Jehovah's Witnesses and their students (aka "studies") are allowed, even encouraged, to ask questions to bring them to a better understanding of the Watchtower's teachings. However, there is no tolerance for challenging the authority of their "Governing Body," nor of the official doctrine as dispensed by these sinful, errant humans.
The difference between having questions and challenging their authority can be seen here:
Should a follower of the Watchtower Society find a discrepency in the teachings, he is encouraged to "ask the elders" at which point, they will try to persuade the questioner into agreement. However, in the event that he is not convinced, there is unconditional expectation that the individual must QUIETLY disagree, keeping his findings to himself and patiently wait for "new light" (official change in doctrine). Failure to do will result in accusations of apostasy, being "marked" and often leads to disfellowshipping and shunning.
Sometimes, even the nature of the questions can lead to stern warnings, being "marked," accusations of apostasy, etc. This is because the Watchtower Society has effectively sheltered the average JW from a great deal of negative information about their society. They've been repetitively warned through their publications and in public discourses that they are expected to steer clear of any information that shines a negative light on their Organization. So, when a JW asks questions that are regarding information that is not common knowledge to the average member of the congregation, suspicion quickly arises.
Anyone who believes that they may be teaching truth would be wise to pray, research and challenge away, before the stakes get higher! (accusations of apostacy, loss of family and friends, scarred children, the list goes on) And all in the name of "Unity!" For this reason and many others, the Jehovah's Witnesses are widely recognized as a psychologically and spiritually abusive cult.
Don't EVER stop questioning religious leaders.Acts 17:11 - Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true.Did you catch that? The Bereans were NOBLE for questioning an APOSTLE, to see if anything he said wasn't accurate according to GOD's WORD!!!
So if is noble to question an Apostle, it is ALSO noble to question the Governing Body, pope, or any other religious leader. And any religious leader telling you otherwise should be a strong warning to run the other way! Do NOT be misled!
After all, Charles T. Russell agreed with this statement, and encouraged the same testing of his writings: To one who wrote a letter of inquiry, Brother Russell replied: "If it was proper for the early Christians to prove what they received from the apostles, who were and who claimed to be inspired, how much more important it is that you fully satisfy yourself that these teachings keep closely within their outline instructions and those of our Lord;—since their author claims no inspiration, but merely the guidance of the Lord, as one used of him in feeding his flock." - Proclaimers of God's Kingdom, pg 622
(Be sure to see the "Prophets? Prove it!" topic)
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