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Child Abuse Examining Doctrines

No More Silence: An interview with Boz Tchividjian of G.R.A.C.E.

By Rachel Held Evans, on March 18, 2013 No More Silence: An interview with Boz Tchividjian of G.R.A.C.E. This is the second post of a weeklong series, Into the Light: A Series on Abuse and the Church, which featured the stories of abuse survivors, along with insights from professional counselors, legal experts, and church leaders about how […]

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Examining Doctrines Organized Religion

Do You See Things As They Really Are?

   In the 1930’s, Swedish artist Oscar Reutersvärd drew and made public a series of what came to be called impossible figures. A modern example is shown at left. At a quick glance, these drawings seem to make believable what clearly violates all rules of common sense. When examined carefully, however, they can be seen […]

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Baptism Examining Doctrines The Life and Teachings of Jesus

To Whom Are You Dedicated?

Shortly before his ascension to heaven, Jesus gave his disciples these parting words: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you. And look! I […]

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Examining Doctrines Shunning

Can I Just Leave? Part 2

In the previous post I ended with the question: Can a person leave the religion of Jehovah’s Witnesses, choosing to worship God willingly, from the heart apart from the organization and not face repercussions? Let’s analyze the rest of his testimony and see if Geoffrey Jackson can answer that for us: The following exchange is […]

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Examining Doctrines Shunning

Can I Just Leave?

On the official JW.org website, in the FAQ section, the following topic is addressed: Do Jehovah s Witnesses Shun Former Members of Their Religion? The very first answer given to this question is: “Those who were baptized as Jehovah s Witnesses but no longer preach to others, perhaps even drifting away from association with fellow […]

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Examining Doctrines Organized Religion Shunning

A Lesson in Tolerance

“John said to Jesus, “Teacher, we saw a man casting out demons by the use of your name, and we tried to stop him because he is not one of our company.” “Don’t stop him,” said Jesus. “There is no one who can do a work of power in the strength of my name and […]

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Examining Doctrines Revelation The Great Crowd/Other Sheep

The Great Crowd – Where Do They Serve?

 “After these things I saw, and, look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the lamb, dressed in white robes; and there were palm branches in their hands. And they kept on crying with a loud […]

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Examining Doctrines The Great Crowd/Other Sheep The Life and Teachings of Jesus

Who Are the Other Sheep?

 “And I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; those too I must bring in, and they will listen to my voice, and they will become one flock, one shepherd. John 10:16. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that when Jesus says “this fold” he is referring to the Israel of God, made up of only […]

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A Simpler Approach Examining Doctrines The Faithful and Discreet Slave The Life and Teachings of Jesus

A Simpler Approach to the Faithful and Discreet Slave Part 3

When Was the Slave Appointed? “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings.” […]

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A Simpler Approach Examining Doctrines The Faithful and Discreet Slave The Life and Teachings of Jesus

A Simpler Approach to the Faithful and Discreet Slave Part 2

A Composite Slave? Regarding the question raised by Jesus: “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time?” In its July 15, 2013 issue The Watchtower society published its most up to date understanding: “that slave is made up of […]