What is your take on "Jehovah's Witnesses" sect?

[DelsonJacobs]

Delson as always your insights are much appreciated and it is easy to perceive that you are well read and informed on scripture and history. One problem I have always come across with the witnesses is that this is not always so in fact I have found the opposite and incredibly they are completely satisfied to let the Watch Tower have the last say on nearly every subject.
Once when dialoguing with some of my sister in laws co JW’s the old chestnut of the Catholic Church resulting from Constantine, the great apostasy and pagan influence was asserted as fact and completely accepted unchallengeable history. In my usual way instead of launching into an energetic refutation of this assertion I plumbed for some deeper knowledge such as the main issues under discussion at the council of Nicea? some background leading up to Constantine being on the throne in the first place? The State of the Roman Empire under Diocleation? The relationship between Rome the Western Church and Alexandria and the Eastern Church? etc. All of this just drew blanks? when I then asked how one could possibly form an opinion on the subject without all of the facts I was ignored! When I then pushed a bit further and made the observation that as ministers and teachers of the Watch Tower religion surly it is encumbered upon them to at least have an understanding of what they are teaching? I was avoided and treated like I was obviously possessed by the devil and his demons.
Fascinating!!! It came across to me like the in crowd back in the days of my adolescence “We have a secret, superior knowledge that you obviously cant see due to your blindness”. My searching for facts and truth was answered with reply’s such as I was blocked or blinded by satan. If only I would just be open to the “Truth” somehow this would all make sense?
Exasperating is an understatement.

Glad to be of help.

One of the things you can do when you realize you are being used as “bankable hours” by a Witness and won’t stand for it anymore is to cut them off.

They are so used to feeling like they are in control, and even enjoy being the ones who say when it’s over, that you will really shock them when you tell them they their visits are not needed anymore.

If this is what you or anyone reading this intend, do so without giving them any explanation. Send them off by thanking them for their time and efforts. Tell them how they have made you are stronger Catholic. Then bless them with the sign of the cross. And that’s it.

If they want to talk more tell them “not necessary” or that you “can’t now, being carried away in the Spirit” as you walk off or close the door or whatever you need to do to physically end it. (Even if it is with someone you may see daily, like at a job, there are ways to make it clear that their using you as a “return visit” has now ended.)

Some of my JW friends would not leave when told. If this happens, what can you do then?Never underestimate the use of the sign of the cross or a crucifix. Jehovah’s Witnesses are literally frightened by sacramentals of all kinds. If they insist on sticking around, let them know they are only welcome if you bless each meeting with a sacramental. Sprinkle holy water upon them. take a crucifix and confront them with it, light a vigil candle with a saint’s picture on it. Even take out your Rosary and block everything else out as you pray a decade in front of them.

Of course we want people to truly be blest by the use of such holy objects and not necessarily make them flee. But it was once my responsibility to correct many a JW who would not take no for an answer, so I know that once in a while they can even be almost mean about it.

However I’ve also seen how many will react like a vampire and some have even run away screaming when Catholics attempted to bless them with these crucifixes and holy water. I myself was so frightened of those things when I was still a JW. I would have screamed like a little girl if someone ever tried to put holy water on me back then. Left alone they were nothing, but in the hands of a practicing Catholic and being used–even a mere Rosary was a frightening thing to me back then! So if you must, you must!

Garlic has little effect, however.

 

[drac16]

My view on their church/organization is essentially the same as that of any other religion outside of Islam (that it’s false). They seem to be conservative, so yeah, like you said, it’s good that they fight against the evils of homosexuality and abortion, but that doesn’t make a religion. A religion runs deeper than just talking about social issues.

 

[ShanPO]

Glad to be of help.

One of the things you can do when you realize you are being used as “bankable hours” by a Witness and won’t stand for it anymore is to cut them off.

They are so used to feeling like they are in control, and even enjoy being the ones who say when it’s over, that you will really shock them when you tell them they their visits are not needed anymore.

If this is what you or anyone reading this intend, do so without giving them any explanation. Send them off by thanking them for their time and efforts. Tell them how they have made you are stronger Catholic. Then bless them with the sign of the cross. And that’s it.

If they want to talk more tell them “not necessary” or that you “can’t now, being carried away in the Spirit” as you walk off or close the door or whatever you need to do to physically end it. (Even if it is with someone you may see daily, like at a job, there are ways to make it clear that their using you as a “return visit” has now ended.)

Some of my JW friends would not leave when told. If this happens, what can you do then?Never underestimate the use of the sign of the cross or a crucifix. Jehovah’s Witnesses are literally frightened by sacramentals of all kinds. If they insist on sticking around, let them know they are only welcome if you bless each meeting with a sacramental. Sprinkle holy water upon them. take a crucifix and confront them with it, light a vigil candle with a saint’s picture on it. Even take out your Rosary and block everything else out as you pray a decade in front of them.

Of course we want people to truly be blest by the use of such holy objects and not necessarily make them flee. But it was once my responsibility to correct many a JW who would not take no for an answer, so I know that once in a while they can even be almost mean about it.

However I’ve also seen how many will react like a vampire and some have even run away screaming when Catholics attempted to bless them with these crucifixes and holy water. I myself was so frightened of those things when I was still a JW. I would have screamed like a little girl if someone ever tried to put holy water on me back then. Left alone they were nothing, but in the hands of a practicing Catholic and being used–even a mere Rosary was a frightening thing to me back then! So if you must, you must!

Garlic has little effect, however.

I don’t guess my FIL realizes he’s supposed to be Crucifix-a-phobic yet, because I have them all over my house, at least one in each room. Are there different levels of extremism within the JW’s? Like is one Kingdom Hall a little more open to it’s members socializing with folks of other faiths if they’re in an area that is overwhelmingly one way. Here in southern Louisiana, we’re mostly Catholic, so do you think that maybe they’ve assimilated themselves a little more to our culture?

 

[DelsonJacobs]

My view on their church/organization is essentially the same as that of any other religion outside of Islam (that it’s false). They seem to be conservative, so yeah, like you said, it’s good that they fight against the evils of homosexuality and abortion, but that doesn’t make a religion. A religion runs deeper than just talking about social issues.

And it stands to reason that a member of Islam or a Jew or a Christian or whatever religion would believe that theirs was the right one to be a part of. Even the Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that ‘no one would join a religion if they believed it to be the wrong one, would they?’

But there is a vast difference between the convictions of a Muslim or a Christian and the claims made by the Jehovah’s Witnesses. A Muslim, despite their convictions that theirs is the true religion, is still highly respectful of other religions. Like Catholics, a member of Islam still attributes dignity and honor to people who make claim to other convictions. The Quran itself teaches that presenting religion in such a way as to make it compulsory is contrary to the truth.

Where the Quran preaches tolerance of other faiths and the Bible proclaims a salvation open to anyone who hears its message, the Watchtower practices intolerance and teaches a salvation closed to everyone except those who obeys their Governing Body.

 

[DelsonJacobs]

I don’t guess my FIL realizes he’s supposed to be Crucifix-a-phobic yet, because I have them all over my house, at least one in each room. Are there different levels of extremism within the JW’s? Like is one Kingdom Hall a little more open to it’s members socializing with folks of other faiths if they’re in an area that is overwhelmingly one way. Here in southern Louisiana, we’re mostly Catholic, so do you think that maybe they’ve assimilated themselves a little more to our culture?

My comments were not to be interpreted as if the Witnesses “cower in fear” at each and every single crucifix they come upon. But when you USE a sacramental, that is when things change. Some don’t react the same as others do, but the majority of JWs I have known either expressed what I wrote as their own view about such things or I directly observed such repulsion to sacramentals in use myself during my years in their door-to-door work.

Expect them to “act cool” around sacramentals unless they either have to handle them or be present when they are being used. The* use* of a sacramental is false worship, and being present for such an act can be viewed as participation–and this is an offense worthy of excommunication. So the “fear” is not merely of the sacramental but of loss of their place in their religion and the shunning they will receive from other members as a result. (They are also taught that using sacramentals can conjure up evil spirits and make one subject to their attack.)

There are no levels of extremism among the JWs, or at least there should not be. There were cases while I was still a JW where some congregations developed an independent spirit, but they were soon shut down and the Kingdom Hall was either closed, sold off, or demolished in some of these instances.

There is a close eye on everything associated with the JWs. Allegedly there are even eyes on what you are reading here since we are discussing them–yes, there are reports and allegations that the Internet is regularly scanned in order for the Governing Body to learn who is saying what on the Net about them…especially to see what their own people are up to!

I once preached in the most southern part of Texas, near the Mexican border, while a JW. While the mere sight of a crucifix did little to cause a reaction by the Witnesses who lived and preached in that area (very Catholic), again it was when a householder would use them that caused the JW to quickly excuse themselves.

 

[ShanPO]

My comments were not to be interpreted as if the Witnesses “cower in fear” at each and every single crucifix they come upon. But when you USE a sacramental, that is when things change. Some don’t react the same as others do, but the majority of JWs I have known either expressed what I wrote as their own view about such things or I directly observed such repulsion to sacramentals in use myself during my years in their door-to-door work.

Expect them to “act cool” around sacramentals unless they either have to handle them or be present when they are being used. The* use* of a sacramental is false worship, and being present for such an act can be viewed as participation–and this is an offense worthy of excommunication. So the “fear” is not merely of the sacramental but of loss of their place in their religion and the shunning they will receive from other members as a result. (They are also taught that using sacramentals can conjure up evil spirits and make one subject to their attack.)

There are no levels of extremism among the JWs, or at least there should not be. There were cases while I was still a JW where some congregations developed an independent spirit, but they were soon shut down and the Kingdom Hall was either closed, sold off, or demolished in some of these instances.

There is a close eye on everything associated with the JWs. Allegedly there are even eyes on what you are reading here since we are discussing them–yes, there are reports and allegations that the Internet is regularly scanned in order for the Governing Body to learn who is saying what on the Net about them…especially to see what their own people are up to!

I once preached in the most southern part of Texas, near the Mexican border, while a JW. While the mere sight of a crucifix did little to cause a reaction by the Witnesses who lived and preached in that area (very Catholic), again it was when a householder would use them that caused the JW to quickly excuse themselves.

I have noticed that my FIL, once a staunch military supporter, stopped standing for the National Anthem, and refuses to pray with us prior to meals. Are memorized prayers a no-no as well? We just say the “Bless us o Lord…” prayer with our little one before eating.

 

[DelsonJacobs]

I have noticed that my FIL, once a staunch military supporter, stopped standing for the National Anthem, and refuses to pray with us prior to meals. Are memorized prayers a no-no as well? We just say the “Bless us o Lord…” prayer with our little one before eating.

**“Patriotism Is Worship of the Devil” **

Jehovah’s Witnesses consider the Kingdom of God a government in the same sense that the United States of America is a government. Therefore they do not say the Pledge of Allegiance or stand for the playing of the National Anthem as such are considered acts of worship to the “idol” of the flag or showing support for a “foreign nation.” Mind you they consider themselves citizens of God’s government or kingdom while believing that all the nations on earth, including the United States, to be under the control of Satan the Devil. Those who support their nation, like the military, are supporters of Satan.

"You Are Praying to Satan"

Jehovah’s Witnesses do not believe that when you offer a prayer that you are praying to God. They believe that you are worshiping and praying to Satan. Therefore they do not join in with the prayers of others. Even if you have no formal religious affiliation but you pray, the Witness theology is that you are so powerless to know better without the Governing Body that you cannot help but be blinded by Satan into believing you are worshipping God. Joining in your prayer, bowing their heads, and/or saying “Amen” after you pray would be participation in Satanic worship. That is why he avoids praying with you.

"God Won’t Hear Your Prayers Unless You Use His Name the Way We Tell You to Pronounce It"

Memorized prayers as well as written prayers (such as using the Psalter as prayers like Jews and Christians do) is forbidden. All prayers must be spontaneous. In order for God to hear you or even pay attention to you, they believe you must call God “Jehovah” at least once and use the phrase “in the name of Jesus Christ.” Failure to do so, even by mistake, can be a reason why God does not hear or answer your prayer, even if you are a Witness.

So even your “little prayer” is an act of Satanic worship, at least the way he now views things as a Jehovah’s Witness. He doesn’t join because he doesn’t want to “pray to Satan” like he believes you are doing.

 

[DelsonJacobs]

I realize that the way I am writing these things might be upsetting. I have been trying to say things as plainly as possible and with the phraseology used by Jehovah’s Witnesses, as if I still shared their viewpoint. They can be nice-acting, very mannerly people, but they only want to see things in black and white, God’s side or Satan’s.

It can be heartbreaking if a member of your family or a close friend chooses to become a Jehovah’s Witness. While they are being told that they must cut off association with you and that joining in worship and celebrations as they once did in the past must be avoided, be assured that most are doing this while fighting their true feelings for you.

It is also very difficult for the Jehovah’s Witness to do these things. They may not show it but I can assure you they are frightened, mostly of failure, into doing much of what they do. They believe that if they fail in showing anything but strict allegiance to their new religion that they may be killed by God at any moment—because they believe that the end of the world is going to happen at any moment. That is why they are joining their new religion–they are afraid.

While there is no “in-between” or “gray area” allowed in the lifestyle, thinking, or speech of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, this doesn’t mean that they become “brain-washed robots” overnight. The actions come first, the feelings come later, and sometimes the feelings never end up matching the demands of the Governing Body made upon them.

Do not give up being the great Catholic testimony you are. Even though they may act unphased by all that is happening around them, the Witnesses are always moved by what they see non-JWs doing religiously speaking, for better or worse. There is reason for hope. Remember I left of my own accord. About half of all my closest associates also left. A large number of JW members either leave, fade away, or get excommunicated. Their growth in the USA, for example, is practically non-existent today due to how the ratio of new ones gets compared to the number of those who are leaving.

 

[po18guy]

There seems to be a particular spirit that inspires false religions, as we see parallels, or similarities in many of the newer, innovative religions. We can see similarities between the
JWs and the Iglesia ni Cristo of the Philippines, for example. A shadowy central organization essentially dictates what believers are to believe.

The particulars are left up to the imaginations of the founders and their successors, but the basic premise is similar.

 

[the_phoenix]

I realize that the way I am writing these things might be upsetting. I have been trying to say things as plainly as possible and with the phraseology used by Jehovah’s Witnesses, as if I still shared their viewpoint. They can be nice-acting, very mannerly people, but they only want to see things in black and white, God’s side or Satan’s.

No, actually it’s comforting. Because when I prayed about the situation of finally being the one to cut off contact with my JW “friend” of 20 years and not respond to the outraged messages when she discovered after a few weeks that she’d been quietly unfriended, it seemed like a rather harsh thing for me to do, even despite how I’d been treated by her over the years, and even though God seemed to confirm to me that no, I should not go back to that friendship.

So thank you for sharing your experiences.

Although the friendship ended, I have been including her and her family in my daily Rosary intentions for over two years now and also remember to pray for her and her family at Mass every Sunday.

~~ the phoenix

 

[seanman611]

What is your take on “Jehovah’s Witnesses” sect other than not considering JESUS as GOD?

Because I personally admire their ethics compared to some other Christian sects:

• Homosexual activity/same-sex marriages are forbidden.
• Abortion is considered a murder.
• Modesty in dress and grooming is frequently emphasized.
• Gambling, drunkenness, illegal drugs, and tobacco use are forbidden.
• Drinking of alcoholic beverages is permitted in moderation.

My only take on them that they emphasis on the name of GOD to be “Jehovah”, which I believe it should not, because GOD is universal, every nation could call Him by their native language!

Do not be fooled by the exterior image the Jehovah’s Witnesses project, they are a very dangerous cult and seek to control every aspect of your life, while isolating you from all who disagree with them.

I was raised in the Jehovah’s Witness cult and it is really tough on a young person. You are not allowed to participate in any extra school activities, programs, or sports. You are to limit associating with non-Jehovah’s Witnesses (like work or school). You don’t get to celebrate any of the holidays and if you need a blood transfusion, even in life-threatening situations, you are to refuse. You are to sit down during the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem and face all kinds of socially humiliating situations. The also have a long history of protecting predophiles. Furthermore, if you ever are disfellowshipped, all of you Jehovah’s Witness friends and family are to shun you.

They have multiple failed prophecies, have flip flopped on blood transfusions, and claim that theological changes are due to receiving “new light” from Jehovah God. This group is dangerous and this group and their leaders should be opposed at all opportunities to do so.

 

[po18guy]

Do not be fooled by the exterior image the Jehovah’s Witnesses project, they are a very dangerous cult and seek to control every aspect of your life, while isolating you from all who disagree with them.

I was raised in the Jehovah’s Witness cult and it is really tough on a young person. You are not allowed to participate in any extra school activities, programs, or sports. You are to limit associating with non-Jehovah’s Witnesses (like work or school). You don’t get to celebrate any of the holidays and if you need a blood transfusion, even in life-threatening situations, you are to refuse. You are to sit down during the Pledge of Allegiance and National Anthem and face all kinds of socially humiliating situations. The also have a long history of protecting predophiles. Furthermore, if you ever are disfellowshipped, all of you Jehovah’s Witness friends and family are to shun you.

They have multiple failed prophecies, have flip flopped on blood transfusions, and claim that theological changes are due to receiving “new light” from Jehovah God. This group is dangerous and this group and their leaders should be opposed at all opportunities to do so.

A voice of actual experience. Well said.

 

[Matt_Guitar_Man]

Interestingly I had some JW’s stop by just yesterday morning. As usual they displayed no interest at all in discussing the subject matter that they opened the conversation with. Namely God and the Bible. All they were interested in was trying to indoctrinate me with their or rather the Watch Tower ideology.
This only strengthened my view that the Watch Tower is a Totalitarian organisation which seeks to control all aspects of the adherents life, and like all Totalitarian regimes they must have a proletariat to exist. With their quota system of door to door sales (evangelisation) they make it absolutely clear that the rank and file JW is only valued by the Governing Body for their labour. Also this labour orientated value system is assimilated into the rank and file so that the average JW’s self-esteem relies upon their ability to contribute their labour and they themselves judge and value their fellow JW by this same standard. Any ownership or equality within the organisation for the average JW is not possible and this dictatorship model does not only exist materially in this life for the JW but is also taught that it will exist not only in the life to come but has also existed eternally as part of Gods creative plan.
All of this of course is contrary to what we are taught in scripture for example: Gal 3:28; Col 3:11; 1 Cor 12:13. All of these verses go on to say that in the body of Christ we are all equals this message of course is reiterated through the Catholic Church even though the Church has a hierarchical structure the Church always reminds us that the Pope is the “First among equals” and “The servant of servants”. 1 Cor 15:28 also tells us that God is all in all contradicting the JW view of an eternal master - servant relationship with God.

 

[pacloc]

JW’s newest Watchtower magazine, June 2014 has some articles that are very representative of the ignorance and lies told by this ever changing false religion. The following link explains their view of the resurrection and purposely uses the Catholic Encyclopedia to give readers a false understanding of what Catholics believe by making it seem that we have no hope for any non-Christians to see Heaven, but will suffer in “hellfire.” There idea of a resurrection of the “unrighteous” to be given an opportunity to learn and obey is so foreign to Christianity, that it should be an automatic warning of their other false teachings. Even the thief at Jesus side is not assured that he will really be in Heaven.

jw.org/en/publications/magazines/wp20140601/resurrection-for-ancestors/

Then another article in the same magazine tries to show the Bible ignorance of the Catholic Church during the 16th century by including stories of 3 men, one of which was a Catholic Priest, that opposed the Church’s teachings. The article is so slyly written, to make these men look like heroes instead of heretics. Very sad. Then a box at the end of the article shows Catholic teachings and then supposedly scriptural proofs that the teachings are wrong.

jw.org/en/publications/magazines/wp20140601/reformation-truth-seekers/

It is very obvious that through how much they have researched these heretics, they have more knowledge about why Catholics believe what we do, and purposely represent it as something contrary to scripture. The whole religion is disgusting, and its members are forced to hand out this garbage door to door to keep membership and reputation. Weak brothers of ours are very susceptible to these lies and even though they might not convert to JW, what little faith they have will be in jeopardy.

 

[DelsonJacobs]

JW’s newest Watchtower magazine, June 2014 has some articles that are very representative of the ignorance and lies told by this ever changing false religion. The following link explains their view of the resurrection and purposely uses the Catholic Encyclopedia to give readers a false understanding of what Catholics believe by making it seem that we have no hope for any non-Christians to see Heaven, but will suffer in “hellfire.” There idea of a resurrection of the “unrighteous” to be given an opportunity to learn and obey is so foreign to Christianity, that it should be an automatic warning of their other false teachings. Even the thief at Jesus side is not assured that he will really be in Heaven.

jw.org/en/publications/magazines/wp20140601/resurrection-for-ancestors/

Then another article in the same magazine tries to show the Bible ignorance of the Catholic Church during the 16th century by including stories of 3 men, one of which was a Catholic Priest, that opposed the Church’s teachings. The article is so slyly written, to make these men look like heroes instead of heretics. Very sad. Then a box at the end of the article shows Catholic teachings and then supposedly scriptural proofs that the teachings are wrong.

jw.org/en/publications/magazines/wp20140601/reformation-truth-seekers/

It is very obvious that through how much they have researched these heretics, they have more knowledge about why Catholics believe what we do, and purposely represent it as something contrary to scripture. The whole religion is disgusting, and its members are forced to hand out this garbage door to door to keep membership and reputation. Weak brothers of ours are very susceptible to these lies and even though they might not convert to JW, what little faith they have will be in jeopardy.

This is a good example of what causes them to say things like: “I’ve seen for myself what the Catholic Church teaches” or “I’ve done the research and know for myself what you Catholics teach and believe.”

The Governing Body supplies well-selected blurbs to their followers adding that they do not have to look up the source material from which these come. The Governing Body has instructed the Witnesses to accept their filtered information as all that is necessary, to avoid going to the source when it comes to other religions but demanding us to always check with them when the tables are turned.

It also shows a very uneducated approach to their writing techniques. As I’ve mentioned before, they tend to quote “authorities” to either prove a point or claim the quote can end the arguments they raise. This “argument from authority” is always an invalid approach because claims, regardless if they come from an expert or not, must always be validated to be accepted. The fact that an expert or authority says this or that is not proof that what they said is accurate or factual. But JWs “ooooh” and “aaahhh” when they can make varied blurb-quotes like this in an effort to support their doctrine.

I must add a warning here: Some may want to avoid visiting the JW.org site as the Governing Body is now counting all hits made to their site as “proof” that God is blessing their ministry. The more hits they get, the more they will claim this is evidence that others are recognizing that they are the one true religion.

I am not telling people that they shouldn’t do this or are not free to do so, I am just saying that if you don’t want to add to their bragging rights, ignore the JW.org site.

You may also want to tell the JWs when they come to your door that you do not want them to count the time for their report if they wish to speak to you or to take down any information about you without your permission for any of their field service reports. They fill out reports with the name and address of every person they make regular visits/studies with, never sharing with householders that they send these reports about you to their congregation servants and elders, gathering them to share with their headquarters without your knowledge or permission. I am not aware that the public has full knowledge of the type of tabs they keep on people and neighborhoods in general.

 

[Waynec]

JW’s newest Watchtower magazine, June 2014 has some articles that are very representative of the ignorance and lies told by this ever changing false religion. The following link explains their view of the resurrection and purposely uses the Catholic Encyclopedia to give readers a false understanding of what Catholics believe by making it seem that we have no hope for any non-Christians to see Heaven, but will suffer in “hellfire.” There idea of a resurrection of the “unrighteous” to be given an opportunity to learn and obey is so foreign to Christianity, that it should be an automatic warning of their other false teachings. Even the thief at Jesus side is not assured that he will really be in Heaven.

jw.org/en/publications/magazines/wp20140601/resurrection-for-ancestors/

Then another article in the same magazine tries to show the Bible ignorance of the Catholic Church during the 16th century by including stories of 3 men, one of which was a Catholic Priest, that opposed the Church’s teachings. The article is so slyly written, to make these men look like heroes instead of heretics. Very sad. Then a box at the end of the article shows Catholic teachings and then supposedly scriptural proofs that the teachings are wrong.

jw.org/en/publications/magazines/wp20140601/reformation-truth-seekers/

It is very obvious that through how much they have researched these heretics, they have more knowledge about why Catholics believe what we do, and purposely represent it as something contrary to scripture. The whole religion is disgusting, and its members are forced to hand out this garbage door to door to keep membership and reputation. Weak brothers of ours are very susceptible to these lies and even though they might not convert to JW, what little faith they have will be in jeopardy.

Hi
As far as the members being “forced” to hand out the garbage, they believe what is written by the Watchtower so to them they are not being forced and it is not garbage. Mores the pity.

Don’t you know that only 144,000 Witnesses will be in heaven? So I doubt that the criminal on the cross is a Witness so of course he will not see heaven

They always mention the Catholics by name. Jesus did say that we will be hated because they hated Him first.

As far as the articles you mentioned, I did read them and these “priests” were heretics. I have always been told that Catholics are not a people of the bible per se. First there was Tradition and then the “bible” was put together. So it would only stand to reason , if these “priests” were going strictly by what was written in the bible and not reading the bible in light of Tradition and the Church Fathers they might come to the same conclusions that the Watchtower has come to. But being priests they should have known better.

The Watchtower is notorious for cherry picking scriptures for making their point. Their teaching on Revelations is another story. It boggles the mind the spin they put on scripture to make it conform to their beliefs.

If you think these articles are misleading to the point of lying you should get you hands on a copy of their magazine “Should You Believe in The Trinity”. It will make your hair curl. The lies they spew here and the creative editing to make the CF say what they never said is a superb act in creativity.

We need to pray for their eyes to be opened to all the lies that are told to them by their governing body.

 

[pacloc]

Hi
As far as the members being “forced” to hand out the garbage, they believe what is written by the Watchtower so to them they are not being forced and it is not garbage. Mores the pity.

If you think these articles are misleading to the point of lying you should get you hands on a copy of their magazine “Should You Believe in The Trinity”. It will make your hair curl. The lies they spew here and the creative editing to make the CF say what they never said is a superb act in creativity.

We need to pray for their eyes to be opened to all the lies that are told to them by their governing body.

You are right about them accepting the teachings. Anything from the almighty Governing Body is instantly believed and to hold on to a previous understanding is grounds for disfellowship. But what I mean by forced to hand out the magazines is that it is not each individual JW that so happens to decide that it is a good idea to go door to door and hand out magazines. It would be a little too coincidental that all JW would like to do that. Rather, many JWs struggle to want to go door to door for the obvious reasons. And to not go door to door is not an option because they will be considered inactive publishers and will not have a good reputation in the kingdom hall if they do not report feild service time.

I have read a lot of their zany things, the craziest of which is C Taze Russel’s series of books on the pyramids and other strange ideas. I was just linking the recent magazine because it is so new and still shows their lying nature.

I also tend to think that other than their false predictions of the end of the world, their teaching that we will not be judged based on our lives that we live now is a real eye opener to their lies since it is clearly taught from both scripture and Church History.

 

[Waynec]

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I also tend to think that other than their false predictions of the end of the world, their teaching that we will not be judged based on our lives that we live now is a real eye opener to their lies since it is clearly taught from both scripture and Church History.

What do you mean? What is their teaching then on being judged if not for what we do with our lives here? I have never heard this.

Thanks

 

[pacloc]

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What do you mean? What is their teaching then on being judged if not for what we do with our lives here? I have never heard this.

Thanks

They teach that just the fact that we die during this lifetime, that is the “wages sin pays.” They teach that the new scrolls opened in the book of Revelation are the deeds that people do during the literal 1,000 year reign of Christ. And it is from this life that all man is judged. So in reality, they hope to see quite a few people resurrected during the 1,000 year reign, both righteous and unrighteous. If you mess up in that life, then you will be annihilated, if not you will live forever. But if you do ever rebel, you too will be annihilated. The only exceptions are those that God destroyed himself, like the people of Sodom, they will not come back at all.

Very silly beliefs. The first article I linked mentions it if you pay close attention.

 

[pacloc]

What is even more absurd, is that they teach that anyone that died prior to Christ dying (in time history) can not go to Heaven. They teach that saints like Abraham, Job, Moses etc will be resurrected during the 1,000 year reign, and get this…they will be taught by JW’s about Jesus!!! Charles Taze Russel will be in Heaven directing JWs on Earth with instructions to teach Abraham and Moses!! Laughable, and very sad.

And theoretically, the saints before Christ have the possibilty of not making it into eternal paradise if they choose to reject Christ, or choose to sin.