My Jehovah’s Witness neighbor and I have been meeting weekly for more than a year now. We still aren’t even halfway through the little book she gave me last February, because many of the questions I ask force us to do additional studying. And debating. We often reach a point where one of us says to the other, “We’ll just have to agree to disagree about that.” (Click on the image for a close-up of the kinds of points we debate.)
Throughout this year of discussion, study, and getting to know my neighbor, I have become aware of some distinct advantages Jehovah’s Witnesses have over Christians:
1. They know their Bible.
Jehovah’s Witnesses are very familiar with the Bible—at least they seem to be. During the 90 minutes I spend with my neighbor each week, we bounce around from book to book, from the gospels to the minor prophets, from an isolated verse in a Psalm to a partial quote from an angel in Revelation. Sometimes I’m reminded of a game my Sunday School class used to play, where the teacher announced a reference, and the whole class raced to see who could look it up first!
Bad news: Christians don’t have as much experience navigating their way through the Scriptures as Jehovah’s Witnesses do, and this puts us at a disadvantage. (See “3 Reasons Christians Don’t Read the Bible.”)
Good news: Bible hopping is not the same thing as Bible comprehension. My neighbor certainly knows her way around the Scriptures, but often the verses she directs me to are short clips—not even full sentences. When I point out that the greater context is actually making a different point, she sometimes concludes that she needs to study that more and get back to me.
2. They practice evangelism.
A few years ago I was in Mexico interviewing an evangelical church planter. He told me, “Something we pray for all our new converts is that they will have the head of a Calvinist, the heart of a Pentecostal, and the legs of a Jehovah’s Witness!” Jehovah’s Witnesses have earned an international reputation for going door-to-door, sharing their beliefs. (In fact, my meetings with my neighbor began because she came to me, not because I went to her.) They begin in grammar school, and they are expected to continue the practice in the face of rejection, inclement weather, busy schedules, and questionable results. It’s part of their culture.
Bad news: Christians tend to leave evangelism (and other important faith exercises) to “the professionals”—ordained clergy, paid staff, or people with “the gift” of evangelism. Most of us don’t get the practice we need to become better at talking about God.
Good news: Jehovah’s Witnesses are willing to come to us! The next time a pair of well-dressed strangers knocks at your door, assume that God sent them to you, and be willing to welcome them in so you can study His Word together. (But make sure you are prayed up and studied up for this. It’s not an easy assignment.)
3. They are unified and isolated.
There are no different “denominations” within Jehovah’s Witnesses. All their doctrines come from a Governing Body of seven men who publish and distribute teachings via the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. The Governing Body is considered God’s spokesman, so disagreeing with—or even questioning—their proclamations can put a Jehovah’s Witness at risk of investigation and possible disfellowshipping. The resulting unity of beliefs tends to create an “us vs. them” sense of righteousness. In fact, some of my conversations with my neighbor have made me wonder if the Governing Body exalts certain issues to the level of “doctrine” only to give adherents another way to be different from most other religions! For example:
- Jesus was crucified on a “torture stake,” not a cross.
- Holidays should not be celebrated.
- Birthdays should not be celebrated. (Why? Because the two mentioned in the Bible were occasions for bad things—Genesis 40:20–22 and Matthew 14:6–10.)
- Blood transfusions are forbidden. (No, wait, God’s spokesman changed its teaching on this!)
Bad news: It can be difficult to engage in thoughtful dialog with a Jehovah’s Witness because they are indoctrinated against even considering other ways of looking at things. And it can be easy to get drawn into arguments about non-essentials.
Good news: I ask questions because I genuinely want to know the answers. And I think my neighbor appreciates my curiosity. Maybe my questions will inspire her to be more curious too.
What do you think?
Am I right in thinking that Jehovah’s Witnesses have the advantage over Christians?
Are there any advantages that Christians have?
*Throughout this post, when I use the term “Christians,” I am referring to people who believe Jesus Christ is God. Jehovah’s Witnesses also refer to themselves as Christians, but they believe that Jesus Christ is “a” god.
Jehovah’s Witnesses proselytizing is a false Gospel. (Gal. 1:8)
Straight up doctrinal facts on Jehovah Witness.
The Jehovah’s Witnesses teach preach that Jesus had his return aka second coming October 1914,then they spin all sorts of doctrinal embellishments on that date with 1918 being their appointment by Jesus as sole heirs of this 1914 Kingdom coming.
They have infighting,crime and child abuse as bad as any church out there.
Have a deadly dogma prohibiting whole blood transfusion but use cow’s blood calling it *Hemopure*.
They teach only 144,000 go to heaven,on and on and on with made up man made dogmas……JW are a spin-off of the second adventist and have this in common with the SDA.
Jehovah’s Witnesses promotion of their Watchtower sect has the net effect of stumbling and turning people off to the real Gospel.
Jesus said: “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte; and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves” (Matt 23:15)
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Danny Haszard born 3rd generation Jehovah’s Witness
*Tell the truth don’t be afraid*
Thanks for sharing this, Danny. For me, it’s helpful to remember that the average Jehovah’s Witness is not an enemy but a victim. I never pray “against” my neighbor; I pray for her eyes to be opened. In fact, I pray some of the same things for her that she prays for me!—that by studying God’s Word we will come to know the truth and the truth will set us free (John 8:32).
But I do think the verse you quote from Matthew does apply to the Watch Tower and the Governing Body.
We have very few Jehovah’s Witnesses in my community, but we have several proselytizers who have been taught falsely.
Your prayer for your neighbor is one I use frequently for people who bring material to the print shop where I work. Because I set type, I see what they are teaching. It pains me to have to set type with things I know to be even a few degrees off plumb.
A half a truth is the whole of a lie. So as I work, I pray that the false be made invisible and only the true be read and understood.
That’s a beautiful prayer, Judith!
Well I often minister in my work environment.
I am a hairstylist, I happen to be Melanie’s Hairstylist.
I often have people who are struggling with many types of
concerns and I always try to take them to a place of remembering
that there is a higher power. Maybe that is Buddha, Jesus Christ, God,
and yes Jehova. I believe in these troubling times that we must all find and trust in a higher power. It simply brings hope that all is not bad and that someone is taking care you if you will allow them into your heart and soul.
Doyle, I think there is something very Jesus-like about the way you run your business. You meet people where they are, and you help them get closer to where they want to be. They feel accepted, not judged, and that helps them accept what you have to say—whether it’s about a “higher power” or their hair needs!
You define “Christian” your way and not God’s. Then you write a completely biased article using that incorrect definition.
Evangelism is not an option for a true Christian.
Unity is a mark of the TRUE religion…. Even Jesus prayed to Jehovah that his disciples would be “in Union” with the Father Jehovah. Disunity would be a sign of a FALSE religion.
“Isolated” as you put it is also a mark of the true religion. Jesus said TRUE Christians would be “no part of the World”…. Try doing that without being “isolated”
It may appear to you as “Bible Hopping”… but to a reader and STUDENT of the scriptures it would not appear so… since we ALREADY understand the context we are sharing. and yes.. that would put YOU… as a “So-called Christian” at a disadvantage when it comes to comprehension.
Librarian, I’m not sure why you are offended that my article is biased. Of course it is biased—it is my blog, written from my perspective about my experiences. It is just as biased as your “JW News and Archive,” where you appear to share only the Jehovah’s Witness perspective. To visit my site and then complain that it’s not like yours is a little ungracious. Most of the visitors who comment on my posts are respectful—to me and to each other—even when they disagree. I ask the same from you.
Now, to respond, respectfully, to your other points…
God doesn’t actually give a definition of the word “Christian” in the Bible. The Bible simply says that the disciples were first called Christians at Antioch (Acts 11:26). Since the disciples were people who worshipped Jesus as God (John 20:28, for example), and shared His teachings with others as He commanded them to (Matthew 28:19), that’s how I identify Christians too.
I’m not sure what point you are making when you say, “Evangelism is not an option for a true Christian.” Would I be correct in assuming that you believe only JWs are true Christians because JWs have such a commitment to going door to door? I have a couple thoughts about that: (1) It’s probably more accurate to say that “disciple-making” is not an option for Christians, since that is what Jesus commanded His disciples to do. (2) Jesus did not prescribe a specific method of disciple-making. In fact, His command in Matthew 28:19 is more accurately understood, “Wherever you go in the world, as you are going, make disciples.”
Jesus did pray that all His disciples would be one (John 17). He also teaches that there will be diversity within this unity (Revelation 7:9). But He does not encourage them to isolate themselves from the world—quite the opposite! In the same John 17 prayer, Jesus says, “My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one” (verse 15).
What becomes clear to me as my neighbor hops around the Bible is that she is NOT a student of the Scriptures. She may be a student of many other books that talk ABOUT the Bible, but my guess is she hasn’t spent much time simply reading the Bible, a book or even a chapter at a time. In fact, I have suggested that we do this together, but at the moment she is more committed to finishing the human-authored booklet we began studying more than a year ago. But she has expressed some openness to the idea of reading and discussing one whole Bible book together at some future date, so I look forward to that.
Hello, Melanie.
As a Witness, I think I understand why Librarian wrote the way they did. Not that I’m condoning it; Librarian’s tone was harsh, I admit. But you say you’ve studied “more than a year,” and it seems that you haven’t accepted many of the Bible’s teachings.
Do you still believe in “Hellfire,” then? Or what do you believe now about Jehovah’s purpose for the Earth?
I see you still believe in the Trinity; or, at least, that Jesus is God, mentioning John 20:28. Was Phillip really calling Jesus, his God? Or would he have agreed with Jesus’ previous words, in verse 17? You know, most of Christendom believes that Jesus is God. Is it really wise to agree with the teachings of an organization that has taken part in the world’s wars, not only killing others, but even their OWN BROTHERS?!
You need God’s spirit and blessing to understand the Scriptures; to obtain these, you have to be obedient. Christendom has not been faithful! This should call into question their entire belief structure.
Does the sister, studying with you, know you feel this way, and wrote this? Really, in studying the Bible, we need to be honest, hungry, and especially, humble (= willing to change our viewpoint, to match Jehovah’s.)
Take care.
Greetings, HopingForParadise, thanks for stopping by and contributing to the conversation!
Although, to be honest, I’m not sure it’s really “conversation” you want. Conversation implies a willingness to listen as well as speak, with a hope of understanding one another. But I feel like, behind your questions, you are poised to pounce on me with a diatribe about why I’m wrong and you’re right. (“Ah ha! So you believe in hellfire! Clearly you are ignorant and misled—you have not attained the enlightenment that we Witnesses have, you poor fool. Just as I thought!”) Am I misinterpreting you? If so, I apologize. Your checklist of “true beliefs”—hellfire, purpose for the earth, Trinity—makes it sound like you think you already know what I believe.
I agree that God’s Spirit enables us to understand God’s Word. And I believe that God grants understanding to anyone who asks. (Matthew 7:7–8) Do you believe that too?
Yes, the sister I was studying with does know how I feel and what I believe. Through our years of studying together, we gained a respect for each other and a real friendship, even though there are many things we disagree about. She still remains unwilling to study only the Bible, without another book as a guide, but I remain hopeful that one day she will humble herself and allow Jehovah to speak directly to her through His Word.
If you are ever interested in reviewing some of the notes I put together as a result of studying with my neighbor, I would be happy to share them with you. You probably will not agree with the conclusions I arrived at, but maybe you would be reassured to know that it’s not for lack of study! Email me at [email protected] if you’d like to see what I mean.
Dear Melanie,
Thanks for replying so quickly!
I’m very sorry if I came across like I was “poised to pounce” on you, I certainly didn’t mean to! I actually get better responses from people, talking with them face to face, than online. I can see their reactions, and they can see mine. House-to-house is a great way to reach people! One thing I know: what I believe isn’t through any brilliance on my own….I was taught. And I enjoy teaching others.
I was asking what you believed, not telling you. If I sounded brusque…again, I’m sorry. But I do know you still believe that Jesus is God.
Really, we could go round and round on doctrinal issues, as I’m sure you do with the sister.
I know you would agree that we need to, not only know the Scriptures, but follow the Scriptures, yes?
There are so many different doctrines put forward, that to consider which one is right, is confusing.
Fortunately, there is much more to the Bible than just doctrine; it tells Christians how to act.
Although the doctrines a religion teaches are important, Jesus indicated that his real followers would be identified, not by what they taught, but by how they treated their spiritual brothers.
John 13:34,35……”A new commandment I give unto you: That you love one another, as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this shall all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love one for another.” — Douay-Rheims
Now, Jesus said this ‘love among themselves’ would identify them — or set them apart — from others. It would have to transcend all barriers, be it national, racial, cultural, whatever.
(Compare 1Peter 1:22, a favorite of mine.)
And they would “speak in agreement.” — 1Corinthians 1:10
A person searching for the truth in God’s Word would definitely want to consider a prospective religion’s and its members’ fruitage. Galatians 5:22,23….”But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, meekness, self-control; against such there is no law.”
Would you agree with this being a requirement for God’s people?
And to answer you:
“”I agree that God’s Spirit enables us to understand God’s Word. And I believe that God grants understanding to anyone who asks. (Matthew 7:7–8) Do you believe that too?””
Anyone who asks? If they’re doing obviously wrong things — I mean, continuing to practice gross sins that they know God condemns — no. It sort of goes with the point above. Just consider Psalm 11:5. And meditate on Jesus’ words at Matthew 7:21-23. (These are ones professing Christianity!) Does it sound like Jesus is willing to help these?
Just asking questions.
Take care.
P.S.: you mentioned in another article that that sister wouldn’t help you shovel your driveway in a blizzard, that you were just a mark on her checklist, at first. I’m sure that, if you had needed help short of breaking the law, she’d have really helped you within her ability! Shoot, I’ve bought groceries for a family after only one study. We really care about people. Certainly more than viewing them as just a number.
P.P.S.: Yes, I’d like to get your notes….I’ll work on getting an email to you. Thanks.
I understand what you’re saying about the difficulties of communicating via writing. I generally prefer writing, especially when the subject is very deep and requires a lot of processing. But I also understand the value of face-to-face conversation—having that visual input is important to building a relationship and affirming each other. My studies with my neighbor were an interesting mix of both written and face-to-face; we met over coffee each week, and sometimes between those meetings I would write up additional thoughts (or arguments). Then I could either give those writings to my neighbor for her to read on her own, or we would read them together and discuss them.
Of course, one of the subjects we discussed to great length—in writing and in person—was the idea that Jesus and Jehovah are one God. I appreciated my neighbor questioning me on this, because that forced me to examine the Scriptures very thoroughly. She pointed out verses that refer to Jesus and Jehovah as two distinct people. I pointed out verses that refer to them as one. Eventually, I wrote sort of a “thesis” paper that went into some depth comparing the different verses. (This is one of the “notes” I was offering to email you.) I think my neighbor and I both agree that everything in the Bible is true. So the conclusion I come to is this: If the Bible says Jehovah and Jesus are the same AND the Bible says Jehovah and Jesus are distinct, both of those statements must be true, even if I don’t understand how they can be.
That’s all I have time to post at the moment, but I look forward to receiving an email from you and continuing the conversation!
Melanie, if you are a “so called Christian” I`d love to hear what I would be called. I was changed in one night from an agnostic, to a believer, and then went looking for a church. I consider myself to be an evangelical Christian. I share my faith with anyone, anywhere, but I don`t go door to door. Does that make me less of a Christian? I never had a J W attack me like the Librarian attacked you. Jesus, and Paul, were very tolerant of different ways that the Good News was spread Philippians 1: 18. Mark 8: 34 tells me to take up a “cross ” to follow Him. Jesus being nailed to a “stake” is another way to divide, and separate, us that is intentional. I find their need for isolation from other Christians to be a shame.
One of the gifts I’ve received through my talks with my neighbor is an awareness that I have been guilty of some of the very things I accuse her of! “Isolationism” is one of them. Part of my childhood was spent in a church that tried to isolate itself from “sinners” and “the world.”
A lot of the “Christians” people hear about in the media are church members who are better known for what they are against than what they are for. Abortion clinic bombers, racists, and anti-immigrationists have all referred to themselves as “Christians.” I think it’s important to be aware that isolationism is a natural tendency that we constantly have to fight in ourselves.
I left the church at 17 because I thought it was too disconnected from what was going on outside its doors. I guess I would have called it isolationism if I used that word back then. I can see where the them against us tendency is so easy to fall into, and will be more aware of it in me.
Hi Melanie
I came late to the party but had to give my two cents. :) First let me apologize for the attack from one who calls himself “the librarian”. Not all JW’s ATTACK like that and you will find more who are sincerely nice, courteous and respond back in kind. Even if you yell at them they will thank you for your time and walk away respectful. Actually I will go a step further and say any JW you find commenting online, debating subjects on forums, or got to say something usually are rude, hoilier than thou abrasive people because frankly they are one of the weaker ones in the org and yes that includes myself as well. You have a very valid point in that this is YOUR blog, and in essence we are guests in your home. If we are guests at your home and don’t like whats on TV then we kindly leave. :) We don’t engage in a full out assault or take it personal. Some points you made WERE valid. As an org we cannot erase/ ignore SEVERAL change of readjusted information, bad predictions, misapplication of scriptures or not admit that many JW’s do not FULLY understand the bible, only rehashing what the WT or pther publications say. That I will agree because I was one! I read the WT or publications and used my bible to look up the points but as far as reading the bible… I routinely ran across churchgoers who ate my lunch and I walk away tail between leg. lol This wasn’t just me or others being “fake” we really do earnestly strive to be good christians but I as well as others would feel if we go in service, study WT, go to meetings and be nice to our bros/ sis we are in the new system. However, late last year something changed.
I fell away from the org and was even kicked out a few times, but to be fair I wasn’t interested in really being a christian in any sense. While I believed in God I was stumbled and still suffering from past sexual, mental and physical abuse from ones who were “JW/ christians” (but let me be clear the sexual abuse was done by family member that was NOT a religious person). Late last year I completely gave up since depression just keeps coming back and then feeling sorry comes back which leads me back into relapsing and making excuses. When more changes to our understanding about the GB role came out and after thinking like some how can we get so much wrong but then say we are the TRUE source I asked.. .if we’re wrong about this then could we also be wrong? Also aided in this was the lack of love from brothers and sisters at a few halls I went to, which confused me since I always have a ready to go smile. Finally I said enough and for over 10 months just left going to meetings and just said I would serve God “my own way” but… something I thought of is changing my perspective…
We no doubt know that there was ONE original form of worship that God approved. At the tower of Babel I believe, just my opinion, when God confused them it contributed in various people spreading false teachings/ beliefs. It increased over the years until God selected the Israelites as his people and taught them how to serve him righteously to separate truth from the other nations. Then through his descendants all the way through David God taught his people, through prophets or others, how to please him well to stay approved. When Jesus came to earth he personally instructed ones and opened up the way for other nations for approved standing since the Jews had rejected him. Now did this mean Jews were completely cut off from Gods love, absolutely not! It just meant that when Peter preached to Cornelius God was opening a way for ALL to be his people.
So what’s my point… my point is even Christianity started as one form before ones who did not agree with certain teachings broke off into sects. There’s a good chance that most Christian religions, after the apostles death, are the result of a sect branching off, even Jehovah’s Witnesses. The one thing however that stands out from worshipers of God in past times and now is men were inspired directly by God or Jesus instructed them directly. Today, we don’t have that gift no matter what a pastor or religious leader says. Instead we’re provided the manual (the bible) to use as a basis to develop faith and certain ones take the lead in teaching it and in that sense people follow ones they believe are very close to what they personally believe the bible is saying. I believe we both can agree the bible is clear on points that are critical for us developing faith and how to serve and please God well. There are other points of the bible that need more clarification (i.e the trinity, how to think about holidays, is jesus Gods son or God, preaching, why bad things happen to good people, etc) where a seasoned bible student might be needed to explain or point us in the right direction so we can make our own minds up about how we feel. Then there are the hidden/ deep things in the bible that without Gods direction or his inspiration NO ONE WILL EVER FULLY UNDERSTAND. No matter how much we believe what we are reading means something just like Jesus told his disciples it was not up to them to understand at that time it’s not up to us to understand many things in the bible, and that’s ok since the things that are crucial for Gods approval are CLEARLY understood and that makes sense because Jehovah has always warned people of how to avoid calamity or his judgments since he never wants anyone to die.
As I work myself back towards being a Christian I finally understand that there is only ONE true God and that true God’s requirements to please him well. Now are JW’s the “only true channel”? I don’t know and I’m even coming back to be a JW. I say that since if we say God does not inspire directly then this is our thoughts however Jesus did say you would recognize his followers by their works so while they may not be the ONLY channel they just might one one of the few. :) Just like someone can say they are not with no proof I can say I cannot prove they are not since I also don’t have proof to the contrary. While I was lost I checked in with several religions and teachings listening to their “pitch” including their followers but as a whole JW’s do seem to strive as a group to serve Jehovah God as best as possible. Yes they make mistakes, they say things I’m sure they wish they can take back even at the GB level, some can be overly salty/ judgmental, some think they understand the bible but don’t, some go overboard on who Jesus said are “his brothers/ sisters/ father/ etc” and yes maybe the GB might even have issues with being presumptuous. But any religious org is going to have very similar if not worse issues. While I had my issues one thing I never got was why people get sooo mad so much at JW’s just encouraging bible reading, trying to be loving and God fearing while those other people still being part of certain religious orgs that support wars, push terrorist killing of innocent people, have horrific long lasting sex abuse by hundreds of pastors and teach things clearly not in the bible.
Some get mad at the blood issue, which I 100% understand since who doesn’t want to live and we do not understand people who we think are suicidal. But I don’t know ANY JW that WANTS to do that to die. If my interpretation of the bible leads me to believe that since I think it pleases God do you think God is so evil to not resurrect me for trying to do what I believe he wants? This is MY PERSONAL BELIEF. As Society changes their viewpoints I have to answer to God for my Why would others judge me so harshly for trying to please God at my own risk while overlooking a church who supports wars, governments, same sex marriage, etc? I say that as respectful as possible since my intent is not to judge but explain that if others want me to be respectful of their beliefs then ones must also be respectful of mines. So once again I LOVE your searching for bible truths and LOVE you being SO NICE to JW’s that come to your house since it sure beats being screamed at or dogs being let loose on us. I hope you keep me in your prayer and in my prayers I pray you and I will serve God in such a way that we BOTH will one day be rewarded for our efforts and share in living forever in paradise on earth!
Welcome to the discussion, Justasimplemind—better late than never!
It sounds like you have had an interesting faith journey. Your story affirms why it is so important for God’s people to read the Bible—it is the best source of information about Him, and it is rich enough that we can spend our lives studying it and still not know everything.
My opinion about different denominations and churches is this: All of these are just human attempts to put structure around our relationship with God. Different denominations emphasize different things, and, as you say, most of these things are not crucial. So a church that uses a praise band to lead worship and a church that sings a cappella hymns might both be teaching Biblical truth, but different people will be drawn to each, and that’s ok. The problem comes when we confuse things that are crucial for things that are not.
No matter what church you belong to, faith is a journey, and there is always more to learn. I am glad to hear that you are back on the road again! And I look forward to learning more from you.
I have been studying off and on with Jehovah’s witnesses and I like that they use the bible and that they don’t collect funds and they also allow you to your version of the bible. Generations change on the way they communicate but that’s a good point about every religion has its ups and downs but its your choice on which one to be. I know a lot of JWs who associate with nonbelievers such as in outings as long as its in a descent mannar. Religion has to much politics involved but once again its your choice.. Next time you meet with a witness say hello and go from their in a respectful manner as well as any other religion. Great job on your site!
There are many things to like about Jehovah’s Witnesses. I was surprised to learn how much my neighbor and I have in common! Yes, I disagree with many of the things she believes, but I still respect her and enjoy the conversations we have.
Thanks for stopping by, bob101!
Like you, I am in the stages of talking to a Jehova Witness. I have not yet made any commitments at this point. However, the difference between you and I is that I DO respect my neighbor. Whether we agree, or disagree, I will Not be writing posts to ridiculize their thinking. I have very little respect for your taking up the time of a Witness and turning around to print this hipocritical post. You don’t have to listen to your neighbor, nor convert. But, you should respect their time and not make a mockery of it.
Hello Maritza,
I apologize that I gave you the impression that I don’t respect my neighbor. Quite the opposite—I respect her very much! I do disagree with her sometimes, but I have a lot of respect for her. In fact, that is one of the reasons I wanted to “take up her time” every week. I genuinely wanted to get to know her as a person, and I wanted to understand her beliefs. Although this blog article was written over two years ago, my neighbor and I remain friends to this day. I think a big part of that has to do with the fact that we spent so much time together, and we both were honest and respectful when we disagreed with each other.
Something you said in your comment makes me curious: “I have not made any commitments at this point.” Are you looking for something to commit to? Or what brought you to a place where you began talking with a Jehovah’s Witness? I’m interested to hear about your spiritual journey.
The only way to the truth is through God himself. Don’t look to man/ woman for the truth. Religion seems to spend time trying to figure out who is correct. Seek God and walk through life with Him, and your actions will spill over on those whose path you cross. Spend time spreading God’s Love that flows through and from you.
Good advice, Lisa!
Hi Melanie, just wondering if it’s to late to add to this discussion ?
It’s kind of an old post, but you are welcome to add a comment! :)
Is this forum still going ? Can I add to the conversation ?
Yes, ben, you are welcome to post a comment.
Ty Melanie for your quick reply;
Just a simple bit of food of thought for us all. I apologise for my grammar, I’m not very learned in this way.
Question ?
1. I know there are many references to a punishment a waiting for all those who reject the way of salvation. The word of god establishes this quite clearly
2. How far that punishment goes, is some what in debate, even through scripture.
3. The bible indicates it’s an eternal punishment. Some say it’s everlasing burning in Gehenna, crying, weeping and begging for mercy although it’s to late …. some say it’s a punishment for a time. Until total destruction.
Some say it’s total destruction.
If you are clever you can adapt any one of these views, even apply scripture, even Satan applied twisted scripture to Christ Jesus in his temptation.
4 . The question I leave alll is ,
including me is,
Why do people interput the parable of Lazarus as eternal hell fire , in total torment for a time, if not for ever ?
Jesus said in another parabel In judgement I will cut him in to many pieces and give him a part with the un believers .
5, these are parables, illustrating what’s to come in judgment. For all who reject his sacrifice of forgiveness to enter into his coming kingdom, no one is literally going to be cut into many pieces and still be in total torment, is your hand goinig to suffer separate from your cut of head ? Is your toes gong to feel total torment Separate from your hand ? Or is this illustrating a form of punishment that people feel free to cast there interpretation of.
6, why do Christians feel they can imply that if you don’t belive you will suffer for eternity, they feel safe in a doctrine of once saved always saved …. is this true ?
It’s easy to cast judgment on some one when you feel you are protected with a infallible Defense, Jesus taught that you will be judged in the manner you judged others, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. I have to end it here as I could go on for a long time.
8, finally my question ….. why do Christians interpret parabells , literally with out seeing the truth, parables have a hidden meaning, to those being deciviced as Jesus taught, also it has a spirtual meaning for those seeking the truth in Christ Jesus.
9, The torment of Lazarus is a parable, it has a meaning ,!its a illustrative story.
But I can’t tell how many people refer to this as a proof of everlasting punishment.
10, it’s a parable …. but they adopt it as a scripture of eternal punishment.
11; if this is so …….. why don’t Christians adehear to whatJesus taught literally, when he said if your hand or offends you. It’s better to cut it off the sinning member and cast it into hell fire Also your eye. This is Jesus taking literally, no parables , straight talking. BUT!!!!! No…. nooo Jesus doesn’t permit self mutilation!!!! It’s against all he stands for !!!!! , ????? What a terrible whiteness it would be teaching all to chop up your sinning members .::….. but we still apply literal meanings to parables and yet on the other hand deny when Christ taught literally,
12. What is it, ?????? If eternal punishment is forever and we struggle to stop sinning ………. Chop it offf!!!! This Is Jesus literally talking !!! No parables.
13, strange how we interpret are scripture …. parables are real, but straight talking isn’t …….. ?
It is time for Melanie’s neighbor to move on. Melanie is not searching for Bible truth, she believes she has it…..
My neighbor and I are both guilty of believing we have the truth, and of working hard to convince each other. But we managed to remain friends throughout our years of disagreeing with each other, and I think we both would say we learned a lot from each other.