Reasoning From The Scriptures

by Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society

Genres: Religion, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Theology

445 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania is a nonprofit corporation formed in 1884 under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, U.S.A. It is used by Jehovah’s Witnesses to support their worldwide work, which includes publishing Bibles and Bible-based literature.

According to its charter, the corporation’s purposes are “religious, educational, and charitable,” in particular, to “preach and teach the gospel of God’s Kingdom under Christ Jesus.” Membership in the corporation is by invitation only and is not based on how much a person has donated. The corporation members and directors assist the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Reviews

[Joe Krakovsky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some folks who live in the city may have encountered or even feared those wandering the neighborhood who are out to get you. No, I am not talking about the criminal element, but rather those known as the Jehovah's Witnesses. Actually these missionaries are just out to 'save you', even though you might not want to be 'saved.' But they mean well, and to guide them and help them this book was written. You see, unlike 'professional' missionaries, I have seen families of Jehovah's Witnesses going door to door attempting to spread the Word. Personally I find nothing wrong with that, because missionaries of another denomination 'saved' me, or at least they tried to. Anyway ...

Most of this book is a sort of manual that says things like, "If they say this, then you say that." Biblical references are quoted to back up arguments. I won't diverge into their beliefs here because that is not my intention.

Some of the topics were well presented and enlightening for me. I could understand what they were getting at. What they said about philosophy being the product of imperfect men vs Scripture being from a perfect God really struck home with me.

One problem I found was that it became very confusing when they started quoting different interpretations and translations of ancient scriptures. When different words mean different things in different languages even an expert could take things out of context, maybe even subconsciously.

Probably the greatest criticism I have for this book is the answer they give for when someone they are conversing with says, "Let's pray about it." Basically, the answer says no, and they give their reasoning. For a religious book to say that to an inquiring mind is like pulling the plug on a ventilator. You just killed the patient.

I will say this about their religion which will help you understand what this book is about. They believe all the answers can be found in the Bible, if you search them out. And that is what they are here for, to help you search them out.

[Nina · Rating 5 out of 5]

An all in one for tying up vulnerably minded people with circular reasoning - a must-buy for anyone who wishes to start a cult of zombies.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was designed to help facilitate discussions between Witnesses and members of other faiths as well as agnostics, atheists, etc., on various topics. I've used it several times as a reference work without difficulty.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

So very helpful to answer my own questions as well as others. The definitions are clear and concise. Questions and answers are pertinent.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scriptural answers to most questions about religion and its teachings.

[Robert Lent · Rating 2 out of 5]

Basically a list of pitches that the Jehovah's Witnesses memorize and use. It's not reasoning, but recitation.

[Sabne Raznik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I use this in research at least once a week. Invaluable tool.

[Lidia · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you want answers to different questions from the Bible this is the book. What I didn't like was the paragraphs from the end of the chapters that teach you how to answer if you are asked. It seemed to me like a way of convincing others of JW .

[Ray Aldridge · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very poor attempt to reason with the scriptures as there is so much missing to what is really in the Bible & most detailed explanations are taken out of context.Very biased JW theology that simply is not very well grounded. Recommend doing your own research to find how to reason what the Bible actually says. Good example the Cross, using poor references. One of the foremost forensic scientists confirms that it would of been impossible to torture someone on a stake for so long, plus so much more evidence, including passages from the bible itself, confirms that a Cross is the only logical conclusion.

[Louis Medina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the book. It is used to communicate with individuals who are truly seeking bible truths and facts. Everything in it is supported by God's word the Bible. It proves the bible is true by explaining prophecy. It puts you on the narrow road leading to life and not on the spacious road leading to destruction.

[Abraham Lewik · Rating 1 out of 5]

I left a lot of notes in this when I read it, and the only trivia I remember is the head-count for heaven (144,000).

[Kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

How can you work from door to door in your community speaking about all kinds of subjects regarding life, it’s problems, faith, death, and our future? How can you respond to all sorts of questions fired at you from many angles from people posing to be experts in science and religion? This book is an invaluable aid to guide those conversations back into God’s Word, the Bible.

[Matthew Bevan · Rating 1 out of 5]

The guidebook to help you bible bash better....questions to argue the facts thrown at them with complete BS from the scriptures. Complete waste of time and energy to read this nonsense book. Try another called 'Crisis of Conscience'

[Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! It really helps when one is confronted with uncommon objections - such as the trinity. I frequently refer to this book. Although I hope it is updated one day as I think there have been a lot of societal changes that mean that a lot of the objections and topics of interest have changed.

[Christina Howard · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was full of control. I’ve never seen anything more unloving when referring to the word of god. Absolutely grotesque.

[Laura Isabel · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full of logical fallacies presented as reason. Two stars for making me feel comfortable talking to just about anybody.

[Rochelle Hurwitz sevier]

Charles T. Russell, the founder of the Watchtower society was a Freemason. The early Watchtower literature has Freemason verbiage and symbolism. An example is the Zions Watchtower, which has the cross with a crown as a symbol. Even Russell's gravestone has a cross with the crown on it. Also, the team Watchtower is a Freemason term.

[Kyle · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Jehovah witnesses handbook for evangelism. Giving him questions to ask unbelievers. Interesting book helpful to evangelize them.

[Joomi Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished the 1989 edition for the second time October 2024 and most of this book is still current with Jehovah’s Witnesses.

The NIV Bible is not referred to in this book.

[Beniamin Miara · Rating 1 out of 5]

do you want to know how the JW organisation is prepared to manipulate you based on the Bible? read this book....