Summary of the Watchtower Organisation’s errors
The Watchtower organisation is guilty of serious doctrinal errors, spiritual control, and harmful practices.
1. False Prophecies and Doctrinal Changes
The Watchtower has repeatedly predicted false dates for the end of the world, including:
1874 – Jesus’ supposed invisible return.
1914 – The beginning of Christ’s reign (originally expected to be the end of the world).
1925 – Predicted the resurrection of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to rule the earth.
1975 – Implied the end of the world would come.
The Bible warns against false prophets:
“When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the word does not come to pass or come true, that is a word that the LORD has not spoken.” (Deuteronomy 18:22)
The Watchtower has changed its teachings many times, proving it is not divinely led.
2. Twisting the Biblical text to fit their doctrines
They do not translate the Greek and Hebrew texts faithfully, but alter them to fit Watchtower doctrine. Examples of this include:
John 1:1 – Instead of “the Word was God,” they add “the Word was a god” to deny Jesus’ deity.
Colossians 1:16-17 – They insert “other” into the text to make Jesus a created being.
Isaiah 9:6 – They deny that Jesus is called “Mighty God” in the fullest sense.
Revelation 22:18-19 warns against adding or taking away from God’s Word.
3. Spiritual Abuse and Control
The Watchtower enforces strict control over its members. If members leave or question the organisation, they are cut off from family and friends. All Bible interpretation must come from Watchtower publications, independent Bible Study is not encouraged. Members must obey the Governing Body as God’s channel, questioning of the leadership is not permitted.
In contrast the Bible encourages testing all teachings (Acts 17:11, 1 John 4:1). True Christian fellowship is based on faith in Christ, not submission to a human organisation (Colossians 2:8).
4. Unbiblical Teachings About Salvation
The Watchtower teaches that only 144,000 will be in heaven—all others have an earthly hope. Salvation is by works (e.g. door-to-door preaching, loyalty to the organisation). Jesus is not a mediator for all people, only for the 144,000.
In contrast the Bible says that salvation is by grace alone, through faith in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9). Romans 10:9 says that anyone who confesses Jesus as Lord and believes in Him will be saved. 1 Timothy 2:5 teaches that Jesus is the one mediator for all believers, not just a select group.
5. Deadly Blood Transfusion Ban
Jehovah’s Witnesses are told to refuse blood transfusions, even in emergencies and many have died unnecessarily because of this rule.
The Bible’s command to abstain from blood (Acts 15:29) refers to dietary practices, not medical treatment. Jesus prioritised saving life over legalism (Matthew 12:11-12). The Watchtower has inconsistently changed its medical policies in the past (e.g. allowing vaccines and organ transplants).
6. Denying the true nature of Jesus and the Trinity
This is possibly the most serious of the Watchtowers errors. Without Jesus bein Jehovah the focus of the faith completely changes. The apostles worshipped and adored Jesus because of who he is and what he had done to win salvation for us. If he is not God he could not have taken responsibility for our sins through his death on the cross. He rose to prove his claim to be ‘one with the Father.
The Watchtower leads people away from biblical Christianity and keeps them in fear and deception. True salvation is only found in Jesus Christ, not in any human organisation (John 14:6, Romans 10:9).
