Jehovah's Witnesses [Paperback]

Robert M. Bowman Jr. (Author), Alan W. Gomes (Series Editor)

Book Description

Series: Zondervan Guide to Cults and Religious Movements | Publication Date: May 11, 1995

The zeal and dedication of Jehovah's Witnesses mask a highly disciplined organization that has a troubled history. Moreover, their thorough knowledge of their own scriptures gives a pretense of having spiritual truth. The movement has grown from about 1.1 million worldwide in 1965 to 4.4 million today. Yet all is not what it seems in the Watchtower Society. How do the teachings of the Jehovah's Witnesses run counter to orthodox Christianity? What drives adherents to give hundreds of hours a year to 'witnessing'? What draws converts to a cult of strict control by religious leaders? Why this series? This is an age when countless groups and movements, old and new, mark the religious landscape in our culture, leaving many people confused or uncertain in their search for spiritual truth and meaning. Because few people have the time or opportunity to research these movements fully, these books provide essential information and insights for their spiritual journeys. Each book has five sections: - A concise introduction to the group - An overview of the group's theology -- in its own words - Tips for witnessing effectively to members of the group - A bibliography with sources for further study - A comparison chart that shows the essential differences between biblical Christianity and the group -- The writers of these volumes are well qualified to present clear and reliable information and help us discern religious truth from falsehood.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

The zeal and dedication of Jehovah's Witnesses mask a highly disciplined organization that has a troubled history. Moreover, their thorough knowledge of their own scriptures gives a pretense of having spiritual truth. The movement has grown from about 1.1 million worldwide in 1965 to 4.4 million today. Yet all is not what it seems in the Watchtower Society. How do the teachings of the Jehovah's Witnesses run counter to orthodox Christianity? What drives adherents to give hundreds of hours a year to "witnessing"? What draws converts to a cult of strict control by religious leaders? Why this series? This is an age when countless groups and movements, old and new, mark the religious landscape in our culture, leaving many people confused or uncertain in their search for spiritual truth and meaning. Because few people have the time or opportunity to research these movements fully, these books provide essential information and insights for their spiritual journeys. Each book has five sections: - A concise introduction to the group - An overview of the group's theology -- in its own words - Tips for witnessing effectively to members of the group - A bibliography with sources for further study - A comparison chart that shows the essential differences between biblical Christianity and the group -- The writers of these volumes are well qualified to present clear and reliable information and help us discern religious truth from falsehood.

About the Author

Robert M. Bowman, Jr., has a BA from California State University, a master's in Biblical Studies and Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary and is currently a PhD candidate at Westminster Theological Seminary. He's held various university and college teaching positions in the area of theology, world religions, philosophy and New Testament history. Robert has served as editor at the Christian Research Institute and written many articles published in periodicals such as the Christian Research Journal. In addition, he has authored many books, including 20 Evidences that God Exists. He, and his wife Catherine, have two boys and two girls. SPANISH BIO: Robert M. Bowman, Jr., tiene una licenciatura de la Universidad Estatal de California, una maestria en Estudios Biblicos y Teologia del Seminario Fuller y es candidato para el programa de doctorado en el Seminario Teologico Westminster. Ha sido profesor de teologia, religiones del mundo, historia del nuevo testamento y filosofia en varias universidades y facultades. Ademas de trabajar como editor en el Instituto Cristiano de Investigaciones, Robert ha escrito un sinnumero de articulos publicados en diarios y revistas. el es autor de varios libros incluyendo, 20 Evidencias irrefutables que Dios existe. el y su esposa, Catherine tienen dos hijos y dos hijas.

Alan W. Gomes (PhD, Fuller Theological Seminary) is associate professor of historical theology and chairman of the department of theology at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 18 and up
  
• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (May 11, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310704111
• ISBN-13: 978-0310704119
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #592,887 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #3 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Christianity > Other Denominations & Sects
  • #52 in Books > Christian Books & Bibles > Other Denominations & Sects
  • #57 in Books > 4-for-3 Books > Religion & Spirituality > Religious Studies > Comparative Religion

More About the Author

Robert M. Bowman, Jr., has a BA from California State University, a master's in Biblical Studies and Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, and is currently a PhD candidate in biblical studies at South African Theological Seminary. He teaches biblical studies at Cornerstone University and serves full-time as director of research at the Institute for Religious Research, both in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Previously, he taught apologetics, theology, world religions, philosophy, and biblical studies at Luther Rice University and Seminary and at Biola University. He is the author of a dozen books and nearly sixty periodical articles. He and his wife Catherine have two boys and two girls.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

31 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent resource, February 23, 2000

By 

Daniel Mark Donovan - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jehovah's Witnesses (Paperback)

Perhaps the best feature of this book is the fact that it is structured as one large outline. This makes the material extremely easy to follow. It also allows for the individual subjects to be accessed easily. For example, if one is looking for information on "The Trinity and the Deity of Jesus Christ" (an important topic when dealing with the JW's), they will have little trouble finding the information because the book has a format that is user-friendly.

If you enjoy "doing" counter-cult apologetics, I cannot think of any resource I would give a higher recommendation to than this one. It has the three key features everyone should look for...1) an easy to follow format; 2) an objective presentation of the particular false teaching being discussed; and 3) a solid, Biblically-based refutation that can be appreciated by the Pastor, as well as the layman.

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very helpful introduction, October 9, 2004

By 

Anders Nissen (Uppsala, Sweden, Europe) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Jehovah's Witnesses (Paperback)

Jehovah's Witnesses has a sometimes strange way of interpreting the Bible, and it may be hard at times to understand why they believe what they believe. Robert Bowman provides a guide to the theology of the Witnesses. He also cites some of the reasons they give for their distinct beliefs, and then he refutes the arguments and gives reasons for interpreting the Bible in an evangelical way.

Bowman discusses the Witnesses views on (I) authority, (II) the Trinity and Christ, (III), death and hell, (IV) resurrection, (V) salvation, and (VI) Christ's return. In all these areas Bowman shows how the Witnesses misinterpret the Scriptures and gives verses that contradict Jehovah's Witnesses views.

One of the best things with this book is that Bowman, unlike some other authors who write about Jehovah's Witnesses, always is matter-of-factly with a respectful tone. Bowman seems to have heeded his own advice on how to witness to a Jehovah's Witness. Know your Bible, be courteous and respectful, and remember that the person you're dealing with is - although he is indoctrinated - still a person. Might seem obvious, but we often fail in some regard.

My main problem with the book is that it is very concise. It's not a book to read cover to cover, although it's quite short. After a section on, say the Trinity and Christ, I would like to reflect and think about what my beliefs really mean. In a short book like this, one seldom gets that sort of discussion but is instead thrown into the next topic. I also miss some bible verses that more clearly would show what the Bible teaches at times (e.g. John 10:17 would counter the argument that Jesus could not rise bodily since that would mean taking back the ransom he paid). These are minor concerns, however, and mostly due to the shortness of the book.

[One word of warning: there seem to be some minor geographical differences in the teaching of the Witnesses (e.g. what I've heard about the teaching on the "soul" here in Sweden is not what Bowman writes), so be sure to let the Witnesses interpret their own faith.]

All in all, Bowman does a great job in introducing the theology of the Witnesses, and showing how one can interact with them. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to engage in fruitful conversation with a Jehovah's Witness about the Christian faith.

12 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Introduction to the Jehovah's Witnesses, December 4, 2004

By 

Michael Taylor "Michael Taylor" (Indian Trail NC) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Jehovah's Witnesses (Paperback)

In my humble opinion, Bowman has written an excellent introduction to the Jehovah's Witnesses and how their teachings contradict the Holy Bible.

The booklet's contents are as follows:

1. Introduction to the Witnesses (history, membership, publishing empire).
2. Theology - what the Witnesses believe about the Trinity, Jesus Christ, God, Death and Hell, Resurrection, Salvation, and Christ's Return and how these beliefs contradict true Christianity.
3. How to witness to the Witnesses.
4. Bibliography for studying more on the group.
5. Comparison of the Witnesses' statements on various topics and what the Bible says about the topic.

All in all, an excellent guide for understanding more about a fast-growing group and how to address them in spiritual matters.

Recommended!