Before you can be Baptized, you must first....

RagingBull

At this week's bookstudy/school/service meeting, there is plenty of emphasis on "baptism"...and considering the book of ACTS, one must wonder about the Eunuch and Cornelius.

Ethiopian Eunuch - a minister of finance (Political figure = Treasurer)...didn't really understand what he was reading (not in the "accurate knowledge" way at least)...yet by Phillip he was baptized soon after they met. It was his faith in Jesus that played the part.

Cornelius - was in the Roman Army (Military)...was a very giving man, kind, strong faith in Jesus and believed in him...He and his family were baptized

And all of this without preaching (house to house)...or having to answer 150 questions before doing so. Yet those JWs do everything according to the bible. Really?

PYRAMIDSCHEME

Just anothr example of how they serve the orginization above all else.

sabastious

huddled up in the corner; shivering: "just wait on Jehovah, just wait on Jehovah, just WAIT ON JEHOVAH!"

-Sab

LostGeneration

Another reason JWs don't advise reading the bible ALONE. There must always be some sort of explanation beyond what is written to justify the existence of the burdensome organization.

From the examples you referenced, plus the baptism of thousands a few days after pentecost, it would be easy to reason that faith in Jesus is really all that is needed for someone who wants to become a Christian.

Yet JWs require a bible study that moves at a snails pace for at least a year. Then the questions you mentioned. Even the KM last month talks about making sure everyone studies a SECOND BOOK (the disgusting Gods Love Book), oh and of course the conductor can count the time even if the person has already gotten dunked.

prophecor

I've thought about that one forever. How long could he have been in that chariot before getting baptised. 6 months, a year maybe? That one has knocked me off my feet for quite some time.