This is a great thread. It's one close to my own heart. For a couple of years now, I've been compiling a list of subjects that shows how Watch Tower directly contradicts the Bible. Since JWs will rarely, if ever, consult publications outside the organization because they deem these as possible "apostate" material, I have come to realize and firmly believe that the publications themselves are sufficient to help awaken a Witness . They certainly contributed to my awakening. The trick seems to be in our presentation -how effectively we use logic, questions, and the Bible. (Just like the FS training we received when we were in this organization!)
Data-Dog, BroMac, Kurtbethel: Thanks for the encouragement. I appreciate your points as well! In fact, to add to Kurtbethel's point how the Bible Teach book acts as bait that contradicts other publications once you're in, here are other quotes from other publications that clearly show that a Witness is to view the organization as absolutely necessary for salvation:
…the witness yet includes the invitation to come to Jehovah’s organization for salvation… (w1981 11/15, p. 21, par. 18)
Still, as a people, “the chosen ones” and their loyal companions will physically survive the end of apostate Christendom by taking refuge in Jehovah and his mountainlike organization. (w2011 1/15, p.4, par. 8)
But Jehovah’s servants already belong to the only organization that will survive the end of this wicked system of things. (w2007 12/15, p.14, par. 19)
Just as Noah and his God-fearing family were preserved in the ark, survival of individuals today depends on their faith and their loyal association with the earthly part of Jehovah’s universal organization. (w2006 5/15, p.22, par. 8)
Without confidence in our Christian brothers, in Jehovah’s organization and, above all, in Jehovah himself, survival will be impossible. (w1998 8/15, p.19, par.15)
How marvelous it is to see millions of people from all nations flocking into Jehovah’s organization and being taught how to survive through the great tribulation into God’s new world! (w1997 3/1, p.24)
Well, that new “nation,” born in 1919 in a restored “land,” was to develop into a worldwide organization made up of anointed and nonanointed praisers of Jehovah. This organization will survive Armageddon into God’s new world. (w1995 7/1, p.21, par.5)
Whether or not man-made structures weather the storm of Armageddon, we know that God’s organization will survive as a going concern and that Jehovah will use it and those who loyally support it, establishing eternal peace and security in the glorious earthly Paradise of God’s promise. (w1986 1/1, p.26, par.18)
…let nothing draw you away from God’s organization or destroy your relationship with the One whose arm saves all who love him. (w1991 10/1, p.10, par.9)
The irony is profound. Acts 4:12 clearly shows that salvation is not associated with anyone other than Jesus Christ. It teaches that there is no name on earth –nothing related to man under heaven –through which we can be saved. On one hand students are taught that one cannot impute “salvation to a person or an organization”, yet inside the organization Jehovah's Witnesses are continually inculcated to believe their survival and salvation depend on being closely associated with the "earthly" part of Jehovah's organization, aka The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. Watch Tower teaches an idea that the Bible clearly rejects.
Acts 4:12 is definitely one worth memorizing. Using it is very effective. I have yet to find a Witness that can refute the scripture and its logic. I have observed that it puts them in an awkward situation... either loyalty to God's Word, or the organization. That is exactly what we need to do... put them in that position to make a choice. Most Witnesses are sincere God-fearing people. They do what they do because the organization has brainwashed them. Most of us were the same way. Initially they will openly defend the organization, but cognitive dissonance will haunt their conscience for days. A sincere, honest-hearted seeker of truth will begin to wonder and question... and finally begin to think.
Good hunting my friends!
