Catholics: Have you seen the latest addition of the WatchTower?

I too, have not heard of this new Catholic Edition of the bible. The verses quoted seem to be from the NASB, which uses the words "except for immorality" while the NIV uses the words except for marital unfaithfulness and the KJV states "except it be for fornication" and the NLT states "unless his wife has been unfaithful.”. The NWT used the phrase "except on the ground of fornication."

Fornication is a term which typically refers to voluntary, illicit sexual intercourse between persons not married to each other.

immorality

1. the quality, character, or state of being immoral

2. immoral behaviour, esp in sexual matters; licentiousness; profligacy or promiscuity

3. an immoral act

So it's a matter of interpretation or bible that you use.

I have to concur that the Watchtower is addressing the Catholic Church since the Watchtower used the "New Catholic Edition of the Bible, to express their view. That in mind, along with the Watchtower's history at attacking the Catholic Church. The Watchtower has always considered any church outside of their organization as a part of the system of things of this world, which is run by Satan. They go as to say that Satan is the god of this world. Anyhow, the Catholics have been very targeted by the Watchtower, more then most. The Watchtower is making an attempt to posture itself above other religions by degrading others beliefs. This seems to be a feeble attempt to defend their religious beliefs in their practice of their disciplinary procedures such as shunning and disfellowshipping. The Watchtower has always used this method in teaching their membership. They like to teach they are doing things right and teach that everybody, except them, are wrong. this is a self reassuring attitude they have, such as a guilty complex. The Watchtower has steered so far away from the teaching of the bible that I read any watchtower publication and figure they are making some attempt to reassure it's membership that they are in the truth and keep them away from all others. They have steered so far from an individual that didn't like the thought of the existence of hell, he had to make up his own religion when he stumbled accross the Adventist whom claimed the the Return of Jesus was really the presence of Jesus in 1874, later changed to the 1914 date. But that presence was invisible. This is where it spins out of control, they have to invent a doctrine that keep with that message. This bring out the Jesus is Michael, a spirit creature (invisible) and Jesus rose from the grave (invisible) so that his return, presence could be invisible. All to cover up the mistake, a concept. Oh what a tangled web we weave! Everything they have done is to cover up this mistake and make them stand out over other religions. It makes money, but it also allows the great deceiver into the hearts and minds of its members by using the light.

So don't take the attack personally towards yourself or the Catholic Church. It's really is an attack on the hearts and minds of it's membership, however they are spiritually blinded and are unable to see the real truth.

Matthew 19:9 is in all Bibles and most Protestant denominations permit re-marriage if one spouse committed adultery (because adultery breaks the marriage bond). You are making a reasonable assumption that the JWs are pointing their finger at Catholicism for not allowing divorce on the grounds of adultery.

However, about a third of JWs were born into that religion, a third were Catholics, and the rest were either irreligious or Protestant. They actually hate Protestantism just as much as they do Catholicism. They say every religion apart from their own is going to be destroyed by God at Armageddon, so don't take it too personally! Perhaps you could find it in your heart to pray for JWs, that they will stop pointing their finger at everyone else so much and start to concentrate on the person of Christ instead? Wouldn't that be lovely?

sigh!! The protestants incl the JW are the prodigal and run-away children of the catholic church. They could not endure the pressure of living a runaway life, could not take ownership of the responsibilities, so it is just convenient to turn around and blame their parents. Someone has to take responsibility on this.. them parents indeed. Such an immature cults and still couldnot live without blaming their parents.

Edit: Big guy 360: In addn, 'sodomy' was now tempered or practically disappeared in the NIV or became immoral in the NIV. The NIV translator are composed of a lesbian and a gay author. So, the word 'effiminate' possibly meant male prostitute; meaning gay and lesbians in a harmonious and loving relationship is not within the meaning of 'effiminate'. It is only when male is a prostitute. LOL Pls read for further clarification.

Hi Dear Friend! That's right they are all ex-Catholics, and want to fit in with life on earth. They have no concept of holiness. One time three very pretty young women came to my door and they were you guessed it, JW. I was ready for them with my rosary's and my bible and that day the Holy spirit was really with me. They started their spiel and I interrupted. The right words kind of flowed out of my mouth. then when I was done I asked these lovelies if they were always JW. They said no we were Catholic. So I told them, their parents who were still Catholics must be real proud of them for leaving their faith and to go home a say a few rosaries and ask for God forgiveness. This abruptly ended their visit to me. Come to think of it I don't recall any more ever coming to my door.

BTW How are you doing, Fine I hope I'll be talking to you soon. God bless you.

"This addition"?? If you're referring to your earlier Biblical citation (Matthew 19:9), that's NOT new, and, if I remember correctly, Jesus went on to say that the "divorcing party" not only commits adultery when he or she "puts away" their spouse, but they cause the spouse to commit adultery as well, and the person who marries the "put away" spouse(Matthew5:32; Douay-Rheims Version). Maybe I misunderstood your question, but since you cited Matthew 19:9, I figured you read the rest of that area of the Bible. I'm using the Douay-Rhiems Version in answering you. If I've misunderstood your question, "I stand corrected". God Bless you.

The Watchtower is not coming down on Catholics whatsoever. To draw that conclusion you don't fully understand what the article was about.

A Bible version is not synonymous with a religion. A bible committee prays and discusses and finally decides which texts to use whenever there is a discrepancy between two versions of the same text, this is where the name of the version comes from.

The reader was asking the JW if they were stricter than Christ (in this version), or if they allowed divorce on the grounds of immorality. The question was also directed at Christians views toward homosexuality and probably highlighting a possible double standard. It is a question directed at the JW church for being strict. The reader happened to cite a version with the word catholic (which means universal) in it. From this you have erroneously perceived a problem and stirred up friction between two denominations where there is none.

The problem is in your reading comprehension, friend. You just misunderstood the article. Relax. The Watchtower is not attacking Catholics and they do not disregard the laws of God. "Love is patient, love is kind, love is not easily angered, love keeps no record of wrongs ..." 1 Cor 13

Something i've noticed about Jehovah's Witnesses before is that they tend to be particularly anti-Catholic and also tend to portray all mainstream Christianity as if it's Catholicism (no offence to Catholics meant). This is another example of that. There's a lot of that in their literature.

Every supposedly Christian sect has always attacked the Catholic church, why would the JWs be any different?

After looking at what you quoted, I will let them speak to me next time they call. Some of that looks interesting.

You do realize that your own mouth is condemning the church by posting that here? If people read it and see local application of those details then the JW are telling the truth.

Somebody has got it horribley wrong. Each side is saying exactly the opposite story so ONE is very wrong.

The idea that JWs are nuts is not new.

The teaching of divorce for fornication or adultery is in Matthew 19:9.