2dye4: i don't know what the limits are but u guys should read this:

A friend of mine is dating this lady, though he wasn't so into her from day one (she made all the moves & did all the chasing) he later decided to give it a shot. it was cool initially until her arrogance(her folks are filthy rich) and possessiveness ( + constantly demanding marriage) became 2much. Knowing who she was, my friend knew dat dischargin her would be difficult so he decided on a desperate measure; he met with her and told her there's a truth that she's unaware of, he claimed he once had a mental condition for which he was hospitalised and that he still trips once in a while!

Guess what? it worked!! The girl broke into tears, broke off the relationship and left for London. My concern is what if this lady goes about telling everybody and anybody that he was once mad? (which she can), with the gravity of this lie, wouldnt there be consequences?

She knew you were trying to brake up with her, she had seen it coming that's why she broke it off.

And guess what? No one will believe you were once mad, when the rumor starts, because the rumor is baseless.

Joagbaje: It does not change the truth. I healed ebola patient. By prayers . The name of Jesus is cure.

I do believe that God used you to cure the Ebola patient, however I think this is the wrong time and place to share your testimony. The bible tells us to be wise as serpent and harmless as Dove.

.

Emusan: The confused people have change their teaching again I think this time around the light has gotten more than brighter.
This quote was taken from Good news from God 2012 topic 'Who is Jesus Christ?'
"Soon, Jesus will use His power as king to bring an end to all suffering and to those who cause it. All who exercise faith in Jesus by obeying him will enjoy life in a Paradise on earth." p. 9

LOL.... confused bunch.

ydass: The word devil means, someone who devalues.

I hope someday you will receive you own rewards.

What are you saying? How does this relate to the OP?

SalC: Thanks for this response, I purposely left it in other not to distract you from the convention. Hope you won't mind me creating another thread while quoting this post and other as part of the op. There are other matter I wish you can also clarify there if you don't mind.
I await your response here. Thanks.

No problem, you can open the thread.

The Watchtower is inconsistent in allowing blood fractions. This is readily apparent when considering the following.

"Jehovahs Witnesses do not accept transfusions of whole blood or the four primary components of blood namely, red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. They also do not donate or store their own blood for transfusion." Kingdom Ministry Nov 2006 p.3

"Beyond that, when it comes to fractions of any of the primary components, each Christian, after careful and prayerful meditation, must conscientiously decide for himself." Watchtower 2000 Jun 15 p.31

1. If it is wrong for a Witness to donate blood, who do the blood fractions they use come from?

2. If blood must be poured on the ground, where are the blood fractions they use derived from?

3. If abstaining from blood does not allow taking a "major" fraction, why does it allow a fraction of a fraction?

4. If blood fractions were always acceptable to Jehovah, who is responsible for the Witnesses that needlessly died refusing them, due to Watchtower policy forbidding them prior to the year 2000?

Why was your post hidden? ^^^

Is This Doctrine Fair?

"What religion a man shall have is a historical accident, quite as much as what language he shall speak." George Santayana 'Life of Reason' - Volume 'Reason in Religion' p.5

There are 12 classical world religions and over 34,000 Christian sects. Most of these say that salvation requires following their particular God. The extremist sects say that belonging to their particular sect is a requirement for salvation. If you are a Witness, imagine for a second that the Watchtower Society is not the true religion. Do you think it fair that God is going to destroy you for being part of the wrong religion? As the Watchtower discourages active examination of other beliefs, would it be fair that you will shortly die for not finding the correct one?

Is the Witness that grows up in America listening to immoral 'pop' music more righteous than the Baptist missionary in Indonesia? Should the Nepalese monk, isolated from the world and Bible be destroyed for living the life of abstinence that he truly believed and was indoctrinated to understand was the way to achieve oneness with God?

When a religion teaches absolute truth, it makes sense anyone not believing this truth is worshipping falsehood. Anyone not worshipping Jehovah is worshipping Satan, and so deserves destruction. If truth is easy to understand and God attracts his sheep, there is no excuse not to follow it. The flaw in this reasoning is that no Organization teaches absolute truth. Jehovah's Witnesses certainly do not teach it. In its short 130 year history the Watchtower Society has changed its teachings so substantially that they have no right to claim a unique ability to understand truth. It is illogical to state God gave Russell the many wrong teachings that the Watchtower later had to reject.


In Bible times, God indicated whom he was using through powerful signs. He spoke directly to Abraham and provided powerful miracles through Moses. First century Christians witnessed God personally speaking in approval of his son and watched Jesus heal the sick and raise the dead. The apostles and other Christians continued to display such powerful works. Jehovah's Witnesses have never produced a powerful sign of any kind to assist identify their Organization as approved today.

The problem with saying salvation is dependant on belonging to a single, small organization is reality proves that the Watchtower is not accessible to a large portion of the world. Much of the world does not even have access to the Bible.
over half the world is not Christian, and by and large the chance of being a Jehovah's Witnesses is dependant on living in a country that was conquered or converted by Christianity over the last 2,000 years.

Being a Witness is predominantly contingent on where one is born and billions of people will never hear of the name Jehovah or Jesus. Living within the following countries - Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Mali, Nepal, Niger, Pakistan, Thailand and Turkey are around 3 billion people, nearly half the global population. Yet the 2006 Watchtower Service Report showed that combined these have less than 40,000 Witnesses, not even 1 for every 70,000 people. These countries represent many religious (Muslim, Atheist, Buddhist and Hindu) and ethnic (African, Indian, Asian and European) backgrounds, showing that no particular group is genetically disposed to be "goat-like". In Pakistan and Bangladesh virtually all will be destroyed, the ratio of Witnesses to 'worldly people' is less than 1:1,000,000. In 2006, there was not a single Witness in Afghanistan. Is it fair for people who have never even heard of Jehovah to be destroyed at Armageddon?
The 2011 Publisher report lists countries where Witnesses are banned under the category "30 Other Lands". Highlighted in red, these make up 16% of the earth's land surface, and account for 1.9 billion people, or 27% of the earth's population. Despite the size of this group, last year saw a peak of only 26,272 publishers across these countries combined, which is less than 1 in every 72,000 people.


People of other religions are as devoted as Jehovah's Witnesses. "Kumbh Mela" is a Hindu pilgrimage to bathe in a sacred river, attended by 100 million people in 2013. By far the majority of these will never hear about Jesus, let alone Jehovah's Witnesses.

Even in Christian countries, it is illogical for God to destroy people for understanding the Bible in a manner that differs to that described by the Watchtower. A person reading the Bible without the aid of a Watchtower will never arrive at current Watchtower truth.

"Where did we learn Bible truth in the first place? Would we know the way of the truth if it had not been for guidance from the organization? Really, can we get along without the direction of God's organization?" No, we cannot!" Watchtower 1983 Jan 15 p.27

Orientation day in hell - Southpark
Random Protestant: Hey, wait a minute; I was a complete and devout Protestant. I thought we got into Heaven?
Hell Orientation Director: Yes, well, I'm afraid you were wrong.
Random Jehovah's Witness: I was a practicing Jehovah's Witness.
Hell Orientation Director: You picked the wrong religion as well.
Random Orientation Attendee: Well, who was right? Who got into Heaven?
Hell Orientation Director: I'm afraid it was the MORMONS. Mormons were the correct answer.
Orientation Attendees: (collective groan)

At what point does it sound insane for a religion to say that only their followers deserve salvation? Does it sound crazy (or conceited) that the 11 followers of Mrs. Marian Keech's flying UFO cult believed that aliens would destroy all but themselves? How about the Watchtower indicating that God will save 7 million people and destroy over 7 billion? Would it even be logical to believe that a religion with 1 billion members is the only acceptable one, if it means God would be required to destroy 5 billion people? To believe God would only find people of a single religion acceptable, regardless of size, does not seem fair.

Only a small percentage of people convert to other religions and there is no single destination for converters. Their choice is the one they stumble upon at just the right moment in time, a matter of time and unforeseen circumstance. An ARIS survey shows that 84% of American adults retain the one religion for life. Of the 16% that leave, the largest group leave all religion. "Some groups such as Mormons and Jehovah's Witnesses appear to attract a large number of converts (in-switchers), but also nearly as large a number of apostates (out-switchers)." The 1,200,000,000 hours of preaching by Jehovah's Witnesses in 2004 resulted in only 200,000 baptisms, of which half were likely teenagers raised within that religion. Changing a person from the religion of their upbringing is no easy task.

On September 11th 2001, people watched in horror as the twin towers in New York collapsed, killing several thousand people over a disagreement of religious ideologies. Yet this is inconsequential when compared to the destruction Jehovah is expected to mete upon humankind, billions of which have never seen a Bible. If the senseless death of a few thousand people offends a persons sense of justice, how much more so should the global slaughter described by the Watchtower Society and eagerly awaited by Jehovah's Witnesses?

Paradoxically, Armageddon will result in the eternal destruction of billions of "evildoers" that do not worship Jehovah, yet lead to the resurrection of billions of evildoers that did not worship Jehovah. The majority of both groups have never even heard of Jehovah, so what exactly is the difference between the two, what makes one group less deserving of life than the other? There is no overwhelming difference, other than an organisation's attempt to grow its own membership.

With illogical conceit, members of many religions believe they alone belong to the only true faith. Do these members believe that, endowed with luck they stumbled upon - or were born into - the Truth? Do they possess a more intelligent or perceptive mind? Is their heart condition so superior to all others that God and his angels directed them to the only true religion? The root of such reasoning lies with the pride of religious leaders that prey on the gullibility of nave followers; followers who are content to accept that there are many routes to salvation if so told, but just as willing to believe that they alone deserve salvation.

contunuation of opening post

Goats will be destroyed

"The Devil is not on Jesus' side, and so the goatlike people who do nothing helpful to the reigning King Jesus Christ are against him and are on the Devil's side. There is no neutral side in the time of Christ's presence or parousia .They are cursed, just as Satan the Devil and his demon angels are. Hence, they deserve an everlasting future like that of the Devil and his angels." God's Kingdom of a Thousand Years has Approached p.286

Noah's Ark Represents Organization

The Watchtower teaches that just over 4,000 years ago there was a global flood, covering the top of every mountain with water. All human and animal life died, except for those within the ark. Noah's salvation in the ark represents baptism as part of Jehovah's organization. Being part of Jehovah's organisation today is as critical for survival as it was to be in the ark in Noah's day.

"Time is running out. Lives, including yours, are at stake. It is urgent that you consider seriously the matter of dedication to Jehovah and symbolizing it by water baptism. The apostle Peter emphasized this by saying: "That . . . is also now saving you, namely, baptism." He further explained that baptism is "not the putting away of the filth of the flesh" (a person would already have done that before being qualified for baptism) "but the request made to God for a good conscience."-1 Peter 3:21." Watchtower 1992 Oct 1 p. 23

"Do not conclude that there are different roads, or ways, that you can follow to gain life in God's new system. There is only one. There was just one ark that survived the Flood, not a number of boats. And there will be only one organization- God's visible organization - that will survive the fast-approaching "great tribulation." It is simply not true that all religions lead to the same goal … You must be part of Jehovah's organization, doing God's will, in order to receive his blessing of everlasting life." You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth p.255

"This "one baptism" applies to all who become true Christians. At baptism they become Christian Witnesses of Jehovah, God's ordained ministers.-Ephesians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 6:3, 4 Such baptism has great saving value in the eyes of God. For instance, after mentioning Noah's constructing of the ark, in which he and his family were preserved through the Flood, the apostle Peter wrote: "That which corresponds to this is also now saving you, namely, baptism, (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the request made to God for a good conscience,) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ."" (1 Peter 3:21) Worship the only true God pp.115-116

"To ensure their salvation, Noah and his family needed to exercise faith. This meant following instructions and the leadings of Gods holy spirit. During the great tribulation, it will be just as imperative that we follow the leadings of the holy spirit and obey Jehovahs instructions through his organization." Watchtower 1991 Sep 15 p.17

Word Jehovah Required

Using the word Jehovah is essential for salvation.

"Today, events just as terrifying lie ahead, when this whole world system of things will be destroyed at Jehovah's hand. Still, escape is possible. The prophecy goes on to say: "It must occur that everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will get away safe;… (Joel 2:32) Jehovah's Witnesses are truly grateful to know Jehovah's name, and they have complete trust that he will save them when they call on him." Watchtower 1998 May 1 p.19

This may appear logical when reading New World Translation scriptural citations, but on becoming aware that the word Jehovah never appeared in the New Testament and has been falsely added into the New World Translation, this reasoning can be seen to be false.

Armageddon

"Of this historical preview of Armageddon, the Bible says: "For just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. For as they were in those days before the flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark; and they took no note until the flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be." (Matthew 24:37-39) So the circumstances relating to the end of our world order at Armageddon will be similar to those associated with the ancient Deluge. They will be: (1) The planet Earth and its animal life will survive; (2) the significance of our times is missed by most people through preoccupation with the normal processes of life; (3) the majority of mankind take no note of the divine warning of Armageddon; (4) hence the majority of mankind will be destroyed at Armageddon; and (5) only a small minority of mankind will find favour with God and survive the "war of the great day of God the Almighty."" From Kurukshetra to Armageddon - and Your Survival pp.17-19

"Why should not blood run deep and far with over two billion [the world population in 1955] dead?.... With the members of this generation that will not pass away before Armageddon breaks out numbering now two billion five hundred million and with only the remnant and a larger group of "other sheep" inside the Greater Noah's "ark" surviving, the death toll of the "war of the great day of God the Almighty" will be appallingly all-surpassing, too many for the Armageddon survivors to bury. Come on, birds and beasts! Have your fill then from the human corpses in retribution for the wanton slaughter of animal and birdlife of which the human race has been guilty!" You May Survive Armageddon Into God's New World 1955 pp.340-342

"As for humans upon earth, on the side of Jehovah will be all those fully dedicated to him and who are faithfully following Jesus Christ; compared with earth's billions these are indeed few.... On Satan's side will be all the rest of mankind, more than 99.9 percent, even as we read: "The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one." That includes all the governments of the world together with their supporters, the commercial, religious and social institutions.... Armageddon will be the worst thing ever to hit this earth in the history of man." Watchtower 1958 Oct 15 pp.614-615

"Yes, today, with Armageddon staring us in the face, we must keep in mind the sobering thought that millions, even billions, of lives may shortly come to a swift and decisive end, putting their onetime owners beyond the reach of any expression of love on our part." Watchtower 1965 Apr 1 p. 212

"What this means to us today is that those now living in this time of judgment and who fail for one reason or another to take a stand for Jehovah, and are therefore slain by him at the battle of Armageddon, will not be retained in his memory for a resurrection. That this group will include the majority of humans now living on earth is shown by Jeremiah 25:33: "The slain of the LORD shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth: they shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung..." Watchtower 1951 Jul 15 p.446

Watchtower Development

Imagine for a second that the Watchtower is not the true religion. Do you think it would be fair that God is going to destroy you because circumstances led you to being involved with the wrong religion?
Would a loving God be planning to devote billions of people to a violent and everlasting death? A God that is willing to slaughter 6 billion people is certainly not the God Russell described when starting the Bible Students. Russell left the Presbyterians because he could not believe in the injustice of a God willing to destroy the majority of humankind.

"We reasoned that, if Christ's coming was to end probation and bring irrevocable ruin upon ninety nine of a hundred of mankind, then it could scarcely be considered desirable, neither could we pray with a proper spirit, "Come, Lord Jesus, Come quickly."" SUPPLEMENT TO ZION'S WATCH TOWER AND HERALD OF CHRIST'S PRESENCE Jun 1879
Similarly, Russell could neither accept the salvation of only Adventists.

"Russell wrote: "We felt greatly grieved at the error of Second Adventists, who were expecting Christ in the flesh, and teaching that the world and all in it except Second Adventists would be burned up."" Proclaimers p.45

Under Russell, the Watchtower used to teach that irrespective of religion, most people would survive Armageddon. His understanding on 'future probation' was that the masses of humanity would survive Armageddon and be educated on earth by Christ in the 1000-year reign, before receiving judgment. The resurrection was for all who have died, Adam included. Yet the religion he founded now claims even more than "ninety nine of a hundred will be destroyed." Globally there is only one Witness for every 1,000 people on earth. Therefore, on current statistics the Watchtower teaching is not that 99 out of 100 will be ruined, but rather Jehovah will eternally destroy 99.9 out of 100.

It was during the leadership of Rutherford that the teachings of 'irrevocable ruin' and 'judgement periods' were introduced, concepts Russell tried to avoid. In the Watchtower 1923 pp.310-311, it was shown that clergy would not be saved. In 1930, pp.275-281 Rutherford introduced that people who disagreed with him, apostates, would be in line for everlasting destruction. The Watchtower 1939 p.170 claimed those from prior judgement periods, such as Sodom and Gomorrah would not be in line for a resurrection; neither would Adam and Eve, Solomon or the Scribes and Pharisees.

Later leaders have not attempted to soften the hard-line stance of Rutherford. Witnesses are expected to rejoice the destruction of mankind at Armageddon.

"In the near future this generation will see the foretold “great tribulation” that will bring an end to this present wicked system. (Matt. 24:21) At that time none of Jehovah’s faithful servants, the only ones surviving, will mourn over the destruction of the wicked. To the contrary, they will rejoice, even as Moses and his people rejoiced at the destruction of Pharaoh and his army." Watchtower 1977 Jun 1 p.345


The Watchtower predicts that billions will die at Armageddon. If laid side by side, the corpses would reach the moon 7 times … and growing.
In 1986, anyone disagreeing that God will destroy millions (or more accurately billions) was classed an opposer.

"Some opposers [are] entertaining ideas that God is so merciful that he surely will not cause the death of so many millions of people during the "great tribulation." Watchtower 1986 Mar 15 p.18

The Watchtower feels necessary to clarify that many would not flock to the organization with the start of the Great Tribulation.

"Any person who wants to survive into God's righteous new order urgently needs to come into a right relationship with Jehovah and His earthly organization now. Why is there such an urgency about coming to Jehovah's true worship now? Could not a sincere person wait until he actually sees Jehovah's executional judgments beginning, and then quickly come over to His side? While that might sound appealing to some, would there then be enough time to build the right relationship with Jehovah? The evidence from the Scriptures answers, No." Watchtower 1981 Nov 15 pp.16-17

"The Watchtower of August 15, 1996, said: "In the final part of the tribulation, 'flesh' that has fled to Jehovah's side will be saved." Is that suggesting that after the first phase of the great tribulation, many new ones will come over to God's side? That was not the point being made. As to whether any new ones may be able to learn the truth and come over to God's side after the great tribulation begins, note Jesus' words recorded at Matthew 24:29-31. After the outbreak of the tribulation, the sign of the Son of man will appear. Jesus said that all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves and lament. He did not say anything about people waking up to the situation, repenting, taking God's side, and becoming true disciples. Similarly, in the parable of the sheep and the goats, the Son of man appears and judicially separates people on the basis of what they had done or not done in the past. Jesus said nothing about people who long displayed goatlike attributes suddenly turning around and becoming like sheep. He comes to judge on the basis of what people had already proved to be.-Matthew 25:31-46." Watchtower 1997 Feb 15 p.29

Notice in the following two articles the way a Witness is to deal with the question "Do Jehovah's witnesses believe that only they will be saved?" Stating that only Jehovah's Witnesses will be saved is to be avoided. It is recommended to say NO; even though the explanation given shows the answer is yes. After reading the whole paragraph, it is clear what is meant.

"Do they believe that they are the only ones who will be saved? No. Millions that have lived in centuries past and who were not Jehovah's Witnesses will come back in a resurrection and have an opportunity for life. Many now living may yet take a stand for truth and righteousness before the "great tribulation," and they will gain salvation." Jehovah's Witnesses, Who are they? What do they believe? (2002) p.29

"Do Jehovah's witnesses believe that only they will be saved?

Jehovah's witnesses believe that many will be saved who are not now Jehovah's witnesses. But with regard to the coming "great tribulation," and being saved through that conflict, the Bible shows that people must now turn to God and take their stand on his side if they wish protection from Him. Jesus said: "Just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. . . . they took no note until the flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be." (Matt. 24:21, 37-39) Noah and his family, however, were saved through the Flood, because they served Jehovah God. All the others were destroyed. Jesus said that is what will happen at the coming "great tribulation," and this Jehovah's witnesses believe." Watchtower 1970 Apr 15 p.247

theplanmaker: before I coment, op which religion do u blong to?

Am not a jehovah's witness if that may interest you to know.

This article is divided into the following sections:

Watchtower quotes that only Jehovah's Witnesses will survive Armageddon

Historical development, showing when the Watchtower introduced this concept

Why this teaching is unfair and illogical
The Watchtower Society teaches that since Jehovah's Witnesses alone have God's backing and are the only ones that worship the true God, shortly they alone will survive Armageddon.

"Only Jehovah's Witnesses, those of the anointed remnant and the "great crowd," as a united organization under the protection of the Supreme Organizer, have any Scriptural hope of surviving the impending end of this doomed system dominated by Satan the Devil." Watchtower 1989 Sep 1 p.19

"Similarly, Jehovah is using only one organization today to accomplish his will. To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must identify that organization and serve God as part of it." Watchtower 1983 Feb 15 p.12

"Is it presumptuous of Jehovah's Witnesses to point out that they alone have God's backing? Actually, no more so than when the Israelites in Egypt claimed to have God's backing in spite of the Egyptians' belief, or when the first-century Christians claimed to have God's backing to the exclusion of Jewish religionists." Watchtower 2001 Jun 1 p.16

"During the final period of the ancient world that perished in the Flood, Noah was a faithful preacher of righteousness. (2 Peter 2:5) In these last days of the present system of things, Jehovahs people are making known Gods righteous standards and are declaring good news about the possibility of surviving into the new world. (2 Peter 3:9-13) Just as Noah and his God-fearing family were preserved in the ark, survival of individuals today depends on their faith and their loyal association with the earthly part of Jehovahs universal organization." Watchtower 2006 May 15 p.22 "Are You Prepared for Survival?"

"In effect, Jesus also conveys Jehovah’s voice to us as he directs the congregation through “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45) We need to take this guidance and direction seriously, for our everlasting life depends on our obedience." Watchtower 2014 Aug 15 p.21

The Watchtower goes as far as to state that there are billions in line for destruction.

"There are billions of people who do not know Jehovah. Many of them in ignorance practice things that God's Word shows to be wicked. If they persist in this course, they will be among those who perish during the great tribulation." Watchtower 1993 Oct 1 p.19

The billions slaughtered at Armageddon loose any hope of a resurrection; theirs is said to be an everlasting destruction.

"Yes, the destruction of the gross sinners in those cities was eternal, as will be the destruction of the wicked at the end of the present system of things." Watchtower 1990 Apr 15 p.20

"The majority of people living today will probably be alive when Armageddon breaks out, and there are no resurrection hopes for those that are destroyed then." Kingdom Ministry 1968 Mar p.4

Rarely does the Watchtower make such audacious statements; rather the destruction of non-witnesses is conveyed (with unwavering regularity) by means of a number of more subtle concepts. The quotes that follow identify the preposterous claim that following the Bible is not enough for salvation, neither are belief in Jesus Ransom or living a moral life. Only submission to Jehovah's Watchtower Organization results in life. All Christians are considered members of Christendom and in line for destruction.

It needs to be noted that some individual Witnesses have internalised that salvation is not the exclusive domain of Jehovah's Witnesses. Paul Grundy's father, a circuit overseer, was one of these. Others salve their conscience and sense of justice by saying that many will flock to God's Organization just before the end. The following quotes show that the Watchtower does not support such ideas, but distinctly teaches only its followers will be saved.

Quotes and Watchtower Reasoning

Association with Jehovah's Organization

Association with Jehovah's organization - the Watchtower Society - is presented as essential for salvation.

"If we stop actively supporting Jehovah's work, then we start following Satan. There is no middle ground." Watchtower 2011 Jul 15 p.18

"But Jehovah's servants already belong to the only organization that will survive the end of this wicked system of things." Watchtower 2007 Dec 15 p.14

"But if we were to draw away from Jehovah's organization, there would be no place else to go for salvation and true joy." Watchtower 1993 Sep 15 p.22

"Only Christian witnesses of Jehovah who successfully pass this test will survive and come forth like fire-refined gold for God's use in his precious new order." Watchtower 1985 Mar 1 p.14

"And while now the witness yet includes the invitation to come to Jehovahs organization for salvation, the time no doubt will come when the message takes on a harder tone, like a "great war cry."" Watchtower 1981 Nov 15 p.21

"But Jehovah God has also provided his visible organization, his "faithful and discreet slave", made up of spirit-anointed ones, to help Christians in all nations to understand and apply properly the Bible in their lives. Unless we are in touch with this channel of communication that God is using, we will not progress along the road to life, no matter how much Bible reading we do." Watchtower 1981 Nov 15 p.27

"This great crowd is part of the only truly united multinational organization on earth today. They do not cry out that they owe salvation to the holy spirit, for they are not servants of a trinitarian god. In some 200 geographical territories around the earth, they are at one in calling upon the name of Jehovah as they speak the one pure language of truth. (Zephaniah 3:9) Properly, they publicly acknowledge that their salvation comes from Jehovah, the God of salvation, through Jesus Christ, His Chief Agent of salvation.-Psalm 3:8; Hebrews 2:10. Modern technology has helped to make the loud voice of the united great crowd sound even louder. No other religious group on earth has need of publishing Bible study aids in more than 200 languages, since no other group is interested in reaching all peoples of earth with one united message." Revelation pp.122-12
3
"They must appreciate that identifying themselves with Jehovahs organization is essential to their salvation." Kingdom Ministry 1990 Nov p.1

"Direct Interest Progressively on Bible Studies: The primary purpose of a Bible study is to teach the truth of God's Word. It should also build in the student an appreciation for Jehovahs organization and make him aware of the vital need to become part of it. ... The weekly Bible study should include instruction that will help students appreciate the organization and take advantage of provisions for their salvation. Take a few minutes each week to relate or describe something about the organization and how it functions. You can find helpful talking points in the November 1, 1984, Watchtower. The brochures Jehovahs Witnesses in the Twentieth Century and Jehovahs Witnesses Unitedly Doing God's Will Worldwide discuss major facets of the organization and how they may benefit us. Arranging for Bible students to view the video Jehovah's WitnessesThe Organization Behind the Name will let them see for themselves what it is accomplishing." Kingdom Ministry 1993 Apr p.3

To be considered part of that Organization requires reporting as an active publisher for the Watchtower Society.

"As this spiritual warfare advanced, those serving with Jehovah's organization were refreshed by continuing flashes of Bible understanding, and their numbers grew until, in 1938, as many as 50,769 reported Kingdom service during an international testimony period." Watchtower 1984 Jan 1 p.11

"Those who will form the nucleus of the "new earth", a new earthly society of rightly disposed people, are being gathered during these last days. They are already nearly seven million strong, in at least 235 lands and in some 100,000 congregations. These millions have been learning the righteous and just ways of Jehovah, and as a result, worldwide they enjoy a unity that is cemented by Christian love. Their unity is the most pronounced and enduring in the history of the world, a unity exceeding anything experienced by Satan's subjects." Watchtower 2007 Aug 15 p.26

"Moreover, the attendance at the Memorial of Jesus Christs death last year indicates that some ten million people who are not Witnesses of Jehovah were sufficiently interested in the good news to attend this important commemoration." Kingdom Ministry 2008 Feb p.6

Children


Children are considered to share in the sins of their parents, so babies will die at Armageddon if their parents are considered unworthy of salvation.

"What will happen to young children at Armageddon? The Bible does not directly answer that question, and we are not the judges. However, the Bible does show that God views the young children of true Christians as "holy." (1 Cor. 7:14) It also reveals that in times past when God destroyed the wicked he likewise destroyed their little ones." Reasoning from the Scriptures pp.47-48

"Children are affected by the course of their parents, and parents are warned that their iniquity is visited on their offspring unto the third and fourth generation. (Ex. 20:5, 6) Parents are commanded to instruct their children in God's way, and if in these last days parents refuse to heed the divine instruction and warning they bring destruction upon themselves and their small children at Armageddon. (Deut. 6:6, 7; Eph. 6:4) According to justice God can leave such children dead, for, as Ezekiel showed, all die in their iniquity." Watchtower 1950 Nov 15 p.463 Questions From Readers

"By all the evidences this system of things is hastening to its final confrontation with the God of justice at Armageddon. Parents and children who fail to gain the "mark on their foreheads," that is, an adequate appreciation of God's moral standard, are sure to suffer. Parents will be held accountable for their children, and children will suffer for the failure of their parents." Watchtower 1968 Feb 1 pp.83-84

Preaching

The Watchtower claims the preaching work is a requirement for salvation.

"Twelve Reasons for Preaching
1. It helps save lives. …
7. It is a requirement for our own salvation."
Kingdom Ministry 2012 Jun p.1 (US Edition)


Association with 144,000

A similar claim is that salvation comes from association with the "little flock", also said to represent "the remnant of the 144,000", "the Anointed" and the "faithful and discreet slave". A person must be a Jehovah's Witness "memorial partakers" to be considered as belonging to the preceding groups, now numbering less than 9,000.

"In fact, with God's day of judgment so near today, all the world should 'keep silent before the Sovereign Lord Jehovah' and hear what he says through the "little flock" of Jesus' anointed followers and their companions, his "other sheep." (Luke 12:32; John 10:16) Annihilation awaits all who will not listen and who thereby set themselves against rule by God's Kingdom." Watchtower 2001 Feb 15 p. 14

"There would be "a great crowd" out of all nations who would not experience death but would have the prospect of living forever on earth. Are you among them?... The great crowd support the small number of those with heavenly hopes, who take the lead in the preaching work. Those of the great crowd are pictured as being marked for survival. (Ezekiel 9:4-6) "The mark" is the evidence that they are dedicated to Jehovah, baptized as disciples of Jesus, and involved in cultivating a Christlike personality." Worship the Only True God (2002) p.124

"So the visible congregation of Gods people has something to do with the provision of salvation today. Indeed, it has an important place in that provision. Every congregation forms a small part of Gods people. We cannot remain outside the organization of Gods people, separated from it, if we want to have Jehovahs protection. Jehovahs spirit and his angels all tend to a bringing together in unity of thought, aim and action. So there is a vital connection between Jehovahs protection in the antitypical city of refuge and His visible congregation of spiritual Israelites, supervised by the faithful and discreet slave." Watchtower 1967 Aug 15 p.499

Those in Babylon will be Destroyed

Anyone that is part of any another religion, referred to as Babylon the Great, will not survive but "share in her plagues". The narrow door excludes Christendom as well as the other major religious tenets.

"That is not all there is to God's judgment against Babylon the Great. Her final destruction is soon to come. (Revelation 18:21) With good reason, the Bible urges people everywhere: "Get out of her [Babylon the Great] . . . if you do not want to share with her in her sins." (Revelation 18:4, 5) How do we get out of Babylon the Great? This involves more than just severing any ties with false religion. Babylonish influence is present in many popular celebrations and customs, in the world's permissive attitude toward sex, in the promoting of entertainment involving spiritism, and much more. To keep on the watch, it is vital that both in our actions and in the desires of our heart, we give evidence that we are truly separate from Babylon the Great in every way." Watchtower 2000 Oct 1 p.24

"Still, Jehovah will not destroy at random. Some humans will be saved. "You went forth for the salvation of your people, to save your anointed one," says Habakkuk 3:13. Yes, Jehovah will save his faithful anointed servants. The destruction of Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion, will then be complete. Today, however, the nations are trying to wipe out pure worship. Soon, Jehovah's servants will be attacked by the forces of Gog of Magog." Watchtower 2000 Feb 1 p.22

"Let us recognize that Christendom is doomed, along with all the rest of Babylon the Great. She has refused to repent of her religiously immoral or adulterous course of action, her friendship with this world. (Jas. 4:4) She is like the rest of the ungodly world, even after Jehovah's Christian witnesses have plainly declared God's impending judgment to her." Watchtower 1972 Dec 15 p.753

"without question the execution of divine judgment upon apostate Christendom and the rest of Satan's world is imminent." Watchtower 1984 Oct 1 p.11

"The narrow door to salvation stands open to all. But the "many" do not like to struggle to enter. What are some factors about going through the narrow door that require vigorous exertion? A person must first gain accurate knowledge of Bible truth, and get to know Jehovah God and Christ Jesus. (John 17:3) This means casting aside the traditions and practices of worldly religions, including those of Christendom. It requires doing God's will, as Jesus did it while here on earth. (1 Peter 2:21) As a dedicated, baptized Christian, one must also avoid the materialism, the immorality, and the uncleanness of the world." Watchtower 1986 Jan 15 p.12

the christian and his environment

Social Issues 2

Am going to touch homosexuality in this second part of my presentation. I initially tried to ignore the topic due to its highly sensitive nature, but I changed my mind when some persons impressed to touch this topic.

Below is an excerpt from Jehovah's Witnesses official website about homosexuality, I chose it because it accurately reflects the bible's view point on homosexuality.

what does the bible say about homosexuality?

God created humans to engage in sex only within the arrangement of marriage between a male and a female. (Genesis 1:27, 28; Leviticus 18:22; Proverbs 5:18, 19) The Bible condemns sexual activity that is not between a husband and wife, whether it is homosexual or heterosexual conduct. (1 Corinthians 6:18) This includes intercourse, handling another person’s genitals, and engaging in oral or anal sex.

While the Bible disapproves of homosexual acts, it does not condone hatred of homosexuals or homophobia. Instead, Christians are directed to “respect everyone.”—1 Peter 2:17, Good News Translation.

Can a person be born homosexual?

The Bible doesn’t comment directly on the biology of homosexual desires, though it acknowledges that we are all born with a tendency to go against what God commands. (Romans 7:21-25) Rather than focus on the cause of homosexual desires, however, the Bible prohibits homosexual acts.

How to please God despite having same-sex urges.

The Bible says: “Don’t be controlled by your body. Kill every desire for the wrong kind of sex.” (Colossians 3:5, Contemporary English Version) To kill wrong desires, which lead to wrong actions, you need to control your thinking. If you regularly fill your mind with wholesome thoughts, you can more readily dismiss wrong desires. (Philippians 4:8; James 1:14, 15) While you may struggle greatly at first, it can become easier. God promises to help you to “be made new in the force actuating your mind.”—Ephesians 4:22-24.

The same struggle is faced by millions with heterosexual desires who wish to conform to the Bible’s standards. For example, those who are single with little prospect of marriage or who are married to a partner who is unable to function sexually choose to control their sexual urges despite any temptations they might face. They are able to live happily, and those with same-sex urges can do so as well if they truly want to please God.—Deuteronomy 30:19.

http://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/bible-about-homosexuality/

Questions and contributions are welcomed.

Aitee1: Those confused set that their founder was once an illuminati member I don't listen to them anylonger, any african that's being decieved by some man-made doctrine originated from the west will have himself to blame @ God's appointed time.

Am glad you made the right choice.

"Come to Jehovah's organization for salvation" - Watchtower 1981 Nov 15 p.212

Jehovah does not need an organization, nor has he used an organization for most of human history. For 2,500 years, from creation until the Israelites, there is no mention of any organization. God dealt directly with individuals. From the death of the Apostles until the formation of the Watchtower Society in the 1800's, what group represented God's organization?
The most important concept behind being a Jehovah's Witness is that you need to follow the Watchtower organization for salvation. This article shows that there is no legitimate basis for such a concept.

The word "Organization" is not in the Bible, yet appears 16,789 times on the 2006 Watchtower Library CD.
Early Christians were organised into congregations, as are Christian religions today. For the spread of Christianity it may be necessary to create organizations. For example, in modern times religious groups often need to establish legal entities or organizations in order to purchase halls to meet in and for the publication of literature.

The Watchtower Society goes a step further by saying that being part of their particular Organization is an essential requirement of salvation. The leaders of the Watchtower Society, the Governing Body, are said to be appointed by Christ and the only means by which he directs his true followers today.

"Consider, too, the fact that Jehovah's organization alone, in all the earth, is directed by God's holy spirit or active force. (Zech. 4:6) Only this organization functions for Jehovah's purpose and to his praise. To it alone God's Sacred Word, the Bible, is not a sealed book." Watchtower 1973 Jul 1 p.402

"However, the Governing Body are appointed through the holy spirit under the direction of Jehovah God and Jesus Christ." Watchtower 1990 Mar 15 p.18

"These overseers faithfully seek to apply instructions received from Jehovah God and Jesus Christ by means of the faithful and discreet slave and its Governing Body." Watchtower 1990 Mar 15 p.20

"Christ thus leads the congregation by means of the spirit-anointed "faithful and discreet slave" and its Governing Body." Examining the Scriptures Daily 2007 p.34

"Jehovah’s visible organization can use you, but can get along without you too. But you cannot get along without it. Fruitless ones are eventually pruned off and never missed as new ones are grafted in. Pruned-off branches soon wither and die, being cut off from the circulating, life-giving sap." Watchtower 1950 Jan 15 p.26

This is the most significant concept behind being a Jehovah's Witness. Believing in God is not what makes a Witness unique, as a large portion of people believe in God. Trusting in the Bible is not the key factor to being a Witness, as billions of people believe they follow the Bible. It is belonging to the "Organization" that distinguishes a Witness and makes them feel solely worthy of salvation.

The word organization never appears in the Bible, yet organization appears 16,789 times on the 2006 Watchtower Library CD. This is because belonging to an organization is not a Scriptural requirement, but rather a common concept amongst high control groups as a technique of building a member's high degree of conviction and uniformity.

This raises the following questions;

Is membership of an organization essential for salvation?

Has Jehovah always operated through an organization?

Requirement of Salvation

The Watchtower claims that belonging to an organization is essential for salvation.

"To receive everlasting life in the earthly Paradise we must identify that organization and serve God as part of it." Watchtower 1983 Feb 15 p.12

Yet the word "organization" never appears in the Bible, nor is it ever stated in either the Old or New Testaments that membership of an organization is a requirement of salvation. The Scriptures repeatedly state that it is faith in Jesus and the Father that results in everlasting life.

"... obtain the salvation that is in union with Christ Jesus along with everlasting glory." 2 Timothy 2:10
"For God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life ... He that exercises faith in the Son has everlasting life." John 3:16, 36
"And yet YOU do not want to come to me that YOU may have life." John 5:40
"I am the door; whoever enters through me will be saved, and he will go in and out and find pasturage." John 10:9
"This means everlasting life, their taking in knowledge of you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ." John 17:3
"Hence let no one be boasting in men; for all things belong to YOU, whether Paul or Apol'los or Ce'phas or the world or life or death or things now here or things to come, all things belong to YOU; in turn YOU belong to Christ; Christ, in turn, belongs to God." 1 Corinthians 3:21

To appreciate the level of adulation Watchtower followers are expected to have for the organization, it is revealing that the Watchtower April 2013 study article titled "Make Sure of the More Important Things" uses the term "organization" 24 times, but Jesus only 18 times. The following article then contains an image outlining the composition of the organization that does not even include Jesus, but rather the Governing Body directly below Jehovah on his throne.

The Watchtower 1975 Sep 1 p.531 asks "Where could we turn if we would leave God's organization today? There is nowhere else! (John 6:66-69)". This quote refers to John 6:66-69 for support that there is nowhere other than the Organization. However, John makes a very different point:

"Simon Peter answered him: "Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life."" John 6:68
One cannot help but wonder how Jesus feels having the Watchtower Society applying this Scripture to themselves, rather than to him.

Does God require an Organization?

As the word "organization" does not appear in the Bible, the Watchtower uses 1 Corinthians 14:33 - "God is a God, not of disorder, but of peace" - to indicate that an Organization is necessary. However, the existence of an organization does not guarantee order, nor is an organization a prerequisite for orderliness. This does not mean that organization is not necessary. People need to be organised for efficient operation of congregations and preaching. Rather, it is unquestioning allegiance to the leaders of an Organization that is not supported Scripturally.

In an attempt to enforce the authority of the Watchtower Society, articles claim God has always operated though a single organization.

"The Bible shows that Jehovah has always guided his servants in an organized way The nation of Israel was called "Jehovah's congregation." (Numbers 20:4; 1 Chronicles 28: If you were a true worshiper of Jehovah back then, you had to be part of that congregation of worshipers, not separate from it. Did Jehovah ever use more than one organization during any period of time? In Noah's day only Noah and those with him inside the ark had God's protection and survived the floodwaters. (1 Peter 3:20) Also, in the first century there were not two or more Christian organizations. God dealt with just the one. There was just the "one Lord, one faith, one baptism." (Ephesians 4:5) Likewise in our day Jesus Christ foretold that there would be only one source of spiritual instruction for God's people." You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth p.192

Bible history proves that this is not the case. For the majority of history God has not used any organization. He predominantly has operated through individuals, and has regularly dealt with more than one group at a time.

Originally God dealt directly with Adam and Eve. He continued to deal directly with Abel, and also directly with the unrighteous man Cain. (Gen 4:15) For the next 2000 years there is no mention of any organization or intervention by God, except for when God deal with two individuals; Enoch and Noah.

After the flood, Jehovah continued to deal with individuals rather than with an organization. He concurrently dealt separately with individuals such as Lot and Abraham.

Israel

There is only one period of time during which it can be claimed that God dealt with an organization. This was not until 2,500 years after the creation of mankind, with the formation of the Nation of Israel under Moses. Yet even whilst he dealt through this group, he continued to deal with individuals and other groups.

During the time of the nation of Israel, Jehovah dealt with individuals not associated with the Israelites. For example, it was during this time that Jehovah was involved directly with Job, a man "blameless and upright, and fearing God and turning aside from bad the greatest of all the Orientals. (Job 1:1-3)

After many decades, Jehovah instituted a King in Israel. This was not will, but because of their insistence on requiring a visible king. This desire for a human leader was considered a rejection of Jehovah, who stated:

"… it is I whom they have rejected from being king over them." 1 Samuel 8:7.
During the history of Israel, God did not deal only with the King. In fact Saul, the very first king, attempted to kill David and so David fled to live in the apostate land of Philistia with Achish the king of Gath, all the time protected by Jehovah. Jehovah also operated through Levites, the Priests and a variety of Bible writers of diverse stations. He regularly rose up independent prophets to chastise his erring kingly representative. Generally these individual prophets were sent by Jehovah to condemn the Israelites. What cannot be overlooked is that from the first leader and for most of its history, Israel were apostate rejecters of Jehovah.

At the death of only the third king Jehovah foretold "Here I am ripping the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon, and I shall certainly give you ten tribes. And the one tribe is what will continue his for the sake of my servant David and for the sake of Jerusalem, the city that I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel." (1 Kings 11:31-32) After Solomon's death God proceeded to split the Israelites into two separate nations, each with their own priestly class. Until the destruction of Israel, Jehovah dealt with the Northern kingdom separately from the Southern kingdom.

For a short time after the fall of Jerusalem, God continued to deal directly with individuals, such as Daniel. After the release from Babylon, God was with Ezra and Nehemiah and was involved with the rebuilding of the temple. Then a period of 500 years ensued with no record of any intervention from God until the time of Jesus, no evidence that God actively dealt through this visible organization.

Christian Times

When Jesus arrived, the priesthood was still God's representative. The Jews were considered to be God's Nation until the the temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. However Jesus and his disciples stood up against that organization and publicly condemned the Priests, in effect setting up a second rival organization to the one still representing God.

While this second group was following Jesus, the Bible shows that there were individuals unattached to Jesus followers whose worship was also considered acceptable.

"John said to him: "Teacher, we saw a certain man expelling demons by the use of your name and we tried to prevent him, because he was not accompanying us." But Jesus said: "Do not try to prevent him, for there is no one that will do a powerful work on the basis of my name that will quickly be able to revile me; for he that is not against us is for us. For whoever gives YOU a cup of water to drink on the ground that YOU belong to Christ, I truly tell YOU, he will by no means lose his reward. But whoever stumbles one of these little ones that believe, it would be finer for him if a millstone such as is turned by an ass were put around his neck and he were actually pitched into the sea." Mark 9:38-42
Here Jesus shows that a person could belong to him without following the group of apostles. Belonging to an organization was not as important as it was to "belong to Christ".

After Jesus death, his disciples actively went against the nation of Israel and the high priest, even whilst they were still considered God's earthly representative. Acts 5:27-29 describes such an occasion;

"And the high priest questioned them and said: "We positively ordered YOU not to keep teaching upon the basis of this name, and yet, look! YOU have filled Jerusalem with YOUR teaching, and YOU are determined to bring the blood of this man upon us." In answer Peter and the [other] apostles said: "We must obey God as ruler rather than men."
During all this time, early Christianity was loosely structured, unlike the Watchtower organization today. There was no formal incorporation and no multibillion dollar property empire of kingdom halls and Bethel buildings.

How Directed?

"But in reply he said: "I tell YOU, If these remained silent, the stones would cry out."" Luke 19:40

Presuming that God needs an earthly organization shows lack of faith in his ability to operate through individuals. Early Christians were not directed by an organization but by the words of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

"I have many things yet to say to YOU, but YOU are not able to bear them at present. 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." John 16:12-13
John 4 contains a discussion between Jesus and a Samaritan woman. Samaritans and Jews, both descendants of Abraham, had differing opinions of who represented God's organization. Jesus explained, “the hour is coming when neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father. ... Nevertheless, the hour is coming, and it is now, when the true worshippers will worship the Father with spirit and truth, for indeed, the Father is looking for ones like these to worship him." True worship is spiritual, it is not about fleshly organizations.

Jesus promised that he would direct his followers no matter how few were gathered together.

"Where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst!" Matthew 18:20
It was under the guidance of Holy Spirit that followers of Jesus accomplished their work.

"... with the power of signs and portents, with the power of holy spirit; so that from Jerusalem and in a circuit as far as Illyricum I have thoroughly preached the good news about the Christ." Romans 15:19
Acts 2:1-4 describes the Holy Spirit speaking truth through 120 disciples and Acts 4:31 says;

"… they were one and all filled with the holy spirit and were speaking the word of God with boldness."
Christian congregations met in houses with like minded people worshipping Christ. Paul explained this was for "upbuilding" each other (1 Corinthians 14:5). Holy Spirit appointed mature older men to overseer (Acts 20) whilst the older women were teachers of good (Titus 2:3, 4).

There was freedom within congregations to discuss different points of view without fear of retribution, as shown by open discussion on circumcision. Consensus was reached at Acts 15 that circumcision was not required, but that it was necessary to abstain "from things sacrificed to idols (v29)". Yet even this statement was not binding regulation, since Paul later explained at 1 Corinthians 8 that food sacrificed to idols need only be avoided if eating it would cause a brother to stumble.

The formation of congregations indicates order, but does not imply an elite group of specially directed leaders in a position to demand unquestioning obedience.

Conclusion

The Watchtower Society is described as Jehovah's "wife" and "earthly instrument".

"However, what we see exemplified in God's woman, his heavenly universal organization, we should look to see in his visible organization. Why? Because his higher, greater universal organization uses it as her earthly instrument. That is why we do see those motherly traits, those traits and acts of a virtuous woman, in the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead and in the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, because these profess to represent and serve God's woman. We thank God for providing and using them. So we stand up respectfully and bless his faithful organization, his queenly "woman" in heaven which makes all these loving provisions for us as children of God." Watchtower 1950 October 1 p.348 "

Referring to the Watchtower Society as Jehovah's earthly organization creates an air of divine authority. Personification as a motherly woman creates fear of displeasing "her". In reality, the Watchtower Society is a standard company with a Charter incorporated in America. It is a worldly corporation run by progression of men. Like any company, its foremost concern is ultimately growth and financial viability, achieved through book sales and donations.

In The Myth of Certainty: The Reflective Christian & the Risk of Commitment (InteVarsity Press, 1986, 1992) pp.29-30 Professor Daniel Taylor warns:

"The primary goal of all institutions and subcultures is self-preservation. Preserving the faith is central to God's plan for human history; preserving particular religious institutions is not. Do not expect those who run the institutions to be sensitive to the difference. God needs no particular person, church, denomination, creed or organization to accomplish his purpose."
The concept of Jehovah having one single organization that he directs by means of a Governing Body is used to support the concept that being a Jehovah's Witness is essential for salvation. Though the Bible consistently says it is faith in Jesus that is important, the Watchtower shifts attention to the Organization with statements such as "we must uphold the truth of that organization." (Watchtower 1961 May 1 p.276) The Governing Body uses this principle to set itself as a spiritual authority above the Bible, such as when stating:

"Thus the Bible is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the Bible. For this reason the Bible cannot be properly understood without Jehovah's visible organization in mind." Watchtower 1967 Oct 1 p.587

Though an organization is never mentioned by Jesus, Jehovah's Witnesses believe that all other Christian religions will be destroyed by God, because they do not follow Watchtower defined truth. Jesus said "He that believes has everlasting life"(John 6:47) and "I know my sheep and my sheep know me"(John 10:14). When a Jehovah's Witness reads passages like these they are trained to understand "whoever believes what the Watchtower says about Jesus may have everlasting life", and "the sheep know me, only by means of the Watchtower Society". This is not unique; it is common that "the cult and its beliefs become the only true path to salvation." (Combating Cult Mind Control, Hassan, p.202).

It is apparent that for most of the history of the Bible, Jehovah did not have a visible organization. Even during the short period that he used the Nation of Israel, he regularly dealt with individuals in preference to the leaders of that nation. This was also the case during early Christian times. Furthermore, belonging to these groups was no guarantee of being acceptable to God, as from the start both the Jews and early Christians were plagued with corruption and apostasy.

christemmbassey: Beautiful presentation @Yooguyz. No reason whatsoever for abortion. But what does grace got to do with abortion?

We are in a dispensation of grace, a dispensation where Jesus said the only law we would have is Love. This leads us to grey areas in doctrine because rules and regulations on how to live as christians were not explicitly stated in the new testament times. One of those grey areas is abortion.

SalC: Sorry mod I don't know if this constitutes derailing, but @Gombs how did you come about the bold? Is it biblical or you made it up?

@Yooguyz shed more light here, is there a bible verse that said a child's name is written in the book of life ONLY when he is born into this world?

If yes, what happens to he soul of a child who was miscarried at say 6months or that of a blue baby?

Abortion as we know it today was not practiced in biblical times, and the Bible never specifically mentions the issue of abortion. It is clear from the Scriptures that an unborn baby is known by the Lord, even from the time of conception (Psalm 139:13-16). Although the Bible does not mention abortion or aborted babies, we do have two keys to help us unlock the answer to the question of whether the souls of aborted babies go to heaven.

The first key is from the only passage in the Bible where something specific is said about the death of infants. In 2 Samuel 12 we learn of David’s affair with Bathsheba, another man’s wife. David was informed by the prophet Nathan that the child produced by that union would die. David then began to fast and pray, asking the Lord to not carry out His judgment. When the child did die, David got up from praying and fasting and ate something.

When asked about this behavior, David uttered the words recorded in 2 Samuel 12:23, “Now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” David’s words reflect a clear understanding that the child could not come back to earth, but David would be with his child one day in heaven. This indicates not only David’s assurance of his own future in heaven (Psalm 23:6), but also the assurance that his child would share that future. From this account, we can conclude that infants who die are destined for heaven.

The second key to dealing with this issue is an understanding of the character and attributes of God. A God of justice must punish sin, for the Bible teaches us that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). Neither an unborn child nor an aborted baby has had the opportunity to willfully sin; however, every child conceived bears the sin nature inherited from Adam (Psalm 51:5) and is therefore subject to judgment. At the same time, God reveals Himself as a God of goodness and mercy (Psalm 136:26). He is “gracious in all His works” (Psalm 145:17). It could very well be that God, in His grace, applies the sacrifice of Christ to the unborn victims of abortion. We know Christ’s blood is sufficient for such a thing. After all, Jesus died “for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2).

The Bible does not specifically say whether or not an unborn child who dies goes to heaven. Without a clear passage, we can only speculate. However, we know of God’s love, goodness, and compassion. We know of David’s confidence that he would be with his child again. And we know that Jesus invited the children to come to Him (Luke 18:16). Based on these sureties, we believe it is appropriate to conclude that the souls of children are immediately in the presence of God when their lives are cut short by abortion.

DrummaBoy: @Yooguyz

This is my personal observation, it doesn't reflect the view of the organizers as one:

1. The presentation on abortion was excellent. Well researched, etc.

2. But the topic indicated social issues, plural, not just one issue. I would have loved a situation where you wrote short notes on each of the others you listed, eg sexism, gays, etc. You could then go on to make abortion the main discuss.

3. If its not too much trouble, you could still write short notes on the others issues you listed.

In all, its a good write up and I am grateful to you for helping us see the gospel in this light: social matters.

Noted! Am preparing papers on the issues you wrote and answers to my questions.

I love the questions am being asked they are intellectualy stimulating. I would answer all of them one at a time.

striktlymi: Yooguyz you deserve a resounding round of applause. God has indeed used you to deliver such a powerful message.

Thank you very much for this heart warming compliment.

I would have loved to contribute a thing or two with respect to the questions Gombs asked but I will refrain from doing so because it may lead to arguments which I believe is against the spirit of this convention. In any case, I have some questions of my own which I hope would be answered satisfactorily, given the sensitive nature of the topic...

1) Is there any passage in Sacred scriptures where it is advised that we kill the unborn when we are faced with cases such as r*pe, incest etc?

The bible does not explicitly state that abortion is wrong in the case of incest and rape. Its a grey area.

2) If there is no passage that explicitly state the above, would it be appropriate as Christians to take matters into our own hands in such cases, knowing fully well that it may go against the commandment: "Thou shalt not kill"? As you said, God looks at the unborn as humans, thus killing them would go against that commandment

That was a very intelligent question you put forth, as appealing as it is to abort a child under such circumstances, the following points proves why abortion should not occur rape or incest

1.It is not relevant to the case for abortion on demand, the position defended by the popular pro-choice movement. This position states that a woman has a right to have an abortion for any reason she prefers during the entire nine months of pregnancy, whether it be for gender-selection, convenience, or rape. To argue for abortion on demand from the hard cases of rape and incest is like trying to argue for the elimination of traffic laws from the fact that one might have to violate some of them in rare circumstances, such as when one's spouse or child needs to be rushed to the hospital. Proving an exception does not establish a general rule.

2.Since conception does not occur immediately following intercourse, pregnancy can be eliminated in all rape cases if the rape victim receives immediate medical treatment by having all the male semen removed from her uterus.
3.The unborn entity is not an aggressor when its presence does not endanger its mother's life (as in the case of a tubal pregnancy). It is the rapist who is the aggressor. The unborn entity is just as much an innocent victim as its mother. Hence, abortion cannot be justified on the basis that the unborn is an aggressor.
This argument begs the question by assuming that the unborn is not fully human. For if the unborn is fully human, then we must weigh the relieving of the woman's mental suffering against the right-to-life of an innocent human being. And homicide of another is never justified to relieve one of emotional distress.

3) What do you think should be the Christian approach to social issues like IVF et al that are not explicitly mentioned in Sacred scriptures, considering that God is not an author of confusion? I hear Christians make comments like: "Let's be silent about those things not contained in scriptures". That for me would mean confusion. What in your opinion should the Christian do in such cases?

I think that the Christian should follow his consciense. I don't think anything is wrong with it because no child no murdered.

Gombs: ^^

Is abortion TOTALLY wrong? let's look at it from this stand point... WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY if;

1. should a child be brought into this world unprepared for, for him or her to suffer i.e forcefully?

Every child is gift from God irrespective of how he comes, prepared or unprepared. Would you destroy a gift from Mr president just because you were not prepared to have it?

2. what if a girl was rrape.d by robbers and she is not mentally, psychologically, biologically and physically able to keep the child? let's assume she is 13 years old

That's the more reason why she should keep the child because abortion would hide the molesters crime and give him the impetus to do more

3. what if a married couple has a child on the way, and due to medical reasons to save the mum from complications that would lead to her death, would you advice her not to go through an abortion like the doctors prescribed? would you then say abortion is ok when the mother's health is threatened? or the mum should just die with the unborn kid?

The decision in the case lies in the hands of the mother.

these said, let me ask you this, why term abortion as murder of an unborn child when in reality, a child's name is written in the book of life ONLY when he is born into this world? what is the biblical definition of murder?

i am of the opinion that No child should be brought into this world by force, if a lady has been raped, it is left for her to make a decision of whether to keep the baby or not. If you have never been raped or someone close to you haven't, you may not agree with this statement.

It is never mentioned anywhere in the Bible, for example, to keep a child from a woman who was raped!


please throw more light on the above questions. thank you, so very much for your time.

Christians who are heaven bound are killed and persecuted everyday, would you justify the murder of belivers because they will go to heaven when they die?

the christian and his environment

Social issues

When we talk about social issues we are talking about social problems that are percieved as harmful to members of a society.

Why is it of concern to a christian?
This is because a christians lifestyle and conduct is of paramount interest to Jehovah God, such the bible expressly stated that only those with a pure conduct shall see Jehovah.

"...holiness without which no man shall see the Lord" Hebrews 12:14.

Examples of social issues that concerns a christian include;
Sexism, gay marriage, robbery, deliquency, abortion e.t.c.

For the sake of space and the audience, I would be discussing just abortion.

ABORTION

Five Bible Reasons Why It Is Wrong


Prior to the Roe vs. Wade Supreme Court decision of 1973, about 500,000 illegal abortions were occurring per year. By 1975, over 1,000,000 babies were being aborted in the United States. Today, about 1,500,000 abortions occur each year. That's over 4000 per day, and nearly three per minute!

Ninety-three percent of the abortions in America are for convenience. The mother's health is an issue only three percent of the time, and the baby's health is an issue only three percent of the time. Rape or incest are issues only one percent of the time. Ninety-three percent of all abortions in America are performed just because someone doesn't want a child!

There are four basic types of abortion being performed in America today, while two more types may be added in the near future.

First, there's the suction type abortion. This is where the unborn child is literally vacuumed from the mother's womb during the early stages of pregnancy.

The currette-type abortion is where the child is cut from the mother's womb with a spoon-like object.

A third type is similar to a Caesarean operation. The baby is surgically removed from the mother and allowed to suffocate, because the child's lungs aren't developed.

The fourth type of abortion is the Salt Brine technique. With this method, the unborn child is literally "pickled" to death by the injection of a strong salt solution. A few days after the injection the child is still born.

There is currently much debate about partial-birth abortions. This is where a child is partially delivered, then stabbed in the skull to have his or her brains sucked out.

There is also much talk about the RU-486 abortion pill from France, also called "mifepristione" in America. This pill works by inhibiting pregnancy hormones, and is normally used within seven weeks from conception. At the present time, mifepristone is illegal in the U.S., but there is much political pressure to make it legal.

1.Abortion Is An Act of Murder

In reference to pregnant women, the term "with child" occurs twenty-six times in the Bible. The term "with fetus" never occurs once.

In Luke chapter one, verses 36 and 41, we are told that Elisabeth conceived a "son" and that the "babe" leaped in her womb. God does not say that a "fetus" leaped in her womb! He says THE BABE leaped. This is the exact same word that God uses to describe Christ in the manger AFTER He is born (Luke 2:12, 16). In God eyes, an unborn babe and a newborn babe are the same. They are both living human beings!

Dear reader, please answer a question: What is an "infant?" Get the answer in your mind and keep it there for a moment. Do you have it? Okay, please consider Job 3:16: "Or as an hidden untimely birth I had not been; as infants which never saw light." Did you see that? Job referred to unborn children as INFANTS. Not fetuses! Not masses of tissue! INFANTS! In God's eyes, an unborn child is a living human baby. God never says once that an unborn child is anything less than a human being.

David said in Psalm 51:5, "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me." He did not say that a fetus was shapen in iniquity and conceived in iniquity. David, speaking under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, said that HE was conceived. David, not a blob of tissue, was conceived.

The same is the case in Psalm 139:13-16:

"For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, when I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them."

Who was in the womb? David! A literal and living person. The Bible never uses anything less than human terms to describe the unborn.

Notice that in Jeremiah 1:5 we are told that God KNEW Jeremiah:"Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations."

To further confirm the fact that God views the unborn child as a person, please consider Exodus 21:22-23:

"If men strive, and hurt a woman with child, so that her fruit depart from her, and yet no mischief follow: he shall be surely punished, according as the woman's husband will lay upon him; and he shall pay as the judges determine. And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life,"

If the woman has a premature birth and the child lives ("no mischief follows", then there's no death penalty. However, if the child dies (or the woman dies) God says the death penalty applies: "thou shalt give life for life." Why would God require the death penalty if He didn't consider the unborn child to be a human being?

Friend, like it or not, God says that life begins at conception, and the unborn child is a human being.

But the Bible isn't alone in declaring this truth. Science also declares that an unborn child is just as much an independent human being as you. The original human cell consists of 46 chromosomes, 23 from each parent. At no point during pregnancy does the mother contribute any new cells to the child. The original cell divides itself and multiplies to provide development and growth for the child. Scientifically speaking, the child is just as independent at six months before birth as he will be six months after birth. Yes, the mother does provide nourishment to the unborn child, but she also provides nourishment to the newborn child!

At two weeks pregnancy, the "fetus" can move alone. By four weeks the child has limbs, muscle tissue, a heart and heartbeat. Ears, eyes, and small hands are visible by the fifth week. The child responds to touch sensations by the sixth or seventh week. At eight weeks, the baby sometimes tries to take a breath when removed from the mother. At twelve weeks, the child will often struggle for life two or three hours when removed from the mother.

Friend, abortion is wrong because abortion is MURDER!


2.Abortion Involves the Shedding of Innocent Blood

Proverbs 6:16-17 says that God HATES those who shed innocent blood! Deuteronomy 27:25 says, "Cursed be he that taketh reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen."

Who could possibly be more innocent than an unborn baby?! Yet, our society has become so wicked that it condones the slaying of 1.5 million innocent children every year. The Bible says that God HATES people who do this.

3.Abortion Is A Violation of the Golden Rule

In Matthew 7:12, the Lord Jesus Christ said, "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets."

Would it be your desire to suffer and die while someone traps you in a cage and literally tears your arms and legs from your body?

4.Abortion Attempts To Destroy A Work of God

"I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him." (Ecc. 3:14)

God is eternal, so His work is also eternal. Abortion is an attempt to do away with unwanted people--an attempt to make a liar out of God by bringing an end to His work. However, Jesus said you can destroy a person's BODY, but not their SOUL (Mat. 10:28). Parent, if you've had an abortion, your aborted child is in Heaven right now, because you only destroyed the body!

5.Abortion Often Brings Shame, Heartache, and Deep Regret

After his sin with Bathsheba, King David confessed these words to God: "For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me." (Psa. 51:3) David was living under constant conviction and regret for what he had done. He couldn't get away from it!

Most women who decide to have an abortion spend the rest of their lives regretting it. Are you thinking about an abortion? I challenge you to visit with some woman who have had abortions. Ask them if they would do it again. Ask them if they have any regrets.

In the book, The Christian and Social Issues, by Tom Wallace, a reference is made to a full page Washington Post ad, dated June 13, 1983. A lady who had undergone a saline abortion six months earlier describes the mental torments that she now suffers every day. She speaks of her "...everyday hell of never hearing a baby cry without crying within myself; counting days to see how old the baby would have been; wondering what contributions my baby would have made to our desperate society; and wondering if there will ever be another chance for motherhood."

Of the abortion itself, the lady recalls, "...sitting in a crowded waiting room studying each others fearful, anxious faces...signing death certificates for what is very much alive within you...seeing crying women given tranquilizers and sent home to recuperate and try to forget."

Your questions and contributions are welcomed.

Following....

Drummaboy, Goshen360 please am very busy at the moment, I would appreciate it if my presentation time is moved from 2:00 to 4:00. Thanks in anticipation of your response.

MightySparrow: The Watchtower specifically states that holy spirit directs
it to interpret teachings and make decisions.(quoted)




I have read several articles where they say Holy Spirit is a mere wind - a force! How does the spirit (blows) direct them to take decisions.


I think they are confused people.

Very intelligent question! Truthislight aka The~Truth~Is~A~lie, honeychild and co I hope you are seeing this.

Emusan:

Please try to be care so that you can know the truth.

Check all the source of this article if they contain lies then don't care but if they are true then try to be more than care.


@Op
One of the area JW lack knowledge of the scriptures is Holy spirit part.
I once asked a man who told me he has been a JW for the past 10years, if Holy spirit is a force how can It hear?
His response was that he'll will ask people more about it in fact he doesn't even know such word exist in the Bible.

So on point.

kitledge: Hello Yooguyz,

Just wanted to thank you for such an outstanding post! It was well documented & researched. You are correct, it is impossible for this WT org to be "spirit-directed", as they claim. The true, genuine Holy Spirit has no such a record of errors, omissions etc... as does the WT's shameful "spirit direction" illustrates. I look forward to reading your other posts.

Kitledge
USA

Wow! Thanks for your compliment.
I got the article from jwfacts.com actually.

Deuteronomy states that a prophet that speaks something that does not come true is not from Jehovah and should be put to death. The Watchtower has claimed its members to be Jehovah's Prophet. This is important to reflect on in light of the Watchtower's string of failed prophecies, such as that the battle of Jehovah would be within the twentieth century.

"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." Deuteronomy 18:20-22

The Bible condemns false prophesying in God's name. The Watchtower Society notes that predicting a date for the end of the world amounts to false prophesy, if it does not come true.

"True, there have been those in times past who predicted an "end to the world," even announcing a specific date. Yet nothing happened. The "end" did not come. They were guilty of false prophesying. Why? What was missing? Missing from such people were God's truths and the evidence that he was guiding and using them." Awake! 1968 Oct 8 p.23

It is ironic that the Society condemns other religions in such manner when it has spent decade's actively predicting wrong 'end of the world' dates that did not occur, such as 1914 being the year for Armageddon and 1925 being the start of the earthly resurrection, or more recently that the battle of Jehovah would be within the twentieth century.

The Watchtower Society goes as far as to call itself a prophet of God, comparing themselves to the prophets of old. This is a significant assertion when compared to the accuracy of Watchtower doctrine and the predictions about future dates.

"This was the test - the coming down of fire; and the fulfillment exactly on time has proved that Pastor Russell was one of God's great reformers and prophets." Watchtower 1919 Oct 1 p.297

"For an answer, people should listen to the plain preaching by the remnant prefigured by Jeremiah, for these preach to men the present-day fulfillment of Jeremiah's prophecies. Who made them a prophet to speak with the authority that they claim? Well, who made Jeremiah a prophet?" Watchtower 1959 Jan 15 pp.39-41

"Those who do not read can hear, for God has on earth today a prophetlike organization, just as he did in the days of the early Christian congregation." Watchtower 1964 Oct 1 p.601


In 1972, the Watchtower described itself as "the modern-day "prophet"".

"So, does Jehovah have a prophet to help them, to warn them of dangers and to declare things to come?
IDENTIFYING THE "PROPHET"
These questions can be answered in the affirmative. Who is this prophet? ... This "prophet" was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah's Christian witnesses. ... Of course, it is easy to say that this group acts as a "prophet" of God. It is another thing to prove it. The only way that this can be done is to review the record. Thus this group of anointed followers of Jesus Christ, doing a work in Christendom paralleling Ezekiel's work among the Jews, were manifestly the modern-day Ezekiel, the "prophet" commissioned by Jehovah to declare the good news of God's Messianic kingdom and to give warning to Christendom." Watchtower 1972 Apr 1 pp.197-199 'They Shall Know that a Prophet Was Among Them
'
In the Revelation book, they distinctly describe themselves as the Two Witnesses that prophesy accurately.

"Even while being trampled on, these loyal ones do not cease to be Jehovah’s faithful witnesses. Hence, the prophecy continues: “‘And I will cause my two witnesses to prophesy a thousand two hundred and sixty days dressed in sackcloth.’ These are symbolized by the two olive trees and the two lampstands and are standing before the Lord of the earth.”—Revelation 11:3, 4. These faithful anointed Christians needed the quality of endurance, for they had to prophesy “in sackcloth.” What did this mean? In Bible times sackcloth often symbolized mourning. Wearing it was a sign that the person had been brought low in sorrow or distress. (Genesis 37:34; Job 16:15, 16; Ezekiel 27:31) Sackcloth was associated with the mournful messages of doom or grief that God’s prophets had to proclaim. (Isaiah 3:8, 24-26; Jeremiah 48:37; 49:3) The wearing of sackcloth could indicate humility or repentance in view of divine warning. (Jonah 3:5) The sackcloth worn by the two witnesses appears to indicate their humble endurance in announcing Jehovah’s judgments. They were witnesses proclaiming his day of vengeance that would bring mourning also to the nations.—Deuteronomy 32:41-43. The John class had to preach this message for a definitely stated time: 1,260 days, or 42 months, the same length of time that the holy city was to be trampled underfoot. This period seems to be literal, since it is expressed in two different ways, first in months and then in days. Additionally, at the beginning of the Lord’s day, there was a marked period of three and a half years when the hard experiences of God’s people matched the events prophesied here—starting in December 1914 and continuing to June 1918. (Revelation 1:10) They preached a “sackcloth” message concerning Jehovah’s judgment of Christendom and the world. The fact that they were symbolized by two witnesses confirms to us that their message was accurate and well founded." Revelation, It's Grand Climax At Hand! p.164

It is difficult to comprehend how the Watchtower could make such assertions in light of its string of failed prophecies regarding the end of the world and what Deuteronomy 18 says regarding such prophets.

In Jehovah's Name



Deuteronomy 18:22 uses the clarification of a prophet that "speaks in the name of Jehovah". In 1993, an article attempted to show Deuteronomy does not apply to the Watchtower Society, by reasoning they have never introduced predictions as from Jehovah.

"Jehovah's Witnesses, in their eagerness for Jesus' second coming, have suggested dates that turned out to be incorrect. Because of this, some have called them false prophets. Never in these instances, however, did they presume to originate predictions 'in the name of Jehovah.' Never did they say, 'These are the words of Jehovah.'" Awake! 1993 Mar 22 p.4

This Awake! page contains one of the great ironies of Watchtower history, and is worth enlarging and reading. The article is an attack on "doomsday groups" that make false predictions, despite the Watchtower being the preeminent doomsday group of the 21st century. As a footnote it justifies itself with the statement that it does not predict "in Jehovah's name", when on this very page is the Awake!'s old mission statement that it "builds confidence in the Creator's promise of a peaceful and secure new world before the generation that saw the events of 1914 passes away," a statement that was changed when the generation teaching was likewise changed, due to the false predictions it encompassed.

It is completely untruthful that the Watchtower has not claimed that its predications are "the words of Jehovah." The Watchtower claims everything it says is from Jehovah.

"Today, Jehovah provides instruction by means of "the faithful steward." Pay Attention to Yourself and to All The Flock p.13

"commissioned to serve as the mouthpiece and active agent of Jehovah … commission to speak as a prophet in the name of Jehovah…" The Nations Shall Know that I am Jehovah" - How? pp.58,62

"… commission to speak as a "prophet" in His name…" Watchtower 1972 Mar 15 p.189

"The Watchtower is a magazine without equal in the earth …. This is not giving any credit to the magazine's publishers, but is due to the great Author of the Bible with it truths and prophecies, and who now interprets its prophecies." Watchtower 1943 Apr 15 p.127

"No man can properly interpret prophecy, and the Lord sends his angels to transmit correct information to his people." Watchtower 1936 Feb 15 p.52

"The Watchtower is not the instrument of any man or set of men, nor is it published according to the whims of men. No man's opinion is expressed in The Watchtower. God feeds his own people, 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." Watchtower 1931 Nov 1 p.327

"Jehovah God has made known to his anointed ones in advance what these Scriptures mean." Watchtower 1931 Jun 1 p.160

"… the truths I present, as God's mouthpiece…" Zion's Watch Tower 1906 Jul 15 p.230

It specifically said its prediction of the end of World War 2 was from Jehovah.

"In 1942 the "faithful and discreet slave" guided by Jehovah's unerring spirit made known that the democracies would win World War II and that there would be a United Nations organization set up." Watchtower 1960 Jul 15 p.444

In presenting his prophecy that the dead would be raised in 1925, Rutherford had claimed:

"… this chronology is not of man, but of God. … the addition of more proofs removes it entirely from the realm of chance into that of proven certainty. … the chronology of present truth [is]… not of human origin." Watch Tower 1922 Jul 1 p.217

False Prophets

The Reasoning Book outlines what the Watchtower considers a false prophet, explaining one to include an organisation that attributes their message to a superhuman force, but is "not in harmony with his revealed will."

"False Prophets
Individuals and organizations (1) proclaiming messages that they attribute to a superhuman source but that (2) do not originate with the true God and (3) are not in harmony with his revealed will." Reasoning from the Scriptures p.132

The ongoing false predictions that the Watchtower has made fit comfortably within their own definition of a false prophet.

One must wonder how the Watchtower can make such false predictions and yet have millions of members that still trust their words are directed by God. Firstly, many Witnesses are unaware of the religions historical teachings, and the extent of doctrinal changes.

Furthermore, a clever technique is for the Watchtower to refer to failed predictions with innocuous terms such as incomplete truths or mistakes, rather than what they truthfully are - false prophecy. Notice how harmless it sounds to describe Rutherford's false teachings as "inaccurate expectations" rather than "false prophecies". The Watchtower indicates mistakes are minor expectational changes, attacking any that claim they have made false predictions as evilly motivated opposers.

"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? … the need to revise our understanding somewhat does not make us false prophets…." Watchtower 1986 Mar 15 p.19

Other religions do not fare so well. The Watchtower describes all other religious organisations as promoting "false doctrines", "false prophecies" and "pagan practices", even when these groups have presented similar errors with similar intent.

Whereas doctrine is subjective and unprovable, time prophecy leaves no room for error. On a number of occasions, the Watchtower put an unmistakable line in the sand, saying Jehovah had shown them that an event would occur on a specific date. On each occasion, these dates passed without event and those statements proved beyond argument to be false. When something predicted does not occur, there is irrefutable evidence that Jehovah did not direct the interpretation - that Jehovah was not guiding the Watchtower Society.

Regardless of whether the Watchtower Society identifies a prophet as someone who:

originates predictions
interprets prophecy
publicises prophecy
the Watchtower is by their own definition a false prophet by promoting false dates both in advance (1914, 1925, 20th century, generation) and retrospectively (1799, 1874, 1914).

The test of a true prophet is that their statements are correct and teachings in line with the words of Jehovah. No true prophet prophesied correctly only some of the time. Irrespective of whether the Watchtower Society rightfully considers itself a prophet, it is certain that the issuing of false doctrine and unfulfilled predictions were not at the bequest of Jehovah. Any statement not coming true was not from Jehovah.

Peter warned that false prophets would arise.

2 Peter 2:1 "However, there also came to be false prophets among the people, as there will also be false teachers among YOU. These very ones will quietly bring in destructive sects and will disown even the owner that bought them, bringing speedy destruction upon themselves."

Over the last century there are few religions this definition is more applicable to than the Watchtower Society. The failed date predictions and ongoing prophetic changes present us with one of two options:

The information in the Watchtower is from Jehovah, in which case he has been lying to us
Jehovah is not behind what the "Governing Body" presents in the Watchtower publications

Justification

In 1931, Rutherford justified the failure of the 1914 predictions through the claim that prophecy could not be correctly understood prior to 1918. It was only after Jesus arrival at "his temple in 1918" that Jesus provided the Watchtower with accurate understanding.

"... the faithful had waited, expecting the 1914 to mark the complete fulfilment of the prophecy. They had expected Armageddon to follow immediately after 1914 and the church to be glorified. Of course it was not due time until after 1918 to have a clearer vision of the prophecy. There were some curious speculations indulged in by them, which were mere guesses, of course, and therefore not true, because it was not God's time for them to understand. It was after 1914 that 'the vision spoke and did not lie', to wit, after the coming of the Lord to his temple in 1918" Vindication p.24
Yet in the very same book, Rutherford proves that his predictions and interpretations are also mere guesses. For instance, page 21 tells us that it was in "1925, when "organized religions" were plainly seen to be in bondage to Satan", and that Daniel's vision of a river foreshadowed 1926; teachings no longer believed.

It is interesting to note that the Watchtower Index 1935 to 1985 contains only 3 references to Deuteronomy 18:20

18:20 si 299; ad 1500; ns 107, 155-6
The Watchtower Index 1986 to 2006 contains no references to this verse at all. It seems this verse touches a nerve in Watchtower history.

Since the Watchtower has been prominent in promoting failed predictions it now attempts to distance itself from being referred to as a prophet in the traditional sense of the word. Though still using the title of prophet, since the 1980's the Watchtower Society explains this to be in a different way to that of old; they do not make predictions, but rather just interpret Biblical prophecies with Jehovah's aid.

"All True Christians ARE Prophets. The New American Bible correctly states: "Prophet means 'one who speaks for another,' especially for God. It does not necessarily mean that he predicts the future!" You will be interested to learn that God has on earth a people, all of whom are prophets, or witnesses for God. In fact, they are known throughout the world as Jehovah's Witnesses." Awake! 1986 Jun 8 p. 9


Whilst trying to gain wiggle room with such an explanation, the Watchtower applies a different measure to other religions that use the Bible to predict Armageddon. Christian Preacher Harold Camping used Bible calculations to predict Judgement Day and the "end of the world" in 2011. The Watchtower refers to these predictions as prophecy, stating:

"Some believed that the earth would end on October 21, 2011. It did not. Thus, the prophecy of U.S. radio broadcaster Harold Camping rang hollow. He predicted that Judgement Day would come on May 21, 2011 …" Watchtower 2012 Feb 1 p.25

Therefore, by the Watchtower's own standards, its interpretative predictions are prophecies, and so the failure of these prophecies deem it a false prophet.

In the January 1st 2013 Watchtower, it was admitted that Jehovah's Witnesses have had wrong expectations, and then justifies this by comparison to first-century Christians. This is a straw man argument, attempting to shift the topic from the leadership's predictions to the expectations of Jehovah's Witnesses as a whole.



Though Jesus disciples may have had wrong expectations amongst themselves, the Bible does not contain these erroneous expectations as truths from Jehovah, as the Watchtower has been doing.

Jesus warned of false prophets.

Luke 21:8 "He said: “Look out that ​YOU​ are not misled; for many will come on the basis of my name, saying, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The due time has approached.’ Do not go after them."

Matthew 24:11,24 "And many false prophets will arise and mislead many… For false Christs and false prophets will arise and will give great signs and wonders so as to mislead, if possible, even the chosen ones.
"
Since the nineteenth century, few religions prove to fit this description more closely than the Watchtower Society.

Jehovah's Witnesses are trained to dismiss changes and errors as either mistaken eagerness or incomplete truths, yet there is only one logical conclusion that can be drawn from over a century of prophetic failures: Jehovah is not behind the information presented by the Watchtower.

In 2013 this teaching was slightly simplified by removing 1918 from the equation.

"To settle that question, Jesus began to inspect the spiritual temple in 1914. That inspection and cleansing work involved a period of time—from 1914 to the early part of 1919. ... Footnote to Paragraph 6: This is an adjustment in understanding. Previously, we thought that Jesus’ inspection took place in 1918." (Watchtower 2013 Jul 15 p.11)

The article explains that since Jesus cleansed the temple twice, it shows an ongoing cleansing work between 1914 and 1919. However, this does nothing to clarify why 1919 has any Scriptural relevance, as no backing is given to support how long the cleansing would be for.

It should be a matter of grave concern for each of Jehovah's Witnesses that the underlying doctrine for 1919, the year so key to their leadership's authoritarian claims, rests on such baseless Scriptural manipulation.

Portentous emphasis is placed on 1919, this being the year that Jesus is said to have chosen the Watchtower and its Governing Body to represent him on earth. The Scriptural backing the Watchtower uses to support this year is flimsy and illogical.

"Similarly, starting in 1919, Jehovah brought forth the seed of the woman as a spiritual nation." Revelation - It's Grand Climax p.184

"Jehovah has shown much compassion toward his remnant of spiritual Israel and their sheeplike companions. His eye has been upon them constantly since their spiritual deliverance in 1919." Watchtower 1994 Mar 1 p.17

How solid is the doctrine that supports this year?

Following are the steps used to arrive at 1919, which is based largely on Revelation 11. Each step is a failure in logic. (Note that some of this reasoning changed in 2013, which will be discussed later.)

The starting point is October 1914, the year Jesus is said to have commenced ruling in heaven.

Neither 1914, nor specifically the month October, are Scripturally supported as the start of Jesus heavenly reign, and is a topic in its own right.

In June 1918, Jesus came to inspect his earthly organisation. 3 1/2 years from 1914 to 1918 correspond with the 3 1/2 years between Jesus baptism and his throwing the money changers out of the temple. (See Revelation - It's Grand Climax p.32) A second parallel is drawn with Revelation 11:2,3, where is speaks of the temple being trampled for 42 months or 1260 days (3 1/2 years). June 1918 corresponds to the jailing of the Watchtower board of directors. (See Revelation - It's Grand Climax pp.164,167)

Jesus rulership was said to have commenced in October 1914, but the 42 months are said to have started in December. There was no explanation for the 2 month gap, other than it is required for the 42 months to end in June 1918.

After 9 months, in March 1919, the Watchtower board of directors were released. The 9 month period is based on the 3 1/2 days of Revelation 11:9-11. (See Revelation - It's Grand Climax p.169)

The 42 months of Revelation 11 is said to be a literal 42 months, but the 3 1/2 days from the same passage in Revelation 11 is said to be figurative of 9 months. (3 1/2 years = 3 1/2 years … 3 1/2 days = 9 months)

This led to great fear amongst all other religions.

"There were truly great convulsions in the realm of religion. The ground seemed to move under the leaders of the established churches as this body of revivified Christians got to work." Revelation - It's Grand Climax p.170

The release of Rutherford from jail was irrelevant to most people, and it can hardly be said that the result was that "great fear fell upon those beholding them." (Rev 11:11)

The release of the Watchtower directors from prison in 1919 is supposed to correspond with Jesus appointing the Watchtower Governing Body as his slave.

"Anointed Christians who survived the testing period of 1914-19 were freed from the dominating influence of the world and from many Babylonish religious practices. The remnant went forward as a cleansed and refined people, willingly offering sacrifices of praise to God and having the assurance that they as a people were acceptable to him." Watchtower 1998 May 15 p.17

"In 1919 the cleansed slave class could look forward to ever-expanding activities." Watchtower 1993 May 1 p.16

"Similarly, starting in 1919, Jehovah brought forth the seed of the woman as a spiritual nation." Revelation - It's Grand Climax p.184

There is no Scriptural reason as to why the raising of "two witnesses" or the release from prison of the Watchtower directors in 1919 should indicate that Jesus has chosen them as his Faithful Slave.

"How long did this respite for the seed of God’s woman last? Revelation 12:6 says 1,260 days. Revelation 12:14 calls the period a time, times, and half a time; in other words, three and a half times. In fact, both expressions stand for three and a half years, extending in the Northern Hemisphere from the spring of 1919 to the autumn of 1922. This was a period of refreshing recuperation and reorganization for the restored John class. ... After 1922 Satan spewed out a flood of persecution against the Witnesses." Revelation - It's Grand Climax pp.184-185

Does anyone really believe that what happened to Jehovah's Witnesses in 1922, a period no one is alive to remember, is fulfilment of Revelation prophecy?

The following table is taken from the Ministerial Training School notes conducted during the mid 2000's. It graphically outlines the Watchtower's reasoning above, as well as highlight the discrepancy by a multiple of 75 in the time frame of the figurative 3 1.2 days and literal 1,260 days.

mathmatica: ....As if I care...

Yeah you don't care, buh you stalk my watchtower threads asking questions. If there is anything you want to know about your organisation, ask me I would gladly educate you.

mathmatica: ...So,what exactly is your problem with them and their doctrine?....please,get a life and stop investing time on purposeless enterprise.

You need to take your time and read the whole article in the thread for commenting.

Please refer to my 2nd post for answers to your question.

Supernatural Direction

Russell


Russell claimed to be God's mouthpiece, guided by the Lord.

"No, the truths I present, as God's mouthpiece, were not revealed in visions or dreams, nor by God's audible voice, nor all at once, but gradually, especially since 1870, and particularly since 1880. Neither is this clear unfolding of truth due to any human ingenuity or acuteness of perception, but to the simple fact that God's due time has come; and if I did not speak, and no other agent could be found, the very stones would cry out. The following history is given not merely because I have been urged to give a review of God's leadings in the path of light, but specially because I believe it to be needful that the truth be modestly told, that misapprehensions and prejudicial misstatements may be disarmed, and that our readers may see how hitherto the Lord has helped and guided. Then I knew why the Lord had led me to it so slowly and cautiously. I needed a special preparation of heart for the full appreciation of all it contained, and I was all the more assured that it was not of my own wisdom; for if of my own why would it not have come at once?" Zion's Watch Tower 1906 Jul 15 pp.230, 234

The Watchtower claims that Russell should not take credit for his works, because they were under the guidance of God's spirit.

"Jehovah's witnesses admire the qualities he possessed as a man, but were we to give the honor and credit to Pastor Russell, we would be saying that the works and success were his; but Jehovah's witnesses believe it is God's spirit that guides and directs his people." Jehovah's Witnesses in the Divine Purpose (1959) p.63

The current structure and doctrine of the Watchtower Society is so different from Russell's time it must make one wonder about such guidance.

Rutherford


Rutherford similarly claimed his books were revelations from the Lord. Over time he came to the conclusion that once Jesus was enthroned, holy spirit ceased guiding the Slave and Jesus was using his angels to direct his people.

"In recent months the Lord has revealed to his people a clearer understanding of the Devil's organization, and of his purpose to wreck that wicked system that the people may have complete deliverance. This message he has been pleased to permit to appear in a book entitled DELIVERANCE. Has not God provided this instrument in the hands of the anointed class? Let those who so believe carefully study the message therein and be prepared to use it" Watchtower 1926 August 15 p.248

"God uses angels to teach His people now on earth." The Golden Age 1933 Nov 8 p.69

"Certain duties and kingdom interests have been committed by the Lord to his angels, which include the transmission of information to God's anointed people on the earth for their aid and comfort. Even though we cannot understand how the angels transmit this information, we know that they do it." Preparation (1933) pp.36,37,

"Enlightenment proceeds from Jehovah... and is given to the faithful anointed.... the remnant are instructed by the angels of the Lord. The remnant do not hear audible sounds, because such is not necessary. Jehovah has provided his own good way to convey thoughts to the minds of his anointed ones." Preparation (1933) p.64

"No man can properly interpret prophecy, and the Lord sends his angels to transmit correct information to his people." Watchtower 1936 Feb 15 p.52

"Judge Rutherford couldn't write these things unless he were used of God". Golden Age 1935 Oct 23 p.50

This unusual sounding claim is not without precedence, as God spoke to his servants through angels in the past. Yet the question cannot escape, if angels gave teachings to Rutherford, why were so many wrong? A more appropriate description of Rutherford's inspiration appears in the works of psychologist William James.

"Even more perhaps than other kinds of genius, religious leaders have been subject to abnormal psychical visitations. Invariably they have been creatures of exalted emotional sensitivity liable to obsessions and fixed ideas; and frequently they have fallen into trances, heard voices, seen visions, and presented all sorts of peculiarities which are ordinarily classed as pathological."

In more recent times, the Governing Body contradictorily claim not to be directed by angelic revelation.

"Those who make up the one true Christian organization today do not have angelic revelations or divine inspiration. But they do have the inspired Holy Scriptures, which contain revelations of God's thinking and will." Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers of God's Kingdom (1993) p.708

Current Guidance

In recent years, the Watchtower states that Jesus uses both angels and Holy Spirit to guide his congregation.

"Christ used his authority by actively leading his congregation on earth. He did this by means of the holy spirit, the angels, and the governing body 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 he is still the active Head of the Christian congregation and how he is leading his "sheep" today." Watchtower 1987 Aug 1 p.15

A Governing Body member scrutinizes each Watchtower to ensure it represents truth.

"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." Watchtower 1987 Mar 1 p.15

In many articles, there is no room for any doubt that the Watchtower must be upheld as from Jehovah. It has even stated that we can have more confidence than Noah had, who personally spoke with God. The following quotes make the reader feel the Watchtower contains infallible opinion of God. How then can it be fallible?

"Holy spirit, working through God's organization, will also help us to gain a wonderfully clear understanding of what Jehovah has in store for those who love him. After explaining that prominent people of this system of things cannot understand God's purposes, Paul wrote: "It is to us God has revealed them through his spirit."" Watchtower 1993 Aug 15 p.11

"… spiritual food provided by God through the faithful slave." Watchtower 1992 Nov 15 p.20

"Today, Jehovah provides instruction by means of "the faithful steward." (Luke 12:42)" Pay Attention to Yourself and to All The Flock p.13

"MARKING A CENTURY OF DIVINE DIRECTION - By the year 1970 a century had passed since Charles Taze Russell and a few associates began meeting for earnest, prayerful study of the Scriptures. Through all those decades, Jehovah's servants had enjoyed spiritual enlightenment and divine direction." Yearbook 1975 p.245

"The point is that Christians have implicit trust in their heavenly Father; they do not question what he tells them through his written Word and organization. Things work out well for those who in this trusting way go along with God's way of doing things. For example, Jehovah through his organization has for years warned his people of the harmful effects of using tobacco, and those who heeded this advice were benefited both physically and spiritually." Watchtower 1974 Jul 15 p.441

"Those who believe that God uses The Watchtower as a means of communicating to his people, or of calling attention to his prophecies, should study The Watchtower with thankfulness of heart and give Jehovah God and Christ Jesus all the honor and credit and give neither honor nor credit to any man." Watchtower 1942 Jan 1 p.5

"As to Noah, the Christian now has much more upon which to base his faith than Noah had (so far as the Scriptures reveal) upon which to base his faith in a coming deluge." Watchtower 1923 Apr 1 p.106

Appointments Directed

"Elders, for instance, are appointed by holy spirit. (Acts 20:28) But not all spirit-anointed ones serve as overseers in the congregation. What are we to conclude from this? Simply that God’s spirit operates in different ways on members of the congregation." Watchtower 2011 Dec 15 p.25

Holy Spirit receives the credit for appointing people to 'privileges' within the congregation. For instance, the appointment of an elder is at the recommendation of the body of elders, put before the Circuit Overseer and sent to Bethel for prayer. If Holy Spirit is involved, then any elder who is sinning will be revealed and not appointed. The same should be true of disfellowshipping; people will always be disfellowshipped justly if Holy Spirit is involved. There will be a revealing of sinners, just as Joshua discovered Achan's theft at the direction of Jehovah.

"Our Leader uses this Governing Body to appoint qualified men - whether spirit-anointed or not - as elders in the local congregations. In this regard, the holy spirit, which Jehovah has given Jesus authority to employ, plays a pivotal role. (Acts 2:32, 33) First of all, these overseers must meet the requirements set out in God's Word, which was inspired by holy spirit. (1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9; 2 Peter 1:20, 21) The recommendations and appointments are made after prayer and under the guidance of the holy spirit. Additionally, the individuals appointed give evidence of producing the fruitage of that spirit. How reassuring to know that Jesus Christ provides leadership to his disciples today through the Governing Body, the holy spirit, and the angels!" Watchtower 2002 Mar 15 p.14

"We are living also in the time of final fulfillment of the prophecy to which the apostle Peter referred on the day of Pentecost (Joel 2:28, 29, AS; Acts 2:16-18) We should therefore expect the spirit's activity to include appointing overseers . In consideration of the spirit's fruitage produced by the candidate and in harmony with the written requirements set out in the Holy Scriptures written by men under the operation of the holy spirit, the governing body acts, being itself moved by the holy spirit for which it prays to God that it may guide the governing body. So today as well as in Paul's day it may be said that the holy spirit appoints overseers over the flock of God that he purchased "with the blood of his own Son."" Watchtower 1958 Jan 15 p.45

"Under the direction of the holy spirit, Branch Committees recommend mature, spiritual men to serve as circuit and district overseers. After being appointed directly by the Governing Body, they serve as traveling overseers. Traveling overseers submit reports to the branch office. With the help of the holy spirit and the inspired Scriptures." Watchtower 1990 Mar 15 p.20

There is claimed direction of disfellowshipping; angels will discover wrongdoers.

"In addition, Jehovah's angels can maneuver matters so that any who cause others to stumble are removed from among Jehovah's people." Watchtower 2007 Mar 1 p.24

Real life examples bring the theory of spirit directed appointments face-to-face with reality. Paul Grundy personally knew numerous examples of brothers appointed as elders and ministerial servants whilst breaking committing fornication, adultery and homosexuality, some for in excess of 20 years, proof the Holy Spirit is not involved in appointments, disfellowshipping and reinstatement.

The converse example is the reinstatement of wrongdoers persisting in their sins. Disfellowshipped people who view the Watchtower Society as a cult have formulated their return via internet chat rooms and been reinstated, solely so they can continue to associate freely with family members, or as an attempt to help them leave the Watchtower Society.

Some high profile cases have been amongst the Governing Body themselves, brothers said to be chosen by Jehovah.

"This appeared in the issues of June 1 and 15 and proved conclusively that Jehovah's organization must henceforth be guided and directed by Jehovah's spirit through the visible governing body made up of those servants whom Jehovah himself would appoint." Watchtower 1965 Jun 1 p.352

During the 1980's three members of the Governing Body stepped down. Raymond Franz resigned in 1980, concluding that the Watchtower did not represent true Christianity. Ewart C. Chitty resigned in 1980. The Yearbook 1980 p.258 simply stated, "In the past year Ewart C. Chitty resigned, so that at present there are 17 members of this body." This was not due to apostasy, but for homosexual conduct prior to his appointment to the Governing Body.

In 1984, Leo Greenlees resigned. Though there was no written statement, the following breakfast announcement occurred at Brooklyn Bethel.

"This is to inform the bethel family that Leo Greenless is no longer a member of the bethel family and the matter is closed."

This too was for homosexual conduct prior to his appointment, and a result of accusations against Greenlees from Mark Palo. A vague indication of what this was for appeared in the Watchtower.

"Shocking as it is, even some who have been prominent in Jehovah's organization have succumbed to immoral practices, including homosexuality, wife swapping, and child molesting." Watchtower 1986 Jan 1 p.13

It would seem unlikely that "Jehovah himself" appointed people to the most important position in his earthly organization when they had engaged in such wrongdoing prior to their appointment.

Two-thirds Majority

Decisions in the first century are said to have been unanimous.

"At a meeting that was convened, some apparently argued in favor of circumcision, while others presented the opposing view. ... After hearing all the pertinent testimony, the governing body unanimously agreed that there was no need for Gentile Christians to get circumcised and come under the Mosaic Law." Watchtower 2003 Mar 15 p. 22
The Governing Body today only needs a 2/3 majority to establish a new doctrine.

"At a session three weeks later, April 30 [1975], President Knorr surprised us by making a motion that henceforth all matters be decided by a two-thirds vote of the active membership." Crisis of Conscience (Commentary Press Fourth Edition 2004) Ray Franz p.85

"A major factor in Governing Body decisions was the two-thirds majority rule. This produced some strange effects at times. The rule was that a two-thirds majority (of the total active membership) was needed to carry a motion. I personally appreciated the opportunity this allowed for a member to vote differently from the majority or simply to abstain without feeling that he was, in effect, exercising "veto power." On minor matters, even when not in complete agreement, I generally voted with the majority. But when issues came up that genuinely affected my conscience I frequently found myself in the minority - seldom alone, but often with only one, two or three other members expressing conscientious objections by not voting for the motion." Ibid p.115

"Consider what might happen because of the two-thirds majority rule: If out of fourteen members present, nine favoured removing the disfellowshipping offense "label" and only five favoured retaining it, the majority was not sufficient to change the disfellowshipping label. Though a clear majority, the nine were not a two-thirds majority. (Even if there were ten of them favouring change this was still not enough, for though they would be two-thirds majority of the fourteen present, the rule was two-thirds majority of the total active membership, which during much of the time was seventeen.) " Ibid p.116

See also In Search of Christian Freedom (Commentary Press Fourth Edition 2002) Ray Franz pp.268-269

If some members of the Body vote for a change, and some against, which are the ones not being directed by God? This helps explain why doctrine can change over time, as the composition of the Governing Body changes. Doctrinal changes are not Jehovah's new light, but rather the result of new Governing Body members having different opinions to those that they replaced.

Conclusion

The Governing Body makes strong claims that Holy Spirit guides it to interpret the Bible correctly and to appoint men.

"[A mature Christian] has complete confidence in the truth as it is revealed by Jehovah God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and "the faithful and discreet slave." Watchtower 2001 Aug 1 p.14

Claiming Jehovah reveals truth through the Slave is a direct proclamation of inspiration.

In total contradiction, the Governing Body says Holy Spirit does not direct the Organization to have infallible interpretation of Scripture. Accuracy is no longer necessary for God, even though it was in Bible times. If Truth can morph in an ongoing manner, why the importance of following these leaders and not the leaders of another similarly unguided Organization? It is illogical to demand total obedience, claim its guidelines are to be followed as "the voice of God", yet admit mistakes.

Watchtower publications clearly state that Jehovah directed:

Imperfect people to infallibly write the Bible
The first century Apostles to make infallible guidelines when directing the early Christian congregations
The Governing Body to provide the Watchtower in our day - but this time God's Organization is being guided with the inclusion of mistakes
Jehovah has always been able to provide infallible information, even though the humans used were fallible. When Holy Spirit directed Jehovah's followers, the recorded statements have always been accurate. There is no room for erroneous teachings if an Organization makes the claim Jehovah directs it and is God's only true path to truth and salvation. Holy Spirit does not direct an Organization that claims to be fallible.

Errors make it apparent Holy Spirit does not guide Watchtower doctrine any more so than it has in any other religion. Neither has Holy Spirit guided appointments. Keep this in mind when delving into the reality of Watchtower truth.