This is the question found in the September 2007 Our Kingdom Ministry, an inside publication from the Watchtower Society. Remember this document is provided to active Jehovah's Witnesses.
I must note that this publication is no longer in print. Anyways, here is the question and the Watchtower's response
Does “the faithful and discreet slave” endorse independent groups of Witnesses who meet together to engage in Scriptural research or debate?—Matt. 24:45, 47.
No, it does not. And yet, in various parts of the world, a few associates of our organization have formed groups to do independent research on Bible-related subjects. Some have pursued an independent group study of Biblical Hebrew and Greek so as to analyze the accuracy of the New World Translation. Others explore scientific subjects related to the Bible. They have created Web sites and chat rooms for the purpose of exchanging and debating their views. They have also held conferences and produced publications to present their findings and to supplement what is provided at our Christian meetings and through our literature.
Throughout the earth, Jehovah’s people are receiving ample spiritual instruction and encouragement at congregation meetings, assemblies, and conventions, as well as through the publications of Jehovah’s organization. Under the guidance of his holy spirit and on the basis of his Word of truth, Jehovah provides what is needed so that all of God’s people may be “fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought” and remain “stabilized in the faith.” (1 Cor. 1:10; Col. 2:6, 7) Surely we are grateful for Jehovah’s spiritual provisions in these last days. Thus, “the faithful and discreet slave” does not endorse any literature, meetings, or Web sites that are not produced or organized under its oversight.—Matt. 24:45-47.
It is commendable for individuals to want to use their thinking ability in support of the good news. However, no personal pursuit should detract from what Jesus Christ is accomplishing through his congregation on earth today. In the first century, the apostle Paul warned about getting involved in exhausting, time-consuming subjects, such as “genealogies, which end up in nothing, but which furnish questions for research rather than a dispensing of anything by God in connection with faith.” (1 Tim. 1:3-7) All Christians should strive to “shun foolish questionings and genealogies and strife and fights over the Law, for they are unprofitable and futile.”—Titus 3:9.
For those who wish to do extra Bible study and research, we recommend that they explore Insight on the Scriptures, “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial,” and our other publications, such as those that discuss the prophecies found in the Bible books of Daniel, Isaiah, and Revelation. These provide abundant material for Bible study and meditation, whereby we can be “filled with the accurate knowledge of [God’s] will in all wisdom and spiritual comprehension, in order to walk worthily of Jehovah to the end of fully pleasing him as [we] go on bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the accurate knowledge of God.”—Col. 1:9, 10.
What is not said from the Watchtower leadership: You cannot question the answer we provided nor you cannot question the authority, doctrine and policies of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Anyone willing to challenge teachings and policies will be subject to disfellowshipping: kicked out of the religion and friends and family in the religion will shun the "offender."
No wonder Jehovah's Witnesses cannot turn to groups providing references from the same literature they placed with the general public, and study from.
The one group the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses cannot and will not meet for discussion or debate is Jewish rabbis, regardless of the movement, especially Messianic rabbis. The biggest reasons are that we have our history and Torah: what YAH had given us at Sinai...which will make them explain the authenticity of the New World Translation from the Hebrew perspective.
Starting September 1, 2025 we invite current and former Jehovah's Witnesses to bring the very publications used in Kingdom Hall service: The Watchtower Study edition and the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (2013 edition) so that we will pick on thoughts you may not hear and to put Scriptural challenges to the teachings and policies of the Governing Body. The difference is that you will hear the Scriptures from a Hebraic perspectives but, most importantly, discover that G-d is not the issue. The Governing Body is!
Share your questions and comments with me.
Shalom v'shalom B'shem Yeshua HaMashiach!
Rabbi Derrick
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