Vol. 7, No. 1, 1990

Articles on Jehovah's Witnesses

In one of the Watchtower's favorite introductory books, You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth, several interesting and very insightful statements are made about friends and family.

"Recall that Satan posed as a friend to Eve. Then he tricked her into doing what she thought would be for her own good," (1982 ed., p. 23).

Many people, shortly after they begin studying with the Jehovah's Witnesses, experience a reaction from friends and family members. The reaction can range from anger to ridicule to genuine concern. However, regardless of the reaction, the Jehovah's Witness have pre-conditioned their new converts regarding what to expect.

"If we are to receive everlasting life, we need accurate knowledge about God, his King-Son and his kingdom. You can be sure that Satan the Devil does not want you to have this knowledge, and that he will do all in his power to stop you from getting it.

"How will he do this? One way is by seeing to it that you receive opposition, perhaps in the form of ridicule.

"It may be that even close friends or relative will tell you that they do not like you examining the Scriptures.

"Relatives may try to discourage you, doing so in all sincerity because they do not know the wonderful truths found in the Bible. But if you give up a study of God's Word when opposition comes, how will God view you?

"Also, if you give up, how will those friends and loved ones be helped by you to understand that accurate knowledge of the Bible is of life-or-death importance? Your staying with the things you learn from God's Word may in time influence them likewise to learn the truth," (pp. 23-24; emphasis mine).

What have the Jehovah's Witnesses done? First, they told the new convert to expect "opposition" or persecution from either family, friends or perhaps both. Thus, when this "opposition" comes, the new convert sees the Jehovah's Witness as a true prophet. For, did not the Watchtower warn that this would happen? Second, the new convert is told in what forms the "opposition" would come. Watch out for the "ridicule" or the "sincere" concern, which will want the new convert to stop studying the Scriptures.

While no Christian would ask someone to stop studying the Scriptures, it is the interpretation of the Watchtower that is being questioned, not the study itself. However, the new convert will again see this as prophecy coming true, as foretold by the Watchtower. Third, the idea of guilt is introduced. If the new convert forsakes the Watchtower, not only will God be disappointed with them, but they are turning their backs on their own family. How will the family and friends find the truth of the Watchtower if the new convert leaves. Who will explain the "life-or-death" truths to the other family members?

Very subtly, but extremely thoroughly, the Jehovah's Witnesses have in two short pages of their book, explained why the new convert should not listen to the concerned friend or family member. If this situation has happened to a friend or family member, the obvious questioned being asked at this point is, "What then can I do?"

Watchman Fellowship has been witnessing successfully for years to Jehovah's Witnesses. The most effective way found by WF and several other Christian ministries who deal with the Watchtower, is to undermine the authority of the Watchtower itself. If the Watchtower can be shown to be a false prophet, shown to have lied to its people then covered up those lies, the average Jehovah's Witness will begin to understand how they have been deceived. Watchman Fellowship has produced several documentation guides and cassette tapes which will explain step by step how to circumvent the Jehovah's Witnesses conditioning. These have been tested under witnessing conditions and have proven to be very effective (see our Resource Guide).

The above was adapted from a teaching tape by David Reed.