A Visit to the Kingdom Hall

I have always wondered what it would be like to be in an episode of The Twilight Zone. After last Thursday evening, I don't have to wonder anymore.

Call it research for a presentation. I showed up right at 7 p.m. for their ministry school. I had made several other attempts to contact the local Jehovah's Witnesses. I had been by the Kingdom Hall at least 5 or 6 times and I had left my card with a note to call me. They never did, so I decided to drop by.

I was the only man without a tie there. I observed their worship and school. These were my findings:

On the one hand:

• The people were very involved and dedicated.
• Most of them played an important role.
• You can tell they had studied their material well.
• They all have a sense of obligation to teach others.
• They never once looked at the clock or seemed that they were ready to leave.
• They were dressed modestly and respectfully.
• They were not at all worldly in their appearance or thrust.
• They were convicted.

On the other hand:

• They misinterpreted the Bible continuously.
• They only referred to God by saying, "Jehovah."
• They talked of the "temple class" and the "slave class."
• They taught it was sinful for Christians to celebrate birthdays.
• They talked of the coming "reward in Jehovah's new world."
• They spent most of their time teaching out of their Watchtower publication.
• They only read from their slanted New World Translation, also their production.
• They said very little about Jesus Christ.

It is indeed unfortunate that they are so evangelistic, and yet their doctrine is wrong. I have to say it was a different experience. It was like I had stepped into a black hole.

The two things I took from the evening that have been sticking with me the most:

1. Those who have the truth should be more excited about it.

2. Those who visit with us must often feel awkward, too.

"If you abide in My word, you are My disicples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." ~ John 8:31-32