Posts by raymond frantz

25

Why the WATCHTOWER doesn't believe in the GREAT APOSTASY but you should!

by raymond frantz in

https://youtu.be/i4uttjj7eus?si=0b-fzpqm8axb_d3p.

in its latest april 2025 watchtower study article 17 and paragraph 12 the watchtower promotes 2 dangerous lies that will cost your life if you are a believing christian during the time of the end, so i'm considering today the first lie in the first part of the paragraph, but first let's read the paragraph itself: "today, jehovah promises to provide us with spiritual protection.

he will never allow satan to corrupt true worship.

raymond frantz

I got some really good friends that are preterists and very well versed , have discussed this claim on everything having been full filed in the first century AD, it fails on scrutiny and of course on the main idea that all prophesy is well behind us which contradicts Peter's statement that prophesy is like a lamp shining in a dark place.(2 Peter 1:19)We live in very dark times and believing preterism means that God has left us in total darkness, which makes no sense.

25

Why the WATCHTOWER doesn't believe in the GREAT APOSTASY but you should!

by raymond frantz in

https://youtu.be/i4uttjj7eus?si=0b-fzpqm8axb_d3p.

in its latest april 2025 watchtower study article 17 and paragraph 12 the watchtower promotes 2 dangerous lies that will cost your life if you are a believing christian during the time of the end, so i'm considering today the first lie in the first part of the paragraph, but first let's read the paragraph itself: "today, jehovah promises to provide us with spiritual protection.

he will never allow satan to corrupt true worship.

raymond frantz

https://youtu.be/I4UtTjJ7Eus?si=0B-fzPQM8axb_d3p

In its latest April 2025 Watchtower Study Article 17 and paragraph 12 the Watchtower promotes 2 dangerous lies that will cost your life if you are a believing Christian during the time of the End, so I'm considering today the first lie in the first part of the paragraph, but first let's read the paragraph itself:
"Today, Jehovah promises to provide us with spiritual protection. He will never allow Satan to corrupt true worship. (John 17:15) And when ‘the great tribulation’ strikes, we can have absolute confidence that Jehovah will fulfill his promise to safeguard his people not only spiritually but also physically.—Rev. 7:9, 14.” (Watchtower Study Article 17, April 2025, Paragraph 12)
So two claims here: First that Jehovah will never allow Satan to corrupt true worship, and second that when ‘the great tribulation’ strikes, we can have absolute confidence that Jehovah will fulfill his promise to safeguard his people not only spiritually but also physically. So let's consider the first claim:
At first glance, this statement from the Watchtower might sound comforting, even inspiring. However, upon closer examination, it reveals itself to be riddled with theological errors and dangerous misconceptions. The claims in this paragraph misrepresent biblical teachings, misapply scripture, and ultimately lull sincere Christians into a false sense of security. Let’s take a closer look at these claim and weigh it against what the Bible actually teaches.
The reference to John 17:15 is a prime example of taking scripture out of context. The verse states: *“I do not ask that you(=Jehovah)take them(=my disciples)out of the world, but that you watch over them because of the wicked one” (New World Translation). In this passage, Jesus is praying for his disciples on the night of his betrayal. His prayer is not some prophetic guarantee of perpetual protection for a specific group of Christians, nor is it a promise that a religious organization like the Watchtower will remain immune to spiritual corruption. Rather, it is a heartfelt plea for God to preserve His followers in their faith while they live in a hostile and sinful world. The emphasis is on spiritual endurance, not on physical safety or the preservation of an institutionalized “true worship” like the Watchtower will have you believe.
What the Watchtower fails to acknowledge is that this prayer is part of a broader context in which Jesus speaks of the challenges and persecution His followers will face. There is no basis for interpreting John 17:15 as a promise of immunity from apostasy or Satanic influence for any particular group. Unlike the Watchtower's claim the Bible consistently warns about the exact opposite that the Church itself will face serious corruption and falling away in the time of the end. This is what Scripture calls the “great apostasy.”
The Apostle Paul makes this crystal clear in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4: *“Let no one lead you astray in any way, because it will not come(=the End) unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness(=the Antichrist) gets revealed, the son of destruction. He stands in opposition and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he sits down in the temple of God, publicly showing himself to be a god.”* Paul’s words here outline a sobering truth: before the return of Christ, there will be a massive falling away from true Christian faith. This is not a minor event but a significant and devastating turning point, one that is tied directly to the rise of the Antichrist.
The term "apostasy" is not just a generic word for error or unbelief. It is a specific theological term that refers to a departure from the faith by those who were once part of it. In other words, it applies to Christians who abandon true worship and embrace deception. This concept is central to Paul’s warning in Thessalonians, and it stands in direct contradiction to the Watchtower’s claim that true worship will never be corrupted.
Adding to this, 1 Peter 4:17 also declares: “For it is the appointed time for judgment to start with the house of God(=the Christian Church).” This verse underscores that God’s judgment begins with His own people. Far from guaranteeing protection from apostasy, the Bible teaches that Christians themselves will be tested and sifted in the last days. This is a critical point that the Watchtower ignores in favor of its comforting but false assurances.
Instead of preparing its followers for the spiritual challenges to come, the Watchtower promotes the idea that Jehovah’s Witnesses will be spiritually and physically safeguarded during the “great tribulation.” This narrative is not only unbiblical but also dangerously misleading. By creating a false sense of security, the organization prevents its members from heeding the Bible’s warnings and equipping themselves for the trials ahead.
The reality is that the “great apostasy” will be a global crisis within Christianity, culminating in the enforcement of the Antichrist as a false messiah. As Paul explains in 2 Thessalonians 2, the Antichrist will exalt himself above all that is worshiped and will even position himself as God within the “temple of God.” While interpretations of the “temple” vary, many scholars agree that it represents the Christian Church. This means that the Antichrist’s influence will infiltrate Christianity itself, leading many believers astray. The Watchtower’s claim that Satan will never corrupt “true worship” directly contradicts this prophecy. In fact, the arrogance of such claims could make them a prime candidate for falling prey to the very deception they deny.
This deceptive narrative is further exposed when we consider passages like 2 Timothy 4:3-4, which warns: “For there will be a period of time when they will not put up with the wholesome teaching, but according to their own desires, they will surround themselves with teachers to have their ears tickled. They will turn their ears away from the truth and be turned aside to false stories.” The Watchtower’s promises of protection and special status as God’s chosen people seem to fit this description of “false stories” that cater to human desires for certainty and exclusivity.
The Bible’s warnings about deception in the last days are consistent and clear. Jesus Himself cautioned in Matthew 24:4: “Look out that nobody misleads you.”This is not a call to relax in false assurances but a command to remain vigilant and discerning. The Watchtower’s narrative does the opposite, encouraging complacency by convincing its followers that they are exempt from the spiritual dangers that Scripture so plainly warns against.
When we step back and examine the broader biblical picture, it becomes evident that the Watchtower’s claims are not only misguided but also spiritually dangerous. The Bible warns of a great apostasy, a time when Christians will abandon true faith and be led astray by deception. This will occur within the Church itself, not outside of it, and it will coincide with the rise of the Antichrist. The idea that any religious organization, including the Watchtower, will escape this reality is nothing more than wishful thinking.
The truth is that this event will test the faith of all Christians before even the great tribulation begins. It will not be a time of guaranteed protection for a select group but a period of spiritual refinement and judgment. The Bible calls us to prepare for this reality by grounding ourselves in Scripture, developing discernment, and remaining steadfast in our faith. False assurances, like those promoted by the Watchtower, only serve to blind believers to the challenges ahead.
In the end, the Watchtower’s claims are, to borrow a phrase, “for the birds.” They offer a comforting illusion that is entirely at odds with the teachings of Scripture. When the great apostasy and the judgment of the house of God arrives, it will not be membership in a particular organization that saves you. Salvation will come only through a personal and unwavering faith in Christ and a commitment to the truth of God’s Word. Anything less is a dangerous delusion.

27

Making Friends with Babylon the Great: Watchtower’s New Goal

by raymond frantz in

https://youtu.be/iv_uifab-qg?si=ttnajiuizmtqlte9.

it began during the last annual meeting of 2014 and now is trikling down to their watchtower magazines, this new "live and let live" attitude towards people of other faiths, or as they were known as babylon the great soon to be dead in the hands of god members.but it is a new different story, so let's read paragraph 15 from study article 15:.

"jehovah is kind to both the righteous and the unrighteous.

raymond frantz

Vidiot

As always you're right, I overestimate their capacity to deceive 😃

27

Making Friends with Babylon the Great: Watchtower’s New Goal

by raymond frantz in

https://youtu.be/iv_uifab-qg?si=ttnajiuizmtqlte9.

it began during the last annual meeting of 2014 and now is trikling down to their watchtower magazines, this new "live and let live" attitude towards people of other faiths, or as they were known as babylon the great soon to be dead in the hands of god members.but it is a new different story, so let's read paragraph 15 from study article 15:.

"jehovah is kind to both the righteous and the unrighteous.

raymond frantz

Blondie

I was concentrating on their softening their stance towards people of other faiths which has been a common theme since their recent annual meeting talk about Babylon the Great👍

27

Making Friends with Babylon the Great: Watchtower’s New Goal

by raymond frantz in

https://youtu.be/iv_uifab-qg?si=ttnajiuizmtqlte9.

it began during the last annual meeting of 2014 and now is trikling down to their watchtower magazines, this new "live and let live" attitude towards people of other faiths, or as they were known as babylon the great soon to be dead in the hands of god members.but it is a new different story, so let's read paragraph 15 from study article 15:.

"jehovah is kind to both the righteous and the unrighteous.

raymond frantz

Here is the link and the screenshot

of the magazine blondie

https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/watchtower-study-april-2025/Drawing-Near-to-God-Is-Good-for-Us/

27

Making Friends with Babylon the Great: Watchtower’s New Goal

by raymond frantz in

https://youtu.be/iv_uifab-qg?si=ttnajiuizmtqlte9.

it began during the last annual meeting of 2014 and now is trikling down to their watchtower magazines, this new "live and let live" attitude towards people of other faiths, or as they were known as babylon the great soon to be dead in the hands of god members.but it is a new different story, so let's read paragraph 15 from study article 15:.

"jehovah is kind to both the righteous and the unrighteous.

raymond frantz

Journeyman most accurate explanation of their current state

The JW org has been so certain of its "destiny" up until recently, that I suspect the GB are now panicking behind closed doors, wondering what they should do to buy more time before they expect God to save them.

27

Making Friends with Babylon the Great: Watchtower’s New Goal

by raymond frantz in

https://youtu.be/iv_uifab-qg?si=ttnajiuizmtqlte9.

it began during the last annual meeting of 2014 and now is trikling down to their watchtower magazines, this new "live and let live" attitude towards people of other faiths, or as they were known as babylon the great soon to be dead in the hands of god members.but it is a new different story, so let's read paragraph 15 from study article 15:.

"jehovah is kind to both the righteous and the unrighteous.

raymond frantz

Black Sheep

I did quote paragraph and study article at the beginning of the post

17

Footage from Recently Converted Kingdom Hall to a Mosque

by raymond frantz in

https://youtu.be/kjqwfeuhpji?si=6ahbituygdyiq3za.

when jehovah’s witnesses dedicate their kingdom halls, they often refer to the example of solomon dedicating the temple in jerusalem.

it’s a solemn moment.

raymond frantz

Nathan Natas

I think Life Church and Emmanuel are linked with Elim Pentecostals, we have 3 in my area

27

Making Friends with Babylon the Great: Watchtower’s New Goal

by raymond frantz in

https://youtu.be/iv_uifab-qg?si=ttnajiuizmtqlte9.

it began during the last annual meeting of 2014 and now is trikling down to their watchtower magazines, this new "live and let live" attitude towards people of other faiths, or as they were known as babylon the great soon to be dead in the hands of god members.but it is a new different story, so let's read paragraph 15 from study article 15:.

"jehovah is kind to both the righteous and the unrighteous.

raymond frantz

https://youtu.be/iV_uIfab-Qg?si=TtNAjiuizmtQlTE9

It began during the last Annual Meeting of 2014 and now is trikling down to their Watchtower magazines, this new "live and let live" attitude towards people of other faiths, or as they were known as Babylon the Great soon to be dead in the hands of God members.But it is a new different story, so let's read Paragraph 15 from Study Article 15:

"Jehovah is kind to both the righteous and the unrighteous. (Matt. 5:45) He expects us to show similar consideration for others. For example, we are “to speak injuriously of no one, not to be quarrelsome, . . . displaying all mildness toward all men.” (Titus 3:2) With this in mind, we do not look down on others simply because they do not share our beliefs. (2 Tim. 2:23-25) We draw closer to Jehovah by always being kind and considerate in our dealings with all."

The Watchtower Society is like a chameleon always morphing and changing colours in order to fit it with the ever changing religious landscape. For decades, they have portrayed "Babylon the Great," their favorite term for the world empire of false religion, as a spiritual villain worthy of divine wrath. Their literature overflowed with fiery language and apocalyptic warnings, painting a world teetering on the brink of destruction where Jehovah's Witnesses alone would be spared. This wasn’t just a theological stance—it was a way of life, a spiritual identity founded on being separate from and superior to all other faiths.

The message was clear: all other religions were corrupt and destined for fiery judgment. Older generations of Jehovah's Witnesses built their faith on this exclusivity, often at great personal cost. They sacrificed careers, relationships, and personal freedom, believing they were part of God’s sole channel on earth, a spiritual elite tasked with declaring the doom of Babylon the Great. The organization didn’t just suggest that others were misguided; it declared all non-Witness faiths as instruments of Satan himself, unworthy of divine mercy.

Consider the 1989 Watchtower article titled "Babylon the Great—Fallen and Judged." It described the inevitable collapse of all false religions with the kind of dramatic flair one would expect from apocalyptic literature: "The representatives of Babylon the Great were laughing. They overlooked that he who laughs last laughs best." The message was clear—Jehovah's Witnesses would have the last laugh while the rest of the world faced divine annihilation.

But the winds of change are blowing through the Watchtower's ivory tower. Fast forward to today, and the fire-and-brimstone sermons have been quietly replaced with something far more palatable. Recent publications no longer emphasize destruction and judgment but promote a softer, almost diplomatic tone. The narrative has shifted from "preach doom" to "live and let live." Instead of emphasizing the annihilation of other faiths, the focus has become personal spiritual growth and respecting others' beliefs. The rhetoric, once drenched in exclusivity, now tastes suspiciously like tolerance.

This sudden change seems carefully crafted to resonate with younger Jehovah's Witnesses who grew up in a world where diversity, inclusivity, and coexistence are widely valued. The younger generation isn't as comfortable with the harsh "us versus them" narrative that their parents and grandparents embraced so fiercely. They might cringe at the idea of condemning their friends or classmates as part of a wicked global empire destined for destruction. So, the Watchtower has adapted, painting itself in softer colors, perhaps hoping to retain the loyalty of a generation more drawn to kindness than condemnation.

But while this gentler approach might appeal to modern sensibilities, it creates a bitter conflict for the older, more loyal generations. These are the men and women who sacrificed decades of their lives believing they were part of a spiritual elite tasked with warning the world of its impending doom. They braved door-to-door ministry, endured ridicule, social ostracism, and in some cases even legal battles—all while standing firm on the belief that Babylon the Great was evil, and they were on the right side of history.

For them, the idea that the Watchtower would now preach tolerance and mutual respect with other faiths feels like a betrayal. It undermines the sacrifices they made under a belief system that demanded complete spiritual separation from the world. Imagine spending your entire life convinced that you were part of a spiritual resistance against Satan's empire, only to have your leaders now embrace a message of "understanding" and "respect for differences." Does this mean the sacrifices were unnecessary? Were they misled?

This shift also raises uncomfortable questions about the organization’s motives. Could this be a calculated attempt to rebrand the faith for public relations purposes? After all, the Watchtower has faced increasing scrutiny for its shunning practices, mishandling of child abuse cases, and hardline policies on medical treatment. Softening the messaging might be a way to rehabilitate its public image. Or perhaps it’s a strategy to slow the exodus of younger members who find the old doctrines too harsh and outdated.

What makes this shift even more perplexing is how closely it resembles the ecumenical movement—something the Watchtower once vehemently condemned. The ecumenical movement promotes unity and cooperation among different religions, a concept the Watchtower previously labeled as a Satanic compromise. The 1983 *Watchtower* declared, *“The whole concept of interfaith is not approved by God.”* Yet, this new tone of tolerance feels suspiciously close to what the Watchtower used to criticize.

It would be hard to deny that this kinder messaging hints at a subtle drift toward the very ecumenical ideas the organization once rejected. Could the Watchtower be taking its first small steps toward aligning with broader religious cooperation, or at least appearing less divisive? If so, it represents a profound departure from the organization's core doctrines. After all, the original narrative wasn't about coexistence—it was about being *separate* and *superior.*

For those who dedicated their lives to the old Watchtower, this feels like a gut punch. Imagine devoting 40 or 50 years to a faith built on spiritual exclusivity only to see the leadership backtrack, softening the very doctrines you once risked everything to uphold. If the organization now preaches coexistence, were the sacrifices of the past all for nothing?

The Watchtower Society's transformation from fiery judgment to a message of understanding is not just a PR adjustment; it’s a seismic shift in identity. While younger generations may find comfort in this more tolerant approach, older Witnesses face an existential crisis. The organization that once defined their entire worldview is now subtly rewriting its own narrative, inching away from the doctrines they once preached with conviction.

Whether this shift is a genuine change of heart or a strategic move to remain culturally relevant, one thing is clear: the Watchtower is once again proving itself to be a master of adaptation. Like a chameleon, it continues to change its colors, hoping to blend in with the times—at the risk of alienating those who once stood firm in the hues of fire and brimstone."Babylon the Great," their favorite term for the world empire of false religion, as a spiritual villain worthy of divine wrath. Their literature overflowed with fiery language and apocalyptic warnings, painting a world teetering on the brink of destruction where Jehovah's Witnesses alone would be spared. This wasn’t just a theological stance—it was a way of life, a spiritual identity founded on being separate from and superior to all other faiths.

The message was clear: all other religions were corrupt and destined for fiery judgment. Older generations of Jehovah's Witnesses built their faith on this exclusivity, often at great personal cost. They sacrificed careers, relationships, and personal freedom, believing they were part of God’s sole channel on earth, a spiritual elite tasked with declaring the doom of Babylon the Great. The organization didn’t just suggest that others were misguided; it declared all non-Witness faiths as instruments of Satan himself, unworthy of divine mercy.

Consider the 1989 *Watchtower* article titled *"Babylon the Great—Fallen and Judged."* It described the inevitable collapse of all false religions with the kind of dramatic flair one would expect from apocalyptic literature: *"The representatives of Babylon the Great were laughing. They overlooked that he who laughs last laughs best."* The message was clear—Jehovah's Witnesses would have the last laugh while the rest of the world faced divine annihilation.