The Watchtower Files: Dialogue with a Jehovah's Witness

One of the toughest things to do when in dialogue with a Jehovah's Witness is to document your claims. For example, it does very little good to attempt to argue against the false prophecies of 1914 and 1975 without actual documentation. Even if you have the quotes, the JW might think that you somehow took them out of context. This is why Art Barrett's book is so valuable. He provides actual photocopies for the JW to see the errors for himself. One of the problems many of us have in witnessing to JW's is to get them to think for themselves. With the Watchtower as their authority (they won't admit this, of course), they will most likely not be persuaded by biblical arguments. That is why many have such difficulties. But if you can demonstrate that the Watchtower is unreliable, then you can actually engage the JW in a two way conversation and allow them to think things through without the WT. Even though this documentation is available in this book, it must be handled with discernment. Attempting to argue against the false prophecies on your first meeting with a particular JW might just ruin an opportunity for a second meeting. Remember, the JW's aren't interested in people who are just out to disprove the WT. They want people who are seeking answers. That is why a relationship should first be built with the JW. And when they find that they can trust you as a genuine person, then you can lovingly and firmly expose the WT errors. Over all, this is an extremely valuable book. Not only does it provide documentation, but it is written in a dialogue format between a JW and a Christian. This allows the reader to see both sides and be prepared for many of the rebuttals that a JW might offer in a conversation. The material is very easy to read and will provide the beginning apologist to have a good foundational grasp on the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses. Besides the documentation, I wouldn't recommend this work for those who have been studying the JW's in depth. Excellent work though!

Excellent Book! One of the only ways to show "proof" of contradictions to those lost in a "one and only" paradigm (the Jehovah Witnesses and Watchtower Bible and Tract Society) in thier dualistic world is to show it from the "source," coming from those accepted and entrusted with leadership, in this case, divine authority, the biblically appointed "slave class." So the book is entirely made up of copies of pages of Watchtowers. Can't get better "proof" than that.

This book is beyond beleif. The authors do more than quote old sources. They actually give it to you. When a Jehova's Witness says "We never taught that," you will have the documented proof in your hands. The book contains photostated articles from their organizations early days to the present which show how dramatically their beleifs have changed, and the lengths that their leaders will go through to keep their members fooled. Get this book. Read it, and share it with your Jehovah's Witness freind or relative.

This book helps to explain the current views and past views of Jehovah's Witnesses. It uses their own material to show how the Watchtower Society's views have radically changed over the years. It also presents another view of their questionable habit of only partially citing non-Watchtower authors.Many of the things that Jehovah's Witnesses hold most dear are not what the Watchtower Society taught just a few years ago. The Watchtower Society used to participate in Christmas, military service and many other things that it now disfellowships people for.It is good information for anyone who has family members who are associated with Jehovah's witnesses or whom may be thinking about agreeing to that free home bible study with them.