[From ws 06/19 p.2 –August 5 – August 11]
“Look out that no one takes you captive by means of the philosophy and empty deception according to human tradition.” – Col. 2:8
Before beginning our review of this week‘s article, let us consider the theme text in greater detail.
The letter was written by Paul in Rome to the Colossians.
In verse 4 and 8 of the second chapter Paul says the following:
“I am saying this so that no one may delude you with persuasive arguments.”
“Look out that no one takes you captive by means of the philosophy and empty deception according to human tradition, according to the elementary things of the world and not according to Christ;”
What is Paul warning the Colossians about?
According to Strong’s Concordance:
- Philosophy – From “philosophos”; ‘philosophy’, i.e., Jewish sophistry
- Empty Deception – Deceit, deception, deceitfulness, delusion. From the word “apatao” meaning delusion.
- Human tradition – An instruction, tradition from the word “paradidomi”, specially, the Jewish traditionary law
- Elementary things or rudiments of the world – constituent, proposition of the world
It’s clear that Paul is warning against the Colossians being taken captive and deceived by well-crafted arguments that are based on Jewish or worldly philosophies, human and more specifically Jewish tradition and well-crafted arguments that are based on worldly elements and teachings that are not according to Christ.
Logically then, based on the theme text, one would expect that we will learn about how to avoid being captured by human philosophy, human traditions or any other enticing reasoning that is based on elements of this world.
What though is the focus of this week’s Watchtower article?
“In this article, we will discuss how Satan uses “empty deception” to try to influence our thinking. We will identify three of his “crafty acts,” or “schemes.”” (Par. 3)
Tempted to Commit Idolatry
Before we are told about the crafty acts, we are given a history lesson on how the Israelites had to adopt new ways of farming after they left Egypt. In Egypt they watered their crop by means of water drawn from the Nile River, now in their new territory they had to rely on seasonal rainfall and dew. How is the change in the way the Israelites farmed relevant to a discussion on Colossians 2:8?
The truth is, it is not relevant, but the Organisation wants to set the scene for what is about to follow.
Three tactics Satan used to take the Iasraelites Captive
- Appealing to a normal desire – Satan deceived the Israelites to believe that they had to adopt pagan practices in order to receive the rain they needed.
- Appealing to immoral desires – Israelites were attracted by the pagans’ sexually immoral rituals and allowed themselves to be lured into serving false gods.
- Satan blurred the Israelites’ view of Jehovah. God’s people apparently stopped using Jehovah’s name and substituted it with the name Baal
These are the three tactics Satan used according to The Watchtower to capture the Israelites.
Which of these are related to Colossians 2:8?
Perhaps at best the first one may have some relevance to the theme text. The rest have to do with temptation, immorality and abandoning the worship of Jehovah. Paul was warning the Colossians about those who would infiltrate the congregation and teach the congregation things that were contrary to what they had come to understand about the Christ.
The writer of the article did not need to refer to the Israelites to make that point clear.
The real reason why the example of the Israelites is used becomes more apparent as we read paragraphs 10 thru 16
Satan’s Tactics Today
The three tactics which Satan used to deceive the Israelites are now extended to Jehovah’s Witnesses today.
Satan blurs people’s view of Jehovah: Satan blurred the way Christians viewed Jehovah after the apostles died by removing the use of the name Jehovah. This contributed to the Trinity doctrine.
In reality, the Trinity doctrine really had nothing to do with the use of the name Jehovah but was an odd historical outcome from the debate on the nature of God at the Council of Nicaea convened by the Constantine in 325 CE.
The Watchtower writer does not have nor mention any evidence to support the claim that the removal of the name Jehovah contributed to the Trinity doctrine but it is important that this is mentioned to support the notion that Jehovah’s Witnesses have a clear view of who Jehovah is. It also speaks to the narrative that Satan has blurred the view of the rest of Christendom. Coincidentally, this is an example of the human traditions that Paul was speaking about in Colossians.
The Trinity Doctrine was introduced by Athanasius at the Council of Nicaea. He was a deacon from Alexandria. His view was that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit were one but at the same time distinct from each other. This was contrary to what the Christians understood to be true at the time. Interestingly many of the Bishops on the Council were not in support of this view; it certainly was not what the apostles had taught.
Satan appeals to immoral desires: This is true, the Bible has many examples that show how Jehovah’s servants were tempted and fell into sin as a result of immoral desires. This point though once again has nothing to do with Colossians 2:8.
Satan appeals to natural desires: The educational system in many countries teaches students not only practical skills but also human philosophy. Students are encouraged to question the existence of God and to disregard the Bible.
This is also true to some extent, although not all courses or educational programs focus on philosophy. Although some form of philosophy is taught in many courses, this does not necessarily focus on questioning the existence of God or on the Bible.
Some of the skills taught at universities globally are not just technical skills or subject matters but also critical thinking skills which evidently don’t always get applied by the students.
For instance, I believed in JW.org being God’s only organisation on earth without question, despite having done 6 months of philosophy in my University Degree. My congregation had 4 brothers who had PHD’s in science or engineering who still believe everything the organisation says without question.
Many educated people still blindly follow politicians, cultural norms and other religions, despite having been in university.
The Organisation is afraid of any exposure by the individual members to a questioning mind.
The reason why this is mentioned is because of the following point:
“Some Christians who have pursued university education have had their minds molded by human thinking rather than by God’s thinking.”
What the statement means by “God’s thinking” is actually the “Governing Body’s thinking”.
This is a convenient way of again reinforcing its negative viewpoint of higher education on the mind of Witnesses.
While at times some Witnesses have stopped believing in God due to higher education, far more Witnesses have stop believing in God because they realize that what they have been taught by the Organisation are half-truths or outright lies.
Conclusion
This is another missed opportunity to expand on the context and application of the theme scripture.
The writer reverts back to the example of the Israelites to support his predetermined conclusion. No mention is made of Jesus Christ’s teachings which is what the Christians are admonished to adhere to in Colossians.
The Organisation is itself plagued by human tradition and deceptive teachings.
Just to mention a few:
- 1914 and 1919 – No Bible evidence to support this
- The Anointed and the Governing Body – deliberate misapplication of Matthew 24
- “Full-time Service” – JW tradition
The list seems endless and therefore we need to be vigilant that we do not fall prey to their falsehoods.
These honest and educated appraisals of the study articles are so strengthening at this time.
I’m recently awakened and the floodgates are opened to all the information that was concealed while I was obediently turning away from any negative reports. This is at times overwhelming.
Thank you for giving me a spiritual refuge. I always feel calmer and more at peace after visiting this site.
Messenger
Thanks a lot for your help, I really appreciate this info, trust me I will NEVER raise a question with the elders again.
Jesus said keep on asking and it will be given you, the apostle Paul said that the Beroeans were more noble minded because they examined the scriptures and asked questions to see if what Paul was saying is true.
What a difference in attitudes.
Thanks again messenger
I wasn’t suggesting you go that far Jamesbrown and never ask elders anything; but I meant if you want to stay in be careful with the types of questions you ask them. I wouldn’t ask questions that imply your beliefs contradict WT teaching for the reasons I’ve stated before. And because they probably already suspect that some of your beliefs do contradict WT’s, it’s especially important to be careful now. Ricardo was telling us, on that other forum, that he had done something similar for quite some time, before they disfellowshipped him. I probably commented on that other site for… Read more »
Hi all I just like to take this opportunity to thank ALL the contributors on this web site, this is the site I get to reason from the bible with all in the congregation. The writers on this web site asked to look at the scriptures for the correct meaning and to see if we are on the right track. Well I did, as a result of that, we had a public talk and Rev 4:11 was read: “You are worthy, Jehovah our God, to receive the glory and the honour and the power, because you created all things, and… Read more »
Jamesbrown, The first elder you asked didn’t get the other two elders to answer your question. He got them as witnesses to your comments, and to get their opinions, seeing if they need to straighten you out, and then possibly form a judicial committee against you if their attempt fails. In your religion teaching in contradiction to WT is considered a sin. Even believing in contradiction to WT without teaching that belief is considered apostasy by WT. That’s stated in a 1980 letter from Bethel to circuit overseers. In the letter Bethel wrote if the elders cannot get a Witness… Read more »
“Satan blurs people’s view of Jehovah: Satan blurred the way Christians viewed Jehovah after the apostles died by removing the use of the name Jehovah. This contributed to the Trinity doctrine.”
This is completely erroneous, the name Jehovah wasn’t being used during this time and was not until many centuries later.
What is not erroneous is the way the ORG blurs the Name of the LORD Jesus Christ. (Acts 4:12)
Psalmbee
I get your points and agree with them Psalmbee. But it is even worse if Bible teachers are purposely teaching false ideas, and still worse if they do it for some benefit they seek. That’s worse than just not being unwilling to learn. I wanted to know if Nobleman heard from anyone close to the GB that they are willfully doing that. The problem that JWs have is that we (JWs) were coaxed into putting all our trust in the GB, as God’s appointed servants (per WT’s application of Matthew 24:45); whether they were always correct was not the point.… Read more »
Messenger,
You are right that the JW’s could be ignorant, but there is a big difference between being ignorant and willing to learn, and being ignorant and NOT being willing to learn. Of course the ORG misapplies Matthew 24, just as sure as they misapply that Michael is Jesus, just as sure as they misapply they are the only way to eternal life, etc, etc etc, etc. Their whole doctrine is misapplied to the benefit of the GB and the WTBTS.
Psalmbee
Hello all, this is a long comment, but something I noted regarding the new Israelite farmers in the WT study. When reading the scriptures in Joshua 24:31 and Judges 2:7 & 10 I noted the generation as mentioned in Judges 2:10 is tied to a misapplication in Matthew 24:34. I wanted to share some thoughts for consideration by the readers. In Judges 2:7&10 the definition of a generation who were faithful after the conquest of Canaan when applied in the current manner as approved and taught by the Governing Body surely results distortions throughout Holy Scripture. Additionally, you could say… Read more »
I viewed David Splane’s video a while ago, so if I don’t quote him exactly it’s because his exact words escape me. But I definitely remember his ideas are the same ideas I state. When I saw the overlapping generations video Splane looked like he was about to teach a correct application of Matthew 24:34, but then he went another way. I remember after going over some of the circumstances in Matthew chapter 24, that WT claims is a sign of the last days, Splane stopped and then said, but there is more. And the “more” that I thought he… Read more »
I am a regular reader of this site and must apologize but for the life of me I do not understand any of messenger’s comments, as they seem very incoherent. It appears Messenger is challenging something in the article Nobleman wrote but it’s not clear what. There is nothing wrong with discussing differences of understanding of scriptures that we can’t do within the organization, but let’s remember no one has 100% understanding of scripture and therefore let’s discuss these matters with that in mind and keep an open mind to those differences in a respectful way. Most of us come… Read more »
Nobleman, how can you be so sure the Governing Body deliberately misapplies Matthew 24, as you stated here, “The Anointed and the Governing Body – deliberate misapplication of Matthew 24?” In comparison, I apply most of those scriptures in Matthew 24 differently than Tadua, and possibly differently than Eric, believing I am 100% correct in my understanding of them. Yet I do not believe Tadua deliberately misapplies those scriptures. And if I cannot be sure that Taudua does that deliberately, or even suggests to myself that he does, then how could I know, for sure, that the Governing Body does… Read more »
Also, most Jehovah’s Witnesses are just ignorant in the places they misunderstand scriptures. They are not rebellious in doing so. Although I haven’t been close to a lot of those that claim the special JW anointing, I was close to one. Like you used to, she sincerely believes what WT teaches; and she sincerely believes she is anointed.
Messenger, if you believe that you are 100% correct in your understanding, why don’t you share your brilliance with the rest of us by sharing in the writing of the articles posted on this site? I guess I don’t see the value in your consistently negative responses. I, for one, would love to see a well written 100% accurate review of a WT article, or any topic for that matter. Please, indulge us!!
Justin M., I find it interesting that some people take offense, or at least they appear to take offense because they get huffy, after reading that someone else had an idea corrected. I can only guess you read from this site because you are a JW, or you used to be a Jehovah’s Witness; but now you don’t agree with the fact that WT expects all Jehovah’s Witnesses to accept WT teaching and never to question the accuracy of their teaching. And yet ,if that’s so, it appears, from the nature of your comment, that is what you want on… Read more »
Messenger, Wow, I guess I touched a nerve… You know what they say, people react the hardest to what hits closest to home. I do not wish to banter with you as to what is 100% right or wrong. Opinions are like noses, they are always right in front of us and always in our view. I apologize for my sarcastic remarks. My point, if you will, is simply that someone has invested a significant amount of time and research into writing on this forum, which we all read. I have read your opinions before and find your view mentally… Read more »
Justin; What I wrote here is not an attack, it’s a question: “Nobleman, how can you be so sure the Governing Body deliberately misapplies Matthew 24, as you stated here, “The Anointed and the Governing Body – deliberate misapplication of Matthew 24?” (messenger) On the other hand, your written response to that question I asked Nobleman is an attempt at character smearing, for the only point it brings into question is my character. It said or asked nothing about the point I raised. [“Messenger, if you believe that you are 100% correct in your understanding, why don’t you share your… Read more »
Sadly, the evidence presented herein fully proves the assertions made by me and others. Please remember that a great many of us who read this forum also have extensive resumes, both religiously and secularly, however they are not rolled out for all to read in a misguided attempt to prove our rightness or righteousness. Please continue to comment as your views are interesting and mentally stimulating, but please leave the Pharisaical condescending attitude out. Thank you.
JM
Well written, Justin. The purpose of Christian community is not presentation one’s 100% knowledge at all costs (1 Cor 13:12). But rather building each other in love, because “So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” (Phil 2:1-3, ESV) Let’s pray for God’s holy Spirit so that we might receive… Read more »
Hi Messenger, First of all I want to say that I’m a little concerned about the argumentative atmosphere that seems to follow at times when you make comments. We all have to work at developing a thicker skin when commenting publicly, in part because it is very easy to misconstrue what someone means and thus take offense. Even if offense is given intentionally, we have the words of our Lord instructing us to turn the other cheek. It is far better to ignore a slight, then to respond to it and thus spoil the atmosphere for the rest. That being… Read more »
Hello Eric,
In harmony with your wishes i will no longer respond to derogatory comments. With respect to my submissions, I only sent in one article. The other attachments to that email are not written articles. Those are something else.
Messenger, I think you make an interesting point. If we start from the premise of what we were first taught, we probably accepted those teachings, we were in no position to see if there had been a deliberate misapplication . If we personally change our understanding that is a deliberate move, and there should be reasons for the change. For one example, many of us once accepted the Trinity as truth, because that is how we were brought up. We were then shown scriptures to demonstrate that the Trinity is not supported by the Bible. Similarly, if we were brought… Read more »
Leonardo, That was my point Leonardo. Motives can be seen sometimes, that’s true, when those are very obvious because of a person’s actions. However, because of what Witnesses were all taught (including us) and believed about Matthew 24:45, it’s almost impossible to know what a motive for WT changing a teaching is. We know they must recognize some previous teaching no longer works for them. But one reason not to define WT as disingenuous in changing is because WT has, from the beginning, stretched its doctrine to conform to what it claims anointed JWs did in the 20th century and… Read more »