Until yesterday, I thought it was inappropriate to use Jehovah as a name for God. I felt that Jehovah was not a good substitute for YWHW. Then a Reddit user said the following and it has me reconsidering my stance:

Paul also went by Saul.

Peter was called Simeon and Cephas.

Solomon was also called Jedidiah by God.

God renamed Jacob as Israel.

Hadassah also went by Esther.

Gideon is also called Jerubbael.

Jesus' name is also Jehoshua, and God's Word also calls him Immanuel, Shiloh, and Michael.

If Jehovah answers my prayers when I call Him either Jehovah or Yahweh or Papa, then it's clear to me that He doesn't mind me calling Him Jehovah. end quote

Is the name Jehovah an acceptable name for God? Does it matter what we call God at all?

Matthew 13:41 (NASB20) “The Son of Man will send forth His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all stumbling blocks, and those who commit lawlessness.

So the separation of the wheat and the weeds is something that takes place among those “in” Christ’s kingdom and these stumbling blocks and people committing lawlessness are taken “out” of His kingdom.

Watchtower positions this verse to mean honest hearted “wheat” like ones were gathered “out of the world” from 1919 to form the body of true Christians.

But this verse says nothing of the sort.

I have my whole house decorated - both inside and outside. Giving Christmas gifts to my kids, have Christmas music on!

Jehovah’s Witnesses emphasize that their beliefs are rooted in the Bible, which they hold as the infallible word of God. Central to this is the belief that God cannot lie, a doctrine derived from scriptures like Titus 1:2 (“God… cannot lie”) and Numbers 23:19 (“God is not a man, that he should lie”). However, this foundational claim creates a tension when examined alongside their concepts of “New Light” and “Theocratic Warfare.” Both doctrines, while justified within their theological framework, present potential contradictions to the idea of an unchanging, truthful God.

Understanding “New Light”

The doctrine of “New Light” refers to the idea that Jehovah’s Witnesses’ understanding of scripture may change or evolve over time. They base this on Proverbs 4:18, which says, “The path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established.” This metaphor of progressive illumination is used to explain shifts or adjustments in their teachings. For example, interpretations of biblical prophecy, such as the timing of Armageddon or the “generation” referenced in Matthew 24:34, have undergone significant changes over the years.

The problem arises when previous teachings, presented as “truth” revealed by God, are later discarded or replaced. Critics question how teachings previously claimed to be divinely inspired can later be deemed incorrect. If God cannot lie and is the source of truth, why would His organization teach something false, even temporarily? Adjustments in doctrine raise concerns about whether earlier teachings were truly guided by God or were human interpretations that were flawed from the outset.

Theocratic Warfare: A Pragmatic Approach to Truth?

“Theocratic Warfare” is another concept that complicates the picture. Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that, in certain situations, it is permissible to withhold or manipulate the truth to protect their faith or organization. This doctrine is based on biblical examples like Rahab hiding Israelite spies (Joshua 2:1-6) or Jesus’ statement in Matthew 7:6 about not throwing “pearls before swine.” It is sometimes used to justify being less than transparent with authorities, outsiders, or even members of the congregation when deemed necessary for a higher spiritual goal.

Critics argue that Theocratic Warfare blurs the line between strategic silence and deception. If God cannot lie, and His people are to imitate His standards, how can any form of dishonesty be justified, even for seemingly noble purposes? This raises questions about integrity and whether such practices are consistent with biblical teachings.

Reconciling the Contradiction

Jehovah’s Witnesses explain these issues by asserting that “New Light” is evidence of progressive understanding, not falsehood. They argue that God’s truth remains constant, but human understanding of it can improve over time. As for Theocratic Warfare, they see it as alegitimate defense mechanism against those who oppose God’s purposes. By these explanations, they attempt to reconcile the apparent contradictions, framing both doctrines as part of their faithful adherence to God’s will.

However, critics find these explanations unsatisfying for several reasons:

1. The Reliability of “New Light”

If God’s truth is absolute and unchanging, the idea that earlier teachings can be declared incorrect raises doubts about the reliability of the organization’s spiritual guidance. For instance, significant doctrinal shifts—such as the change in the understanding of the “generation” in Matthew 24:34—have led some to question whether past teachings truly reflected divine guidance.

Critics argue that if God is the source of truth and cannot lie, doctrines presented as divine revelation should not require repeated corrections or retractions. These critics ask: Were the prior teachings ever truly from God, or were they human interpretations misrepresented as divine truth? This undermines confidence in the claim that Jehovah’s Witnesses uniquely represent God’s organization.

2. The Ethical Implications of Theocratic Warfare

The concept of Theocratic Warfare, which can involve withholding or misrepresenting information to protect the faith, also appears inconsistent with the claim that God cannot lie. For example, Jehovah’s Witnesses may avoid full disclosure in legal cases or interactions with outsiders if they believe such transparency could harm their organization.

Critics highlight that the Bible consistently condemns falsehood. Proverbs 12:22 states, “Lying lips are detestable to Jehovah,” and Colossians 3:9 commands, “Do not lie to one another.” While biblical examples like Rahab are sometimes cited in defense, critics argue that these are descriptive, not prescriptive, accounts, and do not authorize systematic practices of withholding truth. For an organization claiming to emulate God’s perfect honesty, any form of calculated deceit—no matter the justification—seems incompatible.

3. Theological Inconsistencies

The tension between these doctrines and the claim that God cannot lie lies at the heart of the issue. If “New Light” reflects a misunderstanding of God’s will, does it imply that earlier teachings contained elements of falsehood? If so, does this mean God allowed His organization to mislead people? Similarly, if Theocratic Warfare involves partial truths or strategic silence, how does this align with the call for Christians to be “truthful in all things” (Ephesians 4:25)?

These questions are not merely philosophical but practical. They affect the credibility of the organization and the confidence members and outsiders place in its claims.

Conclusion: A Tension That Remains Unresolved

The doctrines of “New Light” and “Theocratic Warfare” reflect an attempt by Jehovah’s Witnesses to navigate the complexities of doctrinal refinement and practical challenges in a hostile world. While they offer theological explanations for these concepts, the apparent contradiction between their practices and the assertion that “it is impossible for God to lie” remains a point of contention.

For adherents, these doctrines may be seen as evidence of God’s ongoing guidance or necessary adaptations in a fallen world. For critics, however, they underscore a troubling inconsistency between professed ideals of divine honesty and the practical realities of organizational policy. Ultimately, this tension highlights the challenge of reconciling fallible human interpretations with claims of divine infallibility.

Hello! My daughter participates in an extracurricular activity. She’s one of the older girls there, and they do this mentoring thing between older/younger girls. It’s a big deal amongst these kids. This pairing involves a party, and gift giving. Here’s my question.. My daughter was paired with a little girl who is a Jehovahs Witness. We are not. I honestly don’t know much about the religion. My daughter really wants to be respectful of her mentees beliefs. I guess I am wondering, is gift giving okay? I obviously wouldn’t add anything holiday themed. Are there any gifts that would be considered disrespectful or distasteful? I appreciate anyone’s insight.

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I’m listening to the interview with the two new GB members and I just can’t contain how frustrated and angry I feel. This is supposed to be Gods “Worldwide Organisation “ and these are supposed to be members of the Faithful and Discreet Slave. Is Jesus only interested in White Americans? Where’s the Asian representatives? The South American? The African? Is Jesus a racist? How do the rank and file not see that this is just WRONG. Surely this is enough to wake people up. I’m so mad right now!

The UIA Is a non-profit non- governmental research institute and documentation center based in Brussels,AND OPERATING UNDER UNITED NATIONS MANDATE. ( UIA- UIA's partners and institutional status. UIA- UIA's relevans to global isseus) The comprensive directory of International organization (YBIO) includes over 72500 profiles of organization including Jehovah's Witnesses,The European Association of Jehovah's Witnesses and International associations of bible students or. (UIA- Jehovah's Witnesses. UIA- European Association of Jehovah's Witnesses.Uia-international bible students association). -UIA GLOBAL CIVIL SOCIETY and the UNITE NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS- The UIA presented the yearbook vol.6 of the International organization entitled global civil society and the UNITE NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS. 17 delevopment objectives are listed. Objectives 1,4 and 5 include Jehovah's Witnesses. I would like to know your opinion.

hello! i’m not a JW myself, but my friend is. today’s my birthday (no expectation to say hbd of course, lol), and i can’t help but feel a little bad that my friend can’t have cake with me. if i gave her cake on friday when we have a final together, would she be able to take/eat it? or is that still prohibited? thank you all so so much and i’m so sorry if question posts like this aren’t allowed 🙏

Apologies if the flair is wrong!

I've not known her long but love her hugely. I'm not obviously a Witness, cos asking this. I'd just like to thank her for being my friend by giving her kids some drawing pens and pencils and some sketch pads at the end of their school term on the 19th. As in I've done some research and this would be okay because while marking their end of term it's not a religious thing. But is the art materials okay? I love her so much and she has been so kind to me.

I don't want to offend my new friend but also want her to know I appreciate her so maybe by giving a 'end of school term' thing to her kids.

Would this be okay?

https://preview.redd.it/wlvyjaxt8z5e1.png?width=492&format=png&auto=webp&s=949310ad0fbe088826891f0aa005d857133bbf2c

https://preview.redd.it/4d3x7off9z5e1.png?width=679&format=png&auto=webp&s=05ab14bd182bff69f7bd7ea976d731c8cd6bc836

https://preview.redd.it/8zueknpg9z5e1.png?width=493&format=png&auto=webp&s=bd223e150e9f0f0f25a3aae4486c8dbb22cdafdf

https://preview.redd.it/1nxoytah9z5e1.png?width=652&format=png&auto=webp&s=af4527e9f0502d2cf3bd98eb6bad6a0a6209b466

Notice how John 1:1 of the NWT says "all things", translating from the Greek word πάντα.

Then in Colossians 1:16-17 it says "all other things", still translating from the same Greek word πάντα.

They blatantly added the word "other", it's nowhere to be found. Even their own interlinear doesn't show or say it.

It also leaves an impossible contradiction between John 1:1 and Colossians 1:16-17.

Isaiah 9:6 says the Son is "God", yet John 1:1 says "god".

Isaiah 9:6 NWT

John 1:1 NWT

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Talk about godly things.

It would be nice to have a real life friend because I haven't had one in a long time it really really long time. Thought I had a friend but doesn't seem to be true. That was about 4 or 5 years ago if I had one since haven't tried since.

Would like to be able to go and do things too. Talk about major talk about God stuff. Or just sit there and watch the trees grow. Whatever etc

How do you feel now away from the organisation?

When I was growing up as a child witness I recall being taught that it would be unfair to expect resurrected loved ones to return with the same looks and facial features as they previously had because of the sheer numbers of people lost to death over the years, but that we would know them by their personalities. I always struggled with this teaching as it implied that God had limitations and that some things were too much to expect. Am I imagining this teaching or do others have similar recollections? I'm sure this was taught only from the platform but never made it into print in the publications.

I quit 1997, prior to this Armageddon was predicted as imminent, how has the lack of system ending been rationalised?

We all know its extremely difficult to find a jw, have you ever experienced that? And what if am dating one am I allowed to hold his hands or hugging and kissing them? Also what if am not a regular jw will any jw brother like me?

Anyone?

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What do you think of JWs separating Christians into two groups,one heavenly and one for the earth Apostle Paul says we ,Christians ought to have one Hope, the heavenly one (Ephesians 4:4)

How is it being a JW in Cuba ?

And what is the history of JW in Cuba ?

Does the JW in cuba have the same problems with more woman than man in the religion as in other regions ?

I know this is a long shot but I’m traveling to San Francisco for work and will be there Sunday 12/8. I won’t have anything to do. Was looking for a cool group of people to hang with for the day or even just to go to lunch with. If we coordinate before I get there, I can go to the same Sunday meeting too.

DM me if that sounds like you’d be interested.

In the year that King Uz·ziʹah died, I saw Jehovah sitting on a lofty and elevated throne, and the skirts of his robe filled the temple. 2 Seraphs were standing above him; each had six wings. Each covered his face with two and covered his feet with two, and each of them would fly about with two. 3 And one called to the other: “Holy, holy, holy is Jehovah of armies. The whole earth is filled with his glory.” Isaiah 6:1-3 NWT

Isaiah thought he was good as dead because he had seen the glorious King, Jehovah of armies himself! So why did John say Isaiah saw Jesus' glory? Quoting Isaiah 6:10 he says:

“He has blinded their eyes and has made their hearts hard, so that they would not see with their eyes and understand with their hearts and turn around and I heal them.” John 12:40 NWT

So we know John is referring to the temple vision of Isaiah 6 when he says next:

"Isaiah said these things because he saw his glory, and he spoke about him." John 12:41 NWT

If you continue reading the account to verse 44, it is completely undeniable that the "him" John refers to is Jesus, not the Father.

Do Jehovah's Witnesses have an explanation for this passage that clearly calls Jesus "Jehovah" in their own translation?

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JW Watchtower is a governing member of United Nations enrolled NGOs throughout the world.

https://esango.un.org/civilsociety/showProfileDetail.do?method=printProfile&tab=1&profileCode=3098

Here is a sample of some of the JW Watchtower NGO membership through the United Religions Initiative:

https://www.uri.org/take-action/join-start-circle/cooperation-circle-application

"Cooperation Circle (CC) members accept the rights and responsibilities of membership and share ownership and leadership of URI. They initiate interfaith actions, participate in regular communication, give and receive mutual support, and select Trustees to the Global Council. Each CC helps to bring about enduring daily interfaith cooperation around the world in its own way."

https://www.uri.org/who-we-are/cooperation-circle/network-empowerment-rural-areas-and-townships

The JW Watchtower organization is part of the 14 governing members listed on the NERAT URI Cooperation Circle:

"Cooperation Circle (CC) members come from Christian, Muslim and Traditional rural dweller backgrounds. They are connected by strong bonds...NERAT is a member of the Plateau Peace Practitioners Network—an umbrella network of over 100 peacebuilding organizations in Plateau State. Some of the most recent activities of NERAT include: HIV/AIDS Awareness Campaign in Riyom on World AIDS Day in December 2014, Peace Procession and Rally on September 21, 2014, and celebrating UN International Day of Peace."

https://www.uri.org/who-we-are/cooperation-circle/youth-actions-development-yada-cc

The JW Watchtower organization is part of the 12 governing members listed on the YADA URI Cooperation Circle:

“Our purpose is to put the vision of the United Religions Initiative into action.”

https://www.uri.org/who-we-are/cooperation-circle/interfaith-youth-change

"Some parents convince their children that they should not play or collaborate with children of a different faith for any reason, and children learn to hate and discriminate. As a reaction to this, Interfaith Youth for Change created a dialogue program, where youth can meet and learn each other’s culture or religion and grow in mutual respect and understanding. Members also invite youth to participate in community services, English classes, sport activities, weekly interfaith dialogues, peace events and picnics. All projects of Interfaith Youth for Change are aligned with their purpose of creating a peaceful environment in their community."

The JW Watchtower organization is part of the 38 governing members listed on the Interfaith Youth for Change URI Cooperation Circle.

https://www.uri.org/who-we-are/cooperation-circle/umodzi-youth-organization

"Umodzi Youth Organization (UYO) Cooperation Circle (CC) is located in Mbayani Blantyre, Malawi. CC members focus on issues of conflict resolution, health, education, human rights, and government."

The JW Watchtower organization is part of the 7 governing members listed on the UYO URI Cooperation Circle.

https://www.uri.org/who-we-are/cooperation-circle/phalombe-youth-arms-organisation-pyao

"The PYAO emerged following growing concerns among youths over lack of an enabling and supportive environment for meaningful youth participation in sustainable development and poor access of sexual reproductive health and rights."

The JW Watchtower organization is part of the 8 governing members listed on the PYAO URI Cooperation Circle.

Some of the activities of the PYAO include distributing condoms and "emergency pills" for terminiation of pregnancy. (See linked newsletter below.)

https://www.pyaomw.org/1st%20PYAO%20NEWSLETTER.pdf

https://www.uri.org/who-we-are/cooperation-circle/matindi-cc

"Our purpose is to promote enduring daily interfaith cooperation."

The JW Watchtower organization is part of the 40 governing members listed on the Matindi URI Cooperation Circle.

More info on these linked comments:

https://www.reddit.com/r/JehovahsWitnesses/comments/1h5826d/watchtower_united_nations_ngo_relations_via_uri/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

https://www.reddit.com/r/JehovahsWitnesses/comments/1h3fo7a/watchtower_is_enrolled_member_of_interfaith_uri/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Jesus said "my kingdom is no part of this world."

JW Watchtower is part of the kingdoms of this world.

JW Watchtower is not "Jehovah's organization."

"Get out of her, my people!"