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Dealing with the literature of Jehovah's Witnesses
Disclaimer: I am not a Biblical scholar, theologian or linguist. My comments here are the impressions of a layperson. If they are useful, I'm glad I could be of assistance. If not, I apologize. If you feel I've missed something or would like to discuss matters further, feel free to contact me.
How to read these pages:
The pamphlet I deal with here is split into 16 lessons. Each lesson has a set of questions and a set of answers that correspond to the question. Each of the following pages deals with a single lesson. The lesson title is at the top, then the questions are listed. Under each question is a table that contains the answers to these questions. The tables are laid out as follows:
Directly quoted text from the pamphlet. Complete list of scripture references from the quoted text, along with the scripture passages as given by the NIV version of the Bible My comments on the pamphlet's text. Quotes from the text will be bold and italicized. Scripture quotes will be italicized.
Unfortunately, I do not have access to a copy of their version of the Bible (the "New World Translation"). If I had one, I would add a column with the scripture passages quoted from that, which may shed more light on their text.
Another important note: There are 3 types of arguments I make with the text of the tract. The first is a simple disagreement, where I refute the statements that they make (either through scripture references of my own or through a study of the logic used to arrive at the conclusion). The second is where I agree with the point but disagree with the method for reaching the point or the reasoning for the point (for example, saying that too much drinking leads to bad health is true, but it is not supported with scripture; or that we should do things "to make God happy" instead of doing things "because these actions flow from our love for God"). The third is where I simply make no comment on the tract text. My silence does not imply full agreement with a point. It just means a lack of scriptural or logical argument against the point. How can I disagree with something when it is neither logically nor scripturally unsound? My argument with such points is that they are simply not important. For instance, I say very little on the roles of members of the family. The Bible supports most of the assertions made by the tract about these roles, and the tract does not use any poor logic when making its assertions, so I have no "arguments" with the statements. However, I still do not feel that the discussion of the roles of members of the family is something important enough to be discussing with someone who is new to the faith - it is something that will follow naturally from the foundations of faith (love for God). So, my disagreement is neither a logical inconsistancy nor a scripturally misinterpretation or misuse, but rather a matter of significance in relation to issues that impact salvation.
Pamphlet: What Does God Require of Us?
Lesson 1: How You Can Find Out What God Requires
Lesson 2: Who Is God?
Lesson 3: Who Is Jesus Christ?
Lesson 4: Who Is the Devil?
Lesson 5: What Is God's Purpose for the Earth?
Lesson 6: What Is the Kingdom of God?
Lesson 7: Drawing Close to God in Prayer
Lesson 8: Family Life That Pleases God
Lesson 9: God's Servants Must Be Clean
Lesson 10: Practices That God Hates
Lesson 11: Beliefs and Customs That Displease God
Lesson 12: Showing Respect for Life and Blood
Lesson 13: How Can You Find the True Religion?
Lesson 14: How Jehovah's Witnesses Are Organized
Lesson 15: Helping Others to Do God's Will
Lesson 16: Your Decision to Serve God
Religion Index
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Reality Index
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