About Brandon Harper Expertise I was raised as one of Jehovah's Witnesses and was baptized for 21 years. I was a 4th generation Jehovah's Witness both paternally and maternally and am qualified to answer many questions regarding doctrine, doctrinal changes, historical basis for various doctrines, as well as offer rebuttal responses from the perspective of a former Jehovah's Witness. I can also answer questions from the perspective of an ardent Jehovah's Witness.
Experience I am 33 years old, became a publisher and gave my first public talk at age 4, was baptized at age 12, became an inactive publisher at age 32, and disassociated myself at age 33. My father has served as a congregation servant/elder continuously from the age of 17 on. Of my 9 uncles, 6 are elders. Of my 9 aunts, four are regular pioneers. My father is the presiding overseer of a congregation. When I began seriously investigating this religion I had to prepare for conversations with a very large extended family steeped in the history and doctrine of Jehovah's Witnesses. I have thoroughly studied many Watchtower Society publications that most Jehovah's Witnesses have never even read, if they have heard of them at all, seeking the origins of various doctrinal points. I knew I would need to have this knowledge to discuss the issues in detail with my family when I decided to disassociate myself.
Education/Credentials I read every Watchtower and Awake! magazine from at least age 8 through age 32. According to the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society I have the equivalent of several four-year degrees (Reference available on request). I would hope that education would qualify me as an expert.
Question Can you provide scriptural proof that the following are required prior to baptism: (1) Lengthy Bible Study spanning many months, (2) regular attendance at weekly meetings, (3) qualifying for and regularly reporting preaching work for as long as the congregation elders require, (4) specific once-for-all-time vow of dedication to God, or (5) proving to the congregation elders that you know Bible doctrine?
I asked Brenda Martin and she redirected me to my "study conducter." My study conductor has already brought an elder along (the President, or something like that) who tried to use the same scriptures Brenda used in her first answer plus others that also did not apply to people who weren't yet baptised.
If Brenda had answered this way publicly I am guessing she would not be considered an expert. Her profile said, "Having used the bible all these years to answer peoples questions, I feel I am qualified to give any answer regarding Jehovah`s witnesses and the bible."
Why would she not provide scriptures when asked? Why would she redirect me to someone else when I have already asked that person?
I have been feeling pressured to attend meetings since just after my study started, but I am leery of any organization that wants people to immediately attend indoctrination sessions. My Bible study is beginning to feel like an indoctrination session, too.
I have been trying to analyze everything I am taught very carefully, because before I attach myself to a religion it will have to prove itself to me. I don't think is unreasonable. My study conductor has been stressing that we will get the answers to my questions by the end of the book for months now, but we are on chapter 18 and I still have questions no one will answer from the Bible.
Why would an expert on a site like this refer me to someone else? Is she really an expert? She has high rankings, so I thought she must be one.
Can you answer these questions?
Answer Joseph Q.,
I assume since you are asking me these followups, instead of Brenda Martin, that you received a response that did not allow a followup. I apologize.
The service is intended to be a place where any question within the scope of the expert's knowledge will be answered in a timely and thorough manner. Perhaps she is simply having a bad day, it happens to everyone. I encourage you to overlook it, I highly doubt it was a personal slight.
You asked: "Can you provide scriptural proof that the following are required prior to baptism: (1) Lengthy Bible Study spanning many months, (2) regular attendance at weekly meetings, (3) qualifying for and regularly reporting preaching work for as long as the congregation elders require, (4) specific once-for-all-time vow of dedication to God, or (5) proving to the congregation elders that you know Bible doctrine?"
Oddly enough, I have seen this question being asked more frequently on the Internet.
The short answer to your main question is, no. I cannot provide scriptural proof that these are prerequisites for Christian baptism. The simple fact is, they are not taught as requirements anywhere in the Bible.
That said, Jehovah's Witnesses are not alone in imposing organizational requirements for baptism that the Bible does not specify. Quite a few churches require special slogans to be said by the offiating baptizer, specially formulated agreements and oaths, various ceremonies, certain articles of clothing (sometimes made of a specific fabric), persons of a special status in the church to do the baptizing, waiting for a specific occasion, etc. None of these are required in the Scriptures for baptism.
You asked: "Why would she not provide scriptures when asked? Why would she redirect me to someone else when I have already asked that person?"
It is very likely that she didn't answer because she cannot answer your question. She may have convinced herself that you were being belligerent or argumentative. There is no doubt in my mind that whether or not she believes she can answer your question, she cannot. There are no scriptures supporting any requirement other than repentance (recognition of error) and conversion (turning toward a new life course).
In the case of a Philippian jailer, he had not previously believed in God, yet after only one late night conversation with Paul he was baptized. The New World Translation even says that he and his household were baptized "without delay." (Acts 16:25-34)
That Bible account does not appear in the primary study aids used by Jehovah's Witnesses during the last fifty years. It basically shows, without any room for dispute, that (1) a "lengthy Bible study", (2) "attendance at weekly meetings", (3) "preaching", (4) "proving to congregation elders that you know Bible doctrine" are NOT requirements for Christian baptism. If these ARE Scriptural requirements, then the jailer's baptism was invalid. So were many other baptisms in the 1st Century.
I didn't get a chance to read your exchange with Brenda yet. It will not show up on the list until early in the tomorrow. If I am repeating something you and she already covered, I apologize.
You asked: "I have been trying to analyze everything I am taught very carefully, because before I attach myself to a religion it will have to prove itself to me. I don't think is unreasonable."
I agree. This is not only reasonable, this is applauded in the Scriptures. Romans 12:1, 2 encourages Christians to apply logic to their worship ("power of reason" gr. logiken) and to challenge, or put to the test what the will of God is. ("prove to yourselves" gr. dokimazein).
At 1 John 4:1, the Bible also instructs Christians to test the ways of thinking and teachings we are presented with ("test the inspired expressions" gr. dokimazete ta pneumata) to see whether they are from God. It adds that the reason for the testing is to guard against false prophets.
I congratulate you for arriving, on your own, at the Bible's recommended method for approaching an education about God and religion. I do hope this makes up for any unpleasant feelings you have developed toward the service offered here, and I hope this has answered your question satisfactorily.
