The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Conversation On My Lunch Break

Since I wrote that reply I did a little search on the word "Tetragrammaton". Although I thought I understood what it meant at the time, I now believe I have a better understanding of the issue.
In a nut shell, it appears to me that the word "LORD" is used in the place of "Jehovah", mainly out of respect for God Himself.
I guess the main reason why I asked that question in the first place is because if I am talking to that particular JW at work again (or other JWs at my work: there are many). I want to understand the issue better, so I can give a reasonable answer to their question/s.

Tom

Tom,

IF you are going to get hung up or sucked into this silliness about what is the "real" name of God, why not throw a wrench into the JW machinery and ask them about Matt 28:19?

Here Jesus tells the disciples to baptize INTO (Grk: eis) the NAME (singular, thus one GOD) which is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It is important to know that eis, though translated as "in", and rightly so, does not mean "by the authority of" or "by order of", but rather this connotes the baptism of the individual brings the person (having believed on Christ is assumed) into union with the Triune God. This can be seen, e.g., in 1Cor 1:13 and 15.

In His grace,

Tom like Pilgrim said if you are going to do this then you'd best prepare. And not lightly either if you are dealing with someone who has been a watch tower member for a number of years they will throw things at you from the NWT and use their own Greek translation too. I've invited them into the house before for conversations and it got pretty intense.

This is why I am reluctant to get into conversations like this one with JWs, unless I have lots of time and have done my home work. Hence why I am asking questions and asking for advice.
Been there done that.

Tom

Robert Morey's [i]How to Answer a Jehovah's Witness[/i] is an excellent starting point to prepare yourself for sword fighting with JW's.

Tom,

The name "Jehovah (LORD)" is related to "Ehyeh asher Ehyeh (I AM THAT I AM)," both referring to God's self-existence. "Adonai (my Lord)" connotes the authority & ownership of God over His servants, and "Elohim (God)" connotes His power. I hope that helps!

Pilgrim

That sounds like a good one. But there are many book written on that subject. I have one called 'Index of Watch Tower Errors' David A Reed.
Here are some example from this book that I thought were amusing (if I may put it that way).

"It is quite immaturial the day Christmas is celebrated; we may properly join." WT 12/15/1903 p.3290

"Christmas is so important, regardless of the date." WT 12/15/1926 p.371

"We all need to face up to the fact that Christmas and its music are not of Jehovah, the God of truth. Then what is their source? ...Satan the Devil." WT 12/15/1983

Those are just a small sample of this topic.

"Let all the angels of God worship him' [that must includes Michael, the chief angel, hence Michael is not the Son of God]." WT 11/1879, p.48

"Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, the Almighty, of Rev. 1:8." Studies, Vol.7, p.15

"Michael in Revelation 12:7 is the pope of Rome." Studies, vol.7, p.188

"Michael the great prince' is none other than Jesus Christ himself.-Daniel 12:1"

Last but certainly not least.
"God uses the Watch Tower to communicate to his people; it does not consist of men's opinions." WT 1/1/1942,p.5

Tom

Tom,

It is evident you are satisfied with the resources you have. I have seen Reed's several books on JW's around although I have only read bits and pieces of them. His approach is to give answers to specific beliefs/statements; a daunting task indeed for the JW's are so very wrong about so many things. Perhaps that's why Reed has written several books?

However, the reason I recommended Dr. Morey's book is because:

1. He's Reformed
2. The book is the fruit of his doctoral dissertation at WTS Philly.
3. His approach is Presuppositional

Thus, Morey doesn't try to answer each and every error of the JW's but rather to undermine and tear down the very foundation upon which the adherents stand; the WatchTower. And he does this magnificently using their own literature.

Lastly, since you don't have an interest in Morey's book, perhaps others reading this thread will. The link I provided is to Amazon where one can buy Morey's book used (there were several available) for $1.00+, certainly a bargain by anyone's standard.

In His grace,

Pilgrim

I am sorry, my intention was not to say that I wasn't interested in Dr.Morey's book (I did a terrible job at communicating). I appreciate your book recommendation and may look into purchasing a copy.

Tom