I know there is a huge gulf between the doctrines of the WTBTS and the Bible, many major doctrines minor beliefs all contradicting Scripture but that being said can we say categorically that JW's are not true Christians in the sense that their belief system is corrupt. If they genuinely believe that they are footstep followers of Christ and try to display the fruitages of the spirit then will they not equally qualify for everlasting life? Isn't God above orthodoxy and can he not forgive them individually especially since the Society keeps the truth of the Bible hidden from them?
If they are Christians as we are then should we not detract from criticizing our brothers in Christ too much?
I would venture to give my personal opinion, that the ratio of true verses false Christians is probably the same for JW's as any other High Control group that claims to be Christian.
And I base my opinion on this: Matthew 13 (wheat & weed parable).
I'll defend your right to say it, but it doesn't mean I beleive it.
I'm not clear on my beliefs on God , heaven ect. I'm still sorting that all out but right now I choose to believe that Jehovah is a reader of hearts and that is what he goes by. jurs
JW's are as Christian as any other bible based religion. As for going to heaven? They have as much chance of that as any other group who believes they will or won't go to heaven.
The variety of Christian faiths are varied. People will make as much or as little of the bible as they wish and still call themselves Christian. What's important is that to each group they have the "True Faith". Actually I think to many it really all about what makes them feel good. I guess it makes you feel good to believe that the truth about the bible is hidden from them. Hmmm...
Are there sincere true believers amongst JW's? Absolutely! I've known many of them. I believe I can say I was one of them at one time. Are there good people amongst this faith? Again, I believe the answer is yes! Does this mean they're right? NO! Does the fact that their are over a billion professing Christians in the world make the Bible true or being a Christian of any faith the proper course for one to take? I would say no. All it will do is make you a part of a larger community, it will make you a part of the mainstream belief system found in many countries. But it does not make your professed beliefs true or accurate. If being socially acceptable, part of the mainstream is what is important to you then continue on as you are not questioning the foundations of what is or what was your faith.
I believe that looking critically at the beliefs of this religion or any other religion is an important act. If you are going to profess to a faith and lay claim to it's tenants then you need to accept the good and the bad that is there and know that you are doing it. If you care only for what you deem palatable to believe and will not look at what may not be so palatable or just dismiss it selectively, then you are all the more a fool.
I would add more but I have to leave my home to go to work.
