A JW Story

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II. Jesus Christ’s Witnesses Claim that Jesus is God

John 1:1 - John writes, “the Word was God.” This is clear evidence of Jesus Christ’s divinity. (Note: in the Jehovah’s bible, the passage was changed to “Word was a god.” This is not only an embarrassing attempt to deny the obvious divinity of Christ, but it also violates the first commandment and Isaiah 43:10 because it acknowledges that there is more than one God).

John 1:2-3 - He (the Word) was in the beginning with God and all things were made through Him (the Word who was God).

John 1:14 - the Word (who is God) became flesh (Jesus) and dwelled among us, full of grace and truth.

John 1:18 - the Greek word for “only-begotten” is “monogenes” which means unique, only member of a kind. It does not mean created.

John 1:51 - the angels of God - Matt. 13:41 - Son of Man’s angels; 2 Thess. 1:7 - Jesus will be revealed from heaven with His angels.

John 3:5 - Jesus says without baptism one cannot enter into the Kingdom of God - Col. 1:13 - Paul says this is Jesus’ Kingdom.

John 6:68-69 - Peter confesses that Jesus is the Son of God who has the words of eternal life.

Acts 2:36 - God has made Jesus both Lord and Christ - Acts 4:24 - Sovereign Lord who made heaven and earth. This means Jesus is God.

Acts 3:15 - Peter said the men of Israel “killed the Author of Life.” This can only be God - Acts 14:15 - who made all things.

Acts 20:28 - to care for the Church of God which He obtained with His own blood. This means God shed His blood. When? When He died on the cross. This means Jesus is God.

Rom. 1:1 - Paul is an apostle of the Gospel of God - Rom. 15:19 - Paul preached the Gospel of Christ.

Rom. 7:22 - Paul says he delights in the law of God - Gal. 6:2 - Paul says fulfill the law of Christ.

Rom. 8:9 - Paul refers to both the Spirit of God and the Spirit of Christ.

Rom. 9:5 - Jesus Christ is God over all, blessed forever.

Rom. 11:36 - God for from Him through Him and to Him are all things - Heb. 2:10 - Jesus for whom and by whom are all things.

1 Cor. 15:9 - Paul says he persecuted the Church of God - Matt. 16:18; Rom. 16:16 - it is the Church of Jesus Christ.

1 Cor. 15:28 - God may be all in all - Colossians 3:11 - Christ is all and in all.

Gal. 1:5 - God the Father to whom be the glory forever - 2 Peter 3:18 - to Jesus Christ be the glory both now and forever.

Phil. 2:6-7 - Jesus was in the form of God, but instead of asserting His equality with God, emptied Himself for us.

Col. 1:15 - Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the “firstborn” of all creation. The Greek word for “first-born” is “prototokos” which means eternal preexistence (it never means created).

Col. 1:26 - God’s saints - 1 Thess. 3:13 - at the coming of Jesus Christ with all His saints.

Col. 2:9 - in Jesus Christ the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily. He is the whole and entire fullness of the indivisible God in the flesh.

Titus 1:1 - Paul says he is a servant of God - Rom. 1:1 - Paul says he is a servant of Jesus Christ.

Titus 1:3-4 - God our Savior = Christ our Savior = Jesus Christ is God.

Titus 2:11 - the grace of God that has appeared to save all men - Acts 15:11 - through the grace of Jesus we have salvation.

Titus 2:13 - we await our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ.

Titus 3:4 - 3:6 - great God and Savior Jesus Christ = God our Savior = Jesus Christ our Savior = Jesus is God.

Heb. 1:6 - when God brings His first-born into the world, let all the angels of God worship Him. Only God is worshiped.

Heb. 1:8 - God calls the Son “God.” But of the Son He says, “Thy Throne Oh God is forever and ever.”

Heb. 1:9 - God calls the Son “God.” “Therefore, God, Thy God has anointed Thee.”

Heb. 1:10 - God calls the Son “Lord.” “And thou, Lord, didst found the earth in the beginning and the heavens are your work.”

Heb. 13:12 - Paul says Jesus sanctifies the people with His blood - 1 Thess. 5:23 - the God of peace sanctifies the people.

2 Peter 1:1 - to those who have obtained a faith of equal standing in the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ.

1 John 5:20 - “that we may know Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life.”

Jude 4 - Jude calls Jesus Christ our only Master and Lord. Our only Master and Lord is God Himself.

Rev. 2:8 - the angel of the church in Smyrna wrote, “The words of the First and the Last, who died and came to life.” See Isa. 44:6.

Rev. 22:6 - the Lord God sends angels - Rev. 22:16 - Jesus sends angels. Top
 
I wont go on, although there is much more…so how does the JW still argue against the divinity of Christ
 
WOW! Catholic Tom!!! Well done. I am going to print that & save it in my Bible for the next time they come knocking.

Blessings,
CM
 
In addition to the personal situations that Misty describes, she and her sister were experiencing the following things that are the common experience of all Witnesses:

Group Question and Answer Sessions: Some of the Witness meetings take the form of a group question and answer session, in which each Witness is expected to participate and give answers in front of others. The only meetings that are completely free of question and answers are the Public Talk and the talks at the conventions. That is what the little questions at the bottom of the page, numbered to the paragraphs, that you see in JW literature are for. If a Witness is faithful and prepares for every meeting, they are preparing answers for around 2000 questions a year (though in reality they will only give answers for from one to a few questions at each study). That’s about 20 questions each week for the Watchtower study, about 20 each week for the Book Study, not to mention some at other meetings, multiplied times a rough 50 weeks a year. In the course of 10 years a faithful JW may prepare 20,000 answers for questions.

Heavy Information Intake - JWs are expected to read a body of literature every year that exceeds the length of the Bible itself. The text of the New World Translation is about 1550 pages; they are expected to read 48 (24 Watchtower and 24 Awake) 32 page magazines a year; that’s 1536 pages. Add to that the preparation for meetings, the reading of new literature, and you see where this is going.

And there’s more, like talks and demonstrations in front of the group, mass conventions, but I’ll stop here. I think it’s safe to say that most people would consider this to be extreme. And Misty tells us that she and her sister were willing, even eager, participants. Not uncommon for Witness youth. In all fairness, the question has to be asked - just what is it about the Witness belief system that requires such measures to sustain it?
 
I saw an awake on a chair yesterday and it was about problems that farmers are facing, and after a few pages of scare and worry it ends the article with a guy holding a big basket full of fresh vegetables and says the usual stuff about how JW will live a happy new life. Another thing I thought was funny was it had a crossword puzzle in the mag.

As for the number of pages and questions I didnt realize that they read so much, but the numbers do work out that way. But at the same time those questions are more on the level of brainwashing than actual teachings, they are very shallow and are meant to dumb down and control minds. As for the number of pages, most of the pages are pictures with short texts, perfect for keeping the average joe focused on what they want to feed him with out having to go into detail.
 
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netmender:
In addition to the personal situations that Misty describes, she and her sister were experiencing the following things that are the common experience of all Witnesses:

Group Question and Answer Sessions: Some of the Witness meetings take the form of a group question and answer session, in which each Witness is expected to participate and give answers in front of others. The only meetings that are completely free of question and answers are the Public Talk and the talks at the conventions. That is what the little questions at the bottom of the page, numbered to the paragraphs, that you see in JW literature are for. If a Witness is faithful and prepares for every meeting, they are preparing answers for around 2000 questions a year (though in reality they will only give answers for from one to a few questions at each study). That’s about 20 questions each week for the Watchtower study, about 20 each week for the Book Study, not to mention some at other meetings, multiplied times a rough 50 weeks a year. In the course of 10 years a faithful JW may prepare 20,000 answers for questions.

Heavy Information Intake - JWs are expected to read a body of literature every year that exceeds the length of the Bible itself. The text of the New World Translation is about 1550 pages; they are expected to read 48 (24 Watchtower and 24 Awake) 32 page magazines a year; that’s 1536 pages. Add to that the preparation for meetings, the reading of new literature, and you see where this is going.

And there’s more, like talks and demonstrations in front of the group, mass conventions, but I’ll stop here. I think it’s safe to say that most people would consider this to be extreme. And Misty tells us that she and her sister were willing, even eager, participants. Not uncommon for Witness youth. In all fairness, the question has to be asked - just what is it about the Witness belief system that requires such measures to sustain it?
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Wow, that is awsome, I had never thought about being a witness in those terms, and didnt really realize what an awsome task, we as a group have been able to acomplish. Although I am not able to do everything mentioned, I do my best. And that is all that is expected. Every person is at different levels as to the amount of spiritual food they are able to devoure. My self I am a liffle retarded, I have never been a good student, but my comprehension and desire to study, has improved greatly since becoming JW. When I was young I remember standing in front of the class crying while giving a oral presentation. It was awful, I would rather have flunked a class or grade rather than speak in public. Now, I am not even a fair public speaker, but I do my best, and enjoy the feeling of pleasure I get for just getting though a speaking assignment. It would be wonderful to acomplish all that is mentioned in the above post, but I have not been able to, mabe in time I might be, but I dont beat myself up if I am not able to do everthing that is available to do, I do what I can and enjoy the measure of success that I do have.

All humans have a need to learn, for me being a Witness is very satisfying. It fills the void that I was trying to fill my whole life.

Some people love to be a student, ie: I worked with a Pharmacist who after getting her law degree, decided she wanted to go to school to become a Vet. She just loved being in school and learning new things, she was mabe in her early 50’s. For me the bible fills that need in a way no other type of education can. I can be any Religion that I choose, I choose to be Jehovahs Witness. Even if I were never to see the promised land, I will have lived the best life that I possibly could in this world, where satan is ruler.

And as King David said, One day in Jehovahs court yard is better that 1000 else where. (I only wish you knew).

My hope is that you will always be happy with the the choices you have made, I only wish I had not wasted so much of my time, in vain and useless pursuits.

I am not planning to come back to your forum, but wanted to add this last post.

Eliza aka Karen
 
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netmender:
In addition to the personal situations that Misty describes, she and her sister were experiencing the following things that are the common experience of all Witnesses:

Group Question and Answer Sessions: Some of the Witness meetings take the form of a group question and answer session, in which each Witness is expected to participate and give answers in front of others. The only meetings that are completely free of question and answers are the Public Talk and the talks at the conventions. That is what the little questions at the bottom of the page, numbered to the paragraphs, that you see in JW literature are for. If a Witness is faithful and prepares for every meeting, they are preparing answers for around 2000 questions a year (though in reality they will only give answers for from one to a few questions at each study). That’s about 20 questions each week for the Watchtower study, about 20 each week for the Book Study, not to mention some at other meetings, multiplied times a rough 50 weeks a year. In the course of 10 years a faithful JW may prepare 20,000 answers for questions.

Heavy Information Intake - JWs are expected to read a body of literature every year that exceeds the length of the Bible itself. The text of the New World Translation is about 1550 pages; they are expected to read 48 (24 Watchtower and 24 Awake) 32 page magazines a year; that’s 1536 pages. Add to that the preparation for meetings, the reading of new literature, and you see where this is going.

And there’s more, like talks and demonstrations in front of the group, mass conventions, but I’ll stop here. I think it’s safe to say that most people would consider this to be extreme. And Misty tells us that she and her sister were willing, even eager, participants. Not uncommon for Witness youth. In all fairness, the question has to be asked - just what is it about the Witness belief system that requires such measures to sustain it?
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There is a basic component of human psychology going on here. The more demanding and arduous a particular task or group is, the more value a particular person places on it. This is why groups, churches, and organizations that have a latitudinarian attitude tend to lose members and those that are vigourous in their requirements will attract and keep more members (all other things being equal). This helps to explain why the 90% of Amish youngsters eventually return to their agrarian way off life after being set free into the “world” and why fraternities have hazing rituals. Absent this vigourous indoctrination, the JW’s would have dried up a long time ago as their beliefs would be too easily debunked in many members minds after encounter with contrary ideas.

I have previous experience being in a “cult-like” church, and the pull is often emotional first - doctrine becomes almost secondary. There are very strong interpersonal dynamics going on in such groups, especially when membership is small (I think most KH’s deliberately stay below 250 members).

OK, I’ll stop the Vulcan mind meld now…😉
 
Wow. Let’s pray for Eliza a.k.a. Karen!

Misty, would you describe JW as a cult?

DH and I are emailing a friend of his whose fiance is a JW. May I email you for help in converting them to the Catholic Church if we need help?

my Mother my Confidence,
Corinne
 
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jschwehm:
Hi:

You might want to visit my website for help in this area too.

www.catholicxjw.com

Jeff Schwehm
Fellowship of Catholic Ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses
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Thanks. All that I see are four advertisements for book in the middle of the page, the pretty “Habemus Papam!” on top, and the “Visit Our Shop!” with accompanying text down the left. Where are links to the rest of your site? God bless you!

my Mother my Confidence,
Corinne
dashjr.is-a-geek.org/~cora-jr/
 
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coralewisjr:
Wow. Let’s pray for Eliza a.k.a. Karen!

Misty, would you describe JW as a cult?

DH and I are emailing a friend of his whose fiance is a JW. May I email you for help in converting them to the Catholic Church if we need help?

my Mother my Confidence,
Corinne
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Corinne,

Yes, I will be glad to help in any way that I can. I’ve been sort of collecting information that has proved to me that the JWs are wrong, and maybe I could put that information together for you. I will send you a private message with my email, so that you can contact me directly.

And, yes, I believe the JWs are a cult. I would never recommend trying to convince a JW of that, though. That will automatically close their minds to what you have to say. Jeff’s site has a link (I think) to a page that goes into a psychological evaluation of cults and compares that to the JWs.
 
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coralewisjr:
Thanks. All that I see are four advertisements for book in the middle of the page, the pretty “Habemus Papam!” on top, and the “Visit Our Shop!” with accompanying text down the left. Where are links to the rest of your site? God bless you!

my Mother my Confidence,
Corinne
dashjr.is-a-geek.org/~cora-jr/
Click to expand...
Jeff has links in yellow, in the upper left corner of the page - to the left of the Habemus Papam and above the Visit Our Shop image.
 
Wow, thanks for sharing your story here. It sounds like the path has been rugged and difficult but I am very glad to hear your back on the right path, lets hope things get alot easier for you in your life.

I pray you find what your looking for in the Catholic church, and that you and your boyfriend have a long wonderful life together.
 
Thank you for sharing your story and may God be with you! I am currently discussing religion with a JW and I will note the scriptures listed above.
 
Its sad about what happens to jehovah’s witness in their own organisation, Have you been to b26.ezboard.com/bexjehovahswitnessforum

Something that might cheer you up is this site,
virushead.net/jwhumor.html

More forum websites that you might find of interest are,
jwforum.com/ or jehovahs-witness.com/

Also you can try going to bbs.crystalcathedral.org/
That site has a good bunch of christians who might be worth talking to.
I go on all sorts of forum websites I always call myself “Evanescence” so you might be able to reconise me! 😃

I’m interested in the jw’s so thats why ive been on so many jw forum sites even though i’m catholic.
The two jw forum websites don’t really contain jw’s they mainly contain ex-jws who like to joke around about the jw religion you might find it interesting to look at.

I hope that helps
From Evanescence
 
Hi Ev:

The real tragedy that you will see at those websites populated by JWs and ex-JWs is how badly these people have been hurt. Many ex-JWs still believe in many of the teachings of the JWs and are just living life waiting to be killed by God any day now.

Other ex-JWs have absolutely no faith in God and hate anything God related including God Himself. Of course, this hate is based on ignorance and on a severely skewed picture of God based on the severely wrong doctrines of the JWs and the way in which the JWs paint Christians and Catholics in particular.

The leaders of the JWs are guilty of some of the worst spiritual abuse. We, as Christians, must pray for these people and reach out to them in love when given the opportunity.

God’s blessings to you all,
Jeff Schwehm
Fellowship of Catholic Ex-Jehovah’s Witnesses
www.catholicxjw.com
 
Hi Misty,

My story also was a very very difficult one. I left on my own in 1997. I posted my story here. I had like you, avoided religion
for a long time after I left. I only recently came back to the Catholic faith. It took a very long time for me to let go of the bitterness of how I was trated and how they treated my
mother. ( my mom was never involved in their belief ) I was subjected to alot of public and private humiliation. When I left,
I was very glad to be out. I was free, and felt like for the
first time in many years, I was able to get out of the darkness
and into the light! I was baptized as a Catholic in 1966, and
got involved with the jw’s in 1987. I was baptized in 1996.
After years of verbal warfare between me, my mother, and my
ex inlaws, I had had enough. I had to defend my mother to
them, and to my mother, I had to explain to her why I got
involved with them, and so on. It was ab ad time in my young
life. I got baptized to try to keep the peace with my inlaws, and that never worked. They hated my mother because she is a Catholic, and my mom hated them because they were making racial slurrs against her, and so on. It was a very bad time, I
was trying to defend myself on 2 fronts. I was constantly depressed. My ex husband had a part in the racial slurrs,
and he even made it worse, and he never defended me to
his parents when they would attack my family, or me
verbally. I had had enough by 1997. I couldn’t take it anymore.
When I left, my mom was there for me, she never judged me,
she welcomed me home, and she was a source of emotional
support through a very rough time. So was my beloved family.
I have never been happier in my life! I have found God, and have
returned home. I have a new husband ( almost 7 years now )
who is on the same journey home as Iam. God bless you for
sharing your story with us. May He who is everlasting and
true always guide you in all that you search for!

Marilena
 
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