Any questions about the Jehovah's witness faith?

[capumetu]

How important is the WatchTower magazine in relation to the bible?

Hello again maam, thanks ever so much for your questions. One of the signs of the last days is Jesus providing a faithful slave to provide food for his sheep until his return. We believe the Watchtower magazine is this primary food. The Bible is complete, but the food the faithful slave supplies is the understanding and application of scripture. The magazine's primary goal is to Announce Jehovah's Kingdom.

Does JW organization teach to use scripture citations for all religious christian discussions?

Yes maam, we refer to scriptural passages frequently.

To JW (and from their point of view rather than scripture references), what is god? An entity? A spirit/ghost? A force? Something invisible? A feeling? and how does this differ than other christian denominations?
Jesus said at Mat 4:24, God is a spirit, and to be worshiped. He has no beginning (yes I realize that is impossible to understand) as well as no end. Everything came into existence through Him.

Does what JW most value on earth at less importance than what they value of their faith?
I am not sure I fully understand what is being asked here. Jesus saidLuke 18:22) “There is still one thing lacking about you: Sell all the things you have and distribute the proceeds to the poor, and you will have treasure in the heavens; and come be my follower.. . . as well as the illustration about the fine pearl that the individual gave all he had to get it.
We try our best to place Jehovah first, Others second, and Yourself last, (our definition of JOY).

Is it possible in JW tradition to evangelize christ by letting how they live and what they do draw people to christ without needing a verbal introduction? (Pioneer by example not by speech)

yes it is maam, especially to family members who are opposed, conduct of individuals do soften hearts, perhaps you have yourself noticed people who go to church on Sunday, but do not live the faith the rest of the week. You realize they are hypocrites, and no one wants to have any part of it. By living the faith, some are drawn to it.

Thanks ever so much for your sincere questions. I hope I have helped you to understand us better.

 

[capumetu]

Does it bother you that the vast majority of JW, here and elsewhere, will say you're not actually a JW because your self-admitted disfellowshipped for apostate status?

Yes maam it does. It hurts me deeply. My faith is for all to see in writing. Jesus stated very clearly that we can be identified by our fruits. If a brother or sister seen me out of line, I would welcome it being pointed out to me, and in fact it is their responsibility. I forgive them openly however, as disfellowshipping is from God, if it is done righteously. Keep in mind Jesus himself was tried and convicted by the Sanhedrin, the highest authority of God's people in that day. Imagine where the Christian faith would be today if all refused to associate with him.

I am a sinner maam, Jesus was certainly not, but one thing I am is a very dedicated servant of my God Jehovah. I have not left the faith, nor have any intention of doing so. Throughout history this has happened to some of us, Job is an excellent example for me. One day Jehovah will make it right, but I will not leave Him for what others do to me.

I hope this answered your question satisfactorily.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

yes it is maam, especially to family members who are opposed, conduct of individuals do soften hearts, perhaps you have yourself noticed people who go to church on Sunday, but do not live the faith the rest of the week. You realize they are hypocrites, and no one wants to have any part of it. By living the faith, some are drawn to it.

Thanks ever so much for your sincere questions. I hope I have helped you to understand us better.

What do you gain in spiritual knowledge of seeing other followers as hypocrites?

That's a huge generalization you're making of people's relationship with god.

Also. How does the WatchTower sit beside the bible? Is it needed?

 

[capumetu]

How do you put up with the false prophecy in the NWT bible?

For example what about Daniel 9:26,
"And after the 62 weeks, Mes·siʹah will be cut off,*+ with nothing for himself.+“And the people of a leader who is coming will destroy the city and the holy place.+ And its end will be by the flood."(NWT)

But wasn't the city of Jerusalem destroyed by fire and not by flood?

Great question sir for sure. We teach that it was a flood of Roman Legionnaires and not a literal flood of water. Although confusing right after that part it shows that war will continue to it's end. As you stated it was completely devastated by the Roman armies, and not flooded by water. So the Bible is either in error, or it stood for something else.

 

[capumetu]

What do you gain in spiritual knowledge of seeing other followers as hypocrites?
Incentive to not follow their example.

That's a huge generalization you're making of people's relationship with god.
There are 2 real Gods maam, Jehovah and satan, you are with one of the other, no one is exempt.


Also. How does the WatchTower sit beside the bible? Is it needed?

The watchtower is the primary spiritual food of the faithful slave to the sheep.

 

[Love God]

Why should anyone care about how you and your fellow JWs have chosen to perceive God and your place in the world?

I'm not trying to be insulting, but your post implies that we would be, and I'm puzzled by that. Why do you assume that we would assume your views on God and existence are worthy of our inquiry. Are our views on such worthy of your inquiry? I am a non-religious (philosophical) taoist/Christian. Are you feeling inspired to know more about this? Should you be?

Anyway, welcome to 'crazy parade'.

Lol.
Very amusing post!

Most people are all emotionally wrapped up in their beliefs.
Making true discussion difficult because tough questions send most to run into the ‘I am offended category’. Therefore shutting down any dialogue...

With that being said, I would love to understand how one mixes Taoism/Christianity?
Jesus claims absolute truth.
He claims to be God and one with God.

How do you reconcile Jesus’s truth claims with yin and yang?

I am also wondering if you have ever read the entire bible?

Truth. Who has it? Where can we find (absolute) truth? How can we know for certain (absolute) truth?

So, Yes. Your views are totally worth inquiry! How does one get understanding if all sides are not known?

Joy




“Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered,
Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world,

that I should bear witness unto the truth.

Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”
‭‭John‬ ‭18:37‬ ‭KJV‬‬


6. Belief in Deity
Taoists believe that the supreme being (ultimate truth) is beyond words or any conceptual understanding but they name it’s (sic) as the Tao or the Way. The power of this way is referred as the Te. These Tao and Te are the central concepts of Taoism. Tao is described as the divine way of the universe. Te is the power of Tao and it is the power to bring Tao into realization. It includes the belief that human interference can be damaging.
quoted from: mysticalbee.com

 

[capumetu]

I was thinking when I enter a conversation with someone about god, I usually don't expect verses (unless I'm in a study session or so have you). What it does is assume that if someone believes in god they have the same line of reasoning as you and other people do. On RF it may exchange into a debate because walking in the door when someone opens the opportunity also invites huge disagreements since majority of people aren't Jehovah's Witnesses. There's a backlash especially when either party are not interested in the other person's point of view or faith even. How would you respectfully learn and approach someone who believes in a non-christian god?
Thankfully I have only run into a few over time. If any interest is shown, I try to learn something about their faith, and build on that.


How would you approach and learn from a Catholic? If a person rejects us but states they are Catholic, then I reply that I know that Catholics believe in God, and they believe the Bible is God's word. Most of the time the conversation will continue.

How would you approach someone who is gay?
If I was in the ministry at the time, the very same way as I approach anyone else.


These questions can draw the line with strangers between someone who is genuinely interested in what you (JW) have to say and the verse quoting is like throwing "arrows" to hit a goal. Instead, it's easier to learn from the other person "without" means to pioneer. It also helps to set the bible aside to talk in your own words.

Our primary goal with others it to put the words of the Bible on their heart, not set it aside.

 

[Unveiled Artist]

The watchtower is the primary spiritual food of the faithful slave to the sheep.

Over the Bible or equal to?

 

[Love God]

I am one of Jehovah's witnesses, just recently started posting here, am still learning how this site works, so I apologize if I am not quick on the response. I will answer all questions about my faith to the best of my ability, and I monitor this site every morning. Feel free to be honest, I do not get offended.

For me personally, I look for key words an individual may say which will open the opportunity. Many times when conversing with people you do not know, they will mention church, or God, or a religious topic, which allows me to incorporate a couple of Bible passages into the conversation. Usually it is easy to see their interest.

If I initiate a conversation, usually with someone I have had multiple contacts with but generally do not know them well, I simply ask if they believe in God, most every time that strikes up a conversation.

A pioneer is one who dedicates a large amount of hours in the ministry each month, most of us do not pioneer.

The salvation of an individual is based on their relationship with God, and Jesus gave the assignment to teach all the things he commanded, Mat 28:20, so all Christians become his disciples, and we have the goal of completing that assignment, Mat 24:14. I posted this thread, to reach new ones who are curious about our faith.

Thank you much for you question, I hope that I have helped.

The first step of everlasting life is found at Jn 17:3, which shows we have to come to know God. One of the first things you learn about someone you have a relationship with is their name. Many have heard God's name, but most cannot say it when asked, so to finish today I would like to leave you with a passage where in most Bible versions you can find God's name: (Psalm 83:18) . . .May people know that you, whose name is Jehovah, You alone are the Most High over all the earth. . .


Thanks again for the opportunity to speak with you

What is the difference of the ‘kingdom of God’ (My 6:33) and the ‘kingdom of heaven’ (Mt 3:2)?
Which kingdom are the JW’s building?

Why did Jesus say this:

“And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying,
Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
But he answered and said,
I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭15:22-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Joy

 

[Unveiled Artist]

Our primary goal with others it to put the words of the Bible on their heart, not set it aside.

Is there a way to do this with your actions and example?

If jesus came to me and said come to my god, it wouldn't mean anything. If he showed by example without needing to say anything, people may be more inquisitive and show interest. I'm sure there are other ways to protesylize?

 

[metis]

Yes maam it does. It hurts me deeply. My faith is for all to see in writing. Jesus stated very clearly that we can be identified by our fruits. If a brother or sister seen me out of line, I would welcome it being pointed out to me, and in fact it is their responsibility. I forgive them openly however, as disfellowshipping is from God, if it is done righteously. Keep in mind Jesus himself was tried and convicted by the Sanhedrin, the highest authority of God's people in that day. Imagine where the Christian faith would be today if all refused to associate with him.

I am a sinner maam, Jesus was certainly not, but one thing I am is a very dedicated servant of my God Jehovah. I have not left the faith, nor have any intention of doing so. Throughout history this has happened to some of us, Job is an excellent example for me. One day Jehovah will make it right, but I will not leave Him for what others do to me.

I hope this answered your question satisfactorily.

Do you mind if I ask why you were disfellowshipped? I'm not looking for any juicy scandal admission but am wondering if it was done to you because maybe you went against the Governing Body on something theological.

 

[idea]

I am one of Jehovah's witnesses, just recently started posting here, am still learning how this site works, so I apologize if I am not quick on the response. I will answer all questions about my faith to the best of my ability, and I monitor this site every morning. Feel free to be honest, I do not get offended.

Do you know anyone who has left the JW faith? How were they treated?

 

[idea]

Is there a way to do this with your actions and example?

If jesus came to me and said come to my god, it wouldn't mean anything. If he showed by example without needing to say anything, people may be more inquisitive and show interest. I'm sure there are other ways to protesylize?

I once invited a couple of JW missionaries to come help distribute food with us, and they refused. I hope all JW's are not like this, but it is always confusing to me, to find religious people who spend more time studying scriptures than doing things like feeding the hungry

 

[idea]

Yes maam it does. It hurts me deeply. My faith is for all to see in writing. Jesus stated very clearly that we can be identified by our fruits. If a brother or sister seen me out of line, I would welcome it being pointed out to me, and in fact it is their responsibility. I forgive them openly however, as disfellowshipping is from God, if it is done righteously. Keep in mind Jesus himself was tried and convicted by the Sanhedrin, the highest authority of God's people in that day. Imagine where the Christian faith would be today if all refused to associate with him.

I am a sinner maam, Jesus was certainly not, but one thing I am is a very dedicated servant of my God Jehovah. I have not left the faith, nor have any intention of doing so. Throughout history this has happened to some of us, Job is an excellent example for me. One day Jehovah will make it right, but I will not leave Him for what others do to me.

I hope this answered your question satisfactorily.

My parents belong to the "Bible Students" - see Bible Student movement - Wikipedia

There are a few ex-JW's who meet with them. There are small, close-knit groups all over the world. If you would appreciate a supportive group, you might like them: International Bible Students - Official Website - Contact the Bible Students

 

[firedragon]

I am one of Jehovah's witnesses, just recently started posting here, am still learning how this site works, so I apologize if I am not quick on the response. I will answer all questions about my faith to the best of my ability, and I monitor this site every morning. Feel free to be honest, I do not get offended.

Great. Who wrote the book of Hebrews?

 

[PureX]

Lol.
Very amusing post!

I would love to understand how one mixes Taoism/Christianity?

I have responded on a thread entitled "PureX Answers Some Questions".

I don't want to derail this thread.

 

[viole]

I am one of Jehovah's witnesses, just recently started posting here, am still learning how this site works, so I apologize if I am not quick on the response. I will answer all questions about my faith to the best of my ability, and I monitor this site every morning. Feel free to be honest, I do not get offended.

Direct question then.

Suppose you have a child and she is very sick. Would you let your child die if the only cure were a blood transfusion?

ciao

- viole

 

[Deeje]

What is the difference of the ‘kingdom of God’ (My 6:33) and the ‘kingdom of heaven’ (Mt 3:2)?
Which kingdom are the JW’s building?

Jesus did not differentiate between them, so for us they mean the same thing. In Matthew 3:2 John the Baptist was preaching repentance because the ministry of Christ was about to begin. Jesus was the appointed King of God’s Kingdom.....so opportunity to secure a place in that Kingdom meant being in a repentant state in order to be receptive to Jesus’ teachings.

In Matthew 6:33 we are urged to “seek first the Kingdom” because if we do, all the necessary things mentioned in the previous verses will come as a result of God’s blessing.

What do you believe God’s Kingdom to be? I believe that it is important to understand that first.

Why did Jesus say this:

“And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto him, saying,
Have mercy on me, O Lord, thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil.
But he answered her not a word. And his disciples came and besought him, saying, Send her away; for she crieth after us.
But he answered and said,
I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭15:22-24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The woman was not Jewish and Jesus was sent only to the “lost sheep of the house of Israel”. To fulfill his promise to Abraham, God sent Jesus to give the Jewish people first opportunity to become “kings and priests” with him in the heavenly kingdom. (Revelation 20:6) As prophesied, a ”remnant” of the Jewish nation responded and became parties to the “new covenant”.

The woman was initially ignored, but her persistence demonstrated the strength of her faith, so Jesus made an exception of her and healed her daughter. (Matthew 15: 28)

 

[Clara Tea]

How do you put up with the false prophecy in the NWT bible?

For example what about Daniel 9:26,
"And after the 62 weeks, Mes·siʹah will be cut off,*+ with nothing for himself.

Are you saying that Jesus still had something for himself while nailed to a cross with a spear wound in his belly? What was that?

 

[Clara Tea]

All those of courtesy and faith warmly welcome you to the Religious Forum where your ideas and practices are accepted and where we can share to gain a greater understanding.

Psychics predicted that these are the end times.

In the end times, according to Revelation (in the bible), God will vent his wrath upon the world, eventually eliminating all life. These end times, according to Revelation (bible), start when two foul demons from the smokey depths of the bottomless pit of hell ascend to earth (their names are the dragon and the beast), and attacked Babylon, Iraq.

To atheists, such end time predictions are mere coincidences, and God's miracles don't exist.

God makes his miracles seem as though they were made by acts of man, but we know that they are divinely predicted. For example, the war in Iraq would appear, to atheists, as a human president responding to a terrorist attack from the al Qaeda (911 attack), and the human president would appear to be rash and hot headed and insist that justification for the war would be found once the nation is defeated (after killing a million innocent Iraqis, killing the leader of Iraq, killing the two sons of the leader of Iraq, and creating torture camps like Guantanamo around the world, not just in Cuba).

But, to those of faith, the faithlessness of President George W. Bush was obvious. W. Bush defied God and believed that he had to intervene to fight terrorism. W. Bush ignored God's commandment not to kill, and ignored the dire predictions in Revelation (such as Revelation 15 (7 plagues including COVID) which were God's wrath for attacking Iraq.

The world is in a sorry state now that God has vented his wrath. Eden (where Adam and Eve were) is located in Iraq between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, and now that hallowed ground has bomb craters and tank tracks. Shards of pottery in hallowed Eden are not ground up by a war that God commanded us not to have. Russia, France, Italy, and even the pope had urged President W. Bush not to attack Iraq (the pope, issuing a strongly worded See to the United States, knowing full well that President George W. Bush would be identifying himself as a demon from hell if he attacked it).

Atheists think that mankind's influence on Global Warming is making it worse. Those of faith know that when one defies God, and destroys one of God's greatest creations (nature/environment), it is God's predictions that will come true. God let us know that we were not supposed to elect a person who would ignore the Global Warming issue, because that would bring on environmental catastrophe.

The way God's miracles work is that God sees the future, and he knows that if we attack Iraq, that will have consequences unforeseen by mankind, but God knows the future and knows exactly what to expect. God knows that by electing the man who attacked Iraq, we would also be electing the man who would destroy God's environment, and bring on economic collapse of the richest nation of the world, and ignore the homeless, and allow plagues (COVID), and allow pestilence (giant Asian killer hornets, for example).

Many religions around the world had exactly the same end time prophecies that all occurred at the same time. The Mayan calendar ends soon because the dragon will end the world in their religion.

Just before the last war in Iraq, the world's best psychics got together on the internet with dire predictions of these end times (that we now live with). Their warnings not to attack Iraq went unheeded. Fear and deception (generated by Satan) drowned out the divinely inspired words of God.

Does your religion predict the same?