In this episode of the JW Review, i’ll be sharing a recent lecture I did on the topic of the Governing Body. To be honest, I had prepared a much more in depth presentation but it turns out the audience had a lot of questions on the basics prior to delving into the primary topic. … More What is the Governing Body?
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Welcome to the first ever episode of the JW review podcast! In this episode, i’ll be discussing how someone can start a ministry in witnessing to Jehovah’s Witnesses. If you’re interested in submitting a question or a topic for a future episode, please submit your question here. Subscribe in iTunes here
Here’s a presentation I did on March 23, 2016 at Georgia State University. The video turned out pretty poorly as we had to turn out the lights so the screen could be easily viewed by everyone. So if the video bothers you, please check out the audio link below. I’m also including my slideshow for … More Mormonism, God, & Becoming a God
Here’s a few updates as i’ve been wrestling with ideas for the past year or two. First things first. You’ve probably noticed a makeover. I want my site to look less like a blog and more like a website. Since my writing is so scarce, I don’t want to give the wrong impression that blogging … More New Site, URL, and Other Updates
It should be obvious by now that my posts have been very few for a while now due to a number of very difficult circumstances in my life, not the least of which was a very long move (which is still not completed). Now that I have my office set up (priorities, right?), i’m trying … More Items regarding a Podcast idea and the comments section
You can download my Keynote slides as a PDF HERE
I’ve wanted to do one of these for a long time and finally got the opportunity. There’s definitely room for me to improve and i’d love another opportunity do do this.
Below, in the comment sections, two participants will be discussing this question. I will leave it to both of them to set the specific parameters. Given my lack of time available to contribute to this site, i’m thankful for these two in bringing some activity here!
Here’s a recording of a presentation I did this morning at a men’s meeting. It was about an hour of presentation and about 30 minutes of Q&A at the end. I also included the handout below. I hope this is helpful to you! Why Don’t Jehovah’s Witnesses Partake? Handout Download
In the October 1, 2014 Watchtower, a “conversation article” is published whereby a Jehovah’s Witness discusses 1914 with his neighbor. It was obviously not a real discussion, but described as a “typical conversation” nonetheless. While the neighbor is nowhere near as skeptical as myself, he still asked some decent questions. In fact, many of the … More When Did God’s Kingdom Begin Ruling? – part 1
As some of you may or may not know, i’m sometimes involved in discipling and answering questions from those who have left or are in the process of leaving the Jehovah’s Witnesses. This is a humbling priviledge and something I am very happy to do. Just recently, however, i’ve learned of a great need that I … More Ex-JW apologist network idea
Before we delve into Matthew 11:11, let’s briefly go over the Watchtower’s two-class theology. They teach that all Jehovah’s Witnesses will be eternally separated into two metaphysically distinct locations: heaven or earth. The anointed 144,000 of Revelation 7 will rule and reign with Christ in heaven while the remaining “great crowd” live on paradise earth. … More Does Matthew 11:11 teach that John the Baptist won’t be in the Heavenly Kingdom?
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?
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?
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?
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?
Just recently, me and Rotherham (a JW) finished our debate. It was a written debate and took quite some time; specifically, four months. While I won’t rehash the arguments here, I wanted to address a few items. First off, if you haven’t read the debate and have any interest at all in the JW’s, then … More A few post-debate thoughts
Hi Everyone! I just wanted to plug a friend of mine’s site. Please check it out! http://longing4truth.com Longing4Truth is a blog devoted to regularly reviewing the newest books in popular Evangelicalism, as well as to sharing any thoughts, quotes, or links that may be helpful to Christians in order to spur them on toward godliness. … More Website Plug – Longing4truth.com
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?”
This is an article that I published on CARM. The link is below: NEW LIGHT ON THE “FAITHFUL AND DISCREET SLAVE”
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?
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
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”
Thus far, myself and the JW apologist “Rotherham” have gone through almost 80 comments in discussion on this topic. While one can only take a discussion so far before the dead horse gets beaten some more, I really think this topic is central to our differences with the JW’s. Unfortunately, i’m going to be out of … More Ephesians 4:11-16 discussion
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”
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?
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
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
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?
MJF APOLOGETICS 