Hi,,any JWs out there that want to get acquainted and chat? or anyone else that would like to chat?****One post mentioned JW's not taking literature from other religions with the idea that they (JWs) have chose their faith, so don't want to read other material. After awhile that may be the case,,but Personally I did read literature on other religions,,I wanted to learn about them. I went to other churches also, but in the end, I understood and chose JW faith because to me it followed more closely what the Bible said. Even now we have a book on other religions of the world and I have studied it intensively. It is very enlightening and well written. TITLE: "MANKIND'S SEARCH FOR GOD" I was thrilled to have this book, because it helped me understand the many faiths of others. I strive for understanding of people and their cultures.***

-- Patsy, MT (cozyhollow-gal@care2.com), April 04, 2001

Answers

Dear Patsy, I am a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, but wanted to say to you that I admire the faith and conviction of the Jehova Witnesses. When they have come to my door, they have always been appropriately dressed to represent the Savior, and very polite and friendly in there manner.

-- mary, texas (marylgarcia@aol.com), April 07, 2001.

Hi Mary,,nice to meet you,,and thank you for your nice commendation. I know a lot of folks of your religion. Many live here in our Valley and I enjoy visiting them. They always are interesting to talk with. Does your religion have a Memorial of Jesus death as he spoke of in Luke 22:19? Would enjoy getting your comments.***We celebrate our Memorial tomorrow after sundown,.Usually have a lot of folks come. It is a wonderful opportunity to listen and learn and be reminded of how much Jesus and his heavenly Father, Jehovah, loves all mankind.***Take care,,,

-- Patsy, MT (cozyhollow-gal@care2.com), April 07, 2001.

Hello Patsy, I am Kris Janssens, one of Jehovah's witnesses in Belgium. I would like to chat with other brothers and sisters. It's nice to see you realy studied the other faiths, there are a lot of young people who are raised in the truth and never studied another believe then our's. The consucences are that they don't know what is out there and some wil even loose their fath becuse of the curiosaty. We have to be strong and hold on to our fath so we don't fall into the hands of satan.

You're brother Kris Janssens

-- Kris Janssens (e-mailme@pandora.be), May 14, 2001.

Hi Patsy,

We are a family of JW's in northeastern Kansas: My husband and I plus a grown son who lives next-door and a married daughter and son- in-law who live ten miles away. We live in the country, 25 miles from our Kingdom Hall which is in a small town. Our daughter and son-in- law live in unassigned territory, 35 miles from our Hall. Our Book Study is on Sunday a half hour after the Watchtower Study, to accomodate those of us who have a long way to come. This is a big help; it's rare for any of us to miss a meeting.

Have you encountered any special problems and/or solutions as a result of being both a Witness and a countryside type?

-- Faith E. Battels (rainbowbf@yahoo.com), May 20, 2001.

The History of the Watchtower organization is kept secret from new members and its own history is proof that the God of the bible would not accept these false prophets and false doctrines in his church body. The founder of the Jehova Witness was named Charles Russell from PA. Russell stated that in 1799 the end times started and that in 1874 Christ invisibly returned to earth to rule. Russell's prophecy was that in 1914 the world would come to an end. Russell changed that date to 1915 and later to 1918. Russell claimed that only his published books could allow people to correctly understand the bible. Russell also stated that the egypt pyramids were placed there by God, for man to use in addition to the bible for divine revelation. The watchtower so called religion believed that Russell was the faithful chosen slave to lead Gods chosen people to eternity but when he died in 1919 they had to come up with another story. The new story was that in 1919 Christ invisibly returned to earth and reviewed all the religions to see what was closest to the bible and he chose the watchtower after long study to be his church on earth. All anyone has to do is research the history of this so called religion using their own published doctrine to see that if Christ really returned (which of course did not yet happen) that by no way would he have accepted this church with proven false prophecy. Their publication "The Finished Mystery" is filled with false prophecy and ideas.

The 2nd president of the Jehova Watchtower organization was Judge Rutherford , who was never really a judge and only a lawyer, he gave himself the title. Judge proclaimed the end of the world would come in 1925. In 1929 Judge who became a millionaire during the depression from all the watchtower earnings built himself a mansion. He issued the deed to the mansion in the names of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob because he believed these biblical characters would soon return to earth and rule it. Up till his death in 1942 Judge kept preaching the end was only months away.

In an attempt to support their anti-biblical beliefs the governing body of the watchtower has lied to its members and published a false bible. The governing body claims that Dr.Jay Armante , a greek and hebrew scholar , is one of many who confirmed their bible translation was correct. This is a flat out lie. In a video taped interview (that may be obtained at www.thebereancall.org) Dr. Jay Armante states he was misquoted and the Jehova witness translation of the bible is " A shocking mistranslation, biased and deceptive, very far away from the original scripture." The King James version of the bible is translated 100% correctly if any one doubts that they should read, " The new evidence that demands a verdict" by Josh Mcdowell and "In Defense of the faith" by Dave Hunt. Also they should watch the VHS "Startling proofs" which can be found at amazon.com or the bereancall.org .

The Occult is also clearly linked to this so called religion. The Jehova Witness Founder Russell is quoted in the 7/1879 issue of the zions watchtower newsletter as saying " A truth presented by Satan (the devil) himself is just as true as a truth stated by God and truth should be accepted no matter what it contradicts." We all know the bible says Satan is the father of all lies and has no truth. In a further effort to support their teaching this organization quotes Johannes Greber and his translation of the new testament. Greber was married to a psychic and claimed the translation was given to him by spirit beings (known to us as demons).

This watchtower cult claims that Jesus Christ was NOT God and only an angel. They reject salvation through Christ and teach a salvation through works and of course those works consist of selling watchtower material. They teach that Christ was not put on a cross but on a stake. They teach that Christ did not raise from the dead but was re- created at a later time by Jehova and only pretended to his disciples to be resurrected. Gods word the bible (King James version) clearly teaches God is a trinity and without Christ being accepted in place of your sins you will perish in Hell for no works can justify you to God. The only way to the father in heaven is through accepting Jesus Christ as the free gift from God in place of your sins.

In the 1940's the organization wanted to set the end of the world as 1957 but this change was not allowed by the governing body at that time. The 1960's revealed more false prophecy for this cult. In this time it was published that 1975 would be the end of the world. The current governing body of the organization flat out lies and states they never set a date for the end of the world. Again all anyone has to do is find the old literature and their own doctrines proves this entire religion is founded on false prophecy. Jesus clearly warns of the false prophets and their fate in hell. False prophecy and a false translation of scripture is leading followers of this cult straight to hell with Satan.

This so called Jehova Witness religion is a two class system. The higher class or the anointed ones as they are called are supposed to be part of the 144,000 that actually make it to heaven to see Jesus. MILLIONS of other members of this religion are called "the other sheep" and are of the lower class. The lower class never get to heaven and are to spend eternity on earth. The King James correct version of the bible teaches that the heavens and earth will pass away and God will create new, so no one can expect to spend eternity on this particular earth. Of course the real Bible teaches that we ALL can be in heaven with Jesus all we have to do is accept him as lord and savior asking forgiveness for and turning from our sins.

A Jehova witness is not allowed to vote, hold political office, smoke, celebrate holidays, join the YMCA, salute the flag, join the military, sing the national anthem, get a blood transfusion or do anything patriotic at all. In typical Cult style the organization tells its members they are not allowed to read anything that is critical of their beliefs. This is the blind faith that all Cults try to install on its members, to keep them in the dark and not to know the truth. Many members have been disfellowshipped when they exposed the truth of all the false teachings in this organization. If a Jehova Witness attends a christian church they can be disfellowshipped or excommunicated since the organization believes all Christians are committing spiritual fornication with the devil. This is the sad truth of the Jehova Witness.

In the 1960's in Malawi Africa the government required ALL citizens to get an ID card for twenty five cents. The governing body of the Watchtower told its members in this country that it could not participate in this even though it was law. As a result thousands of Jehova followers were killed and kicked out of the country. In Mexico every male is required to serve in the military. To avoid a disaster like in Africa the watchtower told its Mexican followers that is was OK to bribe local officials to give them false documents to state they served their military term. In a famous court case, a state court ordered a blood transfusion of a baby to save its life without the permission of the parents. The local elders of this Watchtower religion told the parents of this child to kill the baby rather than allow the transfusion. Clearly the trinity God of the bible would not approve of these practices.

When that witness comes to your door and lies to you telling you that they are christians and follow the bible , hit them with the truth you now know. Give them a copy of this document and ask them to read it right in front of you and ask for their response. Help bring these people back to Jesus Christ so they don't spend eternity in Hell, do your part for God.

To learn more about other cults like the Mormons and Freemasons the material is available at www.thebereancall.org if you don't have a computer you can call 1-800-937-6638. You also have to be aware that AA alcoholics anonymous and its 12 steps are successful in getting people off booze but they also take people away from Jesus Christ read "12 steps to destruction" by Bobgan. If you want to learn more about the satanic Islam religion read " A cup of trembling" by Dave Hunt, "The Wall" by Ramon Bennett , "Philistine" by Ramon Bennett, and "Behind the veil" by Schafi. See VHS "Israel, Islam and Armageddon" a video by Dave Hunt. To learn more about the Rapture and End Times read " How close are we" by dave hunt, "Countdown to Armegeddon" by John Walvoord and others. See VHS countdown to eternity and see VHS 25 signs that the return of christ is near both videos can be obtained at the berean call. Any catholic should read "A woman rides the beast" by Dave Hunt and see the VHS "Messages from heaven" by eternal productions that investigates the virgin Mary sightings. For those of you that were taught evolution in school purchase the creation seminar by dr. kent Hovind www.scienceandthebible.com this seminar clearly exposes all the lies in the text books and makes strong scientific arguments for God and the bible. I strongly suggest that mandatory reading at this time would be " The new evidence that demands a verdict" by Josh Mcdowell and mandatory viewing of VHS "Startling Proofs"

-- Donald Fitz (auto136@aol.com), October 12, 2001.

Oh, Good Grief!

-- Lisa in WI (lehman16NOSPAM@vbe.com), October 12, 2001.

Hi Donald Fitz,,I am glad to meet you,just saw your comments on JW's,, October 12/01,,,I have to say you got your information all wrong,and I just want to enlighten you in a kind way.,,We are not a "cult".. We are NOT secretive about anything in our organization, (some term cults as secretive),all meetings are open to the public,,even tours of our Headquarters are arranged all year long,,,and all other parts of our ourganization. Patterson Park,,the large Farm in upper-state New York, and many others,in any state or country. ****We do not follow any particular human leader or teacher as some term "cult". We do not look to any human but rather to Jesus Christ as our leader. ***We are not an offshoot of some church but include persons from all walks of life and from many religious backgrounds.

A "CULT" is a religion that is said to be unorthodox or that emphasizes devotion according to prescribed ritual. Many live in groups apart from the rest of society. The standard for what is orthodox, however, should be God's Word, and Jehovah's Witnesses strictly adhere to the Bible. Their worship is a way of life, not a ritual devotion. They neither follow a human nor a isolate themselves from the rest of society. they live and work in the midst of other people....Anyone sincere could walk into our Kingdom Hall at anytime on a meeting day. They will be most welcome...we have 3 large conventions a year,,all the public are welcome...these are held nation-wide as well as international,,world-wide,,,We welcome anyone who wishes to attend and listen and learn. Revelation 22:17...Have a great day,,,Patsy

-- Patsy, MT (cozyhollow-gal@care2.com), October 14, 2001.

Has anyone seen this story about the Supreme Court taking up a door to door solicitation case?

http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20011015/ts/court_speech_dc_1.html

It apparently is also concerning JW's because they were the only religious group mentioned by name in this particular city's permitting rules. I did think it odd that the poor homeowner not only has to put up a No Solicitation sign but ALSO has to file a "No Solicitation" form with the city. The sign should be enough. What ever happenned to private property being considered private?

I will say that my experiences with JW's have varied from nice to rude. The rude ones who persist and stick their foot in the door are the ones who make it bad for the rest of you. I also have met those who smile and say "All right, I understand, sorry to bother you," and we part company on cordial terms.

I think once you the homeowner says "No thank you, we're not interested, please do not visit us again", that should be enough. No arguing, no cajoling, and certainly no more visits. I have occasionally read Watchtower and the other magazine, if nothing else, it presents a different interpretation of the Bible, and sometimes, just as in math class, it takes the right "teacher" for something to click with you.

For the record, I don't like door-to-door ANYTHING, and I don't like telemarketers of any kind (charitable or otherwise).

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), October 15, 2001.

LOL@ Lisa from WI!....and ditto!

-- Ardie from WI (ardie54965@hotmail.com), October 15, 2001.

I agree Lisa, let us not forget about the Great Pumkin!

-- Joe (CactusJoe001@AOL.com), October 15, 2001.

Great Pumpkin??? Did somebody mention the GREAT PUMPKIN!!!! I thought we weren't suppose to discuss the great pumpkin here.

-- diane (gardiacaprines@yahoo.com), October 15, 2001.

Hi GT,,, There are different levels of understanding and maturity among all peoples. So there are those among us that fail to realize the importance of respecting the householders responses and their posted signs. For the most part Jehovah's Witnesses are courteous and respectful.

Here in the area I work in around Western Montana,,there are many NO TRESSPASSING signs and many people who don't want to listen to our message. We respect that. There are many that do want to talk with us as well,,and we sure enjoy those conversations. I always think of the little slogan,,"just what part of 'NO' don't you understand?"

So please overlook those lacking maturity and understanding. We all make mistakes,,,and hopefully learn by them. If the problem, persist,,you could contact the local Kingdom Hall and tell them what is happening,,,The elders would discuss it with the congregation and perhaps the person/s that are a problem. They won't be offended if you explain what is happening,,,

Take care and have a great day,,,,Patsy

-- Patsy, MT (cozyhollow-gal@care2.com), October 16, 2001.

Hi,,I received a email from a man asking a question about JWs,it has been awhile back. I believe it was on extremist? ****Anyway, I lost your addy,,,so if you will email me again with the question I will be glad to answer you...Take care,,Patsy

-- Patsy, MT (cozyhollow-gal@care2.com), October 16, 2001.

Hi Patsy,

You're right. When I used to go to the laundromat regularly, I'd see the literature all the time and I would always read it. Some of it I agreed with, and some I didn't, but hey, that's way it is with a lot of things. How many of us have picked up a copy of the Koran to read and try to understand?

What is also interesting is that often people who are converts to a religion believe far more deeply than those who are "cradle (name of religion here)" because they take the time to study their new religion. And bear in mind, just because the "church fathers" interpret something one way, well, we can read too (unlike in medieval times)--and chuches are made up of very fallible human beings. So religions are always evolving and changing, sometimes for good, sometimes not. In the end we must make our own choices, based on the information we have.

We have had maybe two visitors in the past couple of years, and they were both very polite when I said can you please put us on the "do not visit list". When we lived in the city, it was different (practically once a month), and also there were Mormons who sometimes were a little too persistent as well. Maybe they figured that people move so often they wouldn't be bothering the same ones! lol

Perhaps I'm just sensitive. I was always raised that you never went on someone's property without an express invitation to do so, and the LACK of a "no trespassing" sign was not to be construed as an invitation. I think "no trespassing" signs are well, unfriendly, but what else can you do? In the city, even No Soliciting signs don't seem to work. (just a side rant, not at you or JWs). A lot of people doing political/ charitable canvassing don't think it applies to them either.

It will be interesting to see how the Supreme Court decides on the case I posted above--I do see it as an issue for JWs and Mormons because that is their way of "getting the word out". Other religions do it in other ways.

Whatever religion one is (and all religions do this to some extent), I think it is mean to tell people who may be as honest and as good as you are "you won't be really saved until you know ----the way I know ----. Surely Heaven has room for all people of good character, no matter what path they take to get there. Goodness is goodness.

Okay, off my soapbox! :)

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), October 16, 2001.

Well, I guess it is time that I address some more of Mr. Donald Fitz comments,,****I wonder how far back Mr Fitz goes with JWs and if he was baptized into our organization at one time, many years ago, became dissatisfied for some reason,,could be of the AC. He will know what that is if he reads this. Just curious because he uses "terms" in his comments that only a JW would use and understand. The average person would not know what he is talking about unless a clear explanation was given. Not secretive words,,just terms we use. For example, doctors use terms that laymen don't understand,,some priest use words that most others don't understand. A lawyer uses terms that only someone of his profession would understand,,and so on.***I will endeavor to take one statement at a time,,and scripturally show why JWs believe that the Bible is the basis for true and acceptable worship of God,,some of these statements I may not get to for some time,,,but..if any of you ask a visiting JW about any of these statements made by Mr Fitz and truly want answers ,,,they will be most happy to provide answers,in an organized way,using the Bible and in a calm manner. Several statements were made about our history. He stated that our history was kept secret from new members,, than how could he know about it's contents if that were true? Of course it isn't true. Jehovah's Witnesses are not a secretive organization. Our history is written in books that are used openly and some of which are in libraries everywhere for anyone to read.

I would like to address the statements Mr Fitz made concerning the heavenly class and the earthly class. He called it Higher class and Lower class. Saying we have a two class system, (not so). We consider ourselves ALL brothers and sisters,,no one is above the other,,we have no separating of classes. Each and everyone of us is a minister,,we all join in a weekly ministry school that helps us learn how to speak and teach people in better ways. Mark, chapter 10:verses 43-45 tells us what Jesus said about not lording it over each other and that we must minister to each other..even Jesus came NOT to be ministered to, but to minister to others. in other words,,we need to care about others and have a humble attitude,,not a high and mighty attitude. We don't call anyone Elder this or Elder that..or any Title of any kind..we are all brothers and sisters....regardless of our "hope",, heavenly or earthly,,,

The Bible speaks of a heavenly class and a earthly class of people. It mentions a number that was chosen for heavenly life from among humans on earth. Revelation 14:1,3,,The Bible also speaks of the earthly class which is not numbered. Revelation 7:9,13,14. Revelation 21:3-5,,Also in Psalms 37:10,11 and 29. Many more scriptures speak of this.

Mr Fitz stated that we have a false Bible,(not true),but I invite you to use any Bible translation,,it speaks of the heavenly and earthly classes. We must remember that ALMIGHTY GOD is the Judge of all humankind,,HE judges and choses who will be of the heavenly class and earthly class,(great crowd),,not we ourselves..lots more information on this if anyone is interested...

Another thought too that may help with understanding,,the fact that Bibles should be TRANSLATIONS,,translated from the original hebrew manuscripts..in our day, many of the original manuscripts are kept safely in museums around the world.*** Some people call Bibles- versions-..this Bible version and that Bible version. A version would be a personal veiwpoint of something,,(Webster Contemporary Dictionary)In the original manuscripts God's personal name, Jehovah, was written aproximately 7,000 times...now,, in many translations (or versions) it is left out or just put in a few scriptures. That is why many people hadn't heard of his name,,,until someone pointed it out to them. Palms 83:18 Exodus 6:3 are a couple scriptures in The King James Version that uses God's name, Jehovah(((and it does call itself a "version" on Introductory page))),,,,written in the 17th century. I personally love and enjoy the King James Version,,it is written in a very beautiful way,,but would preferr it use God's name where it should.

I appreciate this opportunity to chat with anyone interested in what Jehovah's Witnesses believe and why. And I welcome any questions, and will furnish scriptures for your own research if interested. Will discuss more subjects at another time,,,,Take care..and may god bless you all..Patsy

-- Patsy, MT (cozyhollow-gal@care2.com), October 31, 2001.