Apostates

Yet they also say that it is "reasonable" to examine both side of a disputed theory.

Awake, October 22, 1973, p. 6
Reasonable persons agree that the only fair
method is to examine the evidence on both sides,
both for and against a disputed theory. That is how
one arrives at the truth.

The "theory" that the Society puts forth is that they are the "visible organization that Jehovah is using"

The Watchtower, August 1, 1980, p. 19
Thus, the one who doubts to the point of becoming
an apostate sets himself up as a judge. He thinks he
knows better than his fellow Christians, better also
than the faithful and discreet slave, through whom
he has learned the best part, if not all that he knows
about Jehovah God and his purposes.

What is an apostate???

The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, p. 13
We need to examine, not only what we personally
believe, but also what is taught by any religious
organization with which we may be associated.
Are its teachings in full harmony with Gods Word,
or are they based on the traditions of men? If we
are lovers of the truth, there is nothing to fear from
such an examination.

Not unkind to lay bare falsehood and corruption.

The Watchtower, March 1, 1966, p. 132
Therefore, how will you respond when pointed
statements are made about false religious teachings
and corrupt practices? Will you immediately
condemn the person or organization making the
expose? Contrary to what some may think, it is
not unkind and unloving to lay bare falsehood and
corruption.

Dear friend, will you take the time to examine your own organization's teachings and it's history to see if it is truly the organization that Jehovah s using?

The Watchtower, July 1, 1943, p. 203

He merely uses the servant class to publish the
interpretation after the Supreme Court by Christ
Jesus reveals it.

The Watchtower, January 15, 1969, p. 51

Jesus foretold that among his people there would
be a faithful and discreet slave class who would
be providing the spiritual food to Gods family of
devoted servants on earth, acting as his channel of
communication and overseeing the carrying out of
the Kingdom interests world wide. (Matt. 24:45-
47)

The Society teaches that everlasting life comes through "association"
with them.

The Watchtower, February 15, 1983, p. 12
What does God require of those who will reside
forever upon his Paradise earth?...requirement is
that we be associated with Gods channel, his
organization...To receive everlasting life in the
earthly Paradise we must identify that organization
and serve God as part of it.

We are told to examine what we believe and
the teachings of the organization we are a part of

Nothing to fear from such an examination!

                 II Thessalonians 2:3 "Let no one deceive you by any means; for
                 that day will not come unless the falling away comes first, and the
                 man of sin is revealed, . . ."

An apostate according to the Society is one who has left Jehovah's visible Organization, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society.

Jehovah's Witnesses teach that when a baptized Witness leaves the organization they are to be considered an "apostate". They believe and teach that they are the true religion that Jehovah is using on earth today, so to depart from the organization is to depart from Jehovah and the faith.

One can depart from the organization and yet still be believe the doctrines of the Jehovah's Witnesses and still they are an apostate. Scripture, however, describes an apostate as one who has departed from the faith This is a person who no longer believes in the Christian faith. The true apostate leaves faith in Christ for unbelief. Leaving a church or the Watchtower organization is not apostasy. There are false churches and cults out there and when one comes to faith in Jesus Christ they usually leave a false church or cult that they find themselves in.

The Watchtower Bible and tract Society is a man made and run organization which has created the belief that they are the "true" religion. They do not however stand the test of a true prophet OR a true religion,
so to leave them is not to apostasize. (See def of Apostasy).

Apostasy (from Greek Apostasia, meaning a defection or revolt, from , apo, "away, apart", stasis, "standing") is a term generally employed to describe the formal renunciation of one's religion, especially if the motive is deemed unworthy. In a technical sense, as used sometimes by sociologists without the pejorative connotations of the word, the term refers to renunciation and criticism of, or opposition to one's former religion. One who commits apostasy is an apostate, or one who apostatises. Apostasy is generally not a self-definition: very few former believers call themselves apostates and they generally consider this term to be a pejorative. One of the possible reasons for this renunciation is loss of faith, another is the failure of alleged religious indoctrination or brainwashing.

The Bible defines apostasy as a departure from the faith, followed by the appearance of one called the antichrist.