Is Independent Thinking a Sin?

What Would You Do? 🔊 Listen to this

If we were eating in a restaurant and you spotted a hair in my food would you tell me?

What if, after you pointed it out to me, I said I didn’t see it? Would you be moved to reach over, pull the hair out, show it to me and then call the waiter and show it to him? What would you expect the waiter to do? What if the waiter said: Well that happens from time to time, after all, the cook is not perfect.” Would you want to continue eating at that restaurant? What if I said I liked the restaurant, that I had been coming there for years, that I liked the owner and the staff, and that an occasional hair in my food didn’t really bother me? What if you heard from someone else that they used to go to that restaurant but stopped because of finding not only hairs but fingernails, insects and other occasional surprises in their food and that they had also heard of others getting sick? Would you listen to them or would you think they were just being negative and critical?

What if you heard on the news that the restaurant was being sued and that instead of going to court they settled for a sizable sum? Would you tell me? What if you did tell me and I asked you why you are making such a big deal about it? What if I told you that I personally spoke with the owners and they told me that you can’t believe everything you hear in the news because there are people that just don’t like them and would say anything, including making up sensational stories, to discredit them? Besides, they assured me that I can trust them, they have the best food in town, no one has ever gotten sick, in fact you can’t really find healthy food like theirs anywhere else, all the other restaurants are jealous, and want to ruin their reputation, don’t listen to them. What would you do?

Jehovah’s Witnesses are frequently reminded to trust only the information provided by the faithful slave through its publications. Outside research is discouraged.[1]

In addition, any statements critical of the organization are to be immediately rejected without a hearing.

For example, in an article entitled: “Are You Maintaining Your Large Shield of Faith?” this warning was given in the November 2019 study edition of the Watchtower:

“Satan, “the father of the lie,” uses those under his control to spread lies about Jehovah and about our brothers and sisters. -John 8:44. For instance, apostates publish lies and distort facts about Jehovah’s organization on websites and through television and other media. Those lies are among Satan’s “burning arrows.” -Ephesians. 6:16. How should we respond if someone confronts us with such lies? We reject them! Why? Because we have faith in Jehovah and we trust our brothers. In fact, we avoid all contact with apostates. We do not allow anyone or anything, including curiosity, to draw us into arguing with them. -The Watchtower November 2019 study edition pages. 15-16 paragraph 8.

In the Bible, thinking ability is presented as a gift from God and something to be cultivated:

Thinking ability will keep watch over you, And discernment will safeguard you, To save you from the bad course, From the man speaking perverse things, Proverbs 2:11, 12.

My son, do not lose sight of them. Safeguard practical wisdom and thinking ability; Proverbs 3:21.

Since this is in the Bible, the society in its publications has to acknowledge this. Hence the use of thinking ability is encouraged. For example, this article appeared in 2010:

“How Can You Guard Against Being Deceived?

So how can you guard against being deceived by Satan? How can you make sure that you “worship [God] with spirit and truth”? -John 4:24. Use what Jehovah God has given you. First of all, he has given you intellectual capacity so that you can distinguish truth from falsehood. -1 John 5:20. He has also made it possible for you to identify Satan’s designs. -2 Corinthians 2:11. In fact, he has given you everything you need to counteract Satan’s attempts to mislead you.—Proverbs 3:1-6; Ephesians 6:10-18.

Most important, God has provided you with an infallible means with which to protect yourself. What is that? The same one that the apostle Paul encouraged his companion Timothy to rely on when it came to matters of religious faith. After giving the warning about “wicked men and impostors,” the apostle Paul told Timothy to resist them by basing everything he believed on “the holy writings”—that is, on God’s holy Word, the Bible.—2 Timothy 3:15.

Of course, some may say that anyone who believes in God and accepts the Bible as His inspired Word is misguided. In reality, though, the misguided ones are those who stubbornly ignore all the evidence that proves the existence of a Creator and that the Bible is truly God’s inspired Word.—Romans 1:18-25; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:19-21.

Rather than being deceived by what is “falsely called ‘knowledge,’” use God’s Word to establish the truth. -1 Timothy 6:20, 21. Be like the noble-minded men and women whom the apostle Paul preached to in Beroea. They “received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind.” Not only were they keenly believing what the apostle Paul taught them but they were also “carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.”—Acts 17:11.

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 pages. 12-13 Guard Against Being Deceived.

Actually, a search for the term “critical thinking” in the WT CD Library yields only 3 occurences, all of them favorable. However, this type of critical thinking always appears in an article designed to get persons to examine the flaws in their current religion so as to leave it and join Jehovah’s Witnesses. Once one becomes a member of the Watchtower organization, a reversal begins to take place. The person is told he has now found the “truth” and such critical thinking is seen as unnecessary and is discouraged. Whereas previously the student was commended for using his thinking ability to uncover any teachings of his religion that were not in harmony with the Bible thus proving his religion was false. Now if the student applies critical thinking to any teachings of the organization that are not in harmony with the Bible he is made to feel that something must be wrong with his thinking or attitude. The term “independent thinking” is then applied. It is amazing that most Witnesses are not even aware of the trap.

Of course, the Bible warns against the harm that can result from ignoring the wisdom of God and thinking independently from Him.

Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, And do not rely on your own understanding. In all your ways take notice of him, And he will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:5, 6.

This is what Jehovah says: “Let not the wise man boast about his wisdom; Let not the mighty man boast about his mightiness; And let not the rich man boast about his riches.” “But let the one boasting boast about this: That he has insight and knowledge of me, That I am Jehovah, the One showing loyal love, justice, and righteousness in the earth, For in these things I take delight,” declares Jehovah. Jeremiah 9:23, 24.

But what is the danger that the Bible is warning about?

Regarding these verses, the Pulpit Commentary states:

“Verse 5. – Trust in the Lord (b’takh el y’hovah); literally, trust in Jehovah. Entire reliance upon Jehovah, implied in the words, “with all thine heart,” is here appropriately placed at the head of a series of admonitions which especially have God and man’s relations with him in view, inasmuch as such confidence or trust, with its corresponding idea of the renunciation of reliance on self, is, as Zockler truly remarks, a “fundamental principle of all religion.” It is the first lesson to be learnt by all, and no less necessary for the Jew than for the Christian. Without this reliance on or confidence in God, it is impossible to carry out any of the precepts of religion. Batakh is, properly, “to cling to,” and so passes to the meaning of “to confide in,” “to set one’s hope and confidence upon.” The preposition el with Jehovah indicates the direction which the confidence is to take -compare Psalm 37:3, 5. Lean (tishshaen); Vulgate, innitaris; followed by el, like b’takh, with which it is very similar in meaning. Shaan, not used in kal, in hiph. signifies “to lean upon, rest upon,” just as man rests upon a spear for support. Its metaphorical use, to repose confidence in, is derived from the practice of kings who were accustomed to appear in public leaning on their friends and ministers; compare 2 Kings 5:18; 2 Kings 7:2, 17 -Gesenius. The admonition does not mean that we are not to use our own understanding (binab), i.e. form plans with discretion, and employ legitimate means in the pursuit of our ends; but that, when we use it, we are to depend upon God and his directing and overruling providence (Wardlaw); compare Jeremiah 9:23, 24. “Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,” etc. The teacher points out not only where we are to rely, but also where we are not to rely.”

However, if you were to search the phrase “independent thinking” in the WT CD Library, in by far the majority of cases this is presented in a negative light, as being a result of pride and a haughty spirit. For example:

 “Fight Against Independent Thinking

As we study the Bible we learn that Jehovah has always guided his servants in an organized way. And just as in the first century there was only one true Christian organization, so today Jehovah is using only one organization. -Ephesians 4:4, 5; Matthew 24:45-47. Yet there are some who point out that the organization has had to make adjustments before, and so they argue: “This shows that we have to make up our own mind on what to believe.” This is independent thinking. Why is it so dangerous?

Such thinking is an evidence of pride.[Bold mine] And the Bible says: “Pride is before a crash, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.” -Proverbs 16:18. If we get to thinking that we know better than the organization, we should ask ourselves: “Where did we learn Bible truth in the first place? Would we know the way of the truth if it had not been for guidance from the organization? Really, can we get along without the direction of God’s organization?” No, we cannot!—Compare Acts 15:2, 28, 29; 16:4, 5. -The Watchtower January 15, 1983 page. 27 Armed for the Fight Against Wicked Spirits.

The following is taken from the July 15, 2006 issue of the Watchtower:

“In modern times, a very small number among God’s people have become disgruntled with some aspect of Christian teaching and have murmured against the earthly part of Jehovah’s organization. Why does this happen? Such murmuring is often caused by a lack of understanding of God’s way of doing things. The Creator progressively reveals the truth to his people. Hence, our understanding of the Scriptures is bound to be refined from time to time. The vast majority of Jehovah’s people rejoice over such refinements. A few become “righteous overmuch” and resent the changes. -Ecclesiastes 7:16. Pride may play a role, and some fall into the trap of independent thinking. Whatever the reason, such murmuring is hazardous, since it can draw us back into the world and its ways.

Emanuel, for instance, was a Witness who found fault with some things he read in publications of “the faithful and discreet slave.” -Matthew 24:45. He stopped reading our Christian literature and eventually told the elders of the local congregation that he no longer wished to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Within a short time, however, Emanuel came to realize that the teachings of Jehovah’s organization were correct after all. He contacted the Witnesses, admitted his mistake, and was reinstated as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. As a result, he again became a happy man.

What if we are tempted to murmur because of having doubts about certain teachings that Jehovah’s people hold in common? Then let us not be impatient. The ‘faithful slave’ may eventually publish something that answers our questions and clears up our doubts. It is wise to seek the help of Christian elders. -Jude 22, 23. Prayer, personal study, and association with spiritually-minded fellow believers can also help to remove doubts and can deepen our appreciation for the faith-strengthening Bible truths we have learned through Jehovah’s channel of communication.” -The Watchtower July 15, 2006 page. 22. Focus on the Goodness of Jehovah’s Organization.

The following warning was presented in the November 1987 issue of the Watchtower:

“Some have exposed themselves to possible spiritual contamination by tuning in to religious radio and television broadcasts. In one African land, some have watched TV dramas that portray the superstitions of traditional animist religions in a favorable light. The apostle Paul, though, warned of a more lethal danger—apostate men who were “subverting the faith of some.” -2 Timothy 2:16-18. Individuals like that still exist! -2 Peter 2:1-3. And at times they have succeeded in sullying the thinking of others. As Proverbs 11:9 says: “By his mouth the one who is an apostate brings his fellowman to ruin.”

Apostates often appeal to the ego, claiming that we have been deprived of our freedoms, including the freedom to interpret the Bible for ourselves. -Compare Genesis 3:1-5. In reality, these would-be defilers offer nothing more than a return to the nauseating teachings of “Babylon the Great.” -Revelation 17:5; 2 Peter 2:19-22. Others appeal to the flesh, urging former associates to “take it easy” because the humble work of witnessing from house to house is “unnecessary” or “unscriptural.”-Compare Matthew 16:22, 23. True, such smooth talkers may look outwardly clean in a physical and moral way. But inside they are spiritually unclean, having given in to prideful, independent thinking. They have forgotten all that they learned about Jehovah, his holy name and attributes. They no longer acknowledge that all they learned about Bible truth—the glorious hope of the Kingdom and a paradise earth and the overturning of false doctrines, such as the Trinity, the immortal human soul, eternal torment, and purgatory—yes, all of this came to them through “the faithful and discreet slave.”—Matthew 24:45-47.

Interestingly, a circuit overseer in France observes: “Some brothers are deceived because they lack accurate knowledge.” That is why Proverbs 11:9 states: “By knowledge are the righteous rescued.” This does not mean giving apostates a hearing ear or delving into their writings. Rather, it means coming to “an accurate knowledge of the sacred secret of God” through diligent personal study of the Bible and the Society’s Bible-based publications. Having this accurate knowledge, who would become so curious as to pay any attention to apostate mouthings? May no man “delude you with persuasive arguments”! -Colossians 2:2-4. False religious propaganda from any source should be avoided like poison! Really, since our Lord has used “the faithful and discreet slave” to convey to us “sayings of everlasting life,” why should we ever want to look anywhere else?—John 6:68. The Watchtower November 1, 1987 pages. 19-20. Are You Remaining Clean in Every Respect?

From these quotes does it appear, however, that what is warned against is independent thinking from God? Or, rather is it thinking independently from the organization, in particular, the faithful and discreet slave, that is presented as being haughty and prideful, even apostate? What happened to using your God given intellectual capacity along with God’s word the Bible to distinguish truth from falsehood?

I believe the answer becomes apparent in statements made by Gerrit Losch in a talk entitled: In Whom Do You Trust? in the March 2018 broadcast:

“Today, rumors are occasionally being spread in electronic form about the faithful slave.

This has caused some concern on the part of some brothers, especially when the reports are commenting on court cases where some in the organization were accused. Sometimes reference is made to certain quotes and then readers think, ‘How can a quote be a rumor?’

A quote can be taken out of context. Critical reports often give only part of a matter and leave out other aspects. Often, such rumors play on the emotions. Ask yourself: ‘Am I prone to believe rumors? And even if I am, should I spread it and undermine the trust that others have in the slave or in representatives of the branch office?’

Avoid sensationalism by not saying something like “Can you believe what I heard about this matter or that matter or this person or that person?” referring to a statement that may have appeared on Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter.

The spread of rumors is like wildfire that is hard to control. It spreads distrust and can undermine someone’s faith. This is not to say that the slave is perfect and never makes mistakes.

But Jehovah and Jesus trust the imperfect slave who cares for things to the best of his ability and with the best of motives.

Shouldn’t we then trust the imperfect slave as well?”

The question to be asked is: “Where in the Bible do we find the statement “Jehovah and Jesus trust the imperfect slave”? Did Jesus ever say that he would appoint an imperfect composite faithful and discreet slave that would provide imperfect food for his future disciples that he would trust completely?[2] If the statement does not appear, then anyone making it is going beyond the things that are written. As for what Jesus meant by “faithful and discreet slave” in Matthew 24:45-47 see the series A Simpler Approach to the Faithful and Discreet Slave.

So, in answer to the question whom do you trust, God himself tells us:

. . .Do not put YOUR trust in nobles, Nor in the son of earthling man, to whom no salvation belongs.   His spirit goes out, he goes back to his ground; In that day his thoughts do perish.   Happy is the one who has the God of Jacob for his help, Whose hope is in Jehovah his God. Psalm 146:3-5.

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[1] The September 2007 Our Kingdom Ministry p. 3 Question Box asks:

Does “the faithful and discreet slave” endorse independent groups of Witnesses who meet together to engage in Scriptural research or debate?—Matthew. 24:45, 47.
No, it does not. And yet, in various parts of the world, a few associates of our organization have formed groups to do independent research on Bible-related subjects. Some have pursued an independent group study of Biblical Hebrew and Greek so as to analyze the accuracy of the New World Translation. Others explore scientific subjects related to the Bible. They have created Web sites and chat rooms for the purpose of exchanging and debating their views. They have also held conferences and produced publications to present their findings and to supplement what is provided at our Christian meetings and through our literature.
Throughout the earth, Jehovah’s people are receiving ample spiritual instruction and encouragement at congregation meetings, assemblies, and conventions, as well as through the publications of Jehovah’s organization. Under the guidance of his holy spirit and on the basis of his Word of truth, Jehovah provides what is needed so that all of God’s people may be “fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought” and remain “stabilized in the faith.” -1 Cor. 1:10; Col. 2:6, 7. Surely we are grateful for Jehovah’s spiritual provisions in these last days. Thus, “the faithful and discreet slave” does not endorse any literature, meetings, or Web sites that are not produced or organized under its oversight.—Matthew. 24:45-47.” Also the Watchtower June 1, 1985 page. 20 paragraph. 17 states: “To turn away from Jehovah and his organization, to spurn the direction of “the faithful and discreet slave,” and to rely simply on personal Bible reading and interpretation is to become like a solitary tree in a parched land.”

[2] This disturbing admission is not a slip of the tongue on the part of Losch as it also appeared in print, In an article entitled: Who Is Leading God’s People Today? It was stated: “The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible. Therefore, it can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction. In fact, the Watch Tower Publications Index includes the heading “Beliefs Clarified,” which lists adjustments in our Scriptural understanding since 1870. Of course, Jesus did not tell us that his faithful slave would produce perfect spiritual food. The Watchtower February 2017 study edition page. 26 par. 12