Information Control — Why the Watchtower Restricts Outside Sources
The Watchtower teaches Jehovah's Witnesses to avoid all information
critical of the organisation, labelling it "apostate" material that is
spiritually dangerous.
"Have no dealings with apostates… do not even say a greeting to such
ones." (Watchtower, 15 July 2011, p. 16)
"The Governing Body is neither inspired nor infallible. Therefore, it
can err in doctrinal matters or in organizational direction."
(Watchtower Study Edition, February 2017, p. 26)
Yet despite admitting fallibility, the organisation instructs members
not to read, watch, or listen to any source that questions their
teachings. Websites, books, podcasts, news reports, and even personal
conversations with former members are all classified as dangerous.
"Some apostates are increasingly using various forms of mass
communication, including the Internet, to spread false information."
(Watchtower, 15 July 2011, p. 15)
This creates a closed information loop: the only permitted source for
evaluating Watchtower claims is the Watchtower itself.
The core strategy is the "Berean Test" — use the NWT's own rendering of to create internal cognitive dissonance. The Bereans did exactly what the Watchtower forbids: they independently evaluated religious authority claims against available evidence.
Start by reading together in the NWT: 'Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they accepted the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so.'
Make three observations:
- The Bereans tested the message of an inspired apostle — someone with far more authority than the Governing Body claims.
- They were praised for this testing — called "noble-minded."
- They used an independent standard (the Scriptures) rather than accepting the teacher's authority at face value.
Then ask: 'If the truth has nothing to fear from examination, why does the Watchtower discourage you from examining their claims using outside sources?' Read in the NWT: 'You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.' Truth invites scrutiny. Only falsehood requires a controlled information environment.
Then introduce from the NWT: 'Make sure of all things; hold fast to what is fine.' Paul tells Christians to test everything — not just things from non-Watchtower sources. The Greek word 'dokimazete' means to assay or prove by testing, the way a metalworker tests gold. You cannot "make sure of all things" if you are forbidden from consulting any source that might disagree.
Point out the logical problem: the Governing Body admits it is neither inspired nor infallible (Watchtower, February 2017). If the Governing Body can be wrong, how can a JW identify when they are wrong if the only permitted sources are Governing Body publications? A fallible authority that forbids external verification is indistinguishable from a deceptive one.
The Watchtower simultaneously admits it is fallible and forbids members from consulting any source that might reveal its errors. This is not a mark of truth — truth welcomes testing. It is the hallmark of information control: the organisation does not fear apostasy, it fears information.
We avoid apostate material because it is spiritually poisonous — like avoiding contaminated food.
But the Bereans in 'carefully examined' what an apostle taught — and they were praised for it, not warned they were eating poison. says to 'make sure of all things,' not 'make sure of only things your organisation approves.' If Watchtower teachings are true, outside information cannot harm them — truth does not become false because you hear a counter-argument. The only thing harmed by examination is error.
Satan uses apostate literature to draw people away from Jehovah.
If Satan can use a book or website to disprove your faith, your faith was not built on truth — it was built on ignorance of the counter-evidence. Paul did not tell the Bereans to stop examining because Satan might use their research. He commended them. And consider: the Watchtower itself uses outside sources when it suits them — quoting secular historians, scientists, and scholars. They only forbid outside sources that evaluate Watchtower claims. That is not spiritual protection — it is selective censorship.
We have 'the truth' — why would we need to look elsewhere?
If you already have the truth, then examining other viewpoints will only confirm it. The fact that the organisation forbids the test is itself evidence that it fears the result. Consider: if a scientist said 'my theory is correct — and you are forbidden from running any experiment to check,' would you trust that scientist? Truth is not threatened by investigation. Only claims that cannot survive scrutiny need to be shielded from it.
Former Witnesses who speak against the organisation are bitter and unreliable.
Some may be, but dismissing all criticism based on the source is a logical fallacy — ad hominem. The question is not 'who is saying it?' but 'is what they are saying true?' If a former employee of a company reveals financial fraud, you do not dismiss the evidence because they are a 'disgruntled ex-employee.' You check the books. Many former JWs cite Watchtower publications directly — the evidence comes from the organisation's own words. Attacking the messenger does not refute the message.
We are told to be obedient to those taking the lead — Hebrews 13:17.
says to 'be obedient to those who are leading you and be submissive.' But notice what comes next: 'for they are keeping watch over you as those who will render an account.' Those leaders are accountable — to God and to truth. And this text does not say 'obey without questioning.' shows that even apostolic teaching was subject to Scriptural verification. If an inspired apostle's words could be checked, how much more the words of men who admit they are neither inspired nor infallible?
Do not call the organisation a "cult" at the door — the word triggers an immediate defensive reaction and shuts down conversation. Instead, describe the behaviour (restricting information, discouraging questions) and let the JW draw their own conclusion. Do not mock the JW for following the rule — many sincerely believe they are protecting their faith. Show empathy: 'I understand why you might be cautious — but isn't it worth checking?'
Look up the BITE model (Behaviour, Information, Thought, Emotion control) developed by Steven Hassan, a cult expert. Compare the "Information Control" section with Watchtower policies. Then read , , and in the NWT. Ask yourself: does the organisation's approach to information match what the Bible commends — or what it warns against?