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 proselytizing 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 proselyte” 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, recognizing 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 their 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!