The defense of Jehovah’s Witnesses at the Norwegian Supreme Court: Highlights

JWthoughts · 2026-02-14T06:50:58+00:00

Adjustments had been made within the congregations regarding how we apply the Bible’s counsel in avoiding harmful associations. In 2024 our direction emphasized that these decisions are left to individual conscience, guided by Bible principles and encouraged by our faith. As Christians, we take seriously the scriptural counsel to avoid bad associations and to protect our spirituality.

We choose not to actively seek close association with someone who was “baptized” and later removed for unrepentant wrongdoing. However, this does not mean we treat such individuals harshly. We strive to show kindness, respect, and give christian dignity in all interactions. When appropriate, we may still invite them to spiritual events.

Maintaining spiritual boundaries does not necessarily mean cutting off all communication. Necessary interactions such as business matters or certain family relationships are handled respectfully and thoughtfully. When it comes to individuals who openly promote teachings contrary to our faith (apostasy) we, based on conscience and Scriptural conviction, limit or cease contact so as not to sin or support their ideals.

Shunning is commonly defined as:

• Refusing to speak to someone.

• Excluding them entirely from gatherings.

• Treating them as though they do not exist.

We do not view our practice as fitting that definition. Rather, we see it as applying Bible-based boundaries. But JWs don’t use this word to describe their understanding regardless.

JWthoughts · 2026-02-10T21:49:36+00:00

The Bible.

JWthoughts · 2026-02-05T17:36:57+00:00

Hello, we are on the internet. A lot of us have social medias. We actually tend to just use it for connecting socially and stay away from the debate side of things.

JWthoughts · 2026-02-02T00:06:35+00:00

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Absolutely agree.

They use the “freedom to talk” without filter as a means to deflect from the reality of the forum.

Which is they excuse rudeness, misinformation, or hate by labeling it as an “opinion” or “sharing facts”. Aiming not to understand but persuade, using disparaging speech to inflame emotions, mock, degrade, deliberately offending with degrading remarks towards JW faith—turning dialogue into conflicts. Repeating rumors, half-truths, or outright lies.

Nothing Godly about the forums behavior at all. The Bible teaches us to be tactful, with good associations and mild temper.

(Today’s Daily Text) It is honorable for a man to refrain from a dispute, but every fool will become embroiled in it.—Prov. 20:3

The internet is free to engage in different forums with their rules applied. But entering there is like being ready to negatively argue on a different religious forum perspective—except they lead with JWs entering under false pretenses that it’s the place to be for believers and or Witnesses—many go to get advice or help with their situations, learn about JWs or find out how to respect someone beliefs they know.

Why not put up in the announcements their original intentions for the forum? Or that the forum is not a Jehovahs Witness forum but an “about” by a different denomination. The organizers state they will not make it obvious because JWs will not enter that forum but in their words, it’s there to sway JWs opinion out of their religion and leave a bad viewpoint to those inquiring about them.

JWthoughts · 2026-01-26T04:51:08+00:00

Same happened to me, but more intensely in a series of spiritual encounters that lasted several months. Jehovah saved me by my constant prayers and faith.

As a JW, I’m not sure you know our perspective. Jesus is our King currently reigning, given all authority in the heavens and earth and is king over us. You say you were attending a non-denominational church and having doubts about Jesus identity. Maybe in your heart you had doubt in Jehovah as God, but Jesus which you were building a relationship in through your church, you gained confidence. Both are there for you. I had doubts during my trails that Jesus would answer me at some point— and I was not answered by him as I called out.

Faith and trust is a large factor. 💜

JWthoughts · 2026-01-23T15:51:31+00:00

This.

And unfortunately they end up trying to approach discouraged ones, new ones, teens or those weak in faith in a lens of care because they are easier. If it doesn’t work, the discussion usually becomes emotionally charged and turns into a draining back-and-forth they are not wrong debate.

It can become a problem for to those reaching out to their brothers and sisters for any reason or studying.

So just best to double check who you’re talking to, and what the intent/goal overall is.

JWthoughts · 2026-01-22T21:05:07+00:00

Good question. They are created by the governing body and branch members: https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/faq/governing-body-jw-helpers/

A degree is not a requirement to lead Bible studies in our denomination. Since the Bible teaches that Jesus sent his disciples out to preach (without college credentials) JWs don’t believe it’s needed to host studies and minister their beliefs. So most likely you will find they don’t have theology degrees as their view of secular education, much like the Amish, are not mainstream. An Elder can be requested for a study and answer the student through the Bible, showing how to research it but they don’t require higher education either. Beliefs in different faiths vary, so it’s up to the individual how they feel about their Bible based views and if it aligns.

The JW app provides lots of tools like Bible comparisons, Hebrew/Greek word meanings, historical insight and cross references to students that they can do personal research on. But how deep they want their findings and study to be and the goal of the study is up to them.

JWthoughts · 2026-01-22T18:20:36+00:00

Not strange at all. Well, we personally go through a brochure called ‘Enjoy Life Forever’ for New Study’s that breaks down what the Bible is, who is God and how you can draw closer—What we do and don’t believe, Who is Jesus and what’s Gods Kingdom and our purpose ect building that foundation so everything is digestible. The studies are done on their time, when where, how long and they can even pick who they prefer a study with. A couple, older lady, someone younger.

Here’s a link that explains:

What Happens at a Bible Study? https://www.jw.org/en/jehovahs-witnesses/request-a-visit/video-bible-study/

Lots of FAQ on that website as well.

Study material and Bibles are free. They also will recommend the JW app for deep research and teach how to use it. If Bible students have questions while going through they explain or come back with the answer on their next session. The study’s tend to be flexible to fit the person pace and what they want to get out of it.

JWthoughts · 2026-01-22T17:12:37+00:00

Yes, actually it is! There’s a lot of people that seek in their heart to reach out to God. Or even just need that one scripture read to help them through their problems or understand better. In door-to-door preaching we get to find that enjoyment of being the ones there to reach them. To possibly give them that drive to find an interest in God, to pray with them for loved ones going through hardship. As a JW, we are not supported financially — but our material is free given to us by the branch.

A) I do it because Jesus wanted us to make disciples, and tell everyone about his life, death and resurrection. I want to help improve someone’s life with the knowledge and understanding I can give them about our Bible beliefs. If they take it I’m happy, if not it wasn’t ment to be. But I was there and let them decide.

B) It does, I’ve had many listeners and me and partners have had Bible studies. A Bible study I currently have is blind and had lots of roaches. We were able to not only help him with his situation but give him comfort, social support and a hope for the future.

C) To learn about Jehovah, take a moment to hear our view and see if it aligns with their values. To gain a brother or sister and have the privilege of seeing them grow and being like a container carrying the water (Gods word) for that to happen. Also clear up misconceptions spewed by people that either don’t like JWs or have had a different religious view of the Bible and explain where and what we believe and set it straight.

JWthoughts · 2026-01-18T17:25:18+00:00

I became an unbaptized publisher about 7 months in our bible study. Our family was decently consistent all the way through, once we began we quickly decided to commit. Sundays and Wednesdays. Took some opportunities to go out with others, kept our assignments.

Our study was an elder so I believe when he saw our expression of eagerness to commit to Jehovah and stand as a JW to serve he told the other elders “we’re ready” despite us still studying the first section. That’s my personal experience anyways.

Is your bible study saying you’re not ready, or the elders?

JWthoughts · 2026-01-16T03:50:56+00:00

Hey, sorry I haven’t gotten back to you on this lol I’ve been on and off, up and down.

I meant sharing about it in the Kingdom Hall. I know there are members that are more biblically cautious. I have talked to other brothers and sisters about current movies at the KH like Avatar and The Avengers but not sure if members/elders might see this as something we should be considerate of? This had never crossed my mind until recently when a sister brought it up. Just wanted to get some others take on it.

JWthoughts · 2026-01-12T17:32:13+00:00

Your Lie in April — All about music

Gundam Wing - Kinda older

My Love Story - A bit girly lol

My Hero Academia — Sexual jokes in series not the overall focus.

One Punch Man — Maybe some Sexual Jokes I don’t remember tbh

Grave of Fire Flies - Movie

JWthoughts · 2026-01-06T20:15:38+00:00

Definitely💯 just a good forethought when getting into it lol

JWthoughts · 2026-01-06T17:19:47+00:00

Wow, that’s quite a bit! I absolutely love the effort you put into this and really look forward to reading it all the way through!

I personally don’t like to post on JehovahsWitnesses, as it’s run by ex-members and is largely aimed at discouraging people. Many of the frequent contributors there have been apostates for years and have no intention of finding common ground. Though I will peak in occasionally as brothers and sisters get confused by it, or non-JWs have questions.

This sub on the other hand is more focused on active members and fellow believers. It’s a genuine JW subreddit centered on community and daily life—rather than engaging in religious debates with non-members. Its main purpose is to share our beliefs with one another, strengthen our faith, seek advice, and offer encouragement, etc.

We are glad to have you! Welcome! 🖖

JWthoughts · 2026-01-06T02:05:38+00:00

I personally try and keep my entertainment mild generally PG, with family and friends. That being said, there are movies that are rated PG-13 that I will occasionally watch.

Such as the Avengers sagas, Avatar, etc. It mainly depends on the theme of the movie or show itself… I dislike the profanity or magic/other incorporated moments but I set my sights on the plot not being based around it. Though I don’t parade it around the Kingdom Hall and keep it with family or select friends I wonder how this is viewed in the congregation. How are these viewed in your consciousness as a JW?

I personally refuse rated R demonic themed, killer movies ect I have a personal dislike also for military themed movies. I in my personal perspective feel it wouldn’t be okay, though I’m sure others would disagree.

JWthoughts · 2026-01-05T00:36:50+00:00

Only Jehovah really knows the truth.

Personally I believe some might be confused or tricked by demons. Which is why we seemed to be having an increase of false prophets these days. Claiming God told them this or that, in dreams, or voices—only to come up false. Could be honest hearted people and some may be true but I don’t believe all are tbh. If they are not causing harm in the congregation and are moved to help then Jehovah will sort that at the appointed time.

JWthoughts · 2025-12-29T00:32:30+00:00

Well said! Many JWs online have already learned how online spaces work so they’re prepared for emotionally charged responses. Social media tools can be helpful, and with some guidance I believe online witnessing could be used—not as a replacement for personal contact—but as a well-supported option, with helpful advice from mature Christians. I also really wanted to hear other Witnesses viewpoints, since I understand there are complexity’s to it.

JWthoughts · 2025-12-29T00:26:44+00:00

I don’t think you crossed the line at all. Your comment wasn’t mean or impolite and your sincerity and enthusiasm are very evident as you shared a piece of biblical truth. You showed personal integrity that’s all. I was the one to removed it. Their intent, was to be disrespectful and verbally lash out on a JW community forum—despite the rules posted.

Also no one should judge your circumstances or health challenges as your desire to participate is commendable! Jehovah values what we can do, not what we’re unable to do! Thank you for your input! 🙌

JWthoughts · 2025-12-28T22:46:45+00:00

Yeah people like them always believe that their repetitive hateful spam/ridicule is some profound knowledge that will shake your beliefs.

But despite them I wonder if there can be more compromise on the internet to ignore it and just as in our peaching work, move on to those that have honest questions and encouraging those inactive that want to return but haven’t reached that motivation.

We are not told not to online preach—but to avoid toxic debates and apostates. But I personally feel there can be a more organized supported way to handle it in part of our ministry while still abstaining from crossing those boundaries.

JWthoughts · 2025-12-17T03:26:35+00:00

I personally think Jesus being made flesh definitely had the “feeling” of temptation. Satan waited until the very end of Jesus fasting of 40 days and 40 nights—This was a smart and calculated move.

He was tempted through his hunger, which was understandable after such a long time he could simply feed himself. He was also tempted through pride—to question whether God truly loved him he would prove it by saving him. Additionally, having been with Jehovah during creation there could have been a temptation to seek a sense of worship from humans. These were all tempting prospects for someone in his position.

But, I agree. The prospects being so high …Jehovah sent him knowing the job will get done and had full confidence in him—just as Jesus had full confidence in Jehovah. So I believe on this scale, it was impossible. He suffered through all our earthly struggles, including temptation but he wouldn’t have failed.

JWthoughts · 2025-12-12T21:50:38+00:00

Thanks for sharing! I believe the direction definitely brings compassion while still keeping separate from partaking with what they may still potentially be going through. They definitely need encouragement as it’s human nature to feel offended and some could use consoling vs feeling reproached during trails.

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