ANSWERING THE ISSUES AND CONTROVERSIES
I consulted my sister’s friends and they also backed their answers from a scriptural view.
1. If every member of the Jehovah’s Witnesses is required to become an elder, is this somewhat holding the freedom of the member to choose what he/she wants to happen in her spiritual life?
Their Answer: JWs do not actually hold and control the freedom of every member. They do not force every member if they don’t want to become an elder. However, they claim that fulfilling the requirements of becoming an elder is in accordance with God’s will. They believe that the
growth and strength of the church comes from the unity of individual membership. Membership for them would not only pertain to attendance during worship services or being baptized but by also contributing to the evangelism and works of the church. If they do not want to become an elder, it’s their free will and they are not being forced to do so. However, the elders would give them counselling and encouragement so they would be guided by their choices. Besides, all the elders are not being paid. They also have their secular jobs and family responsibilities that require their time and attention but they take the lead in the congregation and shepherd, “not under compulsion but willingly before God; not for love of dishonest gain, but eagerly.” (1 Peter 5:1-3). Therefore, the elders are hardworking that deserve a high respect from the congregation.2. If every member is trained to become an elder, does this mean getting from their tithes and providing full support to them and not to be put in their charity works?
Their Answer: JWs do not practice tithing and never
will they practice it because they believe that tithing was a commandment taken from the Old Testament. Jesus set a higher standard over the tithing law so they believe that tithing has already been abolished. When elders are trained, the tuition fee and everything is free (especially if the member comes from a distant home). All funds being used to pay for the rent, the publication of the Watch Tower tracts and magazines came from a voluntary donation and not from tithe.With regards to the charity works, they do not have established charities. They focus more of the evangelism because of the belief of the second coming of Christ where everyone should hear the gospel. They also believed that charities will soon pass away because of the new paradise to be created here on earth. However, when a member is sick, members give their total support to pay for the hospital expenses taken from the voluntary funds again.
CONCLUSION
One thing that other denominations can learn from this kind of priesthood is that, every member is being encouraged and motivated to live a life that is in accordance with the Bible. Some members of the other churches only attend worship service and only listens to the preaching without applying it. they are somewhat called only attendees and not totally called as members. What might be the advantage of applying universal priesthood in one’s church? Subscribe for more posts.
