More Donation Money Required

Governing body member Stephen Lett, showcased and utilizing televangelism on the JW Broadcasting site, May 2015 edition, denying 'they' ask for money, moments before he asks (albeit indirectly) for money, makes for an embarrassingly obvious hypocritical liar:

http://tv.jw.org/#video/VODStudio/pub-jwb_201505_1_VIDEO

It's a fine demonstration of being like any other money grabbing religious charlatan, and is truly one of the "spiritual" leaders of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Yes, the Supreme Being of the universe needs your money; give generously and please them Him, indeed.  "Listen, Obey, and be Blessed" has never sounded so good to some...Especially for those who are leading the sheep.

Warwick Certainty

The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses know for a certainty that God:

-Does not want you to have even the slightest communication with ex-members, regardless if they are family [Watchtower, April 15, 2012, page 12].

-Gives individuals no salvation or true joy outside their organization [Watchtower, September 15, 1993, page 22].

-Discourages and rather you not pursue a college education [Kingdom Ministry, October 2011].

-Did not provide Jesus Christ as a mediator for all mankind [Worldwide Security Under the 'Prince of Peace', page 10, paragraph 16].

-Wants people, including children and babies to not receive life-saving blood transfusions [Watchtower, June 15, 2000, pages 29-31].

However, the Governing Body admits:

"Although we are not yet certain of Jehovah’s will regarding Warwick...We are proceeding to develop the site with the intention of relocating the world headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses there."

[Governing Body member, Guy H. Pierce - Watchtower, August 15, 2012, page 17].

Here is a glance of it:

The above lush, brand-new headquarters housing the Governing Body, the World Headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses, the 'capital' so to speak of the Watchtower Bible Tract Society, will be built and lived upon. The Watchtower Society will proceed, despite not being certain of Jehovah's will and spend millions upon millions of dollars.

Remember, they are certain: You should shun your family, not go to college, but pursue whatever 'spiritual' goals they set in their organization, refuse blood transfusions, Jesus is not your mediator, and there is no true joy or salvation for you outside their organization.

Nevertheless, what of the Great Tribulation? Armageddon is right around the corner, is it not?  The Governing Body has an answer to that. Again, Governing Body member Guy Pierce states in the same referenced journal:  
 

"If the great tribulation interrupts our plans, that will be wonderful, absolutely wonderful!"

Not certain of Jehovah's will for the headquarters of the supposedly only true organization serving him, and having plans interrupted by the Great Tribulation.  This comes from Jehovah's only channel of communication that provides the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" [Watchtower, October 1, 1994, page 8].  Does that make sense?

Meanwhile, the 7 million plus members, admonished not to go to college, don't look to improve your life unless in harmony with what the Watchtower Society approves, just serve the organization and obey what they tell you. The Governing Body has everything covered and planned for you, even more so for them.

A Matter Of Trust

Taken from the March 15, 2011, Watchtower, pages 12-16, this past Sunday's study article for Jehovah's Witnesses, "Trust In Jehovah As the End Draws Near", does not take long in providing the intellectual dishonesty typically found within the Watchtower Bible Tract Society publications.

Straight out of the gate, in paragraph 1, the following is stated:

"WE LIVE in a world where millions no longer know whom or what to trust, perhaps because they have been hurt or disappointed too many times. What a contrast to Jehovah’s servants! Guided by godly wisdom, they know better than to place their trust in this world or its “nobles.” (Ps. 146:3) Rather, they place their lives and their future in Jehovah’s hands, knowing that he loves them and that he always fulfills his Word. —Rom. 3:4; 8:38, 39."


The section highlighted in red is what we will briefly focus on. The statement: "Guided by godly wisdom, they know better than to place their trust in this world or its “nobles.”". The organization then goes to quote Psalms 146:3 as the supporting scripture to that statement.

Let's take a look at Psalms 146:3 - even taken from the Watchtower Society's version of the Bible, The New World Translation:

"Do not put YOUR trust in nobles, Nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs."


Indeed, the verse does mention not to put your trust in nobles. However, the Watchtower Society is conveniently avoiding and hypocritically goes against the rest of the verse. A person should also not put their trust "in the son of earthling man". This would include the men making up the governing body of Jehovah's Witnesses. As the verse finishes, "to whom no salvation belongs."

Going against the Bible - even their own 'trusted' translation, the Watchtower Bible Tract Society has made these remarks from their ""Bearing Thorough Witness" About God's Kingdom" publication, in chapter 13, on page 103 paragraph 9, under the heading "There Had Occurred No Little Dissension":

"When serious issues arise today, let us imitate the fine example of the believers in Antioch by trusting God’s organization and its Governing Body of anointed Christians, who represent “the faithful and discreet slave.”


Additionally, the February 15, 2009, Watchtower on page 27, in paragraph 11 states:

"Since Jehovah God and Jesus Christ completely trust the faithful and discreet slave, should we not do the same?"


The above is just a couple of many examples, where Jehovah's Witnesses are encouraged, admonished and even informed their very life, their eternal life is dependent upon their trust as well as loyalty to the organization, especially its governing body.  The Watchtower Society is so brazan and haughty that it claims even Jehovah and Jesus completely trust their governing body.

If the Watchtower was being truly honest in its writings and the well understood teachings and principles of Jehovah's Witnesses, paragraph 1 from Sunday's study article would read more like this:

"WE LIVE in a world where millions no longer know whom or what to trust, perhaps because they have been hurt or disappointed too many times. What a contrast to Jehovah’s servants! Guided by godly wisdom as interpreted by the governing body of the Watchtower Bible Tract Society, they know better than to place their trust in this world or its “nobles.” They do trust the men making up the Governing Body though, and refuse to be disobedient. Rather, they place their lives and their future in the organization that claims to be the only one directed by Jehovah’s hands, knowing that he loves them and that he always fulfills his Word."


The above would be a more honest statement to what exactly is instilled into the reasoning and practices of the organization. The article would be more appropriately entitled:

"Trust In Us As The End Draws Near”

Or...

"Trust In The Governing Body As The End Draws Near"

Or even...

"Trust In What The Governing Body Says Comes From Jehovah As the End Draws Near"

Believing the intent or the notion that complete trust in Jehovah and not as the scripture states, "the sons of earthling man" is what the Watchtower Bible Tract Society wants is foolish. They want you to trust them and their governing body. Listen, apply and obey all they say and write...Especially from their prime indoctrinating journal, The Watchtower.

Trust And Beyond

It is written in the Bible at Psalms 143:6:

"Do not put YOUR trust in nobles, Nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs."


However, the February 15, 2009, Watchtower on page 27, in paragraph 11, it admonishes:

"Since Jehovah God and Jesus Christ completely trust the faithful and discreet slave, should we not do the same? After all, the slave has shown itself to be faithful in doing its assigned work."


Do Jehovah God and Jesus Christ "completely trust", "the sons of earthling man", or is the Watchtower Society both lying and providing directives that go against the scriptures?

Additionally, the Bible provides the following instructions in 1 Corinthians 4:6:

"Now, brothers, these things I have transferred so as to apply to myself and Apol′los for YOUR good, that in our case YOU may learn the [rule]: “Do not go beyond the things that are written,” in order that YOU may not be puffed up individually in favor of the one against the other."


What application are Jehovah's Witnesses provided in harmony with the above verse? The April 15, 2008, Watchtower on page 7 states the following:

"When it comes to valueless words, elders too learn an important lesson. Whenever they are called upon to give counsel, they bear in mind their limitations and do not presume to offer counsel solely from their own personal store of knowledge. They should always point to what the Bible says. A sound rule is found in the words of the apostle Paul: “Do not go beyond the things that are written.” (1 Cor. 4:6) Elders do not go beyond the things that are written in the Bible. And by extension, they do not go beyond the Bible-based counsel written in the publications of the faithful and discreet slave."


Essentially, the instruction from the organization are for Elders to not go beyond what is written in the Bible, but the faithful and discreet slave can and does go beyond what is written. Elders should follow what the Bible states and through the Watchtower's interpretation of a so-called "extension" follow what their faithful and discreet slave direct. 

Again, the Bible is clear in its statement, but the Watchtower Society brandishes its unique spin on the matter which is in fact going contrary to the Bible; indeed, going "beyond the things that are written".

The motivation and reasoning for both points is obvious. The Watchtower Society wants Jehovah Witnesses to feel, think, and believe that they are the ones with a so-called 'truth' which needs to be followed. This is despite their indoctrination going against what the Bible plainly provides should be avoided and not performed.  It includes following and applying everything in their publications, especially the Watchtower magazine.

A primary way the organization wields its power and control over its members effectively is by having the person's trust and the ability for them to obey and carry-out whatever instructions the leaders provide. The Bible highlights the wrong, but the organization does it anyway, twisting scripture while reinforcing loyalty and allegiance to them.

Nothing supersedes the Watchtower Society and its directives; not friends, not family, not love, and not the Bible.  The organization always comes first.

The Perfect Leader

The May 15, 2011, Watchtower emphasizes who Jehovah's Witnesses are instructed to follow. While the section under discussion falls within the article entitled, "Following Christ, the Perfect Leader", make no mistake about it; the Watchtower Society is once again brow beating submission and obedience of its leaders.

Note the bottom of the first column continuing over to the second on page 27:
 

 
""The path of the righteous one is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established," states Proverbs 4:18. Yes, Jesus' leadership is progressive, not stagnant. Another way to cooperate with Christ's "brothers" is to have a positive attitude toward any refinements in our understanding of Scriptural truths as published by "the faithful and discreet slave."--Matt. 24:45
 
We also demonstrate our submission to Christ's "brothers" by cooperating with the appointed overseers in the Christian congregation. The apostle Paul said: "Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over your souls." (Heb. 13:17)"


The Watchtower Society in the above quoted section, helps to exemplify how one can cherry pick certain verses from the bible and place their own spin or interpretation for it to mean something more than what the context provides.

For decades now, the Watchtower Bible Tract Society has loved utilizing Proverbs 4:18 to help justify and explain away their false prophesies and flip-flops in doctrine. When an individual reads Proverbs chapter 4 in its entirety, it is plain to see it refers to a father giving advice to his son respecting life. There is no intent or greater fulfillment of a modern day publishing company's justification or explanation of their changing or correcting doctrine. However, the members of Jehovah's Witnesses by far and wide believe it to be so, thanks in part to the indoctrination they receive via the Watchtower.

So, with a supposed 'scriptural backing', the organization pushes further its agenda and brings Jesus into the picture. It has placed the believer in the fortified Watchtower led position of whatever the organization is currently directing is biblical. This is and has been often referred to by the organization and its members as 'current truth' or 'new light'. The extra twist is the perception that this 'current truth' is the direction of Jesus not men.

Nonetheless, the true motive and deliverance of point from the section comes with the final statement of the paragraph; which is to have a positive attitude to whatever the Watchtower says in its publications. They coat it with their typical twist on Matthew 24:45, where the organization interprets Jesus illustration of a faithful and discreet slave, equating to a business derived term of 'governing body', specifically the men who control and manage the beliefs and doctrines of the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses today.

What the organization fails to do and reasonably explain is how that one verse and one part of one of Jesus' illustrations and parables has a modern day fulfillment, while others do not. Who decides which ones and which parts have a modern day or 'greater' fulfillment, and which ones are just illustrations or parables with no additional meaning outside of a lesson being taught or a teaching point emphasized? The fact of the matter is that many of the Watchtower Society’s teachings and beliefs are based upon picking and choosing selective verses and deciding what, if any, modern day application they want to make of it.

Hysterically enough, it was just a few months ago in the September 15, 2010, Watchtower within the article "Your Leader Is One, The Christ", where the Society makes the fictitious claim that: "Jehovah's Witnesses recognize no human as their leader".

However, in the next paragraph from the May 15, 2011 article, a person demonstrates their submission by cooperating with those who oversee and lead Kingdom Halls of Jehovah's Witnesses, which Jehovah's Witnesses believe to be the "Christian congregation", followed up with quoting Hebrews 13:17 which mentions those who take the lead.

So let's summarize the spiritual truths and wholesome spiritual food Jehovah's Witnesses are being served here:

1. The Bible justifies and explains the Watchtower's flip-flops in doctrine, false teachings, including some at times, complete changes and understanding of belief for Jehovah's Witnesses.

2. The 'changes' by the Watchtower Society are just like Jesus' leadership, "progressive" [The Watchtower is never wrong or lied]. Further, if there were no 'changes' we would all be stagnant and not like Jesus.

3. Following Jesus includes not only following and obeying any direction given by the Watchtower Society and its leaders, but being positive about it as well.

4. One should be obedient, submissive, and cooperative to the organization.

The above are main points and intents of the article. Throwing Jesus around and into the mix is done to reinforce their alleged authority and right the organization has to practice and teach whatever it decides to the members. The Watchtower Society is enforcing both its power and control over the members, and quite frankly, it works. Cults work. Really effective cults build a perfect leader in the mind of its members.

The leader of Jehovah's Witnesses, their 'Faithful and Discreet Slave', the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, while understood to be made up of men who make mistakes, the point is moot, as they can say and teach whatever, and it forges and becomes the beliefs of the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses, made up of 7 million plus followers. The men who make up that body, for all intents and purposes are "perfect" for what matters most here, their (current) teachings, doctrines, and beliefs.

What the leaders of Jehovah's Witnesses teach, mostly through the Watchtower, becomes fact and unquestionable in the minds of the members; regardless of change and understanding. Such teachings and beliefs as: organ transplants, specific resurrections, superior authorities, rape, blood fractions/transfusions, voting, separating "sheep" and "goats", and the ever popular and ever changing, "this generation", along with others, have underwent changes, some being a complete 180 degree change in belief, which the majority of the members accept.

That is reason alone for why family and friends can carry out such inhumane directives as shunning as well as isolating associations and ties from the rest of humankind, while fortifying the bounds amongst themselves. It has taking place throughout the history of man and Jehovah's Witnesses are carrying on the tradition…The tradition of following a perfect leader.

Like The Demons

Recently, the Watchtower Society has in a not so subtle way attempt to indoctrinate Jehovah's Witnesses with the understanding of those who have either disassociated themselves or were disfellowshipped from their organization are like the demons. How did they do this?

The study article "Do You Hate Lawlessness?" starting on page 28 of the February 15, 2011, Watchtower magazine is the avenue used by the Society to channel this kind of thinking.

Focusing later in the article, specifically paragraph 16, the Watchtower Society paints a picture for the reader of a sister in the congregation whose son had "unrepentantly chose to practice lawlessness". The article continues in paragraphs 17 and 18 stating the following:

"What advice would you have given this sister? An elder helped her to realize that Jehovah understood the pain she felt. The brother invited her to think about the pain Jehovah must have experienced when some of his angelic sons rebelled. The elder reasoned with her that even though Jehovah knows how painful such a circumstance can be, he requires that unrepentant sinners be disfellowshipped. She took the reminders to heart and loyally upheld the disfellowshipping arrangement. Such loyalty makes Jehovah's heart glad.

If you face a similar situation, please remember that Jehovah sympathizes with you. By cutting off contact with the disfellowshipped or disassociated one, you are showing that you hate the attitudes and actions that led to that outcome. However, you are also showing that you love the wrongdoer enough to do what is best for him or her. Your loyalty to Jehovah may increase the likelihood that the disciplined one will repent and return to Jehovah."


There's a lot of twisted and subliminal messaging going on throughout these two paragraphs (to say the least about the entire article), but we're going to focus on a few key points.

Notice the use of the illustration of Jehovah's angelic sons who rebelled in paragraph 17. They are known to the members as being now called demons who follow and are led by Satan. The writer has planted the analogy of the "unrepentant sinner" to be the equivalent of the demons. The paragraph of course links an unrepentant sinner as one who was disfellowshipped from their organization.

Paragraph 17 tightens the grip of loyalty to the organization by admonishing the member to follow a so-called "disfellowshipping arrangement". Obedience to the leaders is furthered with the ingrained notion and implication that loyalty to the Watchtower Society's instructions and rules makes God's heart glad, ending the paragraph.

Nevertheless, the Watchtower Society is not through making their points and tightening their control. In the next paragraph, 18, they first play the emotional card with an empathetic "Jehovah sympathizes" remark. Then, they lay the heavy "cutting off contact" directive while bridging both a disfellowshipped individual as well as a disassociated person in the same sentence.

What "lawless" or "unrepentant" sin would a disassociated individual be guilty of? In many instances, that would be disagreeing with Watchtower Society leaders and/or interpretations.  You cannot question or challenge their so-called 'faithful and discreet slave class'.  They don't state that though; as the old saying goes, 'the devil is in the details'. Nonetheless, the harsh directive is followed up with further emotional manipulation that it is actually an act of love to cut off contact with a loved one.

Finally, the writer dangles a carrot at the end of paragraph 18. A notion is instilled to the member that if they follow all they've been told by the Watchtower Society - "loyalty to Jehovah" - it will likely increase the chance of a person coming back to the organization. The actuality of the statement is: If you behave according to our directives, you may find yourself in a situation where you can speak to your family again with the organization's (Or better believed by the member as being 'God's') approval.

Behavioral control and emotional manipulation with a twisted and sick thought control process respecting the instructions and interpretations of the Watchtower Society are what God desires and it demonstrates love.  Does that make sense?

One of the main intents is to ensure membership and have information control that a current member will not discuss or receive anything in word or writing that may cause a Jehovah's Witness to think or take action against the Watchtower Society.

When you have an organization enforcing: Behavioral control, Information control, Thought control, and Emotional manipulation...you have the B.I.T.E. model, and you have a cult.

Cults love for you to believe their leaders are the only chosen ones, they have the only and true channel to God, and everyone else is evil, wicked, or of the devil.  This is exemplified in the case of Jehovah's Witnesses, where disfellowshipped and disassociated persons from their organization are painted as being like the demons, and contact with them should be cut off.

The ONLY Religion Teaching The Truth

The statement that ONLY Jehovah's Witnesses are teaching the truth is an extraordinary claim. Such a claim would require extraordinary evidence.  I firmly believed that ONLY Jehovah's Witnesses are teaching the truth, and thus in general, only Jehovah's Witnesses would be saved at Armageddon. In my self-confidence, I had failed to consider sobering truths:


• There are over 10,000 religions in the world.

• When given a pen and paper, I could not identify the correct names of even 50 religions.

• I couldn't explain the complete belief system of any other religion in the world, other than Jehovah's Witnesses.

• For the thousands of religions of which I knew nothing about, not even it's name - how could I possibly classify that religion as false?

• The idea of a "one and only true religion" was suggested to me by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, not the Bible.

• Other groups that teach their religion is the only church which teaches "the truth" include the following: Mormons, Worldwide Church of God, Unification Church, and many others. Members of these other groups are taught to detest all other religions. Members are taught that all other religions are false, and under the control of Satan. These members are taught that God will only save their church.

• I was proclaiming other religions as promoters of lies and false prophecies, when in fact my own religion had likely promoted more false prophecies than any other church in the world. Every time a prophecy was created by Watchtower Society leaders, it was printed in millions of books, and Witnesses spent over a billion hours each year distributing these books and teaching these false prophecies.

• I believed that other religions were blood guilty for teaching lies and false doctrines. I had failed to consider how God views my religion, which had aggressively spread more false information than any other religion, insisting that people must accept it or else be destroyed by God.

• I was forbidden by the organization to read literature produced by any other religion. How could I ever accurately know what other religions taught? Many of the senior members who write the Watchtower magazine have been Jehovah's Witnesses their entire lives, thus they have never read other religious literature either. Therefore, there is no possible way that they can know the truth of whether other religions teach truth or lies.

• If other churches speak things that aren't true, I classified them as "Babylon the Great", false prophets, disgusting and blood guilty organizations, and deserving of God's wrath. When my religion spoke false prophecies and spread false information, I was supposed to consider it to be acceptable. It was simply "over eagerness" on the part of some brothers, or it was considered "old light".

Eventually, I had to admit that I was completely ignorant on the subject of religion. The only thing I knew about religion was information that I obtained from the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. And their stance was, and still is: "All other religions are false, and ours is the only true one". One thing that really helped me was when I discovered Deuteronomy 18: 21-22:

"And in case you should say in your heart: “How shall we know the word that Jehovah has not spoken?”  When the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur or come true, that is the word that Jehovah did not speak. With presumptuousness the prophet spoke it. You must not get frightened at him.’"


I was delighted to find out that all those false prophecies I had spread to others had NOTHING to do with God. I was simply promoting the literature of a large religious organization based in Brooklyn. If God was behind this religion, all the prophecies and predictions would have been fulfilled, exactly as predicted. If God was not behind it, then all the prophecies would fail.

What does the evidence show? All the prophecies have failed.

Sisters and Shepherding

The newly released 'Elder's only' manual 'Shepherding the Flock of God', has been followed up with a letter addressed to the Body of Elders, dated October 7, 2010. It highlights the respective view of women by the organization's leaders.

The letter states regarding having the book spiral bound:

"There is no objection if an elder personally spiral binds or laminates his own textbook or does so for elders. If he has another baptized brother who is not an elder do the work for him, the elder must watch while the work is being done. Outside companies, unbelievers, or sisters are not permitted to do this work. The material in the book is confidential, and confidentiality must be preserved."


So, if a member is a baptized male of the organization, it's permitted for the individual to do the work of spiral binding the book. However, if it is a baptized female she is not allowed to do so. Sisters - inclusive of all women who make up Jehovah's Witnesses - are classified with "outside companies" and "unbelievers" when it comes to trust and confidentiality according to the leaders of the organization.

Jehovah's Witnesses leaders, the good old boys of Bethel, whether it's Brooklyn or Patterson, lay the law once again.

Is it no surprise the organization stated that females who were raped are guilty of fornication if they did not yell or scream out while being attacked? See the Watchtower from January 15, 1964, page 64; and the Awake! from March 8, 1974, page 14.

For added insult to the organization’s “sisters”, the February 22, 1984 Awake! magazine admonishes women to treat their rapist respectfully.

This is not good and wholesome spiritual food that Jehovah’s Witnesses are fed, but sickening, twisted and demoralizing instructions...Especially so, if you are a female and one of the organization's so-called "sisters".

Applying The Bible

How does one apply the Bible in their life?

According to the Watchtower from October 1, 1967, page 587 under 'Finding Freedom with Jehovah's Visible Organization' it states:

"Thus the Bible is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the Bible. For this reason the Bible cannot be properly understood without Jehovah's visible organization in mind."


Directly from the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses, the Bible does not belong to individuals but to their organization. In fact, the Bible cannot be understood without their visible organization (The Watchtower Society) in mind.

That is pretty sick and twisted reasoning. Perhaps this teaching has been refined over the years. Let's take a look at the issue from February 15, 1981 page 19, under 'Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible?' it states:

"We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the Scriptural guidance we need outside the "faithful and discreet slave" organization."


It appears they are sticking with this attitude that no one can understand the Bible without the aid of the Watchtower Society.

Nonetheless, that was nearly 30 years ago. Certainly now, humility has become apparent and such an arrogant and haughty spirit no longer exudes from the teachings and beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses printed in the pages of the Watchtower, right?

The September 15, 2010, Watchtower, page 8, seriously elevates the leaders of Jehovah's Witnesses to demigod status once again. It states in paragraph 7:
 
 

"We cannot hope to acquire a good relationship with Jehovah if we ignore those whom Jesus has appointed to care for his belongings. Without the assistance of "the faithful and discreet slave", we would neither understand the full import of what we read in God's Word nor know how to apply it."


Nothing new under the sun for the Watchtower Society and the men in Brooklyn posing as the soul channel of truth God is using to communicate with people today. Remember, they are appointed by Jesus, because they say so according to their select interpretation of specific bible passages. You must also ignore all their flip-flops in teaching and false prophesying.

Part of the problem is this attitude and mentality is rooted at the foundation of the organization’s beginnings.

The Watchtower Society first president - Charles Taze Russell - wrote a series of books called, 'Studies in the Scriptures'. Interestingly, the September 15, 1910 edition, on page 4695, states:

“Not only do we find that people cannot see the divine plan in studying the Bible by itself, but we see, also, that if anyone lays the Scripture Studies aside, even after he has used them, after he has become familiar with them, after he has read them for ten years - if he then lays them aside and ignores them and goes to the Bible alone, though he has understood his Bible for ten years, our experience shows that within two years he goes into darkness. On the other hand, if he had merely read the Scripture Studies with their references, and had not read a page of the Bible, as such, he would be in the light at the end of the two years, because he would have the light of the Scriptures.”


Russell identified himself as the sole authority of Biblical interpretation and understanding. He stated that one would end up in spiritual darkness without examining his writings. His writings were needed to properly understand and apply the Bible.

When the year was 1910, you needed one man, Charles Taze Russell. In the year 2010, you need the writings and directions of several men in Brooklyn.

Just like many other cult and cult-like organizations, emphasis is placed upon the organization and/or its human leader(s) as being the source of authority, information, and understanding the message or Word of God.

What does the Bible teach is needed for Christians to apply and understand the scriptures?

John 14:16 - "And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever"

John 15:26 - "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me."

John 16:13 - "However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come."

1 John 2:27 - "But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him."


According to the above passages it is the Holy Spirit – The Helper, the Spirit of truth - which is utilized to apply the Bible. Contrary to the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses, you do not need their organization or their interpretation, inclusive of their publications.

Jehovah's Witnesses are indoctrinated to believe they need the Watchtower Organization, they need the Watchtower. You want a relationship with God? Don't ignore the men in Brooklyn. According to the teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses, you need the men in Brooklyn, and the organization they run and control, to understand the full import of God's Word and how to apply it.

How We Will Be Judged

The Watchtower of December 15, 2010, page 20, paragraph 19, under the article "Reap Blessings Through God's Spirit-Guided King!" states:

"Among those "gifts in men" are the members of the Governing Body, who act in a representative way for the entire Christian congregation. In fact, our attitude toward Christ's spiritual brothers is a major factor that will determine how we will be judged during the coming great tribulation. Thus, one aspect of the way we gain a blessing is by giving our loyal support to God's anointed ones."


It appears in their magazine this way:

The Watchtower Society cherry picks select verses from Acts chapter 15 to support a so-called 'Governing Body' in the first century. The fact is this passage was over the one matter of circumcision in which Paul and Barnabus decided it would be best to go to the place where the conflict originated and discussed with a council there. However, it was for that one matter and one matter only. Paul, Barnabus, and other faithful followers of Jesus Christ such as Timothy, did things on their own with no further discussions with anyone from Jerusalem or any so-called Governing Body.

Assuming the role for the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses of being brothers of Christ, the Watchtower Society then rips a few verses from Matthew chapter 25, where Jesus basically states if you don't support my brothers you don't support me.  According to the verses in that chapter, those who don't support Jesus' brothers receive everlasting punishment [The Watchtower Society interrupts this to mean not a literal everlasting punishment but eternal death remembered everlastingly], and the righteous receive eternal life.

In either case, both scriptural citations are a weak attempt in trying to provide some twisted biblical backing to the message of: 'Be loyal and have a positive attitude towards us, or else you will be judged unfavorably to eternal death!'.

The messages to Jehovah's Witnesses that is being indoctrinated into their hearts and minds are:

Loyal, Supportive, Faithful to Governing Body = Everlasting 'Perfect' Life.

Disloyal, Unsupportive, Unfaithful to Governing Body = Eternal Death.

The above is impounded and brow-beat into the members of the organization, over and over, time and time again.

As is the case with many cult and cult-like organizations, obedience and loyalty to the leader comes first.  The difference with Jehovah's Witnesses demonstrates obedience not to one, but several men who call themselves the ‘Governing Body’.  They hold the power and key with instilling fear and allegiance into the members. Loyalty to the organization and its leaders is inculcated above all else in the members' lives, inclusive of family and friends. Jehovah’s Witnesses need to wake up.

Not From Men

Some may try to defend or apologize for the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses claiming that their leaders, their Governing Body, are imperfect and just men. Therefore, they of course make mistakes and errors.

However, does the organization present the instructions and directives of their leaders in such a light? Does the beliefs and doctrine of Jehovah's Witnesses come from failable men? Not according to their teachings and literature.

The September 15, 2010 Watchtower on page 13, paragraph 8 makes the following statements:

"The Governing Body publishes spiritually encouraging literature in many languages. This spiritual food is based on God's Word. Thus, what is taught is not from men but from Jehovah."

Not from men but from Jehovah is exactly how the organization has persistently and consistently presented its teaching and doctrine which is inclusive of their failed predictions, and flip-flops in beliefs.

Excusing them or their errors, false prophesying and outright lies as being the product of imperfect men does not stand up against what the organization to this day continues to indoctrinate to its members. Their beliefs and understanding comes from Jehovah, not from men.

Mother

Jehovah's Witnesses are conditioned continuously not to question or disobey the organization. This kind of absolute obedience is something a parent may expect from their children. In fact, the Watchtower Society has painted themselves in that light to Jehovah's Witnesses.

"If we are to walk in the light of truth we must recognize not only Jehovah God as our Father but his organization as our mother," [Watchtower, May 1, 1957, page 274].


That kind of psychological conditioning of the members to be obedient, submissive children and in need of the organization continues throughout the years with similar articles. The November 15, 2009 Watchtower magazine in fact states on page 13, in paragraph 5:

"By word or action, may we never challenge the channel of communication that Jehovah is using today."


Indeed, "mother" has continuously led many of her unchallenging children with much behavioral conditioning, understanding, and twisted reasoning...

"Thus the Bible is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the Bible," [Watchtower, October 1, 1967, page 587].


"We all need help to understand the Bible, and we cannot find the Scriptural guidance we need outside the 'faithful and discreet slave' organization," [Watchtower, February 15, 1981].


"All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" can become known only through Jehovah's channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave," [Watchtower, October 1, 1994, page 8].


This is one of the many problems with the so-called Governing Body concept of the Watchtower Society. Not only does the organization condition the members to see them as their mother, they also seek to take over Christ's role as mediator.

The Watchtower of November 15, 1979, page 26, made this comment:

"What, then, is Christ’s role in this program of salvation? Paul proceeds to say: “There is one God, and one mediator between God and men [not, all men], a man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all.”—1 Tim. 2:5, 6."

The insertion "[not, all men]" is the Watchtower Society blatantly changing the meaning of the Bible and what it states. The scripture does not contain a "[not, all men]" statement, but the Watchtower Society included it since once again they want the members to see them as being the mediator for humans to God.

This point was stressed again in their publication, 'Worldwide Security Under the "Prince of Peace"' on page 10, paragraph 16:

“Likewise, the Greater Moses, Jesus Christ, is not the Mediator between Jehovah God and all mankind. He is the Mediator between his heavenly Father, Jehovah God, and the nation of spiritual Israel, which is limited to only 144,000 members.”


Furthermore, all of the 144,000 do not share in dispensing 'truths from God', but only a select few who call themselves the Governing Body that claims to be of a so-called 'faithful and discreet slave class'. They decide what Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to believe as truth and when it will be told to them.

Per Our Kingdom Ministry from September 2002, page 8, paragraph 5, under 'Avoid the Pursuit of "Valueless Things"' it states:

"Bear in mind that our heavenly Father has an appointed channel of communication, “the faithful and discreet slave.” That “slave” has the responsibility to determine what information is made available to the household of faith, as well as “the proper time” for it to be dispensed."


What and when Jehovah's Witnesses are taught to believe something as 'the truth' is all thanks to their "mother", the organization controlled by the Watchtower Society. The majority of Jehovah's Witnesses are told they don't even have Christ as their Mediator; rather, the organization fulfills that role as well. Jehovah's Witnesses are victims of a power hungry and abusive parent. They need to exit such a relationship, and leave the toxic mother seeking her own interest first.

False Prophets - Part II: Creator's Promise

The history of the Watchtower Society from its early days of just being some 'bible students' to more modern times, by means of their literature through the organization they control, have produced numerous prophecies and predictions with a 100 percent fail rate. An outstanding one of these prophecies includes the organization having the audacity to claim it was God's promise to occur.

This is easily noted in the Awake! magazine masthead or mission statement as printed before November 1995. There it clearly and plainly states:

"Why AWAKE! Is Published ...Most important, this magazine builds confidence in the Creator's promise of a peaceful and secure world before the generation that saw the events of 1914 passes away."


The Watchtower Society had Jehovah's Witnesses preach and proclaim for years it was God's promise that a peaceful and secure world would happen before the generation of 1914 passes away. After realizing time had caught up to their false prediction, starting with the November 1995, Awake! onward, the masthead was changed to read as:

"Why AWAKE! Is Published ... Most important, this magazine builds confidence in the Creator's promise of a peaceful and secure world that is about to replace the present wicked, lawless system of things."


Using the Bible as the standard and bar for distinguishing and understanding a false prophet, Deuteronomy 18:20-22 states:

"'However, the prophet who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded him to speak or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet must die. And in case you should say in your heart: “How shall we know the word that Jehovah has not spoken?” when the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur or come true, that is the word that Jehovah did not speak. With presumptuousness the prophet spoke it. You must not get frightened at him.'" [NWT]


The Watchtower Society spoke not just in the name of God, but said it was His promise. The word they spoke did not occur or come true.

Furthermore, though some many have lingering doubts or question whether the Watchtower Society ever claimed they were prophets, their literature clears any doubt and answers the question.

The Watchtower from March 15, 1972 makes this statement on page 189 from the bound volume:

"More accurately, was there any group on whom Jehovah would be willing to bestow the commission to speak as a 'prophet' in His name, as was done toward Ezekiel back there in 613 B.C.E.?"


The same Watchtower on page 190 goes on further:

"It is of importance to every individual on earth to identify the group that Jehovah has commissioned as his 'servant' or messenger.... For this reason forthcoming issues of The Watchtower will further discuss the identity and work of Jehovah's commissioned messenger as revealed in His vision to Ezekiel"


It is followed with the ultimate claim of being a prophet in the "forthcoming issue" of the Watchtower, from April 1, 1972, on page 197 it states:

"So, does Jehovah have a prophet to help them, to warn them of dangers and to declare things to come? These questions can be answered in the affirmative. Who is this prophet? ...This 'prophet' was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah's Christian witnesses... Of course, it is easy to say that this group acts as a 'prophet' of God. It is another thing to prove it. The only way that this can be done is to review the record. What does it show?"


Indisputably, the Watchtower Society has claimed that its organization contains prophets. Indeed, per their claims, Jehovah Witnesses are God's prophet in modern times.

The Bible states that Jesus provided this warning against false prophets in Matthew 7:15, 16:

“Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to YOU in sheep’s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. By their fruits YOU will recognize them." [NWT]


The Watchtower Society's aforementioned spiritual fruitage regarding 1914 that it provided to its followers with the undeniable claim of it being a promise from God, makes them ravenous wolves in sheep's covering according to the Bible; false prophets in which no one should follow or obey their directions.

Thank The Adventist

It never ceases to amaze, the double talk or speaking out of both sides of their mouth you will find so prevalent among the literature, reasoning of doctrine, and information when looking into the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Take for instance, the Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses from 1975 on pages 34-35, under 'Part 1 - 'United States of America':

"By his own later admission, he had been “shaken in faith regarding many long-accepted doctrines” and had fallen “a ready prey to the logic of infidelity.” But tonight he is attracted by some singing. He enters a dusty, dingy hall. His object? In his own words, “to see if the handful who met there had anything more sensible to offer than the creeds of the great churches.”

The young man sat and listened. Jonas Wendell, a Second Adventist, delivered the sermon. “His Scripture exposition was not entirely clear,” our listener later remarked. But it did something. He had to admit: “It was sufficient, under God, to reestablish my wavering faith in the Divine inspiration of the Bible, and to show that the records of the Apostles and the Prophets are indissolubly linked. What I heard sent me to my Bible to study with more zeal and care than ever before.”

The inquisitive young man was Charles Taze Russell."

Interestingly, you will note that it was listening to an Adventist sermon which reestablished the faith of the ultimate founder of the organization known today as Jehovah's Witnesses. Do you think such a recommendation should be provided by Jehovah's Witnesses today to (re)establish one's faith in the Bible? Should an individual attend and listen to other religious sermons, such as an Adventist to help a person study the Bible 'with more zeal and care than ever before'?

Obviously, such a notion or thought by a member of the Watchtower Society would be borderline if not direct so-called 'interfaith' and possibly considered 'apostate' by the organization. So what is the logical and non-contradicting reasoning as to why it is seen as acceptable to have walked the path that Charles Taze Russell took, but not by other individual members who are known today as Jehovah's Witnesses?

This goes hand in hand with another point. Does God work through an organization or specific individual persons? Asking a Jehovah's Witnesses today, in harmony with the indoctrination they receive; in no uncertain terms stipulate that being a member and follower of the organization is a requirement by God. That is the only way to receive 'truth'.

Watchtower, January 15, 1997, page 22, paragraphs 21:
“We must serve Jehovah with his spirit-directed organization."


Watchtower, January 15, 2010, pages 28-32, paragraph 15:
"Each of us would do well to ask himself: 'Do I fully recognize the responsibilities that I should shoulder within the Christian congregation? Am I properly supporting Jehovah's way of governing? Am I proud to be a subject of Jehovah's ruling Kingdom? Am I determined to continue telling others about God's Kingdom to the extent that I reasonably can?' As a group, we willingly submit ourselves to the direction given by the Governing Body and cooperate with the appointed elders in the congregations. In such ways, we demonstrate our acceptance of God's way of ruling."


Our Kingdom Ministry, September 2007, page 3, Question Box:
"Does the "faithful and discreet slave" endorse independent groups of Witnesses who meet together to engage in Scriptural research or debate?

No, it does not."


Watchtower, August 15, 1981, page 29, paragraph 14:"They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such ‘Bible reading,' they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were teaching 100 years ago..."

The problem presented compounds itself when, depending on the publication and time you reference Jehovah's Witnesses publications, you will receive different and contradicitng statements on the matter at hand.

For example, the Watchtower magazine from January 15, 1975 on pages 46 & 47, as well as the publication 'You Can Live Forever' on page 193, stress that it was always a group, a close unified group or family not scattered individuals that God was refining. However, if one was to reference the Watchtower from July 15, 1960 on page 435 or the 'Proclaimers' book on page 44, it stipulates that God was refining and working through scattered individuals.

So which one is it, has God always directed truth through individuals, as in the case of Charles Taze Russell and even directing one's faith through other religious organizations, or is it always a group and never with an individual? If for a time God worked with an individual and 'now' only works with an organization, when and why did the change take place? What is the logical explanation and reasoning? What is the stipulation, exact moment or occasion when God stopped working through one man like Charles Taze Russell, who started a movement in which a result of it is the religion of Jehovah's Witnesses; and instead, feeds 'truth' and provides 'truth' only through an organization where one must be a part of?

Does God work only through an organization where the Bible cannot be understood or interpreted by individuals, regardless of the amount of Bible reading they perform, as indicated in the October 1, 1994, Watchtower on page 8, and in the publication 'You Can Live Forever' on page 193?

Is it through an individual, such as Charles Taze Russell, the ability is given to comprehend and interpret scripture? Does God work truly like he did, allegedly though Russell, to restore truth which was lost for centuries? The publication 'Jehovah's Witnesses In The Divine Plan', on page 17, states about Charles Taze Russell:

"He revived the great truths...He was permitted to understand it…The promise of the Lord was fulfilled in him.”

Remember, without Russell there is no religion of Jehovah's Witnesses as it is known today. Additionally, there was no 'Governing Body' as it exists today within the Watchtower Society until the mid-1970's. Shortly after the whole 1975 fiasco it obtained the power and control it wields today. Prior to that, it was the Watchtower Society president who exercised complete control of doctrines, publications and activities of the organization. Nevertheless, asking the question again, does God work through individuals or an organization, one thing is for sure...

Jehovah's Witnesses need to thank the Adventist for reestablishing the faith of Charles Taze Russell. Thanks to the Adventist for restoring Russell's faith in the Bible. The 'truth' is thanks to the Adventist for providing a catalyst to the man who would be the beginnings and leader of an offshoot religion which is known today as Jehovah's Witnesses.

Submit To The Governing Body

This past April 4th Sunday's Watchtower Study article emphasized once again to the followers what is key to the faith and organization that is known as Jehovah's Witnesses. As the Watchtower Society has stressed, is stressing, and will continue to stress, is obedience to their organization.

The article, "Jehovah's Way Of Ruling Vindicated!” as found in the January 15, 2010 Watchtower, pages 28-32, states the following in paragraph 15:

"Each of us would do well to ask himself: 'Do I fully recognize the responsibilities that I should shoulder within the Christian congregation? Am I properly supporting Jehovah's way of governing? Am I proud to be a subject of Jehovah's ruling Kingdom? Am I determined to continue telling others about God's Kingdom to the extent that I reasonably can?' As a group, we willingly submit ourselves to the direction given by the Governing Body and cooperate with the appointed elders in the congregations. In such ways, we demonstrate our acceptance of God's way of ruling. (Read Hebrews 13:17.) Willing submission results in a worldwide unity that is unique in this divided world. It also produces peace and righteousness and brings glory to Jehovah, demonstrating that his way of ruling is by far the best."

Submit to the Governing Body and do it willingly. That is the message. That is part of the indoctrinating and training a Jehovah's Witness receives. The continuous subliminal message being instilled to a loyal Jehovah's Witness member is you listen to the Governing Body, you obey the Governing Body, and you do as the Governing Body says. In this way you're 'properly supporting Jehovah'; you 'accept God's way of ruling'.

This obedience to the Governing Body is backed with a fallacy consistently used by the Watchtower Society known as the 'Appeal to Authority'. The phrases: 'Jehovah's way of governing', 'Jehovah's ruling Kingdom', 'God's Kingdom', and the aforementioned 'God's way of ruling', all surrounds the Watchtower Society's direction to submit yourself to their Governing Body’s directions.

Furthermore, the twisted and circular logic is as follows: You submit yourself to the Governing Body - Those 9 men calling the shots in Brooklyn - because that is the direction and ruling of God. You know it is the direction and ruling of God because the Governing Body says that is the case. It makes perfect circular logical sense.

God's Name

According to Insight on the Scriptures Volume 2, page 5 under the heading, 'Jehovah' the following is stated:

"Correct Pronunciation of the Divine Name. “Jehovah” is the best known English pronunciation of the divine name, although “Yahweh” is favored by most Hebrew scholars. The oldest Hebrew manuscripts present the name in the form of four consonants, commonly called the Tetragrammaton (from Greek te•tra-, meaning “four,” and gram'ma, “letter”). These four letters (written from right to left) are יהוה and may be transliterated into English as YHWH (or, JHVH)."


The Watchtower Society adds "(or, JHVH)" in their publication, but that letter usage was to make allowance and flexibility centuries later. It does not attribute towards accuracy. The confusion stems from Latin sources, in which the same letter represents both J and Y, and another single letter represents both V and W. Nonetheless, the original Hebrew translates to YHWH.

On page 7, the same publication continues:

"Since certainty of pronunciation is not now attainable, there seems to be no reason for abandoning in English the well-known form “Jehovah” in favor of some other suggested pronunciation. If such a change were made, then, to be consistent, changes should be made in the spelling and pronunciation of a host of other names found in the Scriptures: Jeremiah would be changed to Yir•meyah′, Isaiah would become Yesha?•ya′hu, and Jesus would be either Yehoh•shu′a? (as in Hebrew) or I•e•sous′ (as in Greek). The purpose of words is to transmit thoughts; in English the name Jehovah identifies the true God, transmitting this thought more satisfactorily today than any of the suggested substitutes."


So the Watchtower Society is stating that there is no way to attain the correct pronunciation of God’s name, but since ‘Jehovah’ is supposedly so well-known, let’s stick with it. Regardless of the facts that Hebrew scholars use YaHWeH, and earliest documented evidence shows YHWH – Not JHVH [JeHoVaH] as valid consonants in the name.

This is not the only place the Watchtower Society shows poor reasoning and goes against logic in their explanation of using ‘Jehovah’. The Divine Name brochure on page 7 under ‘God’s Name – It’s Meaning and Pronunciation’ makes the following statements:

“How Is God’s Name Pronounced? The truth is, nobody knows for sure how the name of God was originally pronounced. Why not? Well, the first language used in writing the Bible was Hebrew, and when the Hebrew language was written down, the writers wrote only consonants—not vowels. Hence, when the inspired writers wrote God’s name, they naturally did the same thing and wrote only the consonants. "

Page 8 of the same brochure states:

"Where, though, did pronunciations like Yahweh come from? These are forms that have been suggested by modern scholars trying to deduce the original pronunciation of God’s name. Some—though not all—feel that the Israelites before the time of Jesus probably pronounced God’s name Yahweh. But no one can be sure. Perhaps they pronounced it that way, perhaps not.

Nevertheless, many prefer the pronunciation Jehovah. Why? Because it has a currency and familiarity that Yahweh does not have. Would it not, though, be better to use the form that might be closer to the original pronunciation? Not really, for that is not the custom with Bible names."

The same article then tries to convince the reader that since many other biblical names were translated in a similar fashion (continuing "the custom" argument), translating God's name in the same pattern may be acceptable too. The Watchtower Society is trying to make two wrongs equal a right. After laying that reasoning down, the organization once again shows how faulty their own logic is and then switches gears on page 10:

"...Even though the modern pronunciation Jehovah might not be exactly the way it was pronounced originally, this in no way detracts from the importance of the name. It identifies the Creator, the living God, the Most High to whom Jesus said: “Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified.”—Matthew 6:9.”


Interestingly, the Watchtower Society comments: "...Jehovah might not be exactly the way it was pronounced originally". However, it definitely was not pronounced that way. Their own publication already provided that information. By stating 'might not', it is deceitful and leading the reader to believe there is a chance, it is possible 'Jehovah' is the name of God. The truth is there is zero possibility that 'Jehovah' is correct.

Regardless, since “many prefer” Jehovah over Yahweh, the Watchtower Society is sticking with Jehovah as the official name. This is in spite of the fact that Yahweh is closer to the original pronunciation, as admitted by the organization.

The Watchtower Society is hypocritical and contradictory in the way they approach the name of God. From their own words, it is seen that popular choice and preference outweighs logic and facts. One would think something that Jehovah's Witnesses stress is so monumental in importance, the name of 'The Father'; it would be better decided with facts and truth rather than the popular vote.

Interestingly (and arguably more importantly), the Bible makes the following statements in the area respecting names. In the case where a Jehovah's Witness is taught that God, whom is perceived as just being The Father and is specifically addressed, the Bible notes the following details on the issue.

Exodus 3:13-14 (New King James Version):

"Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?”

And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”"


If there was significance in saying the specific name of ‘Jehovah’ God, you would believe that here would be the place for it. God would state a specific divine name, 'Jehovah' or they equivalent thereof to His people. However, He does not do so. Furthermore, application in the New Covenant and Testament provides these specifics regarding a divine name.

Acts 4:10-12 (New King James Version):

"let it be known to you all, and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, by Him this man stands here before you whole. This is the ‘stone which was rejected by you builders, which has become the chief cornerstone.’[a] Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Footnotes:
[a] Acts 4:11 - Psalm 118:22”


The scriptures above make it plain and simple. The name of God – (more specific to Jehovah’s Witnesses, 'The Father' only) - was not provided when God was asked directly for it. However, the name of Jesus Christ is the only one in which salvation is found. There is no other name under heaven given among men in which we must be saved – This includes the ‘popular’ and Watchtower Society preferred name of The Father, 'Jehovah'.

Of course, this only applies if you believe and follow the Bible to be the Word of God. If you perceive a bunch of men who tout themselves as a ‘Governing Body’ who dispense ‘truth’ through a magazine, you’re probably inclined to feel otherwise.

Finally, how did ‘Jehovah’ become so ‘well-known’ and ‘preferred’?

According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, (1991) under the heading 'Yahweh', here is how this name came into being:

"The Masoretes, who from about the 6th to the 10th century worked to reproduce the original text of the Hebrew Bible, replaced the vowels of the name YHWH with the vowel signs of the Hebrew word Adonai or Elohim. Thus the artificial name Jehovah (YeHoWaH) came into being."

Furthermore, despite the name Jehovah being nonexistent in the original Hebrew scriptures, it really started to become mainstream around 1270 A.D. due to the work of a Roman Catholic Spanish Monk, named Raymundus Martini. As mentioned earlier, there is no J or V in the Hebrew alphabet. 'Jehovah' is a Latinized or anglicized transliteration. It is not an accurate one.

The Watchtower Society supports the Masoretic and Catholic originated work, while providing a twisted logic and justification for utilizing a manufactured name for God. This in itself is ironic and hypocritical, when you read of the historic bashing of the Catholic faith by Jehovah's Witnesses.

Perhaps the only thing more artificial then the name of God being Jehovah, is the notion of a publishing company being the sole channel of communicating ‘truth’ that same God is using today.

Bait And Switch Friends

Jehovah’s Witnesses are indoctrinated through talks and publications of the Watchtower Society to recruit members. Their primary focus towards anyone who is not a Jehovah’s Witness is to convert them. Although they will not out rightly say so, and will use such phrases as ‘encourage people to look into the Bible’, what they are really attempting is to ‘encourage people to interpret and understand the Bible according to the Watchtower Society’.

The sincerity and kindness they seemingly show can even be questioned when the true motives of such actions become apparent. Take for instance the teachings seen by Jehovah’s Witnesses as spiritual food in the November 15, 2009, Watchtower article with the theme, ‘Displaying Good Manners As A Minister Of God’. It covers pages 24-29 of the journal. Notice the admonition and what should be the true motive in making friends with those who are not members as noted in paragraph 10:

"Consider the case of a Christian couple named Tom and Carol, who live in a large North American city. They have made pleasant conversation with their neighbours a part of their ministry. How do they do it? Referring to James 3:18, Tom says: "We try to be friendly and peaceable with people. We approach those we see outside their homes and those who work in the area. We smile and greet them. We talk about what interests them--their children, their dogs, their homes, their jobs. In time, they view us as their friends." Carol adds: "On a later visit, we give them our names and ask for theirs. We let them know what we are doing in the neighbourhood but keep the conversations brief. Eventually, we can give them a witness." Tom and Carol have won the confidence of many of their neighbours. A good number have accepted Bible-based publications, and a few have shown greater interest in learning the truth.”

The Jehovah’s Witnesses indoctrinated objective is not to be a sincere friend to those who are outside of the organization, but rather to give the appearance of one, so as to be able to preach to a person the Watchtower Society’s 'truth' - “give them a witness”. There may be a Jehovah's Witness you know that is a true friend despite this teaching of their leaders (Referred to by Jehovah’s Witnesses as 'The Governing Body'). Nonetheless, this is the message, the practice, and the so-called love Jehovah’s Witnesses are trained to show to those whom they label as ‘worldly people’.

Furthermore, remember the “Bible-based publications” mentioned in the quoted paragraph are more magazines, books and the like, that are published by the Watchtower Society. It is their interpretation and their twist on matters, which when accepted by an outsider, is seen as taking an interest in “the truth”. This so called 'truth' is the current or present truth as taught by the Watchtower Society. Remember though, that 'truth' can often change, this includes returning to an older belief they once had, as seen in the Watchtower Society’s teachings of ‘generation’ or the resurrection of the men of Sodom and Gomorrah.

Jehovah’s Witnesses are in the bait and switch game, whether conscience of the fact or not. They bait or lure individuals under a false premise or pretense in order to ultimately make more converts under an organization in which they are programmed to perceive as 'the truth'. That victum is love bombed and praised by members for taking the bait. Once indoctrinated enough, a switch occurs ever so subtly and the person must be a loyal member to the organization, or else suffer at the very least mental and emotional anguish.

Fact of the matter is a game has been played on them by the Watchtower Society. It continues to be played now, as it has been played throughout the organization’s history. That same quoted paragraph appropriately stated the Jehovah’s Witnesses “won the confidence” of those around them. In the Watchtower Society’s game, they are trying to ‘win’ everybody’s confidence.

The Watchtower Society convinces individual members to believe they have choice, they have freedom, but the reality is the members are taught severe consequence; including the ingrained notion and belief that they will die eternally and fall out of God’s favor should they not follow the organization. The bait of choice and freedom is switched to a trap of the mind and heart.

The bait of a façade love and friendship is switched (realized or not), with a real guilt and fear. The consequence of either a literal or believed losing of everything and everyone, should you even attempt to no longer be a member of the organization. It is the ultimate bait and switch, encompassing the kind of friendship no one should be interested in having as part of their life.

Enoch’s "Death"

Watchtower Society doctrine stipulates that only a literal 144,000 individuals go to heaven when they physically die. Their version of the Bible, The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures is used in conjunction with systematic cherry picking of verses and convenient interpretation of passage to stipulate that the remaining members who are worthy of everlasting life will be resurrected and bound to the Earth only.

Members who do not make up the 144,000 include faithful servants of God prior to Jesus Christ. All of those individuals will make up in part, those who will live forever upon the Earth according to the Watchtower Society doctrine. However, once again the Watchtower Society's own literature works against them as Enoch is one such individual who would fall into this category. Interestingly, the Watchtower, July 15, 2009 issue – which was studied in Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Halls on Sunday, September 27, 2009 -- Paragraph 5, page 20, makes the following statements:

“This enmity quickly became evident when Abel, a righteous man, was killed by his brother. Later, enmity was directed against Enoch, another faithful man who lived before the Flood. He prophesied that God would come with HIS holy myriads to execute judgment against the ungodly. (Jude 14, 15) This message was certainly not a popular one. People hated Enoch and evidently would have murdered him had Jehovah not cut his life short. What boldness Enoch displayed! - Gen 5:21-24.”


According to the Watchtower Society, Jehovah cut his life short – killed him – to avoid being murdered. This on the surface may appear to be wonderful to a Jehovah’s Witness as God took Enoch away from persecution and he will receive Everlasting Life on a Paradise Earth, according to their beliefs as established by the Watchtower Society.

The reality is that reasoning doesn’t make sense. It would be the same as saying, “People hated Enoch and evidently would have cut his life short had Jehovah not murdered him.” Or, it could also be worded as: “People hated Enoch and evidently would have murdered him had Jehovah not murdered him”.

Looking at the New World Translation, what the Bible verse actually states at Genesis 5:24, is the following:

"And E´noch kept walking with the [true] God. Then he was no more, for God took him."


All the Bible verse stipulates is that “God took him”. The Watchtower Society conjecturing as to why God performed such action is to take focus away from the real issue that statement poses. The verse does not indicate why or in what manner, but just that God took him. Other Bible translation such as the New International Version renders that verse as “God took [Enoch] away”. Nevertheless, let’s stick with the “God took him” statement.

Remember, Watchtower Society doctrine has Enoch living forever on the Earth and not in heaven. In Enoch's case, this means dying a physical death and being resurrected. This leaves quite a mess for the doctrine taught to Jehovah’s Witnesses in light of this Bible verse; especially, once you couple it with another Bible verse concerning Enoch. The Bible once again speaks of Enoch if you were to take a look in Hebrews 11: 5. There the Bible reads as follows as per the New World Translation:

"By faith E´noch was transferred so as not to see death, and he was nowhere to be found because God had transferred him; for before his transference he had the witness that he had pleased God well."


The Bible indicates Enoch did not see death, and he was nowhere to be found because God had transferred him. This phenomenon can easily be explained by most Christians as Enoch being swept up to heaven by God. Unfortunate for a Jehovah’s Witness, such an explanation is not possible as it goes against what their religion teaches as the truth.

The truth is the Bible provides a much more reasonable and sound basis for such statements to be made not to lean towards a physical death provided to Enoch by God so he may be resurrected to an everlasting life on Earth; rather, an eternal heavenly reward for his faithful service to God. The Bible plainly states Enoch did not see death. There is no resurrection from death to a so-called Paradise Earth in the future per Watchtower Society teachings; instead, he was transferred to the heavens without ever experiencing death.

Conclusively, this provides further proof and evidence of the Watchtower Society not interested in the real truth of the Bible. They’re only interested in having the members believe and support what they teach as ‘The Truth’.

Friendship with Jesus Christ

Jehovah’s Witness are taught that friendship with Jesus Christ is highly contingent upon their obedience and support of the Watchtower Society. This has been detailed in many of the Watchtower Society’s publications which Jehovah’s Witnesses are instructed to study and meditate upon.

Let’s take one example: The Watchtower from October 15, 2009 on page 15, under the subheading ‘Friendship with Christ Today’ states the following in paragraph 14:

"How, then can we be friends of Christ? One way is to obey the direction provided by the faithful and discreet slave class, which consists of Jesus' spirit-anointed brothers still alive on earth."


The “faithful and discreet slave class” as mentioned above, consists for Jehovah’s Witnesses of several men who reside in Brooklyn, NY who supposedly look over and approve all literature or ‘spiritual food’ provided to Jehovah’s Witnesses. They set doctrines such as not allowing the transfusion of whole blood, blood fractions are a conscience matter, no celebrating of holidays or birthdays and the shunning of former Jehovah’s Witnesses besides many other regulations and teachings.

It is sickening to think that one’s friendship with Jesus is conditioned with obedience to these men. The article does not stop there though. Continuing further in paragraph 17, this statement is made for Jehovah’s Witnesses to believe as truth:

"A second way that those of the other sheep class can help Christ's brothers is by financially supporting the preaching work."


While Kingdom Halls of Jehovah’s Witnesses will not ‘pass around plates’ so to speak, there are ‘contribution boxes’ found throughout their places of worship. While such monetary contribution may appear on the surface to be voluntary, what is being taught is if you want to be a friend of Jesus you will financially support the preaching work. The Watchtower Society has been masters over many years of causing Jehovah’s Witnesses to ‘read between the lines’ of the indoctrinating messages they dispense in their literature such as the Watchtower. This is just another example of one of them.

If the high level control has not enforced itself enough with this study article for Jehovah’s Witnesses, the next paragraph drives the obedience and support of the Watchtower Society organization home once more. Paragraph 18 brings the following admonition and instructions:

"A third way that all of us prove that we are friends of Christ is by cooperating with the direction provided by congregation elders."
&
"When we overlook the faults of the elders and joyfully follow their directions, we prove our love for Christ."


As if obedience to the men in Brooklyn, NY were not enough along with the financial support of the organization’s preaching work of distributing their literature and asking for money in order to solidify friendship with Jesus, Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught that cooperating with the Elders including overlooking their faults and following their directions is what proves your love for Him.

To be friends of Jesus Christ and to prove your love for Him, requires your obedience and support of the Watchtower Society. How convenient for the organization and how terribly controlling for its members.

How much so it contradicts the Bible which clearly states Jesus’ words regarding love and friendship. Even in the Watchtower Society’s version of the Bible, The New World Translation states in John 15: 13-15:

“No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his soul in behalf of his friends. YOU are my friends if YOU do what I am commanding YOU. I no longer call YOU slaves, because a slave does not know what his master does. But I have called YOU friends, because all the things I have heard from my Father I have made known to YOU.”


Jesus never mentioned obedience to an organization as being a stipulation on whether or not he would be friends with an individual. Never was there any hint of financially support a 19th century started publishing company in order to show love or have His friendship either. Furthermore, the notion of going along and joyfully following the directions of elders in the religion of Jehovah’s Witnesses in order to prove one’s love for Jesus is so far gone from anything that Christ taught.

It is clearly evident that while the Watchtower Society may print articles respecting ‘Friendship with Jesus’, what their real motive reveals is a controlling, manipulative message of obedience and support of their organization.