If you have been called on by one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and are either thinking about or have already accepted a Bible study it is certainly up to you to continue. However, choosing a religion is a serious step. Your choice should be an informed one based on a careful examination of the Scriptures. If you needed to undergo a major operation you certainly would want to find out everything you could about the credentials of the doctor before surgery. With that in mind, here are seven questions you would do well in getting clear answers from your Bible teacher:
- Is the information in this publication inspired by God?
- Is what we are studying today the absolute truth?
- I have heard that in the past there have been changes made to various teachings. Is that so?
- Can I be certain that what I am learning today will not be changed?
- Is it ok to disagree with something that has been printed in the literature?
- If I were to get baptized and later discovered something I was unaware of or a new teaching that caused me to change my mind, what would happen?
- How would I be treated if I decided I no longer wanted to remain one of Jehovah’s Witnesses?
The person studying the Bible with you might feel uncomfortable and ask why you raise such questions or may try and put you off until further study or attendance at meetings has been done. But don’t be discouraged by this. Their own publications approve of carefully weighing any religious claims before accepting them:
“You have nothing to fear from examining your beliefs in this way. In fact, the Bible encourages you to “make sure of all things” before accepting them as true. (1 Thessalonians 5:21) Toward the end of the first century C.E., the apostle John urged his fellow Christians: “Beloved ones, do not believe every inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with God.” (1 John 4:1) Yes, even though a certain religious teaching seems to be “inspired”—or to come from God—it is still the course of wisdom to examine the Scriptures to make sure before accepting it as true.—John 8:31, 32.” (The Watchtower September 1, 2010 pgs. 10-13 “Guard Against Being Deceived”)
Finally, if you were interested in purchasing a used car, how much research would you feel it would be necessary to do in order to ensure a wise purchase? Would you check with other persons that bought cars from that dealership in order to determine their reputation? Or would you simply just take the dealer’s word for it because he claims to be an honest guy?
Likewise, I would suggest finding out all you can from former members about Jehovah’s Witnesses so as to make an informed decision. An excellent resource is the book entitled: “Crisis of Conscience” written by Raymond Franz.
Franz was raised in the organization and spent nine years as a member of the governing body. The book offers an inside view of how many of the society’s policies were formed and the affect they had on members.