On my website jwfacts.com I ask two questions on the front page. Today I received an email from a 13yo attempting to answer them, which I thought was very sweet. I sent him an email back, which is always difficult to know the best way to respond.
> · If Holy Spirit directs the Organization why do the doctrines change?
>
> The doctrines change because people find out more and more about the Bible
> as time proceeds. For example, Jehovah's Witnesses used to believe in the
> cross and actually have it on the Watchtower back in the day. Further
> understandings of the Bible have shown to them how there actually isn't
> proof that he died on a cross, just a 'torture stake.' Also, the thing
> with Christmas. There was no legitimate proof he was born on December 25.
> You see where I am going.
>
> · How can Jehovah destroy 6 billion people when many will never hear his
> name?
>
> It has said in the Bible that there will be an 'hour of judgment.' Here is
> an example, say someone who has never heard Jehovah's name in his/her
> life. Let's say he/she is a murderer, idolater, thief, etc... and they die
> one day of old age. The 'hour of judgment' would judge them on there past
> and things of the sort. Jehovah may be thinking when He is judging them: "
> They have killed, idolized, stole, etc...but yet they have never heard of
> my name ." You know what I am saying? If they indeed have heard of his
> name and yet still slander him, then ( I don't know what he would do. No
> one does. It is up to him to decide.) But so many people today are
> confused, stressed, and have a negative attitude to even listening to what
> the Bible has to say because of all that is out there and all the critique
> ( And not just towards JWs, to all religions.) Maybe He would understand
> their feelings and not completely destroy and wipe out half the human race
> (After all, He did work so hard to create us.)
>
> My name is Zoe and I am 13. I have tested my faith as you inquired) and
> have answered these two questions to my own ability. I may not know very
> much of the Bible and history on JWs (even thought I don't really apply
> myself), but I feel that this IS the 'Truth.'
>
> If you have the time, I would like to know what you think about this and
> if it was of any help to your questions.
>
> Thank You,
>
> Zxx
>
Hi Zxx,
Thank you for taking the time to reply to my questions.
In regards to changing doctrine you mention this happens because people have found out more about the bible. You are correct. However, the Holy Spirit always knew the correct answers. So this shows that Holy Spirit is not directing what Jehovah's Witnesses say, or it would not have been wrong. (In regards to the cross, there is a section on my site that shows there is lots of proof that Jesus died on a cross.)
In regards to God destroying 6 billion people I like your answer. Unfortunately that is not what Jehovah's Witnesses teach. They teach God will destroy anyone not a Witness. It is true that the bible says God will destroy people. It says to be saved a person has to believe in Jesus, it does not say a person has to be a Jehovah's Witness.
When I was 13 I used to believe it was the truth too. But that was because i was raised a Witness. If I was raised a Mormon I would have believed Mormons were the truth. My Catholic school friend believed Catholics were the truth. Please think about why that is. When you are told or read things in the Watchtower you need to remember that is only one point of view, and is not always accurate. Many other people in other religions love God and have another point of view. I think God loves these people too.
If you have any questions I am happy to answer them for you.
Kind Regards
Paul