I would like to address some of the comments by Jared Jeffries on the subject of Jehovah's Witnesses.
The Wikipedia defines the word apostasy thus: "Apostasy (from Greek meaning a defection or revolt , from ?¹?, apo, "away, apart", stasis, "standing") is a term generally employed to describe the formal renunciation of one's religion especially if the motive is deemed unworthy."
As we can see, apostasy does not at all involve 'promoting a sect', but rather to defect from or renounce one's religion.
The question of how Jehovah's Witnesses view apostates depends entirely on which religion a person is defecting from. Jehovah's Witnesses actively encourage people to defect from other religions, so that they can join the Jehovah's Witnesses.
On the other hand, the Watchtower paints a very unsavory picture of persons who defect from or renounce the Jehovah's Witness faith, accusing them of doing so solely for reasons of pride, envy, haughtiness and a host of other evil personality traits, effectively thwarting any controversial discussion with such persons by destroying their credibility in the eyes of its followers.
Far from being 'all wrong' the Witness religion offers a wealth of sound teachings based on the Bible. However, on many subjects where the Bible says nothing, the Watchtower takes it upon itself to create rules where Jehovah and Jesus have made none.
It is in these areas that problems and conflicts arise for many people who try to live by these rules, resulting in depression, family problems and so on.
Where, for example, does the Bible indicate what types of sexual practices are acceptable for married couples? Nowhere.
Nevertheless, in the 1970's the Watchtower made rules in this area, requiring marriage mates to report each other to the Elders if these rules were not kept, resulting in brothers and sisters being disfellowshipped and marriages being broken.
Jehovah's Witnesses believe firmly that their religion is the one and only true religion, that their organization alone is used by Jehovah God to dispense truth on Earth, and that their leadership, the Governing Body, is guided by Jehovah's Holy Spirit to understand the Scriptures. Through their publications, chiefly the Watchtower magazine, they provide a wealth of information to support and bolster these claims.
However, there is also a wealth of critical but factual information that severely detracts from the credibility of such claims. Contrary to what Mr. Jeffries might expect, this information does not originate from 'discontented ex-Witnesses' but rather from the Watchtower organization itself.
To be able to make a balanced decision on any subject, one should have access to all available information - pro and contra.
For this reason, I would like to invite anyone involved with the Jehovah's Witnesses - active Witnesses, persons thinking of joining, persons thinking of leaving - to consider the Watchtower's own words at this site: http://www.reexamine.org/quotes/
Here you will find no criticism, no commentary, simply interesting quotes from the Watchtower's own publications. Since this site consists exclusively of quotes from Watchtower publications, it can hardly be labeled 'apostate'.
A collections of startlingly candid admissions by Watchtower leadership concerning their policy of preserving unity by sacrificing truth can be found in the record of court proceedings of what is known as the 'Walsh case', to be found here: http://www.forananswer.org/Top_JW/WalshTrial.htm
I believe everyone should have access to a complete set of information, and then decide for themselves if they would believe the Watchtower's claim to divine guidance.
Raymond Corona
