More anti-apostate rhetoric from the Watchtower - are they running scared?

by cedars 90 Replies latest watchtower bible

  • cedars
    cedars

    Here is the same paragraph in the English "simplified" version:

    We should hate sin because Jehovah hates it. If we hate sin, we will stay as far away as possible from anything that could make us sin. For example, we must stay away from apostasy. Those who become apostates no longer glorify God. (Deuteronomy 13:6-9) So we should completely avoid apostates or anyone who says that he is a brother but who is dishonoring God. We should avoid themeven if they are family members. (1 Corinthians 5:11) We gain no benefit in trying to prove that apostates and others who criticize Jehovah’s organization are wrong. In fact, we should not even want to know what they say, whether it is in their literature or on the Internet, because this could damage our relationship with Jehovah. - Read Isaiah 5:20; Matthew 7:6.

    I love when it says at the beginning "if we hate sin, we will stay as far away as possible from anything that would make us sin". Does that remind anyone else of the pharisaic practice of putting a "fence around the law"?

    Here's what the Watchtower of 1/15 1996 has to say of the pharisees:

    They accepted the entire Hebrew Scriptures in the light of their own explanations but attached equal or greater weight to their oral traditions. They said that their traditions were “a fence around the Law.” Far from being a fence, however, their traditions invalidated the Word of God and perplexed the public.

    And the 1996 9/1 Watchtower:

    Some teachers of the Law claimed to follow in Ezra’s footsteps and formed what came to be termed the “Great Synagogue.” Among its sayings was the directive: “Make a fence around the Law.” These teachers reasoned that the Law was like a precious garden. In order that no one should trespass in this garden by transgressing its laws, they created further laws, the “Oral Law,” to prevent the people from coming close to such error.

    And the 1990 10/1 Watchtower:

    Pharisaic self-righteousness was rooted in oral traditions. These had been initiated in the second century B.C.E. as “a fence around the Law” to protect it from the inroads of Hellenism (Greek culture). They had come to be viewed as a part of the Law. In fact, the scribes even rated the oral traditions above the written Law. The Mishnah says: “Greater stringency applies to the observance of the words of the Scribes [their oral traditions] than to the observance of the words of the written Law.” Hence, instead of being “a fence around the Law” to protect it, their traditions weakened the Law and made it void, just as Jesus said: “Adroitly you set aside the commandment of God in order to retain your tradition.”—Mark 7:5-9; Matthew 15:1-9.

    Cedars

  • cedars
    cedars

    Heck, look what it goes on to say about the pharisees in the VERY SAME MAGAZINE!!

    Pharisees

    Cedars

  • nugget
    nugget

    The language here is pretty mild compared to what had been said in articles previously so perhsps they are being more careful. However they are definitely targeting those who have doubts. Concerns are quickly described as criticism and such ones are dangerous. The grip is getting tighter but hopefully it also means that more people will wake up to the nonsense or be forced out because they made the mistake of asking questions.

  • Joe Grundy
    Joe Grundy

    In the words of Shakespeare: 'Methinks he does protest too much'.

    Just a thought - the whole drive of the dubs' 'field work' is to 'convert' people away from their existing religion towards dubdom. In other words, to make them 'apostates' from their current religion (using 'apostates' in its normal definition).

    So apostates are a 'good thing' as long as they are apostasising from a religion other than the dubs.

    OK, I understand it now.

  • Aussie Oz
    Aussie Oz

    They sure like to call names...

    mentally deseased, dogs, pigs...

    childish schoolyard bullies

    oz

  • slimboyfat
    slimboyfat

    Cedars these sorts of comments in the Watchtower are best contrasted with their other statements such as those in the old Truth book stating that there is nothing to fear in examining your own religion and considering other points of view. Of course in that instance they were trying to convince people of other religions to examine their beliefs, but the words come back to bite them when they publish rubbish like this.

  • slimboyfat
    slimboyfat
    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 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. The Truth that leads to Everlansting Life page 13.
  • Joe Grundy
    Joe Grundy

    sbf: I think this goes along with the point I was trying to make above.

  • maisha
    maisha

    Very nice slimboy,,,,

    but that was before the age of the internet.

    now things have change , knowledge is easily available, information is out there easy to find....

    Illuminati 322, Russel blood lines, hidden agendas of the elite.

    it wasnt there way back then, nobody had any idea about such conspiricys.

    September 1st watchtower 2011 asked who really controls the world!!!.

    It then showed a picture of peoples and centered was a man and woman red and black, The illuminati control the world and the watchtower.

    Why else would they allow that issustration to be so bold and in your face if they were not owned by the illuminati.

    the symbolisim is to in your face.

    but the sheep just follow along to destruction!.

  • slimboyfat
    slimboyfat

    Yeah they don't seem as confident to come out with statements like this any more.

    How should you feel if proof is given that what you believe is wrong? For example, say that you were in a car, travelling for the first time to a certain place. You have a road map, but you have not taken the time to check it carefully. Someone has told you the road to take. You trust him, sincerely, believing that the way he has directed you is correct. But suppose it is not. What if someone points out the error? What if he, by referring to your own map, shows that you are on the wrong road? Would pride or stubbornness prevent you from admitting that you are on the wrong road? Well, then, if you learn from an examination of your Bible that you are travelling a wrong religious road, be willing to change. Avoid the broad road to destruction; get on the narrow road to life! You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth pages 32 and 33.

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