To be a Christian....

Originally posted by robbie carrobie
have i not said that, according to my present understanding, I do not think the Bible
gives a definitive answer, how many times must I say it before it percolates and
registers?

If the JW organisation publishes something that makes the assertion that a person needs to be a JW in order to be a Christian, you will then change your opinion so that it conforms to the new understanding?

Originally posted by Proper Knob
The Bible may not give a definitive answer, but you believe only the JW's fit the scriptural requirements to be called Christians. Right?!

Not quite, there are clearly others who have acted like Christians and displayed
Christian faith, as individuals, when we speak of Jehovahs Witnesses we are
speaking of an organisation and thus there are clearly Biblical principles which
demonstrate that as an organisation, as opposed to individuals, we are the only
ones that as you put it, 'fit the requirement', to be termed Christians, i will
document these briefly for you.

1. The most outstanding mark of true Christians is that they have real love among
themselves. (John 13:34, 35) They are not taught to think that they are better than
people of other races or skin colour. Neither are they taught to hate people from
other countries. (Acts 10:34, 35) So they do not share in wars. True Christians treat
one another as brothers and sisters.—1 John 4:20, 21

2. Another mark of true religion is that its members have a deep respect for the
Bible. They accept it as the Word of God and believe what it says. (John 17:17;
2 Timothy 3:16, 17) They treat God’s Word as being more important than human
ideas or customs. (Matthew 15:1-3, 7-9) They try to live by the Bible in their
everyday life. So they do not preach one thing and then practice another.—Titus
1:15, 16.

3. The true religion must also honour God’s name. (Matthew 6:9) Jesus made God’s
name, Jehovah, known to others. True Christians must do the same. (John 17:6, 26;
Romans 10:13, 14)

4. True Christians must preach about God’s Kingdom. Jesus did so. He always talked
about the Kingdom. (Luke 8:1) He commanded his disciples to preach this same
message in all the earth. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20) True Christians believe that
only God’s Kingdom will bring true peace and security to this earth.—Psalm 146:3-5.

5. Jesus’ disciples must be no part of this wicked world. (John 17:16) They do not
get involved in the world’s political affairs and social controversies. They avoid the
harmful conduct, practices, and attitudes that are common in the world. (James
1:27; 4:4)


five Biblical principles which can identify true Christians, taken from the brochure,
What does God require of you, Lesson 13, how can you find the true religion, p.26.
published by Jehovahs Witnesses.

Originally posted by FMF
If the JW organisation publishes something that makes the assertion that a person needs to be a JW in order to be a Christian, you will then change your opinion so that it conforms to the new understanding?

I have told you my methods of assimilating material, i reflect upon the principles, check
the scriptures in my own Bible and determine how they are applicable and/or aid understanding.

Originally posted by robbie carrobie
I have told you my methods of assimilating material, i reflect upon the principles, check
the scriptures in my own Bible and determine how are applicable or aid understanding.

Do you think there are any other Christian denominations here on this planet today that fit the scriptural requirements you listed?

Originally posted by robbie carrobie
I have told you my methods of assimilating material, i reflect upon the principles, check
the scriptures in my own Bible and determine how they are applicable and/or aid understanding.

I see. So, if the JW organisation publishes something that makes the assertion that a person needs to be a JW in order to be a Christian but this does not square with the results of your own assimilation of material, and your reflection upon the principles, and your checking of the scriptures in your own Bible and your determination of how they are applicable and/or aid understanding, and you cannot see why you should change from your present understanding, then where will you stand with regard to the organisation?

Originally posted by Proper Knob
Do you think there are any other Christian denominations here on this planet today that fit the scriptural requirements you listed?

I don't know, i haven't found any, have you? and i did search prior to becoming a witness.

Originally posted by FMF
I see. So, if the JW organisation publishes something that makes the assertion that a person needs to be a JW in order to be a Christian but this does not square with the results of your own assimilation of material, and your reflection upon the principles, and your checking of the scriptures in your own Bible and your determination of how they are applicable an ...[text shortened]... ange from your present understanding, then where will you stand with regard to the organisation?

Indeed, the brothers are not 'masters of our faith'.

Originally posted by robbie carrobie
Indeed, the brothers are not masters of our faith.

So your opinions need to be "self-certified" before you accept and adopt those of your "brothers" or "elders"?

Originally posted by robbie carrobie
I don't know, i haven't found any, have you? and i did search prior to becoming a witness.

Can i take that as a 'no' then?

Originally posted by FMF
So your opinions need to be "self-certified" before you accept and adopt those of your "brothers" or "elders"?

I make an evaluation with my mind, but the basis of my beliefs are not mine, they are
scriptural principles, truths that i have accepted, but not originated.

Originally posted by robbie carrobie
I make an evaluation with my mind, but the basis of my beliefs are not mine, they are
scriptural principles, truths that i have accepted, but not originated.

But you must make the evaluation of the basis of your beliefs in your own mind and then decide: how is that not just the same "self-certification" you talk of when you are trying to dismiss other people's "evaluations" of the bases of their opinions?

Originally posted by Proper Knob
Can i take that as a 'no' then?

Prior to becoming a Witness i listened to many street preachers in the city of Glasgow,
took their literature, visited their halls, Baptists, Presbyterians, Seven day Adventists,
Catholics, I asked Muslims about their faith, Hindus, Hare Krishna's, Buddhists, anyone
I could find. As of yet i have found no other religious group which embodies these
principles in their entirety.

Originally posted by FMF
But you must make the evaluation of the basis of your beliefs in your own mind and then decide: how is that not just the same "self-certification" you talk of when you are trying to dismiss other people's "evaluations" of the bases of their opinions?

because i have not originated the principles of my faith, in fact, I have originated
nothing in this regard, i did not author the Bible which forms the basis of my faith nor
am i trying to promulgate my own personal opinions.

Originally posted by robbie carrobie
Prior to becoming a Witness i listened to many street preachers in the city of Glasgow,
took their literature, visited their halls, Baptists, Presbyterians, Seven day Adventists,
Catholics, I asked Muslims about their faith, Hindus, Hare Krishna's, Buddhists, anyone
I could find. As of yet i have found no other religious group which embodies these
principles in their entirety.

So that would be a 'no' then?

Originally posted by Proper Knob
So that would be a 'no' then?

man your not big on reasons are you, yes that would be a no.