Major in Minors! Part 1

The Minors
Over the course of several months I have had an on going conversation (via email) with a JW. He has gone to great lengths to tell me that letting children believe in Santa Claus is a sin, that smoking is worthy of disfellowshipping and shunning, and that neglecting to use the name Jehovah puts you on the side of evildoers. In email after email, he has stated that true Christians will be identified by their stance on these and other what I call “minor” issues. However, if your view is different than the Watchtower's view on these minor issues, you will loose your eternal salvation.

According to the WT, only those JW’s in good standing will be saved at the battle of Armaggedon. A JW must follow all the rules set down by the Governing Body—“We serve not only Jehovah God but we are under our 'mother' (the organization). Our 'mother' has the right to make rules and regulations for us... This book, entitled Branch Organization Procedure, contains 28 subjects; and its sub-sections involve regulations and administration. In it there are 1,177 policies and regulations...this is an improved, fine-tuned organization, and we are expected to follow its policies. If there are some who feel that they cannot subject themselves to the rules and regulations now in operation, such ones ought to be leaving and not be involved here in the further progressive work. Some have fallen away from the organization, not from the Bible, saying there is no need for coming under law." (JW Leader Albert Schroeder, May 29, 1980)

“Approved association with Jehovah's Witnesses requires accepting the entire range of the true teachings of the Bible, including those Scriptural beliefs that are unique to Jehovah's Witnesses. What do such beliefs include? The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses are the sole interpreters of the Bible. That 1914 marked the end of the Gentile Times and the establishment of the Kingdom of God in the heavens, as well as the time for Christ's foretold presence. Only 144,000 will go to heaven. Armageddon is near, followed by the Paradise earth, where the rest of the Witnesses will live." {Watchtower, April 1, 1986 30-1}

The Majors here.