Tag Archives: A Conversation With A Jehovah’s Witness Pioneer

OBEY! Part 2: A Conversation With A Jehovah’s Witness Pioneer

August 26, 2014 9:45 am / 4 Comments /
I do not know if this is an accurate quote, but it is an interesting thought.

I do not know if this is an accurate quote, but it is an interesting thought.

This is a continuation from the conversation posted yesterday August 25th, 2014. To get the context, read here first.

JW1: We all know that that’s not the case. We know that they are imperfect as well and that they are going to make mistakes, but the fact is, they are taking the lead.

KW: Are you telling me that it is better to listen to them and follow their direction, even if it is a mistake?

There was an awkward pause and then I got a very honest answer.

JW1: Yes, it is.

KW: That is scary.

JW1: It is because of this scripture right here (Hebrews 13:17).

KW: No.

Folks hear me out here. It is never okay for you to blindly follow orders. I think so many former Witnesses and Mormons are turned off by expectations like this (as they should be), but then they make the mistake of thinking that all religions are that way. It isn’t true. My pastor will be the first to tell you that if he wants me to do something that I think is wrong, it ain’t happening. Read More →

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OBEY! Part 1: A Conversation With a Jehovah’s Witness Pioneer

August 25, 2014 1:37 pm / 18 Comments /
That about sums it up.

That about sums it up.

I arrived at the restaurant and waited for my Witness friend to show up. He was a little late and brought a new guy with him. My regular Witness friend and I did our normal small talk and as I promised myself, I brought a pen with me. It is the coolest pen I’ve ever seen and was made for me as a gift by a good friend of mine for CHRISTmas. He liked the pen too.

Whenever a new person comes with my regular Jehovah’s Witness, I always like to ask them a little bit about themselves. I want to get to know them a bit and see if I can find out what makes them tick. I did the same with the young man. Read More →

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God’s Friend Or God’s Child? A Conversation With A Jehovah’s Witness Pioneer

August 19, 2014 3:00 pm / 11 Comments /
If God's Spirit directs the Watchtower, it should never print logical fallacies.

If God’s Spirit directs the Watchtower, it should never print logical fallacies.

This was a weird meeting. It was the first time we met after my two week long mission trip to Manti, Utah. As I was leaving my office, I picked up a pen to take with me in case I wanted to write something down on a sheet of paper. I decided against it because I use my iPad for taking notes and my Jehovah’s Witness friend always has a pen anyways. I literally had the pen in my hand and then set it down on my desk and left. At the time I didn’t know why that happened, but it became clear to me later on in our discussion. Read More →

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Logic And Taking God’s Name In Vain Part 2

July 22, 2014 10:51 am / 4 Comments /
Gods Name In Vain.2jpg

Don’t do it…

Continuing from Part 1

JW: We need to look at distinguishing God or Jehovah from other gods.

KW: I am a monotheist so I don’t need to make a distinction. There are no other true Gods so when I say “God” I am only referring to the one true God.

JW: Let’s look at Isaiah 42:8. “I am Jehovah. That is my name; I give my glory to no one else, Nor my praise to graven images.”  See, there is a connection between God’s personal name and His reputation or glory.

KW: Right, what is glorious though? A pronunciation or the reputation?

JW: Well, the pronunciation depends on the language.

KW: I still don’t understand. I have a problem with the inconsistency. Because if God really wants me to use His name and a specific pronunciation is important to Him then I don’t understand why other pronunciations in other languages are acceptable. If God’s name really is Yahweh, and Jehovah really doesn’t sound like Yahweh, then what is the difference between calling Him Jehovah or calling Him Lord? If they are both substitutes, then what is the difference? Read More →

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Logic And Taking God’s Name In Vain With A Jehovah’s Witness Pioneer, Part 1

July 21, 2014 12:12 pm / 2 Comments /
Gods Name In Vain

How do Jehovah’s Witnesses view taking God’s name in vain?

Today started off a little different because the restaurant we go to was packed and it was loud. Since that is not conducive to a deep theological discussion, we decided to go to another restaurant. One interesting thing of note was that my Pioneer friend came alone. His wife had a school function she needed to attend so this is the first time he came by himself. I always enjoy the one on one conversations better because the individual Witness is forced to rely only on himself. There isn’t anyone there to bail him out of a trouble spot in the conversation. I find that there is a whole lot more I can say and even challenge them on when they are alone. Read More →

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