witchtower_07_2009

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The Witchtower 7/2009 1

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The Witchtower

Downloadable in 194 countries

3 Who is the Antichrist?

6 What do the Scriptures say about Abortion?

7 God‟s Kingdom – Present Today!

8 Abraham – A faithful servant of Jehovah

9 Reasoning from the Watchtower

12 Presenting the Good News – At public toilets

13 Questions from Readers

14 Peoples toiling for simply nothing

15 Young people ask: Should I use elevators?

16 When will Armageddon come?

This publication is provided as part of a worldwide

mocking work not supported by voluntary donations.

This magazine is downloadable from 194 countries.

Countries: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, An-

gola, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Armenia, Austral-

ia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados,

Belarus, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia

and Herzegovina, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria,

Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada,Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, Peo-

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lawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands,

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cronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco,

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ger, Nigeria, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Pan-

ama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philip-

pines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia,

Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint

Vincent and the Grenadines, Samoa, San Marino,

São Tomé and Prí ncipe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal,

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Somalia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Su-

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jikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, The Bahamas, The

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sia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda,

Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom,

United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan,

Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen

Zambia, Zimbabwe

Do you want further information? Donot write to Jehovah‟s Witnesses, but

visit:

http://www.jehovahs-witness.net

http://svhelden.gmxhome.de/e

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The Witchtower 7/2009

WHO IS THE ANTICHRIST? “You have heard that antichrist is coming.” (1. John 2:18)

If you were warned that a dangerous crimi-

nal was seen heading toward your neighbor-hood, what would you do? You would likely

search out accurate details about his appear-

ance and methods. You would be on the alert.

A similar situation exists today. We have

been warned by the apostle John‟s words: “You

have heard that antichrist is coming.” (1. John

2:18) Is there such an antichrist, a deceiver of

men? Who is it?

The word “antichrist” means “against

Christ.” Hence it must be a person or an organ-

ization that counteracts Christ‟s purpose. We

want to examine some of Jesus‟ statements and

determine who it is that pursues the opposite

goals as Jesus Christ.

Division

Matthew‟s Gospel reveals an important

aspect of Christ‟s purpose. Jesus declared:

“I came to cause division.” (Matthew 10:35)

Political Institutions and commercial compa-

nies support this goal. “Economic, political and

national rivalries have divided men,” concludedthe April 1, 1974 Watchtower on page 197.

Most religious organizations follow Jesus‟

example. That‟s why Our Kingdom Ministry

said it in its September 2001 issue: “Religions

in general tend to divide humans.” (page 1) But

there is one organization that has especially

excelled in working in the opposite direction.

The May 22, 2002 issue of Awake! magazine

says: “The global Bible educational program of

Jehovah‟s Witnesses has helped unite people.”

– page 13.

Jehovah‟s Witnesses resist Christ‟s pur-

pose. While other organizations divide humans

according to Jesus‟ will, “they are at unity, not

divided.” ( Awake! , October 8, 1974, page 22) So,

are Jehovah‟s Witnesses the antichrist? They

would have to withstand Jesus‟ will in other

areas and turn aside from his standards. Is

that the case?

The preaching work

Jesus provided clear instructions for th

preaching work. He commanded: “Do not go of

into the road of the nations, and do not ente

into a Samaritan city.” (Matthew 10:5) Jeho

vah‟s Witnesses ignore Jesus‟ purpose, for th

1980 Yearbook of Jehovah‟s Witnesses says re

garding “a delegation of Jehovah‟s people” tha

“visits were included to Jericho and Nablus.

(page 228, 245) Nablus is located in ancien

Samaria, not far from the former capital.

Jesus ordered his disciples: “As you gopreach, saying, „The kingdom of the heaven

has drawn near.‟” (Matthew 10:7) But Jeho

vah‟s Witnesses advise their followers: “Learn

to use the introductions in the Reasonin

book.” (Our Kingdom Ministry, January 1990

page 7) Instead of “The kingdom of the heaven

has drawn near,” they use sentences like “I‟m

looking for people who would like to live in

world free from war.” (Reasoning from th

Scriptures, page 14) Besides, they do no

preach „as they go‟ (though sometimes countin

the time while driving to their assignment)but only when they have arrived at their as

signed territory.

True Christians support Jesus‟ purpose to cause divisio

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Furthermore, Jesus urged his followers:

“Cure sick people, raise up dead persons, make

lepers clean, expel demons.” (Matthew 10:8)

Jehovah‟s Witnesses refuse to follow this in-

struction; rather they claim that they “do not

have miraculous gifts of the spirit, such as the

ability to heal the physically sick or raise the

dead.” – The Watchtower, April 15, 1996, page 29.

Shortly thereafter, Jesus instructed his dis-

ciples: “Preach from the housetops.” (Matthew

10:27) But are Jehovah‟s Witnesses known for

standing on housetops? No, they do not preach

“from the housetops” but “on the streets and at

railway stations” and at people‟s doors. (1994

Yearbook of Jehovah‟s Witnesses, page 245)

They do not obey Jesus‟ instructions at all.

They refuse to do what he commanded, and

they do what he prohibited.

Other instructions

Jesus said: “Whoever does not have, even

what he has will be taken from him.” (Matthew

13:12) Hence, when Christians “encounter

people who have little faith,” they should strive

to weaken their faith even more. Rather, Jeho-

vah‟s Witnesses consider what factors “can

hinder people from acquiring faith.” (Our

Kingdom Ministry, September 2002, page 2)

Their aim is – contrary to Jesus‟ purpose – “tohelp them build faith.” – Our Kingdom Minis-

try, March 1990, page 1.

Jesus said on another occasion: “To take a

meal with unwashed hands does not defile a

man.” (Matthew 15:20) According to this, „his

disciples did not wash their hands when about

They preach at doors, not from housetops

They “go off into the road of the nations”

to eat a meal.‟ (Matthew 15:2) Jehovah‟s Wit

nesses defy Jesus‟ purpose and advise thei

followers: “Train your children to wash thei

hands … before meals … thoroughly with soa

and water.” ( Awake! , May 8, 1981, page 15

They even claim: “You should wash your hand

regularly. … It is essential to wash you

hands.” ( Awake! , September 22, 2003, page 11

This way, they resemble the Pharisees wh

placed value on washing hands. – Mark 7:3.

Jesus advised a rich man: “Sell your belong

ings and give to the poor.” (Matthew 19:21) Hi

disciples also used donations that they receivefrom the people for the poor. (Mark 14:5) Bu

Jehovah‟s Witnesses advise their followers: “I

your contribution is made by check, pleas

make it payable to „Watchtower.‟” (Our King

dom Ministry, May 1999, page 6) They say

“Any contributions toward Jehovah‟s wor

should be sent to the local branch office of th

Watch Tower Society.” – The Watchtower

May 1, 1981, page 30.

Turning aside from Jesus’ standards

Jesus commanded: “You must accordingl

be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect

(Matthew 5:48) But “Jehovah‟s Witnesses ar

not perfect.” (The Watchtower, March 1, 2001

page 10) Their leader is “the „faithful and dis

creet slave,‟ made up of imperfect fleshly men

– The Watchtower, August 15, 1981, page 28.

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That is not the only aspect in which Jeho-

vah‟s Witnesses are a far cry from Jesus‟ stand-

ards. They also act contrary to Christ‟s advice:

“Unless you … become as young children, you

will by no means enter into the kingdom of the

heavens.” (Matthew 18:3) In contrast, Jehovah‟s

Witnesses declare: “We – including the many

women among us – „carry on as men.‟” – TheWatchtower, April 1, 2002, page 15.

Blind guides

Jesus taught: “Heaven and earth will pass

away.” (Matthew 24:35) But Jehovah‟s Wit-

nesses claim “that the earth will last forever.”

(The Watchtower, April 1, 1997, page 8) Their

promise of “a trouble-free paradise on earth” is

misleading millions of people, for it contradicts

Jesus‟ statement.

With regard to Pharisees and Sadducees,

Jesus said: A wicked and adulterous genera-

tion keeps on seeking for a sign.” (Matthew

16:4) The November 1, 1995 Watchtower ex-

plains that this “wicked and adulterous gener-

ation” is identical with the “generation” men-

tioned by Jesus according to Matthew 24:34.

The February 15, 2008 Watchtower adds that

“the modern-day John class,” the “anointed,”

make up the “generation” of Matthew 24:34.

Children learn to give to the Watchtower

Society rather than to the poor

“Their promises and predictions

… have failed time and again”

Are the “anointed” of Jehovah‟s Witnesses

the so-called “faithful and discreet slave,” rea

ly the “wicked and adulterous generation” tha“keeps on seeking for a sign?” Yes, for “th

work of the „faithful and discreet slave‟ [is] lik

that of a watchman.” – The Watchtower, Feb

ruary 1, 1981, page 23.

False prophets

Not only have their leaders resisted Christ

commands. The common publishers alike ig

nore the clear instruction: “Be on the watch fo

the false prophets.” (Matthew 7:15) For exam

ple, Jehovah‟s Witnesses foretold: “With thend of A.D. 1914, what God calls Babylon, an

what men call Christendom, will have passe

away.” (Studies in the Scriptures, Thy Kingdom

Come, page 153) But “October 1914 passe

without the expected change to heavenly life

as is admitted in the book Jehovah‟s Witnesse

– Proclaimers of God‟s Kingdom. (page 636

According to this book, “in the lecture „Million

Now Living Will Never Die,‟ delivered b

J. F. Rutherford … attention was directed t

the year 1925. … This year also was associate

with expectations for resurrection of faithfupre-Christian servants of God.” (page 632

“Again, in 1975, there was disappointmen

when expectations regarding the start of th

Millennium failed to materialize.” Thoug

“some withdrew from the organization,” th

majority ignored Jesus‟ warning of “fals

prophets” and remained faithful to the Watch

tower organization. – page 633.

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They did not heed the words with which the

February 1, 1971 Watchtower warned them of

Jehovah‟s Witnesses: “Their promises and

predictions of better things have failed time

and again. Why let yourself be carried along

with them in a steadily downward course to

ultimate disaster due to rejecting God‟s will?”

– page 69.

The antichrist identified

There can be no doubt that Jehovah‟s Wit-

nesses are the “antichrist” whom the Bible

warned of. As the apostle John says, “now

there have come to be many antichrists.”

(1. John 2:18) “The great increases enjoyed by

Jehovah‟s Witnesses worldwide” prove that

this description is applicable to them. – The

Watchtower, June 15, 1995, page 27.

God “will destroy those speaking a lie

(Psalm 5:6) The apostle John wrote with regar

to Jehovah‟s Witnesses: “This is the deceive

and the antichrist.” (2. John 7) God, the A l

mighty, will bring destruction upon the mem

bers of this organization, for they have told lie

and misled others.

They entice people with “a trouble-free paradise”

WHAT DO THE SCRIPTURES SAY ABOUT ABORTION?“ Those who have never been born are better off than anyone else.” (Ecclesiastes 4:3, CEV)

Can a woman who submits to an abortion

be acceptable to God? Many professed Chris-tians have a predefined attitude regarding this

question. They are influenced by “the wisdom

of the world.” (1. Corinthians 1:20) But for us,

it is important what the Bible says.

Consider what Solomon – the wisest man

who ever lived – said regarding abortion: “The

dead are better off than the living. But those

who have never been born are better off than

anyone else.” (Ecclesiastes 4:2, 3, CEV ) A clear

statement! But does Solomon really refer to

people who were aborted?

God-fearing prophet Jeremiah confirmed

that. He lamented: “Oh, that I had died in my

mother‟s womb! … Why was I ever born?” He

wished his mother would have aborted him.

Instead, he had to live a life “with trouble,

sorrow, and shame” because he was a servan

of God. – Jeremiah 20:17, 18, NLT .

Faithful Job similarly noted: “Why died

not from the womb?” (Job 3:11, ASV ) He com

plained to God: “Why did you let me be born

I would rather have died before birth!” (Jo

10:18, CEV ) “I should have been carried from

the womb to the grave.” (Job 10:19, Amplifie

Bible) Job too wished his mother would hav

aborted him.

But not only for the unborn children is anabortion the best solution. Jesus said: “Wome

who never had children are really fortunate

(Luke 23:29, CEV ) He knew that children

would only detain his disciples from servin

God. So we see that abortions are not onl

approved but even recommended by God‟

word.

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GOD’S KINGDOM – PRESENT TODAY!

“No resident will say: „I am sick.‟” (Isaiah 33:24)

The Bible promises wonderful blessings for

the years after Armageddon. Since this event

took place in 1975, we should see the fulfill-

ment of these prophecies today. Is that the

case?

One of the prophecies that fascinated God‟s

worshippers for thousands of years is from the

prophet Isaiah: “No resident will say: „I am

sick.‟” (Isaiah 33:24) We are really privileged to

see with our own eyes how this wonderful

promise fulfills in the Hamburg deaf-mute

institute and in other deaf-mute homes aroundthe globe!

The same prophet declared: “The former

things shall not be remembered or come into

mind.” (Isaiah 65:17, ASV ) “Everything of the

past will be forgotten.” (CEV ) “People will not

remember the past.” (NCV) This prophecy

fulfills in old people‟s homes around the world;

according to Werner Hansen‟s book Medizin

des Alterns und des alten Menschen “a drastic

increase in dementia is to be assumed.” (page214) According to United Nations estimates,

more than 1 percent of the population will

suffer from Alzheimer‟s disease in few decades

and “will not remember the past” anymore.

David uttered another prophecy which has

conveyed comfort to generations of God‟s serv-

ants: “The meek ones themselves will possess

the earth, and they will indeed find their ex-

quisite delight in the abundance of peace.”

(Psalm 37:11) Indeed, one day will all of God‟s

servants “possess the earth” in which they are

buried. In death, they will experience “abun-

dance of peace,” because “they have no portion

anymore to time indefinite in anything that

has to be done under the sun.” – Eccl. 9:6.

There is another prophecy by the psalmis

that fulfills before our very eyes: “There wi

come to be plenty of grain on the earth.” (Psalm

72:16) Indeed, there was a “glut of grain” du

to a bumper crop in the European Union in

2005. Handelsblatt magazine reported in it

August 1, 2005 issue: “18 million tons of whea

rye and barley currently tower up in the Euro

pean Union‟s storehouses. … These giant sur

pluses endanger the agrarian reform.” In fact

there was such “plenty of grain on the earth

that experts feared the collapse of the Europe

an system of agricultural aids, with seriou

impact on the whole economy.

The prophet Micah mentions another bless

ing of God‟s Kingdom: “They will have to bea

their swords into plowshares and their spear

into pruning shears. They will not lift u

sword, nation against nation.” (Micah 4:3) Fo

thousands of years, swords and spears wer

the most important weapons in wars. But “inmodern times, warfare has gone far beyond th

use of swords and arrows. Military superpow

ers now count on using nuclear and neutron

bombs and intercontinental ballistic missiles

(The Watchtower, January 15, 1979, page 17

Therefore swords and spears have becom

futile. Who still owns such obsolete utensil

can at best forge them into plowshares o

shears.

Are we not glad to see how the Bible‟s wonderful promises fulfill right before our eyes

Surely we want to spare no effort to pleas

God, so that we too can “possess the earth” on

day!

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ABRAHAM – A FAITHFUL SERVANT OF JEHOVAH

“As a father we have Abraham.” (Luke 3:8)

Abraham was a man of faith. He knew that

nothing was impossible for God. The Bible says

“that Abraham acquired two sons.” (Galatians4:22) When he was about 75 years of age,

his father Terah led Abraham and his family

out of the city of Ur. They knew where their

trip would take them, namely “to the land of

Canaan.” (Genesis 11:31) There Abraham

bought a tomb from the sons of Hamor in She-

chem, where Joseph was later buried. – Acts

7:16.

Normally, a man at 100 years of age could

not beget children anymore. Sarah laughed:

“Will a man a hundred years old have a childborn?” (Genesis 17:17) Only by a miracle, from

Abraham, “and him as good as dead, there

were born children.” – Hebrews 11:12.

God gave Abraham “the entire land of Ca-

naan” as inheritance. (Genesis 17:8) He prom-

ised: “To you and to your seed I am going to

give it until time indefinite. … To you I am

going to give it.” – Genesis 13:15, 17.

Abraham was going to Canaan

not knowing where he was going

Abraham was a man of faith. The Bibl

says that he “attempted to offer up his only

begotten son.” (Hebrews 11:17) Hence we knowthat he acquired only one son. When he wa

about 75 years of age, he led his family out o

the city of Ur. They did not know where ther

trip would take them, for “he went out, alt

hough not knowing where he was going.” (Gen

esis 12:5; Hebrews 11:8) Decades later, hi

grandson Jacob bought a tomb from the sons o

Hamor in Shechem, where Joseph was late

buried. – Joshua 24:32.

At the earliest with 140 years of age, Abra

ham took Keturah for his wife. Without Goperforming a miracle “she bore him Zimran

and Jokshan and Medan and Midian an

Ishbak and Shuah” – six sons, maybe also un

accounted daughters. – Genesis 25:1, 2.

God did not give Abraham “any inheritabl

possession” in Canaan, “no, not a footbreadth.

(Acts 7:5) Instead “he resided as an alien

there, as did “Isaac and Jacob,” his descend

ants. (Hebrews 11:9) They all “publicly de

clared that they were strangers and temporar

residents in the land”; “in faith all these diedalthough they did not get the fulfillment of th

promises.” – Hebrews 11:13.

Abraham was ready to offer up

the only one of his two sons.

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REASONING FROM THE WATCHTOWER

The book Reasoning from the Scriptures is a great help for Jehovah‟s Witnesses in

field service. But the first edition of this book was published already in 1985.

Hence its content must be brought up to date. All publishers are encouraged to cutthe following pages and paste them into their copy of the book (pages 199 – 208).

Jehovah’s Witnesses

Definition: The worldwide Christian society of

people who spend a large amount of their time and

energy on bothering people of another religion. They

base their beliefs solely on the Watchtower.

What beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses set them

apart as different from other religions?

(1) God’s channel of communications: Jeho-

vah‟s Witnesses believe that God uses their Governing

Body (often inaccurately referred to as “the faithful

and discreet slave”) as his channel of communication.

Instead of adhering to their own understanding of the

Bible or their conscience, they hold to the Watchtower

publications as the standard for all their beliefs.

(2) Field service: They speak to others about God

and what their magazines say about him. Anyone who

fails to report enough field service hours does usually

receive reproof and is considered not exemplary.

(3) Jesus Christ: They believe, not that what Je-

sus Christ taught is applicable to the majority of con-

temporary Christians, but that, as the Watchtower

says, it is valid only for a small group of Christians

which they call “the anointed”; that all other Chris-

tians play only a minor role in God‟s purpose.

(4) God’s Kingdom: They believe that God‟s

Kingdom is the only hope for mankind; that‟s why

they refuse to participate in any form in social projects

or other human improvement efforts. They believe

that God‟s Kingdom will soon destroy not only all

human governments but also about 99,9 percent of theworld population.

(5) Education: They believe that secular educa-

tion is harmful to Christians. They do not believe that

a young Jehovah‟s Witness who goes to college will

remain in their organization after that.

(6) Death: They believe that the major part of

mankind will soon be dead. “Those slain by Jehovah”

will not be buried but rather eaten by birds.

(7) Last days: They believe that we are living

now, since 1914, in the last days of this wicked sys

of things; that the complete destruction of the pres

evil world will happen in autumn 1975; that all wh

know that still remain in their organization.

(8) Separate from the world: They earnestly

endeavor to be no part of the world; they wear old-

fashioned clothes; they do participate neither in w

end trips nor in cultural events.

(10) Apply Watchtower counsel: They believ

that it is important to apply the counsel of the Wa

tower in everyday life now – at home, in school, in

business, in their congregation. When they have

doubts about what the Watchtower says regarding

specific topic or different issues provide different a

swers, they ask an elder for counsel.

(The above list briefly states some outstanding

liefs of Jehovah‟s Witnesses but by no means all th

points on which their beliefs are different from tho

of other groups.)

Are Jehovah’s Witnesses an American reli

gion?

Yes. They have their headquarter in America

where they can act in the cloak of religious freedom

the first 100 years of their history, everything rega

ing theological as well as organizational aspects w

decided by the presidents of the Watchtower Socie

who all were Americans.

It is true that Jehovah‟s Witnesses time and ag

emphasize on being politically neutral. But their o

ganizational structure and their publications clear

reveal that they are an American religion.

How is the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses fi

nanced?

By voluntary contributions, as was true with th

early Christians. (2 Cor. 8:12; 9:7) No collections a

ever taken at their meetings; they do not beg for m

ey from the public.

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Witnesses are not paid to go from house to house

or to offer Bible literature on the streets. Feelings of

guilt promoted by the elders and constant propaganda

motivate them to talk about Watchtower teachings.

Are Jehovah’s Witnesses a sect or a cult?

Yes. According to Encyclopaedia Wikipedia, “„de-

structive cult‟ is a term used to refer to religions and

other groups which have caused harm to their ownmembers or to others.” It is evident that this applies to

Jehovah‟s Witnesses. Furthermore, they do not look to

their own mind or conscience, but rather to the “faith-

ful and discreet slave,” as their leader.

They emphasize devotion according to prescribed

ritual, such as the memorial celebration, and they

perform ritual acts such as field service. They isolate

themselves from the rest of society. Though they live

and work in the midst of other people, they avoid any

unnecessary contact.

How old is the religion of Jehovah’s Witness-es?

According to the book Jehovah‟s Witnesses – Pro-

claimers of God‟s Kingdom, the line of witnesses of

Jehovah reaches back to Judge Rutherford. As presi-

dent of the Watchtower Society, he decided in 1931

that the Bible Students following him had to be called

“Jehovah‟s Witnesses.” Likely he wanted his organiza-

tion to be distinct from other Bible Student groups.

With reference to wars, the July 1, 2008 Watch-

tower states: “Jehovah‟s Witnesses do not go to war.”

(page 22) Granted, Bible Students associated with the

Watchtower Society participated in World War I, andthe Watchtower encouraged them to fight. But that

was before 1931, hence these Christians were no “Je-

hovah‟s Witnesses.” Furthermore, the present teach-

ings of Jehovah‟s Witnesses do not have much in

common with the Bible Students‟ views before 1931.

Do Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that their re-

ligion is the only right one?

Yes. Repeatedly their publications refer to all reli-

gious views and organizations except their own as

“false religion.” According to the June 22, 1971 Awake!

issue, they claim that “Christendom” – which includes

all other Christian denominations – “is filled with

detestable things.” – page 28.

The Watchtower does not agree with the Bible‟s

view that God “will forgive in a large way.” (Isaiah

55:7) Rather it says: “Those refusing to listen to Jeho-

vah‟s „watchman‟ [the „faithful and discreet slave‟]

have no hope of survival.” – September 15, 1988, page

14.

Do not other religions also not follow the

ble?

Many twist it to some extent. But is what they

teach and practice really so far away from what th

Bible teaches? Consider: (1) Many religious groups

take care of the poor, the disabled and other disad

taged ones. (2) Instead of stubbornly sticking to ou

dated Bible teachings, many religions provide praccal guidance to their followers that is useful even i

our modern day. (3) Even though many religious o

ganizations adhere to false teachings, they do not

their members to observe these entirely. They do n

control their followers in every aspect of their life.

(4) The theme of Jesus‟ preaching was love. He car

about the people; often “he was moved by pity” and

neglected his teaching work in order to help them.

(Mark 1:41) But Jehovah‟s Witnesses seldom ment

pity and their members are not striving to help the

fellow men physically. (5) Jesus said that his true

followers could be readily identified by their self-sacrificing love for one another. Is that true of Jeh

vah‟s Witnesses when someone expresses critical i

about the “faithful and discreet slave”? (6) The Bib

says that Christ‟s disciples would be no part of the

world, and it warns that whoever wants to be a fri

of the world makes himself an enemy of God; but J

hovah‟s Witnesses strive intensively for cooperatio

with political rulers.

How do Jehovah’s Witnesses arrive at the

explanation of the Bible?

A key factor is fantasy. They do not resort to lo

cal considerations to explain the Bible‟s clear state

ments of truth the way they were meant. In pointi

out the meaning of symbolic language in the Bible

they do not interpret it themselves, but copy the ex

planation from scholars of Christendom or from sp

ists like Johannes Greber.

The Watchtower says that God would have ap-

pointed the Watchtower leaders as his “faithful an

discreet slave.” Jehovah‟s Witnesses look to the go

erning body of that “slave” class to resolve difficult

questions or when their present understanding ha

proved to be wrong – not on the basis of the Bible, by deciding whatever seems appropriate from a ta

cal viewpoint.

Why have there been changes over the ye

in the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses?

The Bible shows “that God is light and there is

darkness at all in union with him.” (1. John 1:5) Th

doctrines of the true religion do not have to be re-

placed by “brighter light” time and again.

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Jehovah‟s Witnesses however base their beliefs on

human considerations. They always teach whatever

motivates their followers the most for field service.

When the conditions change and some teachings are

obsolete, they have to be replaced – like in 1995, when

the doctrine that Armageddon will come within 70 or

80 years after 1914 had to be revised.

Why do Jehovah’s Witnesses preach fromhouse to house?

Because Jehovah‟s Witnesses who do not preach

enough from house to house are called to account by

the elders. Anyone reporting less hours than the aver-

age publisher does not come into consideration for

special assignments, and one should not have close

contact with such a person.

The message that the Witnesses proclaim involves

field service hours; they want to be careful to report

every single hour, magazine and return visit. Their

calls are motivated by fear – first of the elders, also of God.

Also, the whole “teaching” is geared to encourage

for more field service and to imply feelings of guilt on

the publishers because they would spend too little

time on witnessing. Another reason why all Jehovah‟s

Witnesses preach from house to house is related to the

definition of the word: Who does not witness from

house to house is not considered as a “Jehovah‟s Wit-

ness” but rather as “inactive” or “spiritually dead.”

But why do the Witnesses call repeatedly

even at homes of people who do not share theirfaith?

They want to force their message on others. But

they know that what they have to offer is not very

attractive. Hence they hope for the people in their field

service territory to run into serious problems or oth-

erwise changed circumstances, since troubled people

are more likely to listen to their message.

Why are Jehovah’s Witnesses persecuted and

spoken against?

They are a destructive cult that twists the Bible,

manipulates its followers and destroys families. More-over, they need persecution, as they consider them-

selves “the prime target of Satan.” The August 15,

2007 Watchtower says: “The happiness, the satisfac-

tion, comes from knowing that we are suffering be-

cause we are doing Jehovah‟s will.” (page 30) Hence

they give cause to persecution, so that they can claim

that the prophecy is being fulfilled in them.

If Someone Says –

‘Why don’t you people get involved in doin

things to help make the world (the communit

better place to live?’

You might reply: „Because then I would have

time for field service and the elders would reproac

because of my bad report. There is no column for gdeeds on the field service report slip.‟ Then perha

add: „Obviously, getting involved in social projects

would be beneficial, but I‟m sure you‟ll agree that i

not possible to earn money or to uphold a position

power this way. That is the approach that we as Je

vah‟s Witnesses take to the matter.‟

Or you could say: „(After covering some of the

points in the preceding reply ... ) Some people cont

ute toward community improvement by providing

money; others do it by volunteering their services.

Jehovah‟s Witnesses do neither. Let me explain.‟ Tperhaps add: (1) „To be one of Jehovah‟s Witnesse

person must conscientiously fulfill his field service

hours; that keeps him busy and prevents him from

thinking.‟ (2) „We go beyond that, attending the Ki

dom Hall multiple times each week and keep listen

to the same boring talks again and again.‟

Another possibility: „I‟m not glad you brough

the matter up. Many Jehovah‟s Witnesses have ne

inquired to find out what they are actually doing a

community affairs. Obviously nothing.‟ Then per-

haps add: (1) „Some do it by establishing instituti

– hospitals, homes for the elderly, rehabilitation ce

ters for drug addicts, and so forth. Others may vol

teer to go right to the homes of people and offer ap

priate help as they are able. Jehovah‟s Witnesses d

neither.‟

‘Christians are supposed to be witnesses f

Jesus, not for Jehovah’

You might reply: „That‟s an interesting point

have brought up. And you are right that we actual

would have a responsibility to be witnesses for Jes

But Jesus was compassionate and indulgent. Jehovah‟s Witnesses need a vindictive and punitive Go

frighten their followers and other people. That‟s w

Jehovah is emphasized in our publications.‟

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PRESENTING THE GOOD NEWS –

AT PUBLIC TOILETS

In our modern society, people are travel-

ling more and more. This affects proclaimers

of the good news as well as worldlings.

Hence the people visit public toilets more

often and occasionally spend some time

there.

Could we not utilize the time we spend at

the toilet in Jehovah‟s service? “There are

people everywhere hungering for the truth,”

even in public toilets. (Our Kingdom Minis-

try, September 1983, page 8) The cubicles in

larger toilet facilities are usually separated

only by thin partition walls, so that we can

smoothly start a conversation about God‟s

Kingdom with the person in the neighboring

cubicle.

There is an abundance of suitable topics

for such a witness. We could speak about the

promise of an earthly paradise where

“cleansed air will be filled with the fragrance

of flowers.” (The Watchtower, June 1, 1981,

page 9) If someone is not interested, we

could also mention that “those slain by Je-

hovah will certainly come to be … manure

on the surface of the ground.” – Jeremiah

25:33.

Surely we will meet many sincere people

that way. What should we do when someone

shows interest in the truth? A study con-

ducted by Opinion Research Corporation in

2004 revealed that “nearly three-quarters

(71%) of men admitted to reading on the

toilet versus 56 percent of women.” We can

take advantage of this fact by offering Bible

literature to sincere people.

Of course, we will not always have

Watchtower literature with us that could be

used in such a case. But in ancient times,

there were no printed magazines too. Ra-

ther, God‟s servants used to write their mes-

sage on “a roll.” (Jeremiah 36:28; Psalm

40:7) We can do the same, since paper rolls

are usually available in public toilets. We

can write a Bible verse or our address onto a

roll, detach the sheet and shove it through

under the partition wall. No obstacle is in-

surmountable for the good news.

“The fact is, the good news needs to be

heard everywhere,” even in public toilets.

(The Watchtower, January 1, 2002, page 13)

Do not hold back from “spreading the

fragrance of the knowledge of God” there. –

The Watchtower, July 15, 1990, page 12.

A good location for witnessing

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QUESTIONS FROM READERS

Is it appropriate for a Christian woman

to pursue a profession as a prostitute?

Many religions speak out against prosti-

tution, and in some “Christian” countries it

is even prohibited. But for true Christians it

is important what God‟s word says on this

subject.

The prophet Isaiah said: “It must occur

… that Jehovah will turn his attention to

Tyre, and she must return to her hire and

commit prostitution with all the kingdoms of

the earth upon the surface of the ground.

And her profit and her hire must become

something holy to Jehovah. … Her hire willcome to be for those dwelling before Jeho-

vah.” – Isaiah 23:17, 18.

Though Isaiah speaks of symbolic prosti-

tution, the statement is clear: The “profit” or

“hire” of prostitutes is “something holy to

Jehovah.” That‟s why James asked: “Was

not also Rahab the harlot declared righteous

by works?” (James 2:25) True, Rahab loved

the Israelite spies “whole-souled” – Colos-

sians 3:23.

Of course, Jehovah is very pleased

when a prostitute uses a share of her

profit “for those dwelling for Jehovah” by

donating it for the worldwide preaching

work (Isaiah 23:18) Still in the 10th Century,

Pope John XII operated an own brothel in

St. Peter‟s Church. But after that the apos-

tasy was rampant, so that all churchly

brothels were closed step-by-step.

The apostate clerics of Christendom who

finally prohibited prostitution resemble the

Pharisees to which Jesus said: “Truly I say

to you that the tax collectors and the harlots

are going ahead of you into the kingdom of

God.” (Matthew 21:31) Unlike religious

leaders, prostitutes have a guaranteed place

in God‟s kingdom.

That‟s why faithful servants of God like

Judah or Samson did not hold back from

employing prostitute‟s services. (Genesis

38:16; Judges 16:1) Jehovah himself re-quested the Prophet Hoshea: “Go, take to

yourself a wife of fornication.” – Hoshea 1:2.

It is true that there are some passages

where the Bible mentions prostitution in a

negative way. But all these cases involved

married women who were sentenced for

adultery. (Isaiah 57:3; Ezekiel 23:43) Nei-

ther Moses nor Jesus banned prostitution,

but both of them condemned adultery. (Le-

viticus 20:10; Luke 16:18) So if a man wants

to have a married woman, he should not

commit adultery but rather do away with

her current husband. – 1 Samuel 25:3, 13.

There can be no doubt that unmarried

Christian women can definitely pursue a

profession as a prostitute.

Rahab was “declared righteous by works”

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PEOPLES TOILING FOR SIMPLY NOTHING

The prophet Micah foretold in the 8th century

BCE: “Jehovah … will certainly render judg-

ment among many peoples, and set matters

straight respecting mighty nations.” (Micah

4:1-4) According to the August 15, 2003 Watch-

tower , “the „many peoples‟ and the „mighty na-

tions‟ … are not the nations and governments of

this world. Rather, the prophecy applies to indi-

viduals out of all nations who turn to united sa-

cred service in Jehovah‟s mountain of true wor-

ship.” – page 17.

Hence the “nations” or “national groups” men-

tioned in the Bible are the ones flocking to the

Watchtower organization and getting baptized as

Jehovah‟s Witnesses. Many of them eagerly share

in the preaching work, as Isaiah foretold: “Thenational groups themselves will make a din

just like the noise of many waters.” (Isaiah

17:13) Today there are more than seven million

Jehovah‟s witnesses going from door to door in

every part of the earth – truly a “din”!

Constantly they try to impose their magazines

on the people. The May 1998 issue of Our Kingdom

Ministry urged its readers to “strive to help more

people read our magazines.” (page 8) And the

March 15, 1992 Watchtower clearly says that “the

Watchtower and Awake! magazines” contain “the

waters of truth.” (page 24) The “billions of Bibles,

books, brochures, and magazines” distributed by

Jehovah‟s Witnesses really are “a noise of many

waters.”

Will they benefit from their relentless service?

Is it true that “bearing witness brings joy and

peace,” as a “kingdom song” claims? Jeremiah

stated: “The peoples will have to toil for simply

nothing, and national groups simply for the

fire, and they will just tire themselves out.”

(Jeremiah 51:58) So, their entire “din” is to no

avail. Preaching from house to house, attendingthe meetings, regular family study, personal

study, regularly considering the daily text – Jeho-

vah‟s Witnesses “toil for simply nothing.”

All their effort is “simply for the fire” – the fire

at “the day of judgment and of destruction of the

ungodly men” that will not spare them. (2. Peter

3:7) Many have anticipated this judgment da

even decades ago, but as it has still not arrived

some of them “tire themselves out” and leave th

organization.

The psalmist mentions another reason wh

many “tire themselves out” when asking: “Wh

have … the national groups themselves kep

muttering an empty thing?” (Psalm 2:1) Jeho

vah‟s Witnesses keep constantly “muttering a

empty thing” – they deal with pointless gossi

about the nearing end and the annihilation of a

nonbelievers. The major part of the subject mat

ter discussed in their meetings is either absolutel

trivial or a repetition of long known thoughts

Indeed they think they would “walk in the ligh

of Jehovah,” but actually the prophecy of Isaiah fulfilled in them: “Darkness itself will cover th

earth, and thick gloom the national groups

– Isaiah 2:5; 60:2.

Jehovah‟s Witnesses think that their leader

are the “anointed ones, who are destined to „rul

as kings over the earth.‟” (The Watchtower , Apr

15, 1992, page 17) This is really arrogant. These sel

proclaimed “kings of earth take their stand

and claim to be in favor with God. (Psalm 2:2) Bu

that is not true “because they teach as doctrine

commands of men.” (Mark 7:7) Their followers dsomething because it is written in the Watchtow

er or because it has been said from the stage

They act out of fear of Armageddon or disfellow

shipping, not out of faith. And “indeed, every

thing that is not out of faith is sin.” – Roman

14:23.

But “sin is something disgraceful to na

tional groups.” (Proverbs 14:34) It isn‟t too lat

to leave false religion. (Revelation 18:4) But soo

God “will judicially try national groups” and fo

sure turn his attention to the leaders of th

Watchtower organization. (Psalm 9:8) Then he wi

say to the members of the Governing Body

“I never knew you! Get away from me, you work

ers of lawlessness. … Be on your way from me

you who have been cursed, into the everlastin

fire prepared for the Devil and his angels.” – Ma

thew 7:23; 25:41.

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YOUNG PEOPLE ASK: SHOULD I USE ELEVATORS?

In ancient times the angels used a ladder

to travel between heaven and earth. (Gene-

sis 28:12) The Bible often refers to laddersand staircases, but does not mention eleva-

tors at all. Yet it contains timeless principles

helping us to find an answer on the above

question.

Jesus cautioned his disciples against ele-

vators when he said: “Anyone who puts him-

self up will be brought down.” (Matthew

23:12, Worldwide English) Elevators „put

themselves up,‟ hence they are at risk of

being “brought down” and plummet into the

deep. But not only can the elevator itself bedangerous. The April 22, 1989 Awake! issue

warned: “Avoid entering an elevator if you

sense danger from the occupants.” (page 7)

And according to the March 15, 1973 Watch-

tower issue, being together with “worldly

persons … is highly dangerous.” – page 177.

Thus we should not set foot in an elevator

when it is possible that worldlings use it too.

The November 22, 1975 Awake! issue advised:

“Do not get on an elevator with strangers, …

nor should you hesitate to get off immediately

should they get on.” – page 13.

God‟s angels used a ladder, not an elevator

An insidious hazard

It has been reported that some young

Christians secretly wished to get stuck in an

elevator with someone of the opposite sex.

Jane who is 19 years old and very attractive

has often had indecent dreams regarding

this. But now she follows the advice of Anny

who is more than 70 years old and serving in

German Bethel since 1956: “I also try to stay

in good physical shape … by refraining from

use of the elevator most of the time, and by

walking as often as possible, especially in

field service.” – The Watchtower, June 15,

1994, page 29.

Robert was often accosted by cute wom-

en. He works in the 23rd floor, for what rea-

son the elevator is a great temptation for

him. But he says: “I always use the stair-

case. This way brings me closer to God.” He

had a special backpack made for him, where

the latest issues of The Watchtower and

Awake! can clearly be seen on the back.

Every morning he leaves one hour earlier for

work, so that he can bear witness on every

floor if necessary.

Survive – without elevator!

The September 22, 1969 Awake! issue

said that on some occasions, people have

been raided and murdered in an elevator.

Not for nothing does the word that Papua-

New-Guinean natives use for “elevator”

literally mean “the room that eats people.”

Hence true Christians should use eleva-

tors only in an extreme emergency, for in-

stance when there‟s a fire and the staircases

are no longer passable. Without doubt we

want to apply this counsel that God provides

through his channel of communication by all

means, so that we can obtain Jehovah‟s

favor.

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WHEN WILL ARMAGEDDON COME?

As Jehovah‟s Witnesses have been predicting for decades, “the „great tribulation‟ and the end of

this „system of things‟ will take place before the generation of 1914 „passes away.‟” (compare The

Watchtower , October 1, 1973, page 583) A “generation” is the human lifespan which according to

Moses amounts to 70 or 80 years. (Psalm 90:10) According to this, when will Armageddon come?

AArmageddon will come within 80 years from 1914, that is 1994.

BWe have to consider the prophetic rule “a day for a year.” (Numbers 14:34) When, ac-

cording to Scriptural method, counting 360 days for each of the 80 years, the result is

28,800 years. Hence Armageddon will come at the latest in the year 30714.

CWe have to consider “that one day is with Jehovah as a thousand years and a thousand

years as one day.” (2. Peter 3:8) When, according to Scriptural method, counting 360

days for each of the 80 years, the result is 28,800,000 years. Hence Armageddon will

come at the latest in the year 28801914.

D

We have to consider that “a thousand years” are in Jehovah‟s eyes “as a watch during

the night.” (Psalm 90:4) According to the book Insight on the Scriptures, a watch lasted

“about four hours” in Biblical times. When, according to Scriptural method, counting

360 days for each of the 80 years, the result is 691,200 hours or 172,800 watches. Hence

80 years are equivalent to 172,800,000 years, thus Armageddon will come at the latest in

the year 172801914.

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