Reasoning from the Scriptures with the Jehovah's Witnesses

There are those people who hold beliefs on many things (even not related to religion) that will dogmatically hold on to them regardless of what anyone else says and what evidence is presented to the contrary. There are also people who hold beliefs that if they shown solid evidence that those beliefs are incorrect will change their beliefs. You will find JW that fit in both categories and it is to the latter group that books like this are extremely useful.First, while I am rating this book 5 stars, I am not suggesting it can guarantee that every JW you talk to will suddenly convert to the truth. What it can do is help you go from merely saying "What you believe is wrong" to saying "What you believe is wrong and here is why...". It allows you to give specific examples and ask specific questions that will hopefully get the JW to truly question their beliefs. It will give them something concrete to consider instead of having to merely endure generalized arguments like "Well I just know you are wrong". It also lets you go beyond just one or two arguments which might easily be brushed off and allows you to pile up multiple pieces of evidence, the cumulative effect of which will be much more powerful and harder to ignore.The best thing about this book is that it does really heavily on Scripture. It also gives information pertaining to the Watchtower organization itself that may be helpful in talking to a JW. For example, none of the Watch Tower "scholars" that translated their version of the Bible actually had any training or experience in translating Hebrew or Greek. A fact one of the men was forced to admit while being questioned in court.When JW go out to witness they go out expecting to encounter resistance. The JW do not just allow anyone to go door-knocking, but put them through a training program before they ever ring that first doorbell. They already know many of the common questions and arguments they will hear. They know some people are going to tell them they are following lies. They probably take it as a badge of honor when someone throws out accusations since the Bible warns there will be people who oppose the truth and since they think what they have is the "truth" the mere fact someone is arguing with them probably lets them view themselves as the "persecuted" witnesses of God. But when you can get them to have to defend their doctrines against specific evidence and ask them specific questions to answer it will hopefully get to truly think about why they believe what they believe, maybe doubt it, and ideally reject it for the Truth.It also needs to be understood that most JW are not just going to convert right there on your doorstep. If a JW leaves their church then they are considered an outcast by the other JW. Family members and friends are instructed to shun any "apostate" who dares to leave and not even say so much as "hello" to them. I'm sure some individual JW may not be so harsh in practice but it is still the official Watch Tower teaching and the threat of being totally shunned is still there. It has to be in the mind of any JW even considering that maybe the Watchtower is not really God's earthly organization. I know it has to be a heavy burden on them and will keep many from making any snap decision to leave the JW. Even so, that does not mean that you cannot plant seeds that will hopefully one day bear fruit.

This book from cover to cover is very accurate to the point where it provides all the footnotes to back up what he claims to have discovered in his research. The point by point refutation of the beliefs of the Watchtower is quickly dismissed, not only with common sense; but religion's worst nightmare; the bible itself. The only way the Watchtower is to get around their problems of faux doctrine is to change the New World Translation once again to fit their needs and I am sure followers of the Watchtower will by it because they are so programmed to accept anything that the "Society" tells them (I am sure a new edition is in the works). How grateful I am that you can turn to the words of Christ, our master and just accept what he says and no one else. I noticed some of the bad reviews that are invalid for their position that they take up with the author, like most false religions (or even people for that matter) will use these arguments and they are as follows:1. You just hate us.2. We are being persecuted because Jesus said we would be.3. You are just anti (insert words here).4. We are the only true church.These will be likely the most they can come up with to argue their way out of a situation that they cannot back up with fact. Whether it is about religion or not when arguments cannot be debated without admission to the facts it will remain futile. The book is highly recommended for anyone wanting to learn about the false religions of our day in search of the truth. I am sure that back when the founder of this religion first started there was hardly any way to search out his truthfulness, but nowadays when information is so widely available, all false religions are easily refuted with obedience to god, belief in Christ, prayer and research. I once had a Jehovah Witness just tell me "it's the truth, you should believe," most people won't just believe it because someone said it was the truth, check it out for yourself.Also check out the other reviews of Mr. Rhodes books on the Mormons and other cult groups and you will see the negative reviews are very similar. No one likes to hear the truth.

Very clear understanding of Jehovah's witness ideology. One of the books that helped me leave the JWs. Those that criticise this book, the one star reviews are obviously from JWs, as an exJW I recognise the style and rhetoric. Take no notice of them.

Rhodes presents Christians with a rich resource for rebutting JW teachings. He reasons from the Scriptures providing support for Evangelical beliefs and for rejecting the teachings of the Watchtower. Given the energetic nature of JW activity and the growth of the movement every Christian should read and use what is in thus book.

This book is very very informative. It's actually one of the best I've ever read concerning JWs. It's very well thought out and well written in a style that is easy to read and follow. Highly recommend this book, especially for those seeking the real truth of Christ and his kingdom.

I haven't completed the book yet however, I am very impressed with the information it provides. This book is ideal for those who know their bible and are in a position of witnessing to others. You learn to understand things from the JW's point of view and also discuss with compassion and sensitivity.

Great resource, and very good points to reason not argue with JWs.