Hi All...it's been a while since I've visited the site.
I was speaking to a JW friend of mine last night. And she said that they stated at the latest convention that they were not the only true religion. Is this true?
Do JW now believe that they are not the only true religion?
by featherimiss 9 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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Cold Steel
Certainly thou jestest! Your friend most likely misunderstood someone or she heard something she wanted to hear.
The book they teach from hasn't changed. The fact that they still send forth missionaries indicates they believe themselves to be the only true church.
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zeb
..................... so who/what is the aditional one, pray tell?
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DATA-DOG
I never heard such a thing, but I wouldn't be suprised if they attempted to portray themselves as more tolerant to lure people in . I just wish that some new light would happen. Maybe anyone who wants can leave with no strings attatched? Like that could ever happen!! I will keep wishing!
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The Searcher
Anyone who dares to judge individuals for life or destruction is anti-Christ, because he alone has been given the authority to judge the living and the dead!!
Just keep in mind what Jesus said about a man who wasn't one of his followers;
(Mark 9:38-40) John said to him: "Teacher, we saw a certain man expelling demons by the use of your name and we tried to prevent him, because he was not accompanying us." But Jesus said: "Do not try to prevent him, for there is no one that will do a powerful work on the basis of my name that will quickly be able to revile me; for he that is not against us is for us.
Also, another powerful Bible example - the man Job had absolutely no connection with God's people Israel, or its Divine Laws, Covenant, or rituals. Yet he was acceptable!!!!
Don't go "judging" others - (Matthew 7:2) "for with what judgment YOU are judging, YOU will be judged."
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cofty
The Searcher - you are being disingenuous. The borg are very clear that only baptised and active JWs will survive the sick fantasy they call Armageddon.
"You can live forever in paradise on earth-but how", (The Watchtower, 15 February 1983, p.12) listed four requirements;
1. Taking in knowledge.
2. Obeying God's laws.
3. Identifying and joining God's organisation.
4. Preaching the "good news".
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blondie
I'm sure they could say that the religion of the Jews until 33 C.E. was the only true religion and that the early Christian relgion from 33 C.E. to the death of the last apostle was.
Until 1950, the WTS taught that ALL religion was false and that they were not a religion.
*** Bible Teach book (2005) bh chap. 15 p. 151 par. 14 Worship That God Approves ***On the basis of what we have just considered, ask yourself: ‘What religious group bases all its teachings on the Bible and makes known Jehovah’s name? What group practices godly love, exercises faith in Jesus, is no part of the world, and proclaims that God’s Kingdom is the only real hope for mankind? Of all the religious groups on earth, which one meets all these requirements?’ The facts clearly show that it is Jehovah’s Witnesses.—Isaiah 43:10-12.
***w08 11/1 p. 28 Do Jehovah’s Witnesses Believe That They Are the Only Ones Who Will Be Saved? ***Jehovah’s Witnesses think that they have found the true religion. If they did not think so, they would change their beliefs.
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BluesBrother
If they said such a thing.......It must have been in a rhetorical way that was for public media consumption - not for the next service meeting!
This is on J W.org
http://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/who-saved/
"Do You Feel That You Are the Only People Who Will Be Saved?
No. Many millions who lived in centuries past and who weren’t Jehovah’s Witnesses will have an opportunity for salvation. The Bible explains that in God’s promised new world, “ there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous. ” ( Acts 24:15 ) Additionally, many now living may yet begin to serve God, and they too will gain salvation. In any case, it’s not our job to judge who will or won’t be saved. That assignment rests squarely in Jesus’ hands.— John 5:22, 27 ."
Notice that after an unequivocal "No" they give reasons that relate to the ressurection of the dead and those who may yet join them. Plus a acknowlegement that only Jesus can judge individuals - but believe me, other religions, as a body? No Chance
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featherimiss
Thanks for the answers. I didn't thinL so...I really think she was trying to justify her staying in. I've been out for a while (14 years), and talking with her was great. But listening to her, I could hear the blindness...I hate to say this, but I really felt sorry for her. She know that it's not right, but is so fearful of not being in...kept mentioning the last days. She was raised a JW and did not get baptized until late in life. Both of us are grandmothers...so she was baptized about 4 years ago in her early 40's. Since she made a few choices that were not good while not being in the Truth (lol....I still use that term), she attribute this to leaving Jehovah and now her life is going better...she attribute this to returning to Jehovah.
I can truly say, she help me appreciate the freedom that I have. I can explore any thought, topic, endeavor without fear. I LOVE IT!!!!
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Emery
If such were true, then they wouldnt disfellowship members for apostasy.