I posted this question on YA! for the jehovah's Witnesses about an hour ago and only received one answer. How would you (Ex-Jehovah's Witnesses) respond to this question. Inquiring minds......Thanks
Is there any evidence that those who advanced certain erroneous beliefs in the first century REQUIRED anyone else to accept their views?
One example of this involves a misinterpretation on Peter's part about what Jesus said concerning the apostle John (John 21:20-23). Another example is where the disciples thought Jesus' appearance after his death meant that he would be 'restoring the kingdom to Israel' at that time (Acts 1:6-7). Did the followers of Christ INSIST that others accept the erroneous views on these subjects because of their authority or position?
Here is a quote found in the Watchtower Magazine regarding "personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding" and the "slave's" position.
Watchtower Magazine 8/1/2001 page 14 par. 8:
First, since "oneness" is to be observed, a mature Christian must be in unity and full harmony with fellow believers as far as faith and knowledge are concerned. He does not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding. Rather, he has complete confidence in the truth as it is revealed by Jehovah God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and "the faithful and discreet slave."
According to the above quote, the Watchtower seems to be strongly implying that there is a mandatory requirement to accept their views (regardless of certain past/present erroneous beliefs).
With that said, is there a difference between biblical accounts such as these (John 21:20-23, Acts 1:6-7 for example) used by Jehovah's Witnesses and the interpretational errors sometimes made in Watchtower publications? In other words, did the apostles REQUIRE (as you imply in your own teachings ((see Watchtower quote above)) submission from others regardless of their mistakes.
Does the "slave class" truly make it a requirement (even after making countless errors) for them to refrain from "personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding" and accept the rules of the "slave class" w/out questioning or otherwise suffer the consequences (shunning, warnings, disfellowshipping ect.). Did the apostles do the same thing?