WT Study 01/12/03: Linking Salvation to Literacy?

by Room 215 16 Replies latest watchtower bible

• 

  Room 215

  Yesterday's WT study's specious attempt to forge a link to literacy/reading comprehension/ study of the Bible got me to wondering about the historic levels of world literacy. I

  It would seem that the people of Biblical times had neither public schooling nor any widespread access to copies of the Scriptures. Hand-copied scrolls from the sacred writings were in the possession of the elite ruling and clerical classes; hence the custom of public readings of Scriptures at the synagogues on the Sabbath, ostensibly to the masses who had neither the ability to read or access to these writings. In fact, scipture cited in the lesson, Proverbs 2: 1-6, and applied to reading or meditation, actually stresses listening, not reading; "inclining one's EARs," (not one's eyes] , to the printed page.

  The writers of the WT fail to consider that although large pockets of illiteracy exist in today's world, that the current widespread rate of literacy is both a relatively recent phenomenon and without precedent in human history. If the eternal prospects of the tens of billions of illiterates, living or dead, hangs on their ability to read words off a page, then it would seem that salvation is beyond the reach of the vast majority of all mankind who ever lived.
• 

  LDH

  Yesterday's WT study's specious attempt to forge a link to literacy/reading comprehension/ study of the Bible got me to wondering about the historic levels of world literacy.

  I dare say, the vast majority of us don't attend. Therefore, we have no idea what you're talking about.

  Elaborate?!?!?!

  Lisa
• 

  Stephanus

  R215, can you give us a few quotes to aid us in our understanding here?
• 

  MacHislopp

  Hello Room 215

  Thanks for the post. I entirely agree with

  your statement:

  "If the eternal prospects of the tens of billions of illiterates, living or dead, hangs on their ability to read words off a page, then it would seem that salvation is beyond the reach of the vast majority of all mankind who ever lived. "

  Still today millions and millions cannot read nor write... so the value of the messagehas to take roots in the hearts and as Jesus said "...by the fruits you'll recognize them..".

  Salvation is for everyone who " listen" to the word and practice it.

  Thanks again, J.C.MacHislopp
• 

  Room 215

  LDH, Simply put, the premise is "you can't read the Bible, you're sunk" when in fact the majority of people who've ever lived on this planet couldn't/can't read or write.... and that includes most of Jesus' First Century disciples, who Acts 4:12 says were "unlettered and ordinary." My point is to challenge the notion that literacy is a precondition for salvation.

  Got it?
• 

  LDH

  Room,

  Uhhhh...I got your point.....uhhhhh....but I was asking for direct quotes from the Witchpower because.....uh...some of us don't go to the meetings any more.

  I'm not doubting your synopsis dude, I'd just like to know what the dumb ass ragazine said.

  Got it?

  Lisa
• 

  one

  215,

  WT will fix that during the "1000 years".

  remember they are 'coming back except Judas, Adam etc,

  i dont remember what wt said about Hitler...

  i'm sure he had a translated copy of the holy book, guess he'll stay 'there'
• 

  reporter

  So, in reality, the mentality of the WTS leadership hasn't changed much from this:

  *** The Watchtower of April 15, 1900 p. 122 ***
  [Note: not available on 1993/1995/1999 CD-ROM]

  There are probably as many as a hundred colored brethren on the Watch Tower lists, some of them very clear in the truth, and very earnest in its service, financially and otherwise. We have received letters from several of these, who had intended engaging in the volunteer work, expressing surprise that in the call for volunteers in the March 1st issue we restricted the inquiry to white Protestant churches. They rightly realized that we have not the slightest of race prejudice , and that we love the colored brethren with just the same warmth of heart that we love the white, and they queried therefore why such a distinction should be made in the call. The reason is that so far as we are able to judge, colored people have less education than whites - many of them quite insufficient to permit them to profit by such reading as we have to give forth. Our conclusion therefore is based upon the supposition that reading matter distributed to a colored congregation would more than half of it be utterly wasted , and a very small percentage indeed likely to yield good results.

  If they can't read, the WTS couldn't be bothered with them. Afterall, the illiterate can't be propagandized, and they would generally offer less financial support for their publishing empire.

  It's quite telling how things haven't changed in 103 years.
• 

  jgnat

  Here is the quote, WT December 1, 2002, Study article January 12, 2003, "Enjoy Personal Study of God's Word", page 14, para. 5

  In our modern era of TV, videos, and computers, reading has suffered a serious, if not debilitating, setback. That certainly should not be true among Jehovah's Witnesses. After all, reading the Bible is like a lifeline linking us to Jehovah. Thousands of years ago, Joshua succeeded Moses as the leader of Israel. To gain Jehovah's blessing, Joshua had to read God's Word for himself. (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1, 2) That is still a requirement today. Because of limited education, however, some may have difficulty reading or find it laborious. So, what can help us to want to read and study God's Word? The answer can be found in King Solomon's words recorded at Proverbs 2:1-6. Please open your Bible and read these verses. Then we will discuss them together.

  Room 215, you are very right. I once meditated on the odd way that Jesus propogated his new gospel. He did not write a book. He did not overthrow any government or start any wars. Instead of inciting them in to a frenzy, He turned away the adoring crowds. He simply showed by example how to live. And made sure he had enough intimate associates who could imitate him and spread His gospel. I think Christianity is best when it proves by its actions to be loving, healing, and forgiving. Like Him.
• 

  TheOldHippie

  So the Bible isn't that necessary, jgnat?