Jehovah's Witnesses Defended: An Answer to Scholars & Critics [ペーパーバック]

Please note: JWD is NOT a re-hash of Watchtower literature. While Stafford does quote from Watchtower literature, I think he certainly breaks new ground and discusses scriptures in a unique way. He also buttresses his presentation with nice figures and charts. Even though I am not a language scholar, I found the bulk of it to be absorbing reading!

JWD covers more material than its 1st edition (blood abstinence, chronological prophesy, salvation, and more on the Trinity) and includes a partial reply to White's criticism of the 1st edition. (The rest of Stafford's reply is on the Web.)

Stafford in the Introduction (p.xxv) says he's been "one of Jehovah's Witnesses for the past nine years." He also says in his Acknowledgements (p.xxi): "Neither the first nor the second edition of this book was written at the request of the Watchtower...Society." He respectfully acknowledges in the Introduction (p.xxvii-i) that the Watchtower Society could doubtlessly produce a book superior to his, but that they are rightly focusing on Bible education--on what God requires of us. Also on p.xxvii he says, "I have endeavored at all times to encourage balance and an absence of diatribe in discussions." This is a good foundation for JWD, and must be recalled when reading it.

Stafford appraises numerous criticisms using various translations of the Bible and ancient Judeo-Christian literature. He then professionally shows why every criticism fails completely. Why they fail is clear: the critics were lacking accurate knowledge of both the Bible and Jehovah's Witnesses.

Stafford writes enthusiastically, and never looses his cheerful, confident edge. He's also very respectful. He never describes the critics as "absurd," but as "surprising" and "remarkable," even "extraordinary."

Stafford gives a lot of attention to scriptures like: John 1:1, Col. 3:15, "Wisdom" verses in Proverbs, Rev. 3:14, and many more. Addressed too is whether Jesus is the "Alpha and the Omega." He also has written an Excursus that delves into "Sharp's rule" on Greek grammar and how it relates to John 1:1.

Some portions of JWD may be difficult to understand at first. That's why it's important to read it cover to cover. When that is done, the difficult parts may be easier to understand.

Anyone who is opposed to Jehovah's Witnesses or is not sure about them owes it to himself/herself to check this book out. Opposers have no choice if they want to be honest: they MUST read this. Bible scholars in general should read this too.

If you are one of Jehovah's Witnesses and like knowing how the Bible is woven together and translated, and how various objections have been answered, then you will find this to be useful. (You'll also like knowing how the KL book discussed John 1:1 in a new way!) If you do get this, get out your Watchtower Library CD-ROM and your Kingdom Interlinear Translation (an unabridged dictionary would also be helpful).

Regardless of who you are, one thing is sure: your appreciation and understanding of Jehovah's Witnesses--as well as the Bible--will be deepened.

Proffesor D.Johnson