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Paul.

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I understand that Jehovah's Witnesses believe that Jehovah is God, creator of everything.

Does this mean Jehovah's Witnesses believe Jehovah is the only true God and everything else referred to as a god is a false god, or can there be other things or beings that are a god but not a false god?
 
Jul 31, 2004
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The short answer:

... you may also be referring to a question on the NWT's translation of John 1:1c referring to the word as "a god." Many people suggest that because there is only one true God that referring to Jesus as "a god" would imply that Jesus is a "false god" or a "demigod"... however, that's not the intention of the translation. For clarification on the NWT's reasoning, the NWT includes a set of references in the back to address common questions. Appendix 6A deals with the reasoning for the rendition of Jesus as "a god". After a list of a dozen or so other translations which translate 1:1c as either "a god" "divine" or "godlike" it continues:



... No, there isn't a "pantheon of gods" ... no we're not polytheistic, nor do we believe that Jesus is a "lesser god" or "demigod" ... He is a heavenly being that is qualitatively like his father (divine) without actually BEING his father (THE divine one).

... that help at all?
 
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Paul.

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Thanks Gregorian, it was very helpful.

I was after some more information about the comments you made.

For clarification on the NWT's reasoning, the NWT includes a set of references in the back to address common questions. Appendix 6A deals with the reasoning for the rendition of Jesus as "a god".

I chased up a copy of the NWT but it doesn’t have the appendix you mentioned. I checked the front for a publication date but there wasn’t one. It does however refer to the fact that the NWT has had two print runs. You may have a copy that was printed later and has had more appendices added. Are you able to give me more info on which print run your version comes from and would you mind listing the

dozen or so other translations which translate 1:1c as either "a god" "divine" or "godlike"
 
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Indeed. I'm using what we call the "reference bible." It's still the NWT so the text is the same, but there's a lot more cross-references, footnotes, and appendices. If you ask for a "big ugly brown one" they'll get you one if you like.

The normal sized bible (usually black or red) still has 4 smaller articles and some maps of the areas talked about in the bible.

If you want your own reference bible (or any other JW material) just let me know. If you PM me the city you're in and maybe a phone number I can get ahold of the closest hall to you, call 'em up and ask them to deliver you one.


Why?

Cuz I'm awesome.
 
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Paul.

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Thank you for your offer, if I need too, I will certainly take you up on it.

I was interested in finding out the list of the
dozen or so other translations which translate 1:1c as either "a god" "divine" or "godlike"

I am able to chase it up myself but thought it may be quicker if you were able to provide the list yourself. If you are able to provide the info I would appreciate it. I also wondered about this sentence
He is a heavenly being that is qualitatively like his father (divine) without actually BEING his father (THE divine one).
What do you understand the term divine to mean and are there any other heavenly beings that are divine?
 
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