As a JW, we?ve been taught that preaching is a direct command from Jesus, but is it? Who was he talking to? In Matt 28 he was talking to the remaining apostles. And that is the only place it is phrased as a command. It could be argued that the only ones under that command would those under the ?new covenant.? That is who is words were directed to. If that?s the case preaching is a choice not a command to us lowly publishers.
Preaching work
by jula71 14 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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jeanniebeanz
I am not really sure, Jula. But, I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who has studied the subject.
Jeannie
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Bluegrass Tom
As things turn out, I am studying this exact subject at present. It will be a while before I am done.
However, I can tell you this so far. The commandment is to make disciples, not to go door-to-door. Jesus is the exemplar. The example to follow. He didn't go door-to-door according to the gospel accounts.I think at this stage of my study it is fair to say that the most going door-to-door could be considered is a suggestion. There is no question that one of the best ways to contact people is by knocking on their door and talking to them. Also note that C.T. Russell did not promote the door-to-door approach.
The idea of everyone going door-to-door is a doctrine of the WTS, with marginal support from the scriptures.
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Robert K Stock
Russell called for 1,000 Colportuers but never would have dreamed of demanding everyone go door to door.
He realized that the best way to reach people in his time was to have his sermons published in local newspapers. He realized the importance of using new technology by producing the Photo Drama of Creation.
Russell thought that each person would do what he or she thought best and never expected eveyone to do exactly the same thing.
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FairMind
There is scriptural support for preaching or ?witnessing to others. Note to what the Bible says at Romans 10:9-10:
9 For if you publicly declare that ?word in your own mouth,? that Jesus is Lord, and exercise faith in your heart that God raised him up from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one exercises faith for righteousness, but with the mouth one makes public declaration for salvation.
Of course this does not mean that a Christian is required to make public declaration of their faith by placing literature in the door-to-door ministry.
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jula71
FairMind, I've only heard that verse used in connection with commenting at the wekly WT study.Interesting thought though.
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coffee_black
Bluegrass Tom,
Actually, in our time, door to door is one of the Least effective ways of reaching people! People today are rarely home when JWs call. People are at work during the week, and out enjoying themselves on the weekend. Even meals are eaten out far more often today than even 20 years ago. I began noticing this back in the late 80s when I was still somewhat active. I would go out all Saturday morning and find only 1 or 2 people at home.
If reaching people is the real goal, then there are many many ways of reaching the greatest number of people. It would require the society to spend money....which they don't like to do. Instead, the "preaching work" keeps members very busy, and makes them feel like they are part of something important. It helps to control them because they give up significant portions of their time to do it.
Coffee
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CyrusThePersian
Hi!
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New Worldly Translation
If reaching people is the real goal, then there are many many ways of reaching the greatest number of people. It would require the society to spend money....which they don't like to do. Instead, the "preaching work" keeps members very busy, and makes them feel like they are part of something important. It helps to control them because they give up significant portions of their time to do it.
Excellent points there coffee_black.
Also the door to door preaching has become the org's schtick and their corporate identity if you will and they would be reluctant to give it up to any degree however unproductive it becomes.
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mkr32208
I've always kinda wondered about this shouldn't the 144,000 be the ones who do the preaching work? A simple reading would seem to indicate just that! Yet it seems that the exact OPPISITE is what's happening! When was the last time a GB member knocked on a door? Dicks!