Author: michaeljfelker

Answering a JW apologist: is the Watchtower Directed by Jehovah?

June 4, 2014

Rotherham’s arguments are more directly related to THIS POST, but COMMENTED ON the article, “Did the Watchtower’s ‘Faithful Slave’ claim the Holy Spirit’s functions ceased?” I would recommended reading Rotherham’s comment before proceeding to read my critique.  I’m posting this here rather than the comment section because it highlights many of the common responses JW apologists … More Answering a JW apologist: is the Watchtower Directed by Jehovah?

Did the Watchtower’s “Faithful Slave” claim the Holy Spirit’s functions ceased?

May 24, 2014

While this issue has a complex history and much can be written, I want to keep this as simple as possible.  Let’s first cover what the Watchtower has stated regarding the work of the Holy Spirit since 1919: *** ip-1 chap. 25 p. 340 par. 20 The King and His Princes *** Happily, since 1919, … More Did the Watchtower’s “Faithful Slave” claim the Holy Spirit’s functions ceased?

Spirit-directed and Spirit-inspired: is there a difference?

May 23, 2014

We all know that the Jehovah’s Witnesses have denied claims of inspiration.  For example: In most ways Jehovah’s Witnesses are like everyone else. They have normal problems—economic, physical, emotional. They make mistakes at times, for they are not perfect, inspired, or infallible. But they try to learn from their experiences and diligently study the Bible to make needed … More Spirit-directed and Spirit-inspired: is there a difference?

What about those with less access to Watchtower Publications?

May 21, 2014

In the August 15, 2014 Watchtower Study Edition, the Watchtower addresses some interesting points as it relates to reading the Bible when someone has less access to the Watchtower publications than others. Since the appointment of the faithful slave in 1919, millions of “domestics” of all languages have been gathered into God’s organization and are … More What about those with less access to Watchtower Publications?

Debate with a JW: “Is the Watchtower’s interpretation of the faithful slave found in Matthew 24 and Luke 12, as articulated in the July 15th, 2013 Watchtower, accurate?”

December 6, 2013

This debate took place on the TRUE THEOLOGY forum, but I will be posting the full debate on a PDF once it is completed.  You can follow the discussion HERE. The debate is with Rotherham, who is a JW I regularly interact with here.  The format is as follows with hyperlinks for each section: (1) Openings Rotherham’s … More Debate with a JW: “Is the Watchtower’s interpretation of the faithful slave found in Matthew 24 and Luke 12, as articulated in the July 15th, 2013 Watchtower, accurate?”

If all Christians rule with Christ, who will they rule over?

September 20, 2013

A reader contacted me and asked: On your website you state: “Instead, the Scriptures are clear in teaching that Christ will physically come to the earth (Acts 1:9-11; 3:21, etc.), separate the sheep from the goats (Matthew 25:32-33), and say to the sheep, “Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for … More If all Christians rule with Christ, who will they rule over?

New “Existence of God” page and some other ramblings

September 1, 2013

If anyone is interested, I added a NEW PAGE in the “articles” section on the existence of God.  Most of these are videos that I made over the past few years as I began to develop my theology surrounding God’s existence and how to refute naturalism/atheism.  I plan on doing much more of this and probably … More New “Existence of God” page and some other ramblings

How many JW’s view so-called “apostate literature”

June 30, 2013

While not an “official” publication by the Watchtower, THIS ARTICLE appears to reflect the attitude of many JW’s as they consider former Governing Body member Ray Franz and his books.  While there may be other books he’s written that i’m not aware of, the most prominent are CRISIS OF CONSCIENCE and IN SEARCH OF CHRISTIAN FREEDOM.  The purpose of this … More How many JW’s view so-called “apostate literature”

The Governing Body, Ephesians 4:11-16, and “unity”

March 5, 2013

The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses are adamant in saying that all true Christians must believe everything they teach. ***w09 p. 14 par. 5 Treasure Your Place in the Congregation*** We need to guard against developing a spirit of independence. By word or action, may we never challenge the channel of communication that Jehovah is … More The Governing Body, Ephesians 4:11-16, and “unity”

Should Jehovah’s Witnesses follow the Spirit or the Governing Body?

February 22, 2013

Perhaps this mock dialogue will illustrate: Non-JW:  When the Holy Spirit is leading us, it’s always to the truth?  It would never lead somebody to error. JW:  Right. Non-JW:  And all true Christians have the Holy Spirit? JW:  Yes Non-JW:  So if we think something incorrectly, it is our own imperfection leading us that way, … More Should Jehovah’s Witnesses follow the Spirit or the Governing Body?

Should unity be promoted at the expense of the truth? A response to a JW apologist

January 31, 2013

The Watchtower clearly expresses that no Christian can be faithful to Christ and at the same time, contradict what the Governing Body teaches.  Never mind the fact that the Apostle Paul admonished Christians to render someone as accursed if he or she were to preach a “different gospel,” even if it were an Apostle himself (Gal. 1:6-9). … More Should unity be promoted at the expense of the truth? A response to a JW apologist

Journal of Trinitarian Apologetics issue # 1

January 30, 2013

  With an article by yours truly 🙂 A theological journal with a focus on the Triune God. For the academic, the layperson, the Christian. Within this edition you’ll find a unique array of contributions. These include: Robert M. Bowman Jr. – Triadic New Testament Passages and the Doctrine of the Trinity Hiram R. Diaz … More Journal of Trinitarian Apologetics issue # 1

What if the Watchtower went into apostasy?

January 18, 2013

Watchtower apostasy is an important issue that every JW should consider.  Though i’ve thought through it in the past, this discussion provoked me to consider writing about it; in particular, this comment by a JW apologist. But before I address his comment, it is important that we set the stage with some context. The Watchtower has long … More What if the Watchtower went into apostasy?

Some very bold statements found in the April 15, 2013 Watchtower Study Edition.

January 16, 2013

The April 15, 2013 Watchtower Study Edition contains some noteworthy thoughts that i’d like to draw some attention to. 6 How could we use the Bible to a fuller extent in our teaching? If you have the privilege of teaching the congregation from the platform, use specific Bible references. Rather than paraphrasing key scriptures or reading … More Some very bold statements found in the April 15, 2013 Watchtower Study Edition.

Is the Watchtower the “Right Kind of Messenger?”

January 1, 2013

***w97 5/1 p.8 Identifying the Right Kind of Messenger*** Identifying the Right Kind of Messenger “I am . . . the One making the word of his servant come true, and the One that carries out completely the counsel of his own messengers.”—ISAIAH 44:25, 26. JEHOVAH GOD is the Grand Identifier of his true messengers. He identifies them by making the messages he delivers through them come true. Jehovah is … More Is the Watchtower the “Right Kind of Messenger?”

Salvation outside the Watchtower

December 31, 2012

The Watchtower teaches that there is no salvation outside of “Jehovah’s Organization.”  But this statement is somewhat vague, as we can both agree and disagree.  So, let’s start with the agreement. If Jehovah Himself has established something and commanded His followers to be a part of it without qualification, then obviously, we should do so.  To that extent, … More Salvation outside the Watchtower

Final portion of the debate is finally up!

November 28, 2012

Click HERE to listen   From the THEOPOLOGETICS website: Debate topic: “All Christians in the New Covenant will live forever in heaven with Christ.” Fred Torres is a Jehovah’s Witness and affirms. My friend Mike Felker of The Apologetic Front denies. Fred and Mike have been recording a modular debate; they each recorded and sent me their … More Final portion of the debate is finally up!

My preliminary thoughts on the recent “faithful slave” interpretation change

November 24, 2012

Though i’m a little late on this NEWS and many have expressed their thoughts on this new development in Watchtower theology, I was compelled to offer my thoughts too.  While some offered commentary through hearsay accounts before the news became public, I was convicted to not do so.  But now the cat is out of the … More My preliminary thoughts on the recent “faithful slave” interpretation change

Who do the “anointed class” rule over? “the Bible does not say,” says the Watchtower

November 17, 2012

In the January 15, 2012 Watchtower Study Edition, p. 30 par. 18, the following is stated, 18 Thereafter, how will Jehovah use these highly privileged associates of Christ? According to Revelation 22:5, “they will rule as kings forever and ever.” Over whom? The Bible does not say. But the quality of life that they possess and their experience … More Who do the “anointed class” rule over? “the Bible does not say,” says the Watchtower

What is the proper view of the Watchtower and its literature?

November 17, 2012

In the following Watchtower article, two viewpoints are contrasted.  The first is the improper view, *** w64 9/15 p. 574 Experiencing Jehovah’s Love *** APPRECIATION FOR THE TRUTH Not all the persons I have known in the organization have maintained their appreciation for the truth. To illustrate this, I want to mention an experience I had while in the pilgrim service. I was in Philadelphia at the time, and, after … More What is the proper view of the Watchtower and its literature?

Are the Watchtower’s Predictions “Hollow?”

November 17, 2012

Sometimes I wonder if the Governing Body remembers their own history.  But then again, i’ve come to expect them to be less than honest, which is quite unfortunate.  Though there might be some who would love nothing more than to have a “gotcha” moment in pointing out yet another less-than-honest statement by the Governing Body, … More Are the Watchtower’s Predictions “Hollow?”

UPDATE

November 17, 2012

Thank you all for being so patient as i’ve posted all these articles but not yet responded to the comments. My purpose was to re-post and re-edit some of my older articles so that my previous research did not go to waste as I started over in building this site.  As far as I can … More UPDATE

What does the Bible really teach about 1914?

November 17, 2012

The 1914 doctrine very important to the Jehovah’s Witnesses.  Consider what the Watchtower has to say,  “Approved association with Jehovah’s Witnesses requires accepting the entire range of the true teachings of the Bible, including those Scriptural beliefs that are unique to Jehovah’s Witnesses. What do such beliefs include?…That 1914 marked the end of the Gentile … More What does the Bible really teach about 1914?

Is “Paradise Earth” a Biblical Teaching?

November 17, 2012

The Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that the earth will be restored to a paradise in the future.  On this “paradise earth,” most faithful Jehovah’s Witnesses will experience life as they believe Jehovah originally intended it; free from death, suffering, and sadness.  However, Jehovah’s Witnesses also believe that an “anointed class” of 144,000 will live forever in … More Is “Paradise Earth” a Biblical Teaching?

Does the Watchtower communicate with the dead?

November 16, 2012

“From the time of the apostle John and on into the Lord’s day, anointed Christians were puzzled as to the identity of the great crowd. It is fitting, then, that one of the 24 elders, representing anointed ones already in heaven, should stir John’s thinking by raising a pertinent question. “And in response one of … More Does the Watchtower communicate with the dead?