FOR COUPLES

“I want my family to succeed. My wife and I have gone through a rough patch lately, especially since we had children. We could use some help”

THE BIBLE SAYS:

“By wisdom a house is built up, and by discernment it is made secure.”​—Proverbs 24:3.

USEFUL FEATURES OF THE WEB SITE

The “Couples & Parents” section can help you to meet challenges such as these:

• Surviving the first year of marriage

• Dealing with in-laws

• Disciplining children

• Arguing

• Dealing with money problems

(Look under BIBLE TEACHINGS > COUPLES & PARENTS)

The Secret of Family Happiness is a book that covers a wide range of family topics, from preparing for marriage while you are single to caring for elderly parents.

(Look under PUBLICATIONS > BOOKS & BROCHURES)

FOR PARENTS

“Nothing is more important to me than my children. I want them to grow up to be adults I can be proud of”

THE BIBLE SAYS:

“Train a boy in the way he should go; even when he grows old he will not depart from it.”​—Proverbs 22:6.

USEFUL FEATURES OF THE WEB SITE

The “Children” section contains illustrated Bible stories, picture activities, videos, and Bible lessons that can help you teach your children to . . .

• be obedient

• show kindness

• get along with each other

• learn to say “thank you”

(Look under BIBLE TEACHINGS > CHILDREN)

My Book of Bible Stories and Learn From the Great Teacher are beautifully illustrated books designed for you to read with your children.

(Look under PUBLICATIONS > BOOKS & BROCHURES)

FOR TEENAGERS

“I’d like some tips for dealing with issues like school, my parents, my friends, and the opposite sex. I’m not a child anymore, so I don’t want to be lectured”

THE BIBLE SAYS:

“Let your heart be glad in the days of your youth.”​—Ecclesiastes 11:9.

USEFUL FEATURES OF THE WEB SITE

The “Teenagers” section has articles and videos that can help you . . .

• if you are lonely

• if you have problems at school

• if you have broken a house rule

• if you are being bullied or sexually harassed

(Look under BIBLE TEACHINGS > TEENAGERS)

Volumes 1 and 2 of Questions Young People Ask​—Answers That Work tackle 77 important frequently asked questions.

(Look under PUBLICATIONS > BOOKS & BROCHURES)

FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO LEARN ABOUT THE BIBLE

“I’d like to understand the Bible. Where can I start?”

THE BIBLE SAYS:

“All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching.”​—2 Timothy 3:16.

USEFUL FEATURES OF THE WEB SITE

The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures is an accurate and easy-to-read translation of the Bible.

(Look under PUBLICATIONS > BIBLE)

The “Bible Questions Answered” section gives pointed answers to questions ranging from “Why did God allow the Holocaust to happen?” to “When was Jesus born?”

(Look under BIBLE TEACHINGS > BIBLE QUESTIONS ANSWERED)

The “Request a Free Bible Study” page lets you take advantage of our free Bible study course.

(Click on the “Request a Bible Study” link on the home page)

“I gave up reading the Bible because I couldn’t understand it. But when I studied it using the book ‘What Does the Bible Really Teach?’ I was amazed at how simple and clear the Bible is.”​—Christina.

Sub-Saharan Africa

“Only 38 percent of children below the age of 5 have a birth certificate,” says a report on sub-Saharan Africa by UNICEF. Yet, in some areas of that part of the world, “birth registration is essential for children to access health care and education, as well as for orphans to inherit from their parents,” stated Elke Wisch, the UNICEF deputy regional director for eastern and southern Africa.

Italy

According to one survey, the most common fear of Italian adolescents is cyberbullying. Among 12- to 17-year-olds, 72 percent say they dread it. They make up a higher percentage than those who fear drugs (55 percent), being molested by an adult (44 percent), or contracting a sexually transmitted disease (24 percent).

Japan

As reported in The Japan Times, young Japanese adults increasingly pass up promotions in the workplace. Forty percent deplore the lack of ethics and the prevalence of dishonest practices. Many employees feel unable to discuss opinions or talk freely with superiors. Whereas older generations stuck with their employers, 60 percent of young employees now simply hold on to their job while waiting for something better to turn up.

Brazil

From 1980 to 2010, nearly 800,000 people were killed by firearms in Brazil. Over 450,000 victims were between 15 and 29 years of age. A study of more recent crimes shows that killings are often the result of domestic quarrels, conflicts with neighbors, jealousy, or arguments between drivers.

Tell us about your background.

My parents were very poor, and my mother never learned to read. We raised pigs and grew vegetables in a flood-prone area near the city of Taipei. My parents taught me the value of hard work, and they also taught me to help other people.

Was your family religious?

My family practiced Taoism. We made sacrifices to the “Heaven God,” but we didn’t know anything about him. I used to wonder: ‘Why do people suffer? Why are people selfish?’ I read books about Taoism and Buddhism and about Eastern and Western history. I even went to a couple of churches. But I couldn’t find answers to my questions.

Why did you study science?

I liked mathematics and was fascinated by the way physical and chemical laws govern the structure of things. Everything, from the immense universe to tiny microbes, has a structure that is controlled by rules. And I wanted to understand those rules.

Why did you believe the theory of evolution to be a fact?

I was taught nothing to the contrary. From junior high school through university, evolution was the only explanation I heard. And then because of being a researcher in a life science, I was expected to accept evolution.

What made you start reading the Bible?

I went to live in Germany in 1996 to start my postgraduate studies. The following year I met a lady named Simone. She was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and she offered to show me the Bible’s answers to my questions. When she told me that the Bible explains the purpose of life, I was intrigued. I began getting up at half past four each morning to read the Bible for an hour. Then I would go for a walk to meditate. During the next year, I read the whole Bible. I was impressed by the accuracy of its prophecies. Gradually, I became convinced that the Bible is from God.

What were your thoughts about the origin of life?

Well, when I began giving this serious thought in the late 1990’s, molecular biologists were beginning to realize that the chemistry of life is much more elaborate than anyone had previously thought. Of course, scientists had long known that the proteins in living cells are the most chemically sophisticated molecules in existence. But now, they were discovering how whole assemblies of proteins are organized to form elegant machines with moving parts. A molecular machine might be composed of over 50 proteins. And even the simplest cell needs a collection of different machines​—for example, to generate power, to duplicate information, and to control access across membranes.

What did you conclude?

Well, I asked myself, ‘How did those protein machines become so well engineered?’ At the time, the unexpected complexity of cell chemistry made a number of scientists ask the same question. A professor of biochemistry in the United States published a book arguing that the molecular machines in living cells are so complex that they could not have originated randomly. I agreed. I felt that life must have been created.

Why did you become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses?

I was impressed that although Simone had health problems, she traveled some 35 miles (56 km) each week to teach me the Bible. I learned that during Germany’s Nazi era, some Witnesses were imprisoned in concentration camps for their political neutrality. Their courage deeply impressed me. The Witnesses’ love for God made me want to be like them.

Has believing in God benefited you?

My colleagues say that I’m happier now. I used to feel inferior because of my poor background, so I never told anyone where I grew up and never mentioned my parents. But I’ve learned from the Bible that God is not interested in social status. In fact, Jesus was raised in a family that was probably as poor as mine. Now I care for my parents and enjoy introducing them to my friends.

THE CHALLENGE

“In middle school I was known as a social reject, and that hurt. So when I started high school, I changed my appearance and attitude​—and not for the better. I was so desperate for friends that I gave in to peer pressure, just so my schoolmates would like me.”​—Jennifer, 16.a

Do you face peer pressure? If so, this article will help you to deal with it.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Peer pressure can make good people do bad things.

“Bad associations spoil useful habits.”​—1 Corinthians 15:33.

“It’s as if we know a certain course is wrong, but when confronted with the situation, our emotions take over and we become people pleasers!”​—Dana.

Peer pressure is not just pressure put on you by peers.

“When I wish to do what is right, what is bad is present with me.”​—Romans 7:21.

“The pressure that I feel often comes from me; really, I’m the one who desires the things that my peers are talking about and that they make seem so exciting.”​—Diana.

Facing up to peer pressure is an accomplishment that you can be proud of.

“Maintain a good conscience.”​—1 Peter 3:16.

“At one time it was very difficult for me to face up to peer pressure, but now I’m not afraid to be different and I’m firm in my decisions. Nothing beats going to sleep at night with a clean conscience.”​—Carla.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

When faced with peer pressure to do wrong, try the following:

Weigh the consequences. Ask yourself, ‘What if I give in to the pressure and then get caught? What will my parents think of me? What will I think of myself?’​—Bible principle: Galatians 6:7.

“My parents ask me questions such as, ‘If you were to give in, what might happen to you?’ They help me to see how peer pressure can lead me down the wrong road.”​—Olivia.

Strengthen your convictions. Ask yourself, ‘Why do I believe that this course is harmful, either to myself or to others?’​—Bible principle: Hebrews 5:14.

“When I was little, I would just say no or give a brief reply, but now I can give a good explanation of why I will or will not do something. I am firm in my beliefs regarding right and wrong. The answer comes from me​—not anyone else.”​—Anita.

Think about your identity. Ask yourself, ‘What kind of person do I want to be?’ Then think about the pressure you are facing and ask, ‘What would that kind of person do in this situation?’​—Bible principle: 2 Corinthians 13:5.

“I’m content with who I am, so I don’t care as much what others think of me. Besides, most people like being with the real me.”​—Alicia.

Think beyond the present. If you are in school, in a few years​—or even months—​the very people you are trying to impress may not even be in your life.

“I looked at a school photo, and I didn’t even remember some of my classmates’ names. But when I was in school with them, their opinion mattered to me more than staying true to my beliefs. How foolish!”​—Dawn, now 22.

Prepare. The Bible says: “Know how you should answer each person.”​—Colossians 4:6.

“My parents help my sister and me to think of scenarios, and then we act them out so that when we face a real-life situation, we’ll know what to do.”​—Christine.

Did God create the earth in just six 24-hour days, as some creationists claim?

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”​—Genesis 1:1.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

God created the universe, including the earth, in the indefinite past​—“in the beginning,” as Genesis 1:1 says. Modern science agrees that the universe had a beginning. A recent scientific model suggests it to be almost 14 billion years old.

The Bible also describes six “days” of creation. However, it does not say that these were 24-hour days. (Genesis 1:31) In fact, the Bible uses the word “day” to refer to various lengths of time. For example, it calls the entire period of creation “the day that Jehovah God made earth and heaven.” (Genesis 2:4) Evidently, these “days” of creation lasted many thousands of years.​—Psalm 90:4.

WHY IT MATTERS

The false ideas of creationists could lead you to dismiss the Bible altogether. On the other hand, if the Bible actually contains a credible account of creation, you stand to benefit from its storehouse of “practical wisdom.”​—Proverbs 3:21.

Did God use evolution to create life on earth?

“God said: ‘Let the earth bring forth living creatures according to their kinds.’”​—Genesis 1:24.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

God did not make life in a simple form and allow it to evolve into more complex forms. Instead, he created basic “kinds” of complex plants and animals, which then reproduced “according to their kinds.” (Genesis 1:11, 21, 24) This process, which continues today, has resulted in the earth being filled with the same “kinds” of life that God originally created.​—Psalm 89:11.

The Bible does not specify how much variation can occur within a kind, as might result when animals within a kind interbreed and adapt to their environment. While some view such adaptations as a form of evolution, no new kind of life is produced. Modern research supports the idea that the basic categories of plants and animals have changed little over vast periods of time.

WHY IT MATTERS

The Bible’s scientific accuracy in describing basic “kinds” of life strengthens its credibility in other areas, including history and prophecy.

Where did the raw material of the universe come from?

“I stretched out the heavens with my own hands.”​—Isaiah 45:12.

WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS

God is the Source of infinite power, or energy. (Job 37:23) This is significant, because scientists have learned that energy can be converted into matter. The Bible says that God himself is the Source of the “vast dynamic energy” that produced the universe. (Isaiah 40:26) God promises to use his power to sustain his creation, for the Bible says regarding the sun, moon, and stars: “[God] keeps them established forever and ever.”​—Psalm 148:3-6.

WHY IT MATTERS

The astronomer Allan Sandage once said: “Science cannot answer the deepest questions. As soon as you ask why is there something instead of nothing, you have gone beyond science.” Not only does the Bible explain creation in a way that harmonizes with science but it also answers questions that science cannot​—such as, What is God’s purpose for the earth and for mankind?a

ITALY is a country of contrasts​—from sprawling beaches to rugged mountain ranges; from torrid summers in the south to frigid winters in the north. It is also a volcanic country, but only a few volcanoes​—such as Stromboli and Mount Etna—​are active.

Italy is one of the most densely populated countries in Europe. It has been traversed by many peoples, including Arabs, Byzantines, Greeks, Normans, and Phoenicians.

The country is rich in historical and artistic treasures. Ancient Greek and Roman ruins or Baroque and Renaissance architecture stand proudly in many of Italy’s towns and cities. Paintings, marble statues, and fountains are a credit to artists such as Bernini, Michelangelo, and Raphael.

Food plays a central role in daily life, and many customs revolve around local cuisine. Pasta is often served as a first course, followed by meat or fish with vegetables. Olive oil is used copiously, as it is produced there on a large scale. Pizza and risotto are well-known Italian dishes.

Italians are known for being warm, hospitable, and gregarious. Conversation is considered an art form, so it is common to see people chatting in public squares or enjoying animated conversation while strolling along a path.

Most of Italy’s population profess to be Roman Catholic, but few regularly attend church. The influence of the church is said to have weakened in recent decades, as public opinion has ignored long-held policies on abortion and divorce.

Jehovah’s Witnesses are thriving in Italy. They are well-known for teaching the Bible as part of their public ministry as well as for living by its standards. There are more than 3,000 congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses throughout the country, and many of these congregations are reaching out to people who speak languages other than Italian. The need for foreign-language Bible instruction is seen in the fact that during a recent ten-year period, the number of foreigners in Italy tripled.

THE American house spider (Parasteatoda tepidariorum) produces a web with adhesion that can be strong enough to stick to a wall or weak enough to detach from the ground and thus act as a spring-loaded trap for walking prey. How does the spider produce both strong and weak anchors for its web with a single type of glue?

Consider: The spider anchors its web to a wall, a ceiling, or a similar surface by weaving highly adhesive patches of silk called scaffolding discs, which are strong enough to withstand the impact of flying prey. Researchers at the University of Akron, Ohio, U.S.A., have discovered that, on the other hand, the patches of silk that are attached to the ground​—called gumfoot discs—​have an entirely different architecture, or construction. With far fewer attachment points than scaffolding discs, gumfoot discs allow the web to detach with ease and yank off the ground any prey that has walked into it.

According to a news release from the University of Akron, the researchers who uncovered this wonder of nature “are already working toward developing a synthetic adhesive that mimics this intelligent design strategy employed by the house spider.” Scientists hope to create an adhesive that can be used both for common bandages and for treating bone fractures.

What do you think? Did the house spider’s ability to produce weak and strong anchors with the same glue come about by evolution? Or was it designed?