The primary reason why the Watchtower Society should be closely investigated is because of their self-proclaimed position as being the one and only true religion on earth today. They have said:
"Consider, too, the fact that Jehovah's organization alone, in all the earth, is directed by God's holy spirit or active force. Only this organization functions for Jehovah's purpose and to his praise. To it alone God's Sacred Word, the Bible, is not a sealed book." - WT 7-1-73, p.402"It is only logical that there would be one true religion...We do not hesitate to say that they are Jehovah's Witnesses." - You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, 1982, p.190
Because the Watchtower Society has placed itself in this exceptional position, we must follow their own reasoning for the necessity for closer scrutiny of their teachings, history and practices. In the AWAKE! issue of August 22, 1984 p.28, it says:
"The Catholic Church occupies a very significant position in the world and claims to be the way of salvation for hundreds of millions of people. Any organization that assumes that position should be willing to submit to scrutiny and criticism."
It is important to note, however, that when a Jehovah's Witness is criticized by another person for a particular organizational teaching or confronted with controversial and documented facts that make the Society appear questionable, then that person is labeled an "opposer" or "quarrelsome," and thus gets ignored.
This attitude is quite contrary to what the Society openly proclaimed in the earlier days of its history. Its second president, Joseph Rutherford claimed:
"If the message the Jehovah's Witnesses are bringing to the people is true, then it is of greatest importance to mankind. If it is false, then it is the duty of the clergymen and others who support them to come boldly forward and plainly tell the people wherein the message is false." Golden Age, 1-18-33, p.252
Furthermore, the Society gives permission to the general public to not only examine the Watchtower Society but their own religious affiliations as well. In doing so, they believe that it is the proper and responsible thing to do. They have said:
"it is not religious persecution for an informed person to expose publicly a certain religion as being false, thus allowing persons to see the difference between false religion and true religion." WT 11-15-63 p.688"We need to examine not only what we personally believe but also what is taught by any religious organization with which we may be associated. Are its teachings in full harmony with God's Word, or are they based on the traditions of men?" The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, 1968, p. 13
"What happens when a lie is let go unchallenged? Does not silence help the lie to pass as truth, to have freer sway to influence many, perhaps to their serious harm? When persons are in great danger from a source that they do not suspect or are being misled by those they consider their friends, is it an unkindness to war them? They may prefer not to believe the warning. They may even resent it. But does that free one from the moral responsibility to give that warning?" WT 1-15-74 p.35
Jesus and His disciples did this exactly during the days of Jesus' earthly ministry. The Witnesses recognize this important truth also when they claimed:
"Why did Jesus publicly criticize religious men who claimed to serve the same God He proclaimed?...Jesus' disciples also called attention to religious error...these first-century Christians exposed deviations from true Christianity by ones professing to be Christians... As with Jesus, the motive behind the criticism was good - so the disciples were being Christian - not unchristian - in pointing out religious error.My Opinion:
Consequently, is it unchristian to day to offer Bible-based comments about another's religion? The Scriptural answer must be - No...criticism based on God's Word should be carefully considered, for it can bring real benefits." AWAKE! 11-22-74 p.28
Do YOU think that a person should examine not only the teachings but also the history of any religious organization before deciding if it is the truth?
In this examination, what would some of the things to look for? Important criteria to be wary of could be:
1.A pattern of deception
2.Unfulfilled prophecies
3.Doctrinal changes
4.Hiding any information
5.Difficulty in accessing the older writings of the religious organization.
My Opinion:
I believe in a God of truth and honesty and that He would honor such a search for truth. I also believe in the necessity to get information from both sides of an issue. It is only in this sense that an informed evaluation could be made. It is imperative that I am assured of the reliability and trustworthiness of a church or an organization before I allow it to teach me about the Bible. It is not important WHO you study the Bible with but HOW the Bible is studied!
AN OPEN OR A CLOSED MIND
The Society has claimed:
- WHICH DO YOU HAVE?
"A necessary part of life is that we make decisions and reach judgments. But decisions made "without due examination" or judgments reached "on other grounds than reason or justice" are evidences of a closed mind.
Having an open mind, on the other hand, means to be receptive to new information and ideas. It means being willing to examine and evaluate information without a biased attitude. By retaining what is worthwhile and rejecting what is worthless, we can reach definite conclusions on a solid basis and still leave our minds open to further revision should additional information become available at a future time. He who feels he has learned it all can be sure that this attitude will prevent him from ever learning more." AWAKE! 11-22-84 pp. 3,4
Do YOU agree with this?