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About Ben Erdman
Expertise
I will attempt to answer any questions that have to do with major Jehovah’s Witness doctrine. I will also try to give an accurate and honest explanation from the "Truth" (the Word of God). I am not a Jehovah’s Witness. I was never baptized. I am a "witness" for Christ. I love talking about God and the piercing Word that He has provided for us. If I don't know the answer to a question I will be more than happy to research it and get an answer. So, let’s talk.

Experience
I have grown up in the religion known as Jehovah’s Witnesses. Nearly all of my family (immediate and extended) are Jehovah’s Witnesses. I have been to probably hundreds of meetings, several assemblies and have had many in-depth bible studies with Witnesses. I love these people and admire their great zeal to do what they believe is truth. I have done extensive research into this area. I have a great passion in Jehovah’s Witness doctrine and beliefs.

Education/Credentials
I do not have any particular educational credentials that affect this field. I believe that I have been very educated in this field of Jehovah’s Witness doctrine by my own experience and extensive studies. I also believe in my heart that the Spirit of God has educated me in this area and will continue to do so.

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Jehovah`s Witness - Hello

Expert: Ben Erdman - 11/1/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi Ben,

This is Robert Jones from the AllExperts site. I don't spend a lot of time reading what others have to say on the JW site, but I was reading today and saw that you have referred people to me as s source for questions on the organization. Thank you. That is kind of you. I do try to give direct answers to questions without going off on a tangent.

I am curious, what was it that allowed you to grow up among JWs and not become one yourself? Was it something that you were against? Or some other reasons?
Robert Jones

ANSWER: Hello Robert,

It is so nice to speak with you. I appreciate the kind words. I respect your communication with questioners quite much. You typically stick to the subject and seem to be quite honest. I can't say that for sure with some of the other volunteers in this category. When it comes to organization government type questions then I believe that you know much more than me and will give a true and honest answer. Therefore, even though I may disagree with you on doctrinal matters, I believe that you are an honest man from what I have read from you thus far. And by the way, I know how important it is in Gods eyes to give and teach truth and not error/sin. Therefore, if you ever see something that I say that you believe is clearly wrong, let me know. I will correct anything that I say if I am convicted that it is incorrect. I will respect you all the more for that.

Now, for your question....

You asked, "I am curious, what was it that allowed you to grow up among JWs and not become one yourself? Was it something that you were against? Or some other reasons?"

This question of course is pretty deep. I think that the main reason that I did not become a JW is because I was never fully interested in what they had to offer. As a kid, it was just a bunch of work. I did not see anything being done for the love of God but instead for a constant routine that did not offer anything to me right NOW (referring to then). You see, as a Christian, I have a promise already fulfilled in me and have already received Gods free gift of grace. Growing up with the witnesses, all we had was a hope. People did say that they had a great relationship with Jehovah and that I could too, but after seeing how these people lived their lives outside of the congregation, I doubted that they did have a relationship with Jehovah. To me God did not seem that real. I believed in God but He wasn't real.

In all my years of being surrounded by JW's, I never once saw any of them show a true intimate relationship with Jehovah. Now, being around Christians filled with the Spirit, I see true humility and great love for God. I am not saying that all people that go to Church have the Spirit. I am simply testifying to what I have seen with my own eyes and felt with my heart of TRUE Christians around me now. So I know the difference. To this day, I am still constantly around JW's on a daily basis. There is a big difference in what God can do for us and in us opposed to what we can do for ourselves.

Believe it or not, I actually started going to a Seventh Day Adventist Church in my area with who is now my beautiful wife Sara. This happened a few years after I left home out of high school. I went to this Church to please Sara. What I was being told there was something completely different then what I was always taught. The first and perhaps biggest thing was that they believed in the Trinity. I did not. I had many bible studies attempting to prove that Jesus was not God. I said "well if Jesus is God, then why would he pray to himself" or " if he is God, then why doesn't he know the day nor the hour of his return" or "if he is God, how can he also be sitting at the right hand of God". The Adventists never did give great answers to these questions so I held my anti-Trinitarian view for a long time.

Through this process of challenging the Adventists beliefs and doctrines, I read through all of the New Testament except for Revelation. Reading through and studying the New Testament extensively, I could not help but notice what the theme was. The theme was not a what but who. It is the "name which is above EVERY name"(Phil. 2:9)...JESUS CHRIST. I was always told that Jehovah was the highest and most sacred name. I know and knew for a fact that witnesses give all honor, praise and worship to Jehovah and not Jesus (Jn. 5:23). Jesus is hardly ever spoken of in comparison to Jehovah. In the New Testament, Jesus is used more than any other name.

After seeing all of this, I began to requestion myself. I studied vigorously the Trinity doctrine and because of my JW glasses on, I could not understand for a very long time. There was too much that did not make sense. However, I did not give up. I kept testing and challenging both sides of the issue and finally, it was as if God opened my eyes to this great truth.

After this I began to have more passion than ever in studying JW doctrine and found some amazing facts. I would not come on this board and give all of these answers and spend all of this time if I was not fully convicted of the fallacies among the Jehovah's Witness doctrine and history. I have nothing against any JW. I love many JW's very much. I only want them to see what God has shown me. There are no other motives involved.

I have been exposed to very much that most Witnesses are not aware of. It is always funny to me. When I ask a JW about their testimony, they almost always say that they went to other Churches and asked questions and never got any adequate answers. However, I have asked many JW's questions that they never answer. Most of the time they just change the subject or try to cloud the issue.

Another question I ask JW's is, "what if you are wrong and you have been deceived by the great deceiver, what then?" I got an answer saying "well, I don't believe in Hell so I am not that worried". The problem is, what if you are wrong on that also. This is another doctrine that took me along time to come to grips on. I had always agreed with what my family told me. They were always telling me that they could not believe in a God that would allow someone to go to a place called hell for eternity and be tortured there day and night. When I began to understand God and His character, I could see how he created us and what sin is and what our choices are. There is much more but I am limited here.

I do admire the zeal in witnesses. I think it is a great thing to want to serve God even though I see them as only serving the organization. But I do have respect for them on a personal level.

There is just so much that has happened to bring me to where I am now. I truly believe that it is the work of God. I hope I have not sounded rude or inconsiderate here. That is not my intention. I appreciate you talking to me. I also appreciate you being curious. If you have any further questions, please, don't hesitate. Let me know. It has been a pleasure my friend.

God bless you,
Ben

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Ben,

Thank you for taking the time to write such a lengthy reply. I am glad to hear that you have a found a spiritual place to thrive and enjoy. It is so true that the theme of the New Testament is Jesus, not the kingdom as JWs claim, and certainly not Jehovah who is barely referred to. I came to the same conclusion upon reading the New Testament by itself.

Too bad that JWs relationship with Jehovah is an analytical one. It reminds me of the relationship that kids who have been raised in a boarding school have with their parents. They often call their parents "mother" or "father" but not mamma or daddy.

Since you were never baptized, you can freely talk to your JW friends and family. They will not see you as "apostate", another technicality. How cool!
Robert Jones

ANSWER: Hello Robert,

Again, thank you for the kind remarks. I do appreciate them. If you don't mind, I am going to send you a few questions. I just re-read your profile for the first time in a long time and am curious about some things. And yes, that little technicality you mentioned is a big help. Especially when I work with 6 Jw's and pretty much all of my family are either strict JW's or have JW belief. Regarding the JW relationship with God, you make a great point. If you don't mind, I just wrote a personal e-mail to a close friend of mine who is also a co-worker. It is based off of how to have a relationship with God. If you have any disagreement on it, please write and let me know. I only want to give truth.

Also, I can't tell you how happy I am that you have arrived at the "Jesus" theme conclusion that I have and many others. It truly helps to understand the bible and Gods character.

The following is what I wrote to my friend Royce. Thank you for your remarks and thoughts. God bless you.

----------------------------------------------------

Hello Royce,

I would like you to know that from the bottom of my heart, I want you to be fully convicted that what the JW's believe is true and biblical. I believe that it is essential for you to know 100% for sure that this is complete truth before you get baptized. The problem is, is that JW's view baptism as a membership entrance. Once you are baptized, you will be shunned by your family and friends if you ever find new truth and decide to leave. You will be viewed as apostate. I tell you this because I am fully convicted that denomination is not the "truth". I have done extensive research which I am sure that you have not been exposed to. I know that if you ever did decide to leave, after you have been baptized, it will be the hardest thing that you have ever had to go through. Therefore, I am not trying to deceive you. I honestly care for you. I would not be a friend if I didn't do my best to at least let you know how I view this major step that you are concidering taking. No matter what ever happens to you, you have me to talk to 24/7. I am deeply saddened to say that that would not be the case for JW family and friends that you have whom love you very much and you love them but they WILL obey the Society. I will pray for you that you make the correct choice. If this was biblical baptism that we were talking about then I wouldn't be as concerned. But you are entering into a very strict and forceful way of life. I really hope that you understand that I am not spending all this time with you if I didn't really believe with all of my heart that the beliefs of JW's is very dangerous and could cost you eternal life. And yes, I realize that you probably feel that way about me but like I said, I have done extensive research.

That all leads me to the next question. You can view it is two different questions but I only ask two to give you a good picture of what I am asking....

Please read the following, you can confirm with your own bible but it is all the same...

Romans 8:1-17..." 1There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
  2For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.    3For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:
  4That the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

  5For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.

  6For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.

  7Because the carnal mind is enmity against God: for it is not subject to the law of God, neither indeed can be.

  8So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

  9But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

  10And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness.

  11But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.

  12Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live after the flesh.

  13For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die: but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live.

  14For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.

  15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

  16The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

  17And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.

---------------------

Royce I would like you to pay close attention to verses 8-9. The first thing I would like to mention is that these verses make it more clear than anything that if you don't have the Spirit of Christ DWELLING in you then not only are you none of His, but you CANNOT please Him. This is the absolute biggest thing that you have to understand.

I have to be honest with you Royce, when you talk about you having a relationship with Jehovah, I hold back because I know that it is not possible and don't want to hurt you. But I know that if you cannot please God then it is impossible to have a relationship with Him. Please understand that I am not trying to cause hurt in your heart. This is just so vitally important though. If you need to read over this chapter several times to get the full grasp, please, do it for me at the very least. I ask you as a friend.

Quick note, notice in v.9 how the Spirit of Christ is also the Spirit of God.

Next thing, in v.15, when we have the Spirit of Christ in us, when we put on Christ (Rom.13:14)(Gal. 3:27), that is when we are adopted and are in a relationship with God that is so close that we can call out to the Father "Abba, Father". "Abba" can be translated "daddy". Do you see how intimate that makes us with Him. That is a true relationship. Please read Romans 13:14 and Gal. 3:27.

Question:

Based off of these verses, is it possible for you to please God and have a relationship with Him to the extent that you can call Him "Abba" as Jesus did?

Thank you in advance for answering this.

Ben

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Ben,

"Based off of these verses, is it possible for you to please God and have a relationship with Him to the extent that you can call Him "Abba" as Jesus did?"

My answer is yes. To me, that it what the Jesus message is all about, that the spirit of God, the kingdom of God, can dwell within every person, and that we become one with God just as Jesus was one with the Father.

I do hope that Royce is not totally brain-washed by his studies with the Witnesses. He has been warned in his studies against Satan, who will use his friends (you) and family to discourage him from embracing "the truth." He might well see you in this manner even though your message is purely Biblical and in a spirit of love.

Robert

Answer
Hello Robert,

You know I just realized that I had worded that question to Royce wrong. I will have to resend him the question. The end should say "as Jesus did without having the Spirit of God dwelling in you and being adopted as a child of God through a new birth?" So you are correct in your answer. I agree with it.

Also, I appreciate what you said in your second paragraph. The fact is, I understand completely what he is told as far as "outside influence" and that it comes from the devil. I don't think he is fully convinced or "brain-washed" by the Witnesses yet. I think he is clear what my motives are and how I view the Society and yet based off of our discussions, I think he agrees with me on a biblical perspective on certain matters. He is having problems with all of the Witness "eyes" on him right now. They are expecting a lot of him and he feels pushed into a corner. I wish I could just make it easy for him and let him go but like I said, I wouldn't be a friend if I did not try to warn him of what he was about to do.

I appreciate your kind words and I plan on sending you a question soon. Thanks again and God bless you.

Ben

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