As a follow on to my post on the Feb 15th WT, Guard Against Deception, I thought it would be interesting to summarize some common misconceptions the Society has about apostates.
The Society Says
Satan has long used apostates in his efforts to seduce God's servants
- I can only think of Judas, and really, are we assuming that Satan is influencing everyone that opens their eyes to this religion?
Apostates claim to worship Jehovah, but they reject the visible part of his organization
- Apostates can worship Jehovah. No mention of any specific organization or governing body is mentioned for the 20th and 21st century
What is it that apostates want?
- Apostates want to warn their loved ones about this destructive cult and its mind numbing mind control
Apostates are not content to leave the faith, they want to take others with them
- Jehovah's Witnesses are not content to let people believe what they want so they keep on knocking at your door
Apostates will "carry you off as his prey"
- To the contrary, how many of you here who were helped out feel that you are 'prey' ?
Apostates are like kidnappers carrying away unsuspecting victims
- Do you feel kidnapped?
Apostates prey on trusting members of the congregation
- I have yet to see apostates prey on members of the congregation.
Apostates resort to half-truths, distortions and outright falsehoods
- Apostates use the Society's own literature to convict them out of their own writings
Apostates tell "all kinds of evil lies"
- This is really covered by the above answer
Apostates are malicious opposers
- Malicious is a storng word. But the way the Society has treated child abuse victims, their advocates, parents who went to the police and the wrongly accused and disfellowshipped ones is enought to make anyone angry.
Apostates spread counterfiet words and deceptive teachings
- Again, apostates encourage ones to use their Bible and study the Society's own literature and history
Apostates succeed in "subverting the faith of some"
- Obviously, the light gets brighter
Apostates cause divisions
- Apostates do not cause divisions. How many of you here agree that the Society's teachings are wrong? All of you? No divisions then.
Apostates do not have your well being at heart
- Hardly, many so-called apostates are trapped in an organization just to be able to talk to their loved ones.
It is a mistake to listen to apostates or read their writings
- Quite the contrary, the mistake is not to listen to apostates or read their writings.