In
November, 2008 I wrote a blog entitled, "Why do you see JW's studying
their WT magazines and rarely the Bible." You can view that blog here.
The truthfulness of that blog was brought home just the other day when I had a JW come back to my home for a "back call." As we talked about the scriptures I noticed that the JW looked at the front of his Bible often even though we were not talking about anything in Genesis. I asked if I could look at his Bible. In the front of his Bible was a copy of “Reasoning from the Scriptures”—a WT book that has the WT’s position on 68 different topics with questions to ask and scriptures to quote on each topic. There are also “Openings” on various topics to be used when the JW knocks on a door. In addition, there are responses to “Conversation Stoppers.”
MY POINT—JW's use the “Reasoning from Scripture” book more than the Scriptures themselves. We were discussing a verse from Revelation and what it means and he was constantly looking at the front of his Bible. Why is this?
The WT emphasizes that studying their material is superior to studying the Bible. The founder and first President, Charles Taze Russell wrote a series called “Studies in Scriptures.” About these “Studies” the Watchtower states,
“Furthermore, not only do we find that people cannot see the divine plan in studying the Bible by itself, but we see, also, that if anyone lays the 'Scripture Studies' aside, even after he has used them, after he has become familiar with them, after he has read them for ten years - if he then lays them aside and ignores them and goes to the Bible alone, though he has understood his Bible for ten years, our experience shows that within two years he goes into darkness. On the other hand, if he had merely read the 'Scripture Studies' with their references, and had not read a page of the Bible, as such, he would be in the light at the end of the two years, because he would have the light of the Scriptures." (Zion’s Watchtower—later renamed The Watchtower Sep. 15, 1910, p. 298.)
To summarize the above: If you read nothing but the WT 'Studies' you will be in the 'light' (truth). If you read only the Bible , you will be in 'darkness' (error).
According to the WT, a JW would be better off spiritually to lay the Bible aside and read WT materials. Check out the following WT quotes. They will show you why you see Witnesses reading the WT and Awake magazines and rarely the Bible.
“With the Bible alone many parts can be seen, but with the aid of the WT publications a much more complete picture of Jehovah’s purposes comes into view.” WT, March 15, 1954, p. 164
“God has not arranged for that Word to speak independently or to shine forth life giving truths by itself. It is through his organization (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society) God provides this light.” WT, May 1, 1957, p. 274
“He wants his earthly servants united, and so he has made understanding the Bible today dependent upon associating with his organization (WTBTS).” WT, Nov. 1, 1967, p. 668
“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. 1
And this final quote sums up the WT exalted view of themselves--humility is not one of their strong suits.
“An individual MUST have The Watchtower to understand the Bible.” 1983 Yearbook, p. 21
The truthfulness of that blog was brought home just the other day when I had a JW come back to my home for a "back call." As we talked about the scriptures I noticed that the JW looked at the front of his Bible often even though we were not talking about anything in Genesis. I asked if I could look at his Bible. In the front of his Bible was a copy of “Reasoning from the Scriptures”—a WT book that has the WT’s position on 68 different topics with questions to ask and scriptures to quote on each topic. There are also “Openings” on various topics to be used when the JW knocks on a door. In addition, there are responses to “Conversation Stoppers.”
MY POINT—JW's use the “Reasoning from Scripture” book more than the Scriptures themselves. We were discussing a verse from Revelation and what it means and he was constantly looking at the front of his Bible. Why is this?
The WT emphasizes that studying their material is superior to studying the Bible. The founder and first President, Charles Taze Russell wrote a series called “Studies in Scriptures.” About these “Studies” the Watchtower states,
“Furthermore, not only do we find that people cannot see the divine plan in studying the Bible by itself, but we see, also, that if anyone lays the 'Scripture Studies' aside, even after he has used them, after he has become familiar with them, after he has read them for ten years - if he then lays them aside and ignores them and goes to the Bible alone, though he has understood his Bible for ten years, our experience shows that within two years he goes into darkness. On the other hand, if he had merely read the 'Scripture Studies' with their references, and had not read a page of the Bible, as such, he would be in the light at the end of the two years, because he would have the light of the Scriptures." (Zion’s Watchtower—later renamed The Watchtower Sep. 15, 1910, p. 298.)
To summarize the above: If you read nothing but the WT 'Studies' you will be in the 'light' (truth). If you read only the Bible , you will be in 'darkness' (error).
According to the WT, a JW would be better off spiritually to lay the Bible aside and read WT materials. Check out the following WT quotes. They will show you why you see Witnesses reading the WT and Awake magazines and rarely the Bible.
“With the Bible alone many parts can be seen, but with the aid of the WT publications a much more complete picture of Jehovah’s purposes comes into view.” WT, March 15, 1954, p. 164
“God has not arranged for that Word to speak independently or to shine forth life giving truths by itself. It is through his organization (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society) God provides this light.” WT, May 1, 1957, p. 274
“He wants his earthly servants united, and so he has made understanding the Bible today dependent upon associating with his organization (WTBTS).” WT, Nov. 1, 1967, p. 668
“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. 1
And this final quote sums up the WT exalted view of themselves--humility is not one of their strong suits.
“An individual MUST have The Watchtower to understand the Bible.” 1983 Yearbook, p. 21
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