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"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 upon traditions of men? If we are lovers of the truth, there is nothing to fear from such an examination. It should be the sincere desire of every one of us to learn what God's will is for us, and then to do it.-John 8:32." [THE TRUTH THAT LEADS TO ETERNAL LIFE, 1968, p.13, par.5.]
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"Yes, the Beroeans knew that just the quoting of scriptures did not make Paul's teaching right. They wanted to be sure that it was not just the Word of God being used, but that Paul was actually teaching the truth as set forth in that Word. It is vital that you follow this same noble example of the Beroeans. Why so? Because there is the possibility that the one who may speak to you from the Bible will twist the Scriptures, applying them in such a way as to propagate false ideas." [AWAKE! NOVEMBER 22, 1964, pp.5/6.]So far, if we took these two Watchtower quotes at their face value, we would think they were encouraging deep examination. But these sorts of statements, liberally 'sprinkled' throughout Watchtower material, hide the real truth, and are a deception. Jehovah's Witnesses are actually told that The Watchtower should direct their every step.....
"Jehovah's organization as directed by his "faithful and discreet slave" class should influence our every decision also. How may we avail ourselves of this good influence? By doing personal research in the Bible publications of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society on whatever subject our decision concerns."Is there a problem with doing this? There is a problem if the organization dissuades you from doing study into what they teach as truth.[THE WATCHTOWER MARCH 15, 1969, p.172, par.15.]
"First study: We may think of study as hard work, as involving heavy research. But in Jehovah's organization it is not necessary to spend a lot of time and energy in research, for there are brothers in the organization who are assigned to do that very thing, to help you who do not have so much time for this, these preparing the good material in The Watchtower and other publications of the Society."How far does the organization go to prevent an in-depth examination of itself by its followers? For example, should Christians think for themselves?[THE WATCHTOWER JUNE 1, 1967, p338, par.12.]
"Avoid Independent Thinking"DO NOT THINK FOR YOURSELF,"
How is such independent thinking manifested? A common way is by questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization."[THE WATCHTOWER, JANUARY 15, 1983 p.22.]
"Fight Against Independent ThinkingLetting this organization influence every decision we make means we must resist thinking for ourselves.
As we study the Bible we learn that Jehovah has always guided his servants in an organized way. And just as in the first century there was only one true Christian congregation, so today Jehovah is using only one organization. (Ephesians 4:4, 5; Matthew 24:45-47) Yet there are some who point out that the organization has had to make adjustments before, and so they argue: "This shows that we have to make up our own mind on what to believe." This is independent thinking. Why is it so dangerous? Such thinking is an evidence of pride."[THE WATCHTOWER-JANUARY 15, 1983 p.27.]
"These Beroeans listened with a readiness, yes, an eagerness, to believe. Thus not only were they open-minded, but they were wanting to have this "good news" proved true. In fact, for a person to acquire faith he must have "the will to believe. ................. But nowhere do we read that those brothers first, in a skeptical frame of mind, checked the Scriptures to make certain that those letters had Scriptural backing, that the writers really knew what they were talking about."[THE WATCHTOWER FEBRUARY 15, 1981, pp.18/19.]
We have just examined one small change in a previous teaching concerning "noble minded" Christians. Compare the latter teaching on the Beroeans with the earlier one. Why the change? To prevent its followers from examining the organization and its teachings in a critical way.
Now to show the view that the Watchtower really expects Jehovah's Witnesses to follow:
"We should meekly go along with the Lord's theocratic organization and wait for further clarification, rather than balk at the first mention of a thought unpalatable to us and proceed to quibble and mouth our criticisms and opinions as though they were worth more than the slave's provision of spiritual food. Theocratic ones will appreciate the Lord's visible organization and not be so foolish as to pit against Jehovah's channel their own human reasoning and sentiment and personal feelings."[THE WATCHTOWER FEBRUARY 1, 1952, pp.79/80, par. 11.]
2 Corinthians 13:5 - Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates? (KJV)
If you, our reader, are one of Jehovah's Witnesses:-
"Knowing these things, what will you do? It is obvious that the true God, who is himself "the God of truth" and who hates lies, will not look with favor on persons who cling to organizations that teach falsehood. (Psalm 31:5; Proverbs 6:16 - 19; Revelation 21:8) And, really, would you want to be even associated with a religion that had not been honest with you?"[IS THIS LIFE ALL THERE IS? 1974, p.46.]
The Bible says that you should examine everything by laying it alongside Scripture:
2 Timothy 3:16-17 - All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.(KJV)
"But we know that the Son of God has come, and he has given us intellectual capacity that we may gain the knowledge of the true one. And we are in union with the true one, by means of his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and life everlasting." 1 John 5:20 NWT.
"However, when that one arrives, the spirit of truth, he will guide you into all the truth." John 16:13 NWT.
Matthew 17:5 -While he yet spake, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them: and behold a voice out of the cloud, which said, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased; hear ye him.(KJV)
Matthew 11:28 - Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden,ORGANIZATION, YESTERDAY & TODAY.and I will give you rest.(KJV)
In the 19th century.......Finally.....
"Beware of "organization." It is wholly unnecessary. The Bible rules will be the only ones you will need. Do not seek to bind others' consciences, and do not permit others to bind yours. Believe and obey so far as you can understand God's Word today, and so continue growing in grace and knowledge and love day by day."[THE WATCHTOWER, SEPT. 15, 1895, P.216.]and 88 years later.......
"Avoid Independent Thinking.
How is such independent thinking manifested? A common way is by questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization."[THE WATCHTOWER, JAN. 1, 1983, p.22, par.21.]
