For Lurkers.......

by Gadget 5 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

  • Gadget
    Gadget

    This is an exerp from the 'Truth' book, published 1981, ch 14 par 10.

    10 At first one might reason that it is simply one minister who is wrong or certain church members who do not do right. But what if the minister who downgrades the Bible continues to hold his position? And what if the church members who do wrong continue to be in good standing? Then it is time to face the fact that the bad fruits identify the religious organization itself. If that is true, you will, without exception, find that the teachings of the organization do not all line up with the Bible. If you have read the previous chapters of this book and considered the Bible texts found there, you may realize that this is true of the religion with which you have been associated. If so, then you have a serious problem. It is the problem of making a decision either to accept the truthfulness of the Bible or to reject it in favor of teachings that the Bible does not support. (Acts 17:11) What you do, of course, must be your own decision. However, you should weigh matters carefully, since the decision you make will affect your standing with God and your prospects of eternal life in his new system.

    I've talked with a few people about things that have went on in the congregation, that I've seen and also read about on here. Everytime I've been told its been isolated instances, and to 'wait on Jehovah' to put the situation right. And yet here we have from Watchtower publications another slant on this. Think carefully. James 1:17,

    17 Every good gift and every perfect present is from above, for it comes down from the Father of the [celestial] lights, and with him there is not a variation of the turning of the shadow.

    If there 'is not variation of the turning of the shadow', why is there always 'new light' being released? Isn't this against the scriptures? The nation of Isreal were Gods chosen people, but were they still like that when Jesus came to the earth? Were they not rejected because of the additional burden (Oral Torah), that made it so they were following the teachings of man and not the teachings of God? Is this not the same situation as in the WT today?

    What you do, of course, must be your own decision. However, you should weigh matters carefully, since the decision you make will affect your standing with God and your prospects of eternal life in his new system.

  • boa
    boa

    K, so I am no longer a lurker, but I do have just one or two comments to lurkers....

    While reading the bible through from start to finish which was for me the first time when at bethel, it was reading the context of that scripture about the 'light getting brighter and brighter' that I realized a problem with this common Jehovah's Witnesses publisher's reason for changes over the years in their beliefs or understandings of scripture. YES, context is extremely important in finding the true meaning of a scripture and the context of the actual scripture of the 'light getting brighter and brighter' has NOTHING to do with ever increasing 'light' from Jehovah on religious understanding.

    That, and the fact that by the Society's own writings that there were representatives of the 'faithful and discreet slave' all through history from the first century, it sure seems odd to me that close to 2000 yrs have been used in ever increasing 'light' and still many changes and 'mistakes' in understanding are made. Furthermore, even a brief, cursory glance at the early pre-history of the early Bible Students shows that there was no 'faithful and discreet slave' that CT Russell relied upon or 'passed the torch from' to get his start with the 'modern day organization' of Jehovah's Witnesses.

    To me reading the Bible in its full context was the beginning of really understanding its message and the beliefs it set forth simply and clearly.

    boa

    just 2 cents worth maybe, but its been worth so much more than that to me...maybe it will help you.

  • Maya
    Maya

    One of the things that did it for me was the fact that truth never changes.

    If the "society" tells you something today, then gets "new light" on it tomorrow, what they told you today CANNOT be the truth because TRUTH NEVER CHANGES.

    Sincerely,

    Maya

  • Flash
    Flash

    I've been told...to 'wait on Jehovah' to put the situation rightI'

    That's what's said to stop dissent and PARALYZE the congregation!

  • willyloman
    willyloman
    To me reading the Bible in its full context was the beginning of really understanding its message

    Reading it a translation OTHER than the NWT is even better. You lose all those trigger words and phrases and can concentrate on what's really being said on the page. A real eye opener. We thought we knew the bible....

  • Panda
    Panda

    Re: reading a different Bible translation

    You lose all those trigger words and phrases and can concentrate on what's really being said on the page. A real eye opener. We thought we knew the bible ....

    These words are so true (WL) you will actually begin to read entire concepts and in context!

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