the Word of God is
Jordan the JW
Remember
- Remember that you are not trying to convert Jordan to a different belief system or even defending your own. Rather, you are trying to help her understand that salvation comes through a relationship with Jesus, not through a religion. Ask Jordan questions that will introduce doubt in her mind about her knowledge of Christianity and the integrity of her church's leadership like:
- Can someone be saved without being a Jehovah Witness? If so, then how were people saved before the organization was formed?
- If I were examining Mormonism or another belief, would it be a good idea to read testimonies from ex-members? (This puts them in a quandary, because if they say, "No," show how easy it is to be deceived by a cult that you haven't fully examined. If they say, "Yes," then ask them why they haven't read books by ex-members of the Watchtower).
- Remember when asking questions about her beliefs, it's better to leave the questions 'third person' (or hypothetically apply them to yourself) rather than applying them directly to Jordan, or her organization. Instead of saying, "Does your organization...?" you might say, "What if an organization...?" or "What if I...?" This approach may help her be less defensive.
- Remember that while God opposes Jordan's belief system, He loves her, so be gentle and respectful at all times. Jordan may be deeply entrenched in her false beliefs, so be open to developing a long term relationship if you want to be effective.
Basics
The Jehovah's Witnesses were started in the early 1870's, by a man named Charles Taze Russell.
Jehovah's Witnesses identify themselves as Christian and number over six million. Their name comes from their belief that God's personal name is Jehovah (which is an inaccurate name for God. It is properly translated 'Yahweh').
They are also called The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, mainly because one of their primary missions is to go door-to-door and hand out millions of Jehovah's Witnesses versions of the Bible and various informational tracts.
Jehovah's Witnesses identify themselves as Christian and number over six million. Their name comes from their belief that God's personal name is Jehovah (which is an inaccurate name for God. It is properly translated 'Yahweh').
They are also called The Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, mainly because one of their primary missions is to go door-to-door and hand out millions of Jehovah's Witnesses versions of the Bible and various informational tracts.
Beliefs
Like Marty the Mormon, Jordan believes her religion (Jehovah's Witnesses) is the only true religion, and all other religions and Protestant denominations (Baptist, Lutheran, etc.) are false. This is why they are so aggressive and go door-to-door trying to convert others to their view of God.
About God
Jordan believes there is one God Almighty - a Spirit Being with a body, but not a human body.
About Jesus
Jordan believes that Jesus Christ is not 'Jehovah' God, but the first son that 'Jehovah' brought forth. He is a god, but inferior to the only Father God.
Note: John 1:1 says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God." The translators of the New World Translation misinterprets the end of this verse by adding an "a" as in "the Word was a god." According to the vast majority of Greek language scholars, this is a poor translation.
Note: John 1:1 says, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God." The translators of the New World Translation misinterprets the end of this verse by adding an "a" as in "the Word was a god." According to the vast majority of Greek language scholars, this is a poor translation.
About trinity
Jordan believes there is no Trinity, because she believes that Jesus Christ is a god, but not the God of the Bible, and that the Holy Spirit is an active force (rather than a real Person).
About afterlife
Jordan believes that no soul remains after death. At some point in the future, Jesus Christ will return to resurrect the dead, restoring soul and body. There will then be a judgment day, and those judged righteous will be given everlasting life on a paradise earth (not in heaven). Those judged unrighteous will not be tormented, but will die and cease to exist (i.e. annihilated).
About salvation
Jordan believes that salvation is granted to those who had a combination of faith and good works (as defined by the Watchtower organization).
About Scripture
Jordan believes that modern translations of the Bible are wrong. She believes that only the Jehovah's Witnesses' version, The New World Translation, is correct.