1. Are extra books or literature an absolute necessity in addition to the Bible in order to understand it? If so, why?
There are other religions who insist on using other books besides the Bible. Groups such as the Mormons, Christian Scientists, and Seventh Day Adventists, whose roots also had a human founder as the Jehovah's Witnesses, use literature that they themselves have published. These groups all claim that the publications are meant to just represent the truthful viewpoints of the Scriptures. Yet, ALL these religious groups differ greatly in their beliefs!
A more accurate representation of what the Bible teaches includes an in depth study of the New Testament times and how the early Christian church felt about Jesus and the Scripture.
What does the Watchtower Society have to say about its own publications?
2. Do you believe that anyone, anywhere who just had a Bible and no other literature could understand the Bible and be saved?
First of all, the Witnesses claim in their literature that one cannot properly understand the Bible without the aid of Watchtower study helps which include the Watchtower and AWAKE! magazines. Additionally, a person needs to be in touch with the Society's leaders to correctly interpret the Bible.
"Salvation" according to the Watchtower involves a complex combination of faith, connection to the Society and a works righteousness system. The key to discussing 'salvation' with a Witness includes an in depth look at the meaning of "justification" and the necessity of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
3. Are members free to read ANY outside religious literature or are they taught to avoid these sources, and for what reason?
If I were examining other religious group such as the Mormons, Christian Scientists and Seventh-Day Adventists, do you think it would be a good idea to read books by ex-members of these groups?
Can you see how easy it could be to get involved in a religious cult if the group's background is not carefully and completely investigated?
If you agree with the above premises, have you taken the time to do this with the Watchtower Society?
Many Jehovah's Witnesses frown on the practice of reading older Society publications and are quick to point out this fact to anyone who attempts to confront them with a statement that the organization has made in the past. However, the Watchtower encourages its followers to do just that. Here is what they have said:
"But this does not relieve each individual Christian of the responsibility to dig deeper into God's Word,...It means reading the footnotes in Watchtower articles, some of which refer the reader to an older publication...It requires digging deeper, putting forth effort to locate that older publication and the studying the pages referred to." WT 6-15-85 p.12
This is quite a bold claim. Yet, the Society offers statements such as the following:
"Consider, too, the fact that Jehovah's organization alone, in all the earth, is directed by God's holy spirit or active force. Only this organization functions for Jehovah's purpose and to his praise. To it alone God's Sacred Word, the Bible, is not a sealed book." WT 7-1-73, p.402
"It is only logical that there would be one true religion...We do not hesitate to say that they are Jehovah's Witnesses." You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, 1982, p.19
What does the Watchtower consider as proof that they are the only real Christians? Are these "proofs" exclusive and unique only to the Watchtower - or are they shared by other religions as well?
5. Do you believe that the Bible was written to ALL people?
The Society says, "No!" It is primarily written for the 144,000 anointed members of the organization.
The Apostles did not recognize a class system when addressing their epistles. The New Testament is addressed to all those who believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ. Paul said:
"...the righteousness of God has been manifested through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe, for there is no distinction." Romans 3:22
...God shows no partiality..." Galatians 2:6
On one hand they say:
"...but where should your faith be placed - in a religious organization, or in God?"WT 1-15-70 p.37
Of course, the answer is "God." But they also say:
"PUT FAITH IN A VICTORIOUS ORGANIZATION" WT 3-1-79 p.12
So which one is it...God?...or the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses? There is a glaring inconsistency here!