Multiple-choice question for JW’s. Part 3-My response to the JW response.

You may not have nor know anybody who has read Mr. Russell’s works but it seems the WTBTS has read his works or if they haven’t they hold the same views that he does. For example, the quote I sent you shows that Mr. Russell believes if you read the Bible by itself you will be in darkness. However, if you read his “Scripture Studies” you will have the truth. What does the WT say:

"From time to time, there have arisen from among the ranks of Jehovah's people those, who, like the original Satan, have adopted an independent, faultfinding attitude...They say that it is sufficient to read the Bible exclusively, either alone or in small groups at home. But, strangely, through such ‘Bible reading,' they have reverted right back to the apostate doctrines that commentaries by Christendom's clergy were teaching 100 years ago..." The Watchtower, August 15, 1981.

The above quote is saying you cannot read the Bible by itself or you will be in darkness. Sounds exactly like Mr. Russell.

In addition, the above WT quote is saying if you think independently, find fault with something the Watchtower says, then you are like Satan. Is this freedom of thought? Is this how Christ works in the church?

Also, what are the apostate doctrines spoken of in the above quote? Would that be the Trinity, the deity of Christ, the physical resurrection of Christ, all things the WT organization denies. So, if you read the Bible by itself, reading it for what it says, without the WT guiding you, you will adopt these doctrines. Interesting.

If reading the Bible all by itself causes you to be in darkness, how can you be in the ‘light’ according to the WT?

“the Bible is an organizational book . . . For this reason the Bible cannot be properly understood without Jehovah’s visible organization (WTBTS) in mind.” WT, Oct. 1, 1967, p. 587

“Jehovah caused the Bible to be written in such a way that you need his human channel (WTBTS) to understand it.” WT, Feb. 15, 1981, p. 17

The WT is saying that a JW cannot understand anything in the Bible without the WT telling him what it means. This seems to be exactly what Mr. Russell said in my original quote of him. The WT says that only the WT can properly interpret the Bible. It is saying that the Lord Jesus, through the Holy Spirit, cannot give a Christian a proper understanding of the Bible even though it is Jesus who opens the mind to understand Scripture (Luke 24:45). This effectively prevents the JW from thinking and interpreting the Bible for himself apart from the WT organization's guidance.

Another WT quote:

"Thus the Bible is an organizational book and belongs to the Christian congregation as an organization, not to individuals, regardless of how sincerely they may believe that they can interpret the Bible." The Watchtower, Oct. 1, 1967. p. 587.

The WT restricts its followers from looking at the Bible by itself without the guidance of the organization. This is not freedom to think for oneself and it is a sure way for the WT to keep the JW’s intellectually in line with WT teachings.

Another interesting WT quote: "The Vatican belittles Bible study by claiming it is the only organization authorized and qualified to interpret the Bible." The Watchtower, 7/1/1943, p. 201.

The funny thing is that is exactly what the WT does. It claims to be the only source of true spiritual knowledge. Fascinating.

The JW response to my response.

I would kindly request that you not contact me again.