Saturday, March 29, 2008

Jehovah's Witnesses and Their Two Versions of the Watchtower


When Jehovah's Witnesses come to your door and offer you the Watchtower magazine, you should be aware that this is the public version of their Watchtower. It is not the same magazine that they use in their Watchtower studies (usually as part of a Sunday meeting). This is an important distinction if you are trying to learn about their religion by reading their magazines. This is a recent and troubling development.


The public edition Watchtower can now serve as a better advertisement for their religion, without having to discuss troubling details that would cause most people to avoid further contact with them. The private study edition can now use stronger language and include more terms that only Jehovah's Witnesses understand or that have a special meaning among Jehovah's Witnesses.


Consider the Jehovah's Witness teaching that God will soon destroy everyone except Jehovah's Witnesses at Armageddon. They can now present this teaching in two different ways. In the private study edition, they can warn their followers that they have be active Witnesses and follow the directions of their Governing Body to have any hope of surviving Armageddon. (Jehovah's Witnesses always have some uncertainty about whether their works will be sufficient to ensure their survival.) The public edition can gloss over this and say that God will only destroy the wicked at Armageddon. They don't say that they believe that anybody who refuses to take a stand with Jehovah's Witnesses is wicked.


This is just another reason to be wary of Jehovah's Witnesses. They are skillful in avoiding their more controversial beliefs until they have you hooked on their sales pitch. Many people become members without fully understanding the kind of discipline they might receive if they don't follow all the rules or even disagree with a particular teaching. Jehovah's Witnesses are also good at misleading themselves. They are forbidden from reading information that is critical of their religion, so they can't present their beliefs in an unbiased way.


Asking to be put on their do not call list is a good option for many people. If someone wants to have discussions or debates with them, I suggest evaluating their claims by researching a variety of sources.


I am pleased that there is now an excellent video series that discusses the articles in these private study editions of the Watchtower. The videos reveal what they are saying and provide critical commentary. Click on this label link to see the videos that are now available.


Note: I have nothing to do with the production of those Watchtower Comments videos. This hasn't stopped me from receiving legal threats about their content. Click here for an explanation.

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

The Pedophile at Your Door


There are good reasons to be concerned when Jehovah's Witnesses come to your door. Jehovah's Witnesses ask all their members to go from door to door. This includes known pedophiles. This policy is irresponsible and insulting to the public. It indicates either an ignorance or callous disregard for the fact that pedophiles often repeat their crimes if they are given an opportunity.


This is just one reason why many people ask to be put on the Jehovah's Witnesses' do not call list. They don't want pedophiles leering at their children or are concerned that there children might be in the yard or answer the door when the Witnesses make their rounds.


This page at Silent Lambs contains a more complete description of this problem. See also this article. It can be printed and handed to Jehovah's Witnesses when they come to your door.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

A Message to Jehovah's Witnesses



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Friday, February 29, 2008

Yes, Jehovah's Witnesses Have a Do Not Call List


It's a little known fact that Jehovah's Witnesses maintain a "do not call" list. They don't want people to know about this, but they need to have one to avoid problems with people who sincerely don't want the Jehovah's Witnesses to come to their door. It's easy to get on this list. Just say in a firm voice, "Put me on your do not call list." It's best to use exactly those words so they know that you know what you are talking about. It's important they know you are making a firm and serious request, but there is no need to be angry or impolite.


This should dramatically reduce the amount of visits you receive. They may visit you by mistake and a few my choose to ignore your request, (This is a violation of their own rules.) but you have a right to remind them that they shouldn't be coming to your house. You might even want to say something like, "I respect your rights, please respect mine." If you feel they are harassing you, you can even consider calling the police. Be sure to mention that you requested to be placed on their do not call list.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

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