If sincerity and zeal
alone determined what is Truth, then the "Jehovah's Witnesses," would have an
argument almost second to none, in favor of its teaching. Its publishing organization has
flooded the world with a succession of leaflets, pamphlets and books proclaiming its
doctrines; its members are untiring in their proselytising zeal, supplementing these
public appeals by voluntary donations and goodwill.
All this would be
very commendable if the things preached were in accordance with Divine Truth, but if not,
the words of the Master apply:
"If the light
that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness" (Matt. 6: 23).
Something more than
sincerity, and zeal, and proselytizing fervor is required in the things of God and that is
a mind disciplined to seek and accept the truths of His Word. Paul shows, in 1 Corinthians
15:14 that it is possible to be found "false witnesses of God." He spoke of some
who had -
"a zeal of God,
but not according to knowledge" (Rom. 10: 2).
These "compassed
sea and land to make one prosleyte" only to lead him into greater error (Matt.
23:15). Unfortunately, as we shall show, the energy of "Jehovah's Witnesses" has
been harnessed to error, and not truth.
"Jehovah's
Witnesses" have never hesitated to hold up the failings of others for all the world
to see, and to classify the world's denominations as part of "Satan's
organization." A group that so roughly handles the opinions and teachings of others
must, itself, be prepared to have its own ideas ruthlessly examined. If they are firmly
based upon the Rock of Truth, it has nothing to fear; but if not, its members are well
advised to do what they of Berea are reported to have done when the Apostles preached to
them the truth in Christ Jesus:
"They searched
the Scriptures, whether those things were so" (Acts 17: 11).
To quote the
Watchtower itself:
"The
Watchtower... invites careful and critical examination of its contents in the light of the
Scriptures." - Watchtower August 15, 1950 p. 263
Yet, sad to say, this
very journal reveals that Jehovah's Witnesses are exempt from such examination. That
questioning their beliefs and practices is akin to treason, independent thinking, and a
subtle design of the Devil. [See
Watchtower "Exposing the Devil's Subtle Designs" 01/15/83 p. 22] Why? Because many passages from the Bible
are quoted therein, but many are either quoted out of context, or are misapplied in order
to conform to their teachings.
A faulty use of
Scripture must result in instability of doctrine, and though Truth does not vary with
time, it is significant that the doctrines of the "Watchtower" have been
constantly revised. An example of this is found in the subject of the restoration of the
Jews to Israel. C. T. Russell the founder and first president of the Watch Tower Bible and
Tract Society, taught that the Jews must return in fulfilment of prophecy. His teaching
was followed by J.F. Rutherford for some time, but later, changed his mind upon this
subject, and today the "Jehovah's Witnesses" repudiate the very ideas they then
set forth before millions of people as truth!
Meanwhile, the Jews
have and still are returning to the land in fulfilment of prophecy, as the Bible from the
very beginning maintained they must (Jer. 31: 10, Ezek. 36: 22-24; 37: 21-22). Yet this
truth, now vindicated by events, is vigorously opposed by Jehovah's Witnesses. We believe
that if members of this organization were to carefully examine their teachings, without
bias, in the light of Scripture, they would see the need to considerably amend many of
their doctrines.
Among the tenets
promulgated by the "Jehovah's Witnesses" are some that are true, false, peculiar
to them alone, and some that have been borrowed from other religious systems.
They are most
outspoken against Roman Catholicism, and yet they cling to some of the teaching of that
system.
The reader will
understand that it is impossible for us to thoroughly examine all the beliefs propagated
by the "Jehovah's Witnesses" through their various legal entities [e.g.
Watchtower Bible and Tract Society] within the compass of this short article. We propose
to comment upon a few of those peculiar to them, as our space permits, recognising that
much more could be said upon those we touch upon, as well as other matters, if we had more
space at our disposal.
We ask the reader to
bear with us in this, and (particularly if they are a member of the "Jehovah's
Witnesses" to give the evidence we submit thier candid and unbiased consideration.
We pray this site and
its contents may be, not only an "eye-opener", but a blessing, in revealing to
you God Plan of the Ages. A Plan that will involve every man, women and child ... a Plan
that involves YOU!
