Why JW’s study WT Publications and not the Bible! Part 1

Here are some WT quotes that I used as a basis for answering this question. My thoughts are in red.

There is basically one reason why JW’s study WT publications—because the WTBTS (Watchtower Bible and Tract Society) has told them they must.

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: 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 only.

“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

JW publications improve the Bible?

“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

The Bible is incomplete without the WT?

“The world is full of Bibles . . . Why then do the people not know which way to go? Because they do not also have the teaching or law of the mother (WTBTS), which is 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

You cannot understand the Bible without the WT?

“It is through the columns of The Watchtower that Jehovah provides direction and constant Scriptural counsel to his people . . . “ WT, May 1, 1964, p. 277

“Heavy research is not necessary. The Watch Tower has done it for you. The most beneficial study you can do is to read The Watchtower or Awake! or a new book by the organization.” WT, June 1, 1967, p. 338

No need to do anything other than read The WT and Awake magazines—how convenient.

“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

“An individual must have The Watchtower to understand the Bible.” 1983 Yearbook, p. 21

These three quotes are saying—study without the WTBTS and you will not understand the Bible.

Part 2 is here.