God's Peace be unto all who seek it...

I was reading over the other JW thread, and I saw something...or noticed something...that got me to thinking.

When I was a practicing Christian, I had similar apprehensions, albeit mainly based on hear-say, about the Jehovah's Witnesses. Later, however, I began to see that my points against them were mostly basesless, since they were simply going by the Book that they Believe in, which is not significanlty different from the Book I believe(d) in.

There seems to be a consensus among the commentators on this forum that one of the main "evils" of the JW's is that they do not associate with others who are not of their community...even if those "others" are family members.

Well, like it or not, this is what Jesus taught (according to the Bible)...separation...even in the family:

Luke 12
51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:
52 For from henceforth there shall be five in one house divided, three against two, and two against three.
53 The father shall be divided against the son, and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter, and the daughter against the mother; the mother in law against her daughter in law, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.

Matthew 10
34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.
35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.
36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household.
37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
38 And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

Matthew 24
35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
36 But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.
37 But as the days of Noah were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
38 For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark,
39 And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.
40 Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
42 Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.

2 Corinthians
6:14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (Paul)

Matthew 25
31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

Now if there are any on this board -- Who are CHRISTIANS -- who criticize the JW's for separating themselves from others, how do you reconcile your criticism with what is given in the Bible as their justification for doing so?

In other words, how can you fault them for doing what is written in the Book they and YOU believe in...ESPECIALLY in light of the fact that for ANY group or organization with unpopular views (like Jesus and his followers) to be successful, they MUST separate from that which they disagree with in order to maintain focus and purity of intention?

Just Curious. If you are NOT a Christian, this thread is not intended for you.

RM

was raised as christian by parents...



never criticized JW



BUT.... it's a christianity based religion.....just differs in interpretation of certain verses from other christian denominations....

relatively new religion formed in 19th century....may have another holy book besides the old and new testament that many protestants use....



It's a losing battle to argue religious beleifs and interpretations....I think that if people have respect for one another..and your religious views aren't infringing upon my personal freedoms or rights.....than beleive what you must...I'll beleive whatI will...

I will argue about cultural aspects not related to religion that have been adapted by followers of a certain faith....but doctrine and beliefs from holy books?.....losing battle