At dinner time, the phone rang. Innocuously marketed as a “religious survey”, discussion ensued on spiritual concerns. When I asked the caller, her name was Cathy, if she was acting as an individual or with a particular group, my question was dismissed. I persisted a second time, and was haltingly informed the caller was with the Jehovah Witnesses. My innate queasiness was supplanted by evangelical zeal. An opportunity dropped in my lap to share living faith with someone who by their own admission is religious, but not a Christian!
Respectful dialog tinged with occasional irritation commenced. Instead of the caller dictating the discussion, I steered conversation. Particularly, matters centered around three topics. First, we briefly discussed source of authority, namely the Bible. My caller Cathy was taken aback a bit when I challenged its veracity of the JW version named the New World Translation, to the original Greek. More importantly, their belief system does not consider Scripture as the final authority, rather only as it is subjectively interpreted by their own Watchtower Society. That, is a smoking gun.
Agreeing to disagree on Scripture (always a perilous presumption), we proceeded to discuss whether Jesus is God, versus merely a created being. We volleyed a variety of passages including John 1, Colossians 1 & 2, Hebrews 1, and Revelation 1, among others. As dialog tenuously proceeded then bogged, I suggested to my caller that we admit we have different viewpoints, and thus settle for clarity over agreement. She was not comfortable with that.
Thirdly, as we neared closing (I confess, my endurance was flagging), Cathy informed me she called because she wanted to share God with people. Affirming her endeavor, I asked if she was doing so because she wanted to, or if she felt she had to in order to earn God’s acceptance (Salvation). I reminded that Scripture (quoting a few strategic verses to buttress my case) teaches we are not saved by works, but by grace. That discussion was equally unreconciled. I suspected it would be.
We concluded our conversation amicably, with my caller informing me she merely wants to find truth. I concurred! Then I politely submitted that we both sincerely investigate matters to discern which of us is following the truth, and which one is following... a lie.
This happens to everybody, which explains why you’re still reading this lengthy article. Please know this is not academic theory or professional exploit for me, it is personal. Permit me to humbly share that my eldest brother has been a Jehovah Witness for thirty years. He and I have never had a meaningful discussion on theology, or anything else for that matter, for those past three decades -- by his choice.
Let’s be rational. Truth matters: to your surgeon, to your accountant, to your electrician, to God. It best matter to you, especially as regards eternity. Second, by definition, truth implies error. Basic laws of logic teach that something cannot be true and false at the same time. Not yes and no. For that matter, truth is narrow. Two plus two equals four: not three, not five. If I am convinced I have found truth in Christ, I must be willing to scrutinize and verify it. If it stands the test, I must defend it. And surely, if I love someone enough whom I believe to be in error, I am compelled to share said truth! To brusquely “blow them off” ...for eternity... is heartless. Some argue we should just live and let live; I remind you, she called me.
Allow me to present a basic matrix to engage divergent belief systems (i.e. cults) who approach you and me. We get lured into the bushes and argue peripheral matters such as blood transfusions, saluting the flag, and more. Keep it central. If we cannot agree on essential doctrine, such as the nature of God, then other stuff doesn’t matter.
My classic illustration is the three-legged stool. I shared this dated concept with my young adult son and his lovely wife the other day. As I referenced a three-legged milking stool, they looked at me like I was from the Planet Krouton.
Truth stands on the surface. It is upheld by three essential supports. First is Scripture, the source of doctrine and authority. If the well from which you draw is spurious, all else is suspect. Second is the doctrine of Christ. The candid question being, “Jesus claimed to be God. Is He who He says He is?” If not, dismiss Him. If so, worship Him. Third and final is Soteriology, a fancy term which merely means, the doctrine of Salvation. A cardinal tenet of orthodox Christianity states that salvation is sola gracia, solely by grace. All cults (whether they admit it or not) teach that salvation is earned (generally, by meeting the criteria set by the group). Knock out any one, let alone two or three of these supports, and truth comes tumbling down. Now for your part: you do not have to be an expert about other beliefs, just own your own. First know, as in study, what you believe on all three counts. Quit being lazy. Second, articulate why you believe it. Quit being cozy. Then, when the proverbial knock raps the door, or the phone rings, answer, and in the words of the biblical writer Jude, “contend earnestly for the faith”. Stop being busy.
There’s no shame in that.