The Bible vs. The Watchtower

“The Watchtower invites careful and critical examination of its contents in the light of the Scriptures.”[1]

“If the message Jehovah’s Witnesses are bringing to the people is true, then it is of greatest importance to mankind.  If it is false, then it is the duty of the clergymen and others who support them to come boldly forward and plainly tell the people wherein the message is false.”[2]

The above invitation found in the Watchtower magazine forms the underlying premise for this book.  In other words, does Watchtower truth differ from God’s truth?

“We should prove by the word of God whether the things found in the Watchtower are from man or from the Lord!”[3]

In accepting this invitation, we will present Watchtower doctrine as revealed in Watchtower publications, recorded documents, speeches given at Watchtower conventions, and court testimony, then we will proceed to “carefully and critically” test it alongside scripture.

First and foremost, however, it is important to understand how the Watchtower Organization has established such a magnetic influence of its followers.  Therefore, we will start by identifying the four underlying sources of the Watchtower’s authority.

INTRODUCTION

The primary purpose of this book is to bring transparency to the Watchtower Organization’s influence over people across the world.  How has the Organization been able to influence so many people from all walks of life?  Why are people drawn to their teachings?  What causes some to leave their churches and join the Watchtower’s membership?

One explanation is the extremely effective proselytizing methods used by the Watchtower.  Their message is uniform throughout the Organization, so much so that every congregation (church) of Jehovah’s Witnesses across the globe receives the same weekly message, including instructions regarding their house-to-house ministry, so that when they knock on your door they are well-rehearsed, arriving in respectable attire, often with children at their side, to deliver a message that is simple and direct.

Another very powerful reason is the Watchtower’s uncanny ability to convince people that they act on God’s authority and are His sole instrument on earth.

Therefore, our approach will not focus on Watchtower interpretation of scripture; rather, we will concentrate on the foundation of Watchtower eschatology (doctrine).  In doing so, we will not only consider the reasons set forth above in more depth, we will also examine some foundational Watchtower teachings that the average Jehovah’s Witness has never known and will undoubtedly be shocked to learn.  Then, as the title indicates, we will analyze several of those teachings in conjunction with biblical authority, and you can decide for yourself whether God’s Word supports or refutes each such claim.