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 What are the possibilities that the Jw's are right?
Answer jason bourne,
Thank you for your question. Often people who are examining Jehovah's Witnesses reach a certain point where they begin to wonder whether Jehovah's Witnesses might have The Truth™, after all.
You asked: "What are the possibilities that the Jw's are right?"
If by "right" you mean the only true religion, or the only religion that teaches doctrine from the Bible, or the only religion that carries out a worldwide ministry, then the chances are 0%.
If by "right" you mean one of many religions that teach basically good moral values and that helps people to decide make big changes in their lives through encouragement toward spiritual things, then the chances are 100%.
If by "right" you mean honest, candid, direct, open to thorough investigation, and responsive to questioning, then the chances are 0%. I am not here describing individual JWs, rather the organization itself.
From the primary method of preaching stressed to the requirements for baptism, from the titles and offices held by members to the collection of detailed reports on activity in the ministry, from interpreting Scripture out of context to directly contradicting the Bible with certain teachings, Jehovah's Witnesses are no better than any other religion.
In that they claim to be better, they are actually worse than many religions. In that they shun any who challenge their religion, they are worse than most religions. In that they alter history and Scripture to fit doctrine, they are worse than many religions. In that they have set more failed dates and have changed more interpretations of the meaning of prophecy than any other religion that has ever existed, they are (possibly) among the worst religions.
However, the adherents are basically decent, good-hearted people who have repeatedly been drawn in and/or inspired to increased activity by false promises ever since 1879. They are no more evil than people who are duped into promoting the latest cure-all elixir, pill, or wonder-magnet.
I hope this has answered your question satisfactorily.
