Below i a video of a Jehovahs Witness Elder talking about shunning in court, under oath.
Although he says he is not aware of any shunning etc and JW's do not teach this practise, the Watchtowers show different.
Anyone disfellowshipped or leaving of their own accord are deemed to be 'Apostate'.
Those who are acquainted with the situation in the congregation should never say `Hello' or `Goodbye' to [the Disfellowshipped person]. He is not welcome in our midst, we avoid him." (The Watchtower March 1st 1952 Issue, Page 141)
"We must hate (the Disfellowshipped person) in the truest sense, which is to regard with extreme active aversion, to consider (the Disfellowshipped person) as loathsome, odious, filthy, to detest." (The Watchtower October 1st 1952 Issue, Page 599)
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"In the case of where a father or mother or son or daughter is disfellowshiped, how should such person be treated by members of the family in their family relationship?"
"We are not living today among theocratic nations where such members of our fleshly family relationship could be exterminated for apostasy from God and his theocratic organization, as was possible and was ordered in the nation of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai and in the land of Palestine. "Thou shalt surely kill him; thy hand shall be first upon him to put him to death, and afterwards the hand of all the people. And thou shalt stone him to death with stones, because he hath sought to draw thee away from Jehovah thy God, . . . And all Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no more any such wickedness as this is in the midst of thee."-Deut. 13:6-11, AS."
"Being limited by the laws of the worldly nation in which we live and also by the laws of God through Jesus Christ, we can take action against apostates only to a certain extent, that is, consistent with both sets of laws."
"The law of the land and God's law through Christ forbid us to kill apostates, even though they be members of our own flesh-and-blood family relationship. However, God's law requires us to recognize their being disfellowshiped from his congregation, and this despite the fact that the law of the land in which we live requires us under some natural obligation to live with and have dealings with such apostates under the same roof."
"...if the children are of age, then there can be a departing and breaking of family ties in a physical way, because the spiritual ties have already snapped."
"If children are of age and continue to associate with a disfellowshiped parent because of receiving material support from him or her, then they must consider how far their spiritual interests are being endangered by continuing under this unequal arrangement, and whether they can arrange to support themselves, living apart from the fallen-away parent. Their continuing to receive material support should not make them compromise so as to ignore the disfellowshiped state of the parent. If, because of acting according to the disfellowship order of the company of God's people, they become threatened with a withdrawal of the parental support, then they must be willing to take such consequences."
"Satan's influence through the disfellowshiped member of the family will be to cause the other member or members of the family who are in the truth to join the disfellowshiped member in his course or in his position toward God's organization. To do this would be disastrous, and so the faithful family member must recognize and conform to the disfellowship order. How would or could this be done while living under the same roof or in personal, physical contact daily with the disfellowshiped? In this way: By refusing to have religious relationship with the disfellowshiped."
"...to have religious communion with the disfellowshiped person - no, there would be none of that! The faithful marriage partner would not discuss religion with the apostate or disfellowshiped and would not accompany that one to his (or her) place of religious association and participate in the meetings with that one. As Jesus said: "If he does not listen even to the congregation [which was obliged to disfellowship him], let him be to you just as a man of the nations and as a tax collector [to Jehovah's sanctified nation]." (Matt. 18:17, NW) Hurt to such one would not be authorized, but there would be no spiritual or religious fellowshiping."
"The same rule would apply to those who are in the relation of parent and child or of child and parent. What natural obligation falls upon them according to man's law and God's law the faithful parent or the faithful child will comply with. But as for rendering more than that and having religious fellowship with such one in violation of the congregation's disfellowship order-no, none of that for the faithful one! If the faithful suffers in some material or other way for the faithful adherence to theocratic law, then he must accept this as suffering for righteousness' sake."
"The purpose of observing the disfellowship order is to make the disfellowshiped one realize the error of his way and to shame him, if possible, so that he may be recovered, and also to safeguard your own salvation to life in the new world in vindication of God. (2 Thess. 3:14, 15; Titus 2:8) Because of being in close, indissoluble natural family ties and being of the same household under the one roof you may have to eat material food and live physically with that one at home, in which case 1 Corinthians 5:9-11 and 2 John 10 could not apply; but do not defeat the purpose of the congregation's disfellowship order by eating spiritual or religious food with such one or receiving such one favorably in a religious way and bidding him farewell with a wish for his prosperity in his apostate course." (The Watchtower November 15th 1952 Issue)
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"Generally speaking, it would be desirable for us to have no contact with disfellowshiped persons, either in business or in social and spiritual ways." (The Watchtower December 1st 1952 Issue, Page 735)
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"in order to hate what is bad a Christian must hate the [Disfellowshipped] person" (The Watchtower July 15th 1961 Issue, Page 420)
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"[Disfellowshiping] serves as a powerful warning example to those in the congregation, since they will be able to see the disastrous consequences of ignoring Jehovah's laws. Paul said: "Reprove before all onlookers persons who practice sin, that the rest also may have fear." 1 Tim. 5:20." (The Watchtower July 1st 1963 Issue, Page 411)
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"[The members of the congregation] will not converse with such one or show him recognition in any way. If the disfellowshiped person attempts to talk to others in the congregation, they should walk away from him. In this way he will feel the full import of his sin.... the disfellowshiped person who wants to do what is right should inform any approaching him in innocence that he is disfellowshiped and they should not be conversing with him." (The Watchtower July 1st 1963 Issue, Page 413)
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"In the case of the disfellowshiped relative who does not live in the same home, contact with him is also kept to what is absolutely necessary. As with secular employment, this contact is limited and even curtailed completely if at all possible."
"We should not see how close we can get to relatives who are disfellowshiped from Jehovah's organization, but we should 'quit mixing in company' with them."
"What if a person cut off from God's congregation unexpectedly visits dedicated relatives? What should the Christian do then? If this is the first occurrence of such visit, the dedicated Christian can, if his conscience permits, carry on family courtesies on that particular occasion. However, if his conscience does not permit, he is under no obligation to do so. If courtesies are extended, though, the Christian should make it clear that this will not be made a regular practice.... The excommunicated relative should be made to realize that his visits are not now welcomed as they were previously when he was walking correctly with Jehovah." (The Watchtower July 15th 1963 Issue, Pages 443-444)
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"If the excommunicated husband insists on offering prayer at mealtimes, the dedicated members of the household would not say "Amen" to the prayer, nor would they join hands as some have the custom, as this would be participating spiritually. They could bow their heads and offer their own silent prayer to Jehovah." (The Watchtower July 15th 1963 Issue, Page 446)-------------------------------------------
"In faithfulness to God, none in the congregation should greet such [Disfellowshipped] persons when meeting them in public nor should they welcome these into their homes." (Organization for Kingdom-Preaching and Disciple-Making Book, 1972 Edition, Pages 172-173)
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"...do you know how to hate? These very strong words are an expression of godly hate, and you too must have this quality to be pleasing to God. Hate causes a feeling of disgust to well up inside you. You loathe, abhor, despise the object of your hatred." (The Watchtower July 15th 1974 Issue, Page 442)
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"[The Disfellowshipped Jehovah's Witnesses are to be hated] in the sense of avoiding them as we would poison or a poisonous snake." (The Watchtower June 15th 1980 Issue, Page 8)
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"Thus, the one who doubts to the point of becoming an apostate sets himself up as a judge. He thinks he knows better than his fellow Christians, better also than the 'faithful and discreet slave,' through whom he has learned the best part, if not all that he knows about Jehovah God and his purposes." (The Watchtower August 1st 1980 Issue, Page 19)
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"Persons who make themselves not of our sort by deliberately rejecting the faith and beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses should appropriately be viewed and treated as are those who have been disfellowshiped for wrongdoing."
"...they would not want to have... fellowship with an expelled sinner (or one who has renounced the faith and beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses, disassociating himself). The expelled person has been rejected, being self-condemned because of sinning, and those in the congregation both accept God's judgment and uphold it. Disfellowshiping, however, implies more than ceasing to have spiritual fellowship. -Titus 3:10, 11."
"Paul wrote: Quit mixing in company... , not even eating with such a man. (1 Cor. 5:11) A meal is a time of relaxation and socializing. Hence, the Bible here rules out social fellowship, too, such as joining an expelled person in a picnic or party, ball game, trip to the beach or theater, or sitting down to a meal with him." (The Watchtower September 15th 1981 Issue, Pages 23-24)
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"...Korah, Dathan and Abiram rebelled. Jehovah confirmed that he was dealing through Moses and Aaron, not through these religious rebels. Then Moses told the people to get away from the rebels' tents. What would the children and households of Korah, Dathan and Abiram do? Would they put loyalty to family ahead of loyalty to Jehovah and his congregation? Most of those closely related to the rebels put family before God. Jehovah executed these relatives along with the rebels. Num. 16:16-33." (The Watchtower September 15th 1981 Issue, Page 26)
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"The second situation that we need to consider is that involving a disfellowshiped or disassociated relative who is not in the immediate family circle or living at ones home. Such a person is still related by blood or marriage, and so there may be some limited need to care for necessary family matters. Nonetheless, it is not as if he were living in the same home where contact and conversation could not be avoided. We should keep clearly in mind the Bibles inspired direction: Quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator or a greedy person... , not even eating with such a man. 1 Cor. 5:11."
"Christians related to such a disfellowshiped person living outside the home should strive to avoid needless association, even keeping business dealings to a minimum." (The Watchtower September 15th 1981 Issue, Page 29)
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"Great care needs to be exercised that a person's situation as a disfellowshiped sinner is neither overlooked nor minimized. As the sons of Korah well demonstrated, our chief loyalty must be to Jehovah and his theocratic arrangement. We can be sure that when we uphold his standards and prefer association with his organized people, rather than with wrongdoers, we will have his protection and blessing. -Ps. 84:10-12."
"Normally, relatives are often together at meals, picnics, family reunions or other social gatherings. But when someone has unrepentantly pursued sin and has had to be disfellowshiped, he may cause difficulties for his Christian relatives in regard to such gatherings. While they realize that they are still related to him, they do not want to ignore Paul's advice that faithful Christians should quit mixing in company with an expelled sinner."
"If a disfellowshiped relative comes to the Kingdom Hall for the wedding, obviously he could not be in the bridal party there or give away the bride. What, though, if there is a wedding feast or reception? This can be a happy social occasion, as it was in Cana when Jesus attended. (John 2:1, 2) But will the disfellowshiped relative be allowed to come or even be invited? If he was going to attend, many Christians, relatives or not, might conclude that they should not be there, to eat and associate with him, in view of Paul's drections at 1 Corinthians 5:11."
"Would upholding God's righteousness and his disfellowshiping arrangement mean that a Christian should not speak at all with an expelled person, not even saying 'Hello'? And we all know from our experience over the years that a simple 'Hello' to someone can be the first step that develops into a conversation and maybe even a friendship. Would we want to take that first step with a disfellowshiped person?" (The Watchtower September 15th 1981 Issue, Page 30)
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"...if someone is disfellowshiped, he must at the time have had a truly bad heart and/or been determined to pursue a God-dishonoring course. Peter said that the condition of such a person is worse than before he became a Christian; he is like 'a sow that was bathed but has gone back to rolling in the mire.' " (The Watchtower January 1st 1983 Issue, Page 30)
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"But human emotions and attachments can have a powerful effect, making it difficult for people to act in accord with the disfellowshiping decree if a relative is involved."
"... the expelled mate has proved that he is not the sort of person that we want to be around... So maybe a visit can be made when the disfellowshiped one is known to be out of the house." (The Watchtower January 1st 1983 Issue, Page 31)
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"We have been forewarned that there will be apostates and people who just like to have their ears tickled. Counsel such as at 2 John 9-11, 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 and 2 Timothy 3:5 allows no room for associating with those who turn away from the truth. Nor do we purchase or read their writings." (The Watchtower December 15th 1984 Issue, Page 19)
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"Such ones willfully abandoning the Christian congregation thereby become part of the "antichrist." (1 John 2:18, 19)"
"A person who had willfully and formally disassociated himself from the congregation would have matched that description." (The Watchtower December 15th 1984 Issue, Page 31)
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"Now, what will you do if you are confronted with apostate teaching - subtle reasonings - claiming that what you believe as one of Jehovah's Witnesses is not the truth? For example, what will you do if you receive a letter or some literature, open it and see right away that it is from an apostate? Will curiosity cause you to read it, just to see what he has to say? You may even reason: "It won't affect me; I'm too strong in the truth. And, besides, if we have the truth, we have nothing to fear. The truth will stand the test." In thinking this way, some have fed their minds upon apostate reasoning and have fallen prey to serious questioning and doubt."
"Do you wisely destroy apostate material?" (The Watchtower March 15th 1986 Issue, Page 12)
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"Why is reading apostate publications similar to reading pornographic literature?" (The Watchtower March 15th 1986 Issue, Page 14)
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"Beware of those who try to put forward their own contrary opinions." (The Watchtower March 15th 1986 Issue, Page 17)
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"Therefore, resolve in your heart that you will never even touch the poison that apostates want you to sip." (The Watchtower March 15th 1986 Issue, Page 20)
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"Why have Jehovah's Witnesses disfellowshipped (excommunicated) for apostasy some who still profess belief in God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ?"
"Teaching dissident or divergent views is not compatible with true Christianity, as Paul makes clear at 1 Corinthians 1:10: "I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought." (New International Version)"
"Was this unity to be achieved and maintained by each one's independently searching the Scriptures, coming to his own conclusions, and then teaching these? Not at all!"
"Yes, with the help of such ministers, congregational unity - oneness in teaching and activity - could be and would be possible.-Ephesians 4:11-13."
"Obviously, a basis for approved fellowship with Jehovah's Witnesses cannot rest merely on a belief in God, in the Bible, in Jesus Christ, and so forth."
"simply professing to have such beliefs [in God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ] would not authorize one to be known as one of Jehovah's Witnesses."
"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. What do such beliefs include?"
"That Jesus Christ had a prehuman existence and is subordinate to his heavenly Father. (John 14:28) That there is a "faithful and discreet slave" upon earth today 'entrusted with all of Jesus' earthly interests,' which slave is associated with the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses. (Matthew 24:45-47) That 1914 marked the end of the Gentile Times and the establishment of the Kingdom of God in the heavens, as well as the time for Christ's foretold presence. (Luke 21:7-24; Revelation 11:15-12:10) That only 144,000 Christians will receive the heavenly reward. (Revelation 14:1, 3) That Armageddon, referring to the battle of the great day of God the Almighty, is near. (Revelation 16:14, 16; 19:11-21) That it will be followed by Christ's Millennial Reign, which will restore an earth-wide paradise. That the first to enjoy it will be the present "great crowd" of Jesus' "other sheep."-John 10:16; Revelation 7:9-17; 21:3, 4."
"{The Apostle] John goes on to say regarding those holding such variant views: "If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, never receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him. For he that says a greeting to him is a sharer in his wicked works."-2 John 7, 10, 11."
"Following such Scriptural patterns, if a Christian (who claims belief in God, the Bible, and Jesus) unrepentantly promotes false teachings, it may be necessary for him to be expelled from the congregation. (See Titus 3:10, 11.)" (The Watchtower April 1st 1986 Issue, Pages 30-31)
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" "Cutting ourselves off completely from all association with (my disfellowshipped sister) Margaret tested our loyalty to Jehovah's arrangement. It gave our family opportunity to show that we really believe that Jehovah's way is best." -Lynette."
"God's fatherly discipline, which can affect our spiritual lives, can take many forms. One is his arrangement to exclude from the Christian congregation a person who no longer wants to live by God's standards, or who refuses to do so. A person who is thus strongly chastised or disciplined may repent and turn around. In the process, the congregation of loyal ones are also disciplined in that they learn the importance of conforming to God's high standards. 1 Timothy 1:20."
"Occasionally... a person deviates from the path of truth. For example, despite help from Christian elders, he may unrepentantly violate God's laws. Or he may reject the faith by teaching false doctrine or by disassociating himself from the congregation. Then what should be done?"
"shunning would be appropriate... for anyone who rejects the congregation [of Jehovah's Witnesses]"
"So the direction at 2 John 11 could well mean not to say even "hello" to such ones"
"We can be... sure that God's arrangement that Christians refuse to fellowship with someone who has been expelled for unrepentant sin is a wise protection for us"
"By also avoiding persons who have deliberately disassociated themselves, Christians are protected from possible critical, unappreciative, or even apostate views."
"Cutting off from the Christian congregation does not involve immediate death, so family ties continue. Thus, a man who is disfellowshipped or who disassociates himself may still live at home with his Christian wife and faithful children. Respect for God's judgments and the congregation's action will move the wife and children to recognize that by his course, he altered the spiritual bond that existed between them. Yet, since his being disfellowshipped does not end their blood ties or marriage relationship, normal family affections and dealings can continue."
"The situation is different if the disfellowshipped or disassociated one is a relative living outside the immediate family circle and home. It might be possible to have almost no contact at all with the relative. Even if there were some family matters requiring contact, this certainly would be kept to a minimum, in line with the divine principle: "Quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator or a greedy person [or guilty of another gross sin], ... not even eating with such a man." 1 Corinthians 5:11."
"Understandably, this may be difficult because of emotions and family ties, such as grandparents' love for their grandchildren. Yet, this is a test of loyalty to God"
"Lynette's comment about her choice 'to cut herself off completely from all association' with her disfellowshipped sister Margaret. She and her Christian relatives 'believed that Jehovah's way is best.' And it is!"
"Lynette's sister later told her: 'If you had viewed the disfellowshipping lightly, I know that I would not have taken steps toward reinstatement as soon as I did. Being totally cut off from loved ones and from close contact with the congregation created a strong desire to repent. I realized just how wrong my course was and how serious it was to turn my back on Jehovah.' "
"In another case, Laurie's parents were disfellowshipped. Yet she says: 'My association with them never stopped but increased. As time went on, I became more and more inactive. I got to the point of not even attending [Jehovah's Witnesses] meetings.' Then she read material in The Watchtower of September 1 and 15, 1981, that stressed the counsel of 1 Corinthians 5:11-13 and 2 John 9-11. "It was as if a light bulb were turned on in me," she writes. 'I knew I would have to make some changes. I now better understand the meaning of Matthew 10:34-36. My decision was not an easy one for my family to swallow, for my son, five, is the only boy, and they love him dearly.' It is hoped that losing such association will touch the parents' hearts, as it did Margaret's."
"What may seem harsh to outsiders is both necessary and really a loving thing to do." (The Watchtower April 15th 1988 Issue)
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"Disfellowshipped and disassociated ones are shunned by those who wish to have a good relationship with Jehovah."
"Basic Scriptural counsel on the proper view of those who have been expelled from the congregation is set out in the apostle Paul's words at 1 Corinthians 5:11- 13."
"John counsels against speaking to or associating with a disfellowshipped or disassociated person so as not to be "a sharer in his wicked works." (2 John 11)" (Pay Attention to Yourselves and to All the Flock, Confidential Elders-Only Rule Book, 1991 Edition, Page 103)
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"Former friends and relatives might hope that a disfellowshipped one would return; yet out of respect for the command at 1 Corinthians 5:11, they do not associate with an expelled person." (The Watchtower April 15th 1991 Issue)
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"Apostasy is, in reality, a rebellion against Jehovah. Some apostates profess to know and serve God, but they reject teachings or requirements set out in his Word. Others claim to believe the Bible, but they reject Jehovah's organization and actively try to hinder its work. When they deliberately choose such badness after knowing what is right, when the bad becomes so ingrained that it is an inseparable part of their makeup, then a Christian must hate (in the Biblical sense of the word) those who have inseparable attached themselves to the badness." (The Watchtower October 1st 1993 Issue, Page 19)
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"Why is it loving to expel an unrepentant wrongdoer from the congregation? Doing so is an expression of love for Jehovah and his ways. (Psalm 97:10) This action shows love for those pursuing a righteous course because it removes from their midst one who could exercise a bad influence on them. It also protects the purity of the congregation." (The Watchtower July 15th 1995 Issue)
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"...we must not only "be obedient" but also "be submissive" to those taking the lead. The Greek word for "be submissive" literally means "be you yielding under." Commenting on the expressions "be obedient" and "be submissive," Bible scholar R. C. H. Lenski says: "One obeys when one agrees with what he is told to do, is persuaded of its correctness and profitableness; one yields . . . when he has a contrary opinion." When we understand and agree with the direction of those taking the lead, obedience may come readily. But what if we do not understand the reason behind a particular decision?"
"Here is where we may need to be submissive, or yielding. Why? For one thing, we need to trust that these spiritually qualified men have our best interests at heart. After all, they well know that they must render an account to Jehovah for the sheep committed to their care. (James 3:1) In addition, we do well to remember that we may not know all the confidential facts that led them to an informed decision.-Proverbs 18:13."
"What about being submissive when it comes to judicial decisions? Granted, this may not be easy, especially if a decision is made to disfellowship someone we love-a relative or a close friend. Here again, it is best to yield to the judgment of the "gifts in men." They are in a position to be more objective than we can be, and they may know more of the facts."
"...[the elders] must also keep the congregation clean, and the Bible directs that they disfellowship unrepentant wrongdoers. (1 Corinthians 5:11-13) In many cases the wrongdoer himself accepts the decision. The discipline may be just what he needs to come to his senses. If we, his loved ones, are submissive when it comes to the decision, we may thereby be helping him to benefit from the discipline." (The Watchtower March 1st 1998 Issue)
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What About Slanderous Publicity?
"At times, Jehovah's Witnesses have been the target of distorted information in the media. For example, on August 1, 1997, a Russian newspaper published a slanderous article claiming, among other things, that Witnesses categorically require members to 'reject their wives, husbands, and parents if these do not understand and do not share their faith.' Anyone who is truly acquainted with Jehovah's Witnesses knows that the charge is false. The Bible indicates that Christians are to treat unbelieving family members with love and respect, and Witnesses endeavor to follow that direction. (1 Corinthians 7:12-16; 1 Peter 3:1-4) Even so, the article was printed, and many readers were thus misinformed. How can we defend our faith when we are falsely accused?" (The Watchtower December 1st 1998 Issue, Page 17)
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"As for disfellowshipped relatives not living in the same household, Jehovah's Witnesses apply the Bible's counsel: "quit mixing with them." " (Taken from the Official Jehovah's Witnesses Media Website at http://www.jw-media.org/beliefs/beliefsfaq.htm)
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"The bond between family members can be very strong. This brings a test upon a Christian when a marriage mate, a child, a parent, or another close relative is disfellowshipped or has disassociated himself from the congregation."
"How to Treat Expelled Ones: God's Word commands Christians not to keep company or fellowship with a person who has been expelled from the congregation"
"Jesus was... instructing his followers not to associate with expelled ones."
"This means that loyal Christians do not have spiritual fellowship with anyone who has been expelled from the congregation. But more is involved. God's Word states that we should 'not even eat with such a man.' (1 Cor. 5:11) Hence, we also avoid social fellowship with an expelled person. This would rule out joining him in a picnic, party, or trip to the shops or theatre or sitting down to a meal with him either in the home or at a restaurant."
"What about speaking with a disfellowshipped person?"
"A simple 'Hello' to someone can be the first step that develops into a conversation and maybe even a friendship. Would we want to take that first step with a disfellowhipped person?"
"The fact is that when a Christian gives himself over to sin and has to be disfellowshipped, he forfeits much: his approved standing with God;....sweet fellowship with the brothers, including much of the association he had with Christian relatives."
"Former spiritual ties have been completely severed. This is true even with respect to his relatives, including those within his immediate family circle....That will mean changes in the spiritual fellowship that may have existed in the home. For example, if the husband is disfellowshipped, his wife and children will not be comfortable with him conducting a family Bible study or leading in Bible reading and prayer."
"The situation is different if the disfellowshipped or disassociated one is a relative living outside the immediate family circle and home"
"It might be possible to have almost no contact at all with the relative."
"Loyal Christians should strive to avoid needless association with such a relative, even keeping business dealings to an absolute minimum."
"Sometimes Christian parents have accepted back into their home for a time a disfellowshipped child who has become physically or emotionally ill. But in each case the parents can weigh the individual circumstances."
"Will he bring 'leaven' into the home?"
"Cooperating with the Scriptual arrangement to disfellowship and shun unrepentant wrongdoers is beneficial."
Monday, 26 January 2009
Should you inform on a murderer if he was never caught?
A letter from the Watchtower Society explains what to do with someone who is baptised but guilty of murders and never being caught.
Click on the picture below for a better view if required.
Click on the picture below for a better view if required.
Disfellowshipping...Is it pagan?
Click the picture below for a bett view of the right sde of the page!
Propaganda
http://www.watchtower.org/e/20000622/article_03.htm
Do Not Be A Victim Of Propaganda!
"A fool will believe anything." —PROVERBS 14:15, TODAY'S ENGLISH VERSION.
"THERE is a difference—a big difference—between education and propaganda. Education shows you how to think. Propaganda tells you what to think. Good educators present all sides of an issue and encourage discussion. "
What discussion does the Watchtower Society really encourage?
The Watchtower, June 1, 1982 Issue, Page 20:
At times, some bring to the attention of the "slave" class various doctrinal or organizational matters that they feel ought to be revised. Certainly, suggestions for improvement are proper, as are inquiries for clarification.
The proper spirit after offering suggestions is to be content to leave the matter to the prayerful consideration of the mature brothers directing the work in Jehovah's organization. But if those making the suggestions are not content with that and continue to dispute the subject in the congregations with a view to getting others to support them, what then? That would create divisions, and could subvert the faith of some. So Paul counsels: "Keep your eye on those who cause divisions and occasions for stumbling contrary to the teaching that you have learned, and avoid them." Paul also counseled Titus to "reprove those who contradict," adding: "It is necessary to shut the mouths of these, as these very men keep on subverting entire households by teaching things they ought not.... For this very cause keep on reproving them with severity." -Romans 16:17, 18; Titus 1:9-13.
The Watchtower, March 15, 1986 Issue, Page 17:
Beware of those who try to put forward their own contrary opinions.
Propagandists relentlessly force you to hear their view and discourage discussion. Often their real motives are not apparent. They sift the facts, exploiting the useful ones and concealing the others. They also distort and twist facts, specializing in lies and half-truths. Your emotions, not your logical thinking abilities, are their target.
The propagandist makes sure that his message appears to be the right and moral one and that it gives you a sense of importance and belonging if you follow it. You are one of the smart ones, you are not alone, you are comfortable and secure—so they say.
The Watchtower, July 1, 1994 Issue, Pages 12-13:
As loyal servants of Jehovah, why would we even want to peek at the propaganda put out by rejecters of Jehovah's table....
How can you protect yourself from the types of people that the Bible calls "profitless talkers" and "deceivers of the mind"? (Titus 1:10) Once you are familiar with some of their tricks, you are in a better position to evaluate any message or information that comes your way. Here are some ways to do this.
Be selective: A completely open mind could be likened to a pipe that lets just anything flow through it—even sewage. No one wants a mind contaminated with poison. Solomon, a king and educator in ancient times, warned: "Anyone inexperienced puts faith in every word, but the shrewd one considers his steps." (Proverbs 14:15) So we need to be selective. We need to scrutinize whatever is presented to us, deciding what to accept and what to reject.
The Watchtower, January 15, 1983 Issue, Page 22:
Avoid Independent Thinking
Avoid.... questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization.
How is such independent thinking manifested? A common way is by questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization.
Page 27:
....some who point out that the organization has had to make some adjustments before, and so they argue: "This shows that we have to make up our own mind on what to believe." This is independent thinking. Why is it so dangerous?
Fight against independent thinking.
However, we do not want to be so narrow that we refuse to consider facts that can improve our thinking. How can we find the right balance? By adopting a standard with which to measure new information. Here a Christian has a source of great wisdom. He has the Bible as a sure guide for his thinking. On the one hand, his mind is open, that is, receptive to new information. He properly weighs such new information against the Bible standard and fits what is true into his pattern of thinking. On the other hand, his mind sees the danger of information that is entirely inconsistent with his Bible-based values.
"Thus the Bible is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the Bible." The Watchtower, Oct. 1, 1967. p. 587.
"From time to time, there have arisen from among the ranks of Jehovah's people those, who, like the original Satan, have adopted an independent, faultfinding attitude...They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such ‘Bible reading,' they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were teaching 100 years ago..." The Watchtower, August 15, 1981.
Use discernment: Discernment is "acuteness of judgment." It is "the power or faculty of the mind by which it distinguishes one thing from another." A person with discernment perceives subtleties of ideas or things and has good judgment.
Using discernment, we will be able to recognize those who are merely using "smooth talk and complimentary speech" in order to "seduce the hearts of guileless ones." (Romans 16:18) Discernment enables you to discard irrelevant information or misleading facts and distinguish the substance of a matter. But how can you discern when something is misleading?
"We cannot claim to love God, yet deny his word and channel of communication." The Watchtower, October 1, 1967, p. 591.
Put information to the test: "Beloved ones," said John, a first-century Christian teacher, "do not believe every inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions." (1 John 4:1) Some people today are like sponges; they soak up whatever they come across. It is all too easy to absorb whatever is around us.
Also, in the year 1918, when God destroys the churches wholesale and the church members by million, it shall be that any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell to learn the meaning of the downfall of Christianity. (The Finished Mystery, 1917 edition, p. 485)
But it is far better for each individual personally to choose what he will feed his mind. It is said that we are what we eat, and this can apply to food for both the body and the mind. No matter what you are reading or watching or listening to, test to see whether it has propagandistic overtones or is truthful.
Moreover, if we want to be fair-minded, we must be willing to subject our own opinions to continual testing as we take in new information. We must realize that they are, after all, opinions. Their trustworthiness depends on the validity of our facts, on the quality of our reasoning, and on the standards or values that we choose to apply.
Ask questions: As we have seen, there are many today who would like to 'delude us with persuasive arguments.' (Colossians 2:4) Therefore, when we are presented with persuasive arguments, we should ask questions.
First, examine whether there is bias. What is the motive for the message? If the message is rife with name-calling and loaded words, why is that?
Watchtower 3/15/1986, pages 12-14
Have No Dealings With Apostates...
"If someone used to be a Jehovah's Witness, "We must hate in the truest sense, which is to regard with extreme active aversion, to consider as loathsome, odious, filthy, to detest." - Watchtower, 10/1/52, p.599
Loaded language aside, what are the merits of the message itself? Also, if possible, try to check the track record of those speaking. Are they known to speak the truth?
"Remember that the forty years' Jewish Harvest ended October A.D. 69, and was followed by the complete overthrow of that nation; and that likewise the forty years of the Gospel age harvest will end October, 1914, and that likewise the overthrow of 'Christendom,' so-called, must be expected to immediately follow." (Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 2, p. 245)
"In view of this strong Bible evidence concerning the Times of the Gentiles, we consider it an established truth that the final end of the kingdoms of this world, and the full establishment of the kingdom of God, will be accomplished near the end of A.D. 1915. (The Time Is At Hand, 1915 edition, p. 99)
'There will be no slip-up...Abraham should enter upon the actual possession of his promised inheritance in the year 1925' (Watchtower Oct. 15, 1917, p. 6157)
"The indisputable facts, therefore, show that the "time of the end" began in 1799; that the Lord's second presence began in 1874." (The Watchtower, March 1, 1922)
If "authorities" are used, who or what are they? Why should you regard this person—or organization or publication—as having expert knowledge or trustworthy information on the subject in question?
1968 "I know enough of what is going on to assure you that, in fifteen years from today, this world is going to be too dangerous to live in." (Truth That Leads To Eternal Life, p 9, 1968 edition, Quoting USA Secretary of State Dean Acheson in 1960, [1981 edition deleted "in fifteen years from today" ie. in 1975 and added 'soon'.])
If you sense some appeal to emotions, ask yourself, 'When viewed dispassionately, what are the merits of the message?'
"The faithful and discreet slave" has published information to help handle the spiritual and emotional hurt caused by child abuse. (Matthew 24:45-47) Experience shows that the sufferer is helped if he can rely on the 'power of the Lord and the mightiness of his strength,' putting on "the complete suit of armor from God."
Do not just follow the crowd: If you realize that what everybody thinks is not necessarily correct, you can find the strength to think differently. While it may seem that all others think the same way, does this mean that you should? Popular opinion is not a reliable barometer of truth. Over the centuries all kinds of ideas have been popularly accepted, only to be proved wrong later. Yet, the inclination to go along with the crowd persists. The command given at Exodus 23:2 serves as a good principle: "You must not follow after the crowd for evil ends."
The Watchtower, August 1, 1960 Issue, Page 474:
Jehovah's witnesses, though international, are 'one heart and soul,' of the 'same mind' and the 'same line of thought.'
True Knowledge Versus Propaganda
Previously, it was mentioned that the Bible is a sure guide for clear thinking. Jehovah's Witnesses unequivocally subscribe to Jesus' statement to God: "Your word is truth." (John 17:17) This is so because God, the Author of the Bible, is "the God of truth."—Psalm 31:5.
Yes, in this age of sophisticated propaganda, we can confidently look to Jehovah's Word as the source of truth. Ultimately this will protect us from those who want to 'exploit us with counterfeit words.'—2 Peter 2:3.
The January 1, 2000 Watchtower pg 8
In the latter part of the 19th century, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., a group of sincere Bible students was organized and became the nucleus of God's modern-day witness class. These Christians drew attention to the Scriptural evidence that the conclusion of the present world system was at hand. True to Bible prophecy, this world's "conclusion" began in 1914 and was marked by the outbreak of the first world war.
Some opponents of Jehovah's Witnesses have accused them of spreading Zionist propaganda. Others have charged that the ministry of the Witnesses promotes Communism. Still others have claimed that the work of Jehovah's Witnesses promotes the ideals and interests of "American imperialism." And there are those who assert that the Witnesses are anarchists, fomenting disorder with the aim of changing the social, economic, political, or legal order. Obviously, these conflicting accusations cannot all be true.
The simple fact is that Jehovah's Witnesses are none of the above. The work of the Witnesses is carried out in faithful obedience to Jesus Christ's mandate to his disciples: "You will be witnesses of me . . . to the most distant part of the earth." (Acts 1:8) Their work focuses solely and exclusively on the good news of the heavenly Kingdom—God's instrument for bringing peace to the whole earth.—Matthew 6:10; 24:14.
Observers of Jehovah's Witnesses have found no evidence that this Christian community has ever been a force disruptive of the good order of any land.
“The greatest and the most oppressive empire on earth is the Anglo-American empire… It has been the commercial Jews of the British-American empire that have built up and carried on Big Business as a means of exploiting and oppressing the peoples of many nations… The present government of Germany has declared emphatically against Big Business oppressors and in opposition to the wrongful religious influence in the political affairs of the nation. Such is exactly our position… Instead of being against the principles advocated by the government of Germany, we stand squarely for such principles.” —1934 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, pp. 134-136
Many journalists, judges, and others have commented on the positive contributions that Jehovah's Witnesses have made to the communities in which they live. Consider some examples. After attending a convention of Jehovah's Witnesses, a reporter from southern Europe commented: "These are people with strong family ties, they are taught to love and to live by their conscience so as not to harm others."
Another journalist, formerly negative about the Witnesses, stated: "They live an exemplary life. They do not violate the standards of what is moral and right." A political scientist similarly remarked about the Witnesses: "They behave toward other people with profound kindness, love and gentleness."
If "authorities" are used, who or what are they? Why should you regard this person—or organization or publication—as having expert knowledge or trustworthy information on the subject in question? - HIS ARTICLE.
If you sense some appeal to emotions, ask yourself, 'When viewed dispassionately, what are the merits of the message?' - THIS ARTICLE
Jehovah's Witnesses teach the rightness of submission to authority. As law-abiding citizens, they follow Bible standards of honesty, truthfulness, and cleanliness. They build good morals into their own families, and they help others to learn how they can do the same. They live peaceably with all men, not getting involved in disruptive demonstrations or political revolutions. Jehovah's Witnesses seek to be exemplary in obeying the laws of the human superior authorities, while they wait patiently on the Supreme Authority, the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, to restore perfect peace and righteous government to this earth.
At the same time, the work of the Witnesses is educational. Using the Bible as a basis, they teach people worldwide to reason on Bible principles and thereby develop right standards of conduct and moral integrity. They promote values that improve family life and help young people cope with their peculiar challenges. They also help people to find the strength to overcome bad habits and to develop the ability to get along with others. Such a work would hardly be termed "propaganda." As The World Book Encyclopedia says, in a climate where ideas circulate freely, "propaganda differs from education."
Do Not Be A Victim Of Propaganda!
"A fool will believe anything." —PROVERBS 14:15, TODAY'S ENGLISH VERSION.
"THERE is a difference—a big difference—between education and propaganda. Education shows you how to think. Propaganda tells you what to think. Good educators present all sides of an issue and encourage discussion. "
What discussion does the Watchtower Society really encourage?
The Watchtower, June 1, 1982 Issue, Page 20:
At times, some bring to the attention of the "slave" class various doctrinal or organizational matters that they feel ought to be revised. Certainly, suggestions for improvement are proper, as are inquiries for clarification.
The proper spirit after offering suggestions is to be content to leave the matter to the prayerful consideration of the mature brothers directing the work in Jehovah's organization. But if those making the suggestions are not content with that and continue to dispute the subject in the congregations with a view to getting others to support them, what then? That would create divisions, and could subvert the faith of some. So Paul counsels: "Keep your eye on those who cause divisions and occasions for stumbling contrary to the teaching that you have learned, and avoid them." Paul also counseled Titus to "reprove those who contradict," adding: "It is necessary to shut the mouths of these, as these very men keep on subverting entire households by teaching things they ought not.... For this very cause keep on reproving them with severity." -Romans 16:17, 18; Titus 1:9-13.
The Watchtower, March 15, 1986 Issue, Page 17:
Beware of those who try to put forward their own contrary opinions.
Propagandists relentlessly force you to hear their view and discourage discussion. Often their real motives are not apparent. They sift the facts, exploiting the useful ones and concealing the others. They also distort and twist facts, specializing in lies and half-truths. Your emotions, not your logical thinking abilities, are their target.
The propagandist makes sure that his message appears to be the right and moral one and that it gives you a sense of importance and belonging if you follow it. You are one of the smart ones, you are not alone, you are comfortable and secure—so they say.
The Watchtower, July 1, 1994 Issue, Pages 12-13:
As loyal servants of Jehovah, why would we even want to peek at the propaganda put out by rejecters of Jehovah's table....
How can you protect yourself from the types of people that the Bible calls "profitless talkers" and "deceivers of the mind"? (Titus 1:10) Once you are familiar with some of their tricks, you are in a better position to evaluate any message or information that comes your way. Here are some ways to do this.
Be selective: A completely open mind could be likened to a pipe that lets just anything flow through it—even sewage. No one wants a mind contaminated with poison. Solomon, a king and educator in ancient times, warned: "Anyone inexperienced puts faith in every word, but the shrewd one considers his steps." (Proverbs 14:15) So we need to be selective. We need to scrutinize whatever is presented to us, deciding what to accept and what to reject.
The Watchtower, January 15, 1983 Issue, Page 22:
Avoid Independent Thinking
Avoid.... questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization.
How is such independent thinking manifested? A common way is by questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization.
Page 27:
....some who point out that the organization has had to make some adjustments before, and so they argue: "This shows that we have to make up our own mind on what to believe." This is independent thinking. Why is it so dangerous?
Fight against independent thinking.
However, we do not want to be so narrow that we refuse to consider facts that can improve our thinking. How can we find the right balance? By adopting a standard with which to measure new information. Here a Christian has a source of great wisdom. He has the Bible as a sure guide for his thinking. On the one hand, his mind is open, that is, receptive to new information. He properly weighs such new information against the Bible standard and fits what is true into his pattern of thinking. On the other hand, his mind sees the danger of information that is entirely inconsistent with his Bible-based values.
"Thus the Bible is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the Bible." The Watchtower, Oct. 1, 1967. p. 587.
"From time to time, there have arisen from among the ranks of Jehovah's people those, who, like the original Satan, have adopted an independent, faultfinding attitude...They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such ‘Bible reading,' they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were teaching 100 years ago..." The Watchtower, August 15, 1981.
Use discernment: Discernment is "acuteness of judgment." It is "the power or faculty of the mind by which it distinguishes one thing from another." A person with discernment perceives subtleties of ideas or things and has good judgment.
Using discernment, we will be able to recognize those who are merely using "smooth talk and complimentary speech" in order to "seduce the hearts of guileless ones." (Romans 16:18) Discernment enables you to discard irrelevant information or misleading facts and distinguish the substance of a matter. But how can you discern when something is misleading?
"We cannot claim to love God, yet deny his word and channel of communication." The Watchtower, October 1, 1967, p. 591.
Put information to the test: "Beloved ones," said John, a first-century Christian teacher, "do not believe every inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions." (1 John 4:1) Some people today are like sponges; they soak up whatever they come across. It is all too easy to absorb whatever is around us.
Also, in the year 1918, when God destroys the churches wholesale and the church members by million, it shall be that any that escape shall come to the works of Pastor Russell to learn the meaning of the downfall of Christianity. (The Finished Mystery, 1917 edition, p. 485)
But it is far better for each individual personally to choose what he will feed his mind. It is said that we are what we eat, and this can apply to food for both the body and the mind. No matter what you are reading or watching or listening to, test to see whether it has propagandistic overtones or is truthful.
Moreover, if we want to be fair-minded, we must be willing to subject our own opinions to continual testing as we take in new information. We must realize that they are, after all, opinions. Their trustworthiness depends on the validity of our facts, on the quality of our reasoning, and on the standards or values that we choose to apply.
Ask questions: As we have seen, there are many today who would like to 'delude us with persuasive arguments.' (Colossians 2:4) Therefore, when we are presented with persuasive arguments, we should ask questions.
First, examine whether there is bias. What is the motive for the message? If the message is rife with name-calling and loaded words, why is that?
Watchtower 3/15/1986, pages 12-14
Have No Dealings With Apostates...
"If someone used to be a Jehovah's Witness, "We must hate in the truest sense, which is to regard with extreme active aversion, to consider as loathsome, odious, filthy, to detest." - Watchtower, 10/1/52, p.599
Loaded language aside, what are the merits of the message itself? Also, if possible, try to check the track record of those speaking. Are they known to speak the truth?
"Remember that the forty years' Jewish Harvest ended October A.D. 69, and was followed by the complete overthrow of that nation; and that likewise the forty years of the Gospel age harvest will end October, 1914, and that likewise the overthrow of 'Christendom,' so-called, must be expected to immediately follow." (Studies in the Scriptures, Vol. 2, p. 245)
"In view of this strong Bible evidence concerning the Times of the Gentiles, we consider it an established truth that the final end of the kingdoms of this world, and the full establishment of the kingdom of God, will be accomplished near the end of A.D. 1915. (The Time Is At Hand, 1915 edition, p. 99)
'There will be no slip-up...Abraham should enter upon the actual possession of his promised inheritance in the year 1925' (Watchtower Oct. 15, 1917, p. 6157)
"The indisputable facts, therefore, show that the "time of the end" began in 1799; that the Lord's second presence began in 1874." (The Watchtower, March 1, 1922)
If "authorities" are used, who or what are they? Why should you regard this person—or organization or publication—as having expert knowledge or trustworthy information on the subject in question?
1968 "I know enough of what is going on to assure you that, in fifteen years from today, this world is going to be too dangerous to live in." (Truth That Leads To Eternal Life, p 9, 1968 edition, Quoting USA Secretary of State Dean Acheson in 1960, [1981 edition deleted "in fifteen years from today" ie. in 1975 and added 'soon'.])
If you sense some appeal to emotions, ask yourself, 'When viewed dispassionately, what are the merits of the message?'
"The faithful and discreet slave" has published information to help handle the spiritual and emotional hurt caused by child abuse. (Matthew 24:45-47) Experience shows that the sufferer is helped if he can rely on the 'power of the Lord and the mightiness of his strength,' putting on "the complete suit of armor from God."
Do not just follow the crowd: If you realize that what everybody thinks is not necessarily correct, you can find the strength to think differently. While it may seem that all others think the same way, does this mean that you should? Popular opinion is not a reliable barometer of truth. Over the centuries all kinds of ideas have been popularly accepted, only to be proved wrong later. Yet, the inclination to go along with the crowd persists. The command given at Exodus 23:2 serves as a good principle: "You must not follow after the crowd for evil ends."
The Watchtower, August 1, 1960 Issue, Page 474:
Jehovah's witnesses, though international, are 'one heart and soul,' of the 'same mind' and the 'same line of thought.'
True Knowledge Versus Propaganda
Previously, it was mentioned that the Bible is a sure guide for clear thinking. Jehovah's Witnesses unequivocally subscribe to Jesus' statement to God: "Your word is truth." (John 17:17) This is so because God, the Author of the Bible, is "the God of truth."—Psalm 31:5.
Yes, in this age of sophisticated propaganda, we can confidently look to Jehovah's Word as the source of truth. Ultimately this will protect us from those who want to 'exploit us with counterfeit words.'—2 Peter 2:3.
The January 1, 2000 Watchtower pg 8
In the latter part of the 19th century, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., a group of sincere Bible students was organized and became the nucleus of God's modern-day witness class. These Christians drew attention to the Scriptural evidence that the conclusion of the present world system was at hand. True to Bible prophecy, this world's "conclusion" began in 1914 and was marked by the outbreak of the first world war.
Some opponents of Jehovah's Witnesses have accused them of spreading Zionist propaganda. Others have charged that the ministry of the Witnesses promotes Communism. Still others have claimed that the work of Jehovah's Witnesses promotes the ideals and interests of "American imperialism." And there are those who assert that the Witnesses are anarchists, fomenting disorder with the aim of changing the social, economic, political, or legal order. Obviously, these conflicting accusations cannot all be true.
The simple fact is that Jehovah's Witnesses are none of the above. The work of the Witnesses is carried out in faithful obedience to Jesus Christ's mandate to his disciples: "You will be witnesses of me . . . to the most distant part of the earth." (Acts 1:8) Their work focuses solely and exclusively on the good news of the heavenly Kingdom—God's instrument for bringing peace to the whole earth.—Matthew 6:10; 24:14.
Observers of Jehovah's Witnesses have found no evidence that this Christian community has ever been a force disruptive of the good order of any land.
“The greatest and the most oppressive empire on earth is the Anglo-American empire… It has been the commercial Jews of the British-American empire that have built up and carried on Big Business as a means of exploiting and oppressing the peoples of many nations… The present government of Germany has declared emphatically against Big Business oppressors and in opposition to the wrongful religious influence in the political affairs of the nation. Such is exactly our position… Instead of being against the principles advocated by the government of Germany, we stand squarely for such principles.” —1934 Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses, pp. 134-136
Many journalists, judges, and others have commented on the positive contributions that Jehovah's Witnesses have made to the communities in which they live. Consider some examples. After attending a convention of Jehovah's Witnesses, a reporter from southern Europe commented: "These are people with strong family ties, they are taught to love and to live by their conscience so as not to harm others."
Another journalist, formerly negative about the Witnesses, stated: "They live an exemplary life. They do not violate the standards of what is moral and right." A political scientist similarly remarked about the Witnesses: "They behave toward other people with profound kindness, love and gentleness."
If "authorities" are used, who or what are they? Why should you regard this person—or organization or publication—as having expert knowledge or trustworthy information on the subject in question? - HIS ARTICLE.
If you sense some appeal to emotions, ask yourself, 'When viewed dispassionately, what are the merits of the message?' - THIS ARTICLE
Jehovah's Witnesses teach the rightness of submission to authority. As law-abiding citizens, they follow Bible standards of honesty, truthfulness, and cleanliness. They build good morals into their own families, and they help others to learn how they can do the same. They live peaceably with all men, not getting involved in disruptive demonstrations or political revolutions. Jehovah's Witnesses seek to be exemplary in obeying the laws of the human superior authorities, while they wait patiently on the Supreme Authority, the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, to restore perfect peace and righteous government to this earth.
At the same time, the work of the Witnesses is educational. Using the Bible as a basis, they teach people worldwide to reason on Bible principles and thereby develop right standards of conduct and moral integrity. They promote values that improve family life and help young people cope with their peculiar challenges. They also help people to find the strength to overcome bad habits and to develop the ability to get along with others. Such a work would hardly be termed "propaganda." As The World Book Encyclopedia says, in a climate where ideas circulate freely, "propaganda differs from education."
15th April 2009 Watchtower
April 15th Watchtower 2009 (study edition)
YOUR INTEGRITY MAKES JEHOVAHS HEART REJOICE
“Be wise my son and make my heart rejoice, that I may make a reply to him that is taunting me”
Paragraph 4:
Many believe that Satan does not exist. A lot of peoples woes rests with humans themselves. Adam and Eve chose independence from their Creator. The Devil developed among imperfect, dying mankind a world system under his control.
Because Satan is the god of this system of things, human society display the same basic characteristics that he does. Pride, contentiousness, jealousy, greed, deception and rebelliousness. (2 Corinthians 4:4)
James 14-15 says “But if YOU have bitter jealousy and contentiousness in YOUR hearts, do not be bragging and lying against the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is [the] earthly, animal, demonic.
Such characteristics have lead to political and religious conflicts, hatred, corruption and disorder which contribute to man kinds misery.
Paragraph 5:
……Are we not happy to stand up for the true God Jehovah and to explain to others how he will put an end to Satan and to man kinds woes?…..
“All those desiring to live with Godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12
Okay, lets look at this tiny snippet.
Pride, contentiousness, jealousy, greed, deception and rebelliousness.
Are you proud to be a Jehovah’s Witness? Are Jehovah’s Witnesses proud and haughty in general? They label ‘Christendom’ as evil but call themselves TRUE Christians!
Contentious:
causing, involving, or characterized by argument or controversy: contentious issues.
The WTS has caused a lot of controversy and has many contentious issues. I won’t list them all now, I am sure you know many of them.
Greed: How much money do they make a year? What do they give back to society in general or even to ‘their own’ people? When claiming that the world would end (Insert any number of dates here), they were buying shares and properties…..not a lot of faith in their own predictions!
Deception: Adding and removing words from the scriptures. False prophecies. Un-scriptual teachings.
Rebelliousness: By twisting scriptures and claiming the organization is the ONLY way to salvation and by putting unity with the watchtower ABOVE the bible is rebellion against God.
“Are we not happy to stand up for the true God Jehovah and to explain to others how he will put an end to Satan and to man kinds woes?….. “ This is all well and good as long as you stick to what the scriptures teach.
James 14-15 says “But if YOU have bitter jealousy and contentiousness in YOUR hearts, do not be bragging and lying against the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is [the] earthly, animal, demonic.
Research the Watchtower a little and you will see that THEY are the ones bragging and lying against the TRUTH. As the bible says, it is demonic. Don’t believe me?
“All those desiring to live with Godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12
YOU as a Jehovah’s Witness and not one of the anointed do not have a relationship with Jesus.
“Jesus Christ is not the Mediator between Jehovah God and all mankind. He is the Mediator between his heavenly Father, Jehovah God, and the nation of spiritual Israel, which is limited to only 144,000 members.” —Worldwide Security Under the “Prince of Peace,” page 10
“Think of a legal case in which an attorney is involved… Of course, you are not in that legal case, so in that sense he is not serving as your attorney… The people of all nations… benefit even now from Jesus’ services. Though he is not their legal Mediator, for they are not in the new covenant, he is their means of approaching Jehovah.”—The Watchtower, August 15, 1989, p. 31
Now be honest and think about all those other religions. Do you feel love or hate for them? Mention ‘Catholic’ in a Kingdom Hall and watch the revoltion on peoples faces. YOU are the persecutors, not the persecuted. YOU take the Watchtower which is written by MAN and believe every word it says without ‘searching for the truth as if searching for treasure.’ When others point out that the watchtower is wrong, YOU label them as ‘Apostate’ and refuse to listen. YOU have become hard hearted and stubborn in your thinking. YOU refuse the teachings of the scriptures when they tell us to ‘not trust in every inspired expression, but put each one to the test. “
YOUR INTEGRITY MAKES JEHOVAHS HEART REJOICE
“Be wise my son and make my heart rejoice, that I may make a reply to him that is taunting me”
Paragraph 4:
Many believe that Satan does not exist. A lot of peoples woes rests with humans themselves. Adam and Eve chose independence from their Creator. The Devil developed among imperfect, dying mankind a world system under his control.
Because Satan is the god of this system of things, human society display the same basic characteristics that he does. Pride, contentiousness, jealousy, greed, deception and rebelliousness. (2 Corinthians 4:4)
James 14-15 says “But if YOU have bitter jealousy and contentiousness in YOUR hearts, do not be bragging and lying against the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is [the] earthly, animal, demonic.
Such characteristics have lead to political and religious conflicts, hatred, corruption and disorder which contribute to man kinds misery.
Paragraph 5:
……Are we not happy to stand up for the true God Jehovah and to explain to others how he will put an end to Satan and to man kinds woes?…..
“All those desiring to live with Godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12
Okay, lets look at this tiny snippet.
Pride, contentiousness, jealousy, greed, deception and rebelliousness.
Are you proud to be a Jehovah’s Witness? Are Jehovah’s Witnesses proud and haughty in general? They label ‘Christendom’ as evil but call themselves TRUE Christians!
Contentious:
causing, involving, or characterized by argument or controversy: contentious issues.
The WTS has caused a lot of controversy and has many contentious issues. I won’t list them all now, I am sure you know many of them.
Greed: How much money do they make a year? What do they give back to society in general or even to ‘their own’ people? When claiming that the world would end (Insert any number of dates here), they were buying shares and properties…..not a lot of faith in their own predictions!
Deception: Adding and removing words from the scriptures. False prophecies. Un-scriptual teachings.
Rebelliousness: By twisting scriptures and claiming the organization is the ONLY way to salvation and by putting unity with the watchtower ABOVE the bible is rebellion against God.
“Are we not happy to stand up for the true God Jehovah and to explain to others how he will put an end to Satan and to man kinds woes?….. “ This is all well and good as long as you stick to what the scriptures teach.
James 14-15 says “But if YOU have bitter jealousy and contentiousness in YOUR hearts, do not be bragging and lying against the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is [the] earthly, animal, demonic.
Research the Watchtower a little and you will see that THEY are the ones bragging and lying against the TRUTH. As the bible says, it is demonic. Don’t believe me?
“All those desiring to live with Godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted.” 2 Timothy 3:12
YOU as a Jehovah’s Witness and not one of the anointed do not have a relationship with Jesus.
“Jesus Christ is not the Mediator between Jehovah God and all mankind. He is the Mediator between his heavenly Father, Jehovah God, and the nation of spiritual Israel, which is limited to only 144,000 members.” —Worldwide Security Under the “Prince of Peace,” page 10
“Think of a legal case in which an attorney is involved… Of course, you are not in that legal case, so in that sense he is not serving as your attorney… The people of all nations… benefit even now from Jesus’ services. Though he is not their legal Mediator, for they are not in the new covenant, he is their means of approaching Jehovah.”—The Watchtower, August 15, 1989, p. 31
Now be honest and think about all those other religions. Do you feel love or hate for them? Mention ‘Catholic’ in a Kingdom Hall and watch the revoltion on peoples faces. YOU are the persecutors, not the persecuted. YOU take the Watchtower which is written by MAN and believe every word it says without ‘searching for the truth as if searching for treasure.’ When others point out that the watchtower is wrong, YOU label them as ‘Apostate’ and refuse to listen. YOU have become hard hearted and stubborn in your thinking. YOU refuse the teachings of the scriptures when they tell us to ‘not trust in every inspired expression, but put each one to the test. “
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