When Did God’s Kingdom Begin Ruling? – part 1

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

Does Matthew 11:11 teach that John the Baptist won’t be in the Heavenly Kingdom?

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?

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

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?

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?

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?

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?”

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?

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

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”

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”

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?

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

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

  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?

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.

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?”

***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?”