How do Jehovah’s Witnesses arrive at their explanation of the Bible?

by mankkeli 18 Replies latest jw friends

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  mankkeli

  This is taken from the reasoning book. page 206

  A key factor is that the Witnesses really believe that the Bible is God’s Word and that what it contains is there for our instruction. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:11) So they do not resort to philosophical arguments to evade its clear statements of truth or to justify the way of life of people who have abandoned its moral standards.

  In pointing out the meaning of symbolic language in the Bible, they let the Bible provide its own explanation, instead of giving their theories as to its significance. (1 Cor. 2:13) Indications as to the meaning of symbolic terms are usually found in other parts of the Bible. (As an example, see Revelation 21:1; then, regarding the meaning of “sea,” read Isaiah 57:20. To identify “the Lamb” referred to in Revelation 14:1, see John 1:29 and 1 Peter 1:19.)

  As for fulfillment of prophecy, they apply what Jesus said about being alert to events that correspond to what was foretold. (Luke 21:29-31; compare 2 Peter 1:16-19.) Conscientiously they point out those events and draw attention to what the Bible indicates they mean.

  Jesus said that he would have on earth a “faithful and discreet slave” (his anointed followers viewed as a group), through which agency he would provide spiritual food to those making up the household of faith. (Matt. 24:45-47) Jehovah’s Witnesses recognize that arrangement. As was true of first-century Christians, they look to the governing body of that “slave” class to resolve difficult questions—not on the basis of human wisdom, but by drawing on their knowledge of God’s Word and his dealings with his servants, and with the help of God’s spirit, for which they earnestly pray.—Acts 15:1-29; 16:4, 5.

  If you believe the JWs explain the bible out of context, please cite specific examples.
• 

  N.drew

  Why?
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  Bella15

  A "class"? An "agency" ????!!!???? PLEASE ...

  Their basis of "proof" can be found in any other denomination WAY BEFORE THE WATCHTOWER CORPORATION WAS FORMED

  Dear, have you not read their own publications from 1800's on ...
• 

  blondie

  Very, very often the WTS has borrowed from other religions and individuals from as far back as the 1820's (Russell was born in 1852). Dates such as 1799, 1874, 1878, 1881, 1914, etc. How many jws know that Russell used pyramidology to determine prophecy fulfillment or that Rutherford taught that God dwelt in the Pleiades constellation?
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  factfinder

  When I was a witness the expanation given in the Reasoning book made sense to me.

  If I still believed in the Bible I'd look at it the same way I did when I was a witness.
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  Mary

  "...In pointing out the meaning of symbolic language in the Bible, they let the Bible provide its own explanation, instead of giving their theories as to its significance.

  Utter bullshit. They most certainly do not 'let the bible provide it's own explanation' and in fact, condemn anyone who tries to do just that:

  "...They say that it is sufficient to read the bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such ‘Bible reading,' they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were teaching 100 years ago..."-The Watchtower, August 15, 1981, pp. 28-29

  "...if anyone lays the SCRIPTURE STUDIES aside, even after he has used them, after he has become familiar with them, after he has read them for ten years-if he then lays them aside and ignores them and goes to the Bible alone, though he has understood his Bible for ten years, our experience shows that within two years he goes into darkness." -The Watch Tower, September 15, 1910, p. 298
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  N.drew

  Revelation 6:2 "a white horse, and the one seated on it had a bow and a crown was given him..."

  They say it pictures Jesus, but the complete picture of that prophetic vision has Jesus in heaven as the lamb.

  And Jesus is pictured with a sword, not a bow, at Revelation 19:15

  Also Revelation chapter 6 has the rider of the white horse keeping company

  with "bad association"; war, famine and death.
• 

  ssn587

  If in fact the Bible actaully expained itself i.e. symbology, beliefs, doctrine, then there would be do doubt of how it was suppose to be and all religions woudl be following that, The Bible however doesn't explain itself and to think it does, isn't dealing with reality. you are just pushing the jdub nonsense and you cant nor will you thin of anything else. To explain otherwise would be a waste of effort.
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  N.drew

  "would be a waste of effort"... because we are all going to die anyway. Probably, but I'm on the side of trying.
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  factfinder

  The quote from w81 8/15 p28,29 seems condemning of the wt! So if we rely on the Bible only it will lead us to false doctrines?