I have been thinking of studying to become one but am also having a hard time finding anything on the net that is positive about it. JW?s of course will just say it is because the truth and so many are against it.
This is a self-fulfilling prophecy that the Watchtower Society (WTS) creates.
Do a search and you will find that all religions have people for and people against them. However, the WTS has instructed it's followers to NOT post any websites on the internet about the religion. They say that all information about them should come from the official web site (www.watchtower.org).
Any Jehovahs Witness who is found to be posting information on the web will have congregational restrictions and other punishments (being "marked") imposed on them. The result of this is that there are very few pro-Jehovahs Witness web sites.
*** Kingdom Ministry 11/99 pp. 4-5 Use of the Internet?Be Alert to the Dangers! ***
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Noticeably, there have been a number of individuals who have created Web sites ostensibly to preach the good news. Many of these sites are sponsored by indiscreet brothers. Other sites may be sponsored by apostates who wish to lure unsuspecting ones. (2 John 9-11) Commenting on whether there is a need for our brothers to create such Web sites, Our Kingdom Ministry, November 1997, page 3, stated: "There is no need for any individual to prepare Internet pages about Jehovah?s Witnesses, our activities, or our beliefs. Our official site [www.watchtower.org] presents accurate information for any who want it."
Translation: You are not to create JW related websites. If you do you are considered "indiscreet" and therefore subject to discipline and "marking".
Regarding the other issues of being a Jehovahs Witness. You have to remember... Jehovahs Witnesses are expected to put the Organization FIRST in their lives. All other things and people come a far second. If you ever decide to stop attending the meetings or going door-to-door or express opinions contrary to what the organization teaches, you WILL be punished and your relationship with your boyfriend/husband WILL become very difficult.
*** w93 8/1 p. 16 Let No One Spoil Your Useful Habits ***
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How can we apply Paul?s warning about associations? He did not mean that we should decline to help someone in the congregation who was finding it hard to understand a Bible verse or teaching. Indeed, Jude 22, 23 urges us to give merciful help to sincere ones with such doubts. (James 5:19, 20) Paul?s fatherly counsel, however, should certainly come into play if someone keeps taking exception to what we know to be Bible truth or keeps making comments of a skeptical or negative nature. We should be on guard against association with that type of person. Of course, if someone became definitely apostate, the spiritual shepherds would have to act to protect the flock.?2 Timothy 2:16-18; Titus 3:10, 11.
*** w86 4/1 p. 31 Questions From Readers ***Approved association with Jehovah?s Witnesses requires accepting the entire range of the true teachings of the Bible, including those Scriptural beliefs that are unique to Jehovah?s Witnesses
*** w87 2/1 p. 19 Doing Our Utmost to Declare the Good News *** 13 First of all, there is the matter of being obedient and ready to respond to encouragement. When direction and encouragement come from the proper source, it is only right that we should respond readily. Thus, rather than viewing these qualities as mere national traits, we keep in mind Jesus? words: "My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27) We also remember that one feature of "the wisdom from above" is being "ready to obey." (James 3:17) These are qualities that all Christians are encouraged to put on. Due to background and upbringing, some may be more given to independent thinking and self-will than others. Perhaps this is an area where we need to discipline ourselves and ?make our mind over? so that we can perceive more clearly what the "will of God" is.?Romans 12:2.They are willing to "encourage" you... but if you do not agree with them, they will punish you.