Jehovah's Witnesses - Is anything wrong with it?

bbbbbbb said:

I had a distant cousin who became entangled with the JW's. When he finally freed himself from their snare they not only completely shunned him, but would leave bottles of booze on his doorstep to prove to everyone concerned that he was a complete alcholic and a reprobate. They did everything in their power to destroy him.

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This is new to me, but I certainly am not attempting to exonerate the JWs. It's just that I hadn't heard of such incidents.

I grew up in the COC and family members can be very controlling to keep you in the group....the old COC

Knew a guy that left the JWs(he and wife) I believe she was also JWZ?????, and what he told me is they were extremely controlling when he left...put my situation to shame as i left the COC 20 years ago.....

With there roots being there founder Charles Russel claimed the date of Jesus return 1914
when it didnt happen they made up a completely different doctrine that Jesus did in fact come on that date but somehow only in spirit!!!!!!!!!

If the root is bad the whole group is bad......
Matthew 7:18
bad tree cannot bear good fruit

Albion said:

This is new to me, but I certainly am not attempting to exonerate the JWs. It's just that I hadn't heard of such incidents.

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I would have had difficulty believing it myself if I had not heard from his own mother.

bbbbbbb said:

I would have had difficulty believing it myself if I had not heard from his own mother.

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I suppose it raises the question of whether this kind of retribution is common practice among JWs or only some local animosity being acted out by a few people. As I indicated before, I have no idea which it is.

Albion said:

I suppose it raises the question of whether this kind of retribution is common practice among JWs or only some local animosity being acted out by a few people. As I indicated before, I have no idea which it is.

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Nor do I , but knowing that this retribution extended over a long time and was not just one isolated instance in his life and knowing the tight regimentation of leadership in the organization tends to make me think that this is probably standard procedure.

Oloche Moses Okwori said:

What are the doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses? Is anything wrong with their beliefs? Please I need your information

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Yes, there is a LOT.

They DENY the Biblical Jesus, they deny hell, they deny the Biblical heaven, they DENY Jesus' resurrection and DENY the cross.

here is some information.

In 1889, the WT said " we present PROOFS that the setting up of the kingdom of God has already begun...and that 'the battle of the great day of God almighty' (Revelation16:14),which will end in AD1914 with the complete overthrow of the earth's present rulership, is already commenced.". So, the WT presented "proofs". These "proofs" were wrong, so what credibility do they have to "proclaim" anything?

Failed/Changed prophecies. The Millennium began in 1873. (Thy Kingdom Come, page 305),The Millennium began in 1874. (Finished Mystery, page 386),The resurrection would occur in 1878 (They Kingdom Come, page 234),Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of old would return in 1925. (Millions Now Living Will Never Die, page 89),The Book of Ruth is "not prophetical". (Watchtower Reprints IV, p.3110, 12/7/02),The Book of Ruth "is prophetic". (Preservation", p. 169, 175, 176.)

Will the men of Sodom be resurrected?
Yes....Watchtower 7/1879 page 8
No.....Watchtower 6/1/52 page 338
Yes....Watchtower 8/1/65, page 479
No.....Watchtower 6/1/88, page 31
Yes...Live Forever (old Ed.) page 179
No....Live Forever (new Ed.) page 179
Yes...Insight, vol. 2., page 985
No...Revelation book, page 273.

1983 "Avoid independent thinking...questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization." (Watchtower, Jan. 15, 1983 pg. 22)

1983 "Fight against independent thinking." (Watchtower, Jan. 15, 1983 pg. 27 )

The Watchtower Organisation Claims To Be Prophets

Founder Charles Taze Russell, a Mason sold his Men's Furnishing Store and set out to condemn the translators of the Bible and ministers for what they taught. He taught that the church belongs to the ecclesiastical wing of Satan's organization. He condemns the teaching of the church of all ages--only the JW's supposedly know the truth. (But Christ said that he would build his church and that the gates of hell shall not prevail against it). They can be quite "friendly" and hold regular "Bible" studies and meetings which probably appeals to many.

Again, to test whether they can be called a "Christian" organisation, we must compare their teachings and beliefs with the Word Of God.



"Now, in view of recent labor troubles and threatened anarchy, our readers are writing to know if there may not be a mistake in the 1914 date. They do not see how present conditions can hold out so long under the strain. We see no reason for changing the figures - nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe, God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble." Zion's Watch Tower 1894 Jul 15 p.226

The book "The Finished Mystery" Armageddon was to begin "in the spring of 1918" There was to be "worldwide all-embracing anarchy" in the "fall of 1920." The 1917 edition asserts that Revelation 11:13 would be fulfilled "early in 1918" ["the earthquake"] and in the "fall of 1920" [the fire]. The 1926 edition is again altered.


July 15th 1894- We see no reason for changing the futures- nor could we change them if we would. They are, we believe God's dates, not ours. But bear in mind that the end of 1914 is not the date for the beginning, but for the end of the time of trouble.

1904- The stress of the great time of trouble will be on us soon, somewhere between 1910 and 1912- culminating in the end of the "Times of the Gentiles," October 1914. *from the book "The New Creation" 1904

May 1st, 1914- There is absolutely no ground for bible students to question that the consummation of this gospel age is now even at the door...The great crisis...that will consume the ecclesiastical heavens and the social earth is very near. *Watchtower reprints



1889- In subsequent chapters we present proofs that the setting up of the Kingdom of God has already begun...And that the "battle of the great day of God almighty [revelation 16:14], which will end in A.D. 1914 with the complete overthrow of the earth's present rulership, is already commenced. [The 1915 edition of this book changed "A.D. 1914" to "A.D. 1915."] *from the book "The Time is at Hand; 1889
1897 "Our Lord, the appointed King, is now present, since October 1874," (Studies in the Scriptures, vol. 4, p. 621).
1899 "...the 'battle of the great day of God Almighty' (Revelation 16:14), which will end in A.D. 1914 with the complete overthrow of earth's present rulership, is already commenced," (The Time Is at Hand, 1908 edition, p. 101).
1916 "The Bible chronology herein presented shows that the six great 1000 year days beginning with Adam are ended, and that the great 7th Day, the 1000 years of Christ's Reign, began in 1873," (The Time Is at Hand, forward, p. ii).
1918 "Therefore we may confidently expect that 1925 will mark the return of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and the faithful prophets of old, particularly those named by the Apostle in Hebrews 11, to the condition of human perfection," (Millions Now Living Will Never Die, p. 89).
1922 "The date 1925 is even more distinctly indicated by the Scriptures than 1914," (Watchtower, Sept. 1, 1922, p. 262).
1923 "Our thought is, that 1925 is definitely settled by the Scriptures. As to Noah, the Christian now has much more upon which to base his faith than Noah had upon which to base his faith in a coming deluge," (Watchtower, Apr. 1, 1923, p. 106).
1925 "The year 1925 is here. With great expectation Christians have looked forward to this year. Many have confidently expected that all members of the body of Christ will be changed to heavenly glory during this year. This may be accomplished. It may not be. In his own due time God will accomplish his purposes concerning his people. Christians should not be so deeply concerned about what may transpire this year," (Watchtower, Jan. 1, 1925, p. 3).
1925 "It is to be expected that Satan will try to inject into the minds of the consecrated, the thought that 1925 should see an end to the work," (Watchtower, Sept., 1925, p. 262).
1926 "Some anticipated that the work would end in 1925, but the Lord did not state so. The difficulty was that the friends inflated their imaginations beyond reason; and that when their imaginations burst asunder, they were inclined to throw away everything," (Watchtower, p. 232).
1931 "There was a measure of disappointment on the part of Jehovah's faithful ones on earth concerning the years 1917, 1918, and 1925, which disappointment lasted for a time...and they also learned to quit fixing dates," (Vindication, p. 338).
1941 "Receiving the gift, the marching children clasped it to them, not a toy or plaything for idle pleasure, but the Lord's provided instrument for most effective work in the remaining months before Armageddon," (Watchtower, Sept. 15, 1941, p. 288).
1968 "True, there have been those in times past who predicted an 'end to the world', even announcing a specific date. Yet nothing happened. The 'end' did not come. They were guilty of false prophesying. Why? What was missing?.. Missing from such people were God's truths and evidence that he was using and guiding them," (Awake, Oct. 8, 1968).
1968 "Why are you looking forward to 1975?" (Watchtower, Aug. 15, 1968, p. 494).
6,000 years from Adam ended in A.D. 1872. (Daily Heavenly Manna, inside cover page),6,000 years of human history ended in 1873.(The Time is at Hand, p.33),6,000 years of human history ended in 1972.(The Truth Shall Make You Free, p.152, 1943 edition),6,000 years of human history ended in 1975. (Awake!, October 8th, 1968, page 15).

"They shall know that a Prophet was among them."

"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," (Watchtower, Apr. 1, 1972, p. 197).

Since the Watchtower society of Jehovah’s witnesses has so many failed prophecies, we know they are not prophesying by God’s direction, or through the Holy Spirit, or by the angels.

Oloche Moses Okwori said:

What are the doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses? Is anything wrong with their beliefs? Please I need your information

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Check out my website, brother. www.calvarystudy.info

I do not advise anyone to join JWs. Because of their controlling atmosphere and false teachings of Christ....

However
I will say something positive about them...
During. WW2. Jws refused to fight for hitler in germany while protestant and catholic joined the nazi war machine in both Italy and Germany...

Jws accepted being sent to consentration camps and most died for their refusal to fight for hitler.....

Traveling teacher said:

I do not advise anyone to join JWs. Because of their controlling atmosphere and false teachings of Christ....

However
I will say something positive about them...
During. WW2. Jws refused to fight for hitler in germany while protestant and catholic joined the nazi war machine in both Italy and Germany...

Jws accepted being sent to consentration camps and most died for their refusal to fight for hitler.....

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JWs also refused to fight in the Allied armed forces against the Nazi war machine in World War II. Had it been up to them we might be all speaking German now and venerating Der Fuhrer.

bbbbbbb said:

JWs also refused to fight in the Allied armed forces against the Nazi war machine in World War II. Had it been up to them we might be all speaking German now and venerating Der Fuhrer.

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That's because they placed their trust on the biblical promises that God would ultimately intervene.

Radrook said:

That's because they placed their trust on the biblical promises that God would ultimately intervene.

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That is a fallacy, given the lengthy history of divine commands to Israel to fight and conquer its enemies. God, assuredly, did not (nor does not) command pacifism from His people.

bbbbbbb said:

That is a fallacy, given the lengthy history of divine commands to Israel to fight and conquer its enemies. God, assuredly, did not (nor does not) command pacifism from His people.

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Just explaining how they view the matter. They also consider participation in the world's military conflicts as a direct violation of Jesus's command that his disciples would no be part of this world. Actually, if you look up early first century Christianity they refused to do the same.

Radrook said:

Just explaining how they view the matter. They also consider participation in the world's military conflicts as a direct violation of Jesus's command that his disciples would no be part of this world. Actually, if you look up early first century Christianity they refused to do the same.

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Thank you for the clarification. On a related issue, their stance on medical treatment is widely misunderstood. Within their theological framework there is logic to it.

bbbbbbb said:

Thank you for the clarification. On a related issue, their stance on medical treatment is widely misunderstood. Within their theological framework there is logic to it.

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The question is if it is scripturally demanded. Anyone can set up a framework and then proceed to have beliefs that logically fit it. Within their theological framework Pentecostals drop to the floor and role, while grunting and making all kinds' of strange noises. Within their theological framework the Aztec practiced human sacrifice. Within their theological framework professed Christians felt OK carpet bombing other professed Christians at Dresden Germany including women children the aged and the hospitalized infirm.

Radrook said:

The question is if it is scripturally demanded. Anyone can set up a framework and then proceed to have beliefs that logically fit it. Within their theological framework Pentecostals drop to the floor and role, while grunting and making all kinds' of strange noises. Within their theological framework the Aztec practiced human sacrifice. Within their theological framework professed Christians felt OK carpet bombing other professed Christians at Dresden Germany including women children the aged and the hospitalized infirm.

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Isn't theology wonderful?

bbbbbbb said:

Isn't theology wonderful?

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No different than any other activity where a framework can be established and then facts made to fit so that both seem to dovetail very nicely. Scientists do it all the time in order to support their atheistic ideas.

Oloche Moses Okwori said:

What are the doctrines of Jehovah's Witnesses? Is anything wrong with their beliefs? Please I need your information

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IMO, their beliefs are no more wrong than the beliefs of the 1,000's protestant denominations.

Radrook said:

The question is if it is scripturally demanded. Anyone can set up a framework and then proceed to have beliefs that logically fit it. Within their theological framework Pentecostals drop to the floor and role, while grunting and making all kinds' of strange noises. Within their theological framework the Aztec practiced human sacrifice. Within their theological framework professed Christians felt OK carpet bombing other professed Christians at Dresden Germany including women children the aged and the hospitalized infirm.

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Which is why I view modern science (and the Modern movement in all professional fields) as being no different than theology - there is a core set of beliefs to which all else is made to conform.

bbbbbbb said:

Which is why I view modern science (and the Modern movement in all professional fields) as being no different than theology - there is a core set of beliefs to which all else is made to conform.

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That's when the scientific method ceases to be truly scientific since objectivity is sacrificed at the altar of personal preference.

BTW
In both areas, both in biblical theology and in science there are definitely rules which cannot be violated without becoming glaringly obvious. So it isn't as if quackery in both fields is undetectable.

Radrook said:

That's when the scientific method ceases to be truly scientific since objectivity is sacrificed at the altar of personal preference.

BTW
In both areas, both in biblical theology and in science there are definitely rules which cannot be violated without becoming glaringly obvious. So it isn't as if quackery in both fields is undetectable.

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Quite true. The sad thing is how individuals engineered takeovers in legitimate fields during the twentieth century with such apparent ease.