Terminology and concepts for a Jehovah's Witness can vary greatly then that of someone who is familiar with traditional Christianity and/or the Bible. The Watchtower Society has provided a vocabulary to Jehovah's Witnesses which consist of ideas and concepts from their own interpretation and at times their own unique rendering of scriptural verses. Some of these twisted teachings are as follows:
Death
Watchtower Society = A state of non-existence, sleep, deny an immaterial soul and/or spirit.
Christianity = Soul and spirit remain conscious after physical death.
Reference: Matthew 10:28; Luke 23:43; 2 Corinthians 5:8; Revelation 6:9.
God
Watchtower Society = Jehovah.
Christianity = The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Reference: Matthew 28:19.
Hell
Watchtower Society = The common grave of mankind, no conscious existence and/or punishment.
Christianity = Eternal separation from God, conscious everlasting punishment.
Reference: Matthew 25:41, 46.
Holy Spirit
Watchtower Society = God’s active force, impersonal.
Christianity = Third member of Trinity, fully God, personal.
Reference: Acts 5:3-4, 8:29, 13:2; 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; Ephesians 4:30.
Jesus Christ
Watchtower Society = First created being by Jehovah, a god, Michael the Archangel.
Christianity = Fully God and fully man, equal to the Father in nature, eternal, omnipotent Creator.
Reference: John 1:1*, 5:18, 20:28.
*The Watchtower Society’s New World Translation renders this verse "a god". However, obtain their ‘The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures’ from 1969 and lookup the passage.
Resurrection of Christ
Watchtower Society = Rose as a spirit being.
Christianity = Rose in physical body.
Reference: John 2:19-21; Luke 24:36-39.
Salvation
Watchtower Society = Living forever on a restored earth, or Paradise.
Christianity = Eternal life in heaven in the presence of God.
Reference: Philippians 3:20.
Second Coming of Christ
Watchtower Society = Occurred invisibly in 1914.
Christianity = A future event that will be plainly visible.
Reference: Matthew 24:27, 30; Revelation 1:7.
The Watchtower Society's twisted teachings are presented as absolute fact and "the truth" to Jehovah's Witnesses and others. By reading the scriptural passages without the influence of the Watchtower Society, does one reach the same conclusions as taught by them?
According to the Watchtower, August 15, 1981 issue, 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..."
Within their own literature, the Watchtower Society states if you read the Bible exclusively or in small groups at your home, you will come to the doctrines taught by "Christendom". Why is that the case? If you read the Bible exclusively, should you not come to the teachings taught by the Watchtower Society? The truth is the Watchtower Society's teachings are twisted, and the Watchtower quote above is their own admission to the facts.
Is it any wonder then, that the Watchtower Society also instructs Jehovah's Witnesses in the following way?
From 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."
Read the Bible for yourself without the influence of the Watchtower Society. A few scriptures are referenced above for some teachings. Do the readings, do the research, and prove it to you.
Showing posts with label Jehovah's. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jehovah's. Show all posts
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Mediator...For Less Than 10,000
In Christianity, Jesus is the mediator for all mankind. The Bible states at 1 Timothy 2: 5, 6:
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all”
However, the Watchtower Society doctrine on the matter differs from what the scriptures state. It is summed up 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.”
Further explanation of their stance by the Watchtower Society can be seen in such articles as the Watchtower November 15, 1979, page 27, 'One Mediator Between God and Men':
"They recognize that they are not spiritual Israelites in the new covenant mediated by Jesus Christ, nor part of the “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.”...Yet they do benefit from the operation of the new covenant. They benefit from this just as, in ancient Israel, the “alien resident” benefited from residing in among the Israelites who were in the Law covenant...To keep in relationship with “our Savior, God,” the “great crowd” needs to remain united with the remnant of spiritual Israelites."
Most congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses do not have these "spiritual Isrealities" [Also called "The Anointed" by the Watchtower Society] within their midst. Even congregations which do have "The Anointed", they are not the ones who provide directions to Jehovah's Witnesses. It is the Governing Body; a select few older men located in Brooklyn, NY who serve as the leaders and provides the doctrine and teachings for Jehovah's Witnesses which they must follow. Under the terminology "Faithful and Discreet Slave Class" these older men are the ones who in effect serve as a mediator for Jehovah's Witnesses. They are taught to believe that direction and instruction coming from the "Faithful and Discreet Slave Class" is coming from God.
The most significant reason the Watchtower Society teaches Jesus mediating only for the Anointed is that the Bible shows the New Covenant setup by Jesus Christ provides a heavenly resurrection, and the doctrine of the Watchtower Society is only 144,000 will have a resurrection to heaven. Therefore, Jesus as a mediator is only applicable to them.
This whole notion still taught today by the Watchtower Society was started by the Watchtower Society's second president, 'Judge' Rutherford. The Watchtower April 1, 1934 on page 104 states the following:
"Christ Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant toward his own brethren, that is to say, spiritual Israel, during the period of time God is taking out from the nations a people for his name."
It was the idea and belief of one man - Rutherford - which is still taught as truth by Jehovah's Witnesses today. Rutherford naturally aligned himself as being one of the anointed. This assists in the belief of salvation being dependent on belonging to the organization. The organization is supposedly led by anointed men and/or they "appoint" those who take the lead, those not of the anointed or not appointed need to follow those who fall into such categories.
Nevertheless, once again the scriptures are clear on the matter of mediator...
1 Timothy 2:5, 6:
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all”
The Jehovah’s Witnesses annual report for 2008 shows 9,986 as being of the anointed. Those are the only ones who have Jesus as their Mediator according to Watchtower Society's teaching. All other Jehovah's Witnesses are without a mediator, and are given an organization to follow.
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all”
However, the Watchtower Society doctrine on the matter differs from what the scriptures state. It is summed up 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.”
Further explanation of their stance by the Watchtower Society can be seen in such articles as the Watchtower November 15, 1979, page 27, 'One Mediator Between God and Men':
"They recognize that they are not spiritual Israelites in the new covenant mediated by Jesus Christ, nor part of the “chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.”...Yet they do benefit from the operation of the new covenant. They benefit from this just as, in ancient Israel, the “alien resident” benefited from residing in among the Israelites who were in the Law covenant...To keep in relationship with “our Savior, God,” the “great crowd” needs to remain united with the remnant of spiritual Israelites."
Most congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses do not have these "spiritual Isrealities" [Also called "The Anointed" by the Watchtower Society] within their midst. Even congregations which do have "The Anointed", they are not the ones who provide directions to Jehovah's Witnesses. It is the Governing Body; a select few older men located in Brooklyn, NY who serve as the leaders and provides the doctrine and teachings for Jehovah's Witnesses which they must follow. Under the terminology "Faithful and Discreet Slave Class" these older men are the ones who in effect serve as a mediator for Jehovah's Witnesses. They are taught to believe that direction and instruction coming from the "Faithful and Discreet Slave Class" is coming from God.
The most significant reason the Watchtower Society teaches Jesus mediating only for the Anointed is that the Bible shows the New Covenant setup by Jesus Christ provides a heavenly resurrection, and the doctrine of the Watchtower Society is only 144,000 will have a resurrection to heaven. Therefore, Jesus as a mediator is only applicable to them.
This whole notion still taught today by the Watchtower Society was started by the Watchtower Society's second president, 'Judge' Rutherford. The Watchtower April 1, 1934 on page 104 states the following:
"Christ Jesus is the mediator of the new covenant toward his own brethren, that is to say, spiritual Israel, during the period of time God is taking out from the nations a people for his name."
It was the idea and belief of one man - Rutherford - which is still taught as truth by Jehovah's Witnesses today. Rutherford naturally aligned himself as being one of the anointed. This assists in the belief of salvation being dependent on belonging to the organization. The organization is supposedly led by anointed men and/or they "appoint" those who take the lead, those not of the anointed or not appointed need to follow those who fall into such categories.
Nevertheless, once again the scriptures are clear on the matter of mediator...
1 Timothy 2:5, 6:
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man, Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all”
The Jehovah’s Witnesses annual report for 2008 shows 9,986 as being of the anointed. Those are the only ones who have Jesus as their Mediator according to Watchtower Society's teaching. All other Jehovah's Witnesses are without a mediator, and are given an organization to follow.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Die Twice?
All Jehovah's Witnesses are well aware of the teachings of the Watchtower Society concerning the dead, the resurrection, and the "final test". According to Watchtower Society teaching, after Armageddon there will be the resurrections of both righteous and unrighteous people to the Earth. The unrighteous will need to be taught about Jehovah and Jesus. All resurrected ones and survivors of Armageddon will be raised to perfection on the Earth. At the end of 1,000 years, Satan will perform one final test to turn people away from Jehovah. For those who follow Satan during this last test, they will be executed and destroyed forever.
The following statements for those not familiar with such teachings are found in the Watchtower Society publication Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life:
Page 186, paragraph 15:
"But two distinct groups will be resurrected—the righteous and the unrighteous."
Page 186, paragraph 17:
"The unrighteous will come back to a beautiful and peaceful earth. They will be welcomed by a people well organized to teach them about Jehovah and his reigning Son, Jesus Christ."
Page 187, paragraph 19:
"...all sin will be removed and mankind will be raised to perfection."
Page 190, paragraph 21:
"Perfect humans will face one final test. At the end of the Millennium, Satan and his demons will be released from the abyss for a short time and will be permitted to make a final effort to turn people away from Jehovah. Some will put wrong desires above love of God, but this rebellion will be cut short. Jehovah will execute these selfish ones along with Satan and all his demons. All wrongdoers will then be gone forever."
Again, for those Satan successfully misleads, God will execute them for all eternity. The reality of the Watchtower Society's teaching is an individual person may DIE TWICE as a human on the Earth. First was their death prior to the resurrection, and the second time as stated in the aforementioned scenario of the "final test".
What does the Bible teach?
Even according to the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, it teaches the following:
Hebrews 9:27: "And as it is reserved for men to die once for all time, but after this a judgment"
The Bible states it is reserved for men to DIE ONCE FOR ALL TIME. Not die once, be resurrected and die again if judged to have failed a final test.
Watchtower Society doctrine and teaching contradicts what even their own translation of the scriptures state.
The following statements for those not familiar with such teachings are found in the Watchtower Society publication Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life:
Page 186, paragraph 15:
"But two distinct groups will be resurrected—the righteous and the unrighteous."
Page 186, paragraph 17:
"The unrighteous will come back to a beautiful and peaceful earth. They will be welcomed by a people well organized to teach them about Jehovah and his reigning Son, Jesus Christ."
Page 187, paragraph 19:
"...all sin will be removed and mankind will be raised to perfection."
Page 190, paragraph 21:
"Perfect humans will face one final test. At the end of the Millennium, Satan and his demons will be released from the abyss for a short time and will be permitted to make a final effort to turn people away from Jehovah. Some will put wrong desires above love of God, but this rebellion will be cut short. Jehovah will execute these selfish ones along with Satan and all his demons. All wrongdoers will then be gone forever."
Again, for those Satan successfully misleads, God will execute them for all eternity. The reality of the Watchtower Society's teaching is an individual person may DIE TWICE as a human on the Earth. First was their death prior to the resurrection, and the second time as stated in the aforementioned scenario of the "final test".
What does the Bible teach?
Even according to the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, it teaches the following:
Hebrews 9:27: "And as it is reserved for men to die once for all time, but after this a judgment"
The Bible states it is reserved for men to DIE ONCE FOR ALL TIME. Not die once, be resurrected and die again if judged to have failed a final test.
Watchtower Society doctrine and teaching contradicts what even their own translation of the scriptures state.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The Watchtower – A Part of the Bible?
The December 15, 2008 Watchtower on page 28 states:
“Our coming to know “the truth” – the entire body of Christian teachings that has become part of the Bible – and adhering to it are essential for salvation.”
“The truth” refers to all the teachings and doctrines of the Watchtower Society. Of course, the Watchtower Society instructions to Jehovah’s Witnesses include the notion that their teachings encompass “the entire body of Christian teachings”.
Respecting the statement quoted above not only is the Watchtower Society claiming that following their teachings are essential for salvation, additionally “the entire body of Christian teachings” such as information and doctrine found in the Watchtower magazine, has become part of the Bible.
What is the Scriptural viewpoint of such a claim?
Deuteronomy 4:2 – “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”
Deuteronomy 12:32 – “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.”
Proverbs 30:5-6 – “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”
Revelation 22:18-19 – “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”
What organization continues to add to the Word of God?
Between the two, what should a person follow… the Word of God or the Watchtower Society?
“Our coming to know “the truth” – the entire body of Christian teachings that has become part of the Bible – and adhering to it are essential for salvation.”
“The truth” refers to all the teachings and doctrines of the Watchtower Society. Of course, the Watchtower Society instructions to Jehovah’s Witnesses include the notion that their teachings encompass “the entire body of Christian teachings”.
Respecting the statement quoted above not only is the Watchtower Society claiming that following their teachings are essential for salvation, additionally “the entire body of Christian teachings” such as information and doctrine found in the Watchtower magazine, has become part of the Bible.
What is the Scriptural viewpoint of such a claim?
Deuteronomy 4:2 – “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”
Deuteronomy 12:32 – “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.”
Proverbs 30:5-6 – “Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.”
Revelation 22:18-19 – “For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”
What organization continues to add to the Word of God?
Between the two, what should a person follow… the Word of God or the Watchtower Society?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Flip-Flops
The Watchtower Society focuses on the scripture in Proverbs 4:18 as support of their changing or developing doctrines. That verse states:
"But the path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established."
Far from being justification for an organization's change in doctrine, the verse when read in its context (In other words, read the entire chapter) concerns advice from a father to his children. It is not to be taken in part as an excuse or a crutch to be used by an organization for modification of their teachings.
Nonetheless, we will go along with the notion that Proverbs 4:18 is justification for light of an organization getting brighter - aka - explanation for a complete change in doctrine. The problem though with this and as Jehovah's Witnesses should be aware of is the light should always become brighter and understanding clearer. Jehovah certainly would not lead His organization back to an old teaching! Even more so, He would not lead an organization into spiritual darkness on a matter for decades. That just would not make any sense.
What do the facts prove?
Organ Transplants...
-1961 = Conscience choice.
[Watchtower August 1, 1961 'Question from Readers']
-1967 = Cannibalistic.
[Watchtower November 15, 1967 ‘Questions from Readers’]
-1980 = Conscience choice.
[Watchtower March 15, 1980, page 31]
So, the light in 1967 becomes brighter than it was in 1961 and Jehovah's Witnesses are taught Organ Transplants are now cannibalistic. However, 13 years later the light becomes brighter again and in 1980, Jehovah's Witnesses are taught Organ Transplants are no longer cannibalistic but a conscience choice, which is actually returning back to their previous stance in 1961.
Resurrection of the Men of Sodom...
-1879 = Yes.
[Watchtower July 1879, page 8]
-1952 = No.
[Watchtower June 1, 1952, page 338]
-1965 = Yes.
[Watchtower August 1, 1965, page 479]
-1982 = Yes.
[Live Forever Paradise Earth 1982 edition, page 179]
-1988 = No.
[Watchtower June 1, 1988 page 31]
-1988 = Yes.
[Insight on the Scriptures Volume 2, page 985]
-1989 = No.
[Our Kingdom Ministry, December 1989, page 7]
-1989 = No.
[Live Forever Paradise Earth 1989 edition, page 179]
The number of times the Watchtower Society's teaching changes concerning the resurrection of the Men of Sodom is staggering. Does the above read as divine direction, "brighter light" coming from Jehovah, or just an organization haphazardly guessing and arbitrarily deciding what to teach?
Superior Authorities (Romans 13:1)...
-1886 = Worldly Governments or Authorities
[Studies in the Scriptures Series I - The Divine Plan of the Ages (1886 edition) page 250]
-1916 = Worldly Governments or Authorities
[Studies in the Scriptures Series I - The Divine Plan of the Ages (1916 edition) page 266]
-1929 = Jehovah God and Jesus Christ
[Watchtower June 1 and June 15, 1929]
-1950 = Jehovah God and Jesus Christ
[This Means Everlasting Life (1950) page 197]
-1962 = Worldly Governments or Authorities
[Babylon the Great Has Fallen! God's Kingdom Rules! (1962) page 548]
-1990 = Worldly Governments or Authorities
[Watchtower November 1, 1990, page 11]
So the "Superior Authorities" were Worldly Governments or Authorities from 1886-1929. From 1929-1962 new light flashed forth making the "Superior Authorities" Jehovah and Jesus. Then finally more new light flashing forth brought the teachings of “Super Authorities” to Jehovah's Witnesses from 1962 onward back to the original teaching of 1886.
This Generation (Mathew 24:34)...
-1927 = The Anointed
[Watchtower February 15, 1927 page 62]
-1942 = Anyone alive to see 1914
[Watchtower July 1, 1942 page 204]
-1995 = Wicked People alive today
[Watchtower November 1, 1995 page 19]
-2008 = The Anointed
[Watchtower February 15, 2008 page 24]
From an analysis of the Watchtower Society’s teaching concerning "This Generation" as recorded in Matthew, it was first ‘correct’ in 1927. But brighter light caused it to become an incorrect teaching of a couple of different things over the course of 81 years, only to return back to the original ‘correct’ 1927 teaching. Again, why would God direct His organization in such a fashion?
While the Watchtower Society loves to focus attention to Proverbs 4:18, perhaps Jehovah's Witnesses should be paying more attention to the verse that follows it. In Proverbs 4:19 it states:
"The way of the wicked ones is like the gloom; they have not known at what they keep stumbling."
Based on the facts above, which scripture better describes the teachings of the Watchtower Society?
"But the path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established."
Far from being justification for an organization's change in doctrine, the verse when read in its context (In other words, read the entire chapter) concerns advice from a father to his children. It is not to be taken in part as an excuse or a crutch to be used by an organization for modification of their teachings.
Nonetheless, we will go along with the notion that Proverbs 4:18 is justification for light of an organization getting brighter - aka - explanation for a complete change in doctrine. The problem though with this and as Jehovah's Witnesses should be aware of is the light should always become brighter and understanding clearer. Jehovah certainly would not lead His organization back to an old teaching! Even more so, He would not lead an organization into spiritual darkness on a matter for decades. That just would not make any sense.
What do the facts prove?
Organ Transplants...
-1961 = Conscience choice.
[Watchtower August 1, 1961 'Question from Readers']
-1967 = Cannibalistic.
[Watchtower November 15, 1967 ‘Questions from Readers’]
-1980 = Conscience choice.
[Watchtower March 15, 1980, page 31]
So, the light in 1967 becomes brighter than it was in 1961 and Jehovah's Witnesses are taught Organ Transplants are now cannibalistic. However, 13 years later the light becomes brighter again and in 1980, Jehovah's Witnesses are taught Organ Transplants are no longer cannibalistic but a conscience choice, which is actually returning back to their previous stance in 1961.
Resurrection of the Men of Sodom...
-1879 = Yes.
[Watchtower July 1879, page 8]
-1952 = No.
[Watchtower June 1, 1952, page 338]
-1965 = Yes.
[Watchtower August 1, 1965, page 479]
-1982 = Yes.
[Live Forever Paradise Earth 1982 edition, page 179]
-1988 = No.
[Watchtower June 1, 1988 page 31]
-1988 = Yes.
[Insight on the Scriptures Volume 2, page 985]
-1989 = No.
[Our Kingdom Ministry, December 1989, page 7]
-1989 = No.
[Live Forever Paradise Earth 1989 edition, page 179]
The number of times the Watchtower Society's teaching changes concerning the resurrection of the Men of Sodom is staggering. Does the above read as divine direction, "brighter light" coming from Jehovah, or just an organization haphazardly guessing and arbitrarily deciding what to teach?
Superior Authorities (Romans 13:1)...
-1886 = Worldly Governments or Authorities
[Studies in the Scriptures Series I - The Divine Plan of the Ages (1886 edition) page 250]
-1916 = Worldly Governments or Authorities
[Studies in the Scriptures Series I - The Divine Plan of the Ages (1916 edition) page 266]
-1929 = Jehovah God and Jesus Christ
[Watchtower June 1 and June 15, 1929]
-1950 = Jehovah God and Jesus Christ
[This Means Everlasting Life (1950) page 197]
-1962 = Worldly Governments or Authorities
[Babylon the Great Has Fallen! God's Kingdom Rules! (1962) page 548]
-1990 = Worldly Governments or Authorities
[Watchtower November 1, 1990, page 11]
So the "Superior Authorities" were Worldly Governments or Authorities from 1886-1929. From 1929-1962 new light flashed forth making the "Superior Authorities" Jehovah and Jesus. Then finally more new light flashing forth brought the teachings of “Super Authorities” to Jehovah's Witnesses from 1962 onward back to the original teaching of 1886.
This Generation (Mathew 24:34)...
-1927 = The Anointed
[Watchtower February 15, 1927 page 62]
-1942 = Anyone alive to see 1914
[Watchtower July 1, 1942 page 204]
-1995 = Wicked People alive today
[Watchtower November 1, 1995 page 19]
-2008 = The Anointed
[Watchtower February 15, 2008 page 24]
From an analysis of the Watchtower Society’s teaching concerning "This Generation" as recorded in Matthew, it was first ‘correct’ in 1927. But brighter light caused it to become an incorrect teaching of a couple of different things over the course of 81 years, only to return back to the original ‘correct’ 1927 teaching. Again, why would God direct His organization in such a fashion?
While the Watchtower Society loves to focus attention to Proverbs 4:18, perhaps Jehovah's Witnesses should be paying more attention to the verse that follows it. In Proverbs 4:19 it states:
"The way of the wicked ones is like the gloom; they have not known at what they keep stumbling."
Based on the facts above, which scripture better describes the teachings of the Watchtower Society?
Monday, December 1, 2008
Faithful and Discreet Slave – Which One?
Group or Individual?
A. Always a close unified group “family”, not individuals scattered who took part with false religion and their teachings. [Watchtower January 15, 1975 page 46, 47; You Can Live Forever page 193]
B. Scattered individuals who took part in false religion being among weed-like Christendom. [Jehovah’s Witnesses: Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom page 44; Watchtower July 15, 1960 page 435]
Light?
A. Progressive light - It always gets brighter. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 14, page 435 bound volume]
B. Flickered out - Slave was in spiritual darkness - inactivity at one point - requiring restoration. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 17, page 435 bound volume; Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 20, page 436 bound volume]
Practices?
A. Slave remained as wheat shining bright as the sun. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 16, page 435 bound volume]
B. Beliefs and practices were the same as weed-like Christendom. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 18, page 436 bound volume]
Found to be?
A. Showing loyalty and integrity remaining strong in the true faith. Jesus Christ rewarded them when he returned invisibly. [Watchtower February 15, 1975 pages 109-111, bound volume]
B. Having garments polluted and unclean from being associated with apostasy for a very long time. Christ punished them and sent them into captivity. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 18, page 435 bound volume]
History?
A. The slave has been continuously feeding truth and existing for over 1900 years. [Watchtower March 1, 1981 page 24]
B. After the death of the Apostles, a great apostasy took over where the slave became mixed-up with Christendom. [Watchtower August 1, 1981 paragraph 6, page 23]
Established?
A. Jesus established the faithful and discreet slave class/organization in 33 C.E. [Watchtower, February 15, 1975 page 109, bound volume]
B. Russell established the faithful and discreet slave class/organization in the late 1870’s [Jehovah’s Witnesses: Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom page 44, 45]
Domination?
A. Remained loyal resulting in the evil slave never dominated them. [Watchtower, February 15, 1975 page 109, 110 bound volume]
B. Remained loyal but become part of weed-like Christendom and temporarily disappeared from view. [Watchtower July 1, 1994 page 5]
Kingdom interest?
A. Jehovah God would not put Kingdom interest in the hands of spiritual babes or a novice organization. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 page 436, bound volume]
B. Jehovah God placed all His kingdom interest in the hands of a novice organization, which supposedly just emerged from but still held on to many beliefs and practices of weed-like Christendom in addition to Pagan teachings which originated from other places. [Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Divine Purpose, page 91].
Feeding?
A. Slave fed itself as well as every generation thereafter with all members of the slave being fed well spiritually. [Watchtower January 15, 1975 page 46, bound volume]
B. Slave unable to feed anyone as they were scattered or isolated with the death of the Apostles and associating with false religion. They needed to come into historic view again. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 page 435, bound volume; Watchtower February 15, 1980 paragraph 12, page 16]
After captivity?
A. In 1919, released and blessed with greater privileges since they were now cleansed from any religious defilement. [Watchtower July 1, 1982 paragraph 21, page 24]
B. In 1919, the slave continued to lead and promote Pagan ideas and practices for decades later. [Watchtower January 1, 1940 page 16; Jehovah’s Witnesses: Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom, page 198]
Restoration?
A. Restored in the late nineteenth century, the slave was revived. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 page 435 Bound Volume]
B. There was no unified slave to receive the light, in turn, unable to restore the truth that was lost since they had disappeared from view. [Watchtower July 1, 1994 page 5]
God works?
A. Only though an organization – The Bible can not be understood or interpreted by individuals regardless of the amount of Bible reading they may perform. [Watchtower October 1, 1994 page 8; You Can Live Forever page 193]
B. By means of giving Russell the ability to comprehend and interpret scripture, God worked through Russell to restore truth which was lost for centuries prior. “He revived the great truths...He was permitted to understand it…The promise of the Lord was fulfilled in him.” [Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Divine Plan, page 17]
All the above statements are taught by the so-called Faithful and Discreet Slave Class in the aforementioned publications and many others from the Watchtower Society. It highlights the confusing and contradictory history taught by the Watchtower Society in describing the Faithful and Discreet Slave. Not only is there major fault in the opposing views, but many of the statements individually are false. Do the research and insist to know “The Truth”.
A. Always a close unified group “family”, not individuals scattered who took part with false religion and their teachings. [Watchtower January 15, 1975 page 46, 47; You Can Live Forever page 193]
B. Scattered individuals who took part in false religion being among weed-like Christendom. [Jehovah’s Witnesses: Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom page 44; Watchtower July 15, 1960 page 435]
Light?
A. Progressive light - It always gets brighter. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 14, page 435 bound volume]
B. Flickered out - Slave was in spiritual darkness - inactivity at one point - requiring restoration. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 17, page 435 bound volume; Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 20, page 436 bound volume]
Practices?
A. Slave remained as wheat shining bright as the sun. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 16, page 435 bound volume]
B. Beliefs and practices were the same as weed-like Christendom. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 18, page 436 bound volume]
Found to be?
A. Showing loyalty and integrity remaining strong in the true faith. Jesus Christ rewarded them when he returned invisibly. [Watchtower February 15, 1975 pages 109-111, bound volume]
B. Having garments polluted and unclean from being associated with apostasy for a very long time. Christ punished them and sent them into captivity. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 paragraph 18, page 435 bound volume]
History?
A. The slave has been continuously feeding truth and existing for over 1900 years. [Watchtower March 1, 1981 page 24]
B. After the death of the Apostles, a great apostasy took over where the slave became mixed-up with Christendom. [Watchtower August 1, 1981 paragraph 6, page 23]
Established?
A. Jesus established the faithful and discreet slave class/organization in 33 C.E. [Watchtower, February 15, 1975 page 109, bound volume]
B. Russell established the faithful and discreet slave class/organization in the late 1870’s [Jehovah’s Witnesses: Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom page 44, 45]
Domination?
A. Remained loyal resulting in the evil slave never dominated them. [Watchtower, February 15, 1975 page 109, 110 bound volume]
B. Remained loyal but become part of weed-like Christendom and temporarily disappeared from view. [Watchtower July 1, 1994 page 5]
Kingdom interest?
A. Jehovah God would not put Kingdom interest in the hands of spiritual babes or a novice organization. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 page 436, bound volume]
B. Jehovah God placed all His kingdom interest in the hands of a novice organization, which supposedly just emerged from but still held on to many beliefs and practices of weed-like Christendom in addition to Pagan teachings which originated from other places. [Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Divine Purpose, page 91].
Feeding?
A. Slave fed itself as well as every generation thereafter with all members of the slave being fed well spiritually. [Watchtower January 15, 1975 page 46, bound volume]
B. Slave unable to feed anyone as they were scattered or isolated with the death of the Apostles and associating with false religion. They needed to come into historic view again. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 page 435, bound volume; Watchtower February 15, 1980 paragraph 12, page 16]
After captivity?
A. In 1919, released and blessed with greater privileges since they were now cleansed from any religious defilement. [Watchtower July 1, 1982 paragraph 21, page 24]
B. In 1919, the slave continued to lead and promote Pagan ideas and practices for decades later. [Watchtower January 1, 1940 page 16; Jehovah’s Witnesses: Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom, page 198]
Restoration?
A. Restored in the late nineteenth century, the slave was revived. [Watchtower July 15, 1960 page 435 Bound Volume]
B. There was no unified slave to receive the light, in turn, unable to restore the truth that was lost since they had disappeared from view. [Watchtower July 1, 1994 page 5]
God works?
A. Only though an organization – The Bible can not be understood or interpreted by individuals regardless of the amount of Bible reading they may perform. [Watchtower October 1, 1994 page 8; You Can Live Forever page 193]
B. By means of giving Russell the ability to comprehend and interpret scripture, God worked through Russell to restore truth which was lost for centuries prior. “He revived the great truths...He was permitted to understand it…The promise of the Lord was fulfilled in him.” [Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Divine Plan, page 17]
All the above statements are taught by the so-called Faithful and Discreet Slave Class in the aforementioned publications and many others from the Watchtower Society. It highlights the confusing and contradictory history taught by the Watchtower Society in describing the Faithful and Discreet Slave. Not only is there major fault in the opposing views, but many of the statements individually are false. Do the research and insist to know “The Truth”.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
1914 - Part I: 607 B.C.
For Jehovah’s Witnesses, the year 1914 is seen as a pivotal year in which a number of their perceived beliefs and prophecy came to fulfillment and is intrinsically linked to a series of other teachings as well. If their interpretation as provided and instructed by the Watchtower Society for the year 1914 is false, it would result in not exclusively of but at the very least inclusively of the following:
1. Preaching a False Gospel – Jehovah's Witnesses preach that in 1914 Jesus started an "invisible presence" of being enthroned King. If the 1914 timeline is false, then what Jehovah's Witnesses are preaching about Jesus is not true.
2. Not Chosen - If 1914 is not a significant year in biblical prophecy, than linking it to 1918/1919 is also incorrect. Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught by the Watchtower Society that they were the chosen in 1918/1919. No 1914 = No 1918/1919 = No chosen organization.
3. False Prophecy - If 1914 is not a biblical significant year, than the start of the end of times and the beginning of critical times with a soon to be ushered in Armageddon after a Great Tribulation shortly takes place is all guess work, no better than another person’s opinion, and ultimately proves false.
As mentioned earlier, there are several beliefs which encompass 1914 as being such a pivotal year per the Watchtower Society. This entry will focus on the relation to 607 B.C.
According to the Watchtower Society, the significance of 1914 includes the following events:
-God ending rulership through His chosen people, the Jewish Nation in the year 607 B.C. This year is marked by the Watchtower Society and taught to Jehovah’s Witnesses as the year Jerusalem fell.
-A time period of 2520 years passes [By the Watchtower Society cross referencing a couple of unrelated scriptures with the notion of interpretation that the scriptures are related, they are able to establish 2520 years].
- After the 2520 year time period we’re brought to God restoring his Kingdom, but this time in heaven as opposed to the earth in 1914 and placing Christ as King.
The simple math for the above is 2520 – 607 = 1913 + 1 [No “zero” year] = 1914.
For the sake of argument, we will ignore in this entry all of the prior false teachings and prophecies which included a number of different years which was taught to Jehovah’s Witnesses that Jesus began ruling and when the end would come.
Nevertheless, the problem with the above events, even if we are to completely agree with the Watchtower Society’s methods of arriving to 2520 years that is used for calculation, is that the year 607 B.C. is completely a fabricated year for when Jerusalem fell. Every historical record including archeological discovery attest to Jerusalem falling between 587 and 586 B.C.
What may be more devastating for a Jehovah’s Witness and as is the case with many of the Watchtower Society’s false or contradictory teachings, using the Bible along with the Watchtower Society’s own publications proves their teachings to be incorrect.
So let’s start…
When Jerusalem fell is documented in the Bible at 2 Kings 25:8-9:
"And in the fifth month on the seventh [day] of the month, that is to say, the nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, Nebuzaradan the chief of the bodyguard, the servant of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. And he proceeded to burn the house of Jehovah and the king's house and all the houses of Jerusalem; and the house of every great man he burned with fire."
The nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar rule is when Jerusalem fell.
What year is the nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar?
This can be deduced with the aid of referencing two of the Watchtower Society’s publications. The first publication is Insight on the Scriptures. On page 457 in Volume 2 under ‘Nabonidus’ it states the following:
"Last supreme monarch of the Babylonian Empire; father of Belshazzar. On the basis of cuneiform texts he is believed to have ruled some 17 years (556-539 B.C.E.). He was given to literature, art, and religion."
The second reference, the Watchtower Society's publication Babylon the Great Has Fallen - God's Kingdom Rules on page 184 it states:
"After reigning but two years King Evil-Merodach was murdered by his brother-in-law Neriglissar. According to the inscriptions that have been found, this usurper of the throne spent most of his time in building operations and reigned four years. When he died, his son Labashi-Marduk, though not yet of age, succeeded him. He was a vicious boy, and within nine months he had his throat cut by an assassin. Nabonidus, who had served as Governor of Babylon and who had been Nebuchadnezzar's favorite son-in-law, now took the throne and had a fairly glorious reign till Babylon fell in 539 B.C."
Take into consideration along with the above information that both Historical data and the Watchtower Society agree that Nebuchadnezzar ruled for a period of 43 years...
1. Preaching a False Gospel – Jehovah's Witnesses preach that in 1914 Jesus started an "invisible presence" of being enthroned King. If the 1914 timeline is false, then what Jehovah's Witnesses are preaching about Jesus is not true.
2. Not Chosen - If 1914 is not a significant year in biblical prophecy, than linking it to 1918/1919 is also incorrect. Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught by the Watchtower Society that they were the chosen in 1918/1919. No 1914 = No 1918/1919 = No chosen organization.
3. False Prophecy - If 1914 is not a biblical significant year, than the start of the end of times and the beginning of critical times with a soon to be ushered in Armageddon after a Great Tribulation shortly takes place is all guess work, no better than another person’s opinion, and ultimately proves false.
As mentioned earlier, there are several beliefs which encompass 1914 as being such a pivotal year per the Watchtower Society. This entry will focus on the relation to 607 B.C.
According to the Watchtower Society, the significance of 1914 includes the following events:
-God ending rulership through His chosen people, the Jewish Nation in the year 607 B.C. This year is marked by the Watchtower Society and taught to Jehovah’s Witnesses as the year Jerusalem fell.
-A time period of 2520 years passes [By the Watchtower Society cross referencing a couple of unrelated scriptures with the notion of interpretation that the scriptures are related, they are able to establish 2520 years].
- After the 2520 year time period we’re brought to God restoring his Kingdom, but this time in heaven as opposed to the earth in 1914 and placing Christ as King.
The simple math for the above is 2520 – 607 = 1913 + 1 [No “zero” year] = 1914.
For the sake of argument, we will ignore in this entry all of the prior false teachings and prophecies which included a number of different years which was taught to Jehovah’s Witnesses that Jesus began ruling and when the end would come.
Nevertheless, the problem with the above events, even if we are to completely agree with the Watchtower Society’s methods of arriving to 2520 years that is used for calculation, is that the year 607 B.C. is completely a fabricated year for when Jerusalem fell. Every historical record including archeological discovery attest to Jerusalem falling between 587 and 586 B.C.
What may be more devastating for a Jehovah’s Witness and as is the case with many of the Watchtower Society’s false or contradictory teachings, using the Bible along with the Watchtower Society’s own publications proves their teachings to be incorrect.
So let’s start…
When Jerusalem fell is documented in the Bible at 2 Kings 25:8-9:
"And in the fifth month on the seventh [day] of the month, that is to say, the nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon, Nebuzaradan the chief of the bodyguard, the servant of the king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem. And he proceeded to burn the house of Jehovah and the king's house and all the houses of Jerusalem; and the house of every great man he burned with fire."
The nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar rule is when Jerusalem fell.
What year is the nineteenth year of King Nebuchadnezzar?
This can be deduced with the aid of referencing two of the Watchtower Society’s publications. The first publication is Insight on the Scriptures. On page 457 in Volume 2 under ‘Nabonidus’ it states the following:
"Last supreme monarch of the Babylonian Empire; father of Belshazzar. On the basis of cuneiform texts he is believed to have ruled some 17 years (556-539 B.C.E.). He was given to literature, art, and religion."
The second reference, the Watchtower Society's publication Babylon the Great Has Fallen - God's Kingdom Rules on page 184 it states:
"After reigning but two years King Evil-Merodach was murdered by his brother-in-law Neriglissar. According to the inscriptions that have been found, this usurper of the throne spent most of his time in building operations and reigned four years. When he died, his son Labashi-Marduk, though not yet of age, succeeded him. He was a vicious boy, and within nine months he had his throat cut by an assassin. Nabonidus, who had served as Governor of Babylon and who had been Nebuchadnezzar's favorite son-in-law, now took the throne and had a fairly glorious reign till Babylon fell in 539 B.C."
Take into consideration along with the above information that both Historical data and the Watchtower Society agree that Nebuchadnezzar ruled for a period of 43 years...
Insight on the Scriptures, page 480 in Volume 2 under ‘Nebuchadnezzar’:
"Nebuchadnezzar ruled as king for 43 years"
Now let’s gather the above information...
539 B.C. = Year Babylon Fell
Prior to the fall of Babylon, the history of its rulership is as follows:
17 years = Rulership of Nabonidus
1 year (9 months) = Rulership of Labashi-Marduk
4 years = Rulership of Neriglissar
2 years = Rulership of Evil-Merodach
43 years = Rulership of Nebuchadnezzar
Doing the math with the above facts:
539 + 17 + 1 +4 + 2 + 43 = 606
NOTE: We add here because we are tracing back the years of rulership. During B.C. years to go back in history you add years, to go forward in history you subtract years.
Therefore, 606 B.C. would be the year Nebuchadnezzar starts to rule.
Going back to our scripture in 2 Kings 25: 8, 9, it was during Nebuchadnezzar’s 19th year that Jerusalem fell.
Doing that math:
606 - 19 = 587
NOTE: We subtract here because time is progressing during Nebuchadnezzar’s reign. The years decrease not increase, as we are calculating B.C. years and not A.D. years.
From the above, 587 B.C. would be the year Jerusalem fell.
It’s plain to see that simply by using two of the Watchtower Society’s own publications along with two verses from the Bible, one can prove the teaching of Jerusalem fallen on 607 B.C. which Jehovah’s Witnesses are taught to be accurate by the Watchtower Society is a lie. It is a teaching to support their doctrine and interpretation of scripture.
Consequently with the year 607 B.C. not being when Jerusalem fell, there is no arrival to 1914 as the year Jesus invisibly returned. Jehovah’s Witnesses are therefore preaching and teaching a false gospel. Furthermore, they are taught a gospel from a false teaching which originates not from a God spirit-directed organization, since without 1914, there is also no arriving to 1918/1919 as their organization being chosen by God as taught by the Watchtower Society.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Rape and the Watchtower Society
What has the Watchtower Society taught regarding the atrocious act of rape?
The Watchtower from January 15, 1964 on page 64 teaches this:
“Thus if a Christian woman does not cry out and does not put forth every effort to flee, she would be viewed as consenting to the violation. The Christian woman who wants to keep clean and obey God’s commandments, then, if faced with this situation today, needs to be courageous and to act on the suggestion made by the Scriptures and scream. Actually this counsel is for her welfare; for, if she should submit to the man’s passionate wishes, she would not only be consenting to fornication or adultery, but be plagued by the shame. There would be shame, not only from the repulsiveness of the experience, but of having been coerced into breaking God’s law by having sex connections with one other than a legal marriage mate.”
From such a viewpoint it would appear that God is so unmerciful and incompetent that He cannot read the victim’s heart and perceive that she is being raped and not participating in fornication. The Watchtower Society holds a position likening God to be someone who cannot see all things, including the circumstances that may inhibit a victim’s screams. Would God be ignorant of perhaps the paralyzing fear, shock, and the perpetrator’s hand over the victim’s mouth or around her throat?
Such bizarre and twisted reasoning does not end there. Additionally, in that same Watchtower article the Watchtower Society states the following:
“A Christian woman is entitled to fight for her virginity or marital fidelity to the death. Just how best she can defend herself against anyone who wants to defile her depends upon her courage and quick wits.”
Furthermore, The Watchtower from June 1, 1968 added:
“Would it be different if the man had a weapon and threatened to kill you if you did not submit? No, the Scriptures plainly state that Christians are under obligation to ‘flee from fornication.’ (1 Cor. 6:18) It is true that you face the possibility of death in this case.”
So rape is being equated with fornication by the Watchtower Society. Also, a woman must scream and fight being raped even if it means her death in order to not be guilty of fornication.
A year later though, it appears that the Watchtower Society had stopped equating rape and fornication through the ‘Aid to Bible Understanding’ publication from 1969:
“RAPE: Rape is defined as unlawful sexual intercourse without the woman’s consent, effected by force, duress, intimidation…” (p. 1374)
“FORNICATION: Sex relations by mutual agreement between two persons not married to each other.” (p. 601)
It seemed as if the Watchtower Society had final gathered some sense respecting their perspective of a woman being raped. Five years later, however, this appears not to be the case:
“If she did not scream she would be as good as dead anyhow…Also, that if she did not scream she would ruin her relationship with Jehovah God and the Christian congregation; that then she would be disfellowshipped or excommunicated from it and that this would be worse than being killed as far as she was concerned.” - From Awake! March 8, 1974, page 14.
Is this the teachings you would want applied towards your wife, daughter, mother or any other girl or woman you know? While a woman has the right to defend herself, should she be made to feel that she is better off dead if, for some reason, she could not or was prevented from screaming or physically overcoming her attacker? Better yet, if she does survive and failed to scream and fight “to the death,” she now faces the further psychological torment of being disfellowshipped.
Six years later, a different stance seems to take place from the Watchtower Society's perspective. Appearing in the July 8, 1980 Awake! magazine on pages 5 & 6:
“I never physically fought him off in anyway…I was overwhelmingly confused and defenseless against the whole suddenness.”
“Profound terror in the face of physical threats simply renders most women helpless.”
“Rape is the fastest growing crime in America.”
Only three months later in the October 15, 1980 Watchtower on page 7, the Watchtower Society flips back to their previous stance:
“She told him that if he touched her she would scream as he had never heard anyone scream before. She explained that if she did not she would ruin her relationship with Jehovah God and the Christian congregation….A Christian woman is under obligation to resist, for the issue of obedience to God’s law to ‘flee from fornication’ is involved.”
Just two and a half years later the Society flips their stance again:
“What do we understand here by ‘fornication’? The Greek word in this text is porneia….A male or female who is forcibly raped would not be guilty of porneia.” - From The Watchtower, March 15, 1983, page 30.
To add insult to injury, the Watchtower Society presented this view in their February 22, 1984 edition of the Awake! magazine:
“But the rapist is asking a person to break God’s law by committing fornication"
Yet, it goes on to state:
"Treat Him Respectfully – The intended victim should remember that the rapist is a human. No doubt there are circumstances in his life that have precipitated his behavior. So although a woman should not cower in fear and permit a rapist to intimidate her, at the same time she should treat him understandingly as a fellow human.”
Now compare that to the Awake! magazine from July 8, 1980 on page 12 which states:
“May she properly inflict damage on her assailant? Indeed she may…she may use any means at her disposal to resist intercourse.”
Confused? Well, it doesn’t stop there; in the same article which counseled women to respect their rapist, the warning was also given:
“But if I gave in and he raped me, I would eventually die and have no hope of a resurrection.” - From Awake!, February 22, 1984, page 25.
Now the victim was deserving of eternal death - no hope of a resurrection. Is intentional fornication deemed such a costly sin? Do not those who have committed fornication received forgiveness if truly repentant? At this point, the Watchtower Society is stating a woman who is raped is worse than a woman who commits fornication and repents.
Four months later, the Watchtower Society printed a letter from an upset reader in the Awake! June 8, 1984 issue, page 28:
“You say to show a rapist respect. These men show no respect for their victim. They don’t care that they are shattering a woman, leaving in her memory horror for the rest of her life.”
The Society responded in the same article:
“For the victim to be considered guilty of fornication, there would need to be proof of willing consent.”
Two years later, more wisdom from a so-called God directed organization in the May 22, 1986 Awake! magazine, page 23:
“Why you should resist an attacker from the first moment...Your conscience will be clear. (Even if you are raped, you will not sacrifice your self-respect or cleanness before God)”
Several months later, the “From Our Readers” article in the September 22, 1986 Awake! included a letter of response to the Watchtower Society’s stance in the May, 22 1986 Awake!:
“Thank you for your article “Now You Are Going to Die!” (May 22, 1986) I might note some concerns about the advice given, however. Some rapists are very angry and sadistic in their approach and come armed with weapons and the intent to use them if there is the least provocation. Our Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault suggests resistance, but if the woman is paralyzed by fear or her instincts tell her not to resist, we recognize that as appropriate. We would rather have someone live through the experience than be killed or seriously mutilated.
-P. R., United States”
The Society responded in the same article...
"The Bible does support the thought that a woman attacked by a rapist should scream and resist. True, the woman has to respond according to her assessment of the danger to her life, and we believe that is covered in the advice given in the box on page 23 (May 22, 1986). It should be kept in mind that submitting to rape gives no guarantee that the victim will not be beaten or killed afterward. See the article “They Resisted Rapists” in our issue of February 22, 1984.—ED."
A few years later, the August 22, 1989 Awake!, page 24 reiterated the Society’s original stance:
“It was then that I remembered the scripture in Deuteronomy chapter 22. It says that if a woman does not cry out when attacked, it indicates she is submitting to the man and is committing a sin against Jehovah.”
If the Scripture in Deuteronomy is to be understood so literally, then women who fail to scream during rape today should be stoned to death as well. The Watchtower Society arbitrarily decides when to apply scriptures whole or in part either literally or symbolically. Thankfully for Jehovah's Witnesses, the Watchtower Society has never written a doctrine of literally stoning to death a woman who did not scream while being raped.
Nonetheless, the subject of rape within the Watchtower Society has been one of inconsistency and confusion. Such information and flip-flopping back and forth of viewpoint shows not Godly guidance or direction, but lack of any God-given direction. It truly is just men guessing and changing their viewpoint haphazardly giving no consideration to the followers of their teachings and interpretations.
The Watchtower from January 15, 1964 on page 64 teaches this:
“Thus if a Christian woman does not cry out and does not put forth every effort to flee, she would be viewed as consenting to the violation. The Christian woman who wants to keep clean and obey God’s commandments, then, if faced with this situation today, needs to be courageous and to act on the suggestion made by the Scriptures and scream. Actually this counsel is for her welfare; for, if she should submit to the man’s passionate wishes, she would not only be consenting to fornication or adultery, but be plagued by the shame. There would be shame, not only from the repulsiveness of the experience, but of having been coerced into breaking God’s law by having sex connections with one other than a legal marriage mate.”
From such a viewpoint it would appear that God is so unmerciful and incompetent that He cannot read the victim’s heart and perceive that she is being raped and not participating in fornication. The Watchtower Society holds a position likening God to be someone who cannot see all things, including the circumstances that may inhibit a victim’s screams. Would God be ignorant of perhaps the paralyzing fear, shock, and the perpetrator’s hand over the victim’s mouth or around her throat?
Such bizarre and twisted reasoning does not end there. Additionally, in that same Watchtower article the Watchtower Society states the following:
“A Christian woman is entitled to fight for her virginity or marital fidelity to the death. Just how best she can defend herself against anyone who wants to defile her depends upon her courage and quick wits.”
Furthermore, The Watchtower from June 1, 1968 added:
“Would it be different if the man had a weapon and threatened to kill you if you did not submit? No, the Scriptures plainly state that Christians are under obligation to ‘flee from fornication.’ (1 Cor. 6:18) It is true that you face the possibility of death in this case.”
So rape is being equated with fornication by the Watchtower Society. Also, a woman must scream and fight being raped even if it means her death in order to not be guilty of fornication.
A year later though, it appears that the Watchtower Society had stopped equating rape and fornication through the ‘Aid to Bible Understanding’ publication from 1969:
“RAPE: Rape is defined as unlawful sexual intercourse without the woman’s consent, effected by force, duress, intimidation…” (p. 1374)
“FORNICATION: Sex relations by mutual agreement between two persons not married to each other.” (p. 601)
It seemed as if the Watchtower Society had final gathered some sense respecting their perspective of a woman being raped. Five years later, however, this appears not to be the case:
“If she did not scream she would be as good as dead anyhow…Also, that if she did not scream she would ruin her relationship with Jehovah God and the Christian congregation; that then she would be disfellowshipped or excommunicated from it and that this would be worse than being killed as far as she was concerned.” - From Awake! March 8, 1974, page 14.
Is this the teachings you would want applied towards your wife, daughter, mother or any other girl or woman you know? While a woman has the right to defend herself, should she be made to feel that she is better off dead if, for some reason, she could not or was prevented from screaming or physically overcoming her attacker? Better yet, if she does survive and failed to scream and fight “to the death,” she now faces the further psychological torment of being disfellowshipped.
Six years later, a different stance seems to take place from the Watchtower Society's perspective. Appearing in the July 8, 1980 Awake! magazine on pages 5 & 6:
“I never physically fought him off in anyway…I was overwhelmingly confused and defenseless against the whole suddenness.”
“Profound terror in the face of physical threats simply renders most women helpless.”
“Rape is the fastest growing crime in America.”
Only three months later in the October 15, 1980 Watchtower on page 7, the Watchtower Society flips back to their previous stance:
“She told him that if he touched her she would scream as he had never heard anyone scream before. She explained that if she did not she would ruin her relationship with Jehovah God and the Christian congregation….A Christian woman is under obligation to resist, for the issue of obedience to God’s law to ‘flee from fornication’ is involved.”
Just two and a half years later the Society flips their stance again:
“What do we understand here by ‘fornication’? The Greek word in this text is porneia….A male or female who is forcibly raped would not be guilty of porneia.” - From The Watchtower, March 15, 1983, page 30.
To add insult to injury, the Watchtower Society presented this view in their February 22, 1984 edition of the Awake! magazine:
“But the rapist is asking a person to break God’s law by committing fornication"
Yet, it goes on to state:
"Treat Him Respectfully – The intended victim should remember that the rapist is a human. No doubt there are circumstances in his life that have precipitated his behavior. So although a woman should not cower in fear and permit a rapist to intimidate her, at the same time she should treat him understandingly as a fellow human.”
Now compare that to the Awake! magazine from July 8, 1980 on page 12 which states:
“May she properly inflict damage on her assailant? Indeed she may…she may use any means at her disposal to resist intercourse.”
Confused? Well, it doesn’t stop there; in the same article which counseled women to respect their rapist, the warning was also given:
“But if I gave in and he raped me, I would eventually die and have no hope of a resurrection.” - From Awake!, February 22, 1984, page 25.
Now the victim was deserving of eternal death - no hope of a resurrection. Is intentional fornication deemed such a costly sin? Do not those who have committed fornication received forgiveness if truly repentant? At this point, the Watchtower Society is stating a woman who is raped is worse than a woman who commits fornication and repents.
Four months later, the Watchtower Society printed a letter from an upset reader in the Awake! June 8, 1984 issue, page 28:
“You say to show a rapist respect. These men show no respect for their victim. They don’t care that they are shattering a woman, leaving in her memory horror for the rest of her life.”
The Society responded in the same article:
“For the victim to be considered guilty of fornication, there would need to be proof of willing consent.”
Two years later, more wisdom from a so-called God directed organization in the May 22, 1986 Awake! magazine, page 23:
“Why you should resist an attacker from the first moment...Your conscience will be clear. (Even if you are raped, you will not sacrifice your self-respect or cleanness before God)”
Several months later, the “From Our Readers” article in the September 22, 1986 Awake! included a letter of response to the Watchtower Society’s stance in the May, 22 1986 Awake!:
“Thank you for your article “Now You Are Going to Die!” (May 22, 1986) I might note some concerns about the advice given, however. Some rapists are very angry and sadistic in their approach and come armed with weapons and the intent to use them if there is the least provocation. Our Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault suggests resistance, but if the woman is paralyzed by fear or her instincts tell her not to resist, we recognize that as appropriate. We would rather have someone live through the experience than be killed or seriously mutilated.
-P. R., United States”
The Society responded in the same article...
"The Bible does support the thought that a woman attacked by a rapist should scream and resist. True, the woman has to respond according to her assessment of the danger to her life, and we believe that is covered in the advice given in the box on page 23 (May 22, 1986). It should be kept in mind that submitting to rape gives no guarantee that the victim will not be beaten or killed afterward. See the article “They Resisted Rapists” in our issue of February 22, 1984.—ED."
A few years later, the August 22, 1989 Awake!, page 24 reiterated the Society’s original stance:
“It was then that I remembered the scripture in Deuteronomy chapter 22. It says that if a woman does not cry out when attacked, it indicates she is submitting to the man and is committing a sin against Jehovah.”
If the Scripture in Deuteronomy is to be understood so literally, then women who fail to scream during rape today should be stoned to death as well. The Watchtower Society arbitrarily decides when to apply scriptures whole or in part either literally or symbolically. Thankfully for Jehovah's Witnesses, the Watchtower Society has never written a doctrine of literally stoning to death a woman who did not scream while being raped.
Nonetheless, the subject of rape within the Watchtower Society has been one of inconsistency and confusion. Such information and flip-flopping back and forth of viewpoint shows not Godly guidance or direction, but lack of any God-given direction. It truly is just men guessing and changing their viewpoint haphazardly giving no consideration to the followers of their teachings and interpretations.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
The New World Translation – Part I: Compared with KIT
The Watchtower Society published ‘The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures’ in 1969. In the title page it states its purpose:
“Presenting a literal word-for-word translation into English under the Greek text as set out in The New Testament in the Original Greek”
Take note of the following comparisons between the scriptures from the Watchtower Society’s ‘Kingdom Interlinear Translation’ {KIT} and the Bible Jehovah's Witnesses are directed to use primarily by the Watchtower Society, their ‘New World Translation’ {NWT}:
COLOSSIANS 1:16-17
KIT: Christ created “all (things).”
NWT: Christ created “all [other] things.”
The Watchtower Society inserts the word “other” here as well as many additional times in these verses. By doing so, it supports the Watchtower Society’s doctrine respecting Christ being created. Besides a correct translation of this verse, this doctrine can be also refuted if you reference John 1:3. There it states that Christ created “all things” and not "all other things" as the Watchtower Society would have us believe.
COLOSSIANS 2:9
KIT: “all the fullness of the divinity” dwells in Christ.
NWT: “all the fullness of divine quality” dwells in Christ.
The Watchtower Society has taken the liberty of translating “divinity” into “divine quality”. The reason is simple; while the Watchtower Society recognizes Jesus as the Son of God, they strip him of his God-Ship. Nonetheless, the Greek word referenced here “Theotes” when literally translated means “deity, the state of being God, Godhead”.
PHILIPPIANS 2:9
KIT: God gave Christ the name “over every name.”
NWT: God gave Christ the name “above every [other] name.”
The Watchtower Society teaches that Jehovah is the name that is above every other name. In order to have this scriptures coincide with their teaching they once again inserted the word “other” into the scriptures.
PHILIPPIANS 3:9
KIT: “be found in him”
NWT: “be found in union with him”
When an individual is positioned “in Christ” it means that one is trusting in Christ alone for his righteousness. Consequently, there is a big difference between being “in union” with Christ and actually being positioned “in Christ.” Further, when God sees a person who is “in Christ”, He sees this person as being in Christ's righteousness instead of their own.
JOHN 8:58
KIT: “Before Abraham to become I am.”
NWT: “Before Abraham came into existence, I have been.”
Interestingly, the Greek expression “ego eimi” (I am) is translated properly in every other place it appears within the NWT except for here. The reason again is a correct translation of this verse would have contradicted the Watchtower Society’s doctrine on Jesus and Jehovah. In this verse, Jesus was identifying Himself as Jehovah by using the same “I am” expression which can be found at Exodus 3:14.
JOHN 14:10
KIT: “If ever anything you should ask me....”
NWT: “If you ask anything....”
Prayer is a form of worship. Since worship is only to be directed to God, the Watchtower Society could not have this verse reading as it should, since they teach that Jesus is not God. Therefore they removed the words “ask me”. This supports the Watchtower Society’s doctrine of praying only to Jehovah and not to Jesus.
JOHN 1:1
KIT: “god was the Word.”
NWT: “the Word was a god.”
This verse is speaking about The Word who is Jesus. Clearly then, this verse states Jesus is God. However, the Watchtower Society argues that since “the” does not appear before God in this half of the verse, their placing the article “a” for the NWT is correct. The Watchtower Society picks and chooses how to apply their own rule though, since if they were consistent with their reasoning, John 1:6 would state: “there arose a man that was sent forth as a representative of a God”. Such a statement would make no sense.
There are many more examples that could be sited where the Watchtower Society has added or taken away from the word of God in their ‘New World Translation’ of the scriptures to go along with their doctrine.
Additionally, the Kingdom Interlinear Translation is not available to order through the Watchtower Society for many years now and does not appear on the Watchtower Library CD-ROM published by the Watchtower Society. The reason is clear; they do not want their doctrines or teachings to be exposed for the lies and trickery they contain.
Prove it to yourself and read a copy of ‘The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures’, 1969 edition. If the very foundation - the source material - being used (The New World Translation) by a religion is false, the religion itself must also be false.
“Presenting a literal word-for-word translation into English under the Greek text as set out in The New Testament in the Original Greek”
Take note of the following comparisons between the scriptures from the Watchtower Society’s ‘Kingdom Interlinear Translation’ {KIT} and the Bible Jehovah's Witnesses are directed to use primarily by the Watchtower Society, their ‘New World Translation’ {NWT}:
COLOSSIANS 1:16-17
KIT: Christ created “all (things).”
NWT: Christ created “all [other] things.”
The Watchtower Society inserts the word “other” here as well as many additional times in these verses. By doing so, it supports the Watchtower Society’s doctrine respecting Christ being created. Besides a correct translation of this verse, this doctrine can be also refuted if you reference John 1:3. There it states that Christ created “all things” and not "all other things" as the Watchtower Society would have us believe.
COLOSSIANS 2:9
KIT: “all the fullness of the divinity” dwells in Christ.
NWT: “all the fullness of divine quality” dwells in Christ.
The Watchtower Society has taken the liberty of translating “divinity” into “divine quality”. The reason is simple; while the Watchtower Society recognizes Jesus as the Son of God, they strip him of his God-Ship. Nonetheless, the Greek word referenced here “Theotes” when literally translated means “deity, the state of being God, Godhead”.
PHILIPPIANS 2:9
KIT: God gave Christ the name “over every name.”
NWT: God gave Christ the name “above every [other] name.”
The Watchtower Society teaches that Jehovah is the name that is above every other name. In order to have this scriptures coincide with their teaching they once again inserted the word “other” into the scriptures.
PHILIPPIANS 3:9
KIT: “be found in him”
NWT: “be found in union with him”
When an individual is positioned “in Christ” it means that one is trusting in Christ alone for his righteousness. Consequently, there is a big difference between being “in union” with Christ and actually being positioned “in Christ.” Further, when God sees a person who is “in Christ”, He sees this person as being in Christ's righteousness instead of their own.
JOHN 8:58
KIT: “Before Abraham to become I am.”
NWT: “Before Abraham came into existence, I have been.”
Interestingly, the Greek expression “ego eimi” (I am) is translated properly in every other place it appears within the NWT except for here. The reason again is a correct translation of this verse would have contradicted the Watchtower Society’s doctrine on Jesus and Jehovah. In this verse, Jesus was identifying Himself as Jehovah by using the same “I am” expression which can be found at Exodus 3:14.
JOHN 14:10
KIT: “If ever anything you should ask me....”
NWT: “If you ask anything....”
Prayer is a form of worship. Since worship is only to be directed to God, the Watchtower Society could not have this verse reading as it should, since they teach that Jesus is not God. Therefore they removed the words “ask me”. This supports the Watchtower Society’s doctrine of praying only to Jehovah and not to Jesus.
JOHN 1:1
KIT: “god was the Word.”
NWT: “the Word was a god.”
This verse is speaking about The Word who is Jesus. Clearly then, this verse states Jesus is God. However, the Watchtower Society argues that since “the” does not appear before God in this half of the verse, their placing the article “a” for the NWT is correct. The Watchtower Society picks and chooses how to apply their own rule though, since if they were consistent with their reasoning, John 1:6 would state: “there arose a man that was sent forth as a representative of a God”. Such a statement would make no sense.
There are many more examples that could be sited where the Watchtower Society has added or taken away from the word of God in their ‘New World Translation’ of the scriptures to go along with their doctrine.
Additionally, the Kingdom Interlinear Translation is not available to order through the Watchtower Society for many years now and does not appear on the Watchtower Library CD-ROM published by the Watchtower Society. The reason is clear; they do not want their doctrines or teachings to be exposed for the lies and trickery they contain.
Prove it to yourself and read a copy of ‘The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures’, 1969 edition. If the very foundation - the source material - being used (The New World Translation) by a religion is false, the religion itself must also be false.
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