I have uploaded the 8-page brochure “Examining the WTS” by CARIS (about 1976). It’s 6.42 MB because my files are large when I scan in color.
You can download it at:
http://www.filesend.net/download.php?f=fdcaf7c71ad4f7939467360f9cd344d1
Doug
Examining the WTS (CARIS - about 1976) - PDF
by Doug Mason 4 Replies latest watchtower bible
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Atlantis
Doug Mason:
Thank you! Appreciate your hard work providing these files for us Doug!
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JosephMalik
Doug,
You know Doug, I took a look at that article by CARIS and it gave the WTS some hits that it truly deserved. But it also had an article in it about the word Theotetos which appears only once in the NT. Other spellings or applications are also possible as in the KJV. Similar words appear a few more times but not many. And the article said that: "this word differs from THEIOT (divinity) as essence differs from quality or attribute." But this was simply an assumption since no proof was given and the word was used of a human body not something non-human or contrary to human nature. The verse actually said: 2:9 KJV For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily. 2:9 RSV For in him the whole fulness of deity dwells bodily, And you know I agree with that for it does not support the Trinity Doctrine. The truth is we should all be like that since Jesus and the Father were one. This is what the word really means. And Jesus taught that we should be one in the same way that He was one with the Father. What does that make us? Joh 10:30 I and my Father are one. And other texts will show they are not the same Being. This brings us to this reality. Joh 17:11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are. I believe that as well. But the article makes this text in Col 2:9 out to be God in the flesh. And then says: This is exactly what Christianity is proclaiming - - the Eternal God became flesh and died for the sins of the world and that "God was in Christ reconciling the world to himself." This is not a true statement and does not properly represent the text. Did the Jewish Christians to which this letter was delivered believe anything like that? If so where? They had no such idea of the Trinity for thousands of years and still do not believe anything like that. And many Christians that are not part of the WTS do not believe it either. So it is not Christianity but a sect derived from it that altered the meaning in this way. The whole of Christianity (both good and bad) has not been Judged yet and any Evil ones found in it not teaching the truth will be removed when our Lord returns to Judge it.
Joseph
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Doug Mason
Joseph,
Thank you for your comments.
As I look around at the material I have gathered, I wonder what will happen to it when I drop off the twig. I know that my children would not know what to do with it, so I am using the facility provided by the internet to share some of it with others.
Some of it is of historical interest, such as this piece by CARIS, given the timing of its compilation. (I think some pieces might have been picked up from Rod Bias.)
It is not my right to amend anything that was written, as this would be intellectually dishonest. I am sure that people, as you do, will agree with some parts and will disagree with others. This is the way it should be. We should not be clones, like the WTS's dictatorship would like.
I recognise your position, and you have every right to express it. I happen to disagree, and that is my right. In the end, what matters is our unyielding faith in our Lord, which I am sure you share with me.
We are saved through the grace of God as a gift, not as something that is earned because of our doctrinal purity, or because of our exegetical correctness. Salvation is by grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. That which binds us together is far greater than the details that separate us.
Since God is infinite, and is not a man, he is beyond our comprehension. We do our best to describe his infinity with our finite words and imperfect minds. I would dare say that no two people have the same thoughts on the nature of God.
Doug -
JosephMalik
We are saved through the grace of God as a gift, not as something that is earned because of our doctrinal purity, or because of our exegetical correctness. Salvation is by grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. That which binds us together is far greater than the details that separate us.
Doug,
It is true that we are saved through the grace of God who permitted the sacrifice of His dear Son for us. Never would I think of doctrinal purity as earning this gift. This does not mean that doctrinal purity will not be a consideration when this gift is applied in our behalf and it comes time for our Judgment. After all the faith is not immune from such judgment awaiting it at some future time. 1Ti 4:1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils; We should not ignore this reality for many have fallen victim to this truth and may not be aware of it themselves. 2Pe 2:1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. Yes, aware or unaware we can deny our Lord. And the verses give other examples like this so that what we learn and in turn teach others matters a great deal. We have been warned and Paul said: Col 1:28 Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: So there is more to it than just having different views. We should gain such wisdom to present ourselves to Christ, perfect as Paul taught. Everyone should know that it is not by opinion or some alternate view but by truth that we are sanctified. Joh 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
You said: Since God is infinite, and is not a man, he is beyond our comprehension. We do our best to describe his infinity with our finite words and imperfect minds. I would dare say that no two people have the same thoughts on the nature of God.
Jesus is a man. In fact is says: Ro 5:15 But not as the offence, so also is the free gift. For if through the offence of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many. And I dare say that more than two people have the same thoughts on the nature of God since it was explained to us in scripture. And we also know that the nature of Christ is different in a very important way. Paul said this even though Jesus did not appear to him in human form. He said this because it was the truth. He said this because he knew of the hypostasis nature of Christ, being a witness to it and that it would be His human nature, not the blinding nature that he saw that would soon be offered to us.
Joseph