New Light For Jehovah's Witnesses Means What?

Question

I was perusing the religion questions and someone asked about Jehovah's Witnesses and if they believe in the virgin birth of Jesus.

Someone responded that yes the witnesses do believe in the virgin birth, but only because they are told to believe that by the governing body; and if the governing body told them to believe that Jesus hatched from a chicken's egg that they would all do it immediately with no question.

Please tell me this is not true. Does new light mean that anything the governers say is what goes?

Answer 1

Okay, I’ve been MIA from R&S for a while now, but I simply cannot bypass this question today because the comments given by the witnesses thus far are very misleading.



The truth must be told, so here it goes…



First of all, whoever made the Chicken-Egg comment was obviously exaggerating, but there point is a valid one.



JW’s believe anything the governing Body teachings because they are convinced that the governing body is being directed by God. Thus even if the teaching is NOT biblical and a “thinking” JW has a problem with it they will often remain “silent” on the issue because the expect that “Jehovah” will eventually “set matters straight”, or some may even feel that THEIR understanding is incorrect because they dare not question the “society”.



Many JW’s have made comments stating that what they are taught is “from the bible” and they only accept those things.



However, this is NOT TRUE.



Here’s just one example…

The Governing Body has brought forth “new light” in regard to the “generation” spoken of at Matthew 24:34 several times.



In 1962 they taught this:

*** *** w62 3/1 p. 132 God’s New World in Our Generation ***

This generation of mankind that is hearing the good news of God’s kingdom and that saw the beginning of world sorrows in 1914 would also see the end of those sorrows in this world’s destruction: “This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.” (Matt. 24:34) This is nothing to be sorry over. “As these things start to occur,” said Jesus, “raise yourselves erect and lift your heads up, because your deliverance is getting near.”—Luke 21:28.



So while this doomed world is in spasms of fear and perplexity, Jesus’ true followers lift up their heads with joy, knowing that this generation that is still alive from A.D. 1914 is the generation Jesus said would see “all things occur,” including this world’s end. Deliverance for Jesus’ true followers into God’s new world is due within this generation!



NEW LIGHT in 1995 they taught this:





*** w95 11/1 p. 19 A Time to Keep Awake ***

12 Therefore, in the final fulfillment of Jesus’ prophecy today, “this generation” apparently refers to the peoples of earth who see the sign of Christ’s presence but fail to mend their ways.



MORE NEW LIGHT now in 2008 they teach this:

“As a class, these anointed ones make up the modern-day “generation” that will not pass away “until all these things occur. “ This suggests that some who are Christs anointed brothers will still be alive on earth when the foretold great tribulation begins” Quoted from the February 2008 issue of the Watchtower.



So, were any of these teachings “backed by the bible” OBVIOUSLY NOT. As there is not one piece of scriptural support for any of these teachings and if it were “backed by the bible” it would not have been changed several times.



Are Jw’s expected to accept this new teaching?…YES!



OH and just as a BONUS JW’s might want to know that what they are being taught as “new light” this year is actually “old light”.

In the February 15, 1927 issue of the Watchtower the organization actually taught this very same thing…



“The irresistible conclusion is that Jesus referred to the new creation when he said ‘This generation will by no means pass until all these things be fulfilled’ This then would be a strong indication that some members of the new creation would be on earth at the time of Armaggedon”

Answer 2

Usually, I agree with Vot in all things. This time I would rephrase.



That "someone" was an idiot for spouting such a lie. Whoever would actually believe it, would be a moron.



We believe in the virgin birth of Jesus because that is what the Bible clearly says. Not because anyone tells us to do so. That is the big difference between JWS and the rest of the world's religions--especially ones calling themselves Christians.



Many could not finds the book of Psalms in the Bible. They have never been taught how to look it up. Neither have they been taught to find for themselves what the religion teaches as Bible based beliefs. They have only been told by their clergy what their beliefs are--never proved from the Bible.



Everything JWs believe is from the Bible and we all have looked it up --physically turning to the page and reading--to know what the Bible says on matters.



For example: Most "Christian" religions teach the soul is immortal. Separate from the body and living forever. Turning in the Bible to Genesis 2:7, we find it is the dust of the ground and breath of life and the combination "BECAME a living SOUL". In Ezekeil 18:4, the last sentence of the verse says, "The soul that is sinning--it itself will DIE."



Have you, the reader been shown that before? If not, why not?



Someone quoted CT Russell about new light. Remembering where he and those at that time came from, it would be "new light" for them as much of true Christianity had not been out in the open light since the 2nd century. What the group Russell was a part of, that was different was their going back to using ONLY the Bible to base beliefs on.



Sure, they made many mistakes. So does any infant trying to walk upright. Just because they fall down does not mean they give up. Coming out of darkness where many of the world's population still are, the light is new to them. To JWs today, it is the same light--just a brighter bulb and cleaner, sharper lense.

Answer 3

New Light is the tool Jo Ho's use when a prophesy they have made doesn't happen.



For example, I was born a Witness and for my entire life "The Truth" was that the generation that witnessed the events in 1914 would not pass away until Armageddon came, or the end of this wicked system of things.



From the Watchtower, 2/15/69 page 101:



"However, there are people still living who were alive in 1914 and saw what was happening then and who were old enough that they still remember those events. This generation is getting up in years now. A great number of them have already passed away in death. Yet Jesus very pointedly said: “This generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.” Some of them will still be alive to see the end of this wicked system. This means that only a short time is left before the end comes! (Ps. 90:10) So now is the time to take urgent action if you do not want to be swept away with this wicked system"



Well, this has all changed now. Basically since most, if not all of that generation is dead, they had to come up with "New Light". The "New Light" on this scripture now defines the generation Jesus spoke of as anyone, of any age who witnessed the things Jesus spoke of, which would occur in the last days.



No more time frame. Armageddon could be 200 or 2000 years away.



The answer to your question is yes, the Jo Ho's believe what ever the Governing Body spews.





EDIT:New Light makes sense if it expands or adds detail to a certain belief. But if it makes what you used to believe no longer the truth and the "New Light" is exactly opposite of the old belief, why would God allow "his chosen people" to believe and preach to others something he knew to be untrue.



The 1914 change up cannot be compared to a baby learning to walk. It's more like a teenager being told that the person he thought was his mother is of no relation and he is really adopted.



If you look at examples of "New Light", they are abrupt doctrinal changes, that usually contradict the "old light"



So can any Jo Ho's explain any new light on this gem, from your own literature?



From: The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah - How? 1971 p. 216:





JEHOVAH’S “SWORD” AGAINST “ALL THOSE OF FLESH”



9 Shortly, within our twentieth century, the “battle in the day of Jehovah” will begin against the modern antitype of Jerusalem, Christendom."



Did I miss something? Isn't the 20th Century over?



There was no new light on this gaff. In fact I think they turned this light off.



How can anyone believe anything they say? Anything could change at any time.



EDIT: MOMMY below has the best answer. The facts concerning the 1914 change up are not Bible based but rather how the Jo Ho's interpret the Bible. The bible has not changed, just the current interpretation....until it suits them to change again.



EDIT: GRNLOW, do you believe the above quote from "The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah - How? "



Is it from the Bible? Would you care to enlighten us?



The Nations Shall Know That I Am Jehovah - How?



VOTS "poo" story is not really a good illustration. A better one would be that "We used to think that rubbing poo on us would make us better, but now we have New Light that says we have to eat it."



"NEW LIGHT" is often just the opposite of "Old Ligtht" or a dratic departure, not an expanded view.



In the "poo to germs" theory it would be an expanded view. In the "Gen of 1914" change up, the belief was totally altered.

Answer 4

These tricky JWs are not giving you the whole answer here. Remember, they're always in recruit mode AND they never want anything to reflect negatively on their religion (they call that "bringing disrespect on Jehovah")



Here's the "Truth." No JW is allowed to contradict the doctrine made by their Governing Body. No ifs, ands or buts about it. Once a decision is made (by vote) on a certain doctrine, the JWs must live by it and follow it regardless of whether their own bible based "training" believes it to be correct. All they can do is wait and hope for the ruling to be voted on again. If the ruling is changed, it's called "new light" on the subject..



you're being lied to by some of them. they all use the term New Light, unless English isn't their first language, then they probably say something like Recent Illumination, or somesuch. Don't let them try to trick you on semantics. This is an important issue because this is what leads to the life and death rulings on doctrine made all the time by their Governing body. As Blessed has pointed out, there have been many medical issues their governing body claimed to have God's guidance on and scriptural basis at the time they decided No Organ Transplants and No Vaccinations, per the bible and the direction of God's Active Force. Now, they say they misinterpreted it.. that they received New Light on the subject.



Question is, what about those poor JWs who died under the Old Light teachings? Why couldn't they exercise their conscience at that time to live without fear of retribution from their church, when these "imperfect men" of their Governing Body were making these decisions on their health matters? see why this is an important subject?



don't let them snow you.

Answer 5

Your blessed sister. . I wonder if they will read half of what you wrote. The moment something seems to be logical and in conflict with doctrine, critical thinking is suspended.

But why shouldnt I say what I think about new light?

Well I wont because I dont have a clue what new light means for Jws. However, I once asked a similar question in which I asked whether they ever looked forward to new light, and in what connection. ONE Jw was good enough to volunteer that he thought a change from presiding elder to co-ordinator was something he hoped for in his christmas stocking. OOPS. New year stocking, sorry. So I suppose it depends if there was something in the new light that corrected a perception that had worried you for years and made you feel vindicated when the matter was finally addressed. (Waiting on Jehovah!) Or you wailed and gnashed your teeth that it was something yucky like Vot's Pooh theory and would just have to put up with it!

Answer 6

It is not the governing body that tells us something different from the bible. The bible clearly shows consistently that jesus was from a virgin.



Besides, not only Jehovah's witnesses believe in this.



If we had found some things that were out of harmony with the bible originating from the governing body we would have looked elsewhere. As it happens this is not the case.

Answer 7

Unfortunately, the answer is yes.



Your *Blessed* Sister In_Christ gave a wonderful, thorough response. May I just add:



1) If you have a Bible, read Proverbs chapter 4 for yourself. If you don't have a Bible, go to www.biblegateway.com and read Proverbs chapter 4 for yourself ;)



2) If you are interested in knowning more about JW organization & leadership as well as how doctrine is approved, read former JW Governing Body member Raymond Franz's book Crisis of Conscience.



3) I realize that JWs truly do feel that their beliefs are based on scripture alone. However, I wonder how many feel the same way that one JW in particular that I have recently spoken with feels...Regarding birthdays, he says he believes that to celebrate them is completely unbiblical. In the same breath, he said that if the governing body said that to celebrate them is ok, he'd be there in an instant with his party hat on!!! Does anyone else see the inconsistency? Of course (while I could cite others) this is only one instance, and only one issue. However, it does make one wonder...?

Answer 8

that short summary is correct.



The "light getting brighter" is not accurate. The Watchtower claims this and it is a rationalization.



It allows the members to swallow and digest a change in teaching.



The Watchtower indeed teaches that they are inspired spirit filled organization but then the Wathchtower explainers disclaims this leadership by stating that it is a legal instrument.



Something wrong in the logic.



If the Watchtower and it membership was filled with "God's Spirit" then there would not be doctrinal flip flops.

Answer 9

No, that is not true. Whoever gave that example was using a very bad analogy. The Witnesses believe in the virgin birth because the Bible states that as a miracle of God and they believe God did it. Same with the flood of Noah's day, Jesus walking on water, the axe head floating on the water, the sun standing still for an extra day etc. They believe all such miracles because that's what the Bible says. If their Governing Body said Mary conceived Jesus in the normal way and Joseph was his physical father, I expect 99% of all Witnesses would refuse to believe their Governing Body.



The question of 'new light' has a track-record that takes us down a slightly different path. New light invariably has to do with interpretation of prophecies and is always linked to the authority structure of the Governing Body. They introduce 'new light' when one of their previous doctrines is in danger of becoming discredited and they need to 'adjust' the teaching in order to salvage it from the scrap-heap of false teachings. They did this with the old idea that the separating of the sheep from the goats was a process in-between Jesus returning invisibly in 1914 and Armageddon starting. They have now admitted the separating work has not yet begun, and won't begin till some point in the future (which is what the Churches have always said). They claim this as 'new light' when, in fact, it is a coy way of refusing to admit they had wrongly interpreted scripture in the first instance. Because the Governing Body boldly claims to be the only channel of God's approval and communication today, they cannot have false teaching attached to them. 'New light' sounds so much better, don't you think?



Another example: In the early 1900s, the GB taught that the superior authorities of Romans 13:1 were the governments (JWs in the Divine Purpose p 91). In 1929 they changed that to 'the principal ruling factors of God's congregation, namely, the invisible governing body of God's kingdom. The apostle did not intend his mention of the higher powers to be applied to men visible to human eyes who are rulers of this evil world run by Satan. So the 'higher powers' the apostle mentioned are Jehovah God and Christ Jesus." (Let God Be True p 248 2nd edition, 1946) Some were disfellowshipped back then because they disagreed with this silly interpretation. They were not 'in the light':



"After [1918] he began to open their eyes gradually to the truth. In 1929 the clear light broke forth. That year The Watchtower published the scriptural exposition of Romans chapter 13. It showed that Jehovah God and Christ Jesus, rather, than worldly rulers and governors, are 'the higher powers'." (The Truth Shall Make You Free p 312, 1943)



But in the 1975 Yearbook it changed the teaching back to the original one! "It was made clear that the 'superior authorities' in Romans chapter 13 are secular governmental authorities, permitted by Jehovah to hold thei rpositions of responsibility at this time."



Their leader who got it right first time around had something to say about such switching of the light on and off: "If we were following a man undoubtedly it would be different with us; one human idea would contradict another and that which was light one or two or six years ago would be regarded as darkness now; But with God there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning, and so it is with truth; any knowledge or light coming from God must be like its author. A new view of truth never can contradict a former truth. 'New light' never extinguishes older 'light', but adds to it." (Zion's Watch Tower Feb 1881 p 188)

Answer 10

No, such a stupid thing would not be taught.



Even governing body members sometimes go nuts and have to be removed. If some of them went wacko, they'd be disfellowshipped just like anyone.



JWs have to study and examine things factually and make sure they are true before becoming JWs. 1 Thess. 5:21, Acts 17:11.



New light simply refers to greater understanding of some things as events in history unfold, as we get closer to the end of this system, etc.



We are always pressing forward to be more effecient and Christlike also. To improve our building techniques, meetings, to make things more effecient and less costly, etc.



We are progressive, not nuts.



Debbie

Answer 11

In view of the answers above one would think that these JWs on this site have disagreed with the Watchtower on many points that were later changed. Otherwise these answerers are guilty of believing in unbiblical teachings.

Answer 12

New light as defined by the WT founder: Charles T. Russell:



"If we were following a man undoubtedly it would be different with us; undoubtedly one human idea would contradict another and that which was light one or two or six years ago would be regarded as darkness now: But with God there is no variableness, neither shadow of turning, and so it is with truth; any knowledge or light coming from God must be like its author. A new view of truth never can contradict a former truth. NEW LIGHT never extinguishes older light, but adds to it."

The Watchtower Reprints, May 1881, p. 188



(So much for the claim that "new light" doesn't exist!)



CT Russell made it clear that "new light" is not supposed to create contridictions, for this would be a clear indication that their religion is man-made. Yet, on many occassions, the "new light" has done just that! Still, the vast majority of JWs stay loyal to their organization.



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.







Contradictions that come to mind:



1) Ban on organ transplants, now lifted.



2) Ban on vaccines, now lifted.



http://www.ajwrb.org/watchtower/data1.shtml







3) Meaning of "This generation"



1878-1914: A literal generation

1927-1942: Chosen for heaven

1942-1995: A literal generation

1995-2008: Wicked people

2008-????: Chosen for heaven



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJIl7GYjrxY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_kouaLYsS0

https://answersrip.com/question/index?qid=20081013192416AA2hTtJ





4) Rape - Is the Victim to blame? ( A whopping NINE flip-flops )





"IS RAPE 'FORNICATION' IF THE WOMAN DOES NOT SCREAM?"



YES - WT 1/15/64 p.63



NO (inferred) - 1969, 1971 Aid to Bible Understanding, p. 1371+, 601



YES - Awake! 3/8/74 p.14



NO (inferred) - Awake! 7/8/80 p.5,6



YES - WT 10/15/80 p.7



NO - WT 3/15/83 p.30



YES - Awake! 2/22/84 p.2



NO - Awake! 6/8/84 p.28



YES (inferred) - Awake! 5/22/86 p.23



NO - Awake! 3/8/93 p.5



http://www.freeminds.org/psych/rape.htm

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZS86DFZBg8

Answer 13

If the Governing Body told thm that the Kool Aide was good for them and would send them off the the New System, they would stand in line, in mass to drink it.

Answer 14

when it comes down to is people are suppose to believe their HIGHER UP"S when they are told something..



that is that way in all religions.. you are not suppose to question them. right..?



WHY would JW's be considered bad if they agree with their higher ups cause they feel they are suppose listen.

Answer 15

No, it doesn't.



The information must be in harmony with the scriptures and backed by the scriptural reasoning.



An example is the better understanding of a number of parables of Jesus that we considered a couple of months ago.



So, no chicken eggs.

Answer 16

Should sheep follow their shepherd or should they go wherever they want?

Should the sheep direct themselves or should they follow the lead of the shepherd?



God gives us all a measure of common sense. There are lots of Christians who follow fools for shepherds. JW shepherds are not perfect but they are not fools.



http://www.counterfeitchristians.info/





Edit--------------

Is rape fornication if the woman does not scream?

If he has a knife or gun pointing at her she would be wise not to scream. I am sure your Yes, No, Yes, No, is not as cut and dry as you make it seem. There is a reason for the yes or the no.

Answer 17

We are taught from the bible.

It has to be in the bible or we don't believe it.



The governing body does govern us but they have to be in accord with scripture or there will be questions.



Like the ancient Beroans we accept the word of God as taught but go to the scriptures to make certain of the content.

Answer 18

We are taught to use our reasoning powers unlike some religions every thing we are taught is from the bible so it is god's thoughts not man's

Answer 19

Yes, It is true.

All one has to do is do a little research of the History of the Watchtower.

Answer 20

That "Someone" is a moron.



There is no such thing as "new light". The light does not change, it just gets brighter as UNDERSTANDING increases.



You know, like the way the scientists of old thought that poo cured disease and they lathered it thickly over wounds. Later someone discovered bacteria and pathogens and stuff, and they discarded the poo-therapy.



Had bacteria existed in the poo before? Yes. Simply because the scientists did not know that then does not change the fact. But their UNDERSTANDING changed, and they stopped the yucky practice.



Would you fault the JWs for discarding faulty beliefs once they realise (from further Bible study) that they had understood wrongly before? That calls for great humility and wisdom.



Of course, morons like your "Someone" prefer the JWs remained with the spiritual "poo-therapy"......

Answer 21

the word moron means

foolish in greek,

bible warns that we are not to call anyone foolish.



From Greek μωρός 'foolish'.



shalom