Many Christians say Jehovah's Witnesses & Catholics are not Christian but is that not judging?

Question

Both believe in Jesus & both follow his teachings in different ways but many Christians say they both are not Christian but does the bible say you do not have the right to judge ?
Ro 14:4
4 Who are you to judge the house servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for Jehovah can make him stand.
You can believe them or not but how do you have the right to judge them?

Answer 1

Let us see What It Means to Be a Christian. ..

Jesus extended the invitation to be his follower, saying: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake and continually follow me.” (Mt 16:24) Those who are true Christians have full faith that Jesus Christ is God’s specially Anointed One and only-begotten Son, the Promised Seed who sacrificed his human life as a ransom, was resurrected and exalted to the right hand of Jehovah, and received authority to subdue his enemies and vindicate Jehovah’s name. (Mt 20:28; Lu 24:46; Joh 3:16; Ga 3:16; Php 2:9-11; Heb 10:12, 13) Christians view the Bible as the inspired Word of God, absolute truth, beneficial for teaching and disciplining mankind.—Joh 17:17; 2Ti 3:16; 2Pe 1:21.

More is required of true Christians than a mere confession of faith. It is necessary that belief be demonstrated by works. (Ro 10:10; Jas 2:17, 26) Born as sinners, those who become Christians repent, turn around, dedicate their lives to Jehovah, to worship and serve him, and then submit to water baptism. (Mt 28:19; Ac 2:38; 3:19) They must keep themselves clean from fornication, from idolatry, and from eating blood. (Ac 15:20, 29) They strip off old personalities with their fits of anger, obscene talk, lying, stealing, drunkenness, and “things like these,” and they bring their lives into accord with Bible principles. (Ga 5:19-21; 1Co 6:9-11; Eph 4:17-24; Col 3:5-10) “Let none of you,” wrote Peter to Christians, “suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a busybody in other people’s matters.” (1Pe 4:15) Christians are to be kind and considerate, mild-tempered and long-suffering, lovingly exercising self-control. (Ga 5:22, 23; Col 3:12-14) They provide and care for their own and love their neighbors as themselves. (1Ti 5:8; Ga 6:10; Mt 22:36-40; Ro 13:8-10) The main identifying quality by which true Christians are recognized is the outstanding love they have toward one another. “By this,” Jesus said, “all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.”—Joh 13:34, 35; 15:12, 13.

True Christians imitate Jesus’ example as the Great Teacher and Faithful Witness of Jehovah. (Joh 18:37; Re 1:5; 3:14) “Go . . . make disciples of people of all the nations” is their Leader’s command. (Mt 28:19, 20) In carrying it out, Christians ‘witness publicly and from house to house,’ urging people everywhere to flee out of Babylon the Great and put their hope and confidence in God’s Kingdom. (Ac 5:42; 20:20, 21; Re 18:2-4) This is really good news, but proclaiming such a message brings upon Christians great persecution and suffering, even as was experienced by Jesus Christ. His followers are not above him; it is enough if they are like him. (Mt 10:24, 25; 16:21; 24:9; Joh 15:20; 2Ti 3:12; 1Pe 2:21) If one “suffers as a Christian, let him not feel shame, but let him keep on glorifying God in this name,” counseled Peter. (1Pe 4:16) Christians render to “Caesar” what belongs to the superior authorities of this world—honor, respect, tax—but at the same time they remain separate from this world’s affairs (Mt 22:21; Joh 17:16; Ro 13:1-7), and for this the world hates them.—Joh 15:19; 18:36; 1Pe 4:3, 4; Jas 4:4; 1Jo 2:15-17.

It is understandable why people with such high principles of morality and integrity, accompanied by an electrifying message delivered with fiery zeal and outspokenness, quickly gained attention in the first century. Paul’s missionary travels, for example, were like a spreading prairie fire that set city after city ablaze—Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, Lystra, Derbe, and Perga on one trip; Philippi, Thessalonica, Beroea, Athens, and Corinth on another—causing people to stop, think, and take their stand, either accepting or rejecting the good news of God’s Kingdom. (Ac 13:14–14:26; 16:11–18:17) Many thousands abandoned their false religious organizations, wholeheartedly embraced Christianity, and zealously took up the preaching activity in imitation of Christ Jesus and the apostles. This, in turn, made them objects of hatred and persecution, which was instigated chiefly by the false religious leaders and misinformed political rulers. Their leader Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, had been put to death on the charge of sedition; now peace-loving Christians were accused of “disturbing our city,” ‘overturning the inhabited earth,’ and being a people ‘that everywhere is spoken against.’ (Ac 16:20; 17:6; 28:22) By the time Peter wrote his first letter (c. 62-64 C.E.) it seems that the activity of Christians was well known in places such as “Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.”—1Pe 1:1.

Answer 2

Would you call, telling everyone to stay away from Satan, Judging him? Would you call someone whom follows a different Jesus, then that of the Bible a Christian There are facts and then there is Judging. Using good common sense is not Judging someone. I've never considered a Catholics, as a whole, not to be Christian. However that is different with the JW's as I feel very strongly they have a different Jesus then that of the Bible. So can you be a Christian if you follow someone that is not the Christ, or proclaim someone else is the Christ?

Answer 3

You are quoting Romans 14:4 out of its original context.



Romans 14 is about minor variations in practices between weak and strong Christians.



The differences between Bible Believing Christians and Roman Catholics and JWs are quite major.



Remember that over 300 years ago, Roman Catholics used to put people to death if they did not believe as the RCC told them to.



Romans 14 condemns that practice.



Let me repeat that, Romans 14 condoms the practice of the Roman Catholic Church and declares that the Roman Catholic Church was wrong. Very wrong.



Bible believing Christians are correct to point out when a religious group has teaching which is contrary to the Scriptures.



This is how Jesus dealt with the Scribes and Pharisees and Sadducees of His day as well.



Matthew 7:1 is the passage which is quoted out of context more than any other. The first two words in the KJV says, "Judge not", but the rest of the chapter tell us that we need to judge and we need to judge correctly.



Now let's look at other passages of Scripture which tell us how to deal with those who preach wrong doctrine:



Titus 1:



10For there are many rebellious people, mere talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision group. 11They must be silenced, because they are ruining whole households by teaching things they ought not to teach—and that for the sake of dishonest gain.



This passage describes the wrong teaching of the JWs and the RCC.



Therefore it is the job of Bible believing Christians to silence them.

Answer 4

Hmmm, that's the first that I've ever heard as Catholics not being Christian. They actually do believe in Jesus Christ and in the trilogy of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Jehovah Witnesses on the other hand, even though they believe in Jesus, do not acknowledge him as being God himself, just the son of God, which is why I can see why many would not view the JW's as christians.



You're right; no one is supposed to judge anyone else, but they still do. I guess it just makes a lot of people feel better.

Answer 5

both have made a new book which they have added to the word of god.

one called catechism, one called watchtower.

both impose their book over the bible, and in doing so, alter the word of god.

this is exactly what jesus denounced when talking to the pharisees.



we're not supposed to judge the man, but we are to stand against sin. even then, we're not to cast the first stone.

pointing out that the bible says not to add to the word is not judging.



but the test for being a christian is found in 2 corinthian 13:5 - is jesus in you? if you answer yes, you are part of the body of christ.

i'm sure there are caths who would say yes.

not so sure about the jws. i think only the 9000 anointed might answer yes, not the great crowdy types.



edit

fruits of a false religion? how about false prophecy? does abraham live at beth sarim?

think for yourselves.

Answer 6

Jehovah's Witnesses deny the deity of Christ and do not accept a salvation of grace. These are not issues around the edges they are like an atheist saying he believes it all except there is a god. The catholic faith instills a pope when the bible clearly states that there is no intermediary between God and man but his son Jesus. The belief in Mary as the mother of God is blasphemous and the bible makes it clear that every believer is a saint.



If you are to hold to the premise that the bible is the Word of God and then a group that deviates significantly from it claims to be followers of Christ you have to ask some questions. The bible is a standard that believers should adhere to not a general reference to be used as needed to justify behavior.



Both are Christians in the sense that they accept Christ existed but by this criteria so is satan. If they don't conform to the bible standard they are not what Jesus was talking about at all. I am open to anyone who can show a single scripture explaining that we are to have a pope.

Answer 7

Perhaps you haven't heard that the Watchtower Society "invites careful and critical examination of its [publications'] contents in the light of the Scriptures." (The Watchtower August 15, 1950, p. 263) Perhaps you haven't heard their claims: "So, does Jehovah have a prophet to help them, to warn them of dangers and to declare things to come? These questions can be answered in the affirmative. Who is this prophet? ...This 'prophet' was not one man, but was a body of men and women. It was the small group of footstep followers of Jesus Christ, known at that time as International Bible Students. Today they are known as Jehovah's Christian witnesses... Of course, it is easy to say that this group acts as a 'prophet' of God. It is another thing to prove it. The only way that this can be done is to review the record. What does it show?" (The Watchtower, April 1, 1972, p. 197) It is not an expression of "hatred," nor is it persecution when others claim that Jehovah's Witnesses are a false religion or a cult. "It is not a form of religious persecution for anyone to say and to show that another religion is false. It is not religious persecution for an informed person to expose publicly a certain religion as being false, thus allowing persons to see the difference between false religion and true religion. To make a public exposure of false religion is certainly of more value than exposing a news report as being untrue; it is a public service instead of a religious persecution and it has to do with the eternal life and happiness of the public." (The Watchtower, November 15, 1963, p. 688) We are merely taking the Watchtower Society up on its offer to critically examine their publications and their prophetic record, which according to the organization itself is a "public service." We are also admonished in the Bible to "contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints." (Jude 1:3) The Watchtower Society promotes a different Jesus, a false gospel, and distorts the faith once for all handed down to the saints. We are trying to reach out in love to individual Jehovah's Witnesses (who, btw, are NOT our enemy) to let them know that they are being deceived by a man-made organization.

Answer 8

1) Many Christians say Jehovah's Witnesses & Catholics are not Christian but is that not judging?



In one sense. It is judging someone's service, addressed by Paul

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rom%2014:4&multilayout=cols&version1=49&version2=9

so it is a judgment in half of the "do not judge lest you be judged" sense - that is, a judgment of a) conviction but not of b) sentencing.





(Grin) Yes - you pulled out the pertinent verse. However, don't forget that we *are* to judge (discern) true Christians from false. That does not apply here - you are correct in this instance, but Paul's passage does not suggest that we should not evaluate the beliefs or, better, the actions of others. "Test the spirits" and all of that.



Jim, http://www.christianwebprogramming.com/br/

Answer 9

Condemning Caths and JWs to hell just because they believe what their churches believe according to their interpretations of the Bible, now that is being very judgemental and arrogant for usurping Christ's role as Judge and the sole incarnate knower of the depths of the individual human mind and heart.



In the moral area , Christian is as Christian does and many JWs and Catholics are very Christian in living the Beatitudes, etc



In the theological area, Catholicism is the ancestral "gold standard" of creedal Christianity

and JWs are theologically closer to some apocalyptic Islamic groups than to Historic Trinitarian Christianity and Salt Lake LDS Mormonism is closer to many forms of Gnosticism than to HTXnty(Catholic,Orthodox or trinitarian Protestant)



Sociologically, culturally and in self-identity,Catholicism, the almost uncountable forms of Protestantism( and JWs and Mormons are culturally Protestant), the varied Orthodox (Eastern,Oriental, etc) are considered Christian



Culturally, sociologically

Answer 10

There are plenty of verses that say we should judge also. There are correct ways to judge and there are also things we are not supposed to judge.



Many times today discernment is needed. There are false apostles and false Christs.



2 Corinthians 11:11-14 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows I do! (12) And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to cut the ground from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. (13) For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. (14) And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.



By the way, I have several Catholic friends that know how to get to heaven and I consider them Christian. I also have several friends that used to be Catholic. They grew up Catholic and were never taught how to get to heaven. So, I think it kind of depends there.

Answer 11

A person can judge based on the Word of God. If a person denies the essentials of the faith, then they really can not be called a Christian.



Going with your logic is satan a Christian? After all he believes in Jesus.

Answer 12

Ephesians 4:4-5

4 There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling;

5 One Lord, one faith, one baptism





1 Corinthians 6:2-3

2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world ? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?

3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?

Answer 13

You know when it comes to issues like this people get so judgmental that violence becomes an issue. And this goes for all religions. Because of things like this we have war amongst our own kind & terrorism becomes common. Taliban, the IRA, all forms of politics, etc. are byproducts of the simply judgment of ones beliefs. How about we see the golden thread that links us together & shows how we're all alike. WE SHOULDN'T BE FIGHTING OUR KIND!!!! WE'RE FIGHTING THE DARK FORCES OF EVIL THAT DECEIVES US INTO SELF ANNIHILATION!!! LET'S UNITE & FIGHT THE EVIL BEINGS THAT BRING US PAIN & SUFFERING!!!!!!! If any of you agree give a HELL YA!!! Thank you. =)

Answer 14

You are a christian if you believe in The son of God. You have to believe in Jesus Christ as God!! You also have to believe that Jesus is your saviour!!



Jehovess Witnesses do believe that Jesus is their saviour and do believe that He is the son of God in a different way like us humans not as in the son of God. They dont believe he is God. They believe in Him as an angel



Cathlocs believe that He is their saviour, He is God and the son of God!!





So catholics are Christians but not Jehovess Witness

Answer 15

Regardless of denomination, if you do not believe and follow the teachings of Jesus Christ, then you are not a Christian. It's not judging it's stating a fact.

Answer 16

That's somewhat circular, because there are a huge number of Catholics and i think they're probably in the majority. Even so, you're absolutely right, i agree. Having said that, i have ENORMOUS problems with the doctrine of the Immaculate Conception and i don't know how anyone can believe that and still call themselves Christian. I am, however, working on it.

Answer 17

And JW's say that Catholics are not Christians...go figure.



I find it best to just pray for their willful ignorance to end.

Answer 18

It's arrogance - trying to distance themselves from religions they disagree with and claiming to have the "one correct faith" at the same time.



I'm no fan of Jehovah's Witnesses but they're obviously Christians. And Catholics - who were around pretty much from the beginning, well, to say they're not Christians is a bad joke.

Answer 19

I find it amusing when people claim Jehovah's Witnesses aren't Christians.. when they are probably the only religious group that actually actively follow Christ the way he taught Christians to in the bible! i.e preaching door to door about the good news.. people slate JW's to the hills but they probably have the truth.

Answer 20

its not judging its telling them the truth. jehovah witenesses is more of a religion than relationship God did not come on eart to start a religion but a relationship. JW says they can work to heaven the bible clealy states that imposible ephesians 2:7-9. catholics is more of a religion as well. they say you have to do this this and that which makes it more of a religion than a relationship with God. catholics think they can confess there sins to a prist the bible clearly says thats wrong in 1st John 2:1 also Jesus only the Son of man can forgive sins on earth and that Jesus only

im not promoting religion but christian is the only religion that has kept the truth. its not about christianity its all about your relationship with Jesus Christ. so i wouldnt say jugding but trying to help them get back on the right path and to stop following the devil but Jesus Christ. if you havent excepted Jesus Christ as your savoir than yor are following the devil and wil die in your sins and because of your sins God will punish it. the bible says ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.BUT God does not want that to happen to you. He sent His Son Jesus to die for your sin and took the punishment that you should of have because God loves you so much.Jesus than was burried and resurected the third day and by the power of his resurection Jesus defeated death sin and satan and the bible says death has no more dominion over Him.and we to can be resurected and have eternal life with him and have the power of HIs resurection as well through Jesus from God. repent of your sins and surrender your life to God. and believe what Jesus has done for you and be born again by the Holy Spirit. pray this prayer to God



dear God i believe that you sent your Son Jesus to die for my sins i confess that i am a sinner please forgive me for my sins i believe Jesus died for my sins was burred and resurected the third day come into my life and control thank you for saving me thank you for eternal life in Jesus name amen.



read your bible and obey it

also there is Good Judgement and Bad judgment judging a JW and telling them to get on the right path is Good Judgment.

Answer 21

Christians are in a denial war with themselves



video about a Christian being prejudice towards Atheists

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lfx-yOchgI

Answer 22

Catholics are certainly Christians. Jehovah's Witnesses are certainly not. I am not judging anyone. Just telling it like it is.

Answer 23

When has the Bible ever gotten in the way of "Christians" doing whatever they'd like to?

Answer 24

yes it does it says we have a right to determine the false teachers



Mat 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

Mat 7:17 Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

Mat 7:18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

Mat 7:19 Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

Mat 7:20 Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.





it also says we are all to believe the same thing



1Co 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.



church's that choose to make their own doctrines and not what is taught in the scriptures do not follow god.

Answer 25

Both religions are in the Bible as failures. I could point it out to you but you would just say that's no what its saying so how can I prove it.

Answer 26

Yes it is judging and they believe that their own clans are TRUE Scotsmen.

Answer 27

I wouldn't say it was "judging" but it is an incorrect statement.

Answer 28

I will take this question on, from the Jehovah's Witnesses side of things. Read the following sentence very carefully. Ready? Okay.



Jehovah's Witnesses are not just Christians. They are TRUE Christians. If you are going to call yourself a Christian, then follow what Jesus Christ taught. Follow the exact model that Jesus left for us to follow closely. (1 Peter 2:21)



The word 'Christian' has the word "Christ" in it. In fact, the term 'Christian' just means, "Christ-like." For those who truly follow Christ, they do not make mistakes in confusing him with his Heavenly Father. They know that God's name is Jehovah and He is the one whom we should pray to. Even Jesus in his model prayer said, "let your name be sanctified." (Matthew 6:10)



The fact that Jesus said, "let YOUR name be sanctified, meaning that there are two different people being talked about here. Jesus praying to Jehovah. So, what does that mean for TRUE Christians. Yes, you said it, praying to Jehovah God, not Jesus. However, after we finish praying, we pray "in the name of Jesus Christ." He is the mediator between us and Jehovah.



The ransom sacrifice made Jesus that mediator between us and Jehovah. That sacrifice was for the benefit of all humankind, so that we can get everlasting life. How can one discern the true Christians (or the true religion) from the false ones? Consider the following.



A reverential religious figure Jesus Christ, said that false religion produces bad works, just as a “rotten tree produces worthless fruit.” (Read Matthew 7:15-17) What fruit does false religion yield?



False religion meddles in war and politics. A prominent religious leader in the U.S. declared: “You’ve got to kill the terrorists before the killing stops.” His solution? “Blow them all away in the name of the Lord.” However, the Bible says: “If anyone makes the statement: ‘I love God,’ and is yet hating his brother, he is a liar.” (1John 4:20) Jesus said in Matthew 5:44 to “continue loving your enemies.”



False religion spreads false doctrine. Most religions teach that the soul lives on after death. Ecclesiastes 9:5 says: “The living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all.” Religious leaders will exploit their members by charging them money to pray for departed souls.



False religion tolerates immoral sex. In the Western Hemisphere, church groups ordain gay and lesbian members of the clergy and urge governments to recognize same-sex marriages. Does that sound familiar to you?



What just happened in New Jersey in terms of civil service unions? Even churches that condemn immorality have tolerated religious leaders who have sexually abused children. This had made the headlines, despite years of secrecy because “there is not a creation that is not manifest to his sight, but all things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes of him with whom we have an accounting” and “your sins will catch up with you.” (Hebrews 4:13; Numbers 32:23)



Moreover, 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10 says, “Do not be misled [or do not be fooled]. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men kept for unnatural purposes, nor men who lie with men…will inherit God’s kingdom.”



Notice that fornicators, idolatry, adulterers and homosexuals are all the same, in terms of what is condemned by Jehovah God. Does your religion engage in war and politics, teaches that the soul does not die at death or condones immoral sex?



Their future is bleak because Matthew 7:19 says, “Every tree not producing fine fruit gets cut down and thrown into the fire.” Destruction results for such ones engaging in false religions. Therefore, how does one identify true religion? Matthew 7:17: “Likewise every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit.”



True religion PRACTICES LOVE. True worshipers are “no part of the world,” are not divided by race or culture, and display ‘love among themselves.’ (John 13:15; 17:16) Acts 10:34, 35: “At this Peter opened his mouth and said: “For a certainty I perceive that God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.”



True religion TRUSTS GOD’S WORD. Instead of teaching our own philosophies, traditions according to the times we live in and commands of men as doctrines, “true religion bases its doctrine on God’s Word, the Bible. (Matthew 15:6-9) Why? Because “all scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight.” (2 Timothy 3:16). How can you counter someone saying that the Bible is a lie? You can quote Hebrews 6:18, which says that “it is impossible for God to lie.”



True religion STRENGTHENS FAMILIES AND UPHOLDS HIGH MORAL STANDARDS. In a world that is always changing what is morally right, true Christians have the Bible as their basis to uphold to the standards set forth in the scriptures. True religion trains husbands to ‘love their wives as thei

Answer 29

The thing to remember is that Jesus himself told us that there would be MANY who would say to him "Lord Lord" (Claiming to be his disciples). But Jesus himself JUDGED them as being false disciples.



Matthew 7:"21 “Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. 22 Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?’ 23 And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew YOU! Get away from me, YOU workers of lawlessness." (for those who don't know the capitals in YOU means a plural you in this translation of the Bible).



So WHAT does make a TRUE Christian? "doing the will" of Jesus' Father. Who is that Father? We know him as Jehovah.



Who does Jesus tell to "get away from him"? "workers of lawlessness". Those who don't obey the law. What law? The law of his Father of course.



What laws are those? There are a lot of them. One involves not using images in worship. One involves loving one's neighbor as oneself., One involves loving Jehovah with everything we have.



How many Christian groups even use the name Jehovah? How many have genuine love for one another? How many obey God's law not to kill others even in war? How many obey the commission Jesus gave us to go out and preach to others?



Is it judging others to see what they believe and observe how they act? Is it judging to say that they aren't TRULY following Christ if they are "workers of lawlessness?"



Just prior to Jesus telling us that not everyone claiming to be Christian (a follower of Christ) would be, he told us to:"15 “Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to you in sheep’s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves. 16 By their fruits you will recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they? 17 Likewise every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit; 18 a good tree cannot bear worthless fruit, neither can a rotten tree produce fine fruit."



So if a bad tree cannot produce fine fruit, then wouldn't the FINE fruit identify the tree?



The fruit is what you produce. your actions your conduct. Or as a group what is produced by the fine "tree"



I've heard people say that there are "good people in all religions" and I have to agree with that. But personally I don't think that all those good people are in the right religion. I think if most of the fruit that is produced by the "tree" is bad, then they need to do as Revelation warns us and "get out of her my people". That expression "my people" indicates that there ARE good people still within the world empire of false religion.



I personally think that the scripture you quoted refers to individual within true religion. It is talking about not judging your brother, we ARE instructed to keep someone "marked" who seems to be producing bad fruitage, but we are also to allow room for conscience and difference of opinion within the confines of true Christianity.



I don't think it refers to judging a whole religious group (or tree) as to whether it is rotten or good. I think you can tell by what it produces which it is.



Remember too, Jesus called them "false prophets" and "wolves in sheeps clothing" that indicates that they lie about who they are. They are deceptive and dangerous. They may appear benign, but inside they are out for themselves. Is it judging for us to DO what Jesus said and "be on the watch" for them?



As one of Jehovah's Witnesses I feel that the people in my congregations produce the fine fruit that Jesus told us to watch out for. I don't see any "ravenous wolves" but sometimes even within the congregation they can appear for a brief time. IF this happens they usually don't stay long. By knowing what the Bible teaches, we can "be on the watch" for them and not be misled by them.



Outside of our congregations? I see a lot of things that disturb me. A lot of religious groups (the teachings, not the people) who seem to be "rotten trees". I'm hoping that "my people" (God's people) will have the good sense to get out of her, before it is too late.