Watchtower Bible & Tract Society, Jehovah's Witnesses I investigated the Jehovah's witnesses and found out they are not a real Watchtower Bible & Tract Society, Jehovah's Witnesses I investigated the Jehovah's witnesses and found out they are not a real realigion but a filthy rich cult. ripoff door to door sales people New York New York but a filthy rich cult. rip off door to door sales people New York New York

facts.

Example: If you type in 271454 at this site and go to 'Consumer Comment #1' at Ripoff Report #271454, you can read what was stated in the third paragraph, which was submitted on September 3, 2007. Here is part of what was stated-

Quote: "The Collapse of the U.S. economy is in its infancy. Get all of your money out of the stock market...." - September 3, 2007.

FACT: On September 3, 2007, that statement was an opinion. However, a little over a year later on September 29, 2008, the stock market crashed and the banking system in the USA collapsed, along with several large Wall Street companies. The Dow Jones lost a record 777 points on September 29, 2008, which was a little over a year after that consumer comment was submitted at this website.

*This proves that an opinion can become a fact.

Thank You

The difference between opinion and fact is that we all have an opinion, but that opinion may be only that, an opinion not factual. I have been one of Jehovahs Witnesses for over 40 years and yet to see one person who writes negative reports about Jehovah's Witnesses ever ask them. Ive seen about everything imaginable happen and everything said about them, rarely do I see a factual report about them.

we all have the choices we make based on certain things we learn, like those who chose to serve our creator Jehovah. They make an educated decision on what they learn and the facts that have sources that can be proven without a doubt. If you were to write an essay in college without sources that can be proven you get an "F" so why write an opinionated essay unless its meant to decieve? Using emotional speech that politicians use, or the same kind of speech that Hitler used against the Jews to cause many to begin to hate them?

Think about your speech, and what it declares, does it declare hate? Or can the speech we use be backed up by reliable sources. Are Jehovah's Witnesses really brain washed just because you want to believe that? Are they really a cult just because you say they are? What facts or reliable sources do you have to back up your statements? If you were required to write an essay in college about it would it pass? I can tell you from experience that I don't know of any of Jehovah's Witnesses that have been brain washed into becoming one!

I have been one since 1974 and everyone I know made an educated choice to serve Jehovah. It's what they want. Have I seen ones that rebel or change their decisions? Sure I have, and I've seen ones who are just bad people and or selfish, and I've seen ones in the organization do bad things. The reason why is because we are all imperfect and sucject to our own desires. I'm no better than you, I just try hard to be a good person with scriptural principals like we find in Galations 5:22 the fruitages of the spirit. 

I've seen many improve their lives by obeying God's words found in the Bible, and are living a much happier life because of their choice. I've also seen people have a harder time by serving as one of Jehovahs servants, there is a cost to serving the one and only true God. Just like Jesus said there would be, claiming that the nations would hate you for serving Jehovah just like they hated him and executed him. The rewards are great if you remain faithful, that is what Jehovah promises us in the Bible. Think!

Everyone is entitled to there opion..... I'm juct SHOCKED by all the venom and lies people like to write. I've looked up many things in both Bibles, and some people just outright lie. Most of you claim to be Christian????

Carlos,

I am sorry that you are upset that your neighbor as found a spiritual truth in his life that will allow him to prosper. However, each person has that right to make a choice of his own on the things they choose to do in their lives. That is one of the gifts from God.

As for the negative change that too is your opinion. Is it negative that he attends meetings regularly. Is it negative that they (he/she) conducts themselves in a way fittingly described in the Bible and not what everyone else thinks they should act like. Is it negative that they strive to become mild tempered, meek, and sound of heart. Is is negative that they become passive and thought provoking. If these are things you find negative, then it might be time to look at yourself.

Anyone can do a search on the internet and find information degrading any religious group. The thing about the internet is that the information published does not have to be factual. Its a open territory for people to publish on how they choose. (FACT)

The magazines that are distributed are not sold. You will see no cost sign on the magazines and you dont have to take them. (FACT)
They inform you that the magazine is free. They also inform you that if you wish to make a volunteer donation for the magazine thats your choice. (FACT)

The Kingdom Halls operate with NO ONE being paid for their services. Not the Elders, not the over seers, not the ministeral servants. NO ONE IS PAID. (FACT)
They operate on strictly donations.

How many church organizations can you say that about that operate entirely with no revenue. (its because it is recieve free give free).

As for those that are ex-members that are angry and frustrated because they have been disfellowshiped. How about you get the truth about them on why they were disfellowshipped. Some of those answers might shock you(if they told you the truth). Jehovahs Witnesses will disfellowship their members if they commit a gross sin and are not repentant about it. Why. Because in their faith they are a threat to the flock with their behavior and attitude. After all, God perfers his house clean. Does he forgive yes, IF THEY ARE REPENTANT. That is the key.

So while you posted your OPINION. You might want to post some facts. The JW are over 7 million members strong and believe in God and his son Jesus. They are not a cult. They are out there encouraging people to read their Bibles. Since when does a cult do that.

Have a good day Carlos.

PUT A BLUE LODGE MASONIC EMBLEM IN THE WINDOW NEAR YOUR FRONT DOOR. MAKE IT A BIG ONE!

PEACE AND QUIET.

Bob, you have a personal & civic responsibility to state the real facts when you choose to slander someone. Add to your "research" & demonstrate your openess to others by carefully reading the other "rebuttals" printed here. Some of the "facts" you listed were right on, but they were mixed with ridiculous ones that came from "who knows where?" Lame supposed research printed in public places only serves to make you look bad & hurt the innocent.

The writer of the report on Jehovah's Witnesses & the Watchtower, Bible & Tract Society fabricated research and stated ridiculous ideas about them. As a former
member of this religious organization I couldn't find any truths in anything this writer said. He/she appears to be projecting some deep seeded anger. Jehovah's Witnesses have been a growing established religion for well over 100 years; and have always made it their spiritual mission to spread "God's word". Like any other religion they do this with written supplements to the Bible. They are & have always been a "nonprofit" organization operated by unpaid employees that have other means of financial support.
The money that supports the printing of their written material comes entirely from donations at their meetings (no collection plate is passed) and from the donations they receive from people they "witness" to. I haven't been an active member for several years, but it always bothers me to read such vile & uneducated reports such as this one. I was embarrassed for this person. We should all "bone up" on our facts before slandering others.

I do not believe this organization is any kind of rip-off artist. I was raised in the religion and although I am no longer a Witness, I do know they are very earnest and sincere in what they believe. So as to understand why I am no longer a Witness, without further judgement of them, I feel they are somewhat misled and that is why I left. I have done my time going door-to-door with the Watchtower and Awake magazines and never once did we ask for donations. If someone offered one, then yes we would take it to pay for it.

As with any publication, it costs money to print. Congregational members do pay for these magazines before they go in the field out of their own pockets. Rarely are they reimbursed for this. That is why donations are helpful, but not required. The 'true' Witnesses do this out of the kindness of their hearts for they are earnest in what they believe and want to minister to others and are sincere in sharing God's love.

I have heard of some harsh tactics of 'some' Witnesses and unfortunately, by this 'some' is how the whole organization is being judged. This shouldn't happen. ie, if one man was abusive towards a woman....does that mean ALL men are abusive toward women?,...the answer obviously is No. Same principle. I still invite Witnesses to visit with me. The ones that come by I give donations to for I am familiar with the structure and know they are paying money for what they are bringing me. They also know they will never bring me back into the organization and yet are still happy to sit and discuss scripture with me. .... These are the actions of a 'true' Jehovah's Witness.

So I ask any of you who have such a negative thought/perception in regards to Jehovah's Witnesses, remember this: They are just as sincere in what they believe/teach/preach as you may be in your religion or whatever else you may believe in and are only acting out of their love for God and humanity. One or few bad apple(s) doesn't spoil the whole bunch.

Take the time to get to know a Jehovah's Witness as a spiritual brother and if you're not one that wants to be a part of their organization, politely tell them why and let them know you will never be converted and invite them to have Bible study with you. You might just be surprised how objective AND respectful they are.

As is said: "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with that judgement you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." Holy Bible, New King James Version

Anyone who hasn't been to a Kingdom Hall, or who has not studied the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses owe it to themselves to attend a Sunday morning Bible lecture at any Kingdom Hall. Go there and meet people who truly love God and who truly love people. Ask someone for a home Bible Study which is 100% free of cost. They will never ask you for money. All contributions forever are just that - voluntary contributions to further this extraordinary Bible education work. The people who go door to door are volunteers. Their buildings they meet in are built by volunteers. Have you ever seen a "quick build" Kingdom Hall be built in less than a month? It's incredible to watch a bunch of volunteers work together and like the work they do. For all those who think that the Witnesses have altered the Bible, I highly recommend you read a book entitled The Role of Theology and Bias in Bible Translation: With a special look at the New World Translation of Jehovah's Witnesses (Paperback) by Rolf Furuli. This is a must-read for non witnesses and witnesses. You owe it to yourself to responsibly choose what type of worship God our creator expects, deserves and requires. The Witnesses are honest, humble people. They are not brainwashed. In fact, they are very in touch with their feelings, and intellect. They are the most open minded people you will ever meet. And this is because before you can even get baptized as a Jehovah's Witness, you need to study Christianity and non-Christianity thoroughly to make sure you know what you are getting into. You learn that most of what the religions of the world teach are based in paganism, and not based on the pure teachings of Jesus. The witnesses took a stand and "cleaned up" religion by only teaching Jesus' teachings. Their lives are modeled after Jesus and the commands of his father, Jehovah God. As this crummy world gets filthier and worse, the Jehovah's Witnesses will always be a pillar and umbrella of protection to its members and its members children. I feel sorry for anyone who is not a Witness. I am humbly in awe of this religion. I am thankful for this organization's unselfishness of their money, their insights, knowledge, and time. I am SO unbelievably thankful and proud of becoming a Witness. I am so thankful of the library of books and magazines, and research materials they provide for us, at no charge. There's no other place in the world with this kind of honesty and integrity. Thank you Jehovah for letting me in! Please all of you reading this, give it a try. And you will see for yourself. Don't cheat yourself of this wonderful place to be!

For one their magazines and books are free. If you really want to find out about the jehovahs wittnesses go them directly and get as bible study or ask them and compare what you hear from them with the websites you go to.

That is what I did. I wanted to hear what all these websites had against the Jehovahs wittnesses. I am not brainwashable, I am not an idiot and I do not want my money if I am spending any going to one or two people who are using religion as a business.

I read what the people had to say on their websites and compared it to what I was learning from the wittnesses themselves and what I heard when I went to their meetings.

I quickly realized that the websites were lying.

Free minds site is what is called an apostate website. They take things out of context, warp and twist JW teachings for what? What is their goal? To end the preaching activity that Jehovah God and Jesus commanded people to do?

Well if Hitler couldnt stop the Jehovahs wittness neither will a lying website no matter how many there are out there.

Check and read your bible for yourself and compare it to what the wittnesses are teaching dont let questionable websites tell you your opinion or you are just like what you are accusing the JWs to be, brainwashed.

I to had questions about this religion so on a whelm I allowed one to come into my home. I asked several questions infact a lot of questions:

1. Who was Jesus praying to in all through John 17?
2. Who are the little sheep mentioned by Jesus?
3. WHy did he cry out when he was dying, Father why have you forsaken me?"
4. Why do so many religions celebrate Christmas when they know it is pagonistic?
5. If the Cross is the instrument of Jesus death, Why do people practically praise it instead of abhor it? It would be the equivalent of praising the knife or bullet that killed your love one, wouldnt it? Or Cancer?
6. What was the 144,000 and who was the 24 elders and of course the 666 thing and what was that all about.

These question when asked a Pastor and even a Priest was never answered. I always got the God is a mystery sermon. Not good enough.. So they would result in dont the "I will never understand the Bible" phase and move on quickly.

However, when I asked the Jehovah's witness these same question each one was answered. I thought I would be smart and tell them to show me the answer from my KJV. trying to lay a trap. THe man casual put down his Bible flipped through my Bible and answered most of the questions without hesitation. He knew what I was trying to do and explained that the KJV translation was done back around the 15th century and that is why it is worded like it is with "thy" and "thou" and so forth. He stated Jesus never really used that dialic but talked in hebrew.

Then he took my KJV and turn to 2 scriptures that blew my mind.

1. Philippians 2:6-7-It stated that Jesus exisiting in Gods' form, gave no consideration to a seizure, namely, that he was equal to God. In otherwords, He never said he was equal to God or even claimed to be a god at all. WOW! First hit on my Trinity Belief.... was a dazzling punch. But the next scripture was the knock out.

2. 1 Corinthians 15:24-It states when the end comes and this World is free of sin- HE HANDS OVER THE KINGDOM TO HIS FATHER. 1-2-3 You are out!! How can he hand over the Kingdom to his father if he is infact the father? This is done when he is in Heaven!!

Okay, so I was left with that question and a to be continued... SO, I went back to the minister of my church and ask them that question and you can guess what their answers were, GOD is a Mystery.. WHATTTTT??????? What is so mysterious about that? The trinity is blown wide open by 2 scriptures and I am sure there is more. Yes, Jesus is the son of God. No, by his own words he is not equal to God... Oh and one other thing, the Ministers told me to stay away from the Jehovah's Witnesses because they teach bad things... I told the Minister that he is not teaching anything at all.. except God is a mystery... Oh, and that he can sweat a lot on Sundays.

Also, if you have an older Bible KJV before it was "Modified"read Psalms 83:18-19 I am sure most of you will get a kick out of what it says about Jehovah's Witnesses there. I know I did. NEver even knew that scripture was there..

Carlos,

First of all I would like to know what constitutes a REAL Watchtower Bible & Tract Society?

Just by typing in ANY religion in on the internet I can find hundreds of false statements about them too. That does not mean they are all right.

But I do understand where you are coming from, and I can guarantee it is a lack of knowledge.

I used to think that Jehovah's Witnesses were crazy also! Honestly, but then I got my information from people who were not Witnesses.

My friend became a Witness and mentioned that the next time they came to my door perhaps I would let them in. I thought "yeah right, a snow balls chance."

I had questions about the bible and I went to churches (many different ones) where all the pastors, priests, reverends were concerned about was the tithe monies or the pot luck supper etc. Or they were totally unapproachable. I would never have been able to get near them to ask a question. Finally the Witnesses did come to my door and I did let them in, and they were able to answer every question I had from the bible!

Yes I have been on the other end of 'those people knocking at inconvenient times' but before you go bashing us there is something you might consider...

Jehovah's Witnesses victories in Supreme Court cases have defined and strengthened First-Amendment freedoms for ALL Americans.

U.S. Supreme Court Associate Justice Harlan Fiske Stone wrote, "The Jehovah's Witnesses ought to have an endowment in view of the aid which they give in solving the legal problems of civil liberties."

In the United States numerous cases involving Jehovah's Witnesses are now landmark decisions of First Amendment law.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supreme_Court_cases_involving_Jehovah's_Witnesses

Jehovah's Witnesses are among the most frequent targets of government-sanctioned suppression and persecution, according to the U.S. State Department's 2006 Annual Report on International Religious Freedom.

Jehovah's Witnesses began their legal fight in the United States in the 1930s and 1940s, where they faced mob violence and government discrimination in more than 40 states. Jehovah's Witnesses have argued a record 62 cases before the U.S. Supreme Court , of which they have won 50. Legal scholars say that their victories defined and strengthened First-Amendment freedoms for all Americans. Since then Jehovah's Witnesses have often gone to court in emerging democracies from Africa to Asia to secure those same rights. Their legal struggles have continued unabated into the 21st century.
http://www.knocking.org/ReligiousPersecutionReport.html

So Carlos, I spend my free time coming to your door to share good news with you, if you don't want me there just ask me to leave. But, when I find rude people or hostile people or ones that just don't want to talk to me, I want YOU to know that cements the fact that I AM in the right religion. John 15: 17-21

So thank you!

To the post with all the scriptures, your logic is truly dizzing, however, there is one scripture you did not mention.

(Luke 22:42) Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. (KJV)

This is not my bible, but yours. Can you explain to me who Jesus is praying to? He is asking permission from himself, or another being? Why not his will, but someone elses?

Could it be that Jesus is praying to God, asking for him to remove the "cup" of death because he himself could not remove it? And since he says not his will, but thine will, he is clearly stating that SOMEONE else is controlling these actions. If he was God, he would not need to ask for someone else to change their will. He would simply make the change himself.

Yes I was involed with a boyfriend that mother was a jehovah wittness it has something to do with there attitudes. His mother was just so rude. They act like there better then us. Well i am out of that relationship besides the whole religion scares me.

Yes I was involed with a boyfriend that mother was a jehovah wittness it has something to do with there attitudes. His mother was just so rude. They act like there better then us. Well i am out of that relationship besides the whole religion scares me.

Yes I was involed with a boyfriend that mother was a jehovah wittness it has something to do with there attitudes. His mother was just so rude. They act like there better then us. Well i am out of that relationship besides the whole religion scares me.

Yes I was involed with a boyfriend that mother was a jehovah wittness it has something to do with there attitudes. His mother was just so rude. They act like there better then us. Well i am out of that relationship besides the whole religion scares me.

I have relatives who are JWs (grew up with it, know it inside & out), and when I tried to get them to read some stuff refuting a lot of their claims, I was actually told that they are forbidden to. I said, What do you mean?" They said that basically the "organization" instructs them not to "poison their minds" by even READING anything the least bit critical of them. (What, are they afraid that people might see some good points?)

Well, now, whenever I am told that I can't even
LOOK AT something because it doesn't agree with what I'm being spoon-fed, I immediately think, "What, they don't want me to have a mind of my own?" It's ridiculous to tell the flock what they can and can't read!

There are many, many sites out there by former JWs who tell how the "organization" REALLY works and what the higher-ups REALLY think of the flock. (It's extremely interesting.) So when these people come to the door and try to give me pamphlets, I hand them something I printed out and say, "OK, if you read this first!" Oh, the consternation!

I wish to add a very serious comment concerning the whole subject concerning the door to door visits.

I personally am not interested in becoming a Witness, nor am I interested in reading any publications being offered door to door. I know how to politely deal with them when they show up at my door. However...there is a serious safety issue that many witnesses are not observing....going to houses displaying a "BEWARE OF DOG" sign...often in the company of their young children.

I own two dogs who would not hurt a soul..but they do bark when people approach, and the sign is an alert for people who visit (mailmen, meter readers etc) that dogs are present in the home. But to bring a young kid onto someone's private property with a "beware of Dog" sign...one is not sure if a true guard dog is on duty, or a dog that could bolt through an opening door and defend its owner against "intruders". In short...if you see a sign such as "beware of dog" or "keep out"...there is a reason why those signs are there. Do not risk your own injury or the injury of YOUR CHILD...just because it is the duty of your religion. Leave that house alone.

One can argue that the owner of the mean dog would be at fault, but for Jehovas paying a visit...they are entering PRIVATE PROPERTY BY CHOICE...and the owners have the right to own a dog on their own property, as long as it's restrained and under control. But by entering ones property you may be pushing the limits of some very protective canines.

In short...if you see a sign telling you to Beware...stay away...there may be no true danger at all...but don't think that way.

Patty,

You have a very easy question to answer. Being a Christian does NOT mean that you believe in a trinity. Being a Christian literally means "being like Christ", in other words, following his examples that were set while he was on earth. This is a very basic definition, but in NO WAY does it mean you have to believe in the Trinity.

As far as Jesus being God, all I have to say is "huh?". Show me in the bible where it says Jesus is God. If he was God, then who was he praying to when he was on earth?

Not trying to bash you, but I strongly recommend you research the origins of the Trinity. Do you know that the idea was originated by Atheists? The idea of the Trinity was made up so that conqueres could manipulate christian captives. I suggest you really do some research on the Trinity. If you do so with an OPEN MIND, you may be surprised as to what you learn.

Several times, people have stated that JWs are Christians...but that Jesus is not God. Being a Christian means believing Jesus is the son of God, died on the cross for my sins, was raised and now sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. The only way into the kingdom of Heaven is through belief in Jesus.....so please help me understand. How are JWs Christians if they don't believe in the Trinity?

Thanks

The bible says not to even let these people in your house.

One of them once told me that I was "brainwashed by Satan" because I knew better than to believe their BS.

It is very sad though. It is true it's a money making scheme for the headquarters in NY, but the sad part is that the people that you see going door to door really actually believe this nonsense they've been duped into believing. They have been deceived and are deceiving others, as the Bible says. The people at the main headquarters know the truth and set back and enjoy the money rolling in.

They have changed their Bible around to make it say what they wanted it to say that would support their nonsense.

They are trying to say that Jesus is not God, but rather a little god 'a god'.

Like I said, they have been brainwashed and thier mentality is "don't confuse me with the facts, my mind's made up". The more you 'down talk to/about them, the more it makes them feel better they just say that they are being persecuted for doing God's work like Paul and the other apostles and early Christians.

Whoever designed this cult will, I believe, spend eternity in the hottest spot in hell right next to Adolf Hitler.

I don't know what (reliable) resources you got your information from, BUT, they are very much a "Christian Religion". THEY DO NOT ASK FOR MONEY !.. They rarely suggest you to donate anymore. NONE of the people coming to your door ARE EMPLOYEES. ALL ARE REGULAR PEOPLE (just like you, that became a Witness). AND THAT'S A TOUGH JOB WHEN FACING SOMEONE LIKE YOU (to try to do what the Bible (ANY BIBLE) says to do), BELIEVE ME ! They never ask for, or get recognition for all the works they do (even for non Witnesses: like helping in 911 w/their equipment (when NY didn't have the right kind, or enough), like helping people during the Hurricanes (when no one else did). They have volunteers (that are Brothers & Sisters),that come from all over, in all walks of life and Trades, to build their Kingdom Halls (with their own time, for free), among countless other quite things they do. They are self sufficient (w/Brothers & Sisters), for some that live there, and many that just visit the farms (that feed the ones that work in NY) and the Magazine (that is given out by the millions for FREE, all over the world, in every language),and help out. Anyone can become an Elder in time. NO religion pays TAXES (i.e.: neither do most foreigners that come here opening restaurants, retail stores, businesses, etc. Every co has to have people to run things, and they have to live..Just who exactly is getting rich ??..
(the money goes back into the magazines, trucks, gas, mailing, packages, the farm, operating daily expenses, to keep it going, so they can GIVE YOU the information FOR FREE)!
For those of you that feel nothing is free.. when was the last time you read the Bible (any Bible)? (and understood it)?..(that information and simple direction (should we chose to follow it, because its not easy in this day & age) was given to us by God Jehovah, for free).
AND, for those of you who think this is NOT the end days ??.. compare back 15-25 years (look at 911, look at the prophecies in the Bible (any Bible),look at kindergartners carrying guns to school,look at the sexual predators today, look at the environment, global warming, mega- hurricanes, etc, etc, etc)..is this getting better ? Is this the way it was intended to be? Do you really think people or peoples government can fix this ?.. Believe me, I'm NOT weak. I have my own mind and thoughts, AND I'm not in denial. And I try not to judge. (that's not easy either).

I've been reading the responses on this forum and have a few things to say. First of all, Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to salvation. You must accept Jesus as your savior to have everlasting life. It is not by "living a clean and moral life" or by your "works or deeds". The Jehovah's Witness religion is all head and not heart. When you experience salvation through Jesus, you invite Him into your life and the Holy Spirit operates in you. You have a real relationship with Jesus and let me tell you, there's nothing like it! Through faith, you produce good works. It's not the other way around. When Jesus died on the cross (yes cross, not "torture stake"), that was actually GOD dying for our sins!...John 1:14.

Prior to 1952, JW's used the King James Version bible. But they ended up forming their own bible (New World Translation) because they needed a bible that matched what they taught. You cannot have the beliefs of a JW and continue to read from the King James Version, because in the KJV, it clearly shows that Jesus is God and that ALL who believe in him will be saved (not a little group called Jehovah's Witnesses). The only reason JW's appear to lead moral lives is out of Fear of being caught doing anything contrary to what the Watchtower Society finds acceptable. They fear the Watchtower Society, not the Lord Himself! But they constantly put REAL Christians down by saying "See, we live moral lives, church people don't". You have no idea what Jehovah's Witnesses do behind closed doors. There is no real joy with this group. People that accept Christ have an unspeakable joy about them. Have you ever been to the Kingdom Hall? It's spiritless! I went to the Kingdom Hall 3 times a week for 18 years and then went to church for the first time at age 23. I cried like a baby because for the first time in my life, I felt the presence of God. Can you imagine what that's like? My life has never been the same. There is true freedom in Christ. Praise the Lord!

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6


Jesus Christ
The Lord Jesus Christ is the great subject of the Bible. He said:

"Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me, and ye will not come to me, that ye might have life" (John 5:39-40).

The Scriptures tell us so much about Christ, because of who He is, and because it is only by faith in Him that we can be born again into God's family.

"But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God" (John 1:12-13).

Many people have the wrong idea of who Christ is and why He came to earth. This keeps them from really knowing, not only Jesus Christ, but the Father as well. While He was on earth, Jesus answered some of them:

"Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also" (John 8:19).

They had accepted the viewpoint of their religious leaders regarding Christ, but a different Jesus Christ could not save then, and can not save now either. Compare your religion's view of Christ to that of God's word. Be sure your own faith is in the real Christ of the Bible. Your eternal destiny depends on it.

"He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him" (John 3:36).

Now let's look at some important passages that teach that Christ is not only a human being, but is also God.


Is Jesus Christ God?

The official Jehovah's Witness position is that Jesus Christ is not God. Unfortunately the wording of some passages in the New World Translation has been based on this opinion rather than on the actual words of the original.

Whenever you notice a significant difference in the New World Translation, check it with a number of other translations. You will notice that the Bible teaches that Christ is God who took on human nature to live among men.


Christ is called God in the New Testament

"But unto the Son he saith, 'Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom" (Heb. 1:8).

In context, this verse is clearly speaking of Christ and calling him God. It quotes Psalm 45:6, an Old Testament prophesy of Christ: "Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre". Jesus Christ continued to be God even after He had also taken upon Himself human nature at the virgin birth. It is His kingdom you are trying to enter. The scepter stood for the king's authority. Christ holds the sceptre, and you may only enter His kingdom in the way that He provides (See Matt. 22:8-14).


"And the Word was God"

John 1:1 is very important because it not only identifies Christ as God, but the verses that follow attribute the creation to Him:

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made" (John 1:1-3).

The New World Translation of the Jehovah's Witnesses says: "?and the Word was a god," contrary to all other translations I have ever seen. Their officials say that this translation is justified because in the original Greek the word "God" is without the article. It is without the article, but it is clear that this is not their real reason, because verses 6, 12, and 13, of the same first chapter of John contain similar usages of the word "God," all without the article. The Witnesses have translated all of these correctly with a capital "G" and without inserting "a". The only instances I have found in which they translate "God" with a small "g" are when "God" refers to Christ. It is certainly not done consistently whenever the Greek word "God" lacks the article. (See the examples in John 3:21, 8:54, 9:16, 9:33). In the case of John 1:1-3, to avoid a translation that correctly identifies Christ as God, the New World Translation ends up attributing the creation of all things to "a god!"


Does "a god" Equal "Jehovah?"

I have found one contradiction to the claim that the lack of the article before "God" in the Greek requires the translation "a god" in English that I find particularly striking. The New World translates the very same word for "God," without an article: "?they will all be taught by Jehovah" (John 6:45). Why didn't they follow what they say is their rule and translate it, "They will all be taught by a god?" Because John 6:45 quotes the Old Testament where the Hebrew word used for God is "Jehovah" (Isa. 54:13)!


Why Does the Bible Call Christ Both God and Man?

The explanation is found in John 1:14.

"And the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."

Christ, who has always been God, was made flesh at His birth so He could live with people and be sacrificed for them. That's why he was born of the virgin Mary and called Emmanuel which means, "God with us" (Matt. 1:23).


Christ and the Father Are One

Paul demonstrates the fact that Jesus Christ was God as well as man as he looks forward to Christ's return in Titus 2:13-14: "Expecting the blessed hope and appearance of the glory of the great God and Savior of us, Christ Jesus who gave himself for us that he might ransom us from all lawlessness?" (Word for word translation from the Greek).

When Philip asked, "Lord, show us the Father," Jesus answered: "He that hath seen me hath seen the Father?" (John 14:8-9). Christ is again called God in John 20:28-29 when Thomas had just seen His resurrected body:

"And Thomas answered and said unto him, My Lord and my God. Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed."

Would you like to be blessed? Believe what Thomas believed! The blood of Christ was God's own blood: "?the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28). See also Rom. 9:5; Col. 2:9; Titus 2:13, Phlp. 2:5-11.


The Words "God" and "Christ" Are Used Interchangeably


"But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his" (Rom. 8:9).

The same Holy Spirit is both Christ's Spirit, and God's Spirit. Do you have the Spirit of Christ? He will come into your heart too when you are born of the Spirit (John 3:3-7, 14-18).


"Lord of lords and King of kings"

"?and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings" (Rev. 17:14).

This passage should clear up any lingering question as to whether or not Christ is an inferior "god". It clearly states that He is God over all (See also Rev. 19:13,16).


Christ's Works

"Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me, but ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep" (John 10:25-26).

The reason that many do not believe in Christ is not because proof is lacking, but because they are not His sheep. Don't despair, though, if you believe, but find that your faith wavers on occasion. When John the Baptist was thrown into prison, even he doubted, and sent messengers to ask Christ if He were the one who was to come. Christ's answer was in essence, "You will know if you look at my works." He said:

"?the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, to the poor the gospel is preached" (Luke 7:22).

If, however, you firmly believe that Christ was not God, and want to convince others of that viewpoint, prove it to them. Show them you don't have to be God to do the works which Christ did. Do them yourself!

Before Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, He said:

"I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live" (John 11:25).

On another occasion, Christ said to a paralytic, "Son, thy sins be forgiven thee," and some of those who heard said, "Who can forgive sins but God only?" Christ then healed the man who had been paralyzed. Doing it this way, they saw who He was and could figure out for themselves why He could forgive sins (Mark 2:5,7).

Many reject Christ as God and Savior and claim that our salvation depends on our works. How would you answer the question: "Can Christ forgive sins and give life to the dead or are our own accomplishments necessary also?" Christ the Savior claimed to save and proved what He claimed. What proof do those offer who don't believe, and assign works for us to accomplish to earn our own salvation?


The Old Testament Foretold Christ's Divinity


"Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel" (Isa. 7:14).

The meaning of this prophecy was explained to Joseph by an angel just before Christ's birth:

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us" (Matt. 1:23).

Christ was God dwelling with man. Another important prophecy in which Christ is very clearly called God is, Isaiah 9:6:

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

In this verse the New World Translation emphasizes Christ's divinity with another capitol letter, calling him "Mighty God".


Both Christ and His Father Were Called "I Am"

God said His name was I am:

"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. . . this is my name for ever?" (Ex. 3:14-15).

Jesus also applied the name "I am" to Himself and the Jews recognized that He was claiming to be God. Since they did not believe that He was, they tried to kill him:

"Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? ?Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him?" (John 8:57-59).

Will you believe Christ, or treat Him like a liar and blasphemer?


Jesus Christ is Jehovah


Jehovah said: "?and they shall look upon me whom they have pierced" (Zec. 12:10). The preceding verses (1, 4, 7, 8) identify Jehovah as the one speaking. Christ is the one who was pierced, and John 19:37 clearly tells us that this prophecy was fulfilled in His crucifixion.
Jeremiah the prophet predicted that God would raise up a descendent of David who would reign and be called LORD, or Jehovah: "?this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD (Jehovah) OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS" (Jer. 23:6). Jesus Christ was the descendent of David, who was to be called Jehovah our righteousness.
Who is Lord of the Sabbath? Christ said that He is. "Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath" (Mark 2:28).


Only One Can Be the First and the Last. That One Is Called Both Jesus and Jehovah!


"Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God" (Isa. 44:6)

The Redeemer is, throughout the New Testament, identified as Christ Jesus. In this Scripture He is called LORD (Jehovah). It is clear in this passage that the title "the first and the last" belongs to Jehovah the Redeemer. Look where this title is repeated!


Two Pairs of Passages in Revelation

God makes the identification of Christ with Jehovah even more clear and undeniable in two pairs of passages in Revelation which speak of the first and the last. Only one can be first. There can be no second first. The "last" is also exclusive.


The First Pair Is in Chapter One

The one who is coming in these verses is Jesus Christ, the one who was pierced, who is also clearly called "Jehovah God":

"Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindred of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty" (Rev. 1:7-8).

To make it more clear that the Jesus who was pierced and is coming with the clouds is Jehovah, here is the same passage from the New World Translation:

"Look! He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, and those who pierced him; and all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in grief because of him. Yes, Amen. 'I am the Alpha and the Omega,' says Jehovah God, 'the One who is and who was and who is coming, the Almighty'" (Rev. 1:7-8).

This identification becomes even more clear in the second verse of this pair where Jesus Christ, the one who died, is identified as Jehovah by calling Him the First and the Last, the exact same words which we saw used for Jehovah a few paragraphs above in the quote from Isaiah 44:6. So you can compare the verses more easily, here is that quote again, this time from the New World Translation: "This is what Jehovah has said, the King of Israel and the Repurchaser of him, Jehovah of armies, 'I am the first and I am the last, and besides me there is no God'". Here is the second of the pair of verses in Revelation:

"?I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore?" To make even more clear that Jehovah is the one who was dead and now lives, the New World Translation capitalizes "First" and "Last". Here it is: "I am the First and the Last, and the living one; and I became dead, but, look! I am living forever and ever?" (Rev. 1:17-18). Jehovah is called the one who died and is living which is Jesus Christ.


The Second Pair Is in Chapters 21-22


"And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; andI will be his God, and he shall be my son" (Rev. 21:5-7).
In this passage the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end is God, the one seated on the throne, but in the second of this pair Christ the one who is coming quickly is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.

"Behold, I come quickly? I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last" (Rev. 22:12, 13).

Not only are the same words used of Christ in 22:13 that were used of the one sitting on the throne in 21:5-7, but He is also called "the first and the last," again applying the description of Jehovah in Isaiah to Christ: "I am the first and I am the last, and besides me there is no God" (Isa. 44:6).

If you are thinking, "Can I believe that this is Christ, when it is Jehovah?" Yes, you can, because as the passage continues, It says:

"I, Jesus?" (Rev. 22:16).
The one who is "coming quickly" (22:13) is also identified:
"Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus." (Rev. 22:20).

There can not logically be two beginnings and two ends. There aren't, the Lord Jesus Christ is Jehovah, come in human flesh.


John the Baptist Prepared the Way of Jehovah

John the Baptist explained why he was preparing the way for Jesus Christ by quoting the words of Isaiah, "Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God" (Isa. 40:3). The New World Translation of the Jehovah's Witnesses puts it, "Clear up the way of Jehovah?"

Matthew shows how John fulfilled this prophecy by preparing the way of Jesus Christ (3:3, 11-17).

The book of Mark begins with the announcement that God was sending John the Baptist to prepare the way of Jesus Christ saying, "Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight" (Mark 1:1-3). The New World Translation: "Prepare the way of Jehovah, you people, make his roads straight?" John the Baptist, in preparing the way of Christ fulfilled this prophecy. He prepared the way of Jehovah because Jehovah is Jesus Christ come in the flesh.

Luke's Gospel says that at John the Baptist's birth, his father had prophesied that John would make Jehovah's ways ready: "And thou, child, shalt be called the prophet of the Highest: for thou shalt go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways" (Luke 1:76). New World: "?you will go in advance before Jehovah to make his ways ready". John made Jehovah's ways ready by preparing the way of Christ (Luke 3:4, 16).

In the first chapter of John's Gospel, when people asked John, "who are you?" he answered: "I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias" (John 1:23. See Isa. 40:3). New World: "?Make the way of Jehovah straight?" Lets pick up the narrative three verses ahead, and see who it is talking about.

"John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not. He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose? The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world? I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water" (John 1:26-27, 29, 31).

For whom was John preparing the way? For Jehovah. That is why John was not worthy to untie His sandal, but John also called Him "Jesus" and "the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world," and said that the reason he had come was to make Him manifest to Israel. Just four verses ahead, John again identifies the Lamb of God whose way he was making straight:

"Again the next day John was standing with two of his disciples, and as he looked at Jesus walking he said: 'See, the Lamb of God!'" (John 1:35).

God the Son existed with the Father before John was born. Then He came and was born here on earth so that we might know God. That's why He was called Immanuel, God with us (Matt. 1:23), and why John prepared the way for Jesus when he prepared the way for Jehovah (See also Php. 2:5-8).


There Is Only One Savior: Jehovah This One Savior Is also Called Jesus


"I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour" (Isa. 43:11). See also Hos. 13:4; Jude 1:25; Titus 3:4-7. The New World Translation puts it: "I-I am Jehovah, and besides me there is no Savior".


"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:11).
Speaking of Christ, Acts 4:12 says: "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved" (See also Titus 2:13, 2 Pet. 3:18).
"But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel" (2 Tim. 1:10).
"For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ" (2 Pet. 1:11).

If you could do enough works to save yourself, you and Christ would both be saviors, but Christ and Jehovah are one Savior.


Arguments to the Contrary

To deny the divine nature of Jesus, the Watchtower shows his human nature and that he has the relationship of Son to the Father. He does, but before He took on the human nature, He already had the divine nature. "?And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us" (John 1:14) when He, "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" (Php. 2:7), He already had the divine nature. He humbled Himself to take on a human nature as well when He was born of the virgin and called "God with us".


Whose Witnesses Should We Be?

We are not told to be Jehovah's witnesses in some generic way, but it is specified that we should be witnesses of Jesus Christ:

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth" (Acts 1:8).
"And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins" (Acts 10:42-43).

The apostles did as they were told, and went out as witnesses of Jesus Christ: "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus?" (Acts 4:33).

Even the Holy Spirit was a witness of Christ. Peter and the other apostles, when they had told of Christ's death and resurrection and that He forgives sins said, "And we are his witnesses of these things; and so is also the Holy Ghost, whom God hath given to them that obey him. When they heard that, they were cut to the heart, and took counsel to slay them" (Acts 5:32). Which side are you on? Would you prefer that Christ's witnesses were done away with, or would you like to join them in their witness that Jesus Christ is that one Savior?

They didn't believe Noah either. Most people don't read their own bibles enough to know what is in it. I was one of JW's for years then because of my own foolishness I was put out. So during this time I explored curiously other religions and practices. I wasn't really surprised at how people were. Most claimed to serve God yet cursed, smoked lied and stole. I had a problem with that. Many didn't even like that I was put out of my religion because to them I am a nice guy. But in whose eyes. I was disfellowshipped for breaking Gods written law and I was dealt with accordingly. After 7 years I am glad to be back with a very clear look at Jehovah's organization. I see more clearly now what JW's are all about. We are humble servants of Jehovah. Even though there appears for now many ways to serve God the common thread in the bible is that there is only one. Without question JW's is the only religion teaching people the truth. But just like in the days of Noah most didn't listen to the warning and so they died. Noah tried to get them to listen he preached and preached but they just didn't listen.

Really, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to know that the commercial and financial world to which we live is about to explode. Everything is bad right now. The politics is bad in this world. People are angry. Murder is up peace is down. These times were foretold in the bible long ago. What's interesting is how the bible also predicts a time when things would seemingly get a little better for a moment. See too many the world is moving on as it always has. This is just the way it's supposed to be. Be careful don't be mislead. After the storm comes the sunshine. Many will confuse this little bit of sun as meaning that things will be better for now on. But the bible says then sudden destruction will come.

So what's so bad about JW's encouraging people to live clean morale lives? What's so bad about helping your neighbor? And so what if the Watchtower has a zillion dollars. No one person is living like a superstar. You won't see our leaders on TV being driven in limos or wearing gold and sporting the finest clothes. Our main focus as Jehovah's Witness is to preach and help others develop a strong healthy relationship with Jehovah God. It cost money to have facilities worldwide and to print millions of publications yearly. It cost money to help out people of all religions in natural disasters like hurricane Katrina and Rita and many others through out the years. (We don't call the press to come in and film us doing what good people should be doing anyway, which is helping there brother.) Unlike most non-profit organizations who pay incredible salaries to there executives the watchtower business executives and staff throughout earn less in a month what most people earn from working an entire day at work. So those trillions and billions that you have heard about goes right back into your community and my community. What's so wrong with that? But if you didn't know you know now. We do not hide behind a non-profit tax code to exploit people. Do more research and you will find that many chair persons for large charity organizations are earning over $200,000 yearly living in big homes collecting expensive cars. Not our business executives they live quietly among average people in a private room about the size of an average sized kitchen, maybe a little bigger. I know because I once lived at the headquarters' in NY. The purpose of our work is to preach not to elevate our life style. Yet securely away from the Watchtower there are a few JW's who have above average incomes but still their primary focus is preaching. What's so wrong with that? I myself have now an above average income. Now with my wife and children we have devoted our time to preaching and helping others because this world is passing away and so are its desires.

So just like in the days of Noah while people were being distracted over the daylight not believing and not heeding the warning so today many will also. In Noah's day they didn't listen to him. In Jesus day the majority of people didn't listen to him either and today the people who walk in the name of the true God Jehovah, they don't listen to us either. And to be real clear today most people are still not listening to Jesus as they claim. I am so happy to be back in the congregation because the world is filled with angry people who are not paying attention to what really is in the bible.

And just one last thought. Do you believe in Godzilla or King Kong even Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster, all have websites to support someone's belief. When your watch breaks you take it to a watch repair person not a plumber, likewise if you want to know the truth about Jehovah's Witnesses just ask them the same as if others would want more information on you they would get the best information from you and no one else.

What do the Jehovah's Witnesses Teach?

There is one God in one person, Make Sure of All Things, p 188.

There is no Trinity, Let God be True, p. 100-101; Make Sure of All Things, p.386.

The Holy Spirit is a force, not alive, Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, pp.406-407.

The Holy Spirit is God's impersonal active force, The Watchtower, June 1, 1952,p. 24.

Jehovah's first creation was his 'only-begotten Son'. . . was used by Jehovah in creating all other things", Aid to Bible Understanding, pp. 390-391.

Jesus was Michael the archangel who became a man, The Watchtower, May 15,1963, p. 307; The New World, 284.

Jesus was only a perfect man, not God in flesh, Reasoning from the Scriptures,1985, pp. 306.

Jesus did not rise from the dead in his hysical body, Awake! July 22, 1973, p. 4.

Jesus did not die on a cross but on a stake, Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985,pp. 89-90.

Jesus began his invisible rule over the earth in 1914, The Truth Shall Make You Free,p. 300.

Their church is the self-proclaimed prophet of God, The Watchtower, April 1,1972, p. 197.

They claim to be the only channel of God's truth, The Watchtower, Feb. 15,1981, p. 19.

Only their church members will be saved, The Watchtower, Feb, 15, 1979, p. 30.

The soul ceases to exist after death, Let God be True, p. 59, 60, 67.

There is no hell of fire where the wicked are punished, Let God be True, p. 79, 80.

Only 144,000 Jehovah's Witness go to heaven, Reasoning from the Scriptures,1985, pp. 166-167, 361; Let God be True, p. 121.

Only the 144,000 Jehovah's Witness are born again. Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, p. 76.; Watchtower 11/15/54, p. 681.

Only the 144,000 may take communion, Blood transfusions are a sin, Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, pp. 72-73.

The Cross is a pagan symbol and should not be used, Reasoning from the Scriptures, 1985, pp. 90-92.

They also refuse to vote, salute the flag, sing the "Star Spangled Banner," or celebrate Christmas or birthdays.

They are not allowed to serve in the armed forces.

Satan was entrusted with the obligation and charged with the duty of overseeing the creation of the earth, Children, p 55

This is not complete, but it should give you the idea how "twisted" the JW's are. Even if you take the Bible in spirit rather than literally, the JW's are so far out in left field as to not even know the game has ended for their side.

To begin with, JW's don't believe in one God. For example, see the difference here:

The biggest fuss has to do with John 1:1, which reads (KJV):

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

Anyone who knows the JWs knows what the issue here is. They want to put an article in the text: "the Word was a God."

Then of course we have John 3:16 which they can't reconcille with and can't rightly be called Christians which means as coming from Christ or as living in Christ.

In other words, JW's don't believe Jesus is part of the Trinity and that he is God. Therefore they are leading people down the wrong path and those poor people will be doomed to hell. Jesus says that you can not get to the Father except by way of Him.

Since JW's don't worship Jesus, those followers are doomed to eternity in hell. I could go on and on, but tis be enough.

You nailed it right on the head. "Their" God. They have twisted Christianity like the Mormons have to fit their ideals. And since you appear to not "crack" your Bible open often, you do the same thing as all the other cults in the world. Take one tiny 4 word phrase and use it as the basis of your ideals and ignore the rest of scripture. So practice what you preach and stop badmouthing others, "buddy".

Do you believe everything that you read on the internet? How unbelievably ignorant. While you are peeking like cowards out your window or peep hole in the door, those Witnesses are out working for their God. They spend every free moment praising him and they should be praised themselves for trying to help people like us get to know God better. Instead of bad mouthing them, you should thank them for trying to help your sorry butts. Have you ever listened to one? They make the best sense. And they are not using the contributions for their own benefit, you nitwit. I know a lot of Witnesses that are dirt poor because instead of spending all their free time working for material riches, they are spending their time working for their God. They don't have to do it, but do it because they want to. The place that they have in New York is supported by the donations that people offer, and after spending the money on the magazines and stuff there is nothing left over. And they don't believe that they are all the 144,000, they only believe that only some are. The number is mentioned in the Bible- check it, its at Rev. 14: 1,3. If you actually cracked open you Bible and studied it the right way, you'd see it. They know that there are more than 144,000 people in the world, they're not stupid. The others will inherit the world. Psalms 37:11. The devil's put the wool over your eyes, buddy. Shame on you for believing foolish gossip. This is what the devil wants from you, he's playing you like a puppet. You fool.

As a former citizen of Gallatin, it's good so see someone from the "buckle of the bible belt" give such a good response.

God bless and may He give you all your hearts desires.

Yes, those JW people are pesky and persistant. My best way of dealing is simply check the door peephole and ignore. They are simple to identify. Unless you have time or interest in their religion, it isn't worth the trouble to open the door. In earlier years I might have confronted them or challenged their beliefs, but it only leads to wasted time. Ignore them. They won't go away, but you control if you open your door or not.

Yes, those JW people are pesky and persistant. My best way of dealing is simply check the door peephole and ignore. They are simple to identify. Unless you have time or interest in their religion, it isn't worth the trouble to open the door. In earlier years I might have confronted them or challenged their beliefs, but it only leads to wasted time. Ignore them. They won't go away, but you control if you open your door or not.

Yes, those JW people are pesky and persistant. My best way of dealing is simply check the door peephole and ignore. They are simple to identify. Unless you have time or interest in their religion, it isn't worth the trouble to open the door. In earlier years I might have confronted them or challenged their beliefs, but it only leads to wasted time. Ignore them. They won't go away, but you control if you open your door or not.

Yes, those JW people are pesky and persistant. My best way of dealing is simply check the door peephole and ignore. They are simple to identify. Unless you have time or interest in their religion, it isn't worth the trouble to open the door. In earlier years I might have confronted them or challenged their beliefs, but it only leads to wasted time. Ignore them. They won't go away, but you control if you open your door or not.

You funny little people. Jehovas Witness, like many other little groups, take scriptures and twist their meaning to justify what their shoveling. You JW's think you're the group of 144,000 people that will go to heaven. You should take a census real quick; you'll have to decide what to do with the rest of your group that starts at 144,001 and on. And I'm sure that the Church of Christ goers will likely disagree with your notion that you're the only real Christian Church. Their belief is that THEY are the only people going to heaven because they have decided that their church is the "one church" established by Christ himself. And I'm still looking for the verse in the Bible where Jesus says "thou shalt worship in the building labeled the "Church of Christ", or thou shalt not join me in Heaven". Nor have I found anything in the Bible that has Jesus saying "Thou shalt believe in those people who say the Jehova's Witness are the only ones going to heaven". Last I checked, he who believes in his heart that Jesus is the one begotten son of God and died to pay the penalty for our sins and is professes HIM as lord and savior is one who will have the gift of eternal life and spend eternity with HIM in heaven.

I just wanted to thank Heather for her loving response to all the attacks on Jehovah's Witnessess. Although I stay away from websites that try to discredit Jehovah's Witnesses because I know that they are all lies, it couldn't help but notice Heather's comments. She used the Bible, Gods Word, to answer all the Why's that people have. Why do we preach from house to house? Why do we think we are the only true religion? Why are Jehovah's Witnesses so different from the rest of the world? Thank you Heather. You couldn't have said it better.

I would like the moron who started this thread to prove that this is the second time that I have seen something about PA publishing garbage. We have not asked for 50 cent donation for YEARS and even when we did, if the person didn't have any change, we would give the literature anyway because the message that Jesus preached from the Bible about God's Kingdom being the only solution to mankind's problems is the important thing.

Funny, when HEATHER used the REASONABLE explanation from one of our publications, the argument on this thread stopped. The truth has power! Thank you, Heather! My sister!

Yes, people take what JW's say and print out of context. Most of what people hear about us is second hand info (from people and websites not affiliated with our organization) when we do a very PUBLIC work. Most people don't like others talking about them behind their back, so practice the 'golden rule', when dealing with any religious group.

FILTHY RICH CULT! HA HA HA HA HA! GET A CLUE!

ARE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES A SECT OR CULT?

Some define sect to mean a group that has broken away from an established religion. Others apply the term to a group that follows a particular human leader or teacher. The term is usually used in a derogatory way. Jehovah's Witnesses are not an offshoot of some church but include persons from all walks of life and from many religious backgrounds. They do not look to any human, but rather to Jesus Christ, as their leader.

A cult is a religion that is said to be unorthodox or that emphasizes devotion according to prescribed ritual. Many cults follow a living human leader, and often their adherents live in groups apart from the rest of society. The standard for what is orthodox, however, should be God's Word, and Jehovah's Witnesses strictly adhere to the Bible. Their worship is a way of life, not a ritual devotion. They neither follow a human nor isolate themselves from the rest of society. They live and work in the midst of other people.

DO JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES BELEIVE THAT THEIR RELIGION IS THE ONLY RIGHT ONE?

The Bible does not agree with the modern view that there are many acceptable ways to worship God. Ephesians 4:5 says there is one Lord, one faith. Jesus stated: Narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it. ... Not everyone saying to me, Lord, Lord,' will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will.Matt. 7:13, 14,21; see also 1Corinthians 1:10.

Repeatedly the Scriptures refer to the body of true Christian teachings as the truth, and Christianity is spoken of as the way of the truth. (1Tim. 3:15; 2John 1; 2Pet. 2:2) Because Jehovah's Witnesses base all of their beliefs, their standards for conduct, and organizational procedures on the Bible, their faith in the Bible itself as God's Word gives them the conviction that what they have is indeed the truth. So their position is not egotistical but demonstrates their confidence that the Bible is the right standard against which to measure one's religion. They are not self-centered but are eager to share their beliefs with others.

DO NOT OTHER RELIGIONS ALSO FOLLOW THE BIBLE?

Many use it to some extent. But do they really teach and practice what it contains? Consider: (1)From most of their Bible translations they have removed the name of the true God thousands of times. (2)The Trinity doctrine, their concept of God himself, is borrowed from pagan sources and was developed in its present form centuries after Bible writing was completed. (3)Their belief in immortality of the human soul as the basis for continued life is not taken from the Bible; it has roots in ancient Babylon. (4)The theme of Jesus' preaching was the Kingdom of God, and he sent his disciples out to talk personally to others about it; but the churches today seldom mention that Kingdom and their members are not doing the work of preaching this good news of the kingdom. (Matt. 24:14) (5)Jesus said that his true followers could be readily identified by their self-sacrificing love for one another. Is that true of the religions of Christendom when the nations go to war? (6)The Bible says that Christ's disciples would be no part of the world, and it warns that whoever wants to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God; but the churches of Christendom and their members are deeply involved in the political affairs of the nations. (Jas. 4:4) In view of such a record, can it honestly be said that they really adhere to the Bible?

HOW DO JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES ARRIVE AT THEIR EXPLANATION OF THE BIBLE?

A key factor is that the Witnesses really believe that the Bible is God's Word and that what it contains is there for our instruction. (2Tim. 3:16,17; Rom. 15:4; 1Cor. 10:11) So they do not resort to philosophical arguments to evade its clear statements of truth or to justify the way of life of people who have abandoned its moral standards.

In pointing out the meaning of symbolic language in the Bible, they let the Bible provide its own explanation, instead of giving their theories as to its significance. (1Cor. 2:13) Indications as to the meaning of symbolic terms are usually found in other parts of the Bible. (As an example, see Revelation 21:1; then, regarding the meaning of sea, read Isaiah 57:20. To identify the Lamb referred to in Revelation 14:1, see John 1:29 and 1Peter 1:19.)

As for fulfillment of prophecy, they apply what Jesus said about being alert to events that correspond to what was foretold. (Luke 21:29-31; compare 2Peter 1:16-19.) Conscientiously they point out those events and draw attention to what the Bible indicates they mean.

Jesus said that he would have on earth a faithful and discreet slave (his anointed followers viewed as a group), through which agency he would provide spiritual food to those making up the household of faith. (Matt. 24:45-47) Jehovah's Witnesses recognize that arrangement. As was true of first-century Christians, they look to the governing body of that slave class to resolve difficult questionsnot on the basis of human wisdom, but by drawing on their knowledge of God's Word and his dealings with his servants, and with the help of God's spirit, for which they earnestly pray.Acts 15:1-29; 16:4,5.

WHY DO JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES PREACH FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE?

Jesus foretold for our day this work: This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come. He also instructed his followers: Go ... and make disciples of people of all the nations.Matt. 24:14; 28:19.

When Jesus sent out his early disciples, he directed them to go to the homes of the people. (Matt. 10:7,11-13) The apostle Paul said regarding his ministry: I did not hold back from telling you any of the things that were profitable nor from teaching you publicly and from house to house.Acts 20:20,21; see also Acts 5:42.

The message that the Witnesses proclaim involves the lives of people; they want to be careful to miss no one. (Zeph. 2:2,3) Their calls are motivated by lovefirst for God, also for their neighbor.

A conference of religious leaders in Spain noted this: Perhaps [the churches] are excessively neglectful about that which precisely constitutes the greatest preoccupation of the Witnessesthe home visit, which comes within the apostolic methodology of the primitive church. While the churches, on not a few occasions, limit themselves to constructing their temples, ringing their bells to attract the people and to preaching inside their places of worship, [theWitnesses] follow the apostolic tactic of going from housetohouse and of taking advantage of every occasion towitness.El Catolicismo, Bogot, Colombia, September14, 1975, p.14.

WHY ARE JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES PERSECUTED AND SPOKEN AGAINST?

Jesus said: If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, on this account the world hates you. (John 15:18,19; see also 1Peter 4:3,4.) The Bible shows that the whole world lies under Satan's control; he is the principal instigator of the persecution.1John 5:19; Rev. 12:17.

Jesus also told his disciples: You will be objects of hatred by all people on account of my name. (Mark 13:13) The word name here means what Jesus officially is, the Messianic King. Persecution comes because Jehovah's Witnesses put his commands ahead of those of any earthly ruler.

AGAPE

Jesus Said: in the last days Nation will rise against Nation and people aganist people, men (and women) will be lovers of themselves rather than lovers of god. I know some Jehovah's Witnessess and I would Rather deal with them than deal with ungodly people (people who do not follow god's word the bible) because those people do there best to obey God's law and the law of the land. I never had a problem dealing with Jehovah's witnesses.

Just to really clear up all of these comments, I have a couple things to add. (excuse my spelling I rely on spellcheck and I can't use it)

I am a Jehovah's Witness. I just happen to stumble across these comments while looking into some real rip-offs. I was babtized in this religion when I was 18 years old. I Have been involved with Jehovah's Witness since I was about 10 years old.

I used to go door to door before I was babtized as a kid, and I remember when we used to acually charge .25 a magazine or .50 cents for a set. However this has been changed for awhile now. Jehovah's Witness stopped charging people because it distracted from the real purpose of teaching and it may have given people the wrong idea. Ever since this has been changed, Jehovah's Witness now are suppose to let people know that this work is supported on contribution basis. Since I have been babtized I have been very regular in field service (door to door). I have even been a Pioneer( full time door to door) for about a year. I have never even asked for one contribution from anyone ever. I personally have never been with any body else at a door where they have asked for donation either. In our weekly meetings some will give demonstaions or will pretend to talk with someone at a door. This demonstration is usally outlined by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. At the end of most demonstations the person talking at the door will always place literture and then will explain vey breifly that our work is supported by world wide contributions. The reason some Jehovahs witness will mention the contribution is because it can give a value to the person and perhaps if the person taking the literture will acually read it because of learning that all of it is supported by vonlunteers and just maybe it may be worth looking into. Honestly it does not matter even a 1/2% if the person does not contribute. Belive me, the excitement of talking with a person and being able to share your thoughts are worth more than money can offer. Next time you see a volunteer Fireman ask him if he cares whether or not he gets money for saving someones life. He is happy that he is able to help. It is the same feeling when teaching people about God, helping them change a possibly destructive lifestyle. I have had people give me money with out me asking, but it wasn't much. I can honestly say that in all my 8 years of being babtized I have recieved about $11.00 dollars total in contributions..... BEWARE AMERICA.

I have visted freeminds.org about 4 months ago or so. I did a cuople days of research from the information I read on this website and I also printed out many pages from 1970 to present regarding the Watchtower and Awake quotes. My intent was not to disprove everything I read, because honestly one can always delute or convince themselves of somthing whether it is true or not. It really relies upon ones motive or desire for truth. I truthfully what to serve God the way he wants me to serve him. I babtized my life to him, not human organization. So I began to dig, and dig. The more and more I dug I found that allot of the comments made on the website freeminds.org were fueled by anger, I found this displayed many times with their added comments. Most of it was taking a grain of sand and turning it into a boulder. This website quotes the Whatchtower Bible and Tract society many times (pages and pages), but most of what had been quoted was taken out of context. At first I really thought this website was going to unvail something I did not know, but I was wrong. I truely have a free mind, I set aside my feelings and did research. It is very important that we do this when learning new things. The truth is out there whether one belives it or not. Please be careful that your own personal and imperfect desires in life do not get in the way of attaining true knowlage.

Just to really clear up all of these comments, I have a couple things to add. (excuse my spelling I rely on spellcheck and I can't use it)

I am a Jehovah's Witness. I just happen to stumble across these comments while looking into some real rip-offs. I was babtized in this religion when I was 18 years old. I Have been involved with Jehovah's Witness since I was about 10 years old.

I used to go door to door before I was babtized as a kid, and I remember when we used to acually charge .25 a magazine or .50 cents for a set. However this has been changed for awhile now. Jehovah's Witness stopped charging people because it distracted from the real purpose of teaching and it may have given people the wrong idea. Ever since this has been changed, Jehovah's Witness now are suppose to let people know that this work is supported on contribution basis. Since I have been babtized I have been very regular in field service (door to door). I have even been a Pioneer( full time door to door) for about a year. I have never even asked for one contribution from anyone ever. I personally have never been with any body else at a door where they have asked for donation either. In our weekly meetings some will give demonstaions or will pretend to talk with someone at a door. This demonstration is usally outlined by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. At the end of most demonstations the person talking at the door will always place literture and then will explain vey breifly that our work is supported by world wide contributions. The reason some Jehovahs witness will mention the contribution is because it can give a value to the person and perhaps if the person taking the literture will acually read it because of learning that all of it is supported by vonlunteers and just maybe it may be worth looking into. Honestly it does not matter even a 1/2% if the person does not contribute. Belive me, the excitement of talking with a person and being able to share your thoughts are worth more than money can offer. Next time you see a volunteer Fireman ask him if he cares whether or not he gets money for saving someones life. He is happy that he is able to help. It is the same feeling when teaching people about God, helping them change a possibly destructive lifestyle. I have had people give me money with out me asking, but it wasn't much. I can honestly say that in all my 8 years of being babtized I have recieved about $11.00 dollars total in contributions..... BEWARE AMERICA.

I have visted freeminds.org about 4 months ago or so. I did a cuople days of research from the information I read on this website and I also printed out many pages from 1970 to present regarding the Watchtower and Awake quotes. My intent was not to disprove everything I read, because honestly one can always delute or convince themselves of somthing whether it is true or not. It really relies upon ones motive or desire for truth. I truthfully what to serve God the way he wants me to serve him. I babtized my life to him, not human organization. So I began to dig, and dig. The more and more I dug I found that allot of the comments made on the website freeminds.org were fueled by anger, I found this displayed many times with their added comments. Most of it was taking a grain of sand and turning it into a boulder. This website quotes the Whatchtower Bible and Tract society many times (pages and pages), but most of what had been quoted was taken out of context. At first I really thought this website was going to unvail something I did not know, but I was wrong. I truely have a free mind, I set aside my feelings and did research. It is very important that we do this when learning new things. The truth is out there whether one belives it or not. Please be careful that your own personal and imperfect desires in life do not get in the way of attaining true knowlage.

Just to really clear up all of these comments, I have a couple things to add. (excuse my spelling I rely on spellcheck and I can't use it)

I am a Jehovah's Witness. I just happen to stumble across these comments while looking into some real rip-offs. I was babtized in this religion when I was 18 years old. I Have been involved with Jehovah's Witness since I was about 10 years old.

I used to go door to door before I was babtized as a kid, and I remember when we used to acually charge .25 a magazine or .50 cents for a set. However this has been changed for awhile now. Jehovah's Witness stopped charging people because it distracted from the real purpose of teaching and it may have given people the wrong idea. Ever since this has been changed, Jehovah's Witness now are suppose to let people know that this work is supported on contribution basis. Since I have been babtized I have been very regular in field service (door to door). I have even been a Pioneer( full time door to door) for about a year. I have never even asked for one contribution from anyone ever. I personally have never been with any body else at a door where they have asked for donation either. In our weekly meetings some will give demonstaions or will pretend to talk with someone at a door. This demonstration is usally outlined by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. At the end of most demonstations the person talking at the door will always place literture and then will explain vey breifly that our work is supported by world wide contributions. The reason some Jehovahs witness will mention the contribution is because it can give a value to the person and perhaps if the person taking the literture will acually read it because of learning that all of it is supported by vonlunteers and just maybe it may be worth looking into. Honestly it does not matter even a 1/2% if the person does not contribute. Belive me, the excitement of talking with a person and being able to share your thoughts are worth more than money can offer. Next time you see a volunteer Fireman ask him if he cares whether or not he gets money for saving someones life. He is happy that he is able to help. It is the same feeling when teaching people about God, helping them change a possibly destructive lifestyle. I have had people give me money with out me asking, but it wasn't much. I can honestly say that in all my 8 years of being babtized I have recieved about $11.00 dollars total in contributions..... BEWARE AMERICA.

I have visted freeminds.org about 4 months ago or so. I did a cuople days of research from the information I read on this website and I also printed out many pages from 1970 to present regarding the Watchtower and Awake quotes. My intent was not to disprove everything I read, because honestly one can always delute or convince themselves of somthing whether it is true or not. It really relies upon ones motive or desire for truth. I truthfully what to serve God the way he wants me to serve him. I babtized my life to him, not human organization. So I began to dig, and dig. The more and more I dug I found that allot of the comments made on the website freeminds.org were fueled by anger, I found this displayed many times with their added comments. Most of it was taking a grain of sand and turning it into a boulder. This website quotes the Whatchtower Bible and Tract society many times (pages and pages), but most of what had been quoted was taken out of context. At first I really thought this website was going to unvail something I did not know, but I was wrong. I truely have a free mind, I set aside my feelings and did research. It is very important that we do this when learning new things. The truth is out there whether one belives it or not. Please be careful that your own personal and imperfect desires in life do not get in the way of attaining true knowlage.

Just to really clear up all of these comments, I have a couple things to add. (excuse my spelling I rely on spellcheck and I can't use it)

I am a Jehovah's Witness. I just happen to stumble across these comments while looking into some real rip-offs. I was babtized in this religion when I was 18 years old. I Have been involved with Jehovah's Witness since I was about 10 years old.

I used to go door to door before I was babtized as a kid, and I remember when we used to acually charge .25 a magazine or .50 cents for a set. However this has been changed for awhile now. Jehovah's Witness stopped charging people because it distracted from the real purpose of teaching and it may have given people the wrong idea. Ever since this has been changed, Jehovah's Witness now are suppose to let people know that this work is supported on contribution basis. Since I have been babtized I have been very regular in field service (door to door). I have even been a Pioneer( full time door to door) for about a year. I have never even asked for one contribution from anyone ever. I personally have never been with any body else at a door where they have asked for donation either. In our weekly meetings some will give demonstaions or will pretend to talk with someone at a door. This demonstration is usally outlined by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society. At the end of most demonstations the person talking at the door will always place literture and then will explain vey breifly that our work is supported by world wide contributions. The reason some Jehovahs witness will mention the contribution is because it can give a value to the person and perhaps if the person taking the literture will acually read it because of learning that all of it is supported by vonlunteers and just maybe it may be worth looking into. Honestly it does not matter even a 1/2% if the person does not contribute. Belive me, the excitement of talking with a person and being able to share your thoughts are worth more than money can offer. Next time you see a volunteer Fireman ask him if he cares whether or not he gets money for saving someones life. He is happy that he is able to help. It is the same feeling when teaching people about God, helping them change a possibly destructive lifestyle. I have had people give me money with out me asking, but it wasn't much. I can honestly say that in all my 8 years of being babtized I have recieved about $11.00 dollars total in contributions..... BEWARE AMERICA.

I have visted freeminds.org about 4 months ago or so. I did a cuople days of research from the information I read on this website and I also printed out many pages from 1970 to present regarding the Watchtower and Awake quotes. My intent was not to disprove everything I read, because honestly one can always delute or convince themselves of somthing whether it is true or not. It really relies upon ones motive or desire for truth. I truthfully what to serve God the way he wants me to serve him. I babtized my life to him, not human organization. So I began to dig, and dig. The more and more I dug I found that allot of the comments made on the website freeminds.org were fueled by anger, I found this displayed many times with their added comments. Most of it was taking a grain of sand and turning it into a boulder. This website quotes the Whatchtower Bible and Tract society many times (pages and pages), but most of what had been quoted was taken out of context. At first I really thought this website was going to unvail something I did not know, but I was wrong. I truely have a free mind, I set aside my feelings and did research. It is very important that we do this when learning new things. The truth is out there whether one belives it or not. Please be careful that your own personal and imperfect desires in life do not get in the way of attaining true knowlage.

ask them to show you. a tactic that we use in wi. is to ask them to show us what they are saying, in OUR bibles.

see, if you came to my church and sat down with a version different then mine. at the end of the service we both have read the same scriptures and understood them the same. (SAME EANING, DIFFERENT WORDING.)

(BUT, THEY HAVE CHANGED THE MEANING AND THE WORDING.)this should be a clue thats something is wrong.

when asked to show you in your book they cant.for two reasons
1 the two books arent the same.
2 they are forbiden to read the writings of others. this should be another clue.

they usually go away and, dont return.
they can be kicked out of their church for reading even a few scriptures. this works for us.

also a sure sign of a cult would be that your not allowed to read matterals from other teachers. try trading magizines with them once.

Ok, I'll try to keep this short and sweet. I know quite a few of Jehovah's Witnesses and I can assure you that they are not a filthy rich cult. They are a Christian religion but do to their faith; they don't practice many traditions that other Christian religions do. That is what makes them different (not a cult). If you want them to leave you alone, all you have to do is tell them and they will.

You may want to check their website at: watchtower.org. They do have a location in different parts of New York. I've been there. Also, they are average people like you and me. Some are very well off (ex-entertainers, doctors, dentist, lawyers, etc) but most are just average individuals. They work at clothing stores, own there own roofing companies or are stay at home moms.

As far as asking for money for the magazines, they ask that to cover the cost of printing. Most people will not even give them $.50 for the mags much less for the brochures and books they will gladly let you have. Do you really think they can get rich off of $.50 for every 10 mags they place? Try this, ask them for a magazine or book or brochure and then tell them that you don't have any money when they ask for a donation. They should just leave it for you anyway but they will come back to follow up on your interest.

I hope this clears up any confusion that you may have about them. If you really want to give them a chance. Look on their website and/or talk to them. They will be more than happy to help you understand their religion.

Carlos... first off, if you want the Jehova's Witnesses to leave you alone, kindly let them know that you are not interested and that they should not visit you anymore. Maybe you are the type of person that has a hard time doing this, I know I am, but it is sometimes necessary when you are continually being hounded by people with good intentions, but bad ideas. If you let them know that you are not interested, they will most likely leave you alone. If they do not, then you have a matter for the police.

What troubles me about your report, and the website you refer to, is what I suspect to be the motivation behind them.

Christians in "traditional" denominations (i.e. Catholic, Lutheran, Baptist etc.) have an easy time coping with the differences between their denomination and other traditional ones, but fall short of such acceptance when it comes to non-traditional denominations such as Mormonism, Seventh Day Adventist, Christian Science, and Jehova's Witnesses. But upon close inspection, especially in regards to the list the freeminds site gives as factors for cult determination, all of these denominations do pretty much the same things.

Every religion tells you how to think. It is inherent in the very essence of religion. Every religion asks for money in some way or another, the "tithing," for example, is a fundamental tenet of Christianity, although not as adhered to in some denominations as in others. Every religion tries to recruit new members, what do you think missionaries are for? And they all use the tactics the freeminds site sets forth as "mind control."

The long and short of it is that the word "cult" is a label easily applied to a religion that doesn't quite conform to your own values, and alot of people who lack the credentials to do so like to make up lists of factors to determine if an organization is a cult. Out of all the definitions I have seen over the years pertaining to what a cult is, the best one I've heard thus far is the one my best friend came up with when we were fifteen: "a cult is a church with weapons and/or poison." Mind you this is not an entirely inclusive or exclusive definition, but it works just as well as any other definition.

Cults certainly are dangerous things, and they certainly do exist. But to put such a label on an organization simply because you disagree with their beliefs or practices, without any other perspective, is just closed-mindedness. The claim that the Church of Jehova's Witnesses (I'm not really sure what they are called as a group) is just a tax-cloak for a publishing venture is absurd and unfounded. To my knowledge, the only things they publish are the tracts that they give away for free. Simply asking for a donation does not make them a for-profit company, and, FYI, all recognized religious organizations and churches in the United States are non-profit and tax-exempt (even from property taxes, it all relates back to the separation of church and state).

I am a "practicing" atheist, and I don't buy into a word that any religion says, so I'm not just being a shill for the Watchtower Society here. I am just troubled by the odd divisiveness and hatred that arises when one denomination of a particular religion starts calling out another denomination for something that they both do. This phenomenon plays itself out continually through history, and it never ends up pretty.