Many Christians have come across Jehovah's Witnesses in various contexts. I believe that their leadership is aware they are guiding their followers astray. I am curious about the motivations behind their deliberate alteration of Bible passages to align with incorrect teachings.
An example that stands out is an extended passage with inserted words that alter its meaning to align with the doctrine that Jesus is a created entity.
And here is the same passage from the NRSV
An example that stands out is an extended passage with inserted words that alter its meaning to align with the doctrine that Jesus is a created entity.
Colossians 1:15 He is the image+ of the invisible+ God, the firstborn+ of all creation; 16 because by means of him+ all [other]* things were created in the heavens and upon the earth, the things visible and the things invisible, no matter whether they are thrones or lordships or governments or authorities.+ All [other] things have been created through him+ and for him. 17 Also, he is before all [other] things+ and by means of him all [other] things were made to exist,+ 18 and he is the head of the body, the congregation.+ He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead,+ that he might become the one who is first+ in all things; 19 because [God]* saw good for all fullness+ to dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile+ again to himself all [other] things+ by making peace+ through the blood+ [he shed] on the torture stake,*+ no matter whether they are* the things upon the earth or the things in the heavens. 21 Indeed, YOU who were once alienated+ and enemies because YOUR minds were on the works that were wicked,+ 22 he now has again reconciled+ by means of that one’s fleshly body through [his] death,+ in order to present YOU holy and unblemished+ and open to no accusation+ before him, 23 provided, of course, that YOU continue in the faith,+ established on the foundation+ and steadfast+ and not being shifted away from the hope of that good news which YOU heard,+ and which was preached+ in all creation+ that is under heaven. Of this [good news] I Paul became a minister. (NWT 1984 edition)
And here is the same passage from the NRSV
Colossians 1:15-23 NRSV (15) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation; (16) for in him all things in heaven and on earth were created, things visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or powers--all things have been created through him and for him. (17) He himself is before all things, and in him all things hold together. (18) He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that he might come to have first place in everything. (19) For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, (20) and through him God was pleased to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, by making peace through the blood of his cross. (21) And you who were once estranged and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, (22) he has now reconciled in his fleshly body through death, so as to present you holy and blameless and irreproachable before him-- (23) provided that you continue securely established and steadfast in the faith, without shifting from the hope promised by the gospel that you heard, which has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven. I, Paul, became a servant of this gospel.
