Can Jehovah's Witnesses hold and discuss openly with other Witnesses opinions that differ from orthodox WTS te?

There is a key point in this question that some have missed. "WTS teachings." That implies that the legal corporation that is used by Jehovah's Witnesses has "teachings" that Jehovah's Witnesses adhere to and disseminate to others.

That is incorrect. Jehovah's Witnesses learn from and are taught from the Bible. The educational material we use is based on the Bible.

Our public discourses are based on the Bible. For instance our midweek meeting opens with a "Congregation Bible Study" that currently is a section by section discussion of the book of Acts. Then we have a ten minute talk and discussion called the "Bible Highlights" where a speaker speaks for four minutes and then the audience speaks for six.

The rest of the meeting is spent in discussing Bible principles and practical suggestions for our ministry. We believe that the Bible is the source of truth, and that Jehovah has lovingly provided "gifts in men" that oversee our congregations and that continue to produce spiritual food for us - all based on the Scriptures. So while you can walk down the "Religion" aisle at a bookstore and see countless books produced by men and women who claim to be well versed in the Bible, those books are often filled with personal viewpoints and opinions, and may be sprinkled with a Bible verse or two, but are generally conformant to whatever the popular theology of the day may be.

However the materials produced by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses are easy to read and check with your Bible. They do not have named authors, no one receives royalties and are not designed to indoctrinate, but rather educate. Each and every Jehovah's Witnesses (and indeed the general public) can examine the materials and compare them to their own Bibles.

They can eagerly examine the scriptures and make sure that what they are being taught conforms to the Bible. So in all reality - the things we are taught are not "WTS" teachings but the Bible's teachings. Very few of us want to argue with the Word of the Living God!

From time to time, there can be things that are in the scriptures, or advice given to us from men who are in a position of responsibility that we do not agree with entirely. We are not robots, automotons, etc. What is the proper way to address such concerns? Go to the meeting and advocate our own viewpoint or try to get into a public debate?

1 Timothy 2:8 says "Therefore I desire that in every place the men carry on prayer, lifting up loyal hands, apart from wrath and debates." Prayer and patience can be vital tools for those seeking deeper understanding or dealing with the imperfection of others. What those who ask the type of questions as the reposted one above are really trying to ask is 'Are Jehovah's Witnesses bold enough to question what their dictatorial leaders teach?' 'Are they determined enough to be like us, and not listen to anyone but ourselves?' Sadly though - the majority of those who ask such questions are STILL being taught by someone.

Their beliefs are STILL being influenced by someone. They have just chosen to be taught by men, not the Word of God. So to sum up, Jehovah's Witnesses are not taught by the "WTS" but rather the Bible.

Each individual Witness of Jehovah does not blindly follow some man, but rather carefully studies the scriptures to make sure that what he or she is being taught is the truth. If a Witness of Jehovah is unsure as to the scriptural basis for what is being taught, they take time to pray to Jehovah, do more research, and perhaps speak to a mature Christian. They do not take it upon themselves to drive debates.

I'd be somewhere else, (like where they are maybe) if I disagreed. I absolutely don't disagree. Why would I have an opinion other that the Bible?

That's ALL the "Teachings:" ARE. That's like saying well I disagree with Jesus here at Matthew__________ and I think..... Or Jesus saying put your sword away, those that live by the sword, die by the sword, AND do you not think my Father can supply myriads of angels...... IS not saying we don't fight like that. And if we are it isn't about the Kingdom that Jesus Christ is king of.

We are taught to "reason" "research" "study" "make it our own" "put it in your own words" you can love which is the final law that Jesus gave and NOT condone the things the Bible has NEVER condoned like war NOT from the creator of the universe for a specific purpose other than money or oil or greed, homosexuality, being unclean, lack of humility, pushy controlling women. But to actually have an opinion different from the Bible? What is that?

Well it isn't the WTBS teaching if it is differing from Christ's words. And they work, and they bring Jehovah's Blessing and the work Jesus gave his followers to do, which was "greater" than the work he accomplished is being done, and love is key, we do this work no matter how IT is treated or WE are treated. The teachings from the Bible indeed "cut between the bone and marrow and thoughts and intents of the heart" cause it sure is hated.

The "opinions of the world" are NOT hated, they are fraternized. Their unity in "war" and "birthdays" and "holidays" or "practices that are accepted worldwide" are NOT hated, and they are not hated for "being friends of the world" Do I have an opinion differing from the scriptures? No sir, I absolutely do not.

Years of doing "just so" netted me more joy and education and strength and insight than "an independent attitude" that only netted Eve pain for her and her kids. Jehovah truly does "Teach us to benefit ourselves" by staying close to the Bible.

I cant really gove you an answer,but what I can give you is a way to a solution, that is you have to find the anglde that you relate to or peaks your interest. A good paper is one that people get drawn into because it reaches them ln some way.As for me WW11 to me, I think of the holocaust and the effect it had on the survivors, their families and those who stood by and did nothing until it was too late.