December 8

Page Two

During the wars that have been fought in our time, many have asked, “Whose side is God on?” Considering that people of the same religion have killed one another in these wars, the question is especially timely. In the following two articles, read how a British bomber crewman, who flew 60 missions during World War II, got the answer to that question

Religion in the Cross Fire 3

“Whose Side Is God On?” 4

Religion in the Cross Fire

“If I have a guy lined up and have to shoot him, what do I do?” the American soldier asked the army chaplain.

“Shoot quickly,” the clergyman answered, “ . . . but remember life is precious.”

WAGING war and following conscientious religious beliefs are not always compatible. And, yet, when nations go to war, religion often is in the cross fire, as the above example illustrates. The Seattle Times put it this way: “Religion today is more stimulant than sedative in much of the strife troubling the world.”

So in recent years we have seen Catholics against Protestants in Northern Ireland. “Christians” against Muslims in Lebanon. Muslims against Jews in the Middle East. Hindus against Muslims in India. Buddhists against Hindus in Sri Lanka. Shi‘ite Muslim against Sunni Muslim in Iran-Iraq. And the list goes on.

Not that all such fighting is over religious differences. In some cases, it may be a border dispute or a campaign for civil rights. Nevertheless, religion is often the underlying factor, adding fuel to the fire. For example, in the Iran-Iraq border conflict, Iranian Shi‘ite Muslim leaders urge on their young soldiers with the words, “Allah akbar!” (“God is great!”) The young men go into battle against Iraq’s Sunni Muslims believing that dying in battle will guarantee them entrance into heaven.

So when religion is in the cross fire, the inference is, ‘God is on our side.’ Thus the violence, destruction, and killing go on​—all in the name of God. What’s more, when religion is the underlying factor, the warfare is often bloodier and more difficult to stop. As Ernest Lefever, president of the Ethics and Public Policy Center in Washington, D.C., put it: “If you feel God is on your side, you can justify any atrocity.”​—U.S.News & World Report.

The question then arises: When it comes to war, does God really take sides? This question haunted a man who flew some 60 bombing missions over Germany and Italy during World War II. He felt pangs of conscience for taking part in the slaughter of thousands of men, women, and children. We invite you to read, in the article that follows, how he searched for and found the satisfying answer to the question, “Whose side is God on?”

[Picture Credit Line on page 3]

U.S. Army photo

“Whose Side Is God On?”

A THOUSAND bombers took off from England on the evening of May 30, 1942. It was the largest air raid in history up to that time. I was Signals Leader for a squadron of four-engined Lancaster bombers. Each aircraft carried one 8,000-pound (3,600-kg) bomb of sufficient explosive power to destroy an entire large factory or several blocks of a street.

Climbing to 20,000 feet,a we started on our way to the German city of Cologne. The crew members were busy checking the engines, fuel, radio, navigation, and so forth. The three gunners asked the captain for permission to check and fire their machine guns. All was now ready for us to enter enemy territory.

As we crossed the Dutch coastline, I stood up to take my position in the lookout post in the roof of the aircraft. From there I could see in all directions. There I remained, keeping a sharp lookout for enemy night fighters so that evasive action might be taken and instructions given to the gunners. In the distance, I could see red patches lighting up the sky because the majority of the bomber force had already set the city of Cologne ablaze.

Our Turn to Bomb

Now we were ready for our run in to the target. German fighter aircraft were circling the bombing area ready to attack us. We were the last batch of the thousand bombers that raided Cologne that night, and the city was ablaze from end to end. We had to descend to 10,000 feet in search of an area that wasn’t already burning and on which we could drop our bomb.

We had been briefed that the main post office was the aiming point. “There are ammunition factories across the street,” we were told. Many of us, however, believed that we were bombing the civilian population because we knew that in most cities the main post office is not surrounded by factories.

The tension grew as the pilot opened the bomb-bay doors. The noise in the aircraft intensified. This was our most vulnerable moment. Our bomb, which seemed nearly as long as the four-engined aircraft itself, was now exposed. Coloured tracer bullets arched through the sky. If anything hit that bomb, we were finished!

The bomb aimer now took control of the aircraft. Pointing his sights toward the target area, he gave the pilot his instructions: “Left-left; right-right-steady; left a little​—hold it—​steady​—on target. Bomb away!” The plane shuddered, and I heard the “whoosh” as the four-ton bomb fell away from the aircraft. An endless minute went by as we waited until the photoflash illuminated the area we had bombed. Once the damage had been photographed, we set off for home.

Pangs of Conscience

As we banked steeply and turned away, I could see the entire burning city of Cologne down below. I thought about the men, women, and children who had lost their lives. ‘Why am I taking part in the slaughter of thousands of innocent citizens of this huge city?’ I asked myself. I tried to console myself with the thought that this was a fight against the evil regime of Adolf Hitler.

On our way home I could not help returning to a memory that repeatedly haunted me during my 60 bombing missions. Early in the war a lone German aircraft had dropped a stick of bombs on an air-raid shelter near Lincoln, England. I helped to pull out the dismembered bodies of the women who had been sheltering there. I had nightmares about it for months after. Now I wondered: ‘How many times over had such horrors been repeated tonight as a result of a thousand bombers blasting the heavily populated city of Cologne? And what does God think about such dreadful work?’

I often thought about this because I came from a religious background in Inverness, Scotland. My family had been long-standing members of the Church of Scotland. I had been a Sunday-school teacher and president of the church’s Youth Fellowship. On Saturday evenings a group of us used to stand on the corner at the Inverness Town Hall and give public testimony to our faith. At such times I was filled with religious fervor and a desire to be a minister.

“Whose Side Is God On?”

I often spoke to the military chaplains during those six years of warfare (1939-45), and I asked them, “Whose side is God on in this war?” Invariably they replied, “Of course he is on our side! We are fighting an evil tyranny that is out for world domination, and only our Christian forces can destroy it!” However, this did not satisfy me.

One day I sat down in the Officers’ Mess with the squadron’s Catholic padre, and I said to him: “You know, padre, on our aircraft one of our crew members is a Catholic, and you bless him before we go off on bombing missions over Germany. Now, the same Catholic religion in Germany is blessing a Catholic crew member of a German aircraft that comes over and destroys our cities. So the question I ask is, ‘Whose side is God on?’”

“Well, that’s a tough one,” he replied. “All I know is that if we let Hitler rule the world, there will be no place in it for you and me, or any other Christian for that matter.” Needless to say, this didn’t answer my question either, for I couldn’t help but wonder: ‘Then why don’t German Catholics and their church withdraw their support from Hitler?’ I did not get answers to my questions until after the war.

On May 18, 1945, I stood before King George VI at Buckingham Palace, London, and received the Distinguished Flying Cross for having completed 60 missions over some of the most heavily defended industrial targets and cities in Europe. A medal for destroying cities, towns, and lives! Out of the 13 squadron members who came back from a second tour of missions, I was the only one who came through unscathed.

Later that year I was discharged, and I settled in the town of Doncaster, England, with my wife, Barbara, and our young son. It was during this period that I became extremely depressed; my nerves were shattered. I felt dreadful for the part I had in all the killing of people in our bombing raids over Germany and Italy. I repeatedly asked myself, ‘Will God forgive me?’ I often prayed for forgiveness.

An Interrupted Lunch

One day as I was having my lunch, the doorbell rang, and my wife went to answer it. She was at the door for some time, and I became impatient for my second course. So getting up rather angrily from the table, I rudely interrupted the conversation she was having with a man, saying, “What’s all this?”

“Your wife is interested in this book, Let God Be True,” the man kindly replied. “I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses making calls in this neighbourhood.”

“No, thank you!” I shot back. The mere mention of Jehovah’s Witnesses made me angry. “We are not interested in those people who didn’t take part in our war but were content to eat our food, brought over at great risk by our sailors!”

“Well, sir,” the man at the door replied in a very mild voice, “one thing I would like to mention is that wherever Jehovah’s Witnesses lived during the war, they were neutral and took no part in it. Yet in the same war, as you know, Protestant killed Protestant and Catholic killed Catholic with no compunction whatsoever. But Jehovah’s Witnesses did not kill one another, or anybody else for that matter.”

The Side God Is On

His answer made my mind go back to the question that I had asked during the war, “Whose side is God on?” So I posed the question to him.

“Well, that is an easy one,” he replied. He showed me John 13:34, 35 and read it: “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.”

“Obviously,” he added, “if we truly love one another, wherever we live we certainly will not kill one another no matter what politicians may say to the contrary. Jehovah’s Witnesses practice that commandment of Jesus, even though in Germany many died in concentration camps for being neutral, and many others, like me, were imprisoned in this country. We believe that God is on the side of people who really love one another.”

He was convincing, so we accepted the book. My wife and I sat up in bed reading that book and checking the scriptures until the wee hours of the morning. We learned how wars, such as the world war in which I had fought, were part of a “sign” proving that shortly God’s government will end all tyranny and make the earth a place where Christians can live in peace.​—Matthew 24:3-14.

After about a week, we wrote to the man who had left us the book and his address and asked him to call. We had lots of questions to ask him. Several days later he returned, and we started to study the Bible with him. After the second study, we began attending meetings at the local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and eventually my wife and I were baptized in 1948.

A Different High-Altitude Service

Down through the years, my wife and I had kept before us the desire to serve as full-time ministers, and, of course, when our son became a missionary in South America, the desire became even stronger. But it was a big decision to make because by this time we were quite comfortably situated; we had a very fine home, and I had a well-paying job. We weren’t young any longer, and both of us had our share of health problems. And, yet, I knew that we really could be doing a lot more.

After much prayerful thought, the decision was made. The house was sold, and the tears were shed, as we had lived in that house for over 20 years. And so in June 1973 we found ourselves flying in over the barren altiplano of Bolivia to La Paz Airport.

My son and his wife were waiting to meet us. A few minutes after leaving the airport, we stopped, and there before us was one of the most spectacular sights that I have ever seen. The capital city, La Paz, lies in a deep basinlike hollow, something resembling a moon crater, 1,000 feet below the level of the flat altiplano. It was early evening, and we could see the lights of the entire city twinkling below us. Beyond, snowcapped Mount Illimani was reflecting the last rays of the evening sun.

In my Royal Air Force days, I had been taught always to use oxygen when flying at over 10,000 feet. Here we were going to live at an altitude of nearly 12,000 feet​—with no oxygen masks! What a struggle it became, climbing up the steep hills of La Paz as we gasped for oxygen in the rarefied atmosphere, during our visiting from house to house! But how enjoyable it was to be in almost constant sunshine, always with a view of the towering snow-covered peaks of the Andes!

Most enjoyable, however, was the great interest of the people in the good news of God’s Kingdom. At first I had the message that I wanted to present written on a card, to help me remember what to say in Spanish. The language, of course, was a difficulty at times. But after 12 years there, I was able to give public talks in Spanish and serve as an elder in one of the congregations. Over the years, we had some delightful experiences, having studied with 20 persons who were then baptized. However, due to ill health, my wife and I had to return to England, where we continue to tell others about God’s Kingdom.

When I think back to that terrible night when we bombed Cologne, it still makes me feel sick to think of the destruction and suffering that I caused. ‘Does God really bless those fighting in war?’ I had often wondered. How thankful I was to learn that God isn’t on either side when nations go to war. Rather, as that Witness explained to me: “God is on the side of people who really love one another.” (John 13:34, 35)​—As told by David Walker.

[Footnotes]

[Blurb on page 5]

The plane shuddered, and I heard the “whoosh” as the four-ton bomb fell away from the aircraft

[Blurb on page 6]

‘Why am I taking part in the slaughter of thousands of innocent citizens of this huge city?’ I asked myself

[Picture on page 5]

One thousand bombers headed for Cologne

[Credit Line]

RAF Museums, London

[Picture on page 6]

Cologne, one target during my 60 bombing missions

[Credit Line]

U.S. Army photo

[Picture on page 7]

Walker with wife, Barbara, and son during World War II

[Credit Line]

“Topical” Press Agency, LTD., London

[Picture on page 8]

David Walker and his wife talking to a Bolivian about God’s Kingdom

Do They Join Everything?

How religious are the Japanese? That is not an easy question to answer. However, statistics prepared by the government’s Cultural Agency do make one thing clear: Japan’s view of religion is different from that in the West. Following is what the data shows:

Shintoists ․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ 117.0 million

Buddhists ․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․․ 87.0 million

Professed Christians ․․․․․․ 1.5 million

Other religions ․․․․․․․․․․ 15.0 million

Total 220.5 million

However, the population of Japan is only 120 million!

Young People Ask . . .

Sex Before Marriage​—Why Not?

WHAT is the number one topic that people write about to advice columns? For at least one big-city newspaper, it is premarital sex. Yes, questions on the topic abound: ‘If you love each other, is it OK?’ ‘Should you wait till marriage?’ ‘Is it just innocent “fun”?’ However, opinions also abound! Which advice is correct and in your best interests?

Sex without marriage is the subject of over one fourth of the opening section (Pr chapters 1-9) of the Bible book of Proverbs. The advice contained therein is from none other than our Creator. His advice can give “to a young man [or woman] knowledge and thinking ability.” Those who heed its counsel acquire “skillful direction,” or as the original Hebrew word means, the “art of steering or guiding” a ship. (Proverbs 1:4, 5) Surely you want the ability to steer your life clear of any subtle danger that could “shipwreck” your happiness!

True, most young people do not view premarital sex as a threat to their happiness. Often those who are sexually active say that is the case for reasons similar to those voiced centuries ago: “Do come, let us drink our fill of love until the morning; do let us enjoy each other with love expressions.” (Proverbs 7:18) They are in love, and, say they, sex comes naturally. Or they may reason like a young man named Leopold, who claimed: “To prove you are a real man, you must have sex with a girl.” Yet others give in to gain acceptance among peers or to prove they’re not homosexual.

But frankly, research studies​—and countless examples—​have shown that most young people initially did not plan to have sex.a In most cases, sexual intercourse occurred because the couple engaged in stimulating or petting intimate body parts. Confessed one unmarried mother: “To me and to most of the kids I know, it just kind of went a little bit further each time, and finally you aren’t a virgin anymore. You start out to do a little petting, and before you realize what is happening, you can’t stop.”

‘But why not enjoy the pleasure of sex before marriage?’ argue some. ‘What real harm is there when two people want to?’

Painful Problems

Some pleasures today can cause pain tomorrow. “For as a honeycomb the lips of a strange woman keep dripping, and her palate is smoother than oil,” observes Proverbs 5:3, 4. “But the aftereffect from her is as bitter as wormwood; it is as sharp as a two-edged sword.”

One possible bitter aftereffect is the contracting of a sexually transmitted disease. By engaging in premarital sex, one truly ‘sins against his or her own body.’ (1 Corinthians 6:18) Imagine the heartache to learn years later that immorality caused irreversible damage, perhaps infertility or a serious health problem. As Proverbs 5:11 warns: “You have to groan in your future when your flesh and your organism come to an end.”

Premarital sex can also lead to an illegitimate pregnancy, an abortion, or a premature marriage​—each with its painful consequences. But another hard problem is . . .

The Emotional Consequences

Feelings of guilt and diminished self-respect are reported by many who engage in premarital sex, as they are troubled within themselves for going beyond their own standards. For example, 23-year-old Dennis bemoaned: “It was a big letdown​—no feeling of good or warmth of love as it was supposed to be. Rather the full realization of how wrong the act was hit me. I felt totally ashamed at my lack of self-control.”

Multitudes of others sadly agree. “I came back to reality with a sickening thud,” confessed one young woman. “Nothing was funny now. The party was over and I felt sick, cheap, and dirty. It didn’t make me feel any better to hear him say, ‘Why on earth didn’t you stop us before things went too far?’”

Such reactions are not rare, according to Dr. Jay Segal, who conducted a national study based on the “sexual autobiographies” of 2,436 college students. In his published report he concluded: “Dissatisfying and disappointing first [sexual intercourse] experiences exceeded those that were fulfilling and exciting by a ratio of almost two to one. Both males and females recalled that they were greatly disappointed.”

True, not all youths seem to suffer guilt or displeasure. But the Bible warns: “Fornication . . . take[s] away good motive.” (Hosea 4:11) A person engaging in premarital sex, or fornication, finds that his motivations can gradually change. Sexual passion can subtly become the overriding emotion and the focal point of the relationship. But such passion is fickle and easily bored.

Some young persons have had their “good motive” so dulled by fornication that they have sought sexual satisfaction from several partners each month. Researcher Robert Sorensen calls such youngsters “sexual adventurers.” He indicates that these pay a price for their ‘adventures.’ Writes Sorensen: “In our personal interviews, many adventurers reveal . . . that they believe they are functioning with little purpose and self-contentment.” Forty-six percent of these agreed with the statement, “The way I’m living right now, most of my abilities are going to waste.” Sorensen further found that these promiscuous youths reported low “self-confidence and self-esteem.” It is just as Proverbs 5:9 says: Those engaging in immorality “give to others [their] dignity.”

Still, some young people maintain: ‘We’re different. Sex will draw us closer together.’ But will it really?

The Morning After

Once a couple has gone all the way, they often look at each other differently. He may find that his feelings for his sweetheart are not as intense as before. Now that he has had her sexually, he may even find her less attractive. On the other hand, she may feel exploited. At any rate, by having sex a couple crosses over a line and can never go back.

In Bible times Amnon was lovesick over the virgin Tamar. Yet, after intercourse, “Amnon began hating her with a very great hatred.” (2 Samuel 13:15) Similarly, after committing fornication, a girl named Maria admitted: “I hated myself (for my weakness), and I hated my boyfriend. In fact, the sex relations we thought would bring us closer ended our relationship. I didn’t even want to see him again.”

Of course, not all reactions are like Maria’s or Amnon’s. “The temporary effect may be to strengthen the relationship, but the long-term effects may be quite different,” concluded an authority in the field, Paul H. Landis, after evaluating the results of studies involving several hundred young people. One reason why couples who have sex are more likely to break up than are those who abstain is that such intimacy breeds jealousy and distrust. One youth admitted: “Some fellows, when they have intercourse, think afterwards, ‘if she had it with me maybe she had it with someone else.’ As a matter of fact, I felt that way. . . . I was extremely jealous and doubtful, and suspicious.”

How remote this is from genuine love, which “is not jealous, . . . does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests.” (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5) Only this kind of love can build a trusting relationship leading to a lasting marriage. No wonder the Bible warns: “Let marriage be honorable among all . . . for God will judge fornicators.”​—Hebrews 13:4.

This brings us to the most important argument against premarital sex: It is a serious sin against God. “This is what God wills,” states 1 Thessalonians 4:3, “that you abstain from fornication.” Heeding this inspired advice will shield you from countless heartaches.

[Footnotes]

[Blurb on page 10]

Some pleasures today can cause pain tomorrow

[Blurb on page 12]

More engagements are broken by those couples who have premarital sex

[Blurb on page 12]

Once a couple have sex, they cross over a line and can never go back

[Picture on page 11]

Sex before marriage may result in the heartache of a broken engagement

Missionaries​—Thanks to Some Good Examples

WHY would anybody in this late 20th century choose to be a missionary? This question may come to the minds of many when they consider the materialism, cynicism, and general irreligiousness that are so prevalent today. Despite such influences, however, twice each year graduates of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead head out to foreign lands to preach the good news of the Kingdom of God. This year was no exception. Thus on Sunday, September 8, all the students of the 79th class of Gilead graduated and were ready to be missionaries.

Of course, these new missionaries are impelled by a strong faith in God, an unshakable belief in his promises, and a love for their fellowman. But in many cases, there was something additional that gave them an extra push and made them want to devote the rest of their lives to the missionary service. What was it?

One of the students, Terry, who came from Australia, talks of his own case: “My parents helped me from an early age to take the truth seriously and never even to consider any other career than the full-time ministry.” Terry and his wife, Birgit, both thank their parents for the fact that they are missionaries today. Says Birgit: “In our family, the only career we ever talked about was the full-time service. So Gilead was always a goal.” That parental training has now produced fine fruit, as this happy couple prepares to serve as missionaries in Papua New Guinea.

Their experience is not uncommon in the 79th class of Gilead. In fact, fully half of the graduates attribute their desire to enter the full-time service to their parents’ example and encouragement. Paul and Anne from England were assigned to missionary service in Liberia. Anne says: “My mother’s nonmaterialistic attitude and clear view of the truth helped me to avoid getting involved in a secular career and to set missionary service as a goal.” And Paul’s parents? “I believe that their example, along with their positive words of encouragement since I was quite young, was the finest possible influence for me as I grew up in the truth.”

What did such parents actually do to encourage their children to enter the full-time ministry? Phoebe, who grew up in Australia, reports: “My parents often had special pioneers, circuit overseers, and other full-time servants stay with us in our home.” Now she and her husband, Eric, are bound for Haiti as missionaries. Others are imitating their parents’ living examples: “My grandfather became a zealous pioneer in Sweden in the late 20’s, and my father and my mother were pioneers, served in Bethel, and then were in the traveling work,” says Lars. “Very often we had full-time servants as guests in our home.” Emmanuel, who came to Gilead from France, reports that his father was a missionary himself and now has the joy of seeing his son and daughter-in-law take up the career he loved. Emmanuel expresses it this way: “I have always been educated with the full-time service in view. Even when I was a little boy, I wanted to do what Daddy did.” Emmanuel and his wife, Marie, are assigned to Guadeloupe.

Urban expresses similar sentiments about the influence his homelife in Sweden had on his desire to become a missionary. He relates: “During my entire childhood my mother was very zealous in the ministry. I think that it was not so much what she said but what she did, her good example, that influenced me very much to have a desire to spend my life in the full-time service for Jehovah. And, very early, missionary service became a goal that my mother encouraged. For example, she said it was something she would like to do if she just had the opportunity.” Now he and his wife, Charlotte, will be fulfilling that goal of missionary work in Kenya with three of their classmates.

What about those who did not have the benefit of parents who encouraged them to enter the full-time ministry? Rick and his wife, Mari, came to school from Denmark. They are looking forward to serving in Kenya. His desire to be a missionary grew “from reading in The Watchtower and the Yearbook the experiences of faithful missionaries.” Bruce and Angelika appreciated the example and encouragement of other full-time servants. “Encouragement from others to enter the full-time ministry is absolutely crucial to a young person,” says Angelika. “If you don’t get encouragement, you doubt yourself. Our circuit overseer, a former missionary, reassured us that whoever is willing and meets the requirements of a missionary can be successful.” This couple, who came from Germany, were eager to get to work in their assignment in St. Kitts as soon as possible after graduation.

Sirkka, and her husband Erkki, came to Gilead School from Finland. She explains what encouraged her to pursue the missionary work in spite of her fear of having to learn a new language: “Those already in the full-time service encouraged me just by their example. That was especially true of one who had been in the missionary work himself. He helped me to realize that language would not really be a problem in my case if I really wanted to be a missionary.” They are now awaiting the opportunity to learn Spanish in their assignment in Colombia.

It was the example of ‘faith without hypocrisy’ by his mother and grandmother that gave Timothy the needed direction and encouragement to enter the missionary work with the apostle Paul. (2 Timothy 1:5) Today, many young ones benefit from the encouragement and example of their parents and others, and they decide to make the full-time ministry their career. When asked if she would recommend pursuing such a goal, Charlotte answers: “Yes, of course. Otherwise we would not have chosen it ourselves. It is a rich life filled with challenges but also with blessings.”

Do all the students feel that they have made the right choice of career? Erkki sums up the feelings of the class in this way: “We receive the greatest blessings when we allow ourselves to be like a tool in Jehovah’s hand, ready to be used as he sees fit. Gilead School has sharpened us to be a more useful tool in his hand.”

[Box on page 15]

Profile of the 79th class:

Number of countries represented: 10

Number of countries assigned to: 11

Number of single brothers: 2

Number of married couples: 11

Total number of students: 24

Average age: 29.5

Average years in truth: 12.7

Average years in full-time ministry: 8.2

[Picture on page 14]

Watchtower Bible School of Gilead 79th Class​—September 8, 1985

In the list below, rows are numbered from front to back and names are listed from left to right.

(1) Mattsson, C.; Crudass, A.; Petit, B.; Tomaszewski, M.; Mäkelä, S.; Thompson, A. (2) Thompson, B.; Toivanen, S.; Östberg, E.; van de Reep, P.; Stephens, M.; Beadle, P. (3) Östberg, L.; Mäkelä, E.; van de Reep, M.; Raivo, J.; Stephens, R.; Petit, T. (4) Beadle, E.; Crudass, P.; Tomaszewski, E.; Denk, V.; Mattsson, U.; Raivo, J.

The Bible​—Do We Have All of It?

IT WAS winter in Upper Egypt 40 years ago. An Arab peasant was digging for crop-fertilizing soil. Instead, he made a startling discovery. His pick hit something hard​—a clay jar. Inside he found 13 leather-bound volumes dating back to the second century C.E. But not until 1955 did this archaeological discovery begin making big headlines. And it still makes waves among Bible readers because it is claimed by some that the discovered volumes contain the secret sayings of Jesus.

“These are the secret words which the Living Jesus spoke and Didymos Judas Thomas wrote.” So begins The Gospel According to Thomas, one of 48 different Gnostic religious documents found on that Egyptian hillside. Commenting on this, Helmut Koester of Harvard Divinity School said that the gospel of Thomas would provide important new material for discerning the teachings of Jesus. But does it? Is some secret wisdom that is important to your faith missing from the Bible? Or is the Bible complete? Faced with these questions, how would you answer?

Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the Bible is complete. The apostle Paul’s second letter to 2 Timothy chapter 3, verses 16 and 17, well states their conviction. There we read: “All scripture is inspired by God and can profitably be used for teaching, for refuting error, for guiding people’s lives and teaching them to be holy. This is how the man who is dedicated to God becomes fully equipped and ready for any good work.”​—The Jerusalem Bible.

Experience has taught the Witnesses that the Bible has no gaps in stating God’s purpose or in providing needed counsel for day-to-day living. It tells them why we are here and where we are going. In brief​—the Bible is complete.

Bible Canon​—A Complete Catalog

Why can Jehovah’s Witnesses be sure that no vital book is missing from the Bible? Because the inspired writings that are “beneficial for teaching” have a set catalog, often called a canon. (2 Timothy 3:16) Originally, the word “canon” referred to a reed used as a measuring rod. The Bible canon came to mean the set of books accepted as genuine, inspired of God and worthy of being used as a straightedge for measuring faith, doctrine, and conduct.

The official listing for the Hebrew Scriptures (often called the Old Testament) was fixed by the end of the fifth century B.C.E. Jesus Christ and his apostles used only books from this catalog when quoting Scripture. Therefore, Jehovah’s Witnesses follow this same pattern for the Hebrew Scriptures. But what about the so-called New Testament, or the Christian Greek Scriptures?

Evidence for an authorized listing of writings for the Christian Greek Scriptures began piling up as early as 90-100 C.E. And by the end of the second century, there was no question that the canon of the Christian Greek Scriptures had been closed. There are at least 16 outstanding early catalogs of the Christian Greek Scriptures, from the Muratorian Fragment of 170 C.E. to the Third Council of Carthage of 397 C.E. Additionally, manuscripts of this part of the Bible in the original language (Greek) total more than 5,200. No other ancient document is so well supported. Hence, Jehovah’s Witnesses look upon the Christian Greek Scriptures as being complete.a But more evidence than this is needed to satisfy Jehovah’s Witnesses.

Human listings are not the main reason that Jehovah’s Witnesses accept a book as being canonical. They look for internal evidence. Here is what they look for:

◻ Contents that give evidence of inspiration by God’s holy spirit.

◻ Counsel against superstitions, demonism, and creature worship.

◻ Total unity with the rest of the Bible.

◻ A message that turns people to the worship of Jehovah and stimulates deep respect for his work and purpose.

◻ An appeal to love and to serve God.

◻ Conformity with the divine “pattern of healthful words” and harmony with the teachings of Jesus Christ.​—2 Timothy 1:13.

Gnostic Writings Conflict With the Bible

Jehovah’s Witnesses find none of this evidence in Gnostic writings. The mystical Gnostics flourished during the first two centuries C.E. and claimed secret divine knowledge, or gnosis. They challenged genuine Christians about who had the true teachings and writings of Jesus and his disciples. Do the Gnostic books reveal pertinent information to strengthen a Christian’s faith? No.

Encyclopedias and most Bible scholars label these Gnostic writings as not only apocryphal (noncanonical) but also as pseudepigraphic (falsely attributed to Bible writers). As reported in Psychology Today, Andrew M. Greeley, a Roman Catholic priest and professor of sociology at the University of Arizona, said of these books: “They could have no appeal to the ordinary person who looked to religion for help with life problems and not negation of the importance of life.” And when Greeley compared the Gnostic gospels with those of the Bible, he concluded: “The Jesus of the Gnostics is sometimes incoherent, sometimes unintelligible, and sometimes more than a little creepy.”

A great chasm exists between the teachings of the Gnostic gospels and the Bible Gospels. This gap is especially noted when you compare Gnostic and Bible teachings regarding God, the resurrection, and salvation. Yet, a similarity can be seen between Gnosticism and ancient Greek philosophy, Buddhism, and Hinduism.

Gnostic writers depict a Jesus shockingly different from the one portrayed by Bible writers. The Gnostic Gospel of Philip characterizes Mary Magdalene as the most intimate of Jesus’ companions and states that he “used to kiss her [often] on her [mouth].” No wonder the Encyclopædia Britannica states: “Gnostic ethics ran the gamut from compulsive promiscuity to extreme asceticism.”

No Gaps in Stating God’s Purpose

From the Bible’s opening chapter to its concluding one, God’s purpose for the earth and its inhabitants is clearly unfolded. The account begins with God’s blessing two people living in a regional paradise and ends with his blessing untold millions living in a global paradise. And the 1,187 chapters in between progressively reveal how God will bless mankind and how we can fit into the divine purpose. The Bible does this without leaving a single gap of vital information that needs to be plugged by other documents.

‘All of this is well and good,’ you may say, ‘but is the Bible’s advice complete and practical for my life right now?’

No Gaps in Providing Needed Counsel

Jehovah’s Witnesses view the Bible as a complete guide for day-to-day living. The basic needs of people are the same today as during Bible times. How does the Bible satisfy these needs? Let us have a look:

FAMILY​—“You wives, be in subjection to your husbands, as it is becoming in the Lord. You husbands, keep on loving your wives and do not be bitterly angry with them. You children, be obedient to your parents in everything, for this is well-pleasing in the Lord. You fathers, do not be exasperating your children, so that they do not become downhearted.”​—Colossians 3:18-21.

DECISIONS​—“Have you beheld a man hasty with his words? There is more hope for someone stupid than for him.” “In all your ways take notice of [God], and he himself will make your paths straight. Do not become wise in your own eyes. Fear Jehovah and turn away from bad.”​—Proverbs 29:20; 3:6, 7.

DEPRESSION​—“Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.”​—Philippians 4:6, 7.

CONTENTMENT​—“To be sure, it is a means of great gain, this godly devotion along with self-sufficiency. For we have brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out. So, having sustenance and covering, we shall be content with these things.”​—1 Timothy 6:6-8.

FRIENDSHIP​—“There exist companions disposed to break one another to pieces, but there exists a friend sticking closer than a brother.” “But become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave you.”​—Proverbs 18:24; Ephesians 4:32.

From this brief survey, can you see why Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that the Bible is perfect in providing guiding principles for life? Many do. For instance, here is the conclusion reached by one man after an investigation of the Bible:

“I feel that the Bible, and its counsel, is more practical and far superior to anything that I had ever studied in college. Although being a high-school counselor with Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees and having read a large number of books on mental health and psychology, I discovered that the Bible’s counsel on such things as having a successful marriage, preventing juvenile delinquency, and how to gain and keep friends is far superior to anything I had read or studied in college.”

Why do many question the Bible’s completeness? For some, it may be a matter of not making a healthy investigation of the facts. For others, it may be a secret desire to flee from accountability. Hence, it is important to heed the apostle Paul’s counsel to Timothy: “Guard what is laid up in trust with you, turning away from . . . the falsely called ‘knowledge.’ For making a show of such knowledge some have deviated from the faith.”​—1 Timothy 6:20, 21.

Archaeological discoveries will continue, and some may add to our understanding of Bible history. But no one discovery can verify or deny the Bible’s truthfulness. The Bible stands on its own merits. Of course, each one of us must decide whether to believe what Paul wrote: “Even if we or an angel out of heaven were to declare to you as good news something beyond what we declared to you as good news, let him be accursed.” (Galatians 1:8) As for Jehovah’s Witnesses, their mind is made up. For them the Bible is complete.

[Footnotes]

[Blurb on page 17]

Do Gnostic gospels really contain the secret sayings of Jesus?

[Box on page 19]

God’s Stated Purpose

Why we are here

Manage Paradise earth; obey and worship Jehovah God; love neighbors.​—Genesis 1:28; Ecclesiastes 12:13; Luke 10:27

Where we are going

Live forever in perfect health on peaceful Paradise earth; reunited with dead loved ones.​—Revelation 20:12, 13; 21:3, 4

How God will do it

Righteous government under Christ to rid earth of wickedness, resurrect dead.​—Luke 1:32, 33; John 11:25; Revelation 11:17, 18

[Chart on page 18]

Comparison of Gnostic and Bible Teachings

GNOSTIC BIBLE

[Picture Credit Line on page 16]

Institute for Antiquity and Christianity, Claremont, California, U.S.A.

Crossword Puzzle

Clues Across

1. His god is “the god of fortresses” [4 words] (Daniel 11:38, 40)

7. God is this way even “toward the unthankful and wicked” (Luke 6:35)

9. Holy spirit would not allow Paul and his companions to travel into this province (Acts 16:7)

12. “God is my King from long ---” (Psalm 74:12)

13. The Pharisees asked Jesus if it was lawful to do this on the sabbath (Matthew 12:10)

14. Course (Jude 11)

15. Moses’ mother made one of papyrus in order to conceal him (Exodus 2:3)

16. Lack (Proverbs 11:24)

18. Philistine champion (1 Samuel 17:4)

20. Furtively waiting (Revelation 18:2)

22. Fourth king of the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel (1 Kings 16:8)

24. The sun’s apparent path in relation to the horizon

26. Portent (1 Kings 20:33)

27. A prominent deity of ancient Egypt (Jeremiah 46:25)

28. One of King David’s mighty men (1 Chronicles 11:26, 40)

29. Brought together (Revelation 16:16)

31. “---- good news of the kingdom will be preached” (Matthew 24:14)

32. This Bible book primarily covers the activity of Peter and Paul [3 words]

Clues Down

1. Essential home item among peoples of antiquity [2 words] (Deuteronomy 28:5)

2. The forefather of a group of Nethinim who returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile (Ezra 2:1, 43, 48)

3. Gave as food (Deuteronomy 8:3)

4. Used synonymously with “Israel” (1 Samuel 13:3, 4)

5. Beam of light

6. Ceremonious ritual of the Pharisees [3 words]

8. Worn by men of high station (Daniel 5:7, 16, 29)

10. Thomas’ appellation (John 11:16)

11. Another of David’s mighty men (1 Chronicles 11:26, 37)

17. Child of Caleb by his concubine Maacah (1 Chronicles 2:48)

19. Wail (Ezekiel 32:18)

21. Territory of Babylonia (Jeremiah 51:24, 35)

23. Satan is the foremost one (John 8:44)

25. Stonecutting instrument (Exodus 20:25)

30. Extent of Cain’s anger (Genesis 4:5)

31. Boys this age and under were murdered by Herod in his effort to kill Jesus (Matthew 2:16)

CROSSWORD SOLUTIONS PAGE 23

Answers Across

1. KING OF THE NORTH

7. KIND

9. BITHYNIA

12. AGO

13. CURE

14. PATH

15. ARK

16. WANT

18. GOLIATH

20. LURKING

22. ELAH

24. ARC

26. OMEN

27. AMON

28. IRA

29. GATHERED

31. THIS

32. ACTS OF APOSTLES

Answers Down

1. KNEADING TROUGH

2. NEKODA

3. FED

4. HEBREWS

5. RAY

6. WASHING OF HANDS

8. NECKLACE

10. TWIN

11. NAARAI

17. TIRHANAH

19. LAMENT

21. CHALDEA

23. LIAR

25. CHISEL

30. HOT

31. TWO

Those Fascinating Shells

By “Awake!” correspondent in the Philippines

IT HAPPENED in the year 1838 on the island of Bohol in the Philippines. The event nearly caused a British gentleman to faint with excitement. The man was Hugh Cumming, a conchologist, that is, a naturalist dealing with shells. On that occasion, Cumming found three shells known as Conus gloria-maris, meaning “Glory of the Sea.”

All that excitement over three seashells? Yes, indeed! Hugh Cumming had fulfilled a collector’s dream. Glory of the Sea is a rare, exquisite, and valuable variety of shell. Until 1965 only 25 of them had been found. A collection in the Philippines contains the largest one. Though fossilized, it can be worth, it is said, more than $1,000 (U.S.).

The Philippines is a shell collector’s paradise. Three of the 13 most valuable shells in the world come from this country. The publication Shells and the Philippines states: “By far the most fabulous for the diversity of its shell-bearing animals is the Indo-Pacific, a vast reach of water extending from the Red Sea and the eastern coast of Africa across the Indian Ocean, and into the Pacific beyond Hawaii and Easter Island. . . . But the center of this vast region and a mecca for shell collectors, is the Philippine Archipelago, with its thousands of islands, reefs, channels, bays, seas, and record offshore deeps.”

Where Do Shells Come From?

For the most part, shells serve as protection for mollusks, which are soft-bodied animals without bones. They include snails, clams, and oysters. Mollusks usually consist of internal organs, head, foot, and a skinlike mantle. The mantle secretes liquid material that becomes the shell. It forms in layers and is harder than glass. Cutting this substance calls for special tools.

No two shells are exactly alike. There is a basic hereditary pattern for each species, and environmental factors play a part. Color and adornment originate with special glands in the mantle. The largest living mollusk with an external shell is the giant clam (Tridacna gigas). It grows up to five feet (1.5 m) in length. However, fossil shells have been found measuring up to 15 feet (4.6 m).

Five Main Groups

Generally speaking, mollusks fall into five major classifications. One is Amphineura, a name that comes from Greek words that mean “around” and “nerve.” These mollusks have two nerve cords that go around the body. They produce a “coat-of-mail” shell that features eight overlapping shell plates held together by a tough girdle. The shell gets its name from its resemblance to ancient armor. Amphineura are docile creatures that creep over rocks to scrape off vegetation for food. Their only warlike trait is an excellent ability at camouflage.

The largest class of mollusks is Gastropoda, a name that comes from Greek words meaning “belly” and “foot.” They move about by means of a foot that extends beneath the body. There are some 50,000 species in this major group, including the distinguished Glory of the Sea. This class of mollusk also features snails, limpets, whelks, and slugs.

Gastropoda are called univalves, since they have only one shell. Perhaps you have noticed that snail shells have a spiral, or coiled, appearance. Most Gastropoda grow by winding in a clockwise direction, though a few coil to the left. Usually active, Gastropoda eat both vegetation and meat. If disturbed, they withdraw into their shells and close the “door,” which is a horny plate called the operculum.

Another class of mollusks is Pelecypoda, a name that comes from Greek words meaning “hatchet” and “foot.” They have a hatchet-shaped, muscular foot that serves as a means of locomotion. Mollusks of this class are known as bivalves because they have two matching shells. Clams, oysters, mussels, and scallops are familiar members of this group, of which about ten thousand species are known. All bivalves are vegetarians, and many of them make permanent homes by attaching themselves to rocks or by digging into the sand and mud.

A fourth class is Scaphopoda, from Greek words meaning “boat” and “foot.” There are about 350 species of this mollusk. They live in the ocean and have a pointed foot that looks something like a tiny boat. With this they burrow into sand, leaving one end of the shell pointing up into the water. Their body is covered by a single tubular shell open at both ends. Hence, many refer to them as “tooth,” or “tusk,” shells. Tentacles that extend through a small opening enable this creature to capture small organisms for food.

The fifth class may not readily be recognized as mollusks. They are called Cephalopoda, a name derived from two Greek words meaning “head” and “foot.” This class is distinguished by a number of tentacles (usually eight or ten) grouped around the head and the mouth. The squid, the octopus, and the cuttlefish belong to this group. However, among 800 species of Cephalopoda, only the chambered nautilus has an external shell.

Collecting Shells for Pleasure

Do you think that collecting shells would be enjoyable? If so, a good place to begin is the beach. Both shallows and shore hold many a beautiful shell. Do not let bad weather discourage you, as storms often litter beaches with a glittering array of shells.

Finding attractive ones, however, requires hard work. You must be willing to dig in the sand, examine grooves and holes, and search on tidal flats and in eelgrass. By swimming out a short distance and overturning dead coral and rocks, you may come upon a host of exotic discoveries. You can also find a variety of shells near rivers and on land. For instance, there are land and tree snails that exhibit gorgeous forms and hues.

But be careful! Some shells, such as the cone, conceal deadly, venomous mollusks. Certain ones are carnivorous and have five or six harpoonlike hypodermic needles with which to paralyze prey. They will strike indiscriminately at potential food or a human hand. The truth of this is underscored by recorded deaths of some shell collectors. Pick up cones in a net or in a container. Never hold them by the narrow end.

Careful, skillful cleaning will improve all your finds. Some methods are: boiling, soaking in lye, cleaning with bleach, chipping off encrusted material, and treating with hydrochloric acid. If you cannot remove all the meat by boiling or with a hook, or similar device, ants will often do a thorough job. After any treatment, especially the spot treatment with acid, wash the shells thoroughly in plain water. Now you have some splendid shells to display.

However, when thinking of cleaning shells, you must observe some don’ts. Never soak shells in acid. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight. And do not put thick shells in boiling water, as they may crack.

Mollusks exist worldwide. They may be found on the surface and in the depths of waters, as well as above and under the ground. For many individuals, collecting shells is a truly delightful hobby.

[Pictures on page 22, 23]

Giant Clam

Common Wentletrap

Tusk Shell

Chambered Nautilus

The Bible’s Viewpoint

Tithing​—Is It Necessary?

THE secretary of an Anglican diocese in South Africa is worried. His church is in the midst of a financial crunch that makes it difficult to pay the ministers. His solution: Emphasize tithing to the parishioners.

But just what is a tithe? Some say it is giving for religious purposes “a 10th of all you receive.” Though the manner of calculating the tithe varies from one religion to another, many ministers feel the need to promote tithing. “It is a great pity that we have not stressed tithing more,” said a Catholic priest in Africa. The Worldwide Church of God, in a magazine article about how to avoid poverty by becoming a partner with God, said: “To begin your relationship with God, you must first obey God’s law of tithing.” The article added that those who do not “are stealing from God.”

But does God require you to tithe? It may come as a surprise to learn what the Bible says about it.

Tithing and the Law of Moses

Tithing was part of a body of laws given by God through Moses to the ancient nation of Israel. Twelve tribes of Israel were required by law to support a 13th tribe, the priestly Levites, who had no land inheritance. This enabled the Levites to concentrate on the spiritual needs of the nation. (Numbers 18:21-24) Being an agricultural people, the Israelites were not required to pay the tithe in cash. Rather, it was to come from the land’s produce and from the increase in livestock. If produce was to be tithed and an Israelite wanted to give money instead, then he had to pay 20 percent more than the value of the produce.​—Leviticus 27:30-33.

God’s command on tithing was a serious matter. If an Israelite mistakenly used for himself some of what he was going to tithe, then he had to make amends. How? By giving an extra 20 percent and offering up an animal sacrifice for his guilt. (Leviticus 5:14-16) Though not every Israelite could share in the priesthood, everyone could share in the support of the priestly service through the tithe. All of this was included in God’s law on tithing. Therefore, it fitted the circumstances of that ancient people. But does it fit the circumstances of people today? More importantly, are Christians commanded to tithe?

A Change of Law

A few years after the resurrection of Jesus, uncircumcised non-Jews were converted to Christianity. “It is necessary to circumcise them and charge them to observe the law of Moses,” some Jewish Christians contended. (Acts 15:5) Others did not agree. So Jesus’ apostles and other experienced Christians met in Jerusalem to discuss the issue. They wanted to discern God’s will. Did he require Christ’s followers to keep the Law of Moses, which included tithing? Experiences were related showing a change in God’s dealings with non-Jews, and this was verified from God’s own prophetic Word. (Acts 15:6-21) What was the decision?

The meeting came to a unanimous conclusion. Christians were not to be burdened with the Law of Moses. There were, though, a few “necessary things” that must be obeyed. Was tithing one? The inspired decision read: “The holy spirit and we ourselves have favored adding no further burden to you, except these necessary things, to keep abstaining from things sacrificed to idols and from blood and from things strangled and from fornication.” (Acts 15:25, 28, 29) Interestingly, God’s law on tithing was not listed among the “necessary things” for Christians.

Later, the apostle Paul explained that God’s Law covenant with Israel had been abolished by Jesus’ death. “[God] blotted out the handwritten document,” he said, “and He has taken it out of the way by nailing it to the torture stake.” (Colossians 2:14) This does not mean that Christians have no law. Rather, there has been a change of law that now involves “the law of the Christ.”​—Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 7:12.

The apostle Paul lived in harmony with this change of law. Though working hard in the formation of one congregation after another, he never appealed for payment in the form of tithes. Rather, he was willing to cover his own expenses by working as a tentmaker on a part-time basis. (Acts 18:3, 4) In all honesty he could say: “These hands have attended to the needs of me and of those with me.”​—Acts 20:34.

What guidance, then, do Christians have in the matter of giving? How much should you give?

The Christian Way of Giving

Jesus Christ was the most generous man to walk this earth. His example has inspired many to act generously. “Practice giving,” he said, “and people will give to you. They will pour into your laps a fine measure, pressed down, shaken together and overflowing. For with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you in return.” (Luke 6:38) Are there restrictions here? No. Christians are encouraged to give generously, which may even be more than a tenth if they can afford it.​—Luke 18:22; Acts 20:35.

On the other hand, a Christian might suddenly be faced with some urgent expense, perhaps due to an accident or sickness. To give a tenth of his salary under such circumstances might deprive members of his family of the necessities of life. That would be unchristian.​—Matthew 15:5-9; 1 Timothy 5:8.

Christian giving is voluntary. It takes into account that each individual has different circumstances in life. “If the readiness is there first,” the Bible says, “it is especially acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what a person does not have.”​—2 Corinthians 8:12.

How much, then, should you give? That is a question that you must resolve for yourself. The depth of your own heart appreciation for God​—not some predetermined tithing formula—​will determine what you give. As the Bible urges: “Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7) Tithing was a provision of the Mosaic Law covenant to support Israel’s temple and priesthood. For Christians today, it is neither commanded nor necessary.

‘Fit for a King’​—The Dancing Stallions

ANTICIPATION grows keen as the lights are completely turned off. Suddenly, our ears are filled with stirring music. Spotlights beam through the darkness to reveal the spectacular entrance of a line of fabulous Andalusian stallions and their world-famous descendants​—the Lippizaners. Bedecked in finery, ridden by men and women dressed as Spanish nobility, the gleaming white stallions stand silhouetted against velvet darkness​—a feast for the eyes!

And now, to the accompaniment of music, they begin their graceful movements called haute école (“high school” figures). One stallion sits back on his hindquarters at a 45-degree angle. He holds this position (which requires tremendous balance and muscle control) until signaled to return to his feet. This movement is called the levade. Another demonstrates the courbette. The horse stands tall on his hind legs and then makes a series of little hops. Yet another move is the piaffe, in which the horse trots in place like a soldier marking time, lifting his legs high in a graceful, slow movement.

Most spectacular of all, though, is the capriole, a move reserved for only the most talented of the dancing stallions. The horse finds his tempo and leaps several feet into the air, drawing his forelegs under his chest. At the sound of a snap of a whip, the horse kicks his back legs straight out behind him. For a moment in time, the horse looks like the legendary winged horse Pegasus.

Over the years, thousands have thrilled to these magnificent animals at various shows. Few in the audience, though, realized that these graceful movements were originally not intended to entertain but, rather, were designed to instill fear! Yes, at one time the dancing Andalusian was a lethal weapon of war.

Fit for a King

The Andalusian is no ordinary steed, as his bloodlines date back to the eighth century. At that time the Moorish princes from Africa invaded Southern Spain and crossed their desert-bred barbs with the agile horses of the Iberian Peninsula. Some thus call them the oldest recorded breed in the world. Here was a horse that in ancient times was worth a bag of gold. And even today, some prized stallions are valued at about $200,000 (U.S.) apiece!

But what makes this horse so valuable? William Cavendish, Duke of Newcastle of the 17th century, put it this way: “He is the most noble of horses that exists in the world. The most beautiful. The most worthy of being ridden by a king in his triumphant day and I praise his intelligence, docility and courage.” It is thus no surprise that Richard the Lion-Hearted gained victory over the Saracens of Cyprus while he was mounted on a white Andalusian, nor that author Sir Walter Scott chose to put his fictional character Ivanhoe on one.

From early on, its breeders saw the Andalusian’s potential as a war-horse. And those graceful moves that now thrill audiences were death-dealing on the battlefield. The mere sight of a king mounted on this magnificent war machine would strike fear into the hearts of many a foot soldier.

Brave but Gentle

The Andalusian’s days of mounted warfare are over. However, because of the steed’s lionhearted spirit, unfortunately it is sadly misused in the infamous Spanish bullfights! Mounted by a bullfighter, or rejoneador, the Andalusian fearlessly confronts fast-starting, quick-turning, dangerous fighting bulls. When the bull charges at the horse, the rejoneador waits for the right moment to lean over and plant two banderillas in the bull’s shoulder.

This is not to say, however, that the Andalusian is by nature a warlike beast. Surprisingly, they are rather gentle, gentle enough for a lady to mount them. But stallions may be more difficult to handle at times. And during mating season, they may fight one another over a mare. But, generally, Andalusians seem to get along well with one another. At one place, some 30 stallions and one mare were stabled, one next to the other. Yet their noble breeding came to the fore; they stood quietly as if they were perfect gentlemen.

No wonder that this horse is fit for a king! The Andalusian stallion calls to mind what God asked at Job 39:19-22: “Can you clothe its neck with a rustling mane? Can you cause it to leap like a locust? The dignity of its snorting is frightful. It paws in the low plain and exults in power; it goes forth to meet armor. It laughs at dread, and is not terrified.” Similarly, the graceful, gentle, and consummately brave Andalusian horse is just another evidence of the power of the wise Creator who ‘can give to the horse mightiness!’

[Picture Credit Line on page 26]

Austrian National Tourist Office

From Our Readers

Breaking Free From Drugs

I wish to commend you for the knowledge and insight your articles manifest concerning the Bible as well as in displaying practical wisdom in every aspect of life. However, a statement you made somewhat puzzled me. In the article “Young People Ask . . . How Can I Break Free From Drugs?” you stated, “Total abstention from drugs is essential to recovery,” and “it’s best to ‘cut off,’ or make a clean break from, anything that can stumble us in life.” (September 22, 1985) I’ve had the impression that some drug addiction is so severe that for the addict to refrain abruptly and completely from any further use of the drug would cause severe sickness and quite possibly death.

J. C., New York

We agree that sudden withdrawal can be dangerous for some addicts. That’s why on page 16, paragraph 8, we stated: “In light of the dangers involved, it would be wise to enlist the aid of a competent physician who is familiar with drug detoxification.” But the point the article was making, which is valid, is that one must determine to cut off the use of drugs completely, and once detoxification has taken place, one should stay totally free of drugs.​—ED.

I was involved with drugs from when I was 14 until I was 23 years old. For nine long years I was held captive to their horrible agony. At first I didn’t think drugs were bad. They helped us to escape the pain of our parents’ failing marriages, our own low self-images, and life’s everyday pains of growing up. In time my life fell apart. I felt trapped; suicide seemed appealing at times. It took three long years to break my ties with drug dependency. Why? Because I didn’t have access to the kind of information you presented in your issue of September 22, 1985. If only I had known that the secret to breaking free from drugs was to change my whole way of thinking or approach to life, that I had to enjoy life more without drugs than I did with them. With our Creator’s help, I’ve been able to grow up emotionally and learn how to face life’s hardships without drugs. I know that reasoning on the information in your article will help any who have a drug problem if they sincerely wish to break free.

M. H., Texas

Unfair Teachers?

Thank you so much for your article “Young People Ask . . . Why Is My Teacher So Unfair?” (August 22, 1985) Now I really have a different outlook on why teachers have pets. It’s because teenagers aren’t interested in school or education but in other things. That’s why they pay more attention to the ones that are concerned with learning.

N. S., Wisconsin

I am 15 years old and want to thank you for the article “Why Is My Teacher So Unfair?” Since I have always felt that my teacher treated me unfairly, this article helped me to see the matter from the teacher’s standpoint. Now I have come to the conclusion that I was often to blame when my teacher treated me badly or unfairly.

N. S., Federal Republic of Germany

Watching the World

Nuclear-War Food Peril

Two hundred of the world’s top scientists, representing 30 nations, issued a grave report on the effect that a nuclear war would have on the earth’s food supply. The two-volume study estimates that between one and four billion survivors would face death by starvation. In areas untouched by the atomic blast, the atmosphere would contain hundreds of millions of tons of sooty black smoke, so that much of the sun’s light would be blocked from reaching farmland. Plaguing the earth with a “nuclear winter” would cause global famine to follow. Dr. Mark Harwell, associate director of the Ecosystems Research Center at Cornell University, U.S.A., and coauthor of the report, said at a news conference: “We are left with images of Ethiopia and the Sudan as being more representative of what the world would look like after a nuclear war for most of the people than the sorts of images we have of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.”

Through a Comet’s Tail

Cruising at 46,000 miles per hour (74,000 km/​hr), a half-ton (450 kg) American satellite flew safely through the tail of a distant comet last September 11. “Mankind’s first encounter with a comet has to be rated as an unqualified success,” said one of the scientists involved in interpreting data transmitted by the satellite. The comet, named Giacobini-Zinner, was 44 million miles (70 million km) from earth when the spacecraft pierced its tail. Scientists hope that the information gleaned from this historic encounter will aid space probes of the Soviet Union, Japan, and the European Space Agency in their encounters with famous Halley’s comet in March of 1986.

Beached Whales

Why do whales get stranded on beaches? Usually it is accidental, reports The West Australian of Perth. A young, sick, or injured whale caught ashore will send out distress signals. Other whales, responding to the call, will often become stranded too. Whales are also known to swim into the shallow waters of some beaches​—such as New Zealand’s notorious Opoutma, which in Maori means “Place of Skulls.” These beaches do not reflect the whales’ depth-soundings in the ordinary way. Furthermore, Science News reports that whales frequently get stranded at beaches located at the ends of ocean ‘pathways’ of low magnetism, which migrating whales seem to follow. Although beached whales become disoriented, The West Australian says that “whales always seem to understand that human beings are trying to help them . . . and submit gently to efforts to help.”

Fear of Violence

“Fear of crime was widespread and intruded into people’s routine behaviour,” concludes the 1984 British Crime Survey. One person in every four no longer goes out at night. Fear of rape worries four out of every ten women under the age of 30. This fear is understandable, since the same survey reports a 115-percent increase in the number of sexual offenses from 1981 to 1983. A Gallup poll of Britain showed that a four-fold increase in violent crimes since 1965 has prompted over one million people to arm themselves with either guns or knives. Yet another million, reports The Times of London, “sleep with a cricket bat or other blunt instrument under the bed.”

Spotlight on Blood

◻ Danish scientist Niels Jerne is regarded as “the great theoretician in immunology.” He shared the 1984 Nobel Prize for Medicine. Recently, when the Brazilian magazine Veja asked him why he refused a blood transfusion during an operation three years ago, he stated: “A person’s blood is like his fingerprints​—there are no two types of blood that are exactly alike. For that reason, I preferred to let my organism do the work, and I recuperated without any problems. . . . Generally speaking, I always feel that a glass of wine and a day in bed do a better job.”

◻ Chagas’ disease, endemic in many rural areas in Brazil, is spreading at an alarming rate among city dwellers too. Why? According to the Brazilian journal O Estado de S. Paulo, one of the principal causes is blood transfusions. The contaminated blood is collected from infected country folk who have moved into the cities and who sell their blood for money to buy food. It is difficult for medical personnel to screen donors to detect the disease. Chagas’ disease causes heart-rhythm disturbances and inflammatory reactions that can lead to death.

◻ A hospital in Alessandria, Italy, investigated 48 cases of viral hepatitis and discovered that the major cause (33 percent of the cases) of these infections could be traced to blood transfusions. According to one recent study of 8,604 cases of viral hepatitis in Italy, reports Minerva Medica, more than 57 percent were blamed on blood transfusions.

“Perplexed New Generation”

“The permissive child-rearing theory has left behind perplexed parents and a just-as-perplexed new generation​—what went wrong?” asks the Swiss newspaper Die Weltwoche. In addition, author Renato Biscioni, an expert in child psychology and training from Winterthur, Switzerland, noted that something new has appeared in child behavior: “A terrifying tendency to be egocentric and domineering, to be touchy, to persist in infantile behavior, and to be continually demanding.” Thus, teaching children no moral boundaries has not been the key to happiness. The author concludes: “Today it is urgent to educate [them] to be considerate and fair, to have a certain form of inner discipline, yes, even of decency.”

Mothers Make Good Teachers

Although educators encourage parents to send their children to nursery schools, a recent study has challenged the practice. In Young Children Learning, authors Barbara Tizard and Martin Hughes analyzed the conversations of 30 British four-year-old girls. They found that the girls had more stimulating conversations at home than at school. Additionally, they talked more freely, engaging in 27 conversations per hour with their mothers compared to only 10 per hour with adults at school. Instruction at home, being one-on-one, was superior to the group instruction at school. The authors conclude that the typical home is a far richer educational environment for tots than is the typical nursery school.

“Make Room for Silence”

Irritation from loud music can lead to violence. A man in a park in the Bronx, New York, wounded four people while trying to shoot a large battery-powered radio after the owner refused to turn it off. “I, too, have often felt like shooting these radios,” writes James Kullander in The New York Times, though he maintains he would not stoop “to such a primitive stage.” Prior to this incident, and because of public outcry, the City of New York designated “radio-free zones” at sections of its beaches and at Sheep Meadow in Central Park. Writes Kullander: “I for one rejoice . . . over the move to cut back on the noise around us and to make room for silence.”

World’s Worst Air Crash

The world’s worst single airplane crash claimed the lives of 520 people in Japan last August. Though the plane smashed into a mountainous area with no access roads, four persons incredibly survived to tell firsthand the experience of riding a plane through the gates of obliteration. Rescuers took 16 hours to arrive at the crash site. The airline’s president reacted with great compassion and humbly bowed to families of the victims and apologized, as he said, “from the bottom of my heart.” He also offered to resign.

Still in Business

“A group of prisoners in the new ultra-modern maximum security jail at Parklea [in Australia] have been discovered printing their own $20 notes,” reported The Sun-Herald of Sydney. The prisoners also printed false marriage certificates, driver’s licenses, and birth certificates, and had access to a telephone. Ex-convicts duped companies by telling them that the phone’s number was that of a previous employer. Several companies called and were assured that the potential customer was a good credit risk. When the customer didn’t pay what was owed, the companies called again. The response? “Sorry, this is Parklea prison. You have the wrong number.”

Law-Breaking Devices

Some call them aids to safer driving and a defense against police entrapment. Police call them tools to break the law. They are radar detectors designed to alert drivers to the presence of police radar, which police use to detect speeding automobiles. Costing from less than $100 to over $300 apiece, an estimated two million of them will be sold in the United States this year. Observes a police lieutenant: “The ones driving in flagrant violation of the speed limit are almost without exception using radar detectors.”

Ringing False

“After ringing true for three or four centuries the bells in many of the steeples and carillons of Holland have, in the past 25 years, gone out of tune,” reports Scientific American. Why? Acid rain. Explains the report: “[Acid rain] corrodes the wall of a bell, thinning the metal and lowering the bell’s pitch. The corrosion affects small bells faster than large ones,” making the many bells in the carillons “increasingly dissonant.” Is there a solution? “The remedy is to lower the tone of the larger bells by carefully scraping the inside,” says the report. The government is studying the matter to determine what steps need to be taken.

Life After 80

Life expectancy in Japan, already the world’s highest, has topped 80 years for girls born in 1984. Baby boys can expect to live up to 74.5 years. But this has brought on concern for looking after a “society of longevity,” as the Japanese cabinet calls the coming aging group. At present, persons aged 65 or older account for 10 percent of the Japanese population. But it is expected that by the year 2020 the older people will comprise 22 percent of the population. How the elderly can lead active and comfortable lives will become a weighty problem needing a solution in just a few more years.

What Made the Difference?

A schoolteacher in Central America asked that question regarding an exemplary student of hers. The child replied that she was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and that each morning her family had a discussion of a Bible text published in the Witnesses’ Yearbook. From then on, the teacher asked her each day to read to the class the text and comment from the Yearbook.

You can benefit from such discussions of a Bible text. We are happy to introduce the booklet Examining the Scriptures Daily, which publishes the daily texts and comments separately from the annual Yearbook of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Send only 30 cents and receive your copy of this 128-page booklet.

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Read About: The Government Soon to Rule All the Earth

The next rulership for all the earth will be a world government. The book “Let Your Kingdom Come” tells about the sudden change that will occur as this government overthrows all earth’s present rulerships. If you are to continue to live, you will have to submit to this incoming world government. Read about the ones who will shortly be taking over earth’s rulership.

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