The Catholic Church and the Jehovah's Witnesses

40 Identical Features

www.CreationismOnline.com

 

1. They are the one true church.

RC: "Outside the Church there is no salvation." How are we to understand this affirmation, often repeated by the Church Fathers?

Re-formulated positively, it means that all salvation comes from Christ the Head through the Church which is his Body.

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p123a9p3.htm

 

JW: “If we are to have Jehovah’s favor and blessing as individuals, we must support his organization and accept adjustments in our

understanding of the Scriptures.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2014367

 

“All who remain loyal to Jehovah and his organization will have his continued blessing. Faithful anointed ones will enjoy grand

privileges as joint heirs with Christ in heaven. (Romans 8:16, 17) If we have an earthly hope, imagine how delightful it will be to

live in Paradise. As part of Jehovah’s organization, what joy we now have in telling others about God’s promised new world!”

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2014367

 

2. The Bible cannot be understood today without their interpretation.

RC: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p1s1c2a2.htm

JW: “The universe truly is a marvel of organization. Surely, then, we should expect that Jehovah wants his worshippers to be well organized.

In fact, to that end God has provided the Bible for our guidance. Living without the help of God’s organization and his

standards would result in unhappiness and misery.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/12668

 

“Instead, refer to God’s Word and the written direction from his organization. This promotes unity and helps all to see that we are

being trained by Jehovah.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/12565

 

3. Forbid the use of the Bible alone.

RC: “The task of giving an authentic interpretation of the Word of God, whether in its written form or in the form of Tradition, has

been entrusted to the living teaching office of the Church alone. Its authority in this matter is exercised in the name of Jesus Christ.

This means that the task of interpretation has been entrusted to the bishops in communion with the successor of Peter, the Bishop

of Rome.” http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p1s1c2a2.htm

 

JW: “What should members of Branch Committees or Country Committees, circuit overseers, and congregation elders do when

they receive direction from God’s organization today? Jehovah’s own Book directs all of us to be obedient and submissive.

(Deuteronomy 30:16; Hebrews 13:7, 17) A critical or rebellious spirit has no place in God’s organization, for such an attitude could

disrupt our loving, peaceful, and united congregations.”

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/12668

 

4. Leaving their church will result in eternal damnation.

RC: “In fact, "in this one and only Church of God from its very beginnings there arose certain rifts, which the Apostle strongly

censures as damnable.” http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p123a9p3.htm

 

JW: “After false religion is destroyed, Jehovah’s Witnesses will be the only religious organization left on earth.”

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/13436

 

5. Base some of their doctrine on pagan traditions.

RC: http://ldolphin.org/PDFs/The_Two_Babylons-Alexander_Hislop.pdf

JW: http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/davinci-freemason.php

 

6. Have their own Bible versions.

RC: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catholic_Bible

JW: https://www.jw.org/en/publications/bible/

 

7. A history of sexual abuse and child molestation activity in their organization.

RC: http://www.brokenrites.org.au

RC: http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/

JW: www.silentlambs.org

JW: http://www.childabuseroyalcommission.gov.au/

 

8. Heretics are total enemies.

RC: http://www.catholic.org/encyclopedia/view.php?id=5695

 

JW: “Because of listening to the Devil and not rejecting his lies, the first human pair apostatized. So, then, should we listen to

apostates, read their literature, or examine their Web sites on the Internet? If we love God and the truth, we will not do so. We

should not allow apostates into our homes or even greet them, for such actions would make us ‘sharers in their wicked works.’”

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2006046

9. Priests saves the laity.

RC: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P2A.HTM

 

 

JW: “Christians living at this time of the end have one of two hopes. Those of the “little flock” who are on earth have the hope of

immortal life in heaven. They will be kings and priests with Christ in his Kingdom. (Luke 12:32; Revelation 5:9, 10) The “other

sheep,” who are much greater in number, have the hope of living forever on a paradise earth ruled by the Messianic Kingdom. (John

10:16; Revelation 7:9, 10) The other sheep should never forget that to be saved, they need to support Christ’s anointed brothers who

are still on earth. (Matthew 25:34-40) The anointed will receive their reward, and the other sheep will certainly receive theirs too.”

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/402012205

 

10. Combination of Bible plus tradition.

RC: “In the light of Tradition, these traditions can be retained, modified or even abandoned under the guidance of the Church's

Magisterium.” http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__PL.HTM

 

JW: “They may profess to believe in Christ but treat lightly the preaching and teaching work he assigned to his followers.”

 

“They may claim to serve God but reject his representatives, his visible organization.”

 

“Not only do they abandon the true faith but they then “beat” their former associates, using public criticism and other methods to

hinder their work; the efforts of such apostates are devoted to tearing down, not building up.”

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101989208

 

“The earthly part of God’s organization is moving ahead in many ways. It helps us understand Bible truth more and more clearly.

That is exactly what was promised in the Bible: “The path of the righteous is like the bright morning light that grows brighter and

brighter until full daylight.” (Proverbs 4:18) But each one of us should ask: ‘Am I aware of recent changes in the way we understand

certain scriptures? Do I read the Bible daily? Am I eager to read each new publication? Do I have an evening every week for family

worship?’ These are not difficult things to do, but we must schedule time for them. It is very important that we continue to study

God’s Word, apply it, and move ahead with God’s organization. We must do this especially now that the great tribulation is so

close!” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/13436

 

11. Books have pagan artwork/paintings.

RC: http://ldolphin.org/PDFs/The_Two_Babylons-Alexander_Hislop.pdf

 

JW: https://www.watchtowerlies.com/subliminal_images_in_the_watchtower_publications.html

 

12. Pagan demonology.

RC

 

JW: “The mention of a mixing into human affairs by angelic sons of God could reasonably appear in the Genesis account precisely

because of its explaining to a considerable degree the gravity of the situation that had developed on earth prior to the Flood.”

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200004182

 

“The Bible says that it is because these sons of God saw the pretty women on earth and wanted to live with them. So they came to

earth and married these women. The Bible says that this was wrong, because God made the angels to live in heaven. When the

angels and their wives had babies, these babies were different. At first they may not have looked very different. But they kept

growing bigger and bigger, and getting stronger and stronger, until they became giants.”

https://download-a.akamaihd.net/files/media_books/28/my_E.pdf

https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/bible-stories/

 

13. Jesus returns to earth invisibly.

RC: “The signs of bread and wine become, in a way surpassing understanding, the Body and Blood of Christ."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transubstantiation

 

JW: https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/402014044

“How is it, then, that “every eye will see him”? We should not expect that Jesus’ enemies would see him with physical eyes, for the

apostle Paul said, after Jesus’ ascension to heaven, that Jesus now “dwells in unapproachable light,” and “not one of men has seen

or can see” him. (1 Timothy 6:16) Evidently, John meant “see” in the sense of “discern,” just as we can see, or discern, God’s

invisible qualities by means of his creations. (Romans 1:20) Jesus “is coming with the clouds” in that he will be just as invisible to

the naked eye as the sun is when it is behind clouds. Even when the sun is hidden by clouds during daytime, we know it is there

because of the daylight that surrounds us. Similarly, though the Lord Jesus is invisible, he will be revealed like ‘a flaming fire, as he

brings vengeance upon those who do not obey the good news about him.” Revelation’s Climax, 1988, Page 20,

http://jwsites.org/get.php?filename=re06-E.pdf

 

“With regard to Christ’s coming, the Bible says: “Look! He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him.” (Revelation

1:7) People will not see him with their literal eyes. Since his ascension to heaven, Jesus is a spirit person “who dwells in

unapproachable light, whom not one of men has seen or can see.”—1 Timothy 6:16.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2007201

 

14. No saints or people went to heaven before Jesus’ death.

RC: http://www.catholic.org/saints/faq.php

 

JW: “The 144,000 are faithful Christians whom God has chosen “to rule as kings over the earth” with Jesus. When they die, they

are resurrected to life in heaven. (Revelation 5:10) Since the time of the apostles, Jehovah has been choosing faithful Christians to

be part of that group of 144,000 kings.”

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102015148

 

15. Combination of priests and laity.

RC: "The divinely instituted ecclesiastical ministry is exercised in different degrees by those who even from ancient times have

been called bishops, priests, and deacons." http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P4U.HTM

 

JW: “Symbolically, the other sheep today walk behind the anointed slave class and its Governing Body, following their leadership.”

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2007245

 

The anointed will be permanent residents in heaven, and the other sheep will be permanent residents of the Paradise on earth.”

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/402012925

 

“Jesus Christ is the only priest “according to the manner of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 7:17), but like Aaron the high priest of Israel,

Jesus Christ has a body of under priests provided for him by his Father, Jehovah. These are promised joint heirship with him in the

heavens, where they will also share as associate kings in his Kingdom. (Romans 8:17) They are known as “a royal priesthood.” (1

Peter 2:9)” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200002023

 

Revelation’s Climax, 1988, Page 201 “The 24 elders are always shown in their ultimate position around Jehovah’s throne, installed

as kings and priests in the heavens. They symbolize the entire group of 144,000 in their heavenly position, although at present a

small remnant of these is still on earth.” http://jwsites.org/get.php?filename=re06-E.pdf

 

“From these words it is clear that, as a group, the anointed footstep followers of Jesus make up this “royal priesthood,” which Peter

also called “a holy nation.” They constitute the channel that Jehovah uses to provide his people with instruction and spiritual

direction.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2002563

 

16. Only a tiny minority go straight to heaven when they die.

RC: Saints and popes. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beatification

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_beatified_people

 

JW: “The 144,000 are faithful Christians whom God has chosen “to rule as kings over the earth” with Jesus. When they die, they

are resurrected to life in heaven. (Revelation 5:10) Since the time of the apostles, Jehovah has been choosing faithful Christians to

be part of that group of 144,000 kings.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102015148

 

17. Great multitude need second probation after death.

RC: Limbo and purgatory after death. http://www.vatican.va/archive/ccc_css/archive/catechism/p123a12.htm

 

JW: New Earth and the 1000 years. “For many of the unrighteous, this will be, not a second chance, but their first real opportunity

to gain eternal life on earth by learning and doing God’s will.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2014405

 

Many millions who lived in centuries past and who weren’t Jehovah’s Witnesses will have an opportunity for salvation. The Bible

explains that in God’s promised new world, “there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.”

https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/who-saved/

 

18. God used theistic evolution over billions of years.

RC: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evolution_and_the_Catholic_Church

 

JW: “In the Bible account, each of the six creative days could have lasted for thousands of years.”

https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/g201403/untold-story-of-creation/

 

“How long, then, were the creative days? The Bible does not say; however, the wording of Genesis chapters 1 and 2 indicates that

considerable lengths of time were involved.”

https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/was-life-created/science-and-the-genesis-account/

 

19. Saints in purgatory pray to Mary.

RC: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communion_of_saints

 

JW: Revelation’s Climax, 1988, painting Page 316-317. http://jwsites.org/get.php?filename=re06-E.pdf

 

20. President and bishops celebrate different Eucharist to the laity.

RC: They have foot washing but the laity do not.

JW: “All of Christ’s spiritual brothers on earth, therefore, would be partakers in this meal each time it is celebrated. They are shown

to be “certain first fruits of his creatures” (James 1:18), bought from mankind as “first fruits to God and to the Lamb,” and are

revealed in John’s vision to number 144,000.—” The flock sit in the pews and watch. “Such persons therefore would attend and

observe the celebration of the Lord’s Evening Meal, but not being joint heirs with Christ and spiritual sons of God, they would not

partake of the emblems as joint participants in the death of Christ, with hope of resurrection to a heavenly life with him.”

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200002773

 

21. Reformation was a mistake.

RC: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Counter-Reformation

 

JW: “Rather than aid them in their search for the true God, the numerous sects and denominations that came into existence as a

result of the free spirit of the Protestant Reformation have only steered people in many diverse directions.” Mankind's Search For

God, 2006, page 328 http://jwsites.org/get.php?filename=sh06-E.pdf

 

22. Saints in heaven communicate with those on Earth.

RC: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Communion_of_saints

 

JW: Revelation’s Climax, 1988, Page 125 “This suggests that resurrected ones of the 24-elders group may be involved in the

communicating of divine truths today.” http://jwsites.org/get.php?filename=re06-E.pdf

 

23. Each soul is immortal

RC: “Each human soul is individual and immortal, immediately created by God. The soul does not die with the body, from which

it is separated by death, and with which it will be reunited in the final resurrection.”

https://www.catholic.com/qa/what-exactly-is-a-soul

 

JW: “What, then, can we deduce from the fact that one of the 24 elders identifies the great crowd to John? It seems that resurrected

ones of the 24-elders group may be involved in the communicating of divine truths today. Why is that important? Because the

correct identity of the great crowd was revealed to God’s anointed servants on earth in 1935. If one of the 24 elders was used to

convey that important truth, he would have had to be resurrected to heaven by 1935 at the latest. That would indicate that the first

resurrection began sometime between 1914 and 1935. Can we be more precise?” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2007006

 

Therefore, anointed Christians who died before Christ’s presence were raised to heavenly life ahead of those who were still alive

during Christ’s presence. This means that the first resurrection must have begun early in Christ’s presence, and it continues “during

his presence.” (1 Corinthians 15:23) Rather than occurring all at once, the first resurrection takes place over a period of time.”

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2007006

 

24. Base their salvation on a complicated system of works.

RC: http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/_INDEX.HTM

 

JW: “What does Jesus’ role as Mediator involve? Well, Jehovah applies the value of Jesus’ blood to those being brought into the

new covenant. In this way, Jehovah legally credits them with righteousness. (Romans 3:24; Hebrews 9:15) God can then take them

into the new covenant with the prospect of their becoming heavenly king-priests! As their Mediator, Jesus assists them in

maintaining a clean standing before God.—Hebrews 2:16. Why should all Christians, whatever their hope, truly appreciate Jesus’

role as Mediator? What about those who are not in the new covenant, those who hope to live forever on earth, not in heaven? While

not participants in the new covenant, these are beneficiaries of it. They receive forgiveness of their sins and are declared righteous

as God’s friends. (James. 2:23; 1 John 2:1, 2) Whether we have a heavenly hope or an earthly hope, each one of us has good reason

to appreciate Jesus’ role as the Mediator of the new covenant.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2008922

 

25. Believe that that our heavenly mediator is a created being.

RC: The Virgin Mary. “Therefore the Blessed Virgin is invoked in the Church under the titles of Advocate, Helper, Benefactress,

and Mediatrix." http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P2C.HTM

 

JW: Jesus. “The Bible book of Hebrews points out that Jesus Christ, since his resurrection and entry into heaven, is “a high priest

according to the manner of Melchizedek forever.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200002023

 

26. Practice latria and dulia in their worship.

RC: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Latria

 

JW: “Is Jesus worthy of such obeisance? Most decidedly, yes! In his letter to the Hebrews, the apostle Paul explains that as the “heir

of all things,” Jesus has “sat down on the right hand of the Majesty in lofty places.” (Hebrews 1:2-4).”

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102000250

 

The Bible clearly indicates, however, that our worship—in the sense of religious reverence and devotion—must be addressed solely

to God.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102000250

 

27. You can only be saved through their organization.

RC: “Hence they could not be saved who, knowing that the Catholic Church was founded as necessary by God through Christ,

would refuse either to enter it or to remain in it.” http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P29.HTM

 

JW: “If we are to have Jehovah’s favor and blessing as individuals, we must support his organization and accept adjustments in our

understanding of the Scriptures.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2014367

 

JW: “An even greater mistake would be to allow the faults of others to stumble us and cause us to leave Jehovah’s organization.

Were that to happen, we would lose not only the privilege of doing God’s will but also the hope of life in God’s new world.”

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/12615

 

28. Salvation is God acting via a creature.

RC: God and Mary “"Mary's function as mother of men in no way obscures or diminishes this unique mediation of Christ, but rather

shows its power. But the Blessed Virgin's salutary influence on men flows forth from the superabundance of the merits of Christ,

rests on his mediation, depends entirely on it, and draws all its power from it." "No creature could ever be counted along with the

Incarnate Word and Redeemer; but just as the priesthood of Christ is shared in various ways both by his ministers and the faithful,

and as the one goodness of God is radiated in different ways among his creatures, so also the unique mediation of the Redeemer

does not exclude but rather gives rise to a manifold cooperation which is but a sharing in this one source."

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P2C.HTM

 

JW: God and Jesus. “Accordingly, Jesus Christ can rightly be called “our Savior,” even though he performs the salvation as the

agent of Jehovah. (Titus 1:4; 2 Peter 1:11) The name Jesus, given to God’s Son by angelic direction, means “Jehovah Is Salvation,”

for, said the angel, “he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21; Luke 1:31) This name points out that Jehovah is the

Source of salvation, accomplished through Jesus. For this reason we find the Father and the Son spoken of together in connection

with salvation.—Titus 2:11-13; 3:4-6.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200003848

 

29. The organization is our Mother

RC: “With a mother's foresight, she also lavishes on us day after day in her liturgy the nourishment of the Word and Eucharist of

the Lord.” http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P73.HTM

 

JW: “At last, the brothers in Estonia were in contact with “Mother,” as the brothers called Jehovah’s organization.”

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/302011002

 

JW: “We cannot hope to be saved at Armageddon unless we continue to take in regular spiritual food and keep in close contact with

‘Mother.’ He was referring to remaining in touch with the earthly part of Jehovah’s organization. Such brothers were a precious

asset to God’s people and a bulwark against those who tried to disrupt their unity.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/302006006

 

JW: “God’s organization plays a vital role in our spiritual growth. It provides a wealth of Bible publications that help us to grow in

accurate knowledge, to act wisely when we are faced with problems, and to cultivate a close relationship with God. Like a mother

who makes sure that her child is well-fed and cared for, “the faithful and discreet slave” provides an abundance of timely spiritual

food for our spiritual advancement.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/16023

 

30. The organization is infallible

RC: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papal_infallibility

 

JW: “No matter what false teachers say, we will not follow them! We have no reason to listen to people who are like wells with no

water. Those who listen to them will be disappointed. We are determined to be loyal to Jehovah and to his organization. This

organization has never disappointed us and always gives us an abundance of pure waters of truth from God’s Word.”

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/14634

 

JW: “After Armageddon, will there be any organization on earth? The Bible says: “There are new heavens and a new earth that we

are awaiting according to his promise, and in these righteousness is to dwell.” (2 Peter 3:13) The old heavens and earth are the

corrupt governments and the people whom they control. After they are gone, what will replace them? “New heavens and a new

earth.” The new heavens refer to a new government, the Kingdom made up of Jesus Christ and his 144,000 co-rulers. The new earth

refers to the people ruled by God’s Kingdom. Jesus and his co-rulers will perfectly imitate Jehovah God, who is a God of order.

(1 Corinthians 14:33) So the “new earth” will be organized. There will be good men to take care of things. (Psalm 45:16) Those

men will be guided by Christ and the 144,000. Imagine a time when all corrupt organizations will be replaced by a single, united

organization that can never be corrupted!” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/12435

 

31. The Holy Spirit is received via the Eucharist

RC: "The Eucharist is the efficacious sign and sublime cause of that communion in the divine life and that unity of the People of

God by which the Church is kept in being. It is the culmination both of God's action sanctifying the world in Christ and of the

worship men offer to Christ and through him to the Father in the Holy Spirit."

http://www.vatican.va/archive/ENG0015/__P3X.HTM

 

JW: “How does God’s spirit search “into all things, even the deep things of God”? Rather than give each Christian a separate

revelation, Jehovah uses his spirit to direct his organization, which provides God’s unified people with an understanding of the

Bible. (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:3-6) Worldwide, all congregations enjoy a similar program of Bible study.”

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/15908

 

32. The official doctrines that have changed dramatically over time.

RC: http://eaec.org/cults/rc/timeline.htm

 

JW: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Development_of_Jehovah%27s_Witnesses_doctrine

 

33. Conflict between church and state

RC: “The UN’s Committee on the Rights of the Child (CRC) has denounced the Vatican for adopting policies that allowed priests

to sexually abuse thousands of children. The UN Watchdog also analysed the situation of children’s rights in Russia, Germany and

other countries.” http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/unifeed/asset/U140/U140205a

 

JW: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehovah%27s_Witnesses_and_governments

 

34. Believe in a future one world government

RC:

JW: “Only a global administration could distribute the earth’s resources fairly.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/14049

 

After Armageddon, mankind will be under just one government, God’s Kingdom. That Kingdom will do God’s will and bring

wonderful blessings.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/bh/E/2014/0

 

The only way the world will become united is by having one world authority that works in the interests of all people. Many thinking

people recognize this need.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/16343

 

35. All religions must submit to them

RC:

 

JW: “What a marvelous world that will be! And in that righteous new system, there will be only one religion, one true form of

worship. Is it not the course of wisdom for you to take the necessary steps to come into association with true worshippers right

now?” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/publication/r1/lp-e/bh/E/2014/0

 

36. Celibacy

https://www.jw.org/en/publications/jw-meeting-workbook/april-2019-mwb/meeting-schedule-apr1-7/singleness-gift/

https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/w20130715/new-member-governing-body/

 

37. Their leaders live in the world headquarters.

RC: http://w2.vatican.va/content/francesco/en.html

 

JW: “The Governing Body is made up of spirit-anointed men who live and work here at Warwick.”

https://download-a.akamaihd.net/files/media_cmsassets/70/fo_s-WHQ_E.pdf

 

38. Religious orders

RC: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Religious_institute

 

JW:

Circuit Overseer Organized To Do Jehovah’s Will, May 2016, Page 44

Branch Committee Organized To Do Jehovah’s Will, May 2016, Page 47

Headquarters Representatives Organized To Do Jehovah’s Will, May 2016, Page 48

Ministerial Servants Organized To Do Jehovah’s Will, May 2016, Page 50

Pioneer Service Organized To Do Jehovah’s Will, May 2016, Page 101

Field Missionaries Organized To Do Jehovah’s Will, May 2016, Page 103

Circuit Work Organized To Do Jehovah’s Will, May 2016, Page 103

Bethel Service Organized To Do Jehovah’s Will, May 2016, Page 104

https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/gods-kingdom/education/ministry-school-training/

https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/jehovahs-will/ministerial-servants/

https://www.jw.org/en/publications/books/jehovahs-will/jw-pioneer/

 

39. Holy days

RC: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easter

 

JW:

Congregation Meetings Organized To Do Jehovah’s Will, May 2016, Page 55

Public Meeting Organized To Do Jehovah’s Will, May 2016, Page 56

Our Christian Life And Ministry Organized To Do Jehovah’s Will, May 2016, Page

Circuit Assemblies Organized To Do Jehovah’s Will, May 2016, Page 63

Regional Conventions Organized To Do Jehovah’s Will, May 2016, Page 63

The Lord’s Evening Meal Organized To Do Jehovah’s Will, May 2016, Page 65

 

40. Both view every other church as heretical and false.

 

41. Leaders beatified

RC: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beatification

 

JW: “GUY HOLLIS PIERCE, a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, finished his earthly course on Tuesday,

March 18, 2014. He was 79 years old when his hope to be one of Christ’s resurrected brothers became a reality.”

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2014922

 

More

“An important way that we display loyalty to God is by following the direction we receive from his organization. For example,

consider the suggestions we have been given regarding our Bible students. It has been recommended that soon after establishing a

personal study with someone in the book What Does the Bible Really Teach? We take a few minutes after each study to direct the

student’s attention to the organization. We can do this by using the video What Happens at a Kingdom Hall? And the brochure Who

Are Doing Jehovah’s Will Today? It has been suggested that when we finish studying the Bible Teach book with a progressive

student, we study the book “Keep Yourselves in God’s Love” with him, even if he is baptized by that time. The organization has

given this direction so that new disciples will be “stabilized in the faith.” (Colossians 2:7) Are you following such suggestions from

Jehovah’s organization?” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2016849

 

“It was also discerned in the 1920’s that there are two opposing organizations—Jehovah’s and Satan’s. The fight is on between

them, and we will be on the winning side only if we keep in step with Jehovah’s organization.”

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2001050

 

“In modern times, a very small number among God’s people have become disgruntled with some aspect of Christian teaching and

have murmured against the earthly part of Jehovah’s organization. Why does this happen? Such murmuring is often caused by a

lack of understanding of God’s way of doing things. The Creator progressively reveals the truth to his people. Hence, our

understanding of the Scriptures is bound to be refined from time to time. The vast majority of Jehovah’s people rejoice over such

refinements. A few become “righteous overmuch” and resent the changes. (Ecclesiastes 7:16) Pride may play a role, and some fall

into the trap of independent thinking. Whatever the reason, such murmuring is hazardous, since it can draw us back into the world

and its ways.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2006525

 

“Like them, do you have a desire to study and recount the history of the earthly part of Jehovah’s organization? The more you learn

about God’s organization and how Jehovah supports his people, the more real God’s Kingdom will be to you. Your desire to preach

the good news of the Kingdom will naturally intensify. Jeremiah 9:24; Luke 4:43.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/14158

 

“When faced with far-reaching decisions, we do not trust in our own wisdom but look to Jehovah and his organization for guidance.

And just as a child seeks his parents’ protection when a storm rages, we seek protection in Jehovah’s organization when, like a

thunderstorm, the problems of this world strike us.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/14542

 

“By being obedient and loyal to the direction received from the earthly part of God’s organization, you show that you are keeping

pace with Jehovah’s celestial chariot and are working in harmony with his holy spirit. Hebrews 13:17.”

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/14915

 

“Second, we love the organization that has taught us the precious truths that so plainly separate us from Babylon the Great. At the

same time, we recognize that our knowledge of God’s purpose is not perfect; our understanding has undergone adjustments over

the years. Loyal Christians are content to wait on Jehovah for all such refinements. (Proverbs 4:18) Meanwhile, we will not abandon

the organization that God is pleased to use, for we see the clear evidence of his blessing upon it.”

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lpe/0/16534

 

“Loyalty to God also includes loyalty to his organization.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/17520

 

“No other religious organization has been willing to rely so completely on God’s Word even when doing so may be very difficult

for some of its members.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/12417

 

“Refusing to accept a refinement is to be left behind as the organization moves ahead.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/15989

 

“At Armageddon at the latest, those opponents will be compelled to acknowledge that the earthly part of God’s organization truly

represents the heavenly part.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/16377

 

“Throughout the last days, the anointed brothers who make up the faithful slave have served together at headquarters. In recent

decades, that slave has been closely identified with the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Note, however, that the word

“slave” in Jesus’ illustration is singular, indicating that this is a composite slave. The decisions of the Governing Body are thus made

collectively.” https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/13705

 

By Paul Nethercott, July 2017

 

paul_nethercott@live.com.au

www.CreationismOnline.com