Print this pageExamples of literature banned by the Russian Federation Supreme Court, including expert analysis
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Why were these publications declared extremist?
On December 8, 2009, the publications listed below were declared to be “extremist materials” by the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation. Below are statements found in the publications and comments made about them, including the expert conclusions declaring them extremist.—“Expert Conclusions of the Composite Judicial Expert Study Carried Out by a Commission” dated July 15, 2009, Rostov-on-Don; experts: T.N. Kasyanyuk (linguist), S.S. Shipshin (psychologist), and S.N. Astapov (religious expert).
We present the experts’ findings without comment, translated from Russian.
The book “Come Be My Follower”
Quotation: “Why do so many who claim Jesus as their Lord fail to do his Father’s will?” (Page 11) “When nations go to war, we would sooner face imprisonment or even death than take up weapons against fellow believers—or anyone else for that matter.”—Page 178.
Religious studies expert: “On page 11, the book contains a statement that shows a negative attitude toward traditional Christianity. On page 178, pacifism is shown to be the categorical civic position of Jehovah’s Witnesses.”—Page 16 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert linguist: “‘Christendom’ has distorted Jesus’ teachings and offers believers false teachings.”—Page 63 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert psychologist: “The life of one of Jehovah’s Witnesses is quite strictly regulated. This affects … their attitudes toward the state and toward laws (maintain neutrality, do not worship patriotic symbols, do not serve in the army, do not participate in political activity, obey only those laws that do not contradict God’s law).”—Page 103 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The book What Does the Bible Really Teach?
Quotation: “Some religions teach that if a person lives a bad life, after death he will go to a place of fiery torment to suffer forever. This teaching dishonors God.” (Page 64) “Because of the connections that Christmas has with false religion, however, those who want to please God do not celebrate it or any other holiday that has its roots in pagan worship.”—Pages 158, 159.
Religious studies expert: “The fundamental idea of this book is the statement that Jehovah’s Witnesses are the ones whose lives are in harmony with the Bible’s commands; their religion is considered to be the true religion. A number of statements show the negative attitude of Jehovah’s Witnesses toward various features of traditional Christianity.”—Page 12 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert linguist: “The reader derives the following negative information from the text: all religions except the religion of Jehovah’s Witnesses understand the Bible incorrectly; their teachings are false and do not correspond to Bible truths; consequently they explain the Word of God and Bible truth incorrectly to people, and the clergymen and theologians of such religions deceive people and lie to them.”—Page 40 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert psychologist: “Traditional Christianity is viewed as a false religion.”—Pages 81 and 82 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The book Draw Close to Jehovah
Religious studies expert: Does not mention it.
Quotation: “Clergymen adopted pagan teachings and practices. They also made approach to God all but impossible, painting him as an incomprehensible Trinity and teaching people to confess to priests and to pray to Mary and various ‘saints’ instead of to Jehovah.”—Page 80.
Expert linguist: “Information capable of undermining the reader’s respect toward Christian religion other than Jehovah’s Witnesses. World religions have distorted the essence of worshipping God, and the Christian clergy have adopted pagan doctrines.”—Page 63 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert psychologist: “Clergymen are described as … disseminating pagan teachings and performing false, pagan rituals.”—Page 81 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The book Worship the Only True God
Quotation: “Does fear of man still have a hold on us? If so, we may give in to pressure from relatives or neighbors to share in practices that are of false religious origin.” (Page 73) “When there is a conflict between Jehovah’s laws and man’s laws, those who serve Jehovah are to obey His laws.”—Page 162.
Religious studies expert: “The book contains statements that reflect the separateness of Jehovah’s Witnesses from the rest of society.”—Page 15 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert linguist: “Statements containing incitement to refuse to abide by state laws (and, as a result, to perform the civic duties established by these laws).”—Page 59 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert psychologist: “In the books analyzed, traditional Christianity is considered to be a false religion that not only has no real value, but also poses a danger.”—Page 81 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The book Pay Attention to Daniel’s Prophecy!
Quotation: “Hitler gave ‘consideration to those leaving the holy covenant.’ Who were these? Evidently, the leaders of Christendom, who claimed to have a covenant relationship with God but had ceased to be disciples of Jesus Christ. . . . For example, he made a concordat with the pope in Rome.” (Page 265) “After the war church leaders tried to maintain that friendship, despite the atheistic policy of the power.”—Page 272.
Religious studies expert: “On page 272, the book contains a statement that is a negative assessment of the activity of the Russian Orthodox Church (ROC) … In spite of the fact that this text does not contain a reference to the ROC, a photograph of Orthodox bishops placed on the next page brings the ROC to mind. Incidentally, the photograph depicts Serbian bishops, either through ignorance or in connection with events in the Balkans.”—Page 16 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert linguist: “Statements that from the point of view of a native speaker of Russian could be interpreted as attributing negative actions to all representatives of the Christian clergy.”—Page 65 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert psychologist: “The state, power, and political organizations are linked with Satan, ‘the beast,’ and therefore ‘resounding defeat’ awaits them.”—Page 89 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life
Quotation: “Many religions preach love but support warfare. . . . In fact, the two bloodiest conflicts of recent times—World Wars I and II—erupted in the heart of Christendom.”—Page 105.
Religious studies expert: “Negative attitude toward certain features of traditional Christianity.”—Page 13 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert linguist: “Information capable of undermining the reader’s respect for Christian religions other than Jehovah’s Witnesses, and their religious leaders. Many religions that profess to teach love participate in wars.”—Page 51 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert psychologist: “Catholicism is subjected to sharp, emotional criticism; in a number of cases, the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations are negatively evaluated.”—Pages 81 and 82 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The book Mankind’s Search for God
Quotation: “The history of Christendom, with its wars, inquisitions, crusades, and religious hypocrisy, has not helped the cause of Christianity. . . . That the standards of original Christianity were different from the permissive mores of today is attested to by Professor Elaine Pagels.”—Pages 235, 236.
Religious studies expert: “The book contains statements that create a negative view of other religions.”—Page 15 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert linguist: “Christianity is in a state of decline. Information capable of undermining the reader’s respect for Christian religion other than Jehovah’s Witnesses and its religious leaders.”—Page 60 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert psychologist: “Catholicism is subject to the sharpest, emotional criticism; in several cases the Russian Orthodox Church, and also other religious denominations, are negatively evaluated.”—Page 81 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The book Questions Young People Ask—Answers That Work, Volume 1
Expert linguist: Does not mention it.
Quotation: “[In the campus environment] drugs and alcohol are used freely, and promiscuity is the rule—not the exception. [The Expert psychologist comments: ‘Has it ever been any different?’] If this is true of universities in your land, might living there thwart your efforts to remain morally clean?”—Page 177.
Religious studies expert: “The book [Young People Ask, Volume 1, page 12.] contains an indication of recognizing legally constituted authority: ‘While you may not always agree with a national ruler, his position or office is still to be respected.’”—Page 15 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert conclusion: “In contrast to the world, which, in the opinion of Jehovah’s Witnesses, is hostile to them, the books analyzed create an image of ‘We’—comrades, ‘fellow believers’—which, on the one hand, characterizes the adherents of the faith as brothers showing ‘unhypocritical’ love that forms an unbreakable bond far stronger than any other relationship, whether social, religious or family, of honest and decent, righteous, peace-loving and law-abiding people, among whom unity reigns.”—Page 101 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The book Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand!
Quotation: “Satan the Devil, had brought forth his masterpiece of deception, the apostate religion of Christendom—a Babylonish system hidden under a ‘Christian’ veneer. . . . Christendom carries a heavy bloodguilt, having been deeply involved on both sides in World Wars I and II.”—Page 102.
Religious studies expert: “Historical facts that compromise the Catholic Church are used.”—Page 13 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert linguist: “Information capable of undermining the reader’s respect for the Christian religion and to evoke a feeling of ill-will toward it. Christian religions are lacking in spirituality and turn a blind eye to an amoral, dissolute way of life.”—Page 52 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert psychologist: “Catholicism is subjected to sharp, emotional criticism; in a number of cases, the Russian Orthodox Church and other Christian denominations are negatively evaluated.”—Pages 81 and 82 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The book Life—How Did It Get Here? By Evolution or by Creation?
Religious studies expert: Does not mention it.
Expert psychologist: Does not mention it.
Quotation: “An additional reason for evolution’s acceptance is the failure of conventional religion in both what it teaches and what it does, as well as its failure to represent properly the Bible’s creation account. Informed persons are well aware of the religious record of hypocrisy, oppression and inquisitions. They have observed clergy support for murderous dictators. They know that people of the same religion have killed one another by the millions in war, with the clergy backing each side.”—Page 184.
Expert conclusion: “Information capable of undermining the reader’s respect for Christian religions other than Jehovah’s Witnesses, and their religious leaders.”—Page 64 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The book My Book of Bible Stories
Religious studies expert: Does not mention it.
Expert linguist: Does not mention it.
Quotation: “Pilate wants to let Jesus go. But Jesus’ enemies want another prisoner to be let go instead. This man is the robber Barabbas. It is now about noon when Pilate brings Jesus outside. He says to the people: ‘See! Your king!’ But the chief priests yell: ‘Take him away! Kill him! Kill him!’ So Pilate lets Barabbas go free, and they take Jesus away to be killed.”—Page 101.
Expert conclusion: “Clergymen are depicted as hypocritical, mercenary, cruel, guilty of bloodshed, deceitful, disseminating pagan ideas and conducting false, pagan rituals.”—Page 81 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The brochure Jehovah’s Witnesses—Who Are They? What Do They Believe?
Religious studies expert: Does not mention it.
Expert psychologist: Does not mention it.
Quotation: “Obey human laws that do not conflict with God’s laws.”—Page 13.
Expert linguist: “Statements containing incitement to refuse to implement state laws (and, as a result, the civic duties established by these laws). Direct incitement in the form of a directive, that is, mandatory fulfillment under the circumstance indicated.”—Pages 72 and 73 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The brochure You Can Be God’s Friend!
Quotation: “A religion is false if it does not teach the truth from the Bible. . . . Today many people think that they are worshiping God, but they are really serving Satan and his demons! . . . Just as a rotten tree produces bad fruit, false religion produces people who do bad things.”—Pages 18, 19.
Religious studies expert: “The brochure contains statements that create a negative attitude toward certain features of traditional religions.”—Page 16 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert linguist: “Information capable of undermining the reader’s respect for Christian religions other than Jehovah’s Witnesses.”—Page 66 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert psychologist: “In the authors’ opinion, ‘false religion’ arose under the influence of Satan and is governed by him.”—Page 81 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The brochure A Book for All People
Religious studies expert: Does not mention it.
Expert psychologist: Does not mention it.
Quotation: “Some clergymen fleece their flocks, wheedling hard-earned money from them—a far cry from the Scriptural instruction: ‘You received free, give free.’” —Page 5.
Expert linguist: “Information capable of undermining the reader’s respect for Christian religion other than Jehovah’s Witnesses. Christian theologians have distorted the essence of the Bible in their teachings. The clergy is growing rich at the expense of the congregation.”—Pages 66 and 68 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The brochure What Does God Require of Us?
Expert psychologist: Does not mention it.
Quotation: “Remember, Jehovah requires that we abstain from blood. This means that we must not take into our bodies in any way at all other people’s blood or even our own blood that has been stored. (Acts 21:25) So true Christians will not accept a blood transfusion. They will accept other kinds of medical treatment, such as transfusion of nonblood products.”—Page 25.
Religious studies expert: “The brochure contains a categorical prohibition of blood transfusion for Jehovah’s Witnesses.”—Page 19 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert linguist: “Statements containing incitement to refuse medical assistance in the form of a blood transfusion for religious reasons.”—Page 73 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The brochure What Is the Purpose of Life—How Can You Find It?
Quotation: “Thus, by what they have taught and what they have done, the religions of Christendom have demonstrated that their claim of believing in the Bible and of being God-fearing and Christian is a lie. They have betrayed God and the Bible. In doing so, they have disgusted millions of people and caused them to turn away from belief in a Supreme Being.”—Page 19.
Religious studies expert: “The brochure contains a number of statements that contain a negative evaluation of traditional Christianity.”—Page 18 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert linguist: “Information capable of undermining the reader’s respect for the Christian religion other than Jehovah’s Witnesses. The clergy of Christendom meddle in the politics of governments and support wars.”—Page 69 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert psychologist: “Traditional Christianity is considered to be a false religion.”—Page 82 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The brochure Will There Ever Be a World Without War?
Religious studies expert: Does not mention it.
Quotation: “Man’s governments have been an utter failure, causing untold suffering.” (Page 18) “In our own time, anti-Semitism in Christendom culminated in the Nazi Holocaust. . . . The fact that ‘Christians,’ both Catholics and Protestants, were among the ones that did the killing or condoned it is undeniable. Elie Wiesel sums up the Jewish view in his book A Jew Today: ‘How is one to explain that neither Hitler nor Himmler was ever excommunicated by the church? That Pius XII never thought it necessary, not to say indispensable, to condemn Auschwitz and Treblinka?’”—Page 25.
Expert linguist: “‘Christendom’ has compromised itself in the eyes of God and men by its participation in wars, killing, and greedy acquisitiveness.”—Page 67 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert psychologist: “All forms of government, and all states and political organizations, are considered to be creations of ‘Satan the Devil.’ […] This is the source of their non-participation in any undertaking of a patriotic bent, their ignoring of the flag, anthem, and other state symbols, and their pacifism.”—Page 89 of Expert Study (Russian).
The brochure Spirits of the Dead—Can They Help You or Harm You? Do They Really Exist?
Expert linguist: Does not mention it.
Quotation: “Many religions teach that every human has a soul that passes on to the spirit realm after the death of the physical body. They say that the body dies but the soul does not die. Moreover, they assert that the soul cannot die, that it is immortal. But God’s Word does not teach that.”—Page 13.
Religious studies expert: “The brochure contextually creates a negative attitude toward religions that teach the immortality of the soul.”—Page 18 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert psychologist: “In the conception of Jehovah’s Witnesses, ‘others,’ like the world, are against them; they pose a threat.”—Page 117 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The brochure How Can Blood Save Your Life?
Quotation: “And since the Bible puts abstaining from blood on the same moral level as avoiding fornication, to force blood on a Christian would be the equivalent of forcible sex—rape.—Acts 15:28, 29.”—Page 20.
Religious studies expert: “The brochure contains a statement of categorical prohibition on transfusions of blood or its components for Jehovah’s Witnesses.”—Page 16 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert linguist: “Statements containing incitement to refuse medical assistance in the form of a blood transfusion for religious reasons.”—Page 73 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert psychologist: “A prohibition on the use of blood in any of its possible forms (including when rendering medical assistance in the form of blood transfusions or other blood products).”—Page 98 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The brochure Should You Believe in the Trinity?
Religious studies expert: Does not mention it.
Quotation: “And the Trinity doctrine also serves the interests of clergymen who want to maintain their hold on people, for they make it appear as though only theologians can understand it.”—Page 31.
Expert linguist: “Information capable of undermining the reader’s respect for Christian religions other than Jehovah’s Witnesses. The teaching on the Trinity is false and serves the interests of the clergy.”—Page 66 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert psychologist: “Clergymen are described as hypocritical, mercenary … deceitful, disseminating pagan ideas and conducting false, pagan rituals.”—Page 86 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The brochure The Government That Will Bring Paradise
Expert psychologist: Does not mention it.
Quotation: “That is why all lovers of God are encouraged to get out of false religion now.—Revelation 18:4.”—Page 27.
Religious studies expert: “The brochure contains a thesis on the civic position of Jehovah’s Witnesses: ‘…although Jehovah’s Witnesses pay their taxes and obey the laws of the land, they do not get involved in politics.’”—Page 17 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert linguist: “Statements containing incitement to leave other Christian religions (false religions) and join the religion of Jehovah’s Witnesses.”—Page 74 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The brochure Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!
Expert linguist: Does not mention it.
Expert psychologist: Does not mention it.
Quotation: “Some worship idols. God says you must not use idols or images in worship.—Exodus 20:4, 5; Isaiah 44:9-17; 1 John 5:21.”—Illustration 27.
Religious studies expert: “The brochure contributes to the creation of a negative attitude toward a particular religious denomination, Catholicism, by the juxtaposition of text and illustration (of a woman praying before a sculpture of the Virgin Mary).”—Page 18 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The tract The End of False Religion Is Near!
Religious studies expert: Does not mention it.
Expert psychologist: Does not mention it.
Quotation: “Indeed, now is the time to flee from false religion!”—Page 3.
Expert linguist: “Statements containing incitement to leave other Christian religions (false religions) and join the religion of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Direct appeal/advice.”—Page 74 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Awake! of February 22, 2000
Quotation: “Yet, the Russian Orthodox Church, like the Roman Catholic Church, has kept people in ignorance of the Bible.” (Page 23) “The famous Russian writer Tolstoy made a similar observation. He wrote: ‘I convinced myself that the doctrine of the [Russian Orthodox] church was in theory a cunning and harmful deceit, and in practice a collection of the grossest superstitions and sorcery, which completely conceals the whole meaning of the Christian teaching.’”—Page 23.
Religious studies expert: “The magazine contains statements that create a negative attitude toward the Russian Orthodox Church. One of these is historically false, and another is a quotation from Lev Tolstoy, an opponent of Russian Orthodoxy.”—Page 19 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert linguist: “Undermining respect for the Russian Orthodox Church.”—Page 69 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert psychologist: “Among the devices used in the book, are … the appeal to authority—to God, L.N. Tolstoy, B. Skinner, and others.”—Page 125 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Awake! of January 2007
Quotation: “Hundreds of years after Christ’s death, a distorted form of Christianity was made a favored religion in the Roman Empire.” (Page 18) “How, then, would a true follower of Christ conduct himself? He would do as Jesus did. While faithfully obeying the laws of the land, he would remain strictly neutral regarding political affairs. (John 12:47, 48)”—Page 19.
Religious studies expert: “The magazine contains statements indicating the exclusiveness of Jehovah’s Witnesses and a negative assessment of other Christian denominations.”—Page 19 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert linguist: “Modern Christianity does not respect the Bible or its principles.”—Page 70 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert psychologist: “Traditional Christianity is considered to be a false religion.”—Page 81 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Awake! of February 2007
Expert linguist: Does not mention it.
Quotation: “The director of the National Vocation Service of the French Catholic Church was quoted as saying: ‘We’re seeing the super-marketing of religion. People consume, and when they don’t find an institution they agree with, then they go somewhere else.’” (Page 6.) “Thus, it was not a mere social phenomenon that caused Christianity to be transformed during the first few centuries after Jesus’ ministry. It was enemy action, Satan’s action.”— Page 7.
Religious studies expert: “The magazine contains an illustration that expresses a hostile attitude toward the symbols of Christianity, Judaism, and Buddhism—the religious symbols and objects of these religions are depicted in a shopping cart. The effect of the illustration is reinforced by the subtitle ‘The Supermarketing of Religion.’”—Page 19 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert psychologist: “In the authors’ opinion, ‘false religion’ arose under the influence of Satan and is governed by him.”—Page 81 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Awake! of April 2007
Expert linguist: Does not mention it.
Religious studies expert: Does not mention it.
Quotation: “We cannot turn to the world’s churches for moral guidance. Rather than upholding righteous principles as did Jesus and his first-century followers, the churches have made themselves part of this world and its evils.”—Page 7.
Expert psychologist: “Traditional Christianity is considered to be a false religion, not only having no real value, but also posing a danger.”—Page 88 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The Watchtower, October 15, 1998
Religious studies expert: Does not mention it.
Expert psychologist: Does not mention it.
Quotation: “Sadly, such clerical disbelief and insincerity disillusion many people about religion in general.”—Page 3.
Expert conclusion: “Statement regarding people’s disillusionment with religion in the context of developments taking place in the Anglican Church.”—Page 70 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert linguist: “Statement regarding people’s disillusionment with religion in the context of processes taking place in the Anglican Church.”—Page 70 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The Watchtower, December 15, 1999
Quotation: “In time, it was clear that despite its counterfeit name, Christmas reflected its pagan origin with revelry, heavy drinking, merrymaking, dancing, gift-giving, and the decorating of homes with evergreens.”—Page 7.
Religious studies expert: “The magazine contains a statement expressing a negative assessment of the Christian holiday Christmas.”—Page 19 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert linguist: “Information capable of undermining the reader’s respect for Christian religions other than Jehovah’s Witnesses. The Christian religious holiday Christmas is essentially pagan and distracts people’s attention from the true essence of worshipping God.”—Page 70 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert psychologist: “Clergymen are depicted as … disseminating pagan concepts and performing false, pagan rituals.”—Page 81 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The Watchtower, March 1, 2001
Religious studies expert: Does not mention it.
Quotation: “Today, the principal part of Babylon the Great is Christendom, whose clergy take the lead in opposing the Kingdom-preaching work of Jehovah’s people. (Matthew 24:14) Like ancient Babylon, however, Babylon the Great will soon be destroyed, never to rise again.”—Page 14.
Expert linguist: “Information capable of undermining the reader’s respect for Christian religions other than Jehovah’s Witnesses. The religious leaders of Christendom serve ‘worldly gods’ instead of worshipping the only true God; they violate moral norms and justify these violations.”—Page 70 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert psychologist: “Emotionally negative epithets and labels such as ‘Babylon the Harlot’ are used.”—Page 81 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The Watchtower, January 15, 2007
Religious studies expert: Does not mention it.
Expert linguist: Does not mention it.
Quotation: “Religious leaders misrepresent God when they say that the tragedies we experience are his will.”—Page 23.
Expert conclusion: “Clergymen are depicted as … deceitful, disseminating pagan ideas and performing false, pagan rituals.”—Page 89 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The Watchtower, March 1, 2007
Religious studies expert: Does not mention it.
Expert psychologist: Does not mention it.
Quotation: “Churches that falsely claim to be Christian have been fragmented by numerous schisms.”—Page 4.
Expert linguist: “Negative assessment of the Church.”—Page 71 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The Watchtower, March 15, 2007
Religious studies expert: Does not mention it.
Quotation: “Under Catholic Fascist regimes in Italy, Spain, and Portugal, they had to withstand persecution even longer. And for decades, they endured persecution in the former Soviet Union and its satellite nations.”—Page 24.
Expert linguist: “Statements of a demeaning nature about persons of Christian religions other than Jehovah’s Witnesses. Value judgment.”—Page 74 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Expert psychologist: “All forms of government, and all states and political organizations are considered to be creations of ‘Satan the Devil.’”—Page 89 of the Expert Study (Russian).
The Watchtower, April 1, 2007
Religious studies expert: Does not mention it.
Expert psychologist: Does not mention it.
Quotation: “The churches of Christendom, who for centuries had taught God-dishonoring doctrines and had been heavily involved in the massacre of World War I, were rejected.”—Page 22.
Expert linguist: “The Churches of Christendom profess false teachings and participate in bloody wars.”—Page 71 of the Expert Study (Russian).
Judge for yourself . . .
On January 27, 2010, the publications listed below were declared “extremist materials” by the Supreme Court of the Altay Republic. The most significant excerpts from the publications and from the expert conclusions that declared them “extremist” are here presented (Conclusion of the Judicial Expert Commission dated May 4, 2009. Kemerovo State University Experts: L.A. Arayeva, M.S. Yanitskiy, M.A. Osadchiy)
The expert conclusions are translated from Russian.
The Watchtower–February 1, 2009
(See page 25)
Quote: Although Josiah was only a child, he was old enough to know that he should make friends with people who serve Jehovah. May you do the same and choose to do what is right!
Expert Conclusion: In saying “should make friends with people,” the text simultaneously implies “should not make friends with others.” In this, there is implicit advocacy of discord on the basis of religious affiliation… [It] advocates a negative attitude toward people who do not share faith in Jehovah.
The Watchtower–January 15, 2009
(See page 17)
Quote: Mother had Bible questions to which she earnestly sought answers. One question was regarding the teaching that hell is a place of fiery torment for the wicked. She asked a visiting supervisor of the Lutheran Church where she could find Bible support for this teaching. He, in effect, told her that it does not matter what the Bible says—a hell of fiery torment needs to be taught.
Expert Conclusion: The autobiographical material, recounting a spiritual journey, contains a motif of dissatisfaction with the conduct of the clergy that is maintained throughout the material studied. The brochure contains no information about the positive conduct of the clergy or about their conscientious attitude toward the ministry. Consequently, from the start, the material is created with the purpose of forming a negative image of Christian clergymen. Thus, the brochure The Watchtower Study Edition, dated January 15, 2009, contains a negative image of Christian clergymen as a social group.
The Watchtower–January 1, 2009
(See page 7)
Quote: Mary was born into a Jewish family, and she followed the Jewish religion. She attended the local synagogue, as the Jewish place of worship is called, and she visited the temple in Jerusalem. As Mary’s knowledge of God’s purposes grew, however, she came to see that the traditions of her fathers no longer had God’s approval. Jewish religious leaders had her Son, the Messiah, put to death. Before that happened, Jesus announced to them: “Look! Your house is abandoned to you.” (Matthew 23:38) God withdrew his blessing from the religious system in which Mary had been raised.—Galatians 2:15, 16.
When the Christian congregation was formed, Mary may have been about 50 or so. What would she do? Did she reason that she had been born into the Jewish religious system and that she wanted to remain loyal to the traditions of her forefathers? Did she say that she was too old to change? Of course not! Mary understood that God’s blessing was now with the Christian congregation, so she had the faith and courage to change.
Expert Conclusion: One of the key materials of the brochure, isolated on the page with a color background, is the text “She Had the Courage to Change,” in which it relates how Mary left a traditional religion for the truth. This material uses comparisons to prove the superiority of faith in Jehovah. Only positive information about faith in Jehovah is communicated; about traditional religions—only negative. Consequently, the brochure The Watchtower “What We Learn from Mary” dated January 1, 2009, contains advocacy of the superiority of faith in Jehovah.
Awake!–January 2009
(See page 14)
Quote: [Rose] convinced me to go with her to the Catholic priest on our reserve to find comfort and answers to our questions. We asked him why our little girl had to die and where she had gone. He told us that God took Kayla because he needed another angel. I thought, ‘Why would God need to take our daughter to be an angel if he is the Almighty Creator? What good would a helpless baby be?’ The priest never opened the Bible. We left feeling empty.
Expert Conclusion: The Catholic priest is described as indifferent, poorly fulfilling his pastoral duties. His name is not given. … There are no examples in the book [sic] of right conduct on the part of a Catholic priest that could “balance” the incident described. Consequently, the purpose of creating a negative image is present from the very beginning.
Awake!–April 2008
(See page 25)
Quote: Although Catholics by birth, they associated with a meditation center and donated all the money they could to it. Johny showed great interest in the message of Bible truth, and a Bible study was started with him. He began sharing his newfound faith with others. Bible truth helped him to give up smoking and to stop abusing alcohol!
Expert Conclusion: The Catholic faith that the main character had professed from birth could not help him escape from alcoholism and tobacco smoking. Only the teaching of Jehovah’s Witnesses helped him. Thus, the brochure Awake! dated April 2008 contains comparisons and parallels that form a negative image of the Christian (Catholic) Church and Christian (Catholic) religious doctrine.
The Watchtower–March 1, 2002
(See page 25)
Quote: Greek Orthodox priests and their supporters tried to gain entrance to the site and disrupt our work, but Jehovah heard our prayers, and we were safeguarded.
Expert Conclusion: There is a negative image of clergymen trying to prevent the construction of a new branch of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Greece. In this episode, clergymen are presented as crafty and dishonest. There are no examples in the text, either isolated or exceptional, of clergymen’s righteous conduct. All the information about them is negative, which points to the presence of a purpose in the text to create a negative image of clergymen in toto as a social group.
The Watchtower–February 15, 2002
(See page 25)
Quote: After spending years studying in theological institutions, are the clergy equipped as teachers of God’s Word? Not really. Why, some students begin seminary studies as believers in the Bible but graduate as skeptics! Thereafter, instead of preaching the Word of God—which many of them no longer believe—they direct their ministry along other lines, taking sides in political debates, promoting a social gospel, or highlighting human philosophies in their sermons. (2 Timothy 4:3) In contrast, genuine Christians follow the example of Jesus Christ.
Expert Conclusion: [The brochure] contains a negative image of clergymen as a social group and also comparisons directed at advocating the superiority of the teaching of Jehovah’s Witnesses and the inferiority of the teaching of the Christian Churches.
The Watchtower–November 1, 2001
(See page 5)
Quote: Nowadays, religious leaders tickle people’s ears by saying that sex outside of marriage may be acceptable to God. Others condone homosexual acts. In fact, some clerics are themselves actively homosexual. An article in the British newspaper The Times stated that “thirteen openly gay clergy” have been elected to the General Synod of the Church of England. When church leaders abandon Bible morality and their churches do little about it, what standards should their parishioners adopt?
Expert Conclusion: There are no examples in the text, either isolated or exceptional, of pious conduct by the clergy. All information about them is negative, which points to an intent in the text to create a negative image of the clergy in toto as a social group … A negative image is created of all religions differing from the teaching of Jehovah’s Witnesses, and also of the clergy in toto as a social group. The brochure advocates the superiority of the teaching of Jehovah’s Witnesses and the inferiority of other religions.
Awake!–October 22, 2000
(See page 20)
Quote: Service in the Soviet military was compulsory for young men 18 years of age. Because of my knowledge of the Bible, I was determined to remain neutral with respect to the affairs of the world, which meant that I refused to join the Soviet army. (Isaiah 2:4; John 17:14-16)
Expert Conclusion: The author describes the occasion of refusing military service in a positive light, as a righteous act … Consequently, the text of the brochure Awake!, dated October 22, 2000, contains incitement to refuse to fulfill civic duties in connection with military service.
Awake!–September 22, 1999
(See page 28)
Quote: Though their argument has no basis in the Scriptures, church leaders in Roman Catholicism defend the practice of celibacy by saying that it allows the priest to “give more attention to God” and to concentrate on his work. “But the real argument that sustains celibacy is very mundane,” says Veja. “The idea came up in the Middle Ages to preserve the material patrimony of the church, preventing descendants from obtaining land and other possessions.”
Expert Conclusion: The brochure does not contain material conducive to forming a positive image of the Roman Catholic Church. … Consequently, the brochure Awake! dated September 22, 1999, contains a negative image of Christian (Catholic) clergymen as a social group.
The Watchtower–May 1, 1999
(See page 19)
Quote: The false religions, including Christendom, have long had illicit dealings with “the kings of the earth,” but this will end in the desolation of those religions. … We have for many decades been urging people to get out of false religion and to take up true worship. (Revelation 18:4, 5)
Expert Conclusion: A negative image of traditional Christianity is created. The idea of the necessity to distance oneself from this religion, as well as from other religions differing from the teaching of Jehovah’s Witnesses, is formulated. Consequently, the text contains advocacy of the superiority of the teaching of Jehovah’s Witnesses and the inferiority of other religions.
Awake!–February 22, 1999
(See pages 10, 11)
Quote (from an autobiography): Erich was drafted into the German army, and I also received my papers to enlist. I believed that God’s law forbids the killing of our fellowmen …The Soviet reoccupation of Estonia began in June 1944, and a couple of months later, I was free to return home to help out with the farm work. But in November, not long after my return, I was ordered to report to the Russian army. Full of courage, I witnessed boldly to the recruiting committee. They informed me that the Soviet system was not interested in my beliefs and that everyone must serve in the army. [Note: The actions described took place during World War II.]
Expert Conclusion: The entire autobiography is presented as the story of a righteous man’s struggle with the unjust state ideological system. … The main character tries in every way possible to avoid conscription, and these attempts are described in a positive evaluative tone … Therefore, the text of the brochure Awake! dated February 22, 1999, contains incitement to refuse to fulfill civic duties connected with military service.
The Watchtower–February 15, 1999
(See page 25)
Quote: Long ago Jesus told a woman who believed in holy sites: “The hour is coming when neither in this mountain nor in Jerusalem will you people worship the Father. . . . The true worshipers will worship the Father with spirit and truth.” (John 4:21-24) Thus, true Christians do not venerate holy sites. The destruction of unfaithful Jerusalem by the Roman armies in 70 C.E. stands as a warning to Christendom. Her idolatry, divisions, and bloodguilt belie her claim to be Christian. Therefore, she will suffer the fate that God has foretold for all the religions composing Babylon the Great.—Revelation 18:2-8.
Expert Conclusion: The text “Struggling Over a ‘Holy’ Site” contains a description of wars for control of Jerusalem. The message of the text—all these struggles did not draw people to God. In the portion quoted, it says that Christian wars over holy sites virtually condemn Christians for idol worship, discord, and bloodshed. At the same time, the text does not report the positive aspects of the lives of Christian countries and nations. Consequently, the text realizes the initial purpose to create a negative image of Christian countries, religion, and its adherents. Consequently, the brochure The Watchtower “How to Succeed in Marriage” dated February 15, 1999, contains the deliberately negative image of the Christian religion as provoking countries to bloodshed and discord.
Awake!–December 8, 1998
(See page 11)
Quote: Isaiah was foretelling a dereliction of duty on the part of religious leaders. For instance, they do not teach Bible truth but teach their flocks unscriptural doctrines regarding eternal torment in a fiery hell, a trinity of three gods in one, and immortality of the soul—all of pagan origin. And the clergy have supported all the wars of their nations, even when it meant killing people of their own religion. This is in direct violation of God’s commandments.—1 John 2:3, 4; 3:10-12; 4:8, 20, 21.
Expert Conclusion: The brochure’s text creates an image of clergymen in toto as a social group … This image is negative and is formed from such elements as neglect of responsibilities, falsehood, conniving evil and violence, and hypocrisy.
The Watchtower–October 1, 1998
(See page 26)
Quote (from an autobiography): Before the priest agreed to handle the funeral, I had to borrow 50 dollars to pay my back dues. The priest also wanted an extra 15 dollars to say Mass at my sister-in-law’s place where friends and family had planned to gather to pay last respects to Helen. …That started me thinking, ‘The priests only want our money, but they never teach us anything about the Bible.’
Expert Conclusion: The author/narrator acknowledges that from childhood on he was convinced that the priests’ conduct was wrong. But this is only the first detail. The second episode is attributed to the time when the author/narrator suffered the loss of his wife. The Catholic priest appears to the reader as a calloused, greedy person. … [The brochure] contains comparisons and evaluations shaping a negative image of the beliefs of the Roman Catholic Church and its ministers in toto as a social group.
The Watchtower–May 15, 1998
(See page 10)
Quote: Down through history, there have been men, women, and children with true faith. The qualifier “true” is fitting because millions of others have displayed a sort of faith that has been like credulity, a readiness to believe without valid basis or reason. Such faith has often involved false gods or forms of worship that are out of harmony with the Almighty, Jehovah, and his revealed Word.
Expert Conclusion: From the very start the publication’s author places the teaching of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the context of other religions, which are declared false and unacceptable. At the same time, the teaching of Jehovah’s Witnesses is called true, and the author persists in this assessment. … Incidents of positive conduct by adherents of the Christian church or its ministers are not described in the brochure.
Awake!–April 8, 1998
(See page 21, 31)
Quote (from an autobiography): We were nominal churchgoers in Seattle, Washington, U.S.A. But religion was not very important in our lives until Jamie, a delightful young pioneer (full-time evangelizer), called at our door. She was so pleasant that I accepted her offer to study the Bible with me.
Expert Conclusion: Christianity in its common form and church ministers could not maintain the interest of young couples who only nominally profess Christianity. Jehovah’s Witnesses outshine the Christian church, since their teaching engenders a sincere desire to follow it.
Quote: Inquisitors commissioned by the Roman Catholic Church used these and similar instruments to deal with dissidents.
Expert Conclusion: The theme of the Christian (Catholic) church is intensified from a negative aspect. … The brochure does not contain materials conducive to forming a positive image of the Church. Therefore, the historical and biographical materials collected in the brochure, as well as the comparisons and parallels, are biased.
Brochure–What Does God Require of Us?
(See pages 4, 22)
Quote: People worship many things. But the Bible tells us that there is only one TRUE God.
Expert Conclusion: Comparisons are drawn … presenting religions that differ from the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses in an unfavorable light.
Quote: Not all beliefs and customs are bad. But God does not approve of them if they come from false religion or are against Bible teachings.—Matthew 15:6.
Expert Conclusion: Superficially, the author treats beliefs differing from the teachings of Jehovah’s Witnesses respectfully, but he declares the Bible the only measure of a religion’s correctness, which deliberately creates a negative image of religions that are not based on the Bible.