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The minute we opened it up, questions came flooding through! We're aiming to answer all questions as soon as possible, but some might take longer than others due to schedules and/or research involved. Perhaps in the future we might establish a schedule, such as having the ask box open for two set days and then responses for the rest of the week, so that the flow can be better maintained and no one feels their question is being ignored. Let us know what you think :) Hope everyone is keeping well!

Agape love.

Will people be allowed to eat meat in the new system?

That is a great question.

In Isaiah 11:6-8 it speaks of a our new system in regards to animals. It talks about returning to the original condition of the Earth, which animals were in subjection to man. It says:

The wolf will reside for a while with the lamb,

And with the young goat the leopard will lie down,

And the calf and the lion and the fattened animal will all be together;

And a little boy will lead them.

The cow and the bear will feed together,

And their young will lie down together.

The lion will eat straw like the bull.

The nursing child will play over the lair of a cobra,

And a weaned child will put his hand over the den of a poisonous snake.

So we can also look back to those original conditions to provide more clarity, and at Genesis 1:29-30 reads:

Then God said: “Here I have given to you every seed-bearing plant that is on the entire earth and every tree with seed-bearing fruit. Let them serve as food for you. And to every wild animal of the earth and to every flying creature of the heavens and to everything moving on the earth in which there is life, I have given all green vegetation for food.” And it was so.

So, yes understandingly it seems that Jehovah’s original intention was for man to live among animals, and live off the vegetation of the land - fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains, and not off the flesh of animals.

In fact only after the great flood did Jehovah permit Noah’s family and descendants to eat animals as part of their diet, Genesis 9:3-4:

Every moving animal that is alive may serve as food for you. Just as I gave you the green vegetation, I give them all to you. Only flesh with its life—its blood—you must not eat.

However, one scripture to note is Isaiah 25:6, which give further prophesy regarding the new world:

In this mountain Jehovah of armies will make for all the peoples

A banquet of rich dishes,

A banquet of fine wine,

Of rich dishes filled with marrow,

Of fine, filtered wine.

Marrow is a rich, fatty, and protein dense meat found in the bones.

It is reasonable to have faith that all conditions of Jehovah’s original intentions of the world are going to be restored, and man’s diet will most likely consist of the abundant vegetation the Earth produces. Man will have in subjection the wild animals. And in regards to Isaiah 25:6, the Insight Volume 2, indicates marrow is symbolic, "Jehovah’s banquet for all the peoples, therefore, fittingly includes symbolic “well-oiled dishes filled with marrow.” - indicating incredibly rich and dense spiritual food.

However, while the research was done thoroughly, new light may be yet shed on the matter to provide more clarity or new brightness - Proverbs 4:18. Only Jehovah will decide what we will be able to enjoy in his new system.

Please visit jw.org and use the watchtower library for more research.

If a daughter doesn't marry and her dad is dead, does she still have a human head?

Taken from Insight from the Scriptures Volume 2:

Elders in Christian Congregation. Viewed against this background, it is not difficult to understand the references to “older men” (pre·sby′te·roi) of the Christian congregation. As in fleshly Israel, so in spiritual Israel, the “older men,” or elders, were those responsible for the direction of the congregation.

Can you divorce due to spousal abuse?

Taken from Insight from the Scriptures Volume 1:

Jesus Christ, in his Sermon on the Mount, stated: “Moreover it was said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ However, I say to you that everyone divorcing his wife, except on account of fornication, makes her a subject for adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.” (Mt 5:31, 32) Also, after telling the Pharisees that the Mosaic concession of divorcing their wives was not the arrangement that had prevailed “from the beginning,” Jesus said: “I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, except on the ground of fornication, and marries another commits adultery.” (Mt 19:8, 9) Today, generally, distinction is made between “fornicators” and “adulterers.” According to modern usage, those guilty of fornication are unmarried persons who willingly have sexual relations with someone of the opposite sex. Adulterers are married persons who willingly have sexual relations with a member of the opposite sex who is not their legal marriage mate. As shown in the article FORNICATION, however, the term “fornication” is a rendering of the Greek word por·nei′a and includes all forms of illicit sexual relations outside of Scriptural marriage. Hence, Jesus’ words at Matthew 5:32 and Mt 19:9 mean that the only divorce ground that actually severs the marriage bond is por·nei′a on the part of one’s marriage mate. The follower of Christ may avail himself of that divorce provision if that is his desire, and such a divorce would free him to marry an eligible Christian.—1Co 7:39.

However, regarding domestic abuse in the marriage, the Awake! November 2001 states:

Put simply, beating one’s mate is a gross sin in God’s eyes. In his Word, the Bible, we read: “Husbands ought to be loving their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself, for no man ever hated his own flesh; but he feeds and cherishes it, as the Christ also does the congregation.”—Ephesians 5:28, 29.

The book, “What Does the Bible Really Teach” chapter 14 reads:

Since marriage is a union of imperfect individuals, however, some extreme circumstances may result in separation or divorce. The Bible allows for separation under certain circumstances. Yet, separation must not be taken lightly, for the Bible counsels: “A wife should not depart from her husband; . . . and a husband should not leave his wife.” (1 Corinthians 7:10, 11) And only fornication by one of the marriage mates provides Scriptural grounds for divorce.—Matthew 19:9.

The book, “Keep yourself in God’s Love” confirms this:

An abusive spouse may act so violently that the abused mate’s health and even life are in danger. If the abusive spouse is a Christian, congregation elders should investigate the charges. Fits of anger and a practice of violent behavior are grounds for disfellowshipping.—Galatians 5:19-21.

So, it is a very serious matter regarding divorce, the Bible has outlined the only basis for a scriptural divorce, but makes provisions for those victimized for domestic abuse to consider separation. It is not something to be taken lightly, and not something to be sweeped under the rug. IF YOU ARE A VICTIM OF PHYSICAL ABUSE, please pray to Jehovah, contact your local elders immediately, and be willing to contact the police if necessary. It is never acceptable.

I know that once you preach to 'all of the inhabited Earth' the end will come. However, there are some areas that people can't get in without special permission no matter what. North Korea for example doesn't let anyone in or out without permission and anyone that tries to sneak in is shot/blown up via land mine/etc. I seriously doubt any JW has ever been in NK, especially considering it's bordered by nations that aren't all that fond of JW's to begin with. If the end came, will they all die?

That is true; there are areas that are difficult to be reached due to great political restrictions. However, there are areas that do have underground meetings, and underground preaching. In essence, while there may be a political ban on witnessing activity in an area, we follow Acts 5:29, even if it results in our fleshly life:

In answer Peter and the other apostles said: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.”

So, in a country like North Korea, while according to the 2013 Yearbook, there are no reported Witnesses there, we do not know if there is underground witnessing activity.

Now, in regards to, “will they all die?” We look to the hope of a resurrection for all those who have not come to an accurate knowledge. Would it be fair for all those who were never contacted by Jehovah’s witnesses to die? No, 1 Timothy 2:4 says, “Whose will is that all sorts of people should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.”

We have complete faith in the promise at Acts 24:15:

And I have hope toward God, which hope these men also look forward to, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.

As well as Jesus’s response to one of the repentant criminals he died with at Luke 23:43:

And he said to him: “Truly I tell you today, you will be with me in Paradise.”

Because of Christ’s ransom sacrifice, we have this hope that all who repent, those living today, as well as those who have died in the past, will reside forever on the Earth. John 3:16, Psalms 27:29

Which scripture is it that lists the signs that foreshadow the end of the world?

You are most likely referring to the end of this system of things, in which Satan is ruling the world - 1 John 5:19. The world itself is not going to be destroyed - Isaiah 45:18

So, what are the indications of the end of the current system of things? Primarily two sets of scriptures, first - 2 Timothy 3:1-7

But know this, that in the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here. For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection, not open to any agreement, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, headstrong, puffed up with pride, lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God, having an appearance of godliness but proving false to its power and from these turn away. From among these arise men who slyly work their way into households and captivate weak women loaded down with sins, led by various desires, always learning and yet never able to come to an accurate knowledge of truth.

As well as Matthew 24:3-14

While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached him privately, saying: “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?”

In answer Jesus said to them: “Look out that nobody misleads you, for many will come on the basis of my name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will mislead many. You are going to hear of wars and reports of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for these things must take place, but the end is not yet.

“For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be food shortage and earthquakes in one place after another. All these things are a beginning of pangs of distress.

“Then people will hand you over to tribulation and will kill you, and you will be hated by all the nations on account of my name. Then, too, many will be stumbled and will betray one another and will hate one another. Many false prophets will arise and mislead many; and because of the increasing of lawlessness, the love of the greater number will grow cold. But the one who has endured to the end will be saved. And this good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.

What can earthling man do to me?

Hi everyone (:

Yes, I'm one of the many Jehovah's witnesses out there. I've had the blessing of becoming a Regular Pioneer in August of 2013. At this point in my life, all I want to do is stay busy in Jehovah's service. I'm waiting to be approved for the RBC, and my next stop is BETHEL! My advice for anyone who reads this is found in || PSALMS 37: 27|| MATTHEW 7: 6||

#JW #Jehovah's Witness #submission

Do you believe in corporal punishment?

Proverbs 13:24 tells us that administering discipline, ie. firm correction or guidance, is evidence of our love for our children and our genuine concern for their development into adulthood. What method of discipline chosen has never been suggested, apart from things like "letting your yes mean yes and no mean no", so once again this is a personal decision parents make like any other non JW family would.

Actually about half of the JWs I've met were homeschooled, whether their entire academic career or for part of it, usually high school

That's really interesting, but again it's nothing that's been encouraged from the organisation but rather a personal preference of parents. Perhaps it's culturally and or statistically more commonplace where you live? There are 2.5 million families participating in home schooling in the United States. That figure completely overshadows the 20,000-100,000 in the (less populated) United Kingdom - where it is exceedingly rare to find a JW who has been home schooled.

I decided to come over after not seeing this blog in a while and I'm happy to see you've opened the inbox again! Anyway, here's my question: Do JW's homeschool their kids? I ask because (In the U.S. ) a majority or kids who are homeschooled come from evangelical/fundamentalist Christian faiths. You can't go to a homeschool convention/gathering without religious textbooks promoting things like strict gender roles/creationism/etc. and there's almost no government oversight which is dangerous.

Nope, for the most part JW's attend traditional public/private schools with everyone else. Some are home schooled but it's more a personal, rather than religious preference of parents.

(3/4) I hesitate because of those implications and feel almost trapped between keeping my family sane and wanting to be myself and do what I feel is right. I've been raised in the truth and lived in it all my life. I know the risks, but I can't help but think critically about everything I've been told. Even now as I'm writing this, I'm getting emotional. I don't wanna see the world in the black and white morality, and I just know world isn't divided that way.

Jesus Christ did not get baptized until he was thirty. Although I am not encouraging anyone to wait that long, the point is that you should make the decision of baptism out of your own volition and desire. You really need to be adult enough to fully comprehend the gravity of your decision. If you have apprehension because of what you have been taught, then I would choose to hold off on that decision of baptism. As you said, this is a decision you cannot go back on. And it is straight-up wrong to get baptized to please someone else like your friends or parents. Do this because you believe this is the truth.

Take care, friend. I can see your stressed, but continue to study and get a sense of Jehovah’s word. Make the truth your own. I know you have uncertainties and questions, and that is entirely understandable. You need to make your faith real to yourself. Faith is all about having assurance in what you know, and that only comes through proving that this belief system is valid. Questioning the Bible and searching for answers to those questions will only help you to come to more educated decisions in your spiritual progression.

Addressing the last part of you question…I can say for sure that Jehovah does not see us as “black-and-white" or good-and-bad individuals. He is always looking for the good in the hearts of everyone. He wants us to succeed. And the truth is we are all sinners. And Jehovah is understanding of that as well. See this faith as less of a rule book and more of a way of a life. Build a relationship with God and you will serve him—less based on rules—and more out of love and respect for him. Pray to Jehovah for support and guidance to come to have a better grasp of his Word and to have a willing heart to be guided. Understand that you are loved and have support from everyone of us on here!

There's an organization that's trying to get into my old elementry school. They're called 'The Good News Club' and claim they seek to teach Bible principles to anyone who joins. However they've been critized for trying to erase the line between church and state as well as trying to subvert the pubic school system. There are some JW kids who go to this school and I'm asking if they should go to this club.

I really don't think most JW parents would allow their children to attend such a club for a few reasons. Firstly, the teaching at this club are likely not going to be in line with the belief system of JWs. Secondly, Witnesses already have spiritual gatherings so there would be no need for an in-school Bible school. Lastly, I think most Witnesses would agree with the sentiment that a child goes to school to receive a secular education. JW parents would likely desire to instill religion in their child on their own time and would oversee that Bible study themselves.

How do you explain to a worldly friend that you can't really be friends anymore? (Sorry if this is in the index, I can't see it trough the app)

I went through the exact same situation in High school. I had a close friend but then felt I needed to cut away to do what was right in Jehovah’s eyes. Then I did something different.

Firstly, breaking the friendship that you have with this person will obviously hurt, but think of it this way, you have established a relationship with someone that trusts you. Use that to your advantage. Explain to them your beliefs. The apostle Paul set an excellent example in this regard. He knew how to converse with “people of all sorts,” even though they did not share his beliefs. Of course, Paul’s purpose was not to socialize with them. Rather, he said: “I do all things for the sake of the good news, that I may become a sharer of it with others.”—1 Corinthians 9:22, 23.

You also shouldn't be ‘dumping’ them. That won’t leave a very nice mark on Jehovahs' name. You should simply explain your boundaries and then your friend will understand why you stop hanging out as much and why you decided to cool things off. This way you won’t be hurting the feelings of your friend and possibly they will become interested to learn more about your strong convictions and moral standards. If such a cool person like you decided that, perhaps something good comes out of it, your friend might think.

Basically, just tell them why you will be cooling things off and not being so close due to your beliefs and hopefully your friend will understand and respect you for your decision. Instead of not being friends anymore you did something better. You spoke about Jehovah’s name and did what he wants all of us to do. “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations.” — Matthew 28:19. Even if they don’t accept, you planted a seed.

Don’t worry, Jehovah will guide you.

#Jehovah #Jehovahs Witness #JW

Index added to website...

For anyone interested, an index of previously answered questions has been sticky posted on the website.

Please read over the index before submitting a question...it may already be answered! For our sake, the contributors will not be answering the same question multiple times. Thank you!

To the anon who is not heterosexual, i hear you! I feel the same way, and i’d like to tell you that i’m open to talk about this. My adoptive mom has helped me a lot! And i really wish to hear your story

Mel Hdez

I'm baptized, however over the last few years, I've come to realize that I'm not heterosexual. While I could continue to remain in the closet, I don't feel comfortable hiding a part of my identity from others. However, I realize that if I come out, I may lose everything that I've known and come to love about being in Jehovah's organization. What advice would you give to one of your friends if they were caught in this situation?

It’s hard to give a satisfying answer to you. As Christians, we do a lot of things out of respect for God, and that can be difficult. We stick out from the world by our stance towards holidays, loose conduct, use of blood, and dress. Unlike other Christians who condemn one act yet exercise other equally sinful practices, JWs strive to follow all the standards the Bible expects of us. Needless to say, being a part of this religion carries much sacrifice. You will certainly have more sacrifices to confront than others. Being baptized will complicate your decision further.

For some context on the stance of Jehovah’s Witnesses towards homosexuality please read the italicized blurb.

For the sake of comparison, in the case of blood, many would argue that transfusions are harmless and that we use archaic scriptures to justify extreme behavior. However, it is not the harm of blood use that we object to, it is a choice we make out of respect for God. He has told us at Acts 15:28, 29 that we should abstain from blood, because to Jehovah blood represents the soul and only he has the right to give or take life. Although the use of blood either for consumption or transfusion does not necessarily harm the person physically when cooked/administered correctly, it is out of respect for Jehovah’s views towards blood and life that we do not partake of blood in any form.

The same could be applied to being gay. Gay relationships can be consensual, gay parents can raise children successfully, and gay individuals can be positive contributors to society. All of these factors indicate that gay relationships on a societal level are not harmful. However, that is not the reason that JW’s would not be in same-sex relationships. Jehovah’s Witnesses would not participate in such relationships, because it is an unscriptural practice (Romans 1:26,27) that does not respect God’s arrangement with the first human couple (Genesis 1:27,28).

So, returning to my advice for you personally, I would encourage you to do some serious soul-searching. Jehovah gave us free will so that we could choose our own path in life. You need to figure yourself out right now. What really matters most to you? And I don’t mean that to sound judgmental, but I truly would suggest that you figure out your priorities. You already recognize that you cannot pursue both lifestyles, but for your sake I think you need to come to your own conclusions about faith, life, and love. Living in limbo will not help you.

Let me make this clear: you’re not a horrible person for how you feel. I think there’s enough research out there to indicate that some people just have an innate attraction to those of the same sex. Admitting that does not make you a bad person. However, exercising these desires would be objectionable according to the Bible.

Obviously, asking someone to not exercise how they feel inwardly is easier said than done. But, if you look into the Bible, your situation is not entirely out of the norm for God’s people in the past. God has required many of his faithful followers—figures like Jeremiah, Samuel, and even his own son Jesus while on the earth—to not participate in sexual relationships of any kind. Many modern scientific studies agree that humans have a sex drive and that having sex is an essential aspect of life. However, Jehovah had asked such individuals to remain virgins their whole lives. That was a major sacrifice on their part, but they willingly did it in service to Jehovah.

You may ask: Why would God expect us to lead a lifestyle contrary to my nature? Did he not create me with these feelings to begin with?

We all suffer from sinful tendencies due to our ancestral rebellion, and even the faithful apostle Paul noted in Romans 7:21-25 that a war going in himself internally between good and bad desires. So, your struggle is shared by all who strive to honor God.

I don’t know if these comparisons bring you any consolation, but rest assured that God is not callous. He does feel your struggles right now. And he will always be there for you. In 1 Corinthians 6:11 the scripture indicates that Christians who were in the first century congregation had had previous lifestyles that conflicted with the Bible. So, a person is never beyond a point where they cannot return to God’s congregation.

Don’t let pressure from your parents or family influence your decision. You will only give yourself further heartache if you live your life as a Christian only to please those around you. You have to make the truth your own and cultivate a love for Jehovah.

Take care and have strength.

#Jehovah's Witnesses #Jehovah's Witness #Jehovah #JW

I've been criticized by my fellow brothers for not wanting to see certain movies. For example, when some saw The Dark Knight Rises, I refused to join because of the violence and themes of the movie. And more recently the same with Fast & Furious 6. They tell me it's just a movie and that I need to lighten up. I know it's up to each individual to train their conscious, but am I overtraining it? What's your opinion on these movies and other similar titles?

Honestly, I won’t say my opinion on those movies, because I don’t want to stumble anyone. I also won't say that you are overtraining or undertraining your conscience, because that’s up for you to decide. That’s what make conscience matters conscience matters. They are your personal choices. No one should guilt you for how you feel—especially if it’s a matter that you feel threatens your spirituality. Ideally, you should respect their decisions and they should respect yours. It’s called grey area for a reason, because a person’s stance on such matter vary from person-to-person.

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