Worldview Made Practical - Issue 4-3

8/14/2019 Worldview Made Practical - Issue 4-3

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Introduction

The article today is designed to give some insight about the Jehovahs Witness cult. As I talk to various Christians aboutthis group, it seems that most who come into contact with them simply close the door when they come to visit. That is oneway to deal with them, but the better approach is to know how to share a witness back to them. We are the ones with thetruth. But that truth loses much of its benefit if we dont know how to share it.

In dealing with Jehovahs Witnesses, it is very important that our starting place be to understand them. We do this bygrasping their worldview position, then learning their unique teachings. With this knowledge it becomes possible to dem-onstrate that what they believe is simply not credible. It also becomes possible to strengthen ourselves against their falsewitness .Unfortunately, a large number of converts to the Jehovahs Witness cult come from Christians who dont under-stand the truth of their own Biblical faith and are captured by their false teachings. Todays article ought to give you somenew insights in this area.

On a personal note, what are you doing to grasp a deeper understanding of worldview? MarketFaith Ministries has somevery good options for you. Certainly, this newsletter is a good place to start, but if you have not taken the effort to lay your

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Perhaps it is pushing it a little to put Dwight Eisenhower asthe up-front representative of Jehovahs Witnesses. Notthat it is not true. He was raised in this cult. But, like somany of the well known people who have ties with thisgroup, he was not active throughout his life.

While we virtually never hear high profile Jehovahs Wit-nesses talk of their faith, there are several very well knownpeople who have a connection to the cult. This list includespeople such as tennis champions Venus and Serena Wil-liams, pop music icons Michael Jackson (along with hiswhole family), Prince and Selena. Then you have modelNaomi Campbell and best selling novelist Mickey Spillane.

It is interesting that the Mormon church is increasinglyworking to up their profile in modern society by trying tomake themselves seem more like a mainstream Christianorganization. In doing this, high profile Mormons are putting

themselves in the public square and standing up for theirfaith.

In the case of the Jehovahs Witnesses, though, it seemsthat most of the high profile people who have connectionswith them are either folks who have fallen away or who tryto hide their affiliation. Jehovahs Witnesses, as an organi-zation, are proud of their exclusiveness and distinctive be-liefs. But that doesnt really play well in the public square,so those who are concerned with their public persona keepit under wraps.

Lets begin our journey of understanding the Jehovahs Wit-

nesses by getting a little background information. Justwhere did these folks come from?


MarketFaith Ministries is an equipping ministry which is focused on helping Christians become more effective

in living out their faith in the midst of the increasingly diverse worldview environment of modern society.

Contact MarketFaith Ministries312 Anton Dr.Tallahassee, FL 32312 [email protected]

http://www.marketfaith.org

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Fax: 850-514-4571

Volume 4 Number 3 February 11, 2009

The Gospel According to Dwight D. Eisenhower: Jehovahs Witness


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(Jehovahs Witnesses - Continued from page 1)

HistoryThe Jehovah Witnesses are officially known as the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. The group was founded, in1879, by Charles Taze Russell. As a teenager Russell rejected his Presbyterian roots and affiliated with the more theo-logically liberal Congregational Church. He later left this group, as well.

Russell had no formal Bible training but borrowed doctrines from many of the popular theological trends of his day. For

example, Adventism influenced his denial of hell, and a splinter Adventist group led by N.H. Barbour spurred his interestin end time prophecies.

While he was still a teenager, Russell organized a Bible class in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The members of that classeventually made him their pastor. In 1879, as his ideas became more developed, he set out to try and popularize them.To do this, he co-published a magazine called The Herald of the Morningwith the periodicals founder, N. H. Barbour. By1884, Russell had managed to gain operational control of the magazine and renamed it The Watchtower AnnouncingJehovah's Kingdom. Around that time, he also founded Zion's Watchtower Tract Society (now known as the WatchtowerBible and Tract Society). During his lifetime, Russell served as the teacher and guide for the organization.

The next leader, following Russells death, was Joseph F. Rutherford, the societys legal counselor. Under his leadershipthe name Jehovahs Witnesses was adopted. He moved the society toward a theocratic form of control which gave himthe power to make all policy decisions.

The third leader was Nathan Knorr who assumed leadership upon Rutherfords death in 1942. Under his leadership thesociety increased from 115,000 to over 2 million members. They also produced their own translation of the Bible, calledThe New World Translation of Holy Scriptures. Knorr died in 1977.

Frederick W. Franz became the fourth president of The Watchtower Society. He served from 1977 until his death in1992.

Franz was followed by Milton G. Henschel who was the leader of the organization from 1992 to 2000. The current presi-dent is Don A. Adams, who took the reigns in 2000.

Instruction and training for Jehovahs Witness members is provided at frequent meetings held primarily in their worshipcenters, which are called "Kingdom Halls."


(Introduction - Continued from page 1)

foundation, you are selling yourself short. Spend some time checking out the free resources on the website atwww.marketfaith.org. You might also want to take advantage of some of our books that relate to understanding the prac-tical implications of worldview. These are also available at the website. And, there are still a few copies of the four world-view self study workbooks available. Contact us directly if you are interested in these.

You can get in touch with me any time by snail mail at MarketFaith Ministries, 321 Anton Dr., Tallahassee, FL 32312, byphone at 850-383-9756, or by e-mail at [email protected]. It is my desire to be a powerful resource for you. Contact

me at any time with your thoughts, opinions and suggestions. It is always a joy to hear from you.

God bless,Freddy

Find these books along with other

great worldview resources at

www.marketfaith.org


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((Jehovahs Witnesses - Continued from page 2)

The Watchtower Society currently claims a worldwide membership of over six million. About one million of these are in theU.S. They maintain that they have over 91,000 congregations in 235 countries. The church takes in approximately300,000 new members each year and establishes an average of 45 new congregations every week. The Watchtower so-ciety claims to field over 500,000 full and part-time missionaries.

Basic Beliefs and PracticesThere are several distinctive beliefs that characterize the theology and practice of Jehovahs Witnesses.

The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society is considered to be Gods sole channel for the flow of Biblical truth to men onearth.Jehovahs Witnesses claim to accept the Bible as their only authority. However, the Bible must be explained accord-ing to Watchtower Society interpretations. Initially a six volume set ofScripture Studies written by Russell were toutedas containing the knowledge of how to correctly interpret the Bible. Russell claimed that people are unable to see thedivine plan by studying the Bible alone and that the Scripture Studies were necessary to inform their understanding.He even stated that if a person lays the Scripture Studies aside and tries to study the Bible alone, they will soon fallinto darkness. However, it is possible for a person to study the Scripture Studies alone and receive all of the light ofthe Scriptures. Over the years, elements of Jehovahs Witness theology have changed and it seemed prudent for theWatchtower Society to withdraw the Scripture Studies from circulation.Jehovahs Witnesses claim that their interpretation of Scripture has been passed to the Holy Spirit who invisibly com-municates with Jehovahs Witnesses and the Publicity Department. In practical terms, the truth that Jehovahs Wit-

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nesses accept is believed to ultimately come from

Jehovah God who passes it on to Jesus Christ, whothen passes it on to a ruling class of humans. They,then, pass it to the governing body of the church whoforward it to the individual kingdom halls. This authori-tative word from God is communicated to church mem-bers by means of the Watchtower Magazine.Jehovahs Witnesses deny the doctrines of the Trinity,the divinity of Christ, his bodily resurrection, salvationby grace through faith and eternal punishment of thewicked.Witnesses believe that there is no hell as a place ofeverlasting punishment for the wicked. They claim thatthe concept of hell is: 1) wholly unscriptural; 2) unrea-

sonable; 3) contrary to Gods love; and 4) repugnant tojustice.Over the years, Jehovahs Witnesses have made manyprophesies concerning the end of the world which didnot come true. These prophesies were later reinterpret-ed in a way which made them appear to have beenfulfilled.

Essential BeliefsGodJehovahs Witnesses are unitarian in their belief about Godand, thus, deny the doctrine of the Trinity. They claim thatneither Jesus Christ nor the Holy Spirit is God. They be-

lieve that God has many titles but only one name, and thatname is Jehovah. Jehovah is understood to have a body,but it is not like ours. As a spirit, God is a life form that ismuch higher than our own. The Watchtower considers Himto be the only true eternal God.

They assert that there was a time when Jehovah was allalone in universal space and that his first creative act wasto create his son, Jesus Christ. Christ is not acknowledgedto be God in human form. Rather, he was God's first cre-ation and is, thus, called the "firstborn Son of God. Wit-


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nesses believe that Jehovah God and Jesus Christ together constitute the superior authorities. Jesus was a god, but notAlmighty God.

Further, Witnesses believe that prior to his coming to earth, Jesus existed in the form of Michael the Archangel. They alsobelieve that after his resurrection, when he returned to heaven, he re-assumed his former state. Lucifer, who rebelledagainst God, is understood to be the brother of Jesus.

Jesus is the only Son that Jehovah created by himself. He then used Jesus as his "master worker" to create all otherthings in heaven and on earth. At the appropriate time, God sent Jesus to the earth by transferring his life to the womb ofMary. He is not believed to have had a human father, which is why he did not inherit any sin or imperfection. When Jesusdied, he was resurrected as a spirit creature and returned to heaven. Upon his return, God made him to be King.The Holy Spirit is not recognized as a personality in any way and is not part of the Godhead. It is understood to be aninvisible active force of Almighty God which moves his servants to do his will.

ManJehovahs Witnesses believe that mankind is a purposefully created being formed in Gods image. The first man, Adam,disobeyed Jehovah when he was tempted by Lucifer. As a result of his disobedience, Adam and all his descendants lostthe right to life and became subject to death. The loss of the right to life only applies in the physical sense of the word.

In his essence, man is seen to be completely mortal. The word spirit, for Jehovahs Witnesses, is interpreted to meanliteral physical breath. The result of that interpretation is that man is not a spiritual being, only a physical, breathing being.

Therefore, there is no spiritual part of a person to live on after death.

In the end, all the faithful (meaning Jehovahs Witnesses) will be resuscitated to life. There will be 144,000 people who wilbe transformed into spiritual beings and taken to heaven to live there with God. The rest of the faithful Jehovahs Wit-nesses will be given new bodies and allowed to live on earth eternally. Those who did not become Witnesses will simplynot be resurrected.

SalvationFor Jehovahs Witnesses, salvation is accomplished by a combination of faith and works. In order to be rewarded witheverlasting life, individuals must devote themselves to do Gods will, and faithfully carry out his work. There are four stepsto salvation:1. Taking Knowledge - Knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ includes knowing the Watchtowers interpretations of Godspurposes regarding the earth and Christs role as earths new King.

2. Obey Gods Laws - A person must conform their life to the moral requirements set out in the Bible according to theteachings of the Watchtower Society.3. Be Associated with Gods Channel - A person must be part of the Jehovahs Witness church.4. Loyalty - God requires that prospective subjects of his Kingdom support his government by loyally advocating the ruleof his Kingdom to others (that is. to go out and witness).

Faith Foundation (How Jehovahs Witnesses answer the seven worldview questions)1. What is the most fundamental reality? (Ultimate reality)Jehovah is the one and only God and exists as a unitary being. He lives in universal space and is creator of all things.Heaven exists and is where God dwells with his son Jesus Christ. Material reality is the domain of mankind.

2. What is the nature of our material reality? (Material reality)Material reality is a creation of Jehovah. He created it for his own purposes and personally guides its existence.

3. What is a human being? (Humanity)Humans beings are creatures which were created by God. They are strictly physical beings (a soul) and do not have aspirit that survives the death of the body. The soul cannot exist apart from the body.

4. What happens to a person at death? (Death)At death, the human soul ceases to exist. When the body dies, the corpse remains in an unconscious state in the gravewaiting for the resurrection. At the resurrection, those who did not accept Jehovahs Witness beliefs will have a secondchance to be saved. If they do not accept it, their bodies will simply die and they will cease to exist. There is no hell wherethe wicked are punished. Those who are righteous will be resurrected and given a soul that exactly duplicates the person-ality they had as they lived life on earth. They will have their lives reunited with a physical body and live eternally on the



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new earth. The 144,000 Jehovah's Witnesses who have been chosen by God to be part of the ruling class are changedinto spirit beings and go to heaven and live out their eternity there.

5. Why is it possible to know anything at all? (Knowledge)Knowledge is possible because God created mankind with the ability to know.

6. How do we know what is right and wrong? (Morality)Right and wrong are revealed in the Bible. However, it must be interpreted by the Watchtower Society. The primary inter-pretations are found in the Watchtower Magazine.

7. What is the meaning of human history? (History)History is a linear series of events which began with Gods creation of the world and humanity. There will come a momentwhen God ends the world as we know it, but will transform it into a place where all the faithful will live forever. This blissfulearth will fulfill Gods purpose for material reality.

AuthorityThere are no authoritative doctrinal statements issued by the Watchtower Society. Their theological views are found intheir various publications, and all doctrines that proceed from these works are considered authoritative. They contend thatthe Bible is their final source of authority, but they establish their own particular beliefs by quoting Scripture verses out ofcontext while omitting other passages relevant to a given topic. The foundation of their beliefs are the teachings ofCharles Taze Russell. These were initially recorded in his Scripture Studies. The primary tool which is now used to edu-

cate members in the faith is the Watchtower Magazine which is written by the churchs leaders in the home office.Jehovahs Witnesses also have their own translation of the Scriptures, The New World Translation, which was publishedin 1961. This version reflects the binding interpretations of the group's leaders.

Evidence for the AuthorityThe authoritative interpretations of The Watchtower Society come from the original writings of Russell and from subse-quent proclamations of the home office. When authoritative statements are issued, no rationale is given except that it isthe new official position which has been passed on to them from God. Individuals are not permitted to question these pro-nouncements as they are believed to be revelations from God to those chosen by him to lead the church. It is unknownwho these people are. Other than the churchs claim of authority, there is no evidence that what they teach is true.

SummaryJehovahs Witnesses have a reputation for being good, moral people. In general, this is quite true. They have a very

strong sense of morality and the foundation for that morality comes from the Bible. It is not stretching it to say that themoral sense of Jehovah Witnesses is, in many ways, quite similar to Biblical Christianity.

But the most important issue regarding faith does not relate to ones sense of morality, as important as that is. There aremany groups which have an admirable moral code. Rather, the most important question is, How does one come to knowa relationship with God? On this one, Jehovahs Witnesses are completely off base. In order to come up with their ap-proach to salvation they have taken Scripture out of context, changed previous doctrinal pronouncements and hiddenwhere their beliefs come from.

In our dealings with Jehovahs Witnesses, we dont need to be intimidated or contemptuous. They are very good, sincerepeople who are devoted to their religion. Rather, we need to be educated about how to show them that what they believeis wrong so that we can be effective in sharing the truth with them.

In the next Issue: How Non-Christian Worldviews are Changing America

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Worldview Made Practical - Issue 4-3