A particular topic that evokes much smugness on the part of
Witnesses is what James said about "faith without works'.
Once this subject is brought up, they jump to the conclusion that
all others who fail to record hours spent in this usually unwelcome
"ministry", are damned by God as unfaithful.
Few of them, however, will ever bother to actually think about
the context of James' words. He introduced the subject by saying
that true worship involves looking after "orphans and widows" -
an obvious appeal to charity.
He then discussed having consideration for the poor and oppressed.
(James 2:1-8). When he finally said "Faith without works is dead"
(vs.17), he had already connected it with charity! (vs.14-17)
He also offered the example of Rahab, showing faith by works of
hospitality (vs.25).
Try and find the word "preach" in James - you won't ( see
Concordance).
Is it any wonder that the author of the Watchtower's "Commentary
on James" left the organization because he could no longer
support its doctrines with the scriptures? ( Dunlap)
As to "works", the Bible condemns "dead works" (Heb.6:1)
The dictionary defines dead as "ineffective, stagnant, lacking
vitality".
Exactly how full of life is a "ministry" often performed
by minors coerced into selling magazines door to door?
How full of vitality is a work that can't financially afford
subscriptions anymore?
And how effective is a preaching work that averages over
4000 hours spent per baptism? ( 2001 Yearbook).
more in part two
metatron