People 
| Who Has The Truth? |
| Written by Mark Hunter |
| Sunday, 16 August 2009 10:26 |
I have already written on this blog about the frequently heard claim from Jehovah's Witnesses that even if the Governing Body was proven to be wrong in their unique interpretation of scriptures, they'd still want to be a Witness. In that post you'll notice that I draw the reader's attention to Jesus claim that he was the truth, and not a religious order founded in the late 1800s. However, I recently witnessed a debate where Jehovah's Witnesses were asked to prove that they had "the truth", in other words, that their religious order, out of all religious orders, is the truth. The responses weren't particularly surprising; - we don't go to war - we love one another - we alone preach the good news - we have the Bible as our ultimate authority - we don't believe the Trinity
If you are a Jehovah's Witness, perhaps these responses closely match the ones that you'd supply. I myself, when I was a Jehovah's Witness, would use similar arguments to prove that the teachings of the Governing Body were truth. Let's address each claim as posited above and see whether they 1) carry any real weight in establishing the Witnesses as being "the truth", and 2), whether the Witnesses are perhaps missing the point.
- we don't go to war
Neither do Buddhists. We can expand our focus to include any group of conscientious objectors: - Christadelphians - Seventh Day Adventists - Mohammid Ali (admittedly not a group, but he still refused to go to war) - Mennonites - Amish - various groups within the Brethren movement
Within Christianity as a whole were many individuals who chose, according to their conscience, to object to going to war. Obviously these ones made up their own minds on the matter. Jehovah's Witnesses are told it's wrong to go to war; they are not allowed to actively engage their own conscience in this matter as joining the army would automatically result in them being viewed as disassociated.
- we love one another
Most Christian groups love one another. They also love their neighbours and spend time and money supporting charitable organisations whose aim is to make a loving difference in the lives of people within their community, Christian or not. Do Jehovah's Witnesses involve themselves in loving acts of charity or do they view the door-to-door ministry as a substitute for manning a soup pot in a drop-in centre? For example, would Jehovah's Witnesses put any money in a donation tin marked "Christian Aid"? Also, do Jehovah's Witnesses gossip and slander one another? As of todays date there are 107 different Jehovah's Witness life stories on this website. Read any one of them to see how Jehovah's Witnesses (mis)treat each other.
- we alone preach the good news
Patently false. I personally know of several outreach gospel ministries in my local area, some of which I'm involved in and can testify that the level of work and ministry (and commitment to that ministry) shown by Christians far outstrips anything I've ever seen done by local Jehovah's Witnesses. And with much better results in terms of lives being transformed and being coming to know Jesus. Remember, Paul chose to know nothing but Jesus Christ "and him crucified" (1 Cor 2:2). The sole message he delivered was of Jesus crucifixion and resurrection. That was the model for every Christian evangeliser. Yes, Jehovah's Witnesses throw up the notion that door-to-door evangelising is the key, but a cursory glance at the Greek text in the verses used to support this belief paint a very different picture (this is well worth studying). But if door-to-door evangelising absolutely has to be the mark of the truth, then the Latter Day Saints (Mormons) embark on a similar work with much more success; 11 million Mormons worldwide.
- we have the Bible as our ultimate authority
The truth of this claim is very easy to establish. Where are the Great Crowd, as described in Revelation? The Bible shows us that they are before the throne, in the temple. Clearly this is heaven. However, the Bible is not the ultimate authority on this subject for Jehovah's Witnesses. They are compelled to repeat what the Governing Body has to say on the inspired text, namely that the Great Crowd are on earth. Turning to Revelation 19:1 shows that the Great Crowd are absolutely in heaven. But will a Jehovah's Witness accept this? No. They have to accept the Governing Body's interpretation of the Bible. Therefore the Bible is not the ultimate authority for Jehovah's Witnesses. (Test this for yourself if you're a Jehovah's Witness; according to Jesus' words in Matthew 8:11, where are Abraham, Isaac and Jacob? Does this tally with what the Governing Body teach? Who's authority will you accept as the ultimate one?)
- we don't believe the Trinity
Neither do; - Unitarians - Mormons - Christian Scientists - Armstrongists (formerly Worldwide Church of God) - Christadelphians - Oneness Pentecostals - Unification Church - Scientologists
I personally don't think it takes a lot of time or effort to show that the evidence supplied by a Jehovah's Witness to show that they have "the truth" is false and flimsy. Therefore, it should be important to look for the key proof of whether a person or group has "the truth". All of the evidence will come from the Bible. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6). Read it over carefully. The question should always be "who is the truth", not "who has the truth". Jesus is the truth. So, any group or person claiming to be "the truth" is stepping on Jesus' toes. But can a person "have the truth"? I believe they can and I believe I can look to Jesus for proof of this. Jesus said that; "He that feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood remains in union with me, and I in union with him." (John 6:56) The New World Translation makes a bit of a cod of the translation of the Greek as you'll notice if you check it in any Greek Interlinear Bible. The essence of Jesus statement is that he would be in the person - and the person would be in him. How? By eating of his flesh and drinking of his blood. Once per year Jehovah's Witnesses gather in their Kingdom Halls around the world. They've invited people to join with them and roughly 14-17 million people in total sit while the emblems of Jesus' flesh and blood are presented to them. Now, to receive Jesus, to receive "the truth" - and with it life itself - what should a person do? Jesus explains; "“Most truly I say to YOU, Unless YOU eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood, YOU have no life in yourselves. 54 He that feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood has everlasting life, and I shall resurrect him at the last day; 55 for my flesh is true food, and my blood is true drink. 56 He that feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood remains in union with me, and I in union with him." (John 6:53-56). Now we've seen what Jesus said we should do, what do Jehovah's Witnesses do? Well, asides from around 10,000 of them, they all reject Jesus. Ponder on that, if you will. When presented with the emblems of Jesus life and death, the means for atonement for sins, the means to receive eternal life, each Jehovah's Witness rejects it. Jesus didn't ask a lot from us. One of the few things he asked us to do was to eat the bread and drink the wine. Yet Jehovah's Witnesses are taught by the Governing Body that the bread and wine are not for them. Surely this is the whole point. Jesus is the truth and he is received when we choose eat the bread and drink the wine. If Jehovah's Witnesses are appalled at the idea of taking the emblems, how can they ever claim to have "the truth"?
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Comments (14)
  written by Barbara Kavelin , August 16, 2009 Excellent article. It is simple, easily understood, clear in its formatting and not overwhelming in its length. I was one of JWs for 42 years, so the phrase the "Truth" was a habit of speech for me, even when I knew it was not. I now deliberately refer to it as the"religion", "organization" or "cult", depending on whom I am speaking to. As you say, the question should be "who is" the truth, not "who has the truth". report abuse
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 written by mjhunter , August 16, 2009 Barbara, Many thanks for your kind comment. I haven't written much for Freeminds recently and I've decided to wait until I've felt the Spirit move me. This article had been brewing for a while, but the Spirit gave me the nudge I needed yesterday to sit and write it. My regular prayer is that the Jehovah's Witness that used to be in my life that read the articles on this site trust in God enough to open their hearts and minds to the real truth. You and Frank, btw, are an inspiration; it's great to have you with us. M report abuse
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 written by john white , August 16, 2009 The problem I have is that JW's claim to be the only ones who have "the Truth". Yet, "the Truth" keeps changing (i.e. generation teaching, anointed teaching, etc.). How can you claim to possess "the Truth", if your religion keeps changing it's teachings? Isn't that a bogus claim? Even if you believe in the New Light teaching, that teaching simply means that things will change, the net effect being that you never really have "the Truth" at any one given time. I'm not trying to play word semantics here. JW's claim of having "the Truth" is bogus. An enormous lie! The only way one can claim to have "the Truth" is that it is indeed "the Truth", 100 percent "the Truth". And, "the Truth" would never change! Think about it! New light (read "revisions") to "the Truth" is a mockery of the meaning of the word and definition of "Truth" - something factural [and thus not open to change]. Well, that pretty much destroys JW's use of the expression "The Truth". Yes, Jesus is "the Truth", not the "man-made" religion of Jehovah's Witnesses. report abuse
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written by mjhunter , August 16, 2009 John, Very good points. A close family member of mine take enormous issue with me saying that Jehovah's Witnesses are taught lies. However, what other possible way of describing "new light" is there? For example, we've seen the definition of 'generation' 3 different meanings in 25 years. Each change meant that the previous definition was not true and if something is not true it is false. And if a group of men are teaching something false they are liars and never did have the truth. report abuse
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 written by Carlisle , August 18, 2009 I enjoy your blog. Just a question - perhaps a different subject, but nevertheless here it is : If a JW from the Anointed class turns his/her back on the organisation, is there now an opening created for one of the "other class" to fill it ? Thanks Carlisle report abuse
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written by mjhunter , August 18, 2009 Hi Carlisle, Great question. I don't have the references to hand, but the Governing Body has stated that the increase in new anointed Christians over the years has been back filling, as it were, to compensate for those who hadn't remained faithful. The statistics (look for it on the Watchtower Comments video) show that the anointed class are more unfaithful to Jehovah than the 'other sheep'! Quite how the Governing Body will explain the 10% increase in Memorial partakers in 2008 is unclear. And with the potential level of increase being similar - if not greater - in 2009, I'd suggest they have a problem. report abuse
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 written by Tim Kilgore (Tuesday) , August 18, 2009 I believe it's Muhammed Ali that you're talking about there. One thing that should be mentioned is there are 33,380 different denominations of Christianity. There's no way to know if another teaches truth better unless you look at them all. Another from that thread were the dual claim that both the growth and the lack of growth are signs they have the truth. Which I'm sure you'll see is quite hypocritical report abuse
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 written by virginia hyde , August 18, 2009 It is my belief that the biggest denial of "the truth" for Jehovah's Witnesses is the shunning they practice with disfellowshipped members. Okay, maybe you don't want to associate with a sleazy character, but when one leaves the organization because they become disillusioned, the only reason for shunning is to prevent/protect current members from the questioning mind of the one who left. This is particularly barbaric when it divides families as is the case with 4 of we siblings - 2 remained, 2 left. Let's see, I seem to remember the most basic of all religions' (including JW's) tenet was, "God is love." Is never seeing or speaking to the siblings that you once loved a manifestation of "the truth?" report abuse
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 written by Pam Miller , August 19, 2009 This has to be the best article that I have read on this website so far. It was so easy to understand and to read. I just wish I could convince my husband to read it. He has been studying with the JW's for almost a year and is convinced that they have the "truth" and refuses to read anything off of the internet. He is so closed minded and will argue JW scripture with whomever will listen to him. It's a very sad situation to have to be a part of. It has totally ruined our marriage. I just keep praying everyday that he will open his eyes and see that Jesus is the truth. Please keep the wonderful articles coming as they are my only source of sanity in this crazy life I am leading. report abuse
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 written by anonymous2478 , August 19, 2009 JW identify any who cease to attend meetings as those were “stumbled” “fell away” “drifted away” or “not of our sort”. This is grossly unfair and blatantly untrue in most cases. In my case, I have 2 family members that no longer attend because they were “abused” by several elders. Without details, they were forced to comply with pet peeves of these elders that had nothing to do with Bible principles. It was strictly an abuse of power. The final blow was when they were mocked from the platform as being “murmerers” and cast as the Bible character Korah when they were anything but. The emotional “abuse” became so bad the only resort to peace and well being was to quit going to the place they received the abuse. How Sad. For all the times elders are referred to as “a hiding place from the wind”…in this case and in many other cases, they ARE THE WIND. Now here comes the evil part. The innocent victims are the ones labeled as being “stumbled” “drifted away” and “fell away”, as if they had anything to do with it. Sadly, these are the only terms JW are allowed to use with such ones. The truth is they don’t apply at all. These terms infer the guilt belongs with the wronged party instead of the wrongdoer (the elder). So we are left without a proper term for someone who has been abused by the elders and no longer attends meetings just because such an event was never recorded in the Bible. JW would have us believe that if it isn’t in the Bible, it doesn’t exist. Not! So here is a new term, “Elder Abuse”. I just invented it. There, now you have it, an appropriate and applicable term that we can use for victims who through no fault of their own, no longer attend meetings. They stay home to protect themselves from further emotional harm. JW would have us believe that type of abuse doesn’t exist. Unfortunately, it does. report abuse
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 written by marlene , August 19, 2009 i belive that everyone different points of view but reading article made really think about JW that they are the only religon closer to the truth than any other religon because when you mentioned all the characteristics that they identify themselves as the truth you tried to find other religons that do only one but not all as the bible says so you clearly made me think that JW really have the truth but when you said to read any stories when JW have treated people bad i thought for a while but not all people who say that they are JW are really JW and if it was true many people make mistakes and only God is to judge them. report abuse
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 written by Yahkins , August 20, 2009 Thanks again for an excellent article Mark, As you know I never was a member of the JW organization yet because of my dear friend who is , along with his family, I've have studied into the organizations' teachings. Just as you wrote, I agree that multitudes not taking the invitation by Christ in the word "to eat and drink" is most disturbing. Not because the people are taught they are not worthy, because none are worthy yet we are told to examine ourselves and then eat in 1Cor 11. What really bothers me is I know how the fallen human nature can think. Also in talking to my JW friend at work over the years, He has always claimed to not be worthy in lifestyle to be of that class, even though he admitted to me that the standard of conduct is the same for earthly and heavenly class. At his confession, i realized that many of the "less glorious" class may in their physche use this as an almost justification for wrong behavior. After all the fallen nature always looks for an excuse. Some may believe this, but certainly many must live with an underlying guilt of not living up to church standards or perceived standard of the leadership. I experienced this as a member of a works righteousness church (old worldwide church of God). I also saw some become Pharisaical in observing other members. Legalists are hard on themselves and often harder on others! Also Mark, regarding Abraham's destination...it says in Gal3:26-25 that "all who have faith are sons of Gog...that we are all one in Christ, and if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's seed, an heirs according to the promise." Hebrews 11:13-16 says all the faithful of the old Test. looked for a better country..an heavenly one, whose builder is God. So it stands to reason, that those in Christ share the same inheritance or destiny as Abraham, and there is "one hope" of our calling, where we will all be in the same place. Anyway, I do like your insightful articles...keep up the good work for the true Christ! Yahkins report abuse
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 written by Felicia , August 22, 2009 someone stated in a previous comment, that only God can judge. That is so true, so why is it that Jehovah's Witnesses judge their members and shun them. Whose to say if this person has repented, yet the people at the Kingdom Hall and including their family is judging them for their sins, and like you stated, only God can judge. The bible states that the "truth" is the word and the word was Jesus. I believe their is corruption in every man made denomination of Christianity. When judgment day comes, we will be judged as individuals not based on the organization you belonged too. report abuse
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 written by Travis , September 30, 2009 Hi mjhunter, I told my Grandmother, who is still a JW, about the increase in participants at the memorial. She talked to an elder's wife about it who explained that it is because of those from other churches who are unaware that they should not partake that the stats are increasing. Bay, humbug. Travis report abuse
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When a person ceases to attend the meetings organised by the Governing Body of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, Incorporated, oftentimes they are described as having "left the truth". Jehovah's Witnesses, the name of the religious order controlled by the Watch Tower Society, call their religion "the truth". It is called "the truth" because Jehovah's Witnesses are told by the Governing Body that all other religions are false and they alone have the truth, according to the Bible.
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