tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43337416371823103992023-11-15T09:57:13.703-08:00My AnalysisTracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-67956553243142882872015-03-17T11:16:00.001-07:002015-03-17T11:16:21.638-07:00Faithful and Discreet Slave: Comparison After reading the July 15, 2013 watchtower magazine, I've decided to compare the "new view" with the events that take place in the bible book of Matthew, chapter 24. The JWs have changed some of their views, and I am wondering how this lines up now.....or if it lines up at all. Let's begin.<br />
<br />
First of all, let's check out the three verses from which this doctrine originated.<br />
<br />
Matt. 24:45-47: "<span class="verse" id="v40024045"><span class="style-b first">Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time?<sup> </sup></span></span><span class="verse" id="v40024046"><span class="style-b"> Happy is that slave if his master on coming finds him doing so!<sup> </sup></span></span><span class="verse" id="v40024047"><span class="style-b">Truly I say to you, he will appoint him over all his belongings." </span></span><br />
<span class="verse" id="v40024047"><span class="style-b"><br /></span></span>
<span class="verse" id="v40024047"><span class="style-b">From this, we can discern that there is a slave that is being given a responsibility by his master. To feed the master's domestics at the proper time. And this was to occur while the master was gone. Then when the master returns and finds the slave doing as he had asked, he rewards the slave by appointing him over all of his belongings. </span></span><br />
<span class="verse" id="v40024047"><span class="style-b"><br /></span></span>
<span class="verse" id="v40024047"><span class="style-b">Not that difficult to figure out. But now let's check out how the Watchtower Society has interpreted this. </span></span><br />
<span class="verse" id="v40024047"><span class="style-b"><br /></span></span>
<span class="verse" id="v40024047"><span class="style-b">The faithful and discreet slave have been identified as the Governing Body, a small group of anointed brothers, that are directly involved in the preparing and dispensing of spiritual food during Christ's presence. Jesus, of course, is the master. The appointing over the master's domestics occurred in 1919. And finally, the appointing over all of the master's belongings is described as those who make up the composite slave will get this appointment when they receive their heavenly reward. Along with the rest of the 144,000, they will share Christ's vast heavenly authority. </span></span><br />
<span class="verse" id="v40024047"><span class="style-b"><br /></span></span>
<span class="verse" id="v40024047"><span class="style-b">This interpretation produces a number of inconsistencies. </span></span><br />
<span class="verse" id="v40024047"><span class="style-b"><br /></span></span>
<span class="verse" id="v40024047"><span class="style-b">1) When was the slave appointed over the master's domestics? The bible indicates that this happened when the master had left. But the Watchtower says that this happened during the master's presence. If the master was present, why would he even need to appoint the slave in the first place? </span></span><br />
<span class="verse" id="v40024047"><span class="style-b"><br /></span></span>
<span class="verse" id="v40024047"><span class="style-b">2) If the master was already present during this time, how would it be possible for him to "return to find the slave doing as he had asked?" In other words, what they are saying is that the master was in two places at one time. </span></span><br />
<span class="verse" id="v40024047"><span class="style-b"><br /></span></span>
<span class="verse" id="v40024047"><span class="style-b">3) The appointing over all of the master's belongings happens once the master returns and finds the slave doing as he was asked. But the Watchtower Society teaches that Jesus returned in 1914. If he returned in 1914, that means that the slave would have had to be appointed before then. Jesus left in the first century. Yet the Watchtower says that slave was appointed over his domestics in 1919. </span></span><br />
<span class="verse" id="v40024047"><span class="style-b"><br /></span></span>
<span class="verse" id="v40024047"><span class="style-b">Ah, what a tangled web they weave. You want to know the real truth? </span></span><br />
<span class="verse" id="v40024047"><span class="style-b"><br /></span></span>
<span class="verse" id="v40024047"><span class="style-b">The original teaching failed and needed to be updated. But by doing so, their interpretation of Matthew 24 has become glaringly inconsistent. And this throws a wave of inconsistencies through many of their teachings. For example, the claim that there was a Governing Body in the first century. This was made to strengthen the original view of the faithful and discreet slave teaching. However, if there was a Governing Body in the first century, why didn't Jesus appoint them back then.....when he actually left? At least that made more sense. It also fogs over the generation teaching. Now they can continuously keep this claim vague. </span></span><br />
<span class="verse" id="v40024047"><span class="style-b"><br /></span></span>
<span class="verse" id="v40024047"><span class="style-b">This new interpretation makes me wonder how long it will be before they begin including Dr. Seuss books as approved new light literature. Unfortunately, the blind rank and file will continue to feed off of the green eggs and ham that the current slave is feeding them. Not a very proper time, if you ask me.</span></span>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-84295108795819304562014-09-23T12:07:00.001-07:002014-09-23T12:07:30.185-07:00The Ex JW Community Once the internet became more mainstream, it made it possible to explore beyond what was once possible. Former Jehovah's Witnesses that had been shunned and cast out, faded away, or left on their own accord, began discovering that there were others online who had gone through very similar experiences as they had. Groups began forming in different settings. Eventually, there were thousands that were interacting with one another. This became known as the community of Ex Jehovah's Witnesses.<br />
<br />
A lot of good came from this. Almost everyone shared a common bond with one another. We understood exactly what an individual was talking about when they shared an experience. It was a benefit for the newer ones that were going through a rough time, as there were many people on hand to offer advice or give suggestions based on what had worked in the past. It was a place of comfort, a safe haven of sorts. A place where a person was accepted, no matter what they attempted to pursue in life.<br />
<br />
Another benefit came in establishing friendships. Already sharing such similar experiences aided one when trying to find a friend. Often times, several people would arrive at the same time and begin a healing process with one another. It was fairly easy to establish a strong bond with those that understood you, and you them.<br />
<br />
It was also a very good way to share information that had been gathered. That information was being pooled together, making it easy for any individual that came along to do an extensive research without having to look around much. People began writing blogs, making videos, forming groups, starting campaigns, all with the intent at exposing the Watchtower Society, and educating the outside world about what was really happening within the JW realm.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, when there is a positive side, along with it will come a negative side.<br />
<br />
There are those that jump to conclusions, reading something and assuming the worst. This lack of communication has led to rifts between individuals who seem to be interested in holding their ground instead of working things out.<br />
<br />
There are those that enter groups that have established rules to help the group run better, and decide that those rules should not apply to them. Comparisons are made to following rules of a jw congregation. And once they are ousted after several warnings, they complain about being shunned.<br />
<br />
Then there are those that feel they are more important than others, and therefore, what they say is fact. Inflamed egos that decide it best to cast doubt instead of showing support for one another. They attempt to discredit anyone that is not in line with them.<br />
<br />
There are always dangers of meeting someone on the internet. All that you really know about them is what they decide to share.<br />
<br />
<br />
From my perspective, I believe that a lot of the bad stuff can be attributed to the exposure those folks had to the Watchtower Society. After discovering that they had been lied to, it might become close to impossible for an individual to ever trust anyone again. An individual might decide that they will never succumb to any established set of rules in any type of setting. People do not like being taken advantage of. So for them, the ex jw community becomes toxic. <br />
<br />
<br />
I Understand!!! <br />
<br />
<br />
The problem with this outlook is that the overall purpose is being tossed aside. The focus is more on defending oneself instead of reaching out to help someone in need. If you are someone that has not had a positive experience in the ex jw community, why hang around and cause problems for others when you could simply leave the scene altogether? <br />
<br />
It is unfortunate, yet also expected. Not everyone is going to see things the same way. But when you take a step back and look, the good is heavily outweighing the bad.<br />
<br />
Helping People should always be the focus. New people are constantly entering the scene, looking for that same comfort that those that have been there before them have found. It makes me feel good when I see so many people jumping to the aid of an individual that is dealing with a bad experience.<br />
<br />
It let's me know that the Ex JW Community cares. Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-12925024688169366842014-07-06T11:31:00.000-07:002014-07-06T11:48:33.777-07:00The Alpha and the OmegaThis topic can be very amusing, or it can make your head spin, depending on the type of jw you encounter should they approach you during their preaching work. Biblical hopscotch has never been more evident than with this topic. Are you ready? Alright, let's walk through this one......slowly.<br />
<br />
Rev. 1:8 says: "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."<br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Any jw will tell you who they believe this is. The Almighty? Well, that is Jehovah. </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Isaiah 44:6-8 says: </span>"This is what the LORD says-- Israel's King and Redeemer, the LORD
Almighty: I am the first and I am the last; apart from me there is no
God.<span class="p"> </span>Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and lay out
before me what has happened since I established my ancient people, and
what is yet to come-- yes, let them foretell what will come.<span class="p"> </span>Do not tremble, do not be afraid. Did I not proclaim this and foretell
it long ago? You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No,
there is no other Rock; I know not one."<span class="p"></span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">The jws use this to establish Jehovah as the one and only true God. The Almighty. There is no God besides Him. </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Duet. 6:4 says "Listen O Israel: Jehovah our God is one Jehovah." (nwt)</span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Again, they use this to establish Jehovah being the one true God. </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Isaiah 45: 5, 6 says: </span>"I am the LORD, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me,<span class="p"> </span>so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people
may know there is none besides me. I am the LORD, and there is no other."<br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Yes, yes.....WE GOT IT!!!! Jehovah again. </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">John 1:1 reads: </span>"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."<br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">NO, NO, NO the jws will cry. The Word was a god. That's what it is supposed to say. </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">But isn't Jesus referred to as a Mighty God in Isaiah 9:6? </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Isaiah 9: 6,7: </span>For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will
be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty
God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.<span class="p"> </span>Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He
will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and
upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and
forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this."<br />
<br />
Don't even bring up Eternal Father. That might cause a mental breakdown on their part. Just stick with the Mighty God part.<br />
<br />
They will tell you that Jesus might be called a Mighty God, but Jehovah is the only Almighty God. (Even though the bible said earlier that there are no other gods besides me)<br />
<br />
But isn't Jehovah called a Mighty God in the old testament?<br />
<br />
Isaiah 10: 20, 21: In that day the remnant of Israel, the survivors of Jacob, will no
longer rely on him who struck them down but will truly rely on the LORD (Jehovah),
the Holy One of Israel. A remnant will return, a remnant of Jacob will return to the Mighty God.<span class="p">"</span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Uh-oh!!! </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Jer. 32: 17, 18: </span>"Ah, Sovereign LORD (Jehovah), you have made the heavens and the earth by your
great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you.<span class="p"> </span>You show love to thousands but bring the punishment for the parents'
sins into the laps of their children after them. Great and mighty God,
whose name is the LORD Almighty (Jehovah).<span class="p">" </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">How come it calls Jehovah the great and mighty God, but also the Almighty God? </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">You will hear crickets at this point. But before they attempt to escape, read the following.</span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Isaiah 48: 12: </span>"Listen to me, Jacob, Israel, whom I have called: I am he; I am the first and I am the last."<br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">The first and the last. The beginning and the end. That is what the Alpha and the Omega mean. The first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">So if Jehovah is the Alpha and the Omega, how do you explain the following verses?</span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Rev. 1: 17, 18: </span>"When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his
right hand on me and said: "Do not be afraid. I am the First and the
Last.<span class="p"> </span>I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades."<br />
<br />
<span class="p">Rev. 2:8: </span>"To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him
who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again.<span class="p">"</span><br />
<br />
<span class="p">Rev. 1:7: </span>"Look, he is coming with the clouds," and "every eye will see him, even
those who pierced him"; and all peoples on earth "will mourn because of
him." So shall it be! Amen.<span class="p"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<br />
Jehovah Died???? I thought Jesus was the one who was pierced in the side. <br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Rev. 4: 8, 9: </span>"Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with
eyes all around, even under its wings. Day and night they never stop
saying: "'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty,' who was, and is,
and is to come. Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever."<br />
<br />
Rev. 11: 17: "We give thanks to you, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was,
because you have taken your great power and have begun to reign."<br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Rev. 22: 12, 13: </span>"Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.<span class="p"> </span>I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End."<br />
<br />
Rev. 22: 20: "He who testifies to these things says, "Yes, I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus."<br />
<br />
Who was, and is, and is to come? Begun to reign? I thought Jehovah has always been there. When did His reign start? And didn't Jesus identify himself as the one coming soon? But the big question is about the First and the Last dying. Let's look at the opening verse one more time.<br />
<br />
Rev. 1:8 says: "I am the Alpha and the Omega," says the Lord God, "who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty."<br />
<br />
From all of those verses, it's pretty easy to see who this is talking about.<br />
<br />
The most likely response from a jw will be that it was JESUS that died. But Jehovah is the Alpha and the Omega. Yep, in their baffling reasoning, they will ignore all of these scriptures and try to put a separation in the book of Revelation between Jesus and Jehovah. They HAVE to do that. Because once you piece this puzzle together and realize that the Alpha and the Omega is Jesus, it unravels their entire belief system. <br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p"><br /></span>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-75054466728805689272014-05-26T11:31:00.003-07:002014-05-26T11:31:56.296-07:00Baptism.Baptism is an important step for an individual wanting to join the Jehovah's Witnesses. The person is dedicating their life to Jehovah God, and they are also being identified as a Jehovah's Witness in association with God's spirit directed organization. Since this is such an important event for anyone that may desire to do this, it is only right to examine what is involved. What was required for those in the bible to get baptized? How does that differentiate from the modern day requirements for one to become a Jehovah's Witness? Should there be an age requirement? I will take a look at these things and break down what is involved here.<br />
<br />
Let's look at a few scriptures.<br />
<br />
Mark 1:4, 5--"And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.<span class="p"> </span>The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to
him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan
River."<br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Acts 19:4--"</span>Paul said, "John's baptism was a baptism of repentance. He told the
people to believe in the one coming after him, that is, in Jesus."<br />
<br />
Acts 2:38-- Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of
Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the
gift of the Holy Spirit."<br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Acts 8:35-38---</span>"Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.<span class="p"> </span>As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch
said, "Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being
baptized?"<span class="p"> </span>And Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." And he
answered and said, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."<span class="p"> </span>And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him.<span class="p">"</span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Acts 16:31-33---</span>They said, "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved, you and your household." <span class="reftext"></span><span class="highl">And they spoke the word of the Lord to him together with all who were in his house.</span> <span class="reftext"></span>And
he took them that very hour of the night and washed their wounds, and
immediately he was baptized, he and all his household.…<br />
<br />
The repentance of sins, and to believe in Jesus. But then....why did Jesus get baptized? He hadn't sinned. And, well, he WAS Jesus.<br />
<br />
Matt. 3:15--"Jesus replied, "Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness." Then John consented.<span class="p"></span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<br />Jesus was baptized because he was obedient to God’s commands, including the prescribed rites for entrance into the priesthood. (Ex. 29:4, Lev. 8:6) To be a great high priest after the order of Melchizedek, he needed
the ritual washing. If he hadn’t submitted to baptism he would have had a
sin to repent of in baptism! Instead, Jesus is baptized as part of his
total life of obedience to the Father’s will. One needs a perfect
righteousness to be saved, and Jesus gives his, which includes his
baptism.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="p">So the outline back then was pretty simple. Now let's look at what is required to be baptized as a Jehovah's Witness. </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">You have to study the bible with a jw on a regular basis. This is usually accomplished by using one of their publications that they say is bible based. Once you learn their doctrines, you will be asked to apply what you have learned in your life. This involves regularly attending their meetings held at a local Kingdom Hall. Praying regularly is also required. You will be told to recognize the authority of the faithful and discreet slave. </span>At Matthew 24:45 Jesus asked: "Who really is the faithful and discreet
slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their
food at the proper time?" The leadership of Jehovah's Witnesses are a
group of eight men known as the Governing Body. To become one of
Jehovah's Witnesses means accepting the authority of these men, who it
is believed are providing spiritual food at the proper time. For
example, <i>The Watchtower</i> of July 15, 2013 said "It is vital that
we recognize the faithful slave. Our spiritual health and our
relationship with God depend on this channel." (page 20) Then you will be asked to become an unbaptized publisher. Speak to your Bible study conductor and the congregation elders to find
out how you can qualify to preach about Jehovah house to house along
with Jehovah's Witnesses.
Meet with your local elders to determine if and when you are ready for
baptism. If you qualify, then arrangements will be made for your public
declaration of dedication to Jehovah through water-immersed baptism at a
public meeting (usually assembles and conventions). Of course, the elders are going to run you through a 104 questionnaire about jw doctrines in front of 3 elders to make sure that you understand those doctrines clearly. And then, finally, the person gets to answer two questions in front of a public audience before full water immersion. The two questions?<br />
<br />
<br />
The first question is:
<br />On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself <b>to </b>Jehovah to do his will?
<br /><br />
The second is:
<br />Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization?
Having answered yes to these questions, candidates are in a right heart condition to undergo Christian baptism."
<i>Watchtower</i> 1985 Jun 1 p.30<br />
<br />
Do you see what is happening here? Instead of simply believing in Jesus and repenting of sin, you are walking into a trap. How? Well, once you say that you recognize the authority of the faithful and discreet slave, you MUST FOLLOW what they instruct you to do WITHOUT QUESTION. Jesus is somehow set aside. Once you submit to this, they gain control of every facet of your life. Everyone other than jws will be phased out of your life. And should a time come when you begin to question anything, you run the risk of getting disfellowshipped. <br />
<br />
Considering that the jws claim to follow the 1st century Christians as close as possible, there are some very blatant differences when it comes to water baptism.<br />
<br />
Jesus was against swearing a vow/oath. <br /><br />Matt. 5:33-37---"Again, you have heard that it was said to the people long ago, 'Do not
break your oath, but fulfill to the Lord the vows you have made.' But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne;<span class="p"> </span>or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black.<span class="p"> </span>All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one."<br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Yet you are required to publicly swear an oath that will make you submit to the "spirit directed organization." </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">And those wanting to be baptized in the 1st century were not run through a gauntlet of questions. Granted, they did not have a complete bible from which to learn from. But why stray away from the qualifications that were set at that point in time? The argument could be made that they want to be sure that one understands bible teachings thoroughly before a lifetime commitment. But they don't use the bible as a strict guide. They use one, or several of their publications that are "bible-based" that one must eventually accept as truth. <br /><br />The final point is about age requirement. </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">March 15 1998 WT p. 14 "In full recognition of this requirement, Jehovah’s Witnesses advocate the dedicating of oneself to God, but they never coerce anyone into making such a dedication, not even their own children. In contrast with many churches, the Witnesses do not baptize their offspring as infants, as if it were possible to force them into dedication without the benefit of personal choice."</span><br />
<br />
<span class="p">This is written to oppose infant baptism. They make it clear that someone needs to be old enough to be able to make a personal choice....WITHOUT COERCION. Really? Then what about these examples?</span><br />
<br />
<span class="p">June 1 1998 WT p. 22 " Many children buck against the routine of a family study. Should this stop parents from conducting the study when planned? No, certainly not. “Foolishness is tied up with the heart of a boy [or, girl],” acknowledges Proverbs 22:15. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="p"> 1975 WT p. 319 It is proper that a Christian parent require children to attend Christian meetings. God’s Word admonishes: “You children, be obedient to your parents in everything, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord.” “Train up a boy according to the way for him; even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it." Proverbs 22:6</span><br />
<br />
<span class="p">March 15 WT p. 17 It is not enough merely to attend the meetings. We must listen carefully, paying attention to what is said there. (Proverbs 7:24) This includes our children. When a child goes to school, he is expected to pay attention to the teacher, even when a particular subject does not appeal to him or seems beyond his grasp. The teacher knows that if the child tries to pay attention, he will derive at least some benefit from the lesson. Is it not reasonable, then, for school-age children to pay attention to the instruction provided at congregation meetings rather than be allowed to fall asleep as soon as the meeting begins? True, among the precious truths found in the Scriptures are “some things hard to understand.” (2 Peter 3:16) But we should not underestimate a child’s ability to learn. God does not. In Bible times, he commanded his young servants to ‘listen and learn and fear Jehovah and take care to carry out all the words of this law,’ some of which doubtless were hard for children to understand. (Deuteronomy 31:12; compare Leviticus 18:1-30.) Does Jehovah expect any less of children today? </span><br />
<br />
<span class="p">"Christian parents realize that their children’s spiritual needs are partly filled by what they learn at the meetings. Hence, some parents arrange for their children to take a nap before the meetings so that they will arrive at the Kingdom Hall refreshed and ready to learn. Certain parents may strictly limit or even wisely rule out television viewing for their children on meeting nights. (Ephesians 5:15, 16) And such parents keep distractions to a minimum, encouraging their children to listen and to learn, in accordance with their age and ability.—Proverbs 8:32.</span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">NO COERCION??? Wait, it gets worse. </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">WT 1964 p. 644 "“When it was stressed that it was the parents’ responsibility to see that children had daily Bible instruction, I decided to set aside time for daily Bible reading,” she said. “This raised a howl of protest from my boys, ages seven, five and three, as it always seemed to come at their most enjoyable time. After the account of creation they lost interest, and the howls grew louder as I turned off the television every night and announced it was time for Bible reading. Many times I sat with the Bible in one hand and the rod of correction in the other. However, day by day the antagonism eased, and now, three years later, they not only are willing listeners but ask to have the Bible read and take part in reading and even want me to quiz them on what we have read."</span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Yes, better to take a quiz than to take a beating. Or they can threaten them with the fear of death angle.</span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">WT 1965 p. 175-176 " Contrariwise, the “goats” who are to be executed as “cursed” persons will include the religionists who stay inside Babylon the Great till she is destroyed forever; also, the religionists who are the modern-day part of the composite “man of lawlessness,” “the son of destruction”; also, the symbolic “tares,” that is, the “weeds,” “the sons of the wicked one” (Matt. 13:25-30, 38-42); also, those political “kings,” their military commanders, their cavalrymen, the freemen and the slaves, the great and the small, all of whom are lined up at Armageddon, but not on the side of the King of kings and Lord of lords.—Rev. 19:18-21. The “goats” would also include those husbands and wives who have believing marriage partners but who, in spite of the good example of their believing marriage mates, are found to be still unbelievers in the day and at the hour of the execution of God’s judgment against this enemy world; also, the children of a believing parent or the children of believing parents (fathers and mothers), which children were once “holy” as minors, as unresponsible children, <b>but who have grown up to responsible years and have refused to become dedicated, baptized believers by the time that divine execution upon the “goats”</b> begins.—1 Cor. 7:12-16.</span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Responsible years. In your own opinion, how old does a person need to be to be able to make responsible decisions? In our modern day society, you need to be of a certain age in order to drive a car, get a job, or purchase alcohol. And since the Watchtower Society is strongly against the baptism of infants, the person should be old enough to understand jw doctrines, the importance of a lifelong dedication to God. And this choice is made again, "Without Coercion" from parents, or others. But more often than not, they allow children to get baptized at ages ranging from 7 to 14 years old. Not only do they not fully grasp what they are teaching, as time goes by, their views and opinions might change. And as we seen from previous articles, the threat of being beaten or executed if you remain unbaptized looms largely in the balance of one's decision. </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">How can a child overcome that?</span><br />
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<span class="p"><br /></span>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-27014970335472658322014-04-13T21:01:00.001-07:002014-04-13T21:01:47.286-07:00Abel----The First Jehovah's Witness? In the Reasoning From the Scriptures book, the claim is made that the line of witnesses of Jehovah reaches back to faithful Abel. (p. 202)<br /><br />Hebrews 11:4 says---"By faith Abel brought God a better offering than Cain did. By faith he
was commended as righteous, when God spoke well of his offerings. And by
faith Abel still speaks, even though he is dead."<br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">And down through the entire chapter, individuals are listed. And examples of faith are given. So they think that this is establishing a line of descent based off of what Hebrews 12:1 states.</span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">"</span>Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily
entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,<span class="p">" </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses? The scriptures do not say that there was a line of witnesses reaching back to Abel. It merely gives examples of people that demonstrated faith. </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Interestingly enough, it seems as though Abraham was looking forward to something different than what the witnesses teach. </span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">Heb. 11:9, 10--</span>By faith he lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign
land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same
promise; <span class="reftext"></span><span class="highl">for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="highl">Heb. 11:13-16---" </span>All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not
receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a
distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.<span class="p"> </span>People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own.<span class="p"> </span>If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return.<span class="p"> </span>Instead, they were longing for a better country--a heavenly one.
Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared
a city for them.<span class="p"></span><br />
<span class="p"><br /></span>
<span class="p">This indicates that Abraham and his descendants desired a heavenly hope. This seems to throw a monkey wrench into the thought that this line of witnesses shared the exact same beliefs as modern day witnesses. <br /><br /><br />It also strikes me as odd that the witnesses make this claim, yet they deny the doctrine of Apostolic Succession. Lack of proof , yet the only proof they have established is based on faith mentioned in Hebrews chapter 11. <br /><br />It appears once again that they pick and choose which scriptures to use to bolster their claims. But that is their mode of operation.</span>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-77505943734995248012013-12-03T16:32:00.001-08:002013-12-03T17:24:52.301-08:00BirthdaysJehovah's Witnesses are not allowed to celebrate birthdays. The reasons behind this decision are as follows.<br />
<br />
1) Two references put birthday celebrations in unfavorable light.<br />
<br />
2) Early Christians and Jews did not celebrate birthdays.<br />
<br />
3) Origin of popular customs associated with birthday celebrations. Pagan traditions.<br />
<br />
Let's check out the first claim. The first reference can be found in Genesis 40:20-22.<br />
<br />
"<span class="btext1">Thus it came about on the third day, which was
Pharaoh's birthday, that he made a feast for all his servants; and he
lifted up the head of the chief cupbearer and the head of the chief
baker among his servants. </span><span class="btext1">He restored the chief cupbearer to his office, and he put the cup into Pharaoh's hand; </span><span class="btext1">but he hanged the chief baker, just as Joseph had interpreted to them."</span><br />
<br />
<span class="btext1">Yes, someone died during Pharoah's birthday. But what is overlooked about this account was that this death was a fulfillment of a prediction by Joseph, and eventually elevated him to second in charge of Egypt. The story brings glory to the prophetic ability of God. The birthday feast was simply a side note. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="btext1">The second reference is found in Matthew 14:6-10. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="btext1">" </span><span class="btext1">But when Herod's birthday came, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod, so much that he promised with an oath to give her whatever she asked. </span><span class="btext1">Having been prompted by her mother, she said, "Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist." </span><span class="btext1">Although he was grieved, the king commanded it to be given because of his oaths, and because of his dinner guests. </span><span class="btext1">He sent and had John beheaded in the prison."</span><br />
<br />
<span class="btext1">Again, the focus of the story is on the death of John the Baptist, which was an important step in the formation of early Christianity, and not the birthday celebration. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="btext1">The Witnesses disagree. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="btext1">"Everything that is in the bible is there for a reason. (2 Tim. 3:16,17). </span>Jehovah’s Witnesses take note that God’s Word reports unfavorably about birthday celebrations and so shun these.” <i>Reasoning From the Scriptures</i> pp.68-69<br />
<br />
Well then, what about dogs? They are mentioned in the bible 40 times, and are not spoken of favorably at all. Revelation 22:15 says "<span class="btext1">Outside are the dogs and the sorcerers and the
immoral persons and the murderers and the idolaters, and everyone who
loves and practices lying." That means dogs won't make it into the new system. They are equated with evil. </span><br />
<span class="btext1"><br /></span>
<span class="btext1">But do Jehovah's Witnesses forbid their members to own a dog? </span><br />
<span class="btext1"><br /></span>
<span class="btext1">There are many other things mentioned in the bible that are spoken of unfavorably. Eye make up, giving wedding gifts, haircuts, drinking. None of those things are considered unacceptable for Christians. </span><br />
<span class="btext1"><br /></span>
<span class="btext1">The next point is about early Christians and Jews not celebrating birthdays. </span><br />
<span class="btext1"><br /></span>
<br />
“How did early Christians and Jews of Bible times view birthday
celebrations? “The notion of a birthday festival was far from the ideas
of the Christians of this period in general.” … “The later Hebrews
looked on the celebration of birthdays as a part of idolatrous worship, a
view which would be abundantly confirmed by what they saw of the common
observances associated with these days.”” <i>Reasoning From the Scriptures</i> p.69<br />
<br />
The Jews did not make a practice of celebrating birthdays. Jesus and the early Christians were Jews. That is why the bible does not promote them. But it doesn't condemn them either. So any attempt to use this line of reasoning will fail. Early Christians did not shave their beards either. So if we are to strictly follow the customs from that time period, why are many JWs not allowed to wear a beard in modern times? Wedding anniversaries were not mentioned either. The bible does not say it is okay to celebrate them, but it does not condemn them either. Just because something was or was not customary at that time has no bearing on its inherent rightness or wrongness.<br />
<br />
And the next point deals with Pagan origins.<br />
<br />
"The various customs with which people today celebrate their birthdays have a long history. Their origins lie in the realm of magic and religion. The customs of offering congratulations, presenting gifts and celebrating--in ancient times were meant to protect the birthday celebrant from the demons and to ensure his security for the coming year....Down to the fourth century Christianity rejected the birthday celebration as a pagan custom." Reasoning from the Scriptures p. 69<br />
<br />
“What about the birthday cake? It appears to be related to the Greek
goddess Artemis, whose birthday was celebrated with moon-shaped honey
cakes topped with candles.” <i>Mankind’s Search for God</i> p.70<br />
<br />
There is Paganism in almost everything we encounter today. Wedding rings, wedding veils, celebrating with piñatas, pot lucks, tombstones, wind chimes, breakfast cereal, neckties and kites, wearing perfume, etc. Weddings alone include the ceremony, cake, dress, burning of candles and the wedding ring. And then there is our calendar which the days of the week and each month is named after Roman gods. The JWs had actually created a new calendar which appeared in their magazine, the Golden Age, March 1935, page 381. (That magazine is now called the Awake). Rutherford shot that down though.<br />
<br />
Trying to use Paganism as a reason is very contradictory, especially considering what is allowed within the JW realm.<br />
<br />
What does the bible say about celebrating life?<br />
<br />
Job and his family may have possibly celebrated their birthdays.<br />
<br />
<i>Job</i> 1:4,5 “And his sons went and held a banquet at the house of
each one on his own day; and they sent and invited their three sisters
to eat and drink with them. And it would occur that when the banquet
days had gone round the circuit, Job would send and sanctify them"<br />
<br />
Paul says the following.<br />
<br />
<i>Romans</i> 14:5,6, 10 “One man considers one day more sacred than
another; another man considers every day alike. Each one should be fully
convinced in his own mind. He who regards one day as special, does so
to the Lord. … But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you also
look down on your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment
seat of God?"<br />
<br />
The angels celebrated the birth of Jesus.
<br />
<blockquote>
<i>Luke</i> 2:10-14 “But the angel said to them: “Have no fear,
for, look! I am declaring to you good news of a great joy that all the
people will have, because there was born to you today a Savior, who is
Christ [the] Lord, in David’s city. And this is a sign for you: you will
find an infant bound in cloth bands and lying in a manger.” And
suddenly there came to be with the angel a multitude of the heavenly
army, praising God and saying: “Glory in the heights above to God, and
upon earth peace among men of goodwill."</blockquote>
<br />
The Magi presented the infant Jesus with gifts that were accepted by Joseph and Mary. Had it been wrong to do this, and viewed as an evil custom, that would have been the time for God to make it known.<br />
<br />
The reasoning on the refusal to celebrate a birthday is very flimsy and contradictory when put to the test. But then again, considering their track record, what did you expect?<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="btext1"> </span><br />
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-57817289410884368902013-11-02T18:17:00.002-07:002013-11-02T18:17:39.465-07:00Jehovah, The Name in Question.Jehovah's Witnesses claim that God's name, Jehovah, was used by Jesus and his contemporaries. Was this true? Did Jesus refuse to follow Jewish Laws and decide to use God's name? What is the history behind this name? Where did it originate? Was it Jewish superstition that did not allow God's name to be used?<br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206351836171236}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206351836171236}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206351836171236}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[0]">The
Divine name was given to the Hebrews (according to legend) by way of
Moses. During the centuries that followed, passages such as found in
Ruth 2:4 indicates the name was still being pronounced at the time of
the redaction of the Hebrew Bible in the 6th or 5th century BCE. But
according to the Jewish Encyclopedia, the avoidance of the original name
of God both in speech and, to a certain extent, in the Bible was due to
reverence; and it may well be that such reluctance first arose in a
foreign, and hence "unclean" land, very possibly in Babylon. </span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206351836171236}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[1]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206351836171236}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[2]">
Certain historical evidence points to this fact. The Tetragrammaton
is found to occur 5,989 time in the Hebrew scriptures. However, there is
no instance of the divine name appearing in Canticles, Ecclesiastes or
Esther, and in Daniel it occurs only 7 times (in chapter 9), a fact
which in itself shows the late date of these books, whose authors lived
at a period when the use of the Tetragrammaton was already avoided. </span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206351836171236}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[3]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206351836171236}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[4]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206351836171236}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[5]">
Simeon the Righteous or in Hebrew, שמעון הצדיק Shimon HaTzaddik
(310-291 or 300-273 BCE) was a Jewish High Priest during the time of the
Second Temple. According to Jewish history, after Simeon's death men
ceased to utter the Tetragrammaton aloud (Yoma 30b; Tosef. Soṭah, xiii).</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206351836171236}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[6]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206351836171236}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[7]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206351836171236}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[8]">Historical
evidence also shows that this prohibition continued even during the
first century during Jesus' life time. For example, Philo, a Jewish
philosopher (20 BCE - 50 CE) knew that the tetragram was the divine name
pronounced inside the temple since he related: "There was a gold plaque
shaped in a ring and bearing four engraved characters [the four
letters] of a name which had the right to hear and to pronounce in the
holy place those ones whose ears and tongue have been purified by
wisdom, and nobody else and absolutely nowhere else ."</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206351836171236}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[9]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206351836171236}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[10]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206351836171236}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[11]">Flavius
Josephus (37 CE - 100 CE) who was a contemporary of Jesus' disciples,
when writing about the history of the Jews in his writings, Antiquities
of the Jews, admitted that he himself is prohibited to pronounce the
name. He wrote: "Whereupon God declared to him (Moses) his holy name,
which had never been discovered to men before; concerning which it is
not lawful for me to say any more” (Ant. 2, 12, 4).</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206351836171236}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206351836171236}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206351836171236}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[11]"> </span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206359746170445}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206359746170445}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206359746170445}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[0]">It
is believed that after the disuse of the name Divine Name during the
Babylonian diaspora, the correct pronunciation of the divine name may
have been lost. Exodus 20:7 says: "You shall not take the name of YHWH
your God in vain." The word in Hebrew for vain, שוא shav', means "vain,
vanity, falsehood, worthlessness, lie, nothingness." To the Jews, this
includes using a false or made-up or mispronounced name. To avoid coming
under guilt by accidentally misusing God’s name, there came to be a
prohibition to pronounce the name out loud as part of the definition of
Ex. 20:7.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206359746170445}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206359746170445}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206359746170445}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[0]"> </span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206370766169343}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206370766169343}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206370766169343}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[0]">Another
fact: Jews, to this day in modern times, when speaking to or about God,
they will utter, "Baruch HaShem," which means "Blessed be the name,"
"holy is the name," or "HALLOWED BE THY NAME." It is said to show that
the name is too sacred to pronounce. What did Jesus say in the Model
Prayer? Would not this time, when asked how to pray to God, be the best
time to show the Jewish people how the name is really pronounced?
Instead, he said "Hallowed be they name," or in Hebrew, "Baruch Hashem"
because even he didn't pronounce the name.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206370766169343}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206370766169343}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206370766169343}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[0]">Well then, where did the name Jehovah come from? <br /><br /> </span></span></span><br /><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[11]">The invention of the word Jehovah will be traced to Catholic Spain and Italy</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[12]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[13]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[14]">Before AD 1278 no form of Jehovah has ever existed</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[15]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[16]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[17]">1278 Yohoua by the Spanish Monk Raymundo Martini</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[18]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[19]">1303 IOHOUAH, IOHOUA and IHOUAH by Porchetus de Salvaticis</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[20]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[21]">1518 IEHOUA by the Catholic priest “Pietro Colonna Galatino,” Confessor of Pope Leo X.</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[22]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[23]">1525-1530 IEHOUAH by Reformer William Tyndale (1494-1536)</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[24]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[25]">(See for instance Exodus 6:3 </span><a class="" data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[26]" href="http://wesley.nnu.edu/fileadmin/imported_site/tyndale/exo.txt" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://wesley.nnu.edu/.../imported_site/tyndale/exo.txt</a><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[27]"> )</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[28]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[29]">1526 Jehovah by Martin Luther</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[30]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[31]">1534 Iehovah by William Tyndale</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[32]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[33]">1602 Jehová in the Spanish VALERA Bible version</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[34]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[35]">1611 Jehovah in King James version, mostly transferred from William Tyndale’s translation</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[36]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[37]">1681 Jehova in ALMEIDA Portugese Bible version</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[38]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[39]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[40]">In the 19th and 20th centuries Bible translators and scholars became aware of the Jehovah name mistake</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[41]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[42]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[43]">---------------------</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[44]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[45]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[46]">Nowadays
most Bible translators will substitute יהוה , pronounced by Jews
ADONAI, with words from their own languages as THE LORD, DER HERR, l’
ETERNEL, HERREN, YO SOY, [Моим] 'Господь' etc.</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[47]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[48]">This is considered to be a logic translation of Hebrew ADONAI pronunciation.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206369552836131}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[48]"> </span></span></span><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206374496168970}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][2]"></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206374496168970}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206374496168970}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206374496168970}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[0]">JWs
will point to John 17:6, which says, "I have made your name manifest"
and say, "See! Jesus made God's name known!" They forget that Jesus
preached to the Jews. They KNEW what the name of their god was (they
just refused to pronounce it." Making one's "name known" is not making
known a literal name. Barnes notes on the Bible states: "The word "name"
here includes the attributes or character of God. Jesus had made known
his character, his law, his will, his plan of mercy - or, in other
words, he had revealed God to them. The word "name" is often used to
designate the person." This is why various translation in English
translate this verse as: </span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206374496168970}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[1]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206374496168970}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[2]">"I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world." (NIV)</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206374496168970}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[3]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206374496168970}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[4]">"I have revealed you to the ones you gave me from this world." (NLT)</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206374496168970}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206374496168970}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206374496168970}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[4]"> </span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[6]">WHAT DO ENCYCLOPEDIAS SAY ABOUT THE NAME JEHOVAH</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[7]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[8]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[9]">The
Jewish Encyclopedia: "Jehovah" -- a mispronunciation of the Hebrew YHWH
the name of God. This pronunciation is grammatically impossible. The
form 'Jehovah' is a philological impossibility."</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[10]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[11]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[12]">The New Jewish Encyclopedia: "It is clear that the word Jehovah is an artificial composite."</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[13]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[14]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[15]">Encyclopedia
Judaica: "the true pronunciation of the tetragrammaton YHWH was never
lost. The name was pronounced Yahweh. It was regularly pronounced this
way at least until 586 B.C., as is clear from the Lachish Letters
written shortly before this date."</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[16]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[17]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[18]">The
Universal Jewish Encyclopedia: "JEHOVAH is an erroneous pronunciation
of the Tetragrammaton a four lettered name of God, made up of the Hebrew
letters Yod He Vav He. The word "JEHOVAH" therefore is a misreading for
which there is no warrant and which makes no sense in Hebrew"</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[19]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[20]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[21]">Webster's Collegiate Dictionary: "Jehovah" -- "False reading of the Hebrew YAHWEH."</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[22]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[23]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[24]">Encyclopedia Americana: "Jehovah" -- "erroneous form of the name of the God of Israel."</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[25]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[26]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[27]">A
Dictionary of the Bible by William Smith: "Whatever, therefore, be the
true pronunciation of the word, there can be little doubt that it is not
Jehovah."</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[28]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[29]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[30]">Encyclopedia
Britannica: ""The pronunciation 'Jehovah' is an error resulting among
Christians from combining the consonants YHWH with the vowels of
ADHONAY....The Masoretes who from the 6th to the 10th century worked to
reproduce the original text of the Hebrew Bible replaced the vowels of
the name YHWH with the vowel signs of Adonai or Elohim. Thus the
artificial name Jehovah came into being."</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[31]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[32]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[33]">Webster's
Third New International Dictionary: "Jehovah" -- "Intended as a
transliteration of Hebrew YAHWEH, the vowel points of Hebrew ADHONAY (my
lord) being erroneously substituted for those of YAHWEH; from the fact
that in some Hebrew manuscripts the vowel points of ADHONAY (used as a
euphemism for YAHWEH) were written under the consonants YHWH of YAHWEH
to indicate that ADHONAY was to be substituted in oral reading for
YAHWEH. Jehovah is a Christian transliteration of the tetragrammaton
long assumed by many Christians to be the authentic reproduction of the
Hebrew sacred name for God but now recognized to be a late hybrid form
never used by the Jews."</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[34]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[35]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[36]">New Catholic Encyclopedia: "Jehovah" -- "false form of the divine name YAHWEH.</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[37]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[38]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[39]">The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia: "Jehovah" -- "is an erroneous form of the divine name of the covenant God Israel."</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[40]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[41]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[42]">The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible: "Jehovah" --"is an artificial form."</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[43]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[44]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[45]">Encyclopedia International: "Jehovah" --"the vowels of one word with the consonants of the other were misread as 'Jehovah.'</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[46]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[47]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[48]">Merits Students Encyclopedia: --"is an inaccurate reconstruction of the name of God in the Old Testament."</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[49]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[50]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[51]">Encyclopedia
Judiacia: "YHWH" -- "When Christian scholars of Europe first began to
study Hebrew, they did not understand what this really meant, and they
introduced the hybrid name 'Jehovah'...THE TRUE PRONUNCIATION OF THE
NAME YHWH WAS NEVER LOST. Several early Greek writers of the Christian
church testify that the name was pronounced 'YAHWEH.' This is confirmed,
at least for the vowel of the first syllable of the name, by the
shorter form Yah, which is sometimes used in poetry (e.g. Exodus
15:2)... The personal name of God of Israel is written in the Hebrew
Bible with the four consonants YHWH and is referred to as the
'Tetragrammaton.' At least until the destruction of the First Temple in
586 B.C.E. this name was regularly pronounced with its proper vowels, as
is clear from the Lachish Letters, written shortly before that date."</span><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[52]" /><br data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[53]" /><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[54]">Nelson's
Bible Dictionary: "Jehovah" -- "The divine name Yahweh is usually
translated Lord in English versions of the Bible, because it became a
practice in late Old Testament Judaism not to pronounce the sacred name
YHWH, but to say instead "my Lord" (Adonai) - a practice still used
today in the synagogue. When the vowels of Adonai were attached to the
consonants YHWH in the medieval period, the word Jehovah resulted.
Today, many Christians use the word Yahweh, the more original
pronunciation, not hesitating to name the divine name since Jesus taught
believers to speak in a familiar way to God."</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206379326168487}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[54]"> </span></span></span><span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206383586168061}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206383586168061}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206383586168061}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[0]">Another
trick the Watchtower uses to try to fool the rank & file to
thinking the Divine name was used in the NT writings, is to show photographs of the Septuagint with the Greek
writings, and which shows the Divine Name in paleo-hebraic letters, and
say, "See! The tetragrammaton was there! Scribes removed it!" They fail
to explain to the rank & file, that the Septuagint is the Greek
translation of the Hebrew scriptures, written around 200 BCE, so of
course it would have the tetragrammaton in it. In fact there was no
equivalent of YHWH in Greek, this is why they left the divine name in
paleo-hebraic letters.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206383586168061}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206383586168061}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0]"><span data-reactid=".r[5xty6].[1][4][1]{comment206351719504581_206383586168061}.[0].{right}.[0].{left}.[0].[0].[0][3].[0].[0]">It is very ironic the the Catholics invented the name Jehovah since the Watchtower Society blasts orthodox Christendom for hiding the name of God by replacing it with the Lord. </span></span></span><br />They claim this is a Jewish "superstition" that dishonors God (which it
does not). Yet their own organization has a name that was invented as a
result of the same thinking that produced use of "the Lord." <br /><br />It makes no sense to use an incorrect name for God. But I guess in a religion loaded with misinterpretations, this comes as no surprise.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-90352050574283810902013-09-17T10:47:00.001-07:002013-09-17T11:06:37.283-07:00The New World Translation, A Reliable Source? When it comes to choosing a bible to learn from, which one would you pick? For me, I'm not certain which one would be the best choice, but I know which one I would avoid first. The New World Translation (NWT) is a horrible choice for anyone wanting to learn about the bible. Why? There are several errors in translation, and the individuals chosen to translate it were uneducated. And to cover over their mistakes, they attempt to quote from bible scholars to bolster the reputation of their bible. But were they honest about those quotes?<br />
<br />
I'm going to run through those three reasons, gathering information obtained from several sources. You can decide for yourself whether or not you would trust this translation. I'll start with several errors found throughout the bible.<br />
<br />
<table border="" cellpadding="7" cellspacing="1" style="width: 587px;"><tbody>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Genesis 1:2 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Spirit of God" changed to "God's active force." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The revision modifies the original noun with a more impersonal form
as the JWs reject the orthodox Christian belief in the personality of
the Holy Spirit. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Exodus 3:14 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"I am" changed to "I shall prove to be." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The revision clouds the connection between God's self proclaimed
title and Jesus' proclamation of being the same in John 8:58, as the JW
rejects the deity of Jesus. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Numbers 1:52 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Under his own standard" changed to "by his [three-tribe] division." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The Hebrew word degal translated as "standard" literally means flag
or banner. Since the JWs regard saluting a flag as an act of idolatry,
the text has been altered according to their doctrinal bias. (Same
revision found in Num. 2:2, 3, 10, 18, 25; 10: 14, 18, 22, 25.) </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Isaiah 43:10 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Nor will there be one after me" changed to "after me there continued to be none." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The original future tense of the verb indicates that there will never
be another being sharing in God's divinity. The altered tense suggests
credibility to the JW doctrine of Jesus' becoming a "mighty god" while
still being less than Jehovah in nature. (See the John 1: I discussion
below for another expression of this JW distortion.) </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Ecclesiastes 12:7 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"The spirit returns" changed to "the spirit itself returns." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The passage indicates the return of a human spirit to God after
death. Since the JWs believe in an unconscious state after death,
"itself' has been inserted to suggest a more impersonal reference to
spirit. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Matthew 2:11 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Bowed down and worshipped him" changed to "did obeisance to it" </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The JWs evade recognizing Jesus as worthy of worship as a divine
being by altering the form of honor that he receives from men and
angels. The Greek word proskuneo literally means "worship." The use of
"obeisance" is a NWT adaptation. (Same revision found in Matt. 8:2;
9:18, 14:33; 15:25; 28:9, 17; Mark 5:6; 15:19; Luke 24:52; John 9:38;
Heb. 1:6.) </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Matthew 5:19 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Least in the kingdom of heaven" changed to "least in relation to the kingdom of the heaven." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The passage indicates that a disobedient believer who sins can still
find forgiveness and eternal life. The JWs believe heaven is reserved
for only 144,000 specially designated servants of God. The revision
suggests more separation between these groups through a status
hierarchy. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Matthew 25:46 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Eternal punishment" changed to "everlasting cutting-off." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The Greek word kolasis translated "punishment" indicates continuous
torment, but the NWT revision suggests "termination," as the JWs promote
the doctrine of annihilationism regarding condemned souls. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Mark 1:4 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Baptism of repentance" changed to "baptism [in symbol] of repentance. " </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">Nothing in the original Greek text justifies the insertion of "in
symbol." The revision undermines the significance of John the Baptist's
ministry, the Jewish meaning of baptism and the Christian sacrament of
baptism in contrast to the more regimented JW baptism requirements. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Luke 12:8 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Acknowledges me" changed to "confesses union with me." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The addition of "union" suggest something more than what the original
Greek actually states and adds further credibility to the NWT
distortion presented in John 6:56 below. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Luke 23:43 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">'Today you will be with me" changed to "I tell you today, You will be with me." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">Jesus assured the thief on the cross that their spirits would soon
enter the spiritual/heavenly realm together. As the JWs reject the
belief in the conscious survival of the human spirit after death, their
revision suggests that "today" deals with the time of the statement
rather than the relocation of their spirits. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">John 1:1 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Word was God" changed to "Word was a god." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The JWs reject the orthodox Christian belief in the deity of Jesus.
The revision asserts that Jesus was someone other than God Himself. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">John 1:12 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Believe" changed to "exercise faith." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The orthodox Christian doctrine of spiritual justification and
rebirth before God by belief in Jesus is in conflict with the JW
doctrine of salvation by works (i.e., obedience to their organization).
The revision attempts to describe salvation as a continuous process
rather than a radical encounter and transition (Same revision found in
John 3:16, 18; 6:29; Rom. 4:3, 10:4, 9, 10.) </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">John 6:56 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Remains in me" changed to "remains in union with me." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The mystical union between the individual human spirit and the Spirit
of Jesus is obscured by restructuring "in" with a compound form. The
substitution implies more separation between a Christian and Jesus.
(Same revision found in John 14:20; Rom. 8:1, 2, 10; 12:5; 2 Cor. 5:17;
Gal. 3:28; Eph. 1:13*; 2:10, 13, 15, 21, 22; 3:6; Col. 1:14*, 16*, 27;
2:6, 10*, 11, 12*; 3:3; 1 Thes. 4:16; 5:18; 1 John 3:24; 4:4; 5:20.
Verses with an asterisk (*) indicate where the revision uses "by means
of" or "in relationship to" rather than "in union with.") </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">John 8:58 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"I am" changed to "I have been." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">Same intent as described in Exodus 3:14 above. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">John 14:14 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%">"IF YOU ask [me] anything in my name, I will do it."<br />
"me" is omitted to deny the fact we pray to Jesus.</td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%"><i>John 14:14</i> should also be mentioned. In the NWT this
reads; "IF YOU ask anything in my name, I will do it." The Greek text in
the KIT, however, has ME after ask, so that it should be translated;
"If you ask ME anything in my name, I will do it." It is true that some
later Greek manuscripts omitted this word, but most of the earlier ones
include it, and most modern editions of the Greek NT include it. At the
very least, the NWT ought to have mentioned this in a note! </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">John 14:17 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Beholds him or knows him" changed to "beholds it or knows it." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The revision ignores the context of the pronoun with the Comforter
role in the preceding verse to deny the personality of the Holy Spirit. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">John 17:5 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Glorify me in
your presence with the glory I had with you" changed to "glorify me
alongside yourself with the glory that I had alongside you." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The original text reflects the shared deity of God the Father and
Jesus before the creation of the world, but the revision suggests
different natures as implied by different states of glory. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">John 17:21 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Are in me" changed to "are in union with me." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The original statement by Jesus indicates his shared deity with the
Father. The revision undermines this by suggesting a greater separation
between them. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Acts 10:36 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Lord of all" changed to "Lord of all [others]." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The revision suggests that even though Jesus is highly honored, he is
still one among many of God's created beings. (Similar revisions found
in Rom. 8:32; Phil. 2:9; Col. 1: 16-17.) </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Acts 20:28</span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">They change "God purchased the church with His own blood" to God purchased the church with the blood of His son" </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">Wrath and indignation will come to every Jw from the Governing Body,
who even suggests God purchased the church with His own blood... the
blood of Jesus... who is God!</td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Romans 2:29 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"By the Spirit" changed to "by spirit." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">Although the definite article 'the" does not literally appear in the
Greek, it is implied by the form that (pneuma) appears in. The revision,
however, translates pneuma in a more abstract form to evade the reality
of the Holy Spirit. (Same revision found in Rom. 15:19; Eph. 2:22; 3:5;
Titus 3:5; James 2:26; 2 Peter 1:21.) </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Rom 8:1 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%">"Therefore those in union with Christ Jesus have no condemnation," Which omits the word NOW.</td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The NWT omits key words when to include them may contradict JW doctrine. The most glaring example is <i>Rom 8:1</i>
"Therefore those in union with Christ Jesus have no condemnation,"
Which omits the word NOW. This omission is evidently motivated by the
fact that the JW's do not believe anyone can claim NOW to be free of
condemnation. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Romans 8:23a </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Have the firstfruits of the Spirit" changed to "have the firstfruits, namely the spirit." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">This represents another form of disguising the separate personality
of the Holy Spirit as in Rom. 2:29 above. The original text refers to
the derivatives of the Spirit, but the revision identifies the spirit as
a derivative. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Romans 8:23b </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"The redemption of our bodies" changed to "the release from our bodies by ransom." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">This revision avoids the suggestion that there is continuity of
either body or soul after death. Their teaching that the soul ceases to
exist at the death of the body precludes the ownership of, or
relationship to, a body that must be redeemed. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Romans 8:28 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"All things" changed to "all his works."</span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The revision undermines the sovereignty of God by suggesting that He
controls only the things He is directly involved in doing. This implies
that God does not work ALL things together for the good of those that
love God, but only those things which he himself does, over which he has
control. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Romans 8:29 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Those God foreknew" changed to "those whom he gave his first recognition." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The revision obscures the nature of God's knowledge and power as a first recognition may or may not be foreknowledge. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Romans 9:5 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Christ, who is
God over all, forever praised!" changed to "Christ, [sprang] according
to the flesh: God who is over all, [be] blessed forever." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The direction proclamation that Christ is God is obscured by the altered text. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Romans 10:13 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Lord" changed to "Jehovah." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">This revision obscures the fact that the Lord referred to in verse 13
is the same Lord called Jesus in verse 9. Since the JWs reject the
deity of Jesus, the revision is made accordingly. The Greek word,
kurios, translated "Lord" has been revised to "Jehovah" over 200 times
in the NWT. The JWs insist that this is the only valid title for God,
even though Greek-speaking Jews used "Lord" and "God" in place of
"Yahweh" (the source of "Jehovah") throughout their Septuagint
translation of the Old Testament. Furthermore, the Bible contains dozens
of names for God other than Lord, Yahweh, or Jehovah. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Romans 13:1 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Authorities that exist have been established by God" changed to "authorities stand placed in their relative positions by God." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">Since the JW regard saluting a flag, military service and similar
forms of submission to government as idolatry, they have added words to
the text to weaken the proclaimed authority of government. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">1 Corinthians 6:19 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit" changed to "the body of YOU people is [the] temple of the holy spirit." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">To avoid recognition of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in the
individual believer, the revision modifies "body" to a more collective
form in harmony with the opposing JW doctrine. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">1 Corinthians 10:4 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"The Rock was Christ" changed to "that rock-mass meant the Christ." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The passage depicts the preincarnate Jesus exhibiting his divine
nature by being present many centuries earlier. This revision tries to
conceal his eternal nature with a more figurative interpretation of "the
Rock." </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">1 Corinthians 12:11 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"As he determines" changed to "as it wills." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The NWT finds many ways to disguise the personality of the Holy
Spirit. In this case the third person pronoun exercising individual
conscience and will is replaced with an impersonal pronoun. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">1 Corinthians 14:14-16 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Spirit" changed to "[gift of the] spirit." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">Like several other Biblical passages, this one indicates the
distinctive presence of the human spirit as distinguished from the mind
and body. The JWs evade these distinctions and try to disguise them with
related revisions. <br />
The phrase GIFT OF THE is added in brackets five times, changing
"SPIRIT" to "[GIFT OF THE] SPIRIT." The NWT elsewhere frequently
paraphrases the simple word SPIRIT, especially when referring to the
immaterial aspect of human nature, to avoid the implication that such a
spirit has a reality distinct from the body. For instance, <i>Heb 12:19</i> "the Father of spirits" (or the spirits) becomes "the Father of OUR SPIRITUAL LIFE." In <i>Gal. 6:18</i>
"your spirit" is paraphrased "THE SPIRIT YOU SHOW." Similar rewording's
are introduced in passages where the simple translation of "spirit" or
"Spirit" might imply that God's Spirit is a person, contrary to the JW's
doctrine that the Holy Spirit is God's "active force." So, Jude's
description of certain men as "not having the Spirit" (or more
literally, not having spirit") is rendered "NOT HAVING SPIRITUALITY"
(Jude 19). </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">1 Corinthians 15:2 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"By this gospel you are saved" changed to "through which YOU are also being saved." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">Similar to the Acts 16:30 revision above, this one again obscures the
completeness of salvation by grace. The JW's salvation exists as an
extended process ("being saved") with the outcome being uncertain until
final judgment before Jehovah. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Galatians 6:18 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Your spirit" changed to "the spirit YOU [show]." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">Similar to the I Cor. 14 revision above, this one attempts to obscure
the reality of the individual human spirit by presenting it more as an
attitude of action than an entity. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Philippians 1:23 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"To depart and be with Christ" changed to "the releasing and the being with Christ." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">Paul's eagerness indicates that the believer's spirit goes
immediately into Christ's presence at death. The revision suggests that
death and being with Christ are two separate steps in an extended
process, as the JWs believe in soul sleep (i.e., the unconscious state
of the human spirit awaiting the resurrection). <br />
In <i>Phil 1:23-24</i> several words are added without brackets that,
along with some other changes, completely alter the structure and
thereby also the meaning of the text. The passage reads in the NWT (with
added words in brackets so you can see here) "I am under pressure from
[THESE] two things; [BUT WHAT] I do desire is the releasing and the
being with Christ, for this, [TO BE SURE], is far better." There are
other errors as well, but the additions indicate here clearly change the
meaning so as to avoid the test's implication that Paul would be with
Christ after death. Some of the additions in brackets in the NWT so
clearly change the meaning it is a wonder that more JW's don't question
them? In <i>1Cor 14:12-16</i> the phrase GIFT OF THE is added in
brackets five times, changing "spirit" to "[GIFT OF THE] spirit." The
result is that Paul's contrast between his own personal "spirit" and his
"mind" is removed. To assure that this contrast is missed, the word
"MY" is also added in brackets before "MIND" twice in verse 15 but not
before SPIRIT. Thus the simple contrast between "the spirit" and "the
mind" (or "my spirit" and "my mind" NASB) is changed to "the [GIFT OF
THE] spirit" and [MY] mind." </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Phil 2:6 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Although Jesus
existed in the form of God, He did not regard equality with God a thing
to be grasped, but emptied himself" (He grasped equality and let it go
to become a man) has been changed to "although Jesus was existing in
God's form, he gave no consideration to a seizure, namely, that he
should be equal to God."</span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">NWT teaches that Jesus was never equal with God nor did he ever grasp
at it. Notice the word seizure, which implies grabbing that which is
not yours to grab ie equality. If Jesus was created by God, why would He
be considered humble for not thinking of himself as equal to God. That
is not humility, but reality! However since Jesus was equal to God, it
would require great humility to give up his status as God and become a
man through Mary. <br />
<br /></td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Col 1:16-20</span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">the word "[other]" has been added 5 times where it is not in the Greek</span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">Awful embarrassing for Jw's to read this verse with the [other]
removed. Why it would mean Jesus was not a creature but God. By adding
"other" to "all other things" Jw's attempt to avoid the obvious original
intent of the Greek that Jesus is above all created things implying
Jesus is not a creature! <br />
The addition of the word OTHER is usually justified by an appeal to
such texts as Luke 11:41-42 and Luke 13:2,4, where the word OTHER is
also added after the word ALL. However, in these passages (and in others
were the same practice is rightly followed) the addition of the word
OTHER doesn't change the meaning, but simply makes it read smoother. In <i>Col 1:16-20</i>, however, whether one adds <b><i><span style="color: red;">"OTHER"</span></i></b>
makes a great deal of difference to the meaning! What is so often
noticed is that the NWT does this same thing in several other passages
as well <i>(Acts 10:36; Rom 8:32; Phil 2:9)</i>. In <i>Rom 8:32</i>, the
word OTHER is not even placed in brackets, contrary to the work's
stated practice. In all of these text, the intent seems to be to
undermine the implication of the text that Jesus Christ is God. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Colossians 1:19 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"His fullness" changed to "fullness." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The definite Greek article (to), translated "his," indicates that
Jesus shares the Father's divine nature as also shown in Col. 2:9. The
revisions evade the truth by concealing the similarity of the two
passages. <br />
Also notable is <i>Col 1:19</i> "because [God] saw good for all
fullness to dwell in him." Here the little word THE is omitted before
FULLNESS. This is significant, because NWT renders "ALL FULLNESS" is
ambiguous, whereas "ALL THE FULLNESS" clearly refers to the fullness of
God's own being <i>(compare Col 2:9).</i></td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Col 2:6-12</span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">Again, in <i>Col 2:6-12</i> "IN HIM" and "IN WHOM" (en auto, en ho)
becomes "IN UNION WITH HIM" (v.6) "IN HIM" (V.V. 7,9) "BY MEANS OF HIM"
(V. 10) and "BY RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM" (V.V..11,12). These variations
serve only JW doctrine! They have no other purpose, they undermine the
unity of the passage, which is that Christian life consists solely of a
supernatural relationship with God through faith in Christ. There are
many other passages where IN is paraphrased to avoid the otherwise clear
meaning of the text. For example, In <i>Matt. 5:19</i> IN becomes "IN
RELATION TO" so as to avoid the passages teaching that some who disobey
the law's commandments and teach others to do so will nevertheless be
accepted "in the kingdom of heaven" (which JW's believe will be
restricted to the 144,000 special chosen and sanctified believers). </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Colossians 2:9 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"The fullness of deity" changed to "the fullness of the divine quality." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The Greek theotes, translated "deity," literally means divine essence
or divinity. As the JWs reject the divine nature of Jesus, a revision
is inserted to suggest that Jesus is limited to only divine-like
characteristics. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">I Timothy 4:1 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"The Spirit" changed to "the inspired utterance." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">This revision attempts to obscure the reality and activity of the
Holy Spirit by representing it as a message instead of an entity.
(Similar revisions found in 1 John 4:1, 3, 6 with "expression" being
utilized in place of "utterance.") A straightforward "the SPIRIT says"
would too obviously imply the personality of the "Spirit". </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Titus 2:13 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Our great God and Savior Jesus Christ" changed to "the great God and of [the] Savior of us, Christ Jesus." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">Similar to the Rom. 9:5 revision shown above, a distinct proclamation
of Jesus as God is obscured by the altered text. (Similar rewording
also found in 2 Peter 1:1.) </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Hebrews 1:6</span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"But when He again
brings his First-born into the inhabited earth, he says: 'And let all
God's angels worship him' ." (New World Translation, 1950, 1961, 1970
editions, </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The NWT revised 1971 edition was changed to read, "do obeisance to"
rather than "worship". This change remains to this day, even though the
original word chosen by the 4 NWT translators, was accurate to the
Greek. However the Watchtower society was losing so may new converts
because of the word "worship" (only God gets worshipped) that they did
the typically dishonorable thing and chose the obscure unknown word
"obeisance" to complete the deception of new converts.</td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Hebrews 1:8 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Your throne, 0 God" changed to "God is your throne." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The revision avoids addressing the Son, Jesus, as God to validate the JWs' rejection of his divine nature. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Hebrews 9:14 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"The eternal Spirit" changed to "an everlasting spirit." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">Similar to the Rom. 2:29 revision above, the switching of the article
before the adjective represents the work of the Holy Spirit in a more
indirect/ impersonal manner. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Hebrews 12:9 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Father of our spirits" changed to "Father of our spiritual life." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">Similar to the I Cor. 14 revision shown above, this one tries to
obscure the distinctive reality of human spirits by replacing them with a
more abstract noun.</td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Hebrews 12:23 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"The spirits of righteous men" changed to "the spiritual lives of righteous ones." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">This revision represents the same noun-switching as described in Heb. 12:9 above. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Hebrews 12:28 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"We are receiving a kingdom" changed to "we are to receive a kingdom." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">An orthodox Christian understanding of the Kingdom recognizes it as
primarily established through Jesus' victorious death, then further
through post-resurrection displays of his power, and perpetually through
the addition of new believers into God's family. The JWs teach that
Jesus' Kingdom did not begin until his invisible return in 1914. The
form of the Greek word for "receiving" (paralambano) implies a current
condition, but the revision suggests a future event according to the JW
doctrine. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">1 Peter 1:11 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Spirit of Christ in them was pointing" changed to "the spirit in them was indicating concerning Christ." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">Another example of the supernatural presence of Jesus in the life of a
Christian is obscured again by this revision as the JW doctrinal view
presents him as more limited. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">I Peter 3:18-19 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"By the Spirit, through whom" changed to "in the spirit. In this [state]." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">Similar to several examples presented above, in this passage the
presence and personality of the Holy Spirit is obscured with a more
abstract representation of the Holy Spirit to accommodate the JW
doctrine. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">1 John 4:1-6</span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%">"Spirit" changed to "inspired expression"</td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">Even clearer is 1 John 4:1-6. John has just stated that we know our
union with God is secure "owing to the spirit which he gave us" (3:24).
The next sentence in the NWT reads; "Beloved ones, believe not every
inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions to see whether
they originate with God" (4:1). One would never suspect from this
rendering that "INSPIRED EXPRESSION" translates the same Greek word
(pneuma) as "SPIRIT" in 3:24 (see 4:2,3,6). John's whole point is that
although the Spirit's presence assures us of God's love, we are not to
believe every "spirit" that claims to be from God but test each one by
the teachings it prophets espouses. "Because many false prophets have
gone out into the world" (4:1). The NWT obscures this point to avoid the
implication that God's Spirit is a person rather than a force (just as
the demonic spirits are personal entities and not impersonal forces, as
the JW accept). <br />
<br />
The same doctrinal bias can be seen in 1 Tim 4:1, where the NWT reads;
However, the inspired utterance says...." A straightforward "the SPIRIT
says" would too obviously imply the personality of the "Spirit". </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Jude 19 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Have the Spirit" changed to "having spirituality." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">Similar to Gal. 6:18 above, this revision attempts to obscure the separate presence of the Holy Spirit. </td>
</tr>
<tr><td valign="TOP" width="18%"><span style="color: red;">Revelation 3:14 </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="27%"><span style="color: blue;">"Ruler of God's creation" changed to "beginning of the creation by God." </span></td>
<td valign="TOP" width="55%">The altered prepositions distract from the sovereignty of Jesus
indicated in the passage and suggests that the real power of creation
was accomplished through the Father, as the JWs believe that Jesus is a
created being. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
(http://www.bible.ca/Jw-NWT.htm)<br />
<br />
<br />
That's quite a lengthy list. You see how they attempt to twist words around to make it look like the scriptures are saying what they teach? Pretty sneaky.<br />
<br />
So who was on the team that was involved with translating the NWT? And what was their credentials as far as being qualified to translate a bible properly? <br />
<br />
The NWT translators were: Nathan Knorr, Albert Schroeder, George
Gangas, Fred Franz, M. Henschel
<br />
"Fred Franz however, was the only one with sufficient knowledge
of the Bible languages to attempt translation of this kind. He had studied
Greek for two years in the University of Cincinnati but was only self-taught
in Hebrew." ["Crisis of Conscience"; by Raymond Franz;
Commentary Press, Atlanta; 1983 edition; footnote 15; page 50.] <br />
Four out of the five men on the committee had no Hebrew or Greek training
at all. They had only a high school education. Franz studied Greek for
two years at the University of Cincinnati, but dropped out after his sophomore
year. When asked in a Scotland courtroom if he could translate Genesis
2:4 into Hebrew, Franz replied that he could not. The truth is that Franz
was unable to translate Hebrew or Greek.<br />
What we are left with is a very inexperienced translating committee
that twisted Scripture to make it fit the Society's doctrine.<br />
<b>Statements</b><br />
Original published statements to document this can be found in <br />
<ol>
<li> Raymond Franz', Crisis of Conscience, p. 50 (Franz, Knorr, Schroeder,
Gangas), </li>
<li>William Cetnar's, Questions for Jehovah's Witnesses, pp. 68-9 (Franz,
Knorr, Schroeder, Gangas, Henschel) </li>
<li>Jerry Bergman's, Jehovah's Witnesses and Kindred Groups, p. 39 (Franz).
</li>
<li>Interestingly, both Cetnar and Bergman set forth material that indicates
that the well-known Bible Scholar Edgar J. Goodspeed had some input
to the NWT. Cetnar indicates that Goodspeed was not terribly pleased
with the result.</li>
</ol>
( http://www.hyperbible.com/articles/jw4.asp)<br />
<br />
<br />
That pretty much explains how all of those mistakes happened. But instead of admitting their mistakes....like honest people would do.....they attempted to bolster their bible credibility. Instead of copying and pasting all of the many examples of dishonest half quotes, I'll simply post a site that has listed many bible scholars, what the Watchtower Society quoted them as saying, and what the scholar actually said. I think you will find the proof very interesting, and very convincing, to say the least. You can read about the scholars here: http://www.forananswer.org/Top_JW/Scholars%20and%20NWT.htm<br />
<br />
But just to wet your appetite, I will share one of them with you.<br />
<br />
Vincent Taylor<br />
<br />
What the Watchtower Society quoted him as saying:<br />
<br />
<span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Here,
in the Prologue, the Word is said to be God, but as often observed, in
contrast with the clause, 'the Word was with God', the definite article
is not used (in the final clause). For this reason it is generally
translated 'and the Word was divine' (Moffatt) or is not regarded as God
in the absolute sense of the name. The New English Bible neatly
paraphrases the phrase in the words 'and what God was, the Word
was',....In neither passage is Jesus unequivocally called God...."
("Does the New Testament Call Jesus God?", <i>Expository Times</i>,
73, No.4 [Jan.1962], p.118).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">What he actually said:</span><br />
<span style="color: navy; font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"We
reach a more difficult issue in the Gospel of John. Here, in the
Prologue, the Word is said to be God, but, as often observed, in
contrast with the clause, 'the Word was with God', the definite article
is not used (in the final clause). For this reason it is generally
translated 'and the Word was divine' (Moffatt) or is not regarded as God
in the absolute sense of the name. <b>The New English Bible neatly
paraphrases the phrase in the words 'and what God was, the Word was'.</b>
In a second passage in the Prologue the textual evidence attests
'only-begotten God' more strongly than 'only-begotten Son', but the
latter is preferred by many commentators as being more in harmony with
johannine usage and with the succeeding clause, 'who is in the bosom of
the Father'. In neither passage is Jesus unequivocally called God, while
again and again in the Gospel He is named 'the Son' or 'the Son of God'.
<b>In a third passage, however, there is no doubt that the name 'God' is
assigned to Him. </b>When Thomas is bidden to see the hands and side of
Jesus, he cries in adoring love, 'My Lord and my God'. This cry is
spontaneous and devotional and illustrates an aspect, and not the whole,
of the Evangelist's Christology. Like the author of Hebrews he thinks
and speaks of Christ in the category of Sonship" (Taylor, </span><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;">"Does
the New Testament Call Jesus God?", <i>Expository Times</i>, 73,
No.4 [Jan.1962], p.118, emphasis added)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
So what conclusion did you draw from this? Uneducated men attempting to translate Hebrew and Greek, and in doing so, made several mistakes, and attempted to gloss over those errors by printing partial quotes from bible scholars to make it look like they (the scholars) supported the NWT. I don't know about you, but for me, it shows how scandalous the Watchtower Society really is. It also shows that the JW community is blinded, that they would willingly accept what they are told instead of doing hardcore research.<br />
<br />
I hope that one day, those people will wake up and see what is really happening.<br />
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-33071218237089492432013-08-13T14:17:00.002-07:002013-08-13T14:22:55.124-07:00Jehovah's Witnesses and the United Nations Yes, I'm sure any of you that know about the Jehovah's Witnesses have also heard about their being an associate NGO with the United Nations. Former members point at this as a major scandal that was exposed, and shows the hypocrisy of the Watchtower Society. Current members argue that the claims are false, and even though they were an associate NGO of the United Nations, they did nothing wrong. I think it's time to review the argument, and set forth the facts. Then you, the reader, can decide.<br />
<br />
Let's begin with what the WTS was writing about the U.N. in their literature.<br />
<br />
"No, the UN is not a blessing, even though the religious clergy of
Christendom and the rabbis of Jewry pray heaven’s blessing upon that
organization. It is really “the image of the wild beast,” the visible
political, commercial organization of “the god of this system of
things,” Satan the Devil. So the UN will soon be destroyed along with
that beastly organization." <i>Watchtower</i> 1984 Sep 15 p.15<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The "mark" of the beast would identify the one having it as belonging to that "wild beast," giving it full <u>support</u>. <i>Ellicott's Bible Commentary</i> notes that the mark 'surely means the acquiescence to the <u>principals</u> of this tyrannical world-power.'<br />
In
modern times, the Christain body, known world wide as Jehovah's
Witnesses, has experienced from the "wild beast" the same things as
first-century Christians. Take the African county of Malawi, for
example. There all citizens have been required to become members of the
country's only existing political party, the "Malawi Congress Party." A
membership <u>card</u> costing about twenty-five cents (U.S.) identifies the bearer as 'acquiescing to the <u>principals</u> of the ruling political party,' . . . <br />
As
Jehovah's Witnesses they value their relationship to God and Christ
above everything else. Were they to identify themselves as giving
unquestioning <u>support</u> to any politcal arrangement, they would be
acting contrary to the Bible's teaching that all human governmental
systems exist by God's toleration only until such time as he chooses to
replace them by his kingdom in the hands of Jesus Christ. (Dan. 2:44;
7:13, 14) Jehovah's Witnesses have promised to give unqualified
allegiance exclusively to God and Christ. <u>Any</u> act on their part
that would indicate otherwise, therefore, would be an act of disloyalty.
Such an act would be taking away from God and Christ their rightful due
and would be worship fo the "wild beast."<br />
No matter how <u>insignificant the act</u> required may seem, a Christian's engaging in such worship would mean his being disloyal to God and Christ. Watchtower 1976 10/15 632-6<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
"If Christendom had sought peace with Jehovah's King, Jesus Christ, then
she would have avoided the coming flash flood. - Compare Luke 19:42-44.
<br />
<br />
However, she has not done so. Instead, in her quest for peace and
security, she insinuates herself into the favor of the political leaders
of the nations this despite the Bible's warning that friendship with
the world is enmity with God. (James 4:4) Moreover, in 1919 she strongly
advocated the League of Nations as man's best hope for peace. Since
1945 she has put her hope in the United Nations. (Compare Revelation
17:3, 11.) How extensive is her involvement with this organization?
<br />
<br />
A recent book gives an idea when it states: "No less than
twenty-four Catholic organizations are represented at the UN. Several of
the world's religious leaders have visited the international
organization. Most memorable were the visits of His Holiness Pope Paul
VI during the General Assembly in 1965 and of Pope John Paul II in 1979.
Many religions have special invocations, prayers, hymns and services
for the United Nations. The most important examples are those of the
Catholic, the Unitarian-Universalist, the Baptist and the Bahai
faiths."" <i>Watchtower</i> 1991 Jun 1 p.17<br />
<br />
"Such dwellers on earth wondered admiringly at the revived scarlet wild
beast. Much reliance was placed in its ability to be a power for world
peace and security. Great expectations were held out for it, and it was
given designations that were really blasphemous from the standpoint of
the Holy Bible. How so? In that to this wild beast powers were ascribed
and tasks were assigned that really belong to Gods kingdom and its
Messiah or its Christ. Back in 1919 the scarlet League of Nations had
been seriously called the political expression of the Kingdom of God on
earth. And now the United Nations, the successor of that League, has
been called the best means for peace, yes, even more than that, the last
hope for peace. So today we can see in actuality what the apostle John
saw in symbol, that that scarlet-colored wild beast is full of
blasphemous names. Those expressions of admiration for it turn false
religionists, not to the worship of Jehovah God the Creator, but to
idolatry of a man-made creation, the worship of a political image, the
worship of an international organization for world peace and security.
Rev. 17:3." <i>Watchtower</i> 1963 Nov 15 p.697<br />
<br />
<br />
The wild beast that you saw was, but is not, and yet is about to
ascend out of the abyss, and it is to go off into destruction. And when
they see how the wild beast was, but is not, and yet will be present,
those who dwell on the earth will <span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">wonder </span><span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">admiringly</span>, but their names have not been written upon the scroll of life from the foundation of the world." Revelation 17:8 NWT<br />
<br />
"We cannot but <span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">admire</span> the high <span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">principles</span> embodied in the proposed <span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">League of Nations</span>, formulated undoubtedly by those who have no knowledge of the great plan of God. This fact makes all the more <span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">wonder</span>ful the ideals which they express. Watchtower February 15, 1919 p. 51<br />
<br />
The "mark" of the beast would identify the one having it as belonging to that "wild beast," giving it full <span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">support</span>. <i>Ellicott's Bible Commentary</i> notes that the mark 'surely means the acquiescence to the <span data-mce-style="text-decoration: underline;" style="text-decoration: underline;">principals</span> of this tyrannical world-power.' Watchtower October 15, 1976 p. 632<br />
<br />
<br />
STRONG words from the Watchtower Society about the U.N. Obviously then, from what was stated, any witness would want to have nothing to do with the U.N. Even a 25 cent membership card would show disloyalty to God. Ah, but they even go a step further.<br />
<br />
"The Bible condemns things such as stealing, idolatry and the misuse of
blood, so a Christian could hardly engage in work where he directly
promoted such things. <i>Would doing the work so closely link a person with a condemned practice that he would be a clear accomplice?
</i> Even a janitor or a receptionist at a blood bank or a plant
making only weapons of war is directly linked with work contrary to Gods
Word."
<i>Watchtower</i> 1982 Jul 15 Box on p.26 Employment Factors to Consider<br />
<br />
Is it true that for religious reasons Jehovah's Witnesses may not become members of the YMCA (Young Mens Christian Association)?
<br />
<br />
Yes, that is so. We have long recognized that the YMCA, though not
being a church as such, is definitely aligned with the religious
organizations of Christendom in efforts to promote interfaith.
<br />
…
<br />
In joining the YMCA as a member a person accepts or endorses the
general objectives and principles of the organization. … Membership
means that one has become an integral part of this organization founded
with definite religious objectives, including the promotion of
interfaith. Hence, for one of Jehovah's Witnesses to become a member of
such a so-called Christian association would amount to apostasy." <i>Watchtower</i> 1979 Jan 1 pp.30-31 Questions from Readers<br />
<br />
Don't engage in working or becoming a member of any group that aligns themselves with something contrary to God. By doing so, you could be committing an act that amounts to Apostasy.<br />
<br />
So it is pretty clear that the Watchtower Society wants their members to avoid worldly governments at all costs. Don't work for them, don't support their principals, don't align yourselves with them, or you could face excommunication.<br />
<br />
With such a harsh stand on the U.N., I'm sure it came as quite a shock to many members when news came out about the Watchtower's United Nations Association. The Guardian newspaper revealed the link between the two in October of 2001. Days later, the Watchtower disaffiliated themselves from the United Nations. There were swarms of requests as to why they were there, if it was even true, requests to see evidence.<br />
<br />
The WTS responded with this letter.<br />
<br />
http://www.jwfacts.com/images/UNeldersletter.jpg<br />
<br />
It is a very dishonest letter, to say the least. They did not need to join the U.N. to gain access to their library. In fact, their are over four hundred U.N. libraries worldwide that can be accessed by anyone. Also, there have been no changes to the requirement for NGO's being required to agree to "support" the ideals of the United Nations.<br />
<br />
There have been attempts by other jw supporters to "explain away" the reasons why they were there. But those claims are misinformed individuals who did not research properly. For example, one person states that there are two types of NGO's. The DPI (Department of Public Information), and the ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council). And that the DPI division does not fall under the same criteria as the ECOSOC division. In other words, a DPI-NGO does not need to support the U.N. to be an associate. Obviously this person did not read the criteria requirements needed to be accepted as a DPI-NGO. You can read about it here: http://outreach.un.org/ngorelations/membership/<br />
<br />
So many questions arise then from the Watchtower's involvement with the U.N.<br />
<br />
1. If they truly did not realize that they didn't need to join the U.N. in order to access their library, why did they remain there for nine more years, filing annual applications?<br />
<br />
2. If their only reason for being there was to gain access to the U.N. library, why did they abandon their position once news of their involvement became public?<br />
<br />
3. Why would having library access be acceptable to them when holding rank and file members to strict avoidance, no matter how insignificant, and then threaten them with excommunication should they do so?<br />
<br />
4. Finally, if it was not wrong for them to be there, why did nobody know about it? <br />
<br />
It makes one wonder if they even care that many of their members were tortured, raped, imprisoned, and even killed, for holding up their end, for following the guidance of the Watchtower Society, only to see that the ones they were following decided to take a hypocritical stand, and then use the "library card" excuse. If you can be excommunicated in Malawi for purchasing a 25 cent membership card, the same punishment should happen for a library card. What is very revealing is going back and reading those articles about strict avoidance from any world government, since God's Kingdom is going to be replacing all world governments. No part of the world.....well.....except for a library card. Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-65395911529520338062013-07-23T10:12:00.000-07:002013-07-23T10:12:19.942-07:00Jesus the Mediator?<span class="btext1">"For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, </span><br /><span class="btext1">who gave Himself as a ransom for all, the testimony given at the proper time." 1 Timothy 2:5,6</span><br />
<span class="btext1"><br /></span>
<span class="btext1">After reading that, how can there be any confusion as to who our mediator is? There are other scriptures I will add to this one later on. But the Watchtower society has made a very serious claim about the role of Jesus as a mediator. Rather than attempt to explain them, I will let the quotes from JW literature speak for themselves. </span><br />
<span class="btext1"><br /></span>
w79 4/1 31 Questions
from Readers <br />
At a time when God was selecting those to be taken into that new covenant, the
apostle Paul wrote that Christ was the “one mediator between God and men.” (1
Tim. 2:5) Reasonably Paul was here using the word “mediator” in the same way
he did the other five times, which occurred before the writing of 1
Timothy 2:5, referring to those then being taken into the new covenant
for which Christ is “mediator.” So in this strict Biblical sense<strong> </strong>Jesus
is the “mediator” only for anointed Christians.<br />
<br />
<b>That isn't what Paul wrote.</b> <br />
<br />
w79 11/15 26 Benefiting
from "One Mediator Between God and Men" <br />
20 What, then, is Christ’s role in this program of salvation? Paul proceeds
to say: “There is one God, and one mediator between
God and men [not, all men], a man Christ Jesus, who gave himself
a corresponding ransom for all.”—1 Tim. 2:5, 6.<br />
<br />
<b>Not all men? See how they twist the scripture to fit their doctrine? </b><br />
<br />
w89 8/15 30 Questions
From Readers <br />
Clearly, then, the new covenant is not a loose arrangement
open to all mankind. It is a carefully arranged legal provision involving God
and anointed Christians.<br />
<br />
<b>Legal provision? </b><br />
<br />
w89 8/15 31 Questions
From Readers <br />
The people of all nations who have the hope of everlasting life on earth benefit
even now from Jesus’ services. Though he is not their
legal Mediator, for they are not in the new covenant, he is their
means of approaching Jehovah.<br />
<br />
<b>He is not their legal Mediator, but he is their means of approaching Jehovah? Isn't that a blatant contradiction? </b><br />
<br />
w89 8/15 31 Questions
From Readers<br />
Consequently, 1 Timothy 2:5, 6 is not using “mediator” in the broad sense common
in many languages. It is not saying that Jesus is a
mediator between God and all mankind. Rather, it refers to Christ as legal Mediator
(or, “attorney”) of the new covenant, this being the restricted way
in which the Bible uses the term.<br />
<br />
<b>Now they are twisting the meaning of the word "mediator". </b><br />
<br />
w89 12/15 30 Do
You Remember? <br />
In what sense does Paul use the term “mediator” when referring to Jesus at
1 Timothy 2:5, 6? In this text, Paul uses the Greek word me·si'tes for
“mediator,” which term has a legal significance, so he is not using this word
in the broad sense common in many languages. Hence, Paul
is not saying that Jesus is Mediator between God and all mankind. Rather, he
is referring to Christ as legal Mediator of the new covenant, which laid the
basis for Christ’s anointed followers to share with him in his heavenly Kingdom<i><span style="color: blue;">. </span></i>(2 Corinthians 5:1, 5; Ephesians
1:13, 14; Hebrews 8:7-13)—8/15, pages 30, 31.<br />
<br />
<b>We have already seen what Paul wrote, applying it to all men. Here they are trying to toss in a Greek word to support their claim.The definition of me-si'tes is: <span></span></b><br />
<ol type="1">
<li><b> one who intervenes between two, either in order
to make or restore peace and friendship, or form a compact, or for
ratifying a covenant</b></li>
<li><b> a medium of communication, arbitrator </b></li>
</ol>
<br />
<b> Does the word have legal significance? Or is it simply a go between?</b><br />
<br />
<br />
w84 7/15 14-15
Organized to Serve Jehovah <br />
There must be agreement among all true Christians, a unified message, if people are to hear what is correct, put genuine
faith in the true God and call upon Jehovah’s name with the prospect of being
saved. Moreover, one spirit-directed organization must be used<u> </u>in
connection with the sending forth of those truthful preachers of the “good news<strong>.</strong><span style="color: blue;"><i>”</i></span>—Romans
10:11-15.<br />
<br />
<b>Spirit directed organization....that claims to not be inspired by God. </b> <br />
<br />
<i>Survival into a New Earth</i> p. 65 <br />
"With Christ they make up the agency by means of which blessings will be
extended to all other obedient ones among mankind. Appreciation of this
is a key to understanding the Bible."<br />
<br />
<b>Now they elevate themselves to be <i>with Christ. </i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
Maybe we should check out a few scriptures and compare them to these claims.<br />
<br />
<span class="btext3"><i>Acts</i> 13:38-39--</span><span class="btext1">"Therefore let it be known to you, brethren, that through Him forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, </span><br /><span class="btext1">and through Him everyone who believes is freed from all things, from which you could not be freed through the Law of Moses.</span><br />
<br />
<br /><i>Ephesians</i> 1:7 "By means of him we have the release by ransom
through the blood of that one, yes, the forgiveness of [our] trespasses,
according to the riches of his undeserved kindness."<br />
<br />
<i>Romans</i> 6:23 "For the wages sin pays is death, but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord."<br />
<br />
<i>Hebrews</i> 7:25 "Consequently he is able also to save
completely those who are approaching God through him, because he is
always alive to plead for them."<br />
<br />
<i>Hebrews</i> 8:10-12 "'For this is the covenant that I shall
covenant with the house of Israel after those days,' says Jehovah. 'I
will put my laws in their mind, and in their hearts I shall write them.
And I will become their God, and they themselves will become my people. <sup>11</sup>
"'And they will by no means teach each one his fellow citizen and each
one his brother, saying: "Know Jehovah!" For they will all know me, from
[the] least one to [the] greatest one of them. <sup>12</sup> For I shall be merciful to their unrighteous deeds, and I shall by no means call their sins to mind anymore.'"
<br />
Isn't it obvious at this point that Jesus is the Mediator for everyone, and not just a select few?<br />
<br />
Furthermore, if Jehovah puts His laws into their minds and hearts, how can they possibly attempt to explain away past mistakes by stating that it is a <i>gradual understanding? </i>After all, if Jesus is supposedly mediating between God and them, wouldn't this be a claim of direct guidance? Yet they attempt to cover over those errors and sweep them under the carpet.<br />
<br />
Another mistake made is the attempt to parallel the great crowd with the alien residents under the law covenant. They write: <i>Watchtower</i> 1995 Jul 1 p.17 "The Israel of God" and the "Great Crowd<br />
<br />
"Since a number of these faithful foreigners, or alien residents,
are viewed as foreshadowing the great crowd today, their situation is of
interest to us.
<br />
Such ones were proselytes, dedicated worshipers of Jehovah under
the Mosaic Law who were separated from the nations along with the
Israelites. (Leviticus 24:22) They offered sacrifices, kept clear of
false worship, and abstained from blood, just as the Israelites did."<br />
<br />
Did you catch the error? The alien residents were included in the law covenant. So if they are foreshadowing the great crowd, that would mean that the great crowd will be included into the new covenant.<br />
<br />
This is a very blatant attempt to control the masses. In essence, what the are saying is that if you do not follow their instructions, accept their teachings without question, you will not make it through Armageddon and live on in an earthly paradise. They shove Jesus out of the picture, since the claim is that he is not the mediator for all of us, only them. They do this by twisting words, adding their own words to verses, and going well beyond what is written. <br /><br />Maybe they should read this verse, and think about what they are doing.<br /><br />Galations 1:8--But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than
the one we preached to you, let them be under God's curse!Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-75849165569853828222013-07-21T14:18:00.001-07:002013-07-21T14:18:27.116-07:00JW Bashing? I have been asked a few questions by current JWs, as well as friends that are non-believers in the jw religion, as to why I continually hound the witnesses. Here are the most common remarks that I will address here.<br />
<br />
1) Why do you bash the JWs? You must really hate them.<br />
<br />
2) Wouldn't you rather spend your time doing something worthwhile?<br />
<br />
3) They seem to be happy. Why interfere with that?<br />
<br />
4) Why don't you just move on with your life? Get over it.<br />
<br />
<br />
Let's start with the first one. Why do I bash the JWs? To answer this in the most simple response, I don't bash the JWs. People are free to believe in what they choose. If they are convinced that what they are placing their faith in is, in a manner of speaking, the right path, I have no problem with that at all.<br />
<br />
My main focus is on what they teach. If I see something that I feel is incorrect, is it wrong to ask questions in order to gain clarification? If I see something that I know for a fact is wrong, why can't I point that out?<br />
<br />
Even the Watchtower itself agreed with me in the past.<br />
<br />
"It is important to examine one's religion; there is nothing to fear from such an examination." Truth p.13<br />
<br />
"It is not persecution for an informed person to expose a certain religion as being false." wt 11/15/1963 p. 688<br />
<br />
"Examine the evidence. Reasonable persons want to examine both sides of a matter. That is how one arrives at the truth." A 10/22/1973 p. 6<br />
<br />
"Regarding the Roman Catholic Church: Any organization that claims to be the way of salvation should be willing to submit to scrutiny and criticism." <br />
<br />
If there is nothing to fear, and it is not persecution, and it is the way to find truth, then why is it considered bashing when someone decides to investigate their teachings, and then call out any mistakes that are found? And if you substitute Jehovah's Witnesses with the Roman Catholic Church in the last quote, they should be willing to submit to scrutiny and criticism, since they make the same claim.<br />
<br />
But that isn't what happens at all. Nowadays, if you question any of their teachings, you are slapped with the title of an Apostate. Once given that title, all current JWs will not even consider anything you have to say as valid. It is the easiest way to control the masses. And if you were never a JW, yet you question their beliefs, well, you are under the control of Satan, who is busy misleading the entire world, minus the JWs. <br />
<br />
The second one: Wouldn't you rather spend your time doing something worthwhile? This is based on the assumption that I spend ALL of my time refuting JW teachings. It really doesn't take very long to accomplish that.<br />
<br />
I do, however, consider it worthwhile, as many folks are wandering around lost in life, since they recently departed from the JW religion. I've been told by several individuals that they appreciate reading my opinions here on my blog page. Many of them were asking the same questions that I asked several years ago. So if my small contribution is able to help anyone out, that is very worthwhile from my perspective. <br />
<br />
The third one: They seem to be happy. Why interfere with that? The ones that are truly happy won't bother with anything that I have to say. But I do feel that it is within my right to ask questions if the JWs confront me at my home, or at my workplace. Qualified preachers should be prepared when someone asks them questions. Sadly, most of the encounters I have had with them ended in back-door escape from them to end the conversation.<br />
<br />
And finally: Why don't you just move on with your life? Get over it. I've heard this from current JWs, XJWs, and outsiders that don't know the specifics from within the JW realm. People always make the mistake of assuming that this is all that I do with my time. They do not realize that it does not take me very long to write a blog, offer advice or support in a recovery group, or other things related to my refuting JW teachings. Most of the things that I do in life are for my benefit, but I choose to spend some time to help others find happiness in their lives as well. I can tell you that when you achieve this, when you see someone that was literally down and out on life, and they came to you for support, and you were able to help them get back to enjoying life again, it is a great feeling. Why would I want to move on from that?<br />
<br />
So I would like to ask my accusers a question in closing. Who is really doing the bashing?<br />
<br />
"False religious propaganda from any source should be avoided like
poison! Really, since our Lord has used "the faithful and discreet
slave" to convey to us "sayings of everlasting life," why should we ever
want to look anywhere else?" <i>Watchtower</i> 1987 Nov 1 p.20<br />
<br />
"The world is filled with unhappiness, and people generally have a
gloomy outlook on the future. However, we have a bright outlook, knowing
that one day all sadness will be a thing of the past."<i> Kingdom Ministry</i> Feb 2002 p.1<br />
<br />
"From time to time, there have arisen from among the ranks of Jehovah's
people those, who, like the original Satan, have adopted an independent,
faultfinding attitude...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 ..." <i>Watchtower</i> 1981 Aug 15 p.29<br />
<br />
"Apostates “quietly” bring their ideas into the congregation, like
criminals who secretly bring things into a country.
... The Bible says that apostates are mentally diseased and that
they use their teachings to make others think like them. (1 Timothy 6:3,
4) Jehovah is like that good doctor. He clearly tells us to stay away
from false teachers. We must always be determined to follow his warning.
... We do not speak to them or invite them into our houses. We also do
not read their books, watch them on television, read what they write on
the Internet, or add our own comments about what they write on the
Internet." <i>Watchtower</i> 2011 Jul 15 p.11<br />
<br />
"It would be a mistake to think that you need to listen to apostates or
to read their writings to refute their arguments. Their twisted,
poisonous reasoning can cause spiritual harm and can contaminate your
faith like rapidly spreading gangrene."
<i>Watchtower</i> 2004 Feb 15 p.28<br />
<br />
"For one thing, some of the apostate literature presents falsehoods by
means of "smooth talk" and "counterfeit words." ... Those who have
continued to feed at Satan's spiritual table, the table of demons, will
be forced to attend a literal meal, no, not as partakers, but as the
main course-to their destruction!"
<i>Watchtower</i> 1994 Jul 1 p.12<br />
<br />
"What is often the motive of those who criticize the Society or those
taking the lead? Is it not often that some application of Scripture
affects them personally? Rather than conform to sound doctrine and
direction, they want the organization to change. Let us illustrate this
with a few examples: A brother insists on some extreme clothing or
grooming style. The elders feel that he is not a good example and do not
extend to him certain privileges, such as appearing on the platform to
give instruction. He becomes resentful, claiming that others are trying
to take away his Christian freedom. But what is behind such reasoning?
Is it not usually pride, an independent attitude, or a rather childish
desire to have one's own way?" Occasionally you may hear someone
question whether the Scriptural prohibition against eating blood really
applies to transfusions. But what is behind that reasoning? Is it
fear-fear of possibly losing one's present life or the life of a loved
one? Is hope in the resurrection fading? ... Finally, we might consider
what the Society has published in the past on chronology. Some opposers
claim that Jehovah's Witnesses are false prophets. These opponents say
that dates have been set, but nothing has happened. Again we ask, What
is the motive of these critics? Are they encouraging wakefulness on the
part of God's people, or are they, rather, trying to justify themselves
for falling back into sleepy inactivity?" <i>Watchtower</i> 1986 Mar 15 p.18 Allow No Place for the Devil!<br />
<br />
<br />
Wouldn't any of these quotes be considered bashing? <br />
<br />
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-26006094390302691052013-06-04T13:54:00.001-07:002013-06-04T13:54:56.666-07:00Isolationism Is Only a Cult Ploy! The tactic of isolationism is employed in order to control someone. The definition of being isolated is the following: To set apart or cut off from others, to place apart; cause to be alone. It's a basic quarantine action used as what they claim is a disciplinary action. I've already shown how disfellowshipping is not scriptural. But it runs much deeper than that. <br />
<br />
Remember when you were approached by a witness for the first time? What were you told? Probably something along these lines: <br />
<br />
"Jesus indicated that a similar day [to the Flood] is coming in our time. Those heeding the knowledge associated with this event will have the prospect of not only surviving but also living forever. In addition, the dead who are in Gods memory will be raised to life with the prospect of never having to die again. ... All evidence shows that this day is very near, which means that you may never die at all." <i>Watchtower</i> 2005 Apr 15 p.5 <br />
<br />
Ah yes. Who wouldn't want to live forever in a paradise world? No wars, no sickness, no reason for sadness. To anyone living in today's world, that would sound inviting. <br />
<br />
Then they hit you with the "Living in the Last Days" angle. They point to all of the bad stuff going on and claim that it is a sign that we are living in the last days. Time is short, so don't wait too long. They might even entice you into thinking that it is a great time to become a witness, because with the end "right around the corner" for this wicked system of things, you wouldn't have to wait for very long. <br />
<br />
And for a long time, the generation that would not pass away was linked to 1914. Anyone alive during that time era was going to see all of these things take place as this wicked world would be wiped out, and replaced with a new paradise world. <br />
<br />
All you had to do was begin studying with the jws, learn their teachings, attend their meetings, and eventually get baptized. <br />
<br />
So you join in. You study and learn their teachings. You attend their meetings. And you get baptized. And then the real truth sets in. Things that they probably didn't warn you about beforehand. And why would they? After all, their duty as a jw is to convert you. And they succeeded. <br />
<br />
So now you begin to receive weekly lectures on tasks you need to perform to remain in good standing. You need to attend every meeting. You need to attempt to comment at those meetings. You need to be regular in the preaching work. You need to do your personal studies that are assigned. You need to join the theocratic ministry school and give speeches that are assigned to you. <br />
<br />
Well, you might reason, with commitment comes responsibility. But then......<br />
<br />
They tell you who you can associate with, what you can read, what movies you can watch, what television programs are acceptable, what games you can play, what jobs you can apply for, what medical attention you can receive, appropriate dating, how married couples are allowed to have sex, what music you can listen to, what education is acceptable, and so on. <br />
<br />
And you cannot question any of their teachings, even if those teachings change. You can be disfellowshipped for several things not listed in the bible. And all disputes must remain "in-house" so that the elders can handle the matter. So if somebody cheats you in a business matter, you are not allowed to sue them. <br />
<br />
Basically every aspect of your life is now in their hands. And you are not allowed to question it. But what happens if you do? That is when isolationism is enforced. They cut you off from all members of the jw community, including your family. And there you must stay until you can prove to them that you have repented. All alone with no one to help you. Until finally you break down and are forced to come crawling back to them.<br />
<br />
Is that what you thought you were joining when they first approached you? Did you ever imagine that you would volunteer to give your life away? Did you ever think that these nice people would eventually threaten you with isolationism in order to control you? <br />
<br />
I doubt any of those things entered your mind when you joined them. But there are ways to overcome isolationism. For starters, Jesus was against vows and oaths. (Matthew 5:33-37) So it is wrong for the jws to make you swear a public agreement to be in association with their organization. Also, when that organization began changing its doctrines, to which you might not be in agreement with now, you are entitled to break that vow. Compare it to wedding vows. You enter into an agreement with your mate forever, right? What happens if one person decides to change the wording of those vows afterwards which now allows them to become a polygamist and marry again? Should you be forced to go along for the ride since you made a vow in which the dynamics have changed? Vows are about actions in the future, and the future is something over which we have little or no control.<br />
<br />
It is also important to remember that they hold no power over you. They cannot stop you from finding enjoyment out of life. Try reaching out to others and make some new friends. Try exploring several hobbies that could lead you to more opportunities. Keep yourself active, and eventually things will begin to happen for you. <br />
<br />
Isolationism is only powerful if you allow it to happen. But it can easily be derailed once a person learns that the world is full of adventures, and that there are many people out there looking to share those adventures with someone. Happy hunting.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-84382905207937734732013-01-29T12:19:00.001-08:002013-01-29T12:20:00.425-08:00Sign of the Last DaysThe Watchtower Society uses two points as proof, two lines of argument that they say can pinpoint when Jesus returned and God's Kingdom was established, which of course, would occur in the last days of this world. First, bible chronology is needed to determine when the Gentile Times would end. They believe that the appointed times of the nations began in 607 bce and ended in 1914 a.d. During this period, the nations would be allowed to rule without interference from God. And second, the "signs" that have occured since 1914, and there would be an enormous increase of each sign. From there it was believed that a single generation of people would witness these "signs of the last days", and that single generation would not die out until all of these signs happened. This is the main core of the JWs belief system. Everything they teach revolves around these two points. <br />
<br />
Examining those signs should be the first step in determining whether these claims are true. We can see what the bible says, and then examine history to test the accuracy of these claims.<br />
<br />
Matthew 24:3--As He was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately,
saying, "Tell us, when will these things happen, and what will be the sign of
Your coming, and of the end of the age?"<br />
<br />
Now pay close attention to what Jesus says to them.<br />
<br />
Matt 24:4,5--And Jesus answered and said to them, "See to it that no one misleads you. For many will come in My name, saying, 'I am the Christ,' and will mislead many.<br />
<br />
I am the Christ....or Christ approves of my teachings. That would include the setting of a specific date on when Christ would return.<br />
<br />
Verse 6 reads--You will be hearing of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not frightened,
for those things must take place, but that is not yet the end.<br />
<br />
Not yet the end? Interesting.<br />
<br />
If you read on in chapter 4, there will be wars, famines, earthquakes, pestilences, persecutions (because of Christ's name), false prophets, and an increasing lawlessness. All signs of end times, right? <br />
<br />
Not exactly, as verse 8 says--But all these things are merely the beginning of birth pangs.<br />
<br />
Nowhere in those verses does Jesus ever say that any of these things he listed are "signs of the last days." In fact, it was more of a warning for his disciples to not be led astray when they see these things occur. Don't be misled, don't be frightened, this is not the end? In fact, his answer to their question isn't until verses 27 onward. Note some of his comments.<br />
<br />
Verse 27--"For just as the lightning comes from the east and flashes even to the west, so
will the coming of the Son of Man be.<br />
<br />
Verses 29-31---But immediately after the tribulation of those days THE SUN WILL BE DARKENED,
AND THE MOON WILL NOT GIVE ITS LIGHT, AND THE STARS WILL FALL from the sky, and
the powers of the heavens will be shaken. And then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and then all the
tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the SON OF MAN COMING ON THE
CLOUDS OF THE SKY with power and great glory. And He will send forth His angels with A GREAT TRUMPET and THEY WILL GATHER
TOGETHER His elect from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other.<br />
<br />
Now that's a sign. Obviously, everyone would be able to see it, which eliminates the notion that Christ returned invisibly. <br />
<br />
Verse 36--But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the
Son, but the Father alone.<br />
<br />
Isn't it contradictory to think that God would suddenly decide to hand a verifiable date over to a small group of people, and then tell them to preach that to the entire world?<br />
<br />
End times religions would disagree with me. Especially the JWs, who point out that these signs of the last days have grown increasingly worse since 1914. Really? Let's test it out.<br />
<br />
<strong>Famine</strong> <br />
<br />
The Jws make this claim<em>--"And in the wake of World War I came the greatest famine of all history." "Let Your Kingdom Come" p.122 </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>"The worst food shortages in human history followed on the heels of World War I. "WT Oct. 15, 1975 page 634.</em> <br />
<br />
<em>"In 1921, famine brought death to some 5 million people in the U.S.S.R. In 1929, famine caused an estimated 3 million deaths in China. In the 1930's, 5 million died of hunger in the U.S.S.R. Just a few years ago prolonged drought in countries bordering the Sahara Desert resulted in countless refugees and up to 100,000 deaths." Watchtower 1983 Apr 15 pp.5-6</em><br />
<br />
By comparison, China alone had over 100 million die from famine during the 1800s. Now toss in the countries of India, England, Ireland, France, and many others, it is very clear that famine was much worse before the year 1914. <br />
<br />
<strong>Pestilence</strong><br />
<br />
Their claim--"<em>Right after World War I more people died of the Spanish flu than had died of any disease epidemic in the history of mankind. The death toll was some 21 million people!" p.151</em><br />
<br />
By comparison, the Black Death plague killed at least 62 million people in 3 years. And there was no cure. The plague of Justinian in the 6th century, killed about 100 million lives. The smallpox epidemic in the 1520s may have killed over 30 million lives. And the 19th century Cholera took about 100 million lives in 5 great pandemics. Again, their claim is proven false.<br />
<br />
<strong>Earthquakes</strong><br />
<br />
This one doesn't even need to be proven since they changed their view from this<br />
<br />
<em>"The <b>frequency</b> of major earthquakes has <b>increased about 20 times</b> what it was on an average during the two thousand years before 1914." Survival into a New Earth (1984) p.23</em><br />
<br />
to this<br />
<br />
<em>"Some say that any reports of an increase in the number of earthquakes are simply due to advances in technology, which enable more seismic events to be detected. The U.S. National Earthquake Information Center reports that earthquakes of 7.0 magnitude and greater remained "fairly constant" throughout the 20th century. Note, though, that the fulfillment of Jesus' prophecy does not require an increase in the number or power of earthquakes. All Jesus said was that there would be great earthquakes in one place after another. Furthermore, he stated that these events would mark the "beginning of pangs of distress." (Matthew 24:8) Distress is measured, not by the number of earthquakes or how they rate on the Richter scale, but by the effect that they have upon people." Awake! 2002 March 22 p.9</em> <br />
<br />
It was proven beyond doubt that earthquakes had not increased since the year 1914, that the JWs were forced to change the meaning of the sign. But just to state the obvious, <br />
<br />
"We continue to be asked by many people throughout the world if earthquakes are on the increase. Although it may seem that we are having more earthquakes, earthquakes of magnitude 7.0 or greater have remained fairly constant. <br />
<br />
A partial explanation may lie in the fact that in the last twenty years, we have definitely had an increase in the number of earthquakes we have been able to locate each year. This is because of the tremendous increase in the number of seismograph stations in the world and the many improvements in global communications. In 1931, there were about 350 stations operating in the world; today, there are more than 8,000 stations and the data now comes in rapidly from these stations by electronic mail, internet and satellite. This increase in the number of stations and the more timely receipt of data has allowed us and other seismological centers to locate earthquakes more rapidly and to locate many small earthquakes which were undetected in earlier years. The NEIC now locates about 20,000 earthquakes each year or approximately 50 per day. Also, because of the improvements in communications and the increased interest in the environment and natural disasters, the public now learns about more earthquakes. <br />
<br />
According to long-term records (since about 1900), we expect about 17 major earthquakes (7.0 - 7.9) and one great earthquake (8.0 or above) in any given year." <br />
<br />
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learning/faq.php?categoryID=6&faqID=110 (27 Oct 2009)<br />
<br />
<strong>Wars</strong><br />
<br />
Their claims. <br />
<br />
<em>"No generation previous to that of 1914 ever experienced a world war, never mind two." Watchtower 1983 Jul 15 p.7 </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>"Historians widely agree that World War I was the first war on a global scale." Awake! 1981 May 8 p.8 </em><br />
<em></em><br />
<em>"According to one study, World War I was reportedly seven times greater than all the 901 major wars of the previous 2,400 years"</em><br />
<br />
By comparison, The War of Spanish Succession 1702-1713, The Seven Years' War 1756-1763, The War of American Independence 1775-1783, and The Napoleonic Wars 1792-1815 are all considered world wars by historians. <br />
<br />
A comparison in death tolls shows that WWI had between 8 and 8.5 million soldiers killed, and including civilians, they estimate that between 10-12 million died as a direct result of that war. According to their last quote that I posted, this number is 7 times greater than all 901 major wars of the previous 2400 years. That would leave about 1.5 million as a collective death toll for all of those previous wars. Let's look at the numbers of some of those previous wars.<br />
<br />
1. The Thirty Years War (1618-1648) 9-11 million<br />
<br />
2. The Manchu-Chinese War (1644) 25 million <br />
<br />
3. The Napoleonic Wars (1792-1815) 5-6 million <br />
<br />
4. The Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864) 20-30 million <br />
<br />
5. The War of Spanish Succession (1702-1713) 1 million<br />
<br />
6. The Seven Years' War (1756-1763) 1-2 million<br />
<br />
7. The Lopez War (1864-1870) 2 million<br />
<br />
Total estimated fatalities 63-87 million<br />
<br />
WWI estimated fatalities 37.5 million.<br />
<br />
Once again, the original claims by the JWs are false. <br />
<br />
<strong>Lawlessness</strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
Their claim, <br />
<br />
<em>"Space does not allow us to give further details of contempt for God's laws, but what has been presented clearly shows that since 1914 there is an increasing of lawlessness on a magnitude unlike any period in history!" Watchtower 1983 Jun 1 p.7</em><br />
<br />
Any examination into history, and there is a wealth of material available, shows that lawlessness has not increased. It has always been there. Look at any time period and you will find it. Building walls around cities to keep the criminals out, or how about throwing Christians to the wild animals in front of an audience in an arena? Or take a look at the United States in the 1800s, and you might be shocked at what was going on then. And you will also realize what a ridiculous claim was made by the watchtower. <br />
<br />
These "signs of the last days" were really not signs at all. Trying to claim that things are getting worse is an attempt at selling the end times slogan in order to gain converts, out of fear. How many times have you read the "don't wait too long" articles? Historical facts show that none of the things mentioned are growing increasingly worse. And the one generation that was supposed to be eye-witnesses to all of these signs from 1914 onward has now been changed to "overlapping" generations. I'm wondering when they will decide to change the 1914 date as well. I think Jesus said it best when he stated the following,<br />
<br />
Then if anyone says to you, 'Behold, here is the Christ,' or 'There He is,' do
not believe him.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-32027157424102887072013-01-22T12:23:00.002-08:002013-01-22T12:23:38.515-08:00Michael the Archangel and JesusThe JWs teach that Jesus is Michael the Archangel. He existed as Michael before he came to earth and became Jesus, and then returned to heaven once again as Michael. Don't believe me? Read it for yourselves.<br />
<br />
<em>"So the evidence indicates that the Son of God was known as Michael before he came to earth and is known also by that name since his return to heaven where he resides as the glorified spirit Son of God."—Reasoning from the Scriptures, </em>1985, Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, p. 218 <br />
<br />
First, we should examine the scriptures that include Michael the Archangel. <br />
<br />
Daniel 10:13<em>--"But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one
days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had
been left there with the kings of Persia.</em><br />
<br />
There is already a problem here. If Michael is one of the chief princes, that indicates there are more of them. Jesus is supposed to be a unique, one of a kind being. (John 3:16) But here, if he is indeed Michael, is listed as one among a group of equals. <br />
<br />
Daniel 10:21--"<em>However, I will tell you what is inscribed in the writing of truth. Yet there
is no one who stands firmly with me against these forces except Michael your
prince.</em><br />
<br />
Not any indication here of how this connects to Jesus.<br />
<br />
Daniel 12:1--"<em>Now at that time Michael, the great prince who stands guard over the sons of
your people, will arise. And there will be a time of distress such as never
occurred since there was a nation until that time; and at that time your people,
everyone who is found written in the book, will be rescued.</em><br />
<br />
Here Michael is listed as a great prince during end times. Wouldn't he be mentioned as a King if he and Jesus were the same being?<br />
<br />
Revelation 12:7--<em>And there was war in heaven, Michael and his angels waging war with the dragon.
The dragon and his angels waged war,</em><br />
<br />
Michael and his angels? Does this prove that he must be Jesus? Not at all. A general will lead his soldiers under his command in to battle, but he is still following orders of a higher ranking officer. If a claim is made that the angels were his, couldn't we also make the identical claim that Michael is God? Archangel is a higher rank than angel, so it is fairly easy to surmise that even so, he is still an angel, and therefore falls under the same laws that govern those angels. <br />
<br />
Jude 1:9--<em>But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the
body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said,
"The Lord rebuke you!"</em><br />
<br />
Jesus rebuked the devil. Yet Michael was not allowed to. In all of those verses, nothing indicates that Jesus and Michael are the same being. The strength of the argument from the JWs comes in the following verse. <br />
<br />
1 Thessalonians 4:16--<em>For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of
the archangel and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise
first.</em><br />
<br />
Since it is the lord himself descending out of heaven with the voice of an archangel, surely this must mean that Jesus and Michael are one and the same. Then again, doesn't having God's trumpet mean that Jesus is God? You can't claim part of the verse as truth and discard the rest of it. The argument needs to be consistent with the entire verse. <br />
<br />
There are other verses to consider. Hebrews chapter one is all about Jesus being much better than the angels. <br />
<br />
Verse 4 states--<em>having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more
excellent name than they.</em><br />
<br />
Verse 5 adds--<em>For to which of the angels did God ever say, "You are my Son; today I have
become your Father"? Or again, "I will be his Father, and he will be my Son"?</em><br />
<br />
If Jesus is the son of God, yet no angel has ever been told that, wouldn't that leave Michael out as well?<br />
<br />
Verse 6 says--<em>And when He again brings the firstborn into the world, He says, "AND LET ALL THE
ANGELS OF GOD WORSHIP HIM."</em><br />
<br />
Notice how it says all of the angels, which of course would include the archangels. <br />
<br />
Hebrews 2:5<em>--It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are
speaking.</em> <br />
<br />
But in Luke 1:32-33 it says the following--<em>He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will
give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever; his kingdom will never end."</em> <br />
<br />
Or Revelation 1:5--<em>and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead,
and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us
from our sins by his blood,</em><br />
<br />
I don't know about you, but I see some major differences there. But here is more verses to consider.<br />
<br />
Col. 1:16-17--<em>For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and
invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were
created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.</em><br />
<br />
All things created by him.....including the angels.<br />
<br />
I could probably hunt down more scriptures to add and thoroughly dismantle this teaching from the JWs, but I think the information that I listed is solid enough. Once again, the JWs have taken something out of context and put their twisted stamp on it. And why not. They once taught that <u>Michael the Archangel was the Pope</u>. Apparently they claim to have a new and better understanding of another falsehood they have created.<br />
<br />
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-12836139407949408202012-11-11T11:13:00.001-08:002012-11-11T11:13:26.464-08:00Dates, and the Signifigance of Picking ThemThere are specific warnings in the bible about those that make claims about specific details and then attach God and His holy spirit to those claims. Yet, many individuals have done just that very thing, and in doing so, convinced millions of others to believe these claims are true. But every time a claim has been made, it was proven false for the simple fact that nothing happened. <br />
<br />
I am going to focus on the dates picked by the Witnesses, beginning with C.T. Russell. Sure, there were other groups before the jws that attempted the same thing. Setting a date for a specific event to occur. But those earlier ones have faded off into history as failures. The Witnesses however, continue to hold on to their calculations, and continue to preach about them. But before I go into the dates, I want to list a couple of scriptures that warn against making these claims. <br />
<br />
Jesus tells his followers in Acts 1:6,7 that it is none of their business when they asked him about when the kingdom would be restored right now.<br />
<br />
"They therefore who were come together, asked him, saying: Lord, wilt thou at
this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? But he said to them: It is not for you to know the times or moments, which the
Father hath put in his own power"<br />
<br />
Luke 21:8 goes a step further. Notice what Jesus says.<br />
<br />
"He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name,
claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them."<br />
<br />
John 16:13 describes how the spirit operates.<br />
<br />
"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He
will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell
you what is yet to come.'<br />
<br />
Dueteronomy 18:20-22 shows how God feels about this.<br /><br />"But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him
to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to
death. You may say to yourselves, "How can we know when a message has not been spoken
by the LORD? If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come
true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken
presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him." <br /><br />These scriptures set the criteria for us when examining anyone that sets dates and claims these are given to them by God's holy spirit. It is pretty cut and dry. The spirit guides you to the truth, but anyone that is making false claims is not to be followed or feared. God even said to put those ones to death. So we can see it is not something to be taken lightly. Now let's check out those dates.<br />
<br />
C.T. Russell's chronology was the following. <br />
<br />
1799---when the last days began.<br />
1874---the start of Jesus' invisible presence.<br />
1878---Jesus became king in heaven.<br />
1914---End of the world.<br />
<br />
Note the following: <br />
<br />
"The chapter in SCRIPTURE STUDIES, Vol. II, showing the parallels between the Jewish and Christian Dispensations, makes prominent four dates, viz., (1) October, <b>1874</b>; (2) April, <b>1878</b>; (3) October, <b>1881</b>, and (4) October, <b>1914</b>;" <i>Watch Tower</i> 1911 June 15 p.190 <br /><br /> "The careful student will have observed that the period designated 'The Time of the End' is very appropriately named, since not only does the Gospel age close in it, but in it, also,<strong> all prophesies relating to the close of this age terminate,</strong> <strong>reaching their fulfillments</strong>. The same class of readers will have noticed, too, the special importance of the last 40 of these 115 years <b>(1874-1914), called 'The End'</b> <strong>or 'Harvest.'"</strong> <i>Studies in the Scriptures Series III - Thy Kingdom Come</i> p.121<br />
<br />
Russell thought that the Harvest would not include the whole world, just the Christian church that would be cleaned up. The rest of the world would not recognize what was happening. <br />
<br />
Many of the current jws don't even know about 1799. They do not realize that this was the original accepted date for when the last days began.<br />
<br />
"THE "Time of the End," a period of one hundred and fifteen (115) years, from A.D. 1799 to A.D. 1914, is particularly marked in the Scriptures. "The Day of His Preparation" is another name given to the same period " <i>Studies in the Scriptures Series 3 Thy Kingdom Come</i> p.23<br />
<br />
The 1799 date was still being taught well after Russell's death. I found this in a book titled "The Harp of God" 1921. It states the following.<br />
<br />
"The Lord has caused Daniel to record specifically what would happen when the time of the end sould begin. The "time of the end" means a specific time period at the end of gentile dominion. "And at the time of the end shall the king of the south push at him; and the king of the north shall come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships; and he shall enter into the countries, and shall overflow and pass over. He shall enter also into the glorious land, and many countries shall be overthrown." Daniel 11:40,41.<br />
<br />
"The fulfillment of this prophecy fixes the beginning of "the time of the end", because the prophecy definitely so states. The campaign of the great warrior Napoleon Bonaparte is clearly a fulfillment of this prophecy, as reference to the historical facts concerning his campaign plainly show. The 'king of the south' mentioned in the prophecy is refers to Egypt; the "king of the north" means Great Britain, which was then an integral part of the Roman Empire. Napoleon was in Egypt fighting the Egyptian armies, which were led by Murat Bey, and which he defeated. His victory not only struck terror to the Egyptians, but far into Africa and Asia, and all of the surrounding tribes submitted to the great conqueror. While he was doing this, the British in the north, under the leadership of Lord Nelson, were making an effective attack on Napoleon's forces at sea. Napoleon began this Egyptian campaign in 1798, finished it and returned to France on October1, 1799. The campaign is breifly, yet graphically, described in the prophecy, verses 40 to 44; and being completed in 1799, marks, according to the prophet's own words, the beginning of the "time of the end."<br /><br />1874 was a crucial date for Russell. <br /><br />The second advent of our Lord in the end or harvest of the Gospel age, occurring in the fall of 1874, proves to be at a point of time exactly parallel to the time of his first advent, in the end of the Jewish age. ... the Jubilee Cycles show October 1874 to be the date of our Lord s return. ... While the time-prophecies thus point to and harmonize with 1874 as the date of our Lord s second presence, assuring us of the fact with mathematical precision, we find ourselves overwhelmed with evidence of another character; for certain peculiar signs, foretold by the Lord and the apostles and prophets, which were to precede his coming, are now clearly recognised as actually fulfilled. ... The cleansing of the sanctuary was also accomplished as predicted, and at a time sufficiently in advance of 1874 to make ready "a people prepared for the Lord" a people in devout expectancy of his coming"" <i>The Time of the Harvest</i> (1911 ed.) pp.125,127,129 <br />
<br />
And again, still being taught well after Russell was gone.<br /><br /> "The Scriptural proof is that the period of his presence and the day of God's preparation is a period from 1874 A.D. forward. <b>The second coming of the Lord, therefore, began in 1874</b>; and that date and the years 1914 and 1918 are specially marked dates with reference to his coming. Prophecy can not be understood until it has been fulfilled or is in the course of fulfillment. From 1874 to 1914 the prophecy concerning the Lord's coming was being fulfilled and could be understood, and was understood, by those who were faithful to the Lord and who were watching the development of events, but not by others." <i>Creation</i> 1927 2,175,000 ed. p.289<br />
<br />
The jws are well known for pointing at what is happening in the world as "proof" of something to support their claims. The 1927 creation book does not disappoint. Notice this hilarious list of "proof". <br />
<br />
"But mention is made of some of those things that have come to light since 1874, <strong>as a further evidence of the Lord's presence</strong> since that date, as follows: Adding machines, aeroplanes, aluminium, antiseptic surgery, artificial dyes, automatic couplers, automobiles, barbed wire, bicycles, carborundum, cash registers, celluloid, cream separators, disc plows, electric railways, electric welding, elevators, escalators, fireless cookers, gas engines, harvesting machines, illuminating gas, induction motors, linotypes, monotypes, motion pictures, pasteurization, radium, railway signals, Roentgen rays, skyscrapers, smokeless powder, submarines, subways, talking machines, telephones, television, typewriters, vacuum cleaners, wireless telegraphy and wireless telephony." <i>Creation</i> 1927 2,175,000 ed. p.297<br />
<br />
1878 was thought to be when Jesus would become king and grant the anointed ones their heavenly reward by resurection or rapture.<br />
<br />
... "the spring of 1878 as the time when he would assume his power as heavenly King. They also thought they would be given their heavenly reward at that time." <i>Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers of God's Kingdom </i>p. 632<br />
<br />
"Expecting the Lord Jesus to come in 1878 to catch them up miraculously to be with him in heaven, some who had been Second Adventists (including Barbour) were disappointed when that miracle did not occur. Russell, though, "did not for a moment feel cast down," but "realized that what God had so plainly declared must some time have a fulfillment"; and he "wanted to have it just in God's time and way." <br /> On one occasion while talking with Russell about the events of 1878, I told him that Pittsburgh papers had reported he was on the Sixth Street bridge dressed in a white robe on the night of the Memorial of Christ's death, expecting to be taken to heaven together with many others. I asked him, "Is that correct?" <br /> Russell laughed heartily and said: "I was in bed that night between 10:30 and 11:00 P.M. However, some of the more radical ones might have been there, but I was not. Neither did I expect to be taken to heaven at that time, for I felt there was much work to be done preaching the Kingdom message to the peoples of the earth before the church would be taken away." <i>FAITH ON THE MARCH </i>pp.26-27<br />
<br />
1914 is probably the most noteworthy date for the jws. It is interesting to see the metamorphasis of that date from when it was first taught down to now. Originally, it was when Armageddon would come. Here are some quotes from various literature.<br />
<br />
"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." <i>Zions Watch Tower</i> 1894 July 15 p.226<br />
<br />
"The seventh trumpet sounds from Aug. 1840, until "the time of trouble," or day of wrath is ended. Hence, it doubtless ends with the times of the Gentiles, and this forty years of conquest; and therefore, sounds until A. D. 1914; at the end of which, Babylon the great, will have fallen, and the "dragon" be bound: that is, the nations will be subdued, and "the prince of this world cast out."" <i>Three Worlds and The Harvest of This World</i> (1877) p.143 <br />
<br />
" we have seen that God has a set time for every feature of his plan, and that we are even now in this "Day of Vengeance," which is a period of forty years; that it began in October, 1874, and will end in October, 1914 [very shortly]." <i>Studies In the Scriptures Series IV - The Day of Vengeance</i> -pp.546, 547<br />
<br />
Pretty clear to see that 1914 was to be the end of this system, when Satan would be cast out. <br />
<br />
Unfortunately, nothing happened. All of these predictions failed. so the jws had to change everything in order to survive. That's why you no longer hear about 1799, 1874, 1878, and other dates that were thought to have meaning back then. Those dates have been buried to avoid the embarassment of many false claims that were made. Of course, without some urgent message, the jws would have been classified as just another christian sect. Another end times religion that made false predictions. <br />
<br />
What are they saying about 1914 now? Check out these quotes.<br />
<br />
"The Watchtower has <b>consistently presented</b> evidence that <b>Jesus' presence in heavenly Kingdom power began in 1914</b>. Events since that year testify to Jesus' presence. Jehovah's Witnesses have consistently shown from the Scriptures that the year 1914 marked the beginning of this world's time of the end and that "the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly men" has drawn near." <i>Watchtower</i> 1993 Jan 15 pp.5,9 <br />
<br />
"How did Jehovah's Witnesses know more than 30 years in advance that 1914 would be an important date for divine rulership? Though the Witnesses at the time did not understand the full implication of events about to take place, the Watch Tower magazine as far back as December of 1879 pointed to 1914 as a marked date in regard to Bible prophecy. And the March 1880 issue of the Watch Tower linked God's Kingdom rule with the ending of what Jesus Christ referred to as "the appointed times of the nations," or "the times of the Gentiles." (Luke 21:24; Authorized Version) That Watch Tower said: "'The Times of the Gentiles' extend to 1914, and the heavenly kingdom will not have full sway till then."" <i>Watchtower</i> 1984 Apr 1 p. 6 1914 a Marked Year-Why? <br />
<br />
"Even earlier, however, C. T. Russell wrote an article entitled "Gentile Times: When Do They End?" It was published in the Bible Examiner of October 1876, and therein Russell said: "The seven times will end in A.D. 1914." He had correctly linked the Gentile Times with the "seven times" mentioned in the book of Daniel. (Dan. 4:16, 23, 25, 32) <b>True to such calculations</b>, 1914 did mark the end of those times and <b>the birth of God's kingdom in heaven</b> with Christ Jesus as king. Just think of it! Jehovah granted his people that knowledge nearly four decades before those times expired." <i>Yearbook</i> 1975 p.37 <br />
<br />
"As for the time of Christ's second presence, Daniel's prophecy is again the one that gives the chronology for it. (Dan. 4:16) It was figured out as pointing to A.D. 1914, and The Watchtower called notice to the significance of 1914 in the year 1879." <i>Watchtower</i> 1952 Nov 1 p.658 <br />
<br />
"For over thirty years before that date and for half a century since, Jehovah's witnesses have pointed to the year 1914 as the time for the end of "the appointed times of the nations" and the time in which <b>Christ would begin his Kingdom rule</b>. (Luke 21:24)" <i>Watchtower</i> 1966 Feb 15 p.103 <br />
<br />
Very dishonest and disgusting. Of course, they cannot simply admit that they were wrong. So they lie about what was being taught in the early days. The sad thing is that current members of this religion will never know about this unless they stray outside of the walls that are forbidden for them to do so. <br />
Enter the year 1925. and the slogan "Millions Now Living Will Never Die." Really? Let's check out what was being said back then.<br />
<br />
"Seventy jubilees of fifty years each would be a total of 3500 years. That period of time beginning 1575 before A.D. 1 of necessity <b>would end in the fall of the year 1925</b>, at which time the type ends and the great antitype must begin. What, then, should we expect to take place? <b>The chief thing to be restored is the human race to life</b>; and since other Scriptures definitely fix the fact that there will be a resurrection of <b>Abraham, Isaac, Jacob</b> and other faithful ones of old, and that these will have the first favour, <b>we may expect 1925 to witness the return of these faithful men of Israel from the condition of death</b>, being resurrected and fully restored to perfect humanity and made the visible, legal representatives of the new order of things on earth." <i>Millions Now Living Will Never Die</i> p.88 <br />
<br />
"Hence these faithful men may be expected on earth within the next few years." <i>The Harp of God</i> p.340 1921<br />
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"The year 1926 would therefore begin about October first, 1925. We should, therefore, expect shortly after 1925 to see the awakening of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Melchisedec, Job, Moses, Samuel, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel, John the Baptist, and others mentioned in the eleventh chapter of Hebrews. ... No doubt many boys and girls who read this book will live to see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Daniel, and those other men of old come forth in the glory of their better resurrection, of perfect in mind and body. It will not take long for Christ to appoint them to their post of honor and authority as his earthly representatives. The world and all the present conveniences will seen strange to them at first, but they will soon become accustomed to the new methods. They may have some amusing experiences at first; for they never saw telephones, radios, automobiles, electric lights, aeroplanes, steam engines, and many other things so familiar to us." <i>The Way to Paradise</i> (1924) pp.224,226<br />
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Sound familiar? Well, buckle up for the next comments.<br />
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"The Bible and "The Bible in Stone" [the Pyramid of Giza] give the date 1914: for the beginning of the great change. History proves that the ouster proceedings began promptly on time. <b>Prophecy indicates that 1925-1926 will see the greater part of the ousting completed</b>. All the world's statesmen are dreading the next few years." p.171 <br />
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"Seventy times 50 are 3,500. The whole period would therefore have been 3,500 years from the time the Jews entered Canaan until all the types would have been fulfilled. As they entered Canaan 1,575 years before Christ there would be 1,925 years of types after Christ, or 1925 A. D." p.223 <br />
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"Of course it will take some time to get things in smoothly running order after the great stress between now and 1926. It may be ten years or more before you get your home all fixed up, and the gardens bringing forth the luscious fruits and appetizing vegetables in abundance. Even if it takes a while longer you will be that much better prepared. You will have secured the services of the best decorators you can find. Some of them used to be undertakers; but since there are no more people dying, they have had to seek some new occupation. Their experience as undertakers prepared them to become decorators with very little difficulty." p.228<br />
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All of those from the Way to Paradise book written in 1925. Oh, and to make sure you do not have any doubts about what they were writing, <br />
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"... this chronology is not of man, but of God.... the addition of more <b>proofs removes it entirely from the realm of chance</b> into that of proven certainty.... the chronology of present truth [is]... not of human origin." <i>Watch Tower</i> 1922 July 1 p.217 <br />
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So these claims came from God, not from man. They became rather boastful.<br />
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"We cannot be blamed for presenting from the Scriptures such evidence as they afford which leads us to believe that a certain event will take place at a given time. Some times the Lord has let His people looking for the right thing at the wrong time, and more frequently they have looked for the wrong things at the right time. But all the enemies of the cause of present truth in the earth are fervently hoping that the Bible students will not be so successful in 1925 in looking for the right thing at the right time as they were in 1914. if they are, however, it will be the other fellow that will have to do the explaining, and not we." <i>Golden Age</i> 1924 Feb 13 p.314<br /><br />Well, what happened? NOTHING. All of these claims and predictions failed once again. And what was their statement afterwards?<br />
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"Question: Have the ancient worthies returned? Answer: "Certainly they have not returned. No one has seen them, and it would be foolish to make such an announcement. It was stated in the 'Millions' book that we might reasonably expect them to return shortly after 1925, but <b>this was merely an expressed opinion</b>; besides it is still shortly after 1925. ... <b>Some anticipated</b> that the work would end in 1925, but the Lord did not state so. The difficulty was that the <b>friends inflated their imaginations</b> beyond reason; and that when their imaginations burst asunder, they were inclined to throw away everything." <i>Watch Tower</i> 1926 pp.196, 232 <br />
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Inflated their imaginations? Give me a break. You would think though after so many failures that these guys would learn not to set any specific dates. <br />
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And then came the year 1975.<br />
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I'm just going to let the quotes speak for themselves.<br />
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"Does God's rest day parallel the time man has been on earth since his creation? Apparently so. In what year, then, would the first 6,000 years of man's existence and also the first 6,000 years of Gods rest day come to an end? The year 1975. It means that within a relatively <b>few years</b> we will witness the fulfilment of the remaining prophecies that have to do with the "time of the end"." <i>Awake!</i> 1966 Oct 8 pp.19-20 <br />
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"It did not take the brothers very long to find the chart beginning on page 31, showing that 6,000 years of man's existence end in 1975. <b>Discussion of 1975 overshadowed about everything else.</b> "The new book compels us to realize that Armageddon is, in fact, very close indeed," said a conventioner. Surely it was one of the outstanding blessings to be carried home!" .. Brother Franz. <b>'Does it mean that Armageddon is going to be finished, with Satan bound, by 1975? It could! It could! </b> All things are possible with God. Does it mean that Babylon the Great is going to go down by 1975? It could. Does it mean that the attack of Gog of Magog is going to be made on Jehovah's witnesses to wipe them out, then Gog himself will be put out of action? It could. But we are not saying. All things are possible with God. <b>But we are not saying. And don't any of you be specific in saying anything that is going to happen between now and 1975. </b> But the big point of it all is this, dear friends: Time is short. Time is running out, no question about that." <i>Watchtower</i> 1966 Oct 15 pp.629,631<br />
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"Well now, as Jehovah's Witnesses, as runners, even though some of us have become a little weary, it almost seems as though Jehovah has provided meat in due season. Because he's held up before all of us, a new goal. A new year. Something to reach out for and it just seems it has given all of us so much more energy and power in this final burst of speed to the finish line. And that's the year 1975. Well, we don't have to guess what the year 1975 means if we read the Watchtower. And don't wait 'till 1975. The door is going to be shut before then. As one brother put it, "<b>Stay alive to Seventy-Five</b>""<br />
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"The immediate future is certain to be filled with climactic events, for this old system is nearing its complete end. Within a few years at most the final parts of Bible prophecy relative to these "last days" will undergo fulfilment." <i>Watchtower</i> 1968 May 1 p.272 <br />
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One thing is absolutely certain, Bible chronology reinforced with fulfilled Bible prophecy shows that six thousand years of man's existence will soon be up, yes, within this generation! (Matt. 24:34) This is, therefore, no time to be indifferent and complacent. <b>This is not the time to be toying with the words of Jesus that "concerning that day and hour nobody knows, </b> neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father." (Matt. 24:36) To the contrary, it is a time when one should be keenly aware that the end of this system of things is rapidly coming to its violent end. Make no mistake, it is sufficient that the Father himself knows both the "day and hour"! <br />
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"The fact that fifty-four years of the period called the "last days" have already gone by is highly significant. It means that <b>only a few years, at most, remain</b> before the corrupt system of things dominating the earth is destroyed by God." <i>Awake!</i> <b>1968</b> Oct 8 p.13 <br />
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"Many schools now have student counselors who encourage one to pursue higher education after high school, to pursue a career with a future in this system of things. Do not be influenced by them. Do not let them "brainwash" you with the Devil's propaganda to get ahead, to make something of yourself in this world. <b>This world has very little time left!</b> Any "future" this world offers is no future! Wisely, then, let God's Word influence you in selecting a course that will result in your protection and blessing. Make pioneer service, the full-time ministry, with the possibility of Bethel or missionary service your goal. This is a life that offers an everlasting future!" <i>Watchtower</i> <b>1969</b> Mar 15 p.171 <br /><br /> "If you are a young person, you also need to face the fact that <b>you will never grow old in this present system of things</b>. Why not? Because all the evidence in fulfillment of Bible prophecy indicates that this corrupt system is due to end in a few years. Of the generation that observed the beginning of the "last days" in 1914, Jesus foretold: "This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur."-Matt. 24:34. Therefore, as a young person, you will never fulfill any career that this system offers. If you are in highschool and thinking about a college education, it means at least four, perhaps even six or eight more years to graduate into a specialized career. But where will this system of things be by that time? It will be well on the way toward its finish, if not actually gone!" <i>Awake!</i> <b>1969</b> May 22 p.15<br />
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"Bible chronology which indicates that Adam was created in the fall of the year 4026 B.C.E. would bring us down to the year 1975 C.E. as the date marking 6,000 years of human history with yet 1,000 years to come for Christ's Kingdom rule. So whatever the date for the end of this system, it is clear that the time left is reduced, with only approximately <b>six years left</b> until the end of 6,000 years of human history." <i>Watchtower</i> 1970 May 1 p.273<br />
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"Yes, since the summer of 1973 there have been new peaks in pioneers every month. Now there are 20,394 regular and special pioneers in the United States, an all-time peak. That is 5,190 more than there were in February 1973! A 34-percent increase! Does that not warm our hearts? Reports are heard of <b>brothers selling their homes and property and planning to finish out the rest of their days in this old system in the pioneer service. </b> Certainly this is a fine way to spend the short time remaining before the wicked world's end." <i>Kingdom Ministry </i>May 1974 p.3 How Are You Using Your Life? <br /><br /> "Today there is a great crowd of people who are confident that a destruction of even greater magnitude is now imminent. The evidence is that Jesus' prophecy will shortly have a major fulfilment, upon this entire system of things. This has been <b>a major factor in influencing many couples to decide not to have children at this time</b>." <i>Awake!</i> 1974 Nov 8 p.11<br />
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"Since there is such a short time left, study no longer than six months with a prospective convert." WT 5/15/1969 p. 312<br />
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Easy to discern what the expectations were. So what happened when 1975 came? <br />
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NOTHING!!! Again, a set date of certainty falls by the wayside. And with it came the excuses....again.<br />
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"It may be that some who have been serving God have planned their lives according to a mistaken view of just what was to happen on a certain date or in a certain year. They may have, for this reason, put off or neglected things that they otherwise would have cared for. But they have missed the point of the Bible’s warnings concerning the end of this system of things, thinking that Bible chronology reveals the specific date."<br />
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"But it is not advisable for us to set our sights on a certain date, neglecting everyday things we would ordinarily care for as Christians, such as things that we and our families really need. We may be forgetting that, when the “day” comes, it will not change the principle that Christians must at all times take care of all their responsibilities. If anyone has been disappointed through not following this line of thought, he should now concentrate on adjusting his viewpoint, seeing that it was not the word of God that failed or deceived him and brought disappointment, but that his own understanding was based on wrong premises."<br />
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The <i>Watchtower</i> 1976 Jul 15 pp.440-441<br />
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"In modern times such eagerness, commendable in itself, has led to attempts at setting dates for the desired liberation from the suffering and troubles that are the lot of persons throughout the earth. With the appearance of the book <i>Life Everlasting-in Freedom of the Sons of God</i>, and its comments as to how appropriate it would be for the millennial reign of Christ to parallel the seventh millennium of man's existence, <b>considerable expectation was aroused regarding the year 1975</b>. There were statements made then, and thereafter, stressing that this was only a possibility. Unfortunately, however, along with such cautionary information, <b>there were other statements published that implied that such realization of hopes by that year was more of a probability than a mere possibility </b>. It is to be regretted that these latter statements apparently overshadowed the cautionary ones and contributed to a buildup of the expectation already initiated. The <i>Watchtower</i> 1980 March 15 p.17<br />
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There is an obvious set pattern at work here. For an end times religion to survive, it needs to generate some type of excitement, fear, hype, and base it on prophecies from the bible, and some calculated formula cooked up in order to stimulate interest. Join us and live forever, ignore us and die. The problem is that the very bible itself condemns these groups that come along and prey on people's emotions. I posted scriptures at the beginning of this section. A criterian was set. Let's review each verse and see how the jws stand up to it.<br />
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Acts 1:6,7--"They therefore who were come together, asked him, saying: Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? But he said to them: It is not for you to know the times or moments, which the Father hath put in his own power" <br />
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<em>Not for them to know, yet they claim that God is the one behind all of their information, that He is providing it. Clearly they didn't understand what Jesus meant here.</em><br />
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Luke 21:8--"He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them."<br />
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<em>Uh-oh. How many times did their set dates fail? Jesus specifically said not to follow them.</em><br />
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John 16:13--"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come.'<br />
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<em>If the spirit guides one into truth, there would be no mistakes made. No dates would have failed had the spirit been guiding them along. Easy to see that this was not the case.</em><br />
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Dueteronomy 18:20-22--"But a prophet who presumes to speak in my name anything I have not commanded him to say, or a prophet who speaks in the name of other gods, must be put to death. You may say to yourselves, "How can we know when a message has not been spoken by the LORD? If what a prophet proclaims in the name of the LORD does not take place or come true, that is a message the LORD has not spoken. That prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him." <br />
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<em>This leaves no wiggle room at all. They taught it. They preached it. They tried to hide/change it. They tried to blame it on others. And they used God to attempt to back their claims.</em> <br />
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Examining the history of the Witnesses exposes them for what they really are. Everything is in print for all to see.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-48576479612804548722012-10-04T09:58:00.000-07:002014-09-09T19:46:43.219-07:00Apostasy!The position taken by the JWs on Apostasy is an interesting one. Especially when considering their past statements over the years. At one time, there was no fear of having their doctrines examined by anyone, in fact they extended an open invitation to all. But then things changed. In this section, I will share quotes made from the JWs from past articles. I will examine the definition of Apostasy and how the wording changes with the JWs definition. And I will examine whether the word Apostasy was used in the bible the way the JWs use it in their nwt.<br />
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There was a time when the JWs were confident about their views/doctrines. They supported those that examined things closely. Here are a few quotes from past literature that show this.<br />
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"We should prove by the Word of God whether the things found in the Watchtower are from man or from the Lord." wt/5/1/1934, p.131<br />
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"The Watchtower invites careful and critical examination of its contents in light of the scriptures." wt 8/15/1950, p.263<br />
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"It is not persecution for an informed person to expose a certain religion as being false." wt 11/15/1963, p.688<br />
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"The best method of proof is to put a prophecy to the test of time and circumstances." wt 3/1/1965, p.151<br />
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"Contrary to what some may think, it is not unkind and unloving to lay bare falsehood and corruption." wt 3/1/1966, p.132<br />
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"Examine the evidence. Reasonable persons want to examine both sides of a matter. That is how one arrives at the truth." a 10/22/1973, p.6<br />
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Those are only a few of many statements over the years that basically said it was okay to dig deep for the real truth. And if you found something, you should make it known. One thing that was rarely brought up was warnings of Apostasy. But this all changed in the mid to late 1970s.<br />
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The failure of the year 1975 caused many members to leave the JWs. And the ones that remained began to raise eyebrows at what was being taught. Over the next few years, an internal witch hunt among the WT Society would see many long time members, loyal servants of the JWs, get excommunicated. Why? Apostasy!!! Ah yes, apparently now, it was considered Apostasy to question the doctrines of the JWs. Some of these individuals would go on to write books that closely examined these doctrines in question. Some knew the inner workings of the WTS (watchtower society), and shared this with the public. One man was asked to prove the 607/1914 date was correct by someone he was studying with. He promised that he would research the topic. Seven years later, he came to the conclusion that the dates were wrong. Since it was encouraged to bring any evidence of a mistake to the table, this person prepared a treatise with all of the information he had found. And for his honesty and wanting to help clarify an obvious mistake made by the WTS, he was disfellowshipped for Apostasy. <br />
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So a major change happened during this time. The once proud religion that wanted people to examine their teachings suddenly became aggressive towards anyone that did this, especially if it was one of their own. The word Apostasy began showing up in their literature. Here are a few quotes from various articles.<br />
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Have No Dealings With Apostates <br />
7 Now, what will you do if you are confronted with apostate teachings, subtle reasonings claiming that what you believe as one of Jehovah's Witnesses is not the truth? For example, what will you do if you receive a letter or some literature, open it, and see right away that it is from an apostate? Will curiosity cause you to read it, just to see what he has to say? You may even reason: 'It won't affect me; I'm too strong in the truth. And, besides, if we have the truth, we have nothing to fear. The truth will stand the test.' In thinking this way, some have fed their minds upon apostate reasoning and have fallen prey to serious questioning and doubt. (Compare James 1:5-8.) So remember the warning at 1 Corinthians 10:12: "Let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall." <br />
8 With loving help from caring brothers, some having doubts sown by apostates have recovered after a period of spiritual turmoil and trauma. But this pain could have been avoided. At Proverbs 11:9 we are told: "By his mouth the one who is an apostate brings his fellowman to ruin, but by knowledge are the righteous rescued." Jude told fellow Christians to "continue showing mercy to some that have doubts; save them by snatching them out of the fire." (Jude 22, 23) Paul advised the overseer Timothy to instruct "with mildness those not favorably disposed; as perhaps God may give them repentance leading to an accurate knowledge of truth, and they may come back to their proper senses out from the snare of the Devil, seeing that they have been caught alive by him for the will of that one."2 Timothy 2:25, 26. <b><i>Watchtower</i> 1986 March 15 pp.10-15 'Do Not Be Quickly Shaken From Your Reason'</b><br />
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<b><i>Watchtower</i> 1982 April 1 p. 27 Survival or Destruction at the "Great Tribulation"</b>Now, the Bible definitely shows that some end up in the symbolic Gehenna before the 1,000-year Judgment Day begins. Jesus told the unrepentant scribes and Pharisees that they and their Gentile proselytes were 'subjects for Gehenna' or, literally, 'sons of Gehenna.' (Matthew 23:15, 33-35; see also John 9:39-41; 15:22-24.) If even a proselyte of the Pharisees became a subject for Gehenna 'twice as much so as themselves,' how much more so Judas Iscariot, who made a heinous deal with them to betray God's Son! Jesus implied this when he called Judas "the son of destruction." (John 17:12) Similarly, unrepentant apostates go, at death, not to Sheol, or Hades, but to Gehenna. (Hebrews 6:4-8; 2 Peter 2:1) The same is true of dedicated Christians who persist in willful sin or those who "shrink back." (Hebrews 10:26-31, 38, 39) These are merely examples to show that some, even in "this system of things," have committed the sin for which there is no forgiveness, not even in the system of things "to come." (Matthew 12:31, 32; compare 1 John 5:16.) They will, therefore, not be resurrected. <br />
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<b><i>Watchtower</i> 1985 July 15 p.31</b> "Such ones [apostates] willfully abandoning the Christian congregation thereby become part of the 'antichrist.' (1 John 2:18, 19)" <br />
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<b><i>Watchtower</i> 1992 July 15 pp.12-13 Christ Hated Lawlessness-Do You? </b>"The obligation to hate lawlessness also applies to all activity by apostates. Our attitude toward apostates should be that of David, who declared: "Do I not hate those who are intensely hating you."<br />
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<b><i>Watchtower</i> 1994 July 1 p.12 </b>"For one thing, some of the apostate literature presents falsehoods by means of "smooth talk" and "counterfeit words." (Romans 16:17, 18; 2 Peter 2:3) What would you expect from the table of demons? ... Those who have continued to feed at Satan's spiritual table, the table of demons, will be forced to attend a literal meal, no, not as partakers, but as the main course-to their destruction!"<br />
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<b><i>Watchtower</i> 1993 November 1 p.19 </b>"True Christians share Jehovah's feelings toward such apostates; they are not curious about apostate ideas. On the contrary, they "feel a loathing" toward those who have made themselves God's enemies, but they leave it to Jehovah to execute vengeance."<br />
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<b><i>Watchtower</i> 2000 May 1 p.10 </b>"Some apostates are increasingly using various forms of mass communication, including the Internet, to spread false information about Jehovah's Witnesses."<br />
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<b><i>Watchtower</i> 2004 Feb 15 p.28</b>"It would be a mistake to think that you need to listen to apostates or to read their writings to refute their arguments. Their twisted, poisonous reasoning can cause spiritual harm and can contaminate your faith like rapidly spreading gangrene. (2 Timothy 2:16, 17) Rather, imitate God's response to apostates. Job said of Jehovah: "Before him no apostate will come in." - Job 13:16." <br />
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<b><i>Watchtower</i> 2011 Jul 15 p.11</b> "Apostates “quietly” bring their ideas into the congregation, <b>like criminals</b> who secretly bring things into a country. Apostates use “counterfeit words.” This means that they say things that make their false ideas sound true, like criminals who make false documents look real. They try to get as many people as possible to believe their “deceptive teachings.” Peter also said that they like twisting the Scriptures. They explain Bible verses in the wrong way to make others believe their ideas. (2 Peter 2:1, 3, 13; 3:16) Apostates do not care about us. If we follow them, we will leave the road to everlasting life. <br />
... The Bible says that apostates are <b>mentally diseased</b> and that they use their teachings to make others think like them. (1 Timothy 6:3, 4) Jehovah is like that good doctor. He clearly tells us to stay away from false teachers. We must always be determined to follow his warning. <br />
What must we do to avoid false teachers? We do not speak to them or invite them into our houses. We also do not read their books, watch them on television, read what they write on the Internet, or add our own comments about what they write on the Internet. Why are we so determined to avoid them? First of all, it is because we love “the God of truth.” So we do not want to listen to false teachings that go against the truth in God’s Word."<br />
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<b><i>Examining the Scriptures Daily</i> 2011 Aug 18 p.83</b> "Satan was the first creature to turn apostate. Modern-day apostates display characteristics similar to those of the Devil. Their mind may be poisoned by a critical attitude toward individuals in the congregations, Christian elders, or the Governing Body. Some apostates oppose the use of the divine name, Jehovah. They are not interested in learning about Jehovah or in serving him. Like their father, Satan, apostates target people of integrity. (John 8:44) No wonder servants of Jehovah avoid all contact with them!"<br />
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Can you see how the attitude changed from the first quotes I posted to these ones about Apostates? Members were once encouraged to examine everything. Now they are told to avoid anything or anyone that raises questions about their doctrines, or the people that write them. The language has become very strong and bitter. Satan was the first Apostate? Apostates are mentally diseased? Apostates are like criminals? Wow....Really? Because a person finds something questionable about one of the doctrines taught by the JWs, and they want to ask about it, they can look forward to receiving this barrage of insults. By questioning them at all, not only are you just like Satan, you are also mentally diseased and are just like a criminal.<br />
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And although it was rarely brought up before the 1970s, there was this chilling quote from the 11-15-52 watchtower.<br />
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Being limited by the laws of the worldly nation in which we live and
also by the laws of God through Jesus Christ, we can take action against
apostates only to a certain extent, that is, consistent with both sets
of laws. The law of the land and God’s law through Christ forbid us to
kill apostates, even though they be members of our own flesh-and-blood
family relationship. However, God’s law requires us to recognize their
being disfellowshiped from his congregation, and this despite the fact
that the law of the land in which we live requires us under some natural
obligation to live with and have dealings with such apostates under the
same roof."<br />
Whoa now. Let's go back to what it means to be an Apostate. Here is the definition from a common dictionary. "One who abandon's one's religious faith, a political party, one's principles, or a cause."<br />
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A person can be guilty of Apostasy simply by leaving a religion. But now, notice the JWs definition of an Apostate.<br />
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"Persons who deliberately spread (stubbornly hold to and speak about) teachings contrary to Bible truth as taught by Jehovah's Witnesses are apostates." <i>Pay Attention to Yourself and to All the Flock</i> p.94<br />
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This isn't just simply leaving their religion. This is stating that if a person speaks out against a bible truth AS TAUGHT BY THE JWS, they are considered an Apostate. So what if they are teaching a false view and you see it? Well, you better not bring it up or you will be guilty of Apostasy under their definition. <br />
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This is all about control. They have built up a wall of defense, and are quick to blast anyone that approaches it. There no longer is the attitude to examine everything to find the real truth. They impose fear tactics by describing Apostates as assisting Satan, being unworthy of a resurrection, to be avoided, loathed and hated, referring to former Witnesses that speak out against the Watchtower Society or its doctrine. Oh, and let's not forget that they are mentally diseased.<br />
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Interestingly enough, a quote from their own literature shows just how hypocritical they are.<br />
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Awake June 22, 2000 'The Manipulation of Information'<br />
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"Some people insult those who disagree with them by questioning character or motives instead of focusing on the facts. Name-calling slaps a negative, easy-to-remember label onto a person, a group, or an idea. The name-caller hopes that the label will stick. If people reject the person or the idea on the basis of the negative label instead of weighing the evidence for themselves, the name-caller’s strategy has worked."<br />
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By slapping the Apostate label on anyone that even questions their teachings, they hope that their current members will reject anything that person brings forth as factual evidence without even examining what is there. <br />
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They have even gone to the trouble of putting the word Apostate in the bible, where it never existed in the first place. These are the verses where the NWT uses the word apostate: Job 8:13, 13:16, 17:8, 20:5, 27:8, 34:30, 36:13, Psalms 35:16, Prov. 11:9, and Isa. 10:6. The Hebrew word used in all of these verses is חנף "chanef" which actually means godless, hypocrite, wicked, or evil doer. If you look up those verses in any other Bible translation, none use the word apostate. Let's test this out, shall we??? <br />
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Job 8:13--Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so perishes the hope of the godless. NIV<br />
<br />
If we cross reference this with other bibles, most use the word godless or hypocrite. Feel free to examine this yourself. Here are the rest of the ones listed.<br />
<br />
Job 13:16--Indeed, this will turn out for my deliverance, for no godless man would dare
come before him!<br />
<br />
Job 17:8--Upright men are appalled at this; the innocent are aroused against the ungodly.<br />
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Job 20:5--that the mirth of the wicked is brief, the joy of the godless lasts but a
moment.<br />
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Job 27:8--For what hope has the godless when he is cut off, when God takes away his life?<br />
<br />
Job 34:30--to keep a godless man from ruling, from laying snares for the people.<br />
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Job 36:13--"The godless in heart harbor resentment; even when he fetters them, they do not
cry for help.<br />
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Psalms 35:16--Like the ungodly they maliciously mocked; they gnashed their teeth at me.<br />
<br />
Proverbs 11:9--With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor, but through knowledge the
righteous escape.<br />
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Isaiah 10:6--I send him against a godless nation, I dispatch him against a people who anger
me, to seize loot and snatch plunder, and to trample them down like mud in the
streets.<br />
<br />
Godless is not the same as being an Apostate. A godless person does not recognize or worship a god. For them, no god exists, so why worship a non-existing deity? <br />
<br />
A Hypocrite is not the same as an Apostate either. Hypocrites pretend to be something that they are not. A hypocrite would not turn against their religion. They would continue on, posing as a member even though they did not share the same beliefs. Ironically, by forcing current members of the JW community to stay silent, many of them fall into this category should they question the doctrines, yet refuse to speak out against them. They do not want to be branded an Apostate an get cut off from associating with their families and loved ones. <br />
<br />
The truth should be able to stand on its own merits. So why should a person be threatened from examining all the evidence in order to find the truth? Why do the JWs not allow current members to ask questions about doctrines without asking them if they have been studying Apostate literature? What are they afraid of? If God is backing them, guiding them along with His holy spirit, wouldn't that have an effect on those interested in wanting to learn as much as possible? Those seeking the truth about God? <br />
<br />
Simple answer to all of those questions. The JWs have been proven wrong. Their doctrines are false. And the fact that they threaten their current members with Apostasy so a person won't want to examine the evidence shows that they KNOW this. And that is very pathetic.<br />
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<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-32229873607439628462012-08-04T19:54:00.001-07:002012-08-04T20:03:59.810-07:00Did the 1st Century Christians Follow a Governing Body?The claim made by the witnesses is the following:<br />
<br />
"While all anointed Christians collectively form God's household, there is abundant evidence that Christ chose a small number of men out of the slave class to serve as a visible governing body. The early history of the congregation shows that the 12 apostles, including Matthias, were the foundation of the first-century governing body." <i>Watchtower</i> 1990 Mar 15 p.11<br />
<br />
Abundant evidence? Really? If there was an abundant amount of evidence, why does the term "governing body" not appear a single time in the bible? Wouldn't there have been some sort of qualifications that needed to be listed for future generations to keep this governing body intact? <br />
<br />
The real facts show that this governing body never existed. Consider the history of the christians. They began in utter disarray, and had to be constantly told what they needed to be doing. Congregations were not firmly established yet. Doctrines were argued and fought over. There was a constant confusion about issues that would seem to us as relatively simple, such as the resurrection of Christ, and what the meaning was behind it. If there were a Governing Body leading the way, why didn't the people look to them for clarification? <br />
<br />
There is only one example of any gathering together to clarify an issue. This happened in Acts 15 when the matter of the Jews wanting the Gentiles to be circumcised caused controversy. But notice how the bible says just who attended this meeting. <br />
"Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to
Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question."<br />
<br />(appointed by whom? A governing body? Nope, just the local church where the dispute happened)<br />
<br />
<br />
"When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles
and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them."<br />
<br />
(Reported to a governing body? Nope. They shared their experiences with the Gentiles in order to win the dispute)<br />
<br />
<br />
So a couple of missionaries along with some other believers were allowed to meet and discuss the matter with not only the 12 apostles, but elders from Jerusalem. This is nothing like the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses in modern times. As states the following article:<br />
<br />
"Naturally, all elders must submit to Christ's "right hand" of control, guidance, and direction, which he exercises by means of the spirit and the spirit-begotten members of the Governing Body." <i>Watchtower</i> 1987 Aug 1 p.19<br />
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But how was the matter resolved back in Acts 15? In verse 19, James was the one that made the final decision. No vote was taken, at least there was nothing mentioned of any final discussion among the 12 apostles, who were supposedly members of the governing body. This would have been the chapter to highlight a final decision made by this group of leaders. But that never happened. Letters were sent out clarifying what had happened, and the 4 decrees were listed to keep the peace between the Jews and Gentiles. <br />
<br />
Since no governing body was mentioned regarding a dispute that required a gathering of the more prominent ones from the christians, what about the directing of missionaries? Well, the first (and only) person to look at is Paul, who was the most influential christian from the 1st century. Galatians 1:1 says:<br />
<br />
<strong>"</strong>This letter is from Paul, an apostle. I was not
appointed by any group of people or any human authority, but by Jesus Christ
himself and by God the Father, who raised Jesus from the dead."<br />
<br />
No human authority......like say...a governing body? <br />
<br />
How about verses 11 and 12 of the same chapter.<br />
<br />
<strong>"</strong>I want you to know, brothers, that the gospel I
preached is not something that man made up. I did
not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by
revelation from Jesus Christ." <br />
<br />
If a governing body were present back then, wouldn't this statement warrant an immediate disfellowshipping? <br />
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How about one more. Verses 15-20. <br />
<br />
<strong>"</strong>But when God, who set me apart from birth<span class="nivfootnote"><sup><a href="http://niv2.scripturetext.com/galatians/1.htm#footnotesa">a</a></sup></span> and called me by
his grace, was pleased to
reveal his Son in me so that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not
consult any man, nor
did I go up to Jerusalem to see those who were apostles before I was, but I went
immediately into Arabia and later returned to Damascus.
<br />
<div class="NPST">
Then after three years, I went up to Jerusalem
to get acquainted with Peter<sup> </sup> and stayed with him fifteen days. I saw none of the other apostles—only James, the
Lord’s brother. I assure you before God that what I am writing
you is no lie."</div>
<div class="NPST">
<br /></div>
<div class="NPST">
And there you have it. Paul made it very clear that he did not consult with anyone, even those apostles up there in Jerusalem....the supposed governing body. Not until 3 years later, and that was to get aquainted with Peter and James. </div>
<div class="NPST">
<br /></div>
<div class="NPST">
So if Paul wasn't being consulted by any governing body, do you think his fellow missionaries were any different? <br />
<br />
Why would Jesus say:</div>
<div class="NPST">
<br /></div>
<div class="NPST">
"For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” </div>
<div class="NPST">
<br /></div>
<div class="NPST">
if a governing body was needed? </div>
<div class="NPST">
<br /></div>
<div class="NPST">
So a person really needs to question this governing body claim. If the modern day standard is that a governing body runs the organization, and--"<b>To receive everlasting life</b> in the earthly Paradise we <b>must identify that organization</b> and serve God as part of it." <i>Watchtower</i> 1983 Feb 15 p.12</div>
<div class="NPST">
<br /></div>
<div class="NPST">
why can we not find any facts, or abundant evidence of any governing body in the 1st century? There seems to be a pretty big piece of this puzzle missing.</div>Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-82448356328619792492012-05-28T10:58:00.001-07:002014-07-04T11:34:35.133-07:00Guided By Holy Spirt, Yet Uninspired?It is a strange concept that the JWs are leaning on. But you can find it plastered throughout their literature. They do, in fact, claim to be guided by the holy spirit. Naturally this claim would be made. Really, who would follow a religion that claimed that the holy spirit <i>was not guiding them</i>? We can check out a few quotes pulled from various articles.<br />
<br />
"We will also increase our joy if we prayerfully and diligently study God's spirit - inspired Word and <b>Christian publications prepared under the spirit's guidance</b>." <i>Watchtower</i>1992 Mar 15 pp.21-22 <br />
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"When the time comes to clarify a spiritual matter in our day, <b>holy spirit helps responsible representatives of the faithful and discreet slave</b> at world headquarters to discern deep truths that were not previously understood. (Matt. 24:45; 1 Cor. 2:13) The Governing Body as a whole considers adjusted explanations. (Acts 15:6) What they learn, they publish for the benefit of all." <i>Watchtower</i> 2010 Jul 15 pp.22-23 <br />
<br />
"Under the <b>guidance of his holy spirit <u>and</u> on the basis of his Word</b> of truth, Jehovah provides what is needed so that all of God's people may be "fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought" and remain "stabilized in the faith." (1 Cor. 1:10; Col. 2:6, 7) Surely we are grateful for Jehovah's spiritual provisions in these last days. Thus, "the faithful and discreet slave" does not endorse any literature, meetings, or Web sites that are not produced or organized under its oversight." <br />
<i>Kingdom Ministry</i> Sep 2007 US Edition<br />
<br />
"Third, holy spirit is at work in bringing Bible truths to light." <i>Watchtower</i> 2010 Apr 15 p.10 Holy Spirits Role in the Outworking of Jehovahs Purpose<br />
<br />
<br />
"Consider, too, the fact that <b>Jehovah's organization alone, in all the earth, is directed by God's holy spirit</b> or active force. <i>Watchtower</i> 1973 Jul 1 p.402<br />
<br />
<br />
"The <b>Watchtower is not the instrument of any man</b> or set of men, nor is it published according to the whims of men. <b>No man's opinion is expressed in The Watchtower. God feeds his own people</b>, and surely God uses those who love and serve him according to his own will. Those who oppose The Watchtower are not capable of discerning the truth that God is giving to the children of his organization, and this is the very strongest proof that such opposers are not of God's organization." <i>Watchtower</i> 1931 Nov 1 p.327 <br />
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"It is vital that we appreciate this fact and <b>respond to the directions of the "slave" as we would to the voice of God</b>, because it is His provision." <i>Watchtower</i> 1957 Jun 15 p.370<br />
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It is very clear that the JWs believe that God's holy spirit is guiding them in all of their decisions, literature, interpretations, and that any member of the JW community must follow the direction of the slave class representatives since the spirit is guiding them. <br />
<br />
But then they claim that they are not infallible, that they are not inspired by God.<br />
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"The Governing Body consists of a group of anointed Christian men These preside over the worldwide activities of Jehovah's Witnesses. They are not inspired by God and hence are not infallible, but they rely on God's infallible Word as the highest authority on earth." <i>Jehovah's Witnesses - Unitedly Doing God's Will Worldwide</i> p.26 <br />
<br />
"The brothers preparing these publications are not infallible. Their writings are not inspired as are those of Paul and the other Bible writers." <i>Awake!</i> 1993 Mar 22 p.4<br />
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<br />
If you look up the definition of each word, you will see that it is impossible to claim that you can be guided by the holy spirit but remain uninspired by God. Note the following.<br />
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Definition of Infallible.<br />
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<span class="DefQuick">1. not erring: </span><span class="DefBody">incapable of making a mistake</span></div>
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2. <span class="DefQuick">incapable of failing: </span><span class="DefBody">certain not to fail</span></div>
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3. <span class="DefQuick">unerring in doctrine: </span><span class="DefBody">incapable of being mistaken in matters of doctrine and dogma</span></div>
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<span class="DefBody">Synonyms-- perfect, right, flawless, correct, exact, faultless, accurate, unerring, unfailing.</span></div>
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<br />
<span class="DefBody"><span style="color: #0033cc;"><span style="color: black;">Definition of Inspire.</span></span></span></div>
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</div>
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</div>
<div class="DefListItemNumber">
<span class="DefBody">1. <span class="DefQuick">stimulate somebody to do something: </span><span class="DefBody">to encourage somebody to greater effort, enthusiasm, or creativity</span></span></div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody">2. <span class="DefQuick">provoke particular feeling: </span><span class="DefBody">to arouse a particular feeling in somebody</span></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody">3. <span class="DefQuick">cause creative activity: </span><span class="DefBody">to stimulate somebody to do something, especially creative or artistic work</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody">4. to affect, guide, or arouse by divine influence</span></span></span></span></div>
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<br />
<span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody">So to claim that God is using His holy spirit to guide them, by definition it is pretty easy to see that this would also mean that God is inspiring them. Why would God use the holy spirit to guide them into false understandings of His written word, the bible, and then allow them to preach these false understandings to the public for several years? Yet it is this reasoning that allowed them to make the following claims.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody">"<b>Jehovah God has made known to his anointed ones</b> in advance what these scriptures mean." <i>Watchtower</i> 1931 Jun 1 p.160 <br /><br /> </span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody">"<b>Jehovah's people confess no powers of inspiration</b> today" <i>Watchtower</i> 1952 Apr 15 p.253</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"></span></span></span></span> <br />
<span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<br />
<br />
<span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody">HUH??? That makes no sense to anyone that looks into this matter without realizing WHY they use this line of reasoning. The reason is very simple. They do this to cover over past errors. They do not want to explain why they made errors in interpretations after claiming that God's holy spirit guides them into proper understanding of the bible. They even try to reinforce the idea that they make no mistakes with comments such as,</span></span></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<br />
<br />
<span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody">"To this day the Governing Body follows similar guidelines. Each article in both The Watchtower and Awake! and every page, including the artwork, is scrutinized by selected members of the Governing Body before it is printed. Therefore, you can read The Watchtower and Awake! with confidence." <i>Watchtower</i> 1987 Mar 1 p.15</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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</div>
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</div>
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<br />
<br />
<span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody">"Christ used his authority by <b>actively leading his congregation on earth. He did this by means of the holy spirit, the angels, and the governing body </b> made up of the 12 apostles and the elders of the Jerusalem congregation. Jesus stated that he would be with his disciples right up to the conclusion of the system of things, where we now are. In the following article, we will see how <b>he is still the active Head</b> of the Christian congregation and how <b>he is leading his "sheep"</b> today." <i>Watchtower</i> 1987 Aug 1 p.15</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<br />
<br />
<span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody">So apparently even though Jesus is actively leading his congregation, and he would be with them right up to the end of this system of things, they remain uninspired. And these uninspired ones can examine their own literature and filter out any mistake found. So you should be confident that what you are reading is correct.....except it might not be because they are not inspired by God.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"> </span></span></span></span></div>
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</div>
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<br />
<br />
<span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody">If you are a current member of the JW religion, how confident are you to follow them when they claim that God is guiding them, giving them a proper understanding, yet in the same breath can claim to be not inspired (or guided) by God? Not only is that a lie, it is a very deceptive manuever to cover over past mistakes that expose them as a false religion.</span></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody">Consider this quote from the May 1, 1997 watchtower p. 8<br /><br /> JEHOVAH GOD is the Grand Identifier of his true messengers. He identifies them by making the messages he delivers through them come true. Jehovah is also the Great Exposer of false messengers. How does he expose them? He frustrates their signs and predictions. In this way he shows that they are self-appointed prognosticators, whose messages really spring from their own false reasoning—yes, their foolish, fleshly thinking!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody"><span class="DefBody">By their own words, the jws state that Jehovah frustrates the signs and predictions made by false messengers. Yet there is no mention of human imperfection or being uninspired when they apply this to others. If you can't see the blatant hypocrisy of the jws, you need to take off the blinders that you are wearing and look again. Their own literature has exposed them once again.</span></span></span></span></div>
</div>
Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-64426370549360686322012-05-14T19:38:00.000-07:002012-05-14T19:38:33.007-07:00Paradise Earth?The phrase is quite common in the jw realm. It is, after all, the grand prize for those that are considered to be part of the Great Crowd. If you make it past Armageddon, you will be one of the first ones to enter that new world, but even if you should die, you can be resurrected and join the survivors later on. That is their selling pitch for you to convert to their religion. The prospect of living forever in a paradise earth is a very appealing concept to the average person that struggles along in our modern day world. <br />
<br />
It is important then, if this is a realistic possibilty, to examine this from some different perspectives. These are the points I will be covering on this topic.<br />
<br />
1. The actual scriptures with the word "paradise" in it. <br />
<br />
2. The Genesis account.<br />
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3. The time beyond the 1,000 years according to Revelation.<br />
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There are only 4 verses in the New World Translation bible mentioning paradise. <br />
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Song of Solomon 4:13--<span id="vs13">Your skin is a paradise of pomegranates, with the choicest fruits, henna plants along with spikenard plants;</span><br />
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<span>This one cannot be used to support the claim since it is describing a woman's beauty.</span><br />
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<span>Luke 23: 42, 43--<span id="vs42">And he went on to say: “Jesus, remember me when you get into your kingdom.”</span> <span id="vs43">And he said to him: “Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise.”</span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span>How can he "be with Jesus" if he is on earth while Jesus is in heaven? One could argue that Jesus would be with him in spirit, but there are too many verses in opposition to that line of reasoning. (see Matt. 5:11-12, 6:20-21, 7:21, 8:11, 19:21, 1 Cor. 15:42-50, Hebrews 11:13-16, etc.)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span><em>2 Corinthians </em>12:2-4 "I know a man in union with Christ who, fourteen years ago-whether in the body I do not know, or out of the body I do not know; God knows-was caught away as such to the third heaven. 3 Yes, I know such a man-whether in the body or apart from the body, I do not know, God knows- 4 that he was caught away into paradise and heard unutterable words which it is not lawful for a man to speak."</span></span><br />
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<span><span>Caught away to heaven? Caught away to paradise? You be the judge.</span></span><br />
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<span><span><em>Revelation</em> 2:7 "Let the one who has an ear hear what the spirit says to the congregations: To him that conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God." </span></span><br />
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<span><span>But the watchtower has already identified this as heaven.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span>"Eating in "the Paradise of God." <i>Revelation</i> 2:7 mentions a "tree of life" in "the paradise of God" and that eating from it would be the privilege of the one "that conquers." Since other promises given in this section of Revelation to such conquering ones clearly relate to their gaining a heavenly inheritance (Re 2:26-28; 3:12, 21), it seems evident that "the paradise of God" in this case is a heavenly one." <i>Insight on the Scriptures, Volume 2</i> p.576 Paradise </span></span><br />
<span><span>From those 4 verses, can it really be argued that paradise is referring to life on earth? It seems that paradise points more towards heaven than it does the earth.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span><span>In the Genesis account, the instructions were as follows.</span></span><br />
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<span><span>Gen 1: 28--<span id="vs28">Further, God blessed them and God said to them: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving upon the earth.”</span></span></span><br />
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<span><span><span>Filling the earth and subduing it does not mean turning it into a paradise. It would be speculative reasoning to assume to know what God had intended for Adam and Eve had they not sinned. Although they began in a place called Eden, which is synonymous with paradise, there is nothing stated that the entire world was intended to be the same. </span></span></span><br />
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<span><span><span>The final point to consider is found in Revelation. Chapter 20 indicates that after the 1,000 years are over, Satan is let loose once more. And again, he proceeds to turn the majority of humankind against God's people. God then sends fire from heaven down to consume the bad guys. </span></span></span><br />
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<span><span><span>First, how can this happen if the world was to be made a paradise forever? Second, how could they be surrounding the beloved city if that city was in heaven? And last, does this sound like everlasting life in a paradise world? </span></span></span><br />
<br />Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-17618656595039645562012-04-14T19:16:00.002-07:002012-04-14T20:43:04.979-07:0070 Weeks!The jws explanation of the 70 weeks prophecy is fairly similar to other religions. 7 weeks, followed by 62 weeks, followed by 1 week. But as we will see, the differences will expose just how deceitful the Watchtower Society is. It also will raise more issues with the 1914 date. First, let's see how the jws explain this prophecy.<br /><br />They cite 3 noteworty events that need to be considered with regards to the beginning of the 70 weeks. First, Cyrus the King of Persia issued a decree in 537 bce that freed the Jews, allowing them to return to their homeland and rebuild the temple. Second, during the 7th year of Artaxerxes, the King of Persia, Ezra carried a letter written by the King to Jerusalem allowing the Jews to beautify the temple. And third, during the 20th year of Artaxerxes, word was given to restore Jerusalem. <br /><br />Thus the beginning of the 70 weeks prophecy. 7 weeks to finish rebuilding Jerusalem, 62 weeks for the Messiah to appear, and 1 week for the Messiah to be cut off. So far, so good. But here is the part where the jws explanation begins to unravel.<br /><br />They use the solar calendar instead of the lunar calendar. That throws the years off already. But instead of recognizing this error and "adjusting their thinking" or "admitting their mistake" as they claim to do, they attempt to claim that Artaxerxes began his rule 10 years earlier. Of course, for that to be possible, they attempt to say that his predecessor Xerxes was in a coregency with his father Darius. Quoting Herodotus, they state, " There is solid evidence for a coregency of Xerxes with his father Darius. The Greek historian Herodotus (VII, 3) says: <strong>"Darius judged his [Xerxes’] plea [for kingship] to be just and declared him king. But to my thinking Xerxes would have been made king even without this advice."This indicates that Xerxes was made king during the reign of his father Darius."</strong> Of course, once again, any careful review of a WT Society quote attempt shows that they attempt to distort the true fact from the reader. Herodotus proves this in his next few sentences, <strong>"Xerxes, then, was publicly proclaimed as next in succession to the crown, and Darius was free to turn his attention to the war. Death, however, cut him off before his preparations were complete; he died in the year following this incident and the Egyptian rebellion, after a reign of thirtysix years, and so was robbed of his chance to punish either Egypt or the Athenians. After his death the crown passed to his son Xerxes."</strong><br /><br />If Darius died only one year after naming Xerxes as his successor, that destroys the claim of some 10 year coregency between the two. <br /><br />And then there is the flight of Themistocles. He was an Athenian general that fell out of favor with the Greeks and was accused of treason. He fled and eventually ended up in Persia. The claim is that he met with Artaxerxes not long after he had become King, and that Themistocles died in 471 bce. However, Plutarch writes that other historians note that it was Xerxes that met Themistocles. <br /><br />Carl Olof Jonsson writes the following:"The Watch Tower Society, then, conceals that Plutarch goes on to say that a number of ancient historians had written about this event, and that most of them stated that Xerxes, not Artaxerxes, was on the throne when Themistocles came to Persia. Although Plutarch (c 46-120 A.D.) felt that Thucydides was more reliable, he stresses that the chronological data were by no means securely established. One fact that usually seems to be ignored is that Thucydides wrote his story about Themistocles’ flight some time after 406 BC, or about two generations after the event. He contradicts himself several times in this narrative, which shows that his information on the subject cannot be trusted. (On this, see the Cambridge Ancient History, V, 1992, p. 14.) <br />But even if Themistocles really may have met Artaxerxes, there is nothing to show that this occurred in the 470’s. There is no evidence whatsoever in support of the claim that Themistocles died in 471/70 BC. None of the sources referred to by the Society says so, and some of them, including Plutarch, clearly show that he died much later, in about 459 BC. (Plutarch's Lives, XXXI:2-5) A considerable time passed after the attempt to defame Themistocles in Athens in the archonship of Praxiergus (471/70 BC) until his interview with Artaxerxes (or Xerxes). It took several attempts before the enemies of Themistocles succeeded and forced him to flee, first from Athens and finally from Greece. Cambridge Ancient History (Vol. 5, pp. 62ff.) dates this flight to 569 BC. He first fled to some friends in Asia Minor, where he stayed for some time. The Society quotes Diodorus Siculus in support of the 471/70 date for the beginning of the defamation of Themistocles, but avoids to mention Diodorus’ statement that, on Themistocles’ arrival in Asia Minor, Xerxes was still on the throne in Persia! (Diodorus Siculus, XI:54-59) This, of course, conflicts with Thucydides’ statement that Themistocles’ letter from Asia Minor was sent to Artaxerxes. <br /><br />After some time, evidently after some years, in Asia Minor, Themistocles finally went to Persia. There he first spent one year studying the language before his meeting with the king. This meeting may have occured toward the end of 465 BC or early in 464 BC. As historian A. T. Olmstead argues, Xerxes may very well have been on the throne when Themistocles arrived in Persia, but may have died shortly afterwards, so that Themistocles, after his year of learning the language, met Artaxerxes. In this way the conflicting statements by the ancient historians may at least partially be harmonized. <br /><br />After his meeting with the Persian king, Themistocles settled in the city of Magnesia, where he lived on for some years before he died. (Plutarch's Lives, XXXI:2-5) It is completely impossible, therefore, to date his death to 471/70 BC, as done by the Watch Tower Society." <br /><br />There are also several astronomical diaries that confirm the years of when Xerxes and Artaxerxes reigned as King. I'm not going to list them all, but there are many of them. <br /><br />This is strong proof that the Watchtower Society will stoop to deception in an attempt to change history. what they do not realize is that by changing the reigns of the Persian Kings, it would also throw off the 607/1914 dates. The Persian dates are essential in attempting to establish the backbone of their religion, so it makes one wonder why they would attempt to mess with that particular history. It is the exact same claims that were made about the reigns of the Babylonian Kings. But those claims have been proven false.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-12111972891146906292012-04-05T19:13:00.002-07:002012-04-05T20:36:10.514-07:00Resurrection, Why Bother?Acts 24:15 says that there will be a resurrection of the righteous and the wicked. Other verses share this view. <br /><br />Daniel 12:2--Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.<br /><br />Matthew 25:46--"Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life."<br /><br />John 5:28, 29--"Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out--those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.<br /><br />So the good folks being raised get rewarded with eternal life. This is understandable since these people would have earned this by their deeds. But what does not make sense to me is the eternal punishment of the bad people. <br /><br />First of all, the wages of sin is death. (Rom. 6:23) Once a person dies, their sins are payed for. So what would be the point of bringing them back? To judge them again and then kill them? Proverbs 11:19 says--"The truly righteous man attains life, but he who pursues evil goes to his death." I don't subscribe to the hellfire doctrine as it appears that the penalty for wicked deeds is death. <br /><br />There is another point to consider that makes this scenario even more unrealistic. Read Revelation chapter 20 and as you do, note each point being made. Here is the outline that I jotted down in case you are feeling lazy. <br /><br />1. Satan is tossed into the Abyss for 1000 years. <br />2. Chosen ones get to rule with Christ for 1000 years.<br />3. The rest of the dead do not get resurrected until the 1000 years has ended.<br />4. Satan is let loose after the 1000 years has ended.<br />5. Satan deceives the majority of humankind once again.<br />6. Satan and his horde of evil humans march on God's city.<br />7. Fire consumes the attacking army.<br />8. Satan is tossed into a lake of burning sulphur.<br />9. They will be tormented day and night forever.<br />10. The dead are judged and the ones not found in the book of life are thrown into the lake of fire. <br /><br />How many things can you find wrong with this list? For starters, Satan is let loose at the same time that the rest of the dead, otherwise known as the earthly subjects, are brought back to life. So how difficult do you think it will be for Satan to deceive the majority of humankind that he already fooled once? Pretty easy since it says their number will be like the sand on the seashore. Then there is the human horde getting consumed by fire. Since this army is the majority of humankind, and this happens before the actual judging occurs, who of the unrighteous will there be left to judge? <br /><br />The jws teach that the dead will be brought back during the 1000 years. And it is during the 1000 years that they will be brought back to perfection. They say that if this is not the case, the anointed would be ruling over a desolate globe. <br /><br />Like every other topic, the jws miss the obvious. Verse 5 blows away their speculative reasoning. Maybe they forgot about the Armageddon survivors. They try to use Eph. 2:1 to back up this claim. But if you read the verse in context with the surrounding verses, it is obviously talking about the ones ruling with Christ in heaven. <br /><br />The thought of resurrecting someone just to inform them of their evil deeds and then kill them again does not make any sense. Especially since their sin would have been paid for from dying the first time.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-14121295595061532052012-03-06T08:25:00.002-08:002012-03-06T11:31:55.779-08:00The Tree of LifeThe original belief that I learned was that God created perfect humans, humans disobeyed God by eating from the tree of knowledge which was the first sin by humans, God punished them with death which in turn would be passed along to all humans since they were the offspring of the first man and woman, and Jesus' sacrifice payed for that sin as a ransom which gave humans the chance to return to that original perfect state of being. <br /><br />The story sounded so believable when I was an avid jw. But since I left and those blinders came off, I went back and analyzed the story. And immediately I found some discrepancies. <br /><br />Along with the tree of knowledge was another tree, the tree of life. (Gen 2:9) When Adam and Eve had eaten from the tree of knowledge, they gained the ability to know good and evil. So apparently they did not have this ability yet. God then stated in Gen 3:22: And the LORD God said, "The man has now become like one of us, knowing good and evil. He must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the tree of life and eat, and live forever." According to this verse, they did not have the ability to live forever either, and were cut off from the chance to gain that ability. What is so signifigant about this? <br /><br />Rom. 5:12: Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned--" This says that death came through sin, meaning that humans would not have died until they had sinned. But if this is the case, why would God have created a tree of life? Why would God drive humans away from it and place guards there to protect it? Since humans did not have the ability to live forever unless they had eaten from the tree of life, it seems reasonable to think that they would have died at some point in their lives. So it is pretty obvious that this is a major contradiction.<br /><br />This also brings into question why Jesus would have been needed in the first place. Without access to the tree of life, it would not have mattered. Since this is the main theme of the entire bible, I find it very curious how such an error was overlooked by anyone professing to be christian. <br /><br />I'm sure an argument would be raised about whether or not the good people make it to heaven while bad people go to hell. Well, considering that God created both magical trees and humans to reside on the earth, and placed them so close together, it would seem logical that God's intent was for humans to live on earth, not on other planes of existence.<br /><br />Were the trees symbolic? If that is true, it only creates more problems then if they were literal. No literal trees would mean that sin and death are only symbolic as well, the garden of Eden was not real, and neither were Adam and Eve. And that would be fine except then you need to explain why it was necessary for Jesus to die as a ransom sacrifice. And to suggest that Jesus was only symbolic to a Christian would send them into a frenzy. <br /><br />It is a discrepancy like this that makes it hard to take the bible as anything other than folklore. If God had created humans as perfect beings, why the need for magical trees to add knowledge of good and bad and the ability to live forever? Not to mention a talking snake and a spinning sword (swords did not exist yet), and humans blamed for failing to recognize the difference between good and bad BEFORE they even had that ability. The need for Jesus to free humans from the penalty of death and yet, humans never had the ability to live forever to begin with.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-61845737777005722292012-02-14T15:12:00.000-08:002012-02-14T16:51:57.100-08:00Preaching.The Jws believe that the main thing that sets them apart from all other world religions is the preaching work. They claim the following:<br /><br />1) They are the only ones that preach about God's Kingdom.<br /><br />2) They are the only ones preaching worldwide.<br /><br />3) They preach from house to house, claiming that this is a christian requirement.<br /><br />For them, no other religion is doing those three things. If you mention that other religions preach, they will ask if they are doing this worldwide. Or they will say that others are not as organized, which leaves the chance that many will not be preached to. The following quote encompasses all of this.<br /><br />"Since the last days began in 1914, Jehovah's Witnesses have preached the good news of God's Kingdom throughout the world in the manner ordered by Jesus, namely, at the homes of the people. (Matthew 10:7, 12; Acts 20:20) Millions of Witnesses call on people in every nation to talk to them about the new world. This has led to your receiving this brochure, as the work of Jehovah's Witnesses includes printing and distributing billions of pieces of literature about God's Kingdom. Do you know of anyone else who preaches about God's Kingdom from house to house throughout the world? And Mark 13:10 shows that this preaching and teaching work must be done "first," before the end comes." Does God Care? p.30 <br /><br /><br />First, let's see if other religions are preaching about God's Kingdom. <br /><br /><strong>The 7th Day Adventists :</strong> "Our highest responsibility is to the church and its commission to preach the gospel of the kingdom to all the world ."<br /><br /><strong>Born Again Christians:</strong> Here He lays down two conditions for a person to enter the Kingdom of God, without both being fulfilled a person is barred from God's Kingdom. Christ declared that everyone wanting to enter God's Kingdom must be born of water and born of the Spirit. (John 5:3)<br /><br /><strong>Anabaptists:</strong> The purpose of the commands of the Lord Jesus is to teach us how to live in love, how to experience the love, joy and peace available in the Kingdom of God. These commands help us to live in Jesus and allow Jesus to live in us. (John 14:20, 17:20-23) We want to be like Paul who said, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.” (Gal 2:20)<br /><br /><strong>Catholics:</strong> Jesus taught constantly about "the kingdom of God". <br /><br />This concept was at the center of his teaching and life. It should also form a central place in your own Catholic faith. <br /><br />The list goes on and on, which proves a simple point. The JWs are not the only religion that preach about God's Kingdom. Although these teachings vary depending on what religion is describing the Kingdom, it is evident that they do in fact teach about the good news of God's Kingdom.<br /><br />Next, we should see if they are preaching worldwide. <br /><br />True, they might have a few people spread out in many different countries. But consider these statistics. (jwfacts.com)<br /><br />•1032 Witnesses out of 145 million people in Pakistan<br />•A few thousand witnesses out of over 1.3 billion people in China.<br />•25,000 to 1,000,000,000 Indians.<br />•18,000 to 219,000,000 Indonesians<br /><br />Is it reasonable to think that so few could possibly preach to each and every member in those countries? In fact, the overall statistics of JWs vs total population of the world is between 7 to 8 million vs about 7 billion. That is barely over 1 percent of the entire world's population responsible for preaching to everyone. <br /><br />For the JWs to claim that they are fulfilling Matthew 24:14, that is exactly what they are required to do. Simply having a few members in a country and trying to pass that off as fulfillment is ridiculous. And it goes against the next thing we are going to consider. <br /><br />Is it really a Christian requirement to preach from house to house? There is actually only one time that the phrase "house to house" is used in regards to the preaching work. And Jesus specifically states not to go from house to house. <br /><br />Luke 10:1-7 "After these things the Lord designated seventy others and sent them forth by twos in advance of him into every city and place to which he himself was going to come. "Wherever YOU enter into a house say first, 'May this house have peace.' And if a friend of peace is there, YOUR peace will rest upon him. But if there is not, it will turn back to YOU. So stay in that house, eating and drinking the things they provide, for the worker is worthy of his wages. <strong>Do not be transferring from house to house.</strong><br /><br />The JWs use two other verses in an attempt to prove the house to house preaching work is a requirement. Acts 5:42, and also in Acts 20:20. <br /><br />Considering Acts 20:20, it is easy to see what was meant here by reading from verse 17-20. <br /><br />"However, from Mi·le´tus he sent to Eph´e·sus and called for the older men of the congregation. When they got to him he said to them: "YOU well know how from the first day that I stepped into the [district of] Asia I was with you the whole time, slaving for the Lord with the greatest lowliness of mind and tears and trials that befell me by the plots of the Jews; while I did not hold back from telling YOU any of the things that were profitable nor from teaching YOU publicly and from house to house." <br /><br />Paul is talking about those that were <em>already</em> Christians. <br /><br />Acts 5:42- Day after day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they never stopped teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.<br /><br />Remember that in the very beginning, they had no churches to congregate at. So where do you think they met? In someone's house. <br /><br />Jwfacts.com states: The Greek used at Acts 5:42 and Acts 20:20 is not Ek oikia eis oikia, but rather Kata oikos. For this reason most Bible translations render this "in every house", "at home" or "in their homes". The New World Translation uses the phrase "house to house" at Acts 20:20, though the footnote acknowledges that the Greek word means "in private houses". <br /><br />Other verses verify this. <br /><br />Romans 16:5 "and [greet] the congregation that is in their house." <br /><br />Colossians 4:15 "Give my greetings to the brothers at La·o·di·ce´a and to Nym´pha and to the congregation at her house." <br /><br /><br />And not everyone was required to evangelize. <br /><br />Ephesians 4:11-12 "And he gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelizers, some as shepherds and teachers, with a view to the readjustment of the holy ones, for ministerial work, for the building up of the body of the Christ."<br /><br />Now go back and read those statistics again. If the JWs truly believe that they MUST preach to every house, even by their own standards, they are falling short of their own requirements, since they will never be able to cover that much ground anytime in the near future.<br /><br />Coming from a religious group that has been teaching false doctrines to the public for decades, only to change them and then continue claiming that God is guiding them by means of the holy spirit, this is just one of many false claims made by the JWs.Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-3055879779662145332012-02-07T07:20:00.001-08:002012-06-20T17:14:15.606-07:001914/607 Exposed!The 1914 date is the central backbone of the JW religion. Without it, they lose the importance of their "End Times" preaching message. Let's examine all of the facts as well as the reasoning for which this date is based on. <br />
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The JWs believe that Daniel chapter 4 prophesied the Gentile Times of the Nations (Luke 21:24)in which Jehovah would not have a kingly ruler. This extends from the end of God's rulership through the Jews in 607 B.C., until God re-established his Kingdom in heaven in 1914. The Gentile Times are the 2,520 year period in between. The basis for this comes from Daniel, where the JWs have interpreted the following: 1)The cutting down of the tree represents the destruction of the Kingdom of Judah by Nebuchadnezzar in 607 B.C.<br />
2) The "seven times" constitute 2,520 days, 7 years of only 360 days each.<br />
3) The "principle" of "a day for a year" converts 2,520 days to 2,520 years.<br />
4) The 2,520 years of the Gentile Times ended in 1914, coinciding with the start of Jesus' heavenly rulership.<br />
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In order for this to be true, the temple in Jerusalem would have had to of been destroyed in the year 607 B.C. History paints a completely different picture. There is a wealth of information to go over that will prove that this calculation is in error. But before we look at the historical facts, let's look at some bible verses and see how strong their case is. <br />
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Daniel chapter 4 is the first place we should look to, since it is this chapter that the entire prophecy is based upon. Instantly we find a problem. Verses 28-37 go on to state that the dream was fulfilled. So if the dream was fulfilled, that would mean that the 7 times already happened, which of course offsets the entire mathematical calculation. There is no second fulfillment of this chapter. I could simply end this here, but let's examine another verse in Jeremiah. <br />
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Jeremiah 25:11-12 "And all this land must become a devastated place, an object of astonishment, and <strong>these nations will have to serve the king of Babylon seventy years.</strong>'And it must occur that<strong> when seventy years have been fulfilled I shall call to account against the king of Babylon and against that nation</strong>,' is the utterance of Jehovah, 'their error, even against the land of the Chal·de´ans, and I will make it desolate wastes to time indefinite.'" <br />
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This shows the 70 years were the entire period the Babylonians were conquering "these nations", and the period of vassalage to the Babylonians. Jeremiah 25 ends the 70 years with the "account against the King of Babylon". The Babylonians dominated for a seventy year period from their defeat of Assyria in 609 B.C.E., to their fall in 539 B.C.E. <br />
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Jeremiah 29:10 concurs with this. In a number of translations, this verse links the completion of the 70 years with Babylon. <br />
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"This is what the LORD says: "When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place." New International Version - see also ESV, NASB, RSV, ASV and DBY. <br />
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Not having a proper understanding of who the 70 years were being applied to is yet another mistake to add to their calculation. The next verse to consider is found again in Daniel.<br />
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Daniel 9:2 "In the first year of his reigning I myself, Daniel, discerned by the books the number of the years concerning which the word of Jehovah had occurred to Jeremiah the prophet, for fulfilling the devastations of Jerusalem, [namely,] seventy years." <br />
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The JWs point to this as proof that the 70 years apply to the desolation of Jerusalem. But that is not the word used here. It is the devastation of the temple. Zechariah 1:12 clarifies this by saying : "Then the angel of the Lord said, “Lord Almighty, how long will you withhold mercy from Jerusalem and from the towns of Judah, which you have been angry with these seventy years?” In other words, when are you going to rebuild the temple? An important point to add here is the time in which this question was asked. Zechariah 1:1--In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berekiah, the son of Iddo". Darius' second year was 519 B.C.E. So, that verse cannot be used to support 607.<br />
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Now let's examine some history. <br />
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A: Ancient Historians---Berossus, the Royal Canon(better known as Ptolemy's Canon) <br />
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B: The Cuneiform Documents----Chronicles, Kinglists, Royal Inscriptions, Economic-Administrative and Legal Documents, Prosopographical Evidence, Chronological Interlocking Joints <br />
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C: Synchronic Links to the Chronology of Egypt----Chronology of the Saite period, Synchronisims to the Chronology of the Saite period<br />
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D: Astronomical Diaries---VAT 4956, B.M. 32312, The Saturn Tablet (B.M. 76738 + 76813) <br />
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<strong>A: Ancient Historians</strong><br />
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Berossus was a Babylonian priest that lived in the 3rd century B.C.E. He wrote a history of Babylon, which have been lost, but his work has been quoted and paraphrased by other ancient writers. The most famous being Josephus. The figures he gives for the reigns of the Neo-Babylonian Kings substantially agree with the evidence found in the ancient cunieform documents.<br />
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The Royal Canon, better known as Ptolemy's Canon, is a list of kings and their lengths of reign beginning with Nabonassar (747-734 bce) and continuing on through the Babylonian, Persian, Greek, Roman, and Byzantine rulers. However, Claudius Ptolemy was not where this list originated. A table of this kind was a prerequisite for the research and calculations performed by Babylonian and Greek Astronomers. Without it, they would have had no means for dating the astronomical events their calculations showed as occuring in the distant past. The Royal canon omits the rule of Labashi-Marduk, who only ruled for a few months, since it lists in whole years only.<br />
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<strong>B: The Cuneiform Documents</strong><br />
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Neo-Babylonian Chronicles record specific details about Babylon, and which King was ruling. It also links certain kings together as one king would succeed another one. There are also details about kings from other nations, such as the Persian king Cyrus defeating the Median king Astyages and capturing the capital of Media. An interesting fact here is that the Nabonidus Chronicle which contains the account of the fall of Babylon, has Cyrus defeating the Medians in the 6th year of Nabonidus' reign. Cyrus ruled for 29 years and died in the year 530 bce. If 607 bce was when Jerusalem fell, this would not be possible. Though the Chronicles do not give a complete chronology for the Neo-Babylonian period, the dates that are preserved support those given by Berossus and the Royal Canon.<br />
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The Uruk Kinglist was badly preserved and some portions of it are missing. However, it still contains the names of Kings, and the length of reign of eack king during the Neo-Babylonian era. The preserved portion gives the following information.<br />
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Kandalanu 21 years<br />
Sin-shum-lishir-and Sin-shar-ishkun 1 year<br />
Nabopolassar 21 years<br />
Nebuchadnezzar 43 years<br />
Awel-Marduk 2 years<br />
Neriglissar 3 years 8 months<br />
Labashi-Marduk 3 months<br />
Nabonidus 17 years.<br />
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The argument against this document is that is was recorded more than 300 years after the Neo-Babylonian era, so perhaps it is inaccurate. But the numbers line up with other independent forms of evidence.<br />
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Royal Inscriptions from the Assyrian and Babylonian eras have been found in great numbers. There are 3 of these inscriptions that are original documents from the reign of Nabonidus. 1.)Nabon. #18 is a cylinder inscription from an unnamed year of Nabonidus. Fulfilling the desire of Sin, the moon-god, Nabonidus dedicated a daughter of his to this god as a priestess at the Sin temple of Ur. A moon eclipse led to this dedication. Studies show that there was an eclipse that matches the description of this one during his 2nd year of reign, and the inscription also states that his daughter began her dedication took place during his 2nd year on the throne, thus confirming his length of reign. 2.) Nabon. #8 clearly establishes the total length of reigns of Neo-Babylonian kings up to Nabonidus, and enables us to know both the beginning year of Nebuchadnezzar's reign, and the crucial year in which he desolated Jerusalem. 3.) Nabon. #24 provides the length of each kings reign, from Nabopolassar down to the 9th year of Nabonidus.<br />
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Economic-Administrative, and Legal Documents....there are literally thousands of documents such as promissary notes, contracts (the sales of houses, property, slaves, livestock, etc.), and records of lawsuits. Each document contains the year of the reigning king, the month, the day of the month. Every year of the Neo-Babylonian era is covered by these documents.<br />
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Prosopographical Evidence is basically the study of careers, especially of individuals linked by family, economic, social, or political relationships. The collection of tablets found were dated like the documents mentioned previously, and make it easy to determine when each King ruled, and for how long. The Egibi business house can be tracked quite easily from the time of Nebuchadnezzar to the time of Darius. <br />
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<strong>Chronological Interlocking joints. </strong><br />
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a) Nabopolassar to Nebuchadnezzar. Chronicle 5 (neo-babylonian chronicles) says that Nabopolassar ruled for 21 years, that he died on the eighth day of the month of Ab(5th month), and on the first day of the next month (Elul) his son Nebuchadnezzar ascended the royal throne in Babylon.<br />
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b) Nebuchadnezzar to Awel-Marduk. Business document B.M. 30254 confirms that Nebuchadnezzar was succeeded by his son, Awel-Marduk in the 43rd year of his reign.<br />
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c) Nebuchadnezzar to Awel-Marduk to Neriglissar. A ledger on a tablet known as NBC 4897 tabulates the annual growth of a herd of sheep and goats belonging to the Eanna temple at Uruk for ten consecutive years, from the 37th year of Nebuchadnezzar to the 1st year of Neriglissar.<br />
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d) Neriglissar to Labashi-Marduk. A tablet YBC 4012 shows that Labashi-Marduk succeeded Neriglissar as king early in the 4th year of his father's reign.<br />
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e) Neriglissar to Labashi-Marduk to Nabonidus. Royal inscription Nabon. No. 8. Nabonidus speaks of his own enthronement and names the last four of his predecessors: Nebuchadnezzar and Neriglissar, which he considered legitimate rulers, and their sons Awel-Marduk and Labashi-Marduk, which he regarded as illegitimate usurpers.<br />
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f) Nabonidus to Cyrus. Nabonidus Chronicle B.M. 35382. Nabonidus was ruling when Cyrus conquered Babylon.<br />
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<strong>C: Synchronic Links to the Chronology of Egypt.</strong><br />
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2 Kings 23:29, Jeremiah 46:2, Jeremiah 44:30, and B.M.33041. Each of these names different rulers from either Egypt, Babylon, or Judah ruling at the same time. So now the boundaries are set. Chronology of the Saite period which is the 26th dynasty is established through death stelaes and stelaes of Holy Apis bulls. Basically this does for Egypt what the above evidence has done for Babylon. it allows us to know which Egyptian king reigned during which years, and for how long. Now examing the verses from the bible, 2 Kings 23:29 establishes that Josiah was killed by Necho during the time that each were ruling. Necho began his reign in the year 610 bce. Jeremiah 46:2 establishes that Nebuchadnezzar fought Necho during the 4th year of the King of Judah, Josiah's son. It was also Nebuchadnezzar's first year/ascension year on the throne which was in 605 bce. Jeremiah 44:30 establishes that Zedekiah had already lost and Jerusalem was destroyed during the reign of King Hophra/Apries, who ruled from 589-570 bce. The 4th document establishes that Nebuchadnezzar marched against Egypt during the reign of Amasis during Nebuchadnezzar's 37th year on the throne. The math fits perfectly. All of this makes the 607 claim impossible.<br />
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What needs to be established is the chronology of Egypt, which is done by way of a series of death stelae and stelae of holy Apis bulls. The length of reigns of the first four kings of the 26th dynasty can be established. <br />
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Psammetichus I--54 years, Necho II--15 years, Psammetichus II--6 years, and Apries (Hophra)--19 years. Amasis--44 years and Psammetichus III--6 months, are established by historians Herodotus and Manetho, as well as other lines of evidence such as the papyrus Rylands IX, which dates the time of Darius I (521-486 B.C.E.)and lists the 44th year of Amasis as his last year.<br />
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<strong>D: Astronomical Diaries</strong><br />
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Vat 4956 is a diary dated from Nisanu 1 of Nebuchadnezzar's 37th year to Nisanu 1 of his 38th year. The positions were so exactly described that modern day astronomers can easily fix precise dates when they were seen. By doing so they have been able to show that all of these observations must have been made during the year 568/67 bce. This lines up with all of the evidence listed already, since it would place Nebuchadnezzar on the throne on 605/604 bce. <br />
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B.M. 32312 This diary gives details on the position of Mercury, Saturn, and Mars, which date it to the year 652/51 bce. An historical notice also repeated in the Akitu Chronicle and there dated to the 16th year of Shamashshumukin, fixes that year to 652/51 bce, which prevents any extension of the Neo-Babylonian era backwards in time. <br />
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The Saturn Tablet establishes the reign of Kandalanu, predecessor of Nabopolassar. The pattern of positions described in the text and fixed to specific dates in the Babylonian Lunar calendar is not repeated again for more than 17 years. The first 14 years of his reign are mentioned in the text. This also gives us the exact year in which Nabopolassar's reign began, which is 625 bce.<br />
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I think it is clear to see that history proves the attempted calculation of the JWs is incorrect. For them to not only ignore this evidence, but then attempt to teach this incorrect view to the public is something that Jesus warned against.<br />
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Matt. 24:23--At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it.<br />
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Saying that they know exactly when Jesus began ruling is an exact fulfillment of this warning. Jesus also stated : No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father.<br />
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So how can anyone assume to know exactly when Christ began his rule? That is an assumption based on a poor calculation.<br />
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Also, Jesus made it perfectly clear as to the attempt at calculating dates of importance. Acts 1: 6, 7 reads--So when they met together, they asked him, "Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" He said to them: "It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.<br />
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If Jesus told his disciples that it was not for them to know the times or dates the Father has set, would it be wise to assume that this view has changed during modern times? Is this human calculation enough proof to assume that God has allowed anyone to know when Jesus began to rule as King?Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4333741637182310399.post-74815216316256411652012-02-02T19:27:00.000-08:002012-02-02T21:11:46.698-08:00New Light?Proverbs 4:18--"But the path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established." <br /><br />Imagine that the Watchtower Society told you to meet at the top of the highest skyscraper in the city. They had interpreted from the bible that a true christian needed to have ultimate faith in order to survive Armageddon. All you needed to do is jump off of the building and place your faith in Jehovah's hands, because faith without works is dead. If you did not do this, you would be disfellowshipped. So you follow instructions, because the Watchtower Society is being guided by the holy spirit, and you jump. You hear people applauding your actions until you have dropped too far from the top of the building. You then have a moment of doubt. Should I have really jumped? I don't remember ever reading any scriptures saying that I should do something like this. But wait, wait, I shouldn't doubt them, you think. This is about faith. Trust in Jehovah. Suddenly you hear a voice calling to you from a loudspeaker. "Wait. Don't jump. We have received some "new light" from Jehovah's holy spirit. The bible says clearly that we should not put Jehovah to the test, and by jumping, that is exactly what we would be doing. Then again, we never actually told anyone to jump. That was over zealous members that were acting independantly. As you look down, you realize that in a few seconds, your life will be over. <br /><br />How would you feel if that happened to you? The illustration is vivid, but it encompasses someone that spent their entire life believing doctrines that were supossedly coming from Jehovah, by means of His holy spirit, only to see those doctrines change. And you must accept those changes without question or risk being disfellowshipped. Sadly, many do accept these changes and do not even attempt to test them to see if there might be a misinterpretation. They are blinded by the false comfort that the Watchtower Society guarantees eternal life in exchange for unquestioned obedience. <br /><br />Anytime a doctrine is proven false over time or circumstance and is in need of change, we see the phrase "new light" rise to the surface. What exactly is the meaning of new light? A JW will tell you that it is a new understanding of an old truth. Since Jehovah is gradually revealing truth to His people, they are willing to correct their thinking in order to have the right view, and then teach that right view to the world. <br /><br />C.T. Russell said the following.<br /><br />"If we were following a man undoubtedly it would be different with us; undoubtedly one human idea would contradict another and that which was light one or two or six years ago would be regarded as darkness now;… But with God there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning, and so it is with truth; any knowledge or light coming from God must be like its author. A new view of truth never can contradict a former truth. "New Light" never extinguishes older "light" but adds to it…" Zion's Watch Tower 1881 February pp.3,188 <br /><br />The JWs believe that they are adding to the old light, but that it is not being changed. It is still the truth. <br /><br />Really? What does the bible say? <br /><br />Galations 1" 8,9--"But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you <strong>a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you</strong>, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed." <br /><br />Have the JWs taught anything contrary to what they preached before? <br /><br />John 16:13-- "However, when that one arrives, the spirit of the truth, he will guide YOU into all the truth, for he will not speak of his own impulse, but what things he hears he will speak, and he will declare to YOU the things coming." <br /><br />This is Jesus talking about the holy spirit at Pentecost. Does it say that the truth would be revealed gradually? <br /><br />1 John 4:1--"Beloved ones, do not believe every inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with God, because many false prophets have gone forth into the world." <br /><br />Notice that there is nothing mentioned here about any gradual understandings sent to them by the holy spirit. Why don't we take a look at some of the past teachings of the JWs and put them to the test.<br /><br />Here is a list from the Finished Mystery, and NO, I'm not making this stuff up. <br /><br />1) 88 "proofs" that Christ's "Second Advent occurred in the Fall of 1874" (pp.68-71)<br />2) The remaining Anointed would all be taken from earth to heaven in the spring of 1918. (p.64)<br />3) "Also, in the year 1918, when God destroys the churches wholesale and the church members by millions...." (p.485) <br />4) "Even the republics will disappear in the fall of 1920....Every kingdom of Earth will pass away, be swallowed up in anarchy." (p.258)<br />5) The rider on the white horse in Revelation 6:2 is "the Bishop of Rome, the embryo Pope, the personal representative of Satan" (p.106)<br />6) Michael the Archangel is the pope of Rome. (p.188) <br />7) "Leviathan" of Job 41:2-19 is a locomotive. (p.85)<br />8) "The chariots rage in the streets, they jostle one another" of Natham 2:4 are the clanking and the bumping of railway cars. (p.93)<br />9) The "valiant men" of Nathum 2:3 are an engineer and a fireman. (p.93)<br />10) Demons will invade the minds of churchgoers in 1918, leading to their destruction. (p.128)<br />11) "Behemoth" of Job 40:15-24 is a stationary steam engine. (p.84)<br />12) The "voice from heaven" of Revelation 18:4 is the voice of The Watchtower Society. (p.276)<br />13) The glory of the angel of Revelation 18:1 refers to modern discoveries such as correspondence schools, celluloid, Divine Plan of the Ages, talking machines, vacuum cleaners, induction motors, pasteurization, Panama Canal, shoe sewing machines, subways, skyscrapers, Roentgen rays. (p.273)<br />14) Revelation 14:20 predicted the precise distance from the place where The Finished Mystery was produced in Stranton, Pennsylvania to its shipping destination in Bethel in New York City (p. 230)<br /><br />This was from The Finished Mystery, a book from 1917. This was held up as the fulfilment of prophecy, "God-given interpretation" (Watch Tower 1917 December 15) and "the first and only book that makes clear every part of Revelation and Ezekiel." (Watch Tower 1917 October 1) It continues to proudly be described in the Proclaimers and Revelation Climax books as a powerful classic. (jwfacts.com)<br /><br />God-Given interpretation? How many of these teachings were completely dropped? While you are mulling this over, let's look at a few other teachings from their past.<br /><br />Most of you know about the pyramids being prophetic. There are also the failed date prophecies, the ever-changing meaning of a generation, and Jesus being worshipped into the 1950s. Ah, but here is one of my favorites.<br /><br />The constellation of the seven stars forming the Pleiades appears to be the crowning center around which the known systems of the planets revolve.... It has been suggested, and with much weight, that one of the stars of that group is the dwelling place of Jehovah and the place of the highest heavens;....<br />The constellation of the Pleiades is a small one compared with others which scientific instruments disclose to the wondering eyes of man. But the greatness in size of other stars or planets is small when compared to the Pleiades in importance, because the Pleiades is the place of the eternal throne of God.<br />J. F. Rutherford, Reconciliation, 1928, p. 14<br /><br />How many of these were in need of gradual clarification? How many of these were simply dropped? <br /><br />However, the Watchtower Society has attempted to justify their past mistakes.<br /><br />"Like the apostles of Jesus Christ, they have at times had some wrong expectations." Reasoning from the Scriptures p.136 <br /><br />How many times did those Apostles teach those wrong expectations to the public? <br /><br />Human imperfection falls by the wayside if God's holy spirit is guiding them. Clearly this is not the case. <br /><br />New light is an excuse to explain away errors in understanding that were taught to the public as truth coming from God. What does God have to say about this?<br /><br />Dueteronomy 18:20-22--"However, the prophet who presumes to speak in my name a word that I have not commanded him to speak or who speaks in the name of other gods, that prophet must die. And in case you should say in your heart: "How shall we know the word that Jehovah has not spoken?" when the prophet speaks in the name of Jehovah and the word does not occur or come true, that is the word that Jehovah did not speak. With presumptuousness the prophet spoke it."Tracyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10920714674604687597noreply@blogger.com0