Opening the Closed Mind
What can you say when Jehovah's Witnesses come to
your door?
How do you avoid arguments over the Bible?
How do you help your relatives and friends?
How to get to the heart of the issue
by Randall Watters
rev. 1996
Understanding the Problem
It is rare to find a Witness who has not seen or heard
information exposing the dishonesty of the Watchtower. Why, then, do they not see a
problem? Evidently, something else has prevented them from objectively analyzing factual
information. Their minds are trained to stop short of doubting the organization - a
wall has been erected which says, in effect, "This far you may go, and no
further."
What kind of powerful motivation prevents the Witness from
entering the "dangerous" waters of critical investigation? The motivation is
fear; the underlying problem is misplaced securities. The Christian concept of
trusting a supernatural God is replaced with a more visible and concrete symbol, namely,
the organization; God's organization. The Witness learns that serving the
organization is the same as serving God. The organization is the mother, God is the
father, and the Witness is to obey his "parents." Since the Witness cannot see
nor experience real interaction with God, his only tie with God is through the visible
organization. It is, in effect, "God" to him (though he would not admit to or
recognize it).
Convincing the Witness that the organization is deceptive is
like trying to convince a 5-year-old child who loves his parents that his father is in
jail for armed robbery - he simply doesn't believe his father is dishonest. In fact, he
can't tolerate the thought, since he has placed all of his security and trust in
his father and mother. The truth is too fearful and devastating to consider.
Therefore, to protect his source of security, he rejects the factual information as being
a lie.
The same is true of the Witness. He knows that if the
organization is not really directed by God, he has no other tangible security to go
to. He says, "Where else can I go?" So he remains within the system as years go
by, continuing to ignore the barrage of factual information undermining the entire
Watchtower structure. The more and more he ignores the facts, the more narrow-minded and
adamant he becomes that he will never change, and he is more convinced than ever
that he has the truth. He digs himself into a trench, erecting all sorts of mental
barricades against his real enemy, which is doubt. While this seems incredible to
the person trying to reach the Witness with the facts, it is just a simple protective
mechanism, keeping the Witness from the trauma of losing his sense of security. In order
to rationalize away the false prophecies and inconsistencies of the organization, the
Witness must, in effect, deceive himself into thinking there is really no discrepancy in
the organization. 1
While Christians have their security in a spiritual
relationship with the person of Christ, Witnesses are taught to put faith in an
organization. If they have faith in the organization, they have faith in God. The two are
inseparable; so much so, that to lose faith in the organization means a corresponding loss
of faith in God. This is precisely why the Witness must protect himself through the
process of self-deception. He cannot bear the pain of losing his faith.
Getting Them to Think
Before photocopies of old WT literature are brought out, or
before Scriptures are quoted, it is good to establish certain things in the Witness' mind;
things that they officially believe, but the individual Witness may not be in full
agreement with. The very act of admitting these beliefs should not only prove
embarrassing to the Witness, but will make him conscious of the narrow, cult-like
mentality encouraged by the WT. To avoid being embarrassed and to save face, Witnesses
will sometimes lie about what they believe or try and change the subject without
answering, but you must make note of what they deny, so that you can prove that they do
teach it, using their own literature. You thereby force the Witness to see the wall he has
established in his mind (which says, "you may go no further"), and he thereby
must make a decision to be honest with himself (and risk shifting his securities), or run
in fear from such a confrontation. How, then, do we proceed?
Below are several preliminary questions to ask the Witness.
These questions do not involve interpreting passages of the Bible (that comes
later), but relate to their view of how to interpret the Bible, as well as God's
way of relating to man. You will find these questions very effective with all but the most
hardened of Witnesses.
Common Sense Questions
These first three questions establish a foundation of common
sense perceptions about the Bible and Christianity, which are generally denied by cults.
This is especially true with Jehovah's Witnesses. Often they will answer yes to
these questions anyway, to save face or avoid embarrassment. If so, you will need to
direct their attention back to their answers when they "deny" them later. GB
references are to our book, Thus Saith the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1996
edition (see address on back to request a catalog).
Do you believe that the Bible was written to all people?
(Acts 17:30; 1 Cor. 1:2)
Do you believe that true Christians have always existed
somewhere in the last 2000 years?
(Matt. 28:19,20 The Watchtower teaches this, but cannot
actually point to a single group or person as evidence of this, since no one in history
believed as they do.)
Do you believe that anyone, anywhere, who just had a
Bible, and no other literature, could understand it and be saved?
("No" answer reveals that they believe the Bible is
not enough, but a leader or organization is needed; "Yes" answer is
contradictory to Watchtower teaching. GB 36,37,147,148)
Next, a statement about the dangers of various religious
organizations should be made, such as, "Today more than ever before there are many
religious groups which lead people astray from true Christianity. Let's see if we can
agree on certain identifying marks of such groups." Then proceed with the following
objective questions. It is better to leave the questions "third person" (or
hypothetically apply them to yourself) rather than applying them directly to the person
you are speaking with, or his organization. Instead of saying, "Does your
organization...?" you might say, "What if an organization...?" or
"What if I...?" That way you avoid getting their defenses up. They will have to
apply it to themselves soon enough in the conversation, or you can draw the connection
later yourself. Get them to see the point before it hurts! (2 Sam. 12:114)
Do you think a person should examine not only the
teachings, but also the history of any religious organization before deciding it is the
truth?
(A history of deception and unfulfilled prophecies is most
incriminating!)
What if I joined one of these groups and later discovered
fraud at the top of the organization, or that they have altered their teachings or
prophecies? Should I stay in it?
(Most cults have had serious scandals and shakeups involving
fraud and politics at top levels. Since they claim to be God's only true people, their
claim would be highly suspect.)
Both Deuteronomy 18:2022 and Matt. 24:11,2327 warn us of
false prophets. How would one identify a false prophet using these verses?
(They speak in the name of God and it doesn't come true!)
What would you think if members of a certain religion were
not allowed to read other religious literature?
(Shows authoritarian rule and fear of the facts, as well as
an inability to use discernment. Witnesses are not allowed to read other religious
literature.)
The Mormons claim that one must study their books to
attain to an accurate knowledge of the Scriptures, even though they also use the Bible.
What do you think of that? (All cults believe this, as their leader is the sole
interpreter of Scripture same is true with Witnesses.)
If I were examining the Mormons, etc., do you think it
would be a good idea to read books by ex-members?
(A difficult question for the cult member to answer, as it is
self -incriminating if they say yes or no. If they say, "no," show how easy it
would be to get sucked into a cult that you haven't fully examined. If they say,
"Yes," then ask them why they haven't read books by ex-members of their group.)
What if all dissent from a religion is seen as
evidence of pride or sin?
(Cults are authoritarian by nature and will excommunicate
members for any breach of policy or disobedience to the organization. GB 159)
What if this religion is not open to public criticism?
What if they do not allow for public debate?
(Reveals just how scholarly their doctrinal foundation is, as
well as their appeal to reason.)
Questions to Provoke Thought
These are questions that cause the cultist to see the
inconsistency of their position on certain issues. What you are doing is making them
commit to a Biblical or scholastic precedent, then allowing them to see that the
Watchtower actually denies that precedent. They will either struggle with the
contradiction (though not displaying the struggle visibly) or they will shut their minds
off to further discussion on the issue by either trying to change the subject or running
away. Rather than being third person objective questions, or applying them generally or
hypothetically, you are now applying it to the Watchtower specifically. Since the
organization is the real culprit rather than the individual Witness, apply the questions
to the organization, not "Jehovah's Witnesses." This will help avoid the feeling
that they are being personally attacked.
Can the Bible be interpreted correctly only by the
Watchtower?
(Acts 17:11; 1 John 2:26,27 "Yes" answer
contradicts Scripture, "No" answer contradicts Watchtower GB 150,151,155)
What method does the Watchtower use to interpret
Scripture?
They say that they just accept it literally, and interpret
symbolic passages by other passages that bear on the discussion; Reasoning, p.
204,205. Yet they break this rule continually, often opting for a "symbolic"
understanding of something that they cannot accept literally due to their preconceived
theology. Example: John 3:3,5,7; Matt. 24:26-30; John 1:1; Rev. 1:7.
Scholars talk about the historical, grammatical,
interpretive method of understanding what the Bible says. (Explain.) Do you think
this is a good method?
(Defined as taking into account the historical and cultural
meaning of a saying or word and its linguistic significance in order to interpret it
correctly. The Watchtower ignores the historical significance of countless passages and
interpret the Bible arbitrarily. Example: Luke 16:16-31 and John 10:16.)
Do prominent scholars, either secular or religious,
support the Watchtower interpretations of Scripture?
(The scholarly community as a whole is against Watchtower
interpretation, both from the Christian and agnostic sectors, due to their dishonest
methods and theological bias. While the Watchtower loves to quote scholars on certain
points, it is almost always a halftruth or is taken out of context to support their
position. At times they will quote from obscure sources which they present as being
noteworthy sources, yet are not even recognized in their field as authorities. GB 117-129)
Does the Watchtower believe all other
"Christian" groups are false?
(Yes, they do. GB 147,149,154; Matt. 7:3; 25:31-46)
Does a person have to be part of the Watchtower
organization to be saved?
("Yes" answer cannot be supported by Scripture
(Mark 9:37-41). "No" answer contradicts the Watchtower. GB 36,37,147,148)
What does the Watchtower consider as proof that they are
the real Christians? Are these marks exclusive to the Watchtower, or are they
shared by other religions? (examine each one individually)
(They will give certain standards based on outward appearance
rather than heart factors; their "love" is not unconditional love (Matt.
5:43-48), but is dependent upon obedience to the organization; they substitute friendship
based on common doctrinal positions for friendship based on the love of Christ. Challenge
the "exclusiveness" of each mark by comparing with other cults.)
Review and apply questions from the first section (Common
Sense Questions) to the Watchtower now. You are causing them to think about how the WT
denies these basic truths.
Force Them to Face the Facts
If you make it this far, you have caused no little
disturbance in the mind of the Witness, though he/she may not show it visibly. It is
important to be calm and kind above all. You are forcing them to break down the wall they
have erected in their mind that protects them from questioning the authority and security
of their "mother." The following questions are designed to force them to face
the fact that the organization has claimed to be a prophet "like Ezekiel and
Jeremiah"; that they have made false prophecies in the name of Jehovah over and over;
that they are a relatively new religion that supports itself primarily through
distribution of literature; and that they claim to be the only channel or mediator to God.
If they deny the truthfulness of any of this, challenge them to investigate the Watchtower
material along with you, so that you can see the light as well. If they defend the
Watchtower position, review the former questions once more, so that they will at least see
that they are no different than any other cult.
Does the organization or leadership claim to be a prophet
of God?
(They have plainly said they are a prophet of God just like
Ezekiel and Jeremiah. Compare Deut. 18:20-22. GB 42,43,45)
Does the leadership claim special direction from God that
others cannot receive directly from God?
(They claim the "faithful and discreet slave" is a
channel through which the truth flows from Jehovah down to the average Witness. GB 45,
Mark 9:38-42)
Can you come to Christ as your mediator?
(Their answer is "no" for 99.7% of the Witnesses.
GB 153)
Has the organization made prophecies that have not come
true?
(Deut. 18:20-22. GB 46-66,81-90)
Have your doctrines changed significantly in the past
history of your organization?
(Reveals the uninspired source of their doctrine, as well as
their effort to harmonize inconsistencies. GB 156)
How long has this religion been around? Can this be
demonstrated historically?
("According to the Bible, the line of witnesses of
Jehovah reaches back to faithful Abel." Reasoning, p. 202. They thus try and
make it appear as if the Jewish patriarchs and the apostles believed the same way they
did, which can be proven false historically. Furthermore, they cannot point to any group
or person in the last 2000 years that were "true" Christians, at least until
Russell came along. Typical cult reasoning. GB 32)
Does your religion sell anything to support itself?
(2 Cor. 2:17 while the Watchtower denies selling its
literature in more affluent countries, financial reports reveal that 67% of their income
comes from the production and door-to-door sales of literature. They are dishonest in this
respect. GB 105-112)
The Witness may not even allow you to proceed beyond a few of
these questions, as the questions are quite effective in convicting the Witness of
inconsistencies and cultic attitudes. Yet, even so, you will have planted seeds of doubt
that force them to either think more about what you have said and examine it further, or
flee in fear, refusing to allow their mind to open up again on these questions.
One who masters questions such as these actually need not
even discuss the interpretation of other passages beyond what are included above. If the
Witness admits to believing the above, you simply have to point out that these are the
marks of many religious cults. Emphasize that true Christianity:
* Should not fear any examination, and criticism, and need
not forbid reading any other factual information.
* Should interpret the Bible using sound, scholarly
methods involving the examination of context, language and history.
* That no other book but the Bible should be necessary (2
Tim. 3:16), and no special man or group of men should be needed to interpret it, as 1 John
2:27 tells us that the Holy Spirit will teach us all things.
* Christianity has been around for 2000 years, and we can
trace all the way back to its origins.
* The church is to be supported by collections and
offerings, and ministers have the right to be paid. (1 Tim. 5:17,18; 1 Cor. 9:14; 16:2)
* True Christianity has Christ as its mediator, for ALL.
* Jesus warns us against those who claim to be prophets,
yet whose prophecies go unfulfilled.
* All Christians have access to the same truths.
* Truth is not afraid of error, nor the devil. Only the
devil runs from the truth.
Finally, remember: the closed mind of the Witness
cannot be opened solely by the outsider. There must be a willingness on their part to
reason, to question, to agree on common principles. Otherwise, you are wasting your time.
An obstinate and sarcastic person should be left alone until a more advantageous time,
lest you shame yourself and the Lord by your lack of perception (Matt. 7:6). Above all,
pray for a humble heart and the proper timing regarding what to say.
A word rightly spoken is like apples of gold in settings
of silver. As a ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprover on a
hearing ear. Proverbs 25:11,12
Footnote:
1. To a person desperate for alibis in order to reinforce
their faith in the organization, almost any supportive argument will be used, regardless
of its validity or logic. The most effective book of clever and not-so-clever ready-made
alibis is the Watchtower publication, Reasoning From the Scriptures. In it, the
Witness can excuse away false prophecies, change the subject, reinterpret Bible passages,
and bluster their way through almost any situation using silly and inconsistent reasoning.
Yet, it is sufficient "proof" for the Witness who is desperate for an alibi. For
example, see the Watchtower "reasoning" on why they are not false prophets on
pages 134137 of the Reasoning book. They there argue that others in the Bible had
"wrong expectations" at times, but this did not make them false prophets. What
they fail to mention, of course, is that such "wrong expectations" were not
prophecies!
