpful to read Steve Hassan's book, 'Combatting Cult Mind Control'. He does not mention Jehovah's Witnesses in the text of his book (though he does mention them in the appendix section); but he does provide a few questions to ask of any religious group that wants you to study with them. One of the most important questions is: are you permitted to read literature that is critical of your beliefs? Or perhaps: Name three things you don't like about your religion and/or its leadership [on earth]. Lastly, how do they treat people who wish to leave the religion? The answers will reveal a great deal about what kind of group this is. Be careful to listen for omission of details or evasive responses--these are warning signs that the persons answering your questions are unconsciously misleading you in an effort to present their religion in as positive a light as possible.
'Crisis of Conscience' by the late Raymond Franz is one of the best eyewitness testimonies of an insider who was at the very top of this religion and witnessed some rather disturbing realities unfold. If you read no other book, read this one.
My own personal experience is that Jehovah's Witnesses are well-meaning, but very zealous for their rules and protocols. They are also generally distrustful of outsiders but will feign interest in you so long as you seem interested in joining the religion. If you criticize their beliefs, you will note how quickly their appearance of love and kindness grows cold. It's nothing personal, but they have been trained to resist any critical questions about their beliefs. Other than that, they are no more or less honorable than any other group, with its imperfections and frailties.
Studying the Bible is challenging, but it would be better to do so safely and cautiously on your own than to be misled by well-intentioned individuals. Use your own personal judgment above all others in making your decisions. Objectivity is key to unraveling the true face of this or any religion.
Wishing you the best,
sd-7
