Awake!, December 22, 1985

Awake! — December 22, 1985

Source: jw.org

Contents

Page Two

Praising Peace, Yet Glorifying War

Peace on Earth—Only a Dream?

Does Christ Approve of Christmas?

Should I Tell My Parents?

Tonight We Won!

Alert Use of the “School” Brochure

Stepping Into the 21st Century

From Our Readers—“When Someone You Love Dies”

Watching the World

Index to Volume 66 of “Awake!”

“My Guide, My Counselor”

Page Two

At Christmastime, churches ring with the message of ‘peace on earth, good will toward men.’ Yet, at the same time, church members may be fighting and killing people of the same religion who live in other lands. Does this make sense? What does Christ think of such behavior? Will war ever be eliminated? Is peace on earth only a dream? You will find the answers to such questions fascinating

Praising Peace, Yet Glorifying War 3

Peace on Earth—Only a Dream? 7

Praising Peace, Yet Glorifying War

What Are the Consequences?

IT WAS December 1914. In Europe, World War I was raging. Troops faced one another in the trenches, with a no-man’s-land between them. But, then, on Christmas Day, December 25, something remarkable occurred.

The book The War in the Trenches shows a photograph of the opposing combatants in friendly association, with the caption: “British and German troops fraternize, Christmas, 1914.” The writer, Alan Lloyd, notes that the troops “actually met in No Man’s Land to exchange souvenirs.

“‘It was like the interval between rounds in a boxing match,’ reported a participant. . . . ‘Everyone was talking, laughing and souvenir hunting.’”

Why this recess from fighting? Because these British and German soldiers had been taught that Christ, the Prince of Peace, had been born on December 25. And had not angels sung at his birth, “Upon earth peace among men of goodwill”? (Luke 2:14) Surely, then, it made no sense for professed followers of Christ to kill one another at such a time!

Yet, peace at Christmas was not favored by all. “As a second Christmas settled on the Western Front,” Lloyd explained, there was “a further outbreak of fraternization in No Man’s Land, despite the orders against such behaviour. At least two officers who took part were court-martialled.”

The Position of the Churches

How did the churches feel about their members going off to war against fellow believers in other lands? Well, at Christmastime clergymen parroted the message of peace that the angels delivered at Christ’s birth, and they praised Jesus as the Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9:6) Yet, they did not object when their members killed persons of the very same religion in the opposing trenches, whether it was on Christmas or any other day of the year!

Church historian Roland H. Bainton reports on the situation when the United States entered World War I: “American churchmen of all faiths were never so united with each other and with the mind of the country. This was a holy war. Jesus was dressed in khaki and portrayed sighting down a gun barrel. The Germans were Huns. To kill them was to purge the earth of monsters.”—Christian Attitudes Toward War and Peace, pages 209, 210.

Yes, the churches paid lip service to peace. But at the same time pulpits became recruiting stations for the nation’s war effort. British Brigadier General Frank P. Crozier said of the situation during World War I: “The Christian Churches are the finest blood-lust creators which we have, and of them we made free use.”

That the position of the churches was indeed hypocritical was acknowledged by the late Protestant clergyman Harry Emerson Fosdick. He admitted: “Our Western history has been one war after another. We have bred men for war, trained men for war; we have glorified war; we have made warriors our heroes and even in our churches we have put the battle flags . . . With one corner of our mouth we have praised the Prince of Peace and with the other we have glorified war.”

The situation did not change during World War II. Please read the New York Times article reproduced on this page that appeared during the first month of that war. It reinforces what Friedrich Heer, a Roman Catholic professor of history at Vienna University, later acknowledged in his book God’s First Love:

“In the cold facts of German history, the Cross and the swastika came ever closer together, until the swastika proclaimed the message of victory from the towers of German cathedrals, swastika flags appeared round altars and Catholic and Protestant theologians, pastors, churchmen and statesmen welcomed the alliance with Hitler.”—Page 247.

The Consequences

One consequence of the churches’ wholehearted support of their nation’s wars is that Christianity is viewed by millions in non-Christian lands as a warmongering religion, and they want nothing to do with it. That there is substance to their view is evident not only in the churches’ support of past wars but even in their present attitudes toward war. The Christian Century reports:

“A 20-year survey of attitudes toward war reveals that Christians in the U.S., Canada and West Germany tend to look upon war more favorably than do non-Christians. . . . According to the study, within the Christian community of these countries those who regard themselves as strict followers of the Christian faith are more inclined to an attitude approving war than are those of a more liberal attitude.”—December 31, 1980, page 1289.

How do you suppose the position of the churches on the matter of war has even affected many within so-called Christian nations? Reo M. Christenson, a professor of political science, discussed this in The Christian Century. “That Christians on the one hand espouse the faith of the gentle Savior while on the other they warmly support religious or nationalistic wars,” he wrote, “has gone far toward damaging the faith and promoting the kind of cynicism about religion that has been pervasive among thinking people for centuries.”—May 25, 1983.

Such cynicism about religion at times is expressed in a piercingly effective way. For example, last year when a Marine would not go to Lebanon because he was a Muslim and would not kill another Muslim, columnist Mike Royko made some telling remarks. He wrote that the Marine “was trying to goof up the ancient rules and traditions of warfare,” since Christians have never “been squeamish about waging wars on other Christians.” He added: “If they had been, most of the liveliest wars in Europe would never have occurred.”

Pointing to facts of history, Royko continued: “Germany is loaded with Christians of all denominations. But every so often it feels the need to shoot its way into France, Poland and other Christian nations. France, in its Napoleonic heyday, didn’t hesitate to stomp all over other European Christians.

“If anything, faith sometimes helped get their blood pressure pumped up, although it’s doubtful that Christ intended his message to be used that way. . . . If everybody thought the way that Marine corporal does, World Wars I and II, which set the all-time records for Christians killing Christians, could never have occurred. . . .

“Actually,” Royko added mockingly, “there are benefits to waging war on people of the same faith. For one thing, if you’re taken prisoner and die, you have a good chance of receiving a Christian burial, which is always nicer than being tossed out with the leftovers. And on religious holidays, the prison guards might be warmed by the spirit of the day and give you one less kick.”

There is no question about the sarcasm of this commentary. But can you deny its truth? And do you not agree that the churches deserve such ridicule for their hypocritical pretense of representing the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ?

‘But we cannot live by Christ’s teachings in this modern world,’ the clergy may protest. Yet, considering such objection, Professor Christenson wrote in the earlier-mentioned article: “I do not believe it is amiss to apply what we know about Jesus’ teachings and example to war—especially to modern war.

“Can anyone seriously conceive of Jesus hurling hand grenades at his enemies, using a machine gun, manipulating a flamethrower, dropping nuclear bombs or launching an ICBM which would kill or cripple thousands of mothers and children? The question is so absurd that it scarcely merits an answer. If Jesus could not do this and be true to his character, then how can we do it and be true to him?”

When you honestly face up to such questions, you can see why the religion editor of The Toronto Star wrote on a recent Christmas Eve: “It is a mockery of Christmas not to see that the present, totally insane nuclear build-up by the United States and the Soviet Union is a blasphemy against Christ and humanity of the most heinous kind.”

At the same time, the problems facing this world are admittedly complex. Does this mean that true peace on earth will never be realized? Is fulfillment of the angelic announcement about ‘peace on earth’ really only a dream? Or is there a sure basis for believing that people of all races and nationalities can live together in peace, without ever again experiencing the horrors of war?

[Box on page 5]

THE NEW YORK TIMES

Monday, September 25, 1939.

German Soldiers Rallied by Churches

Protestant and Catholic Exhort to Reich Victory and Just Peace

Wireless to The New York Times

FRANKFORT-ON-THE-MAIN, Germany, Sept. 24—Periodicals of the German Protestant and Catholic Churches are now publishing many exhortive articles explaining the duties of soldiers fighting in the defense of their country and admonishing the German soldiers to fight in the spirit of Saint Michael for a German victory and a just peace.

The archangel is shown, brandishing a battlesword and piercing a dragon with a holy lance, on the front page of Catholic papers.

In the western and southern German Catholic dioceses, the clergy headed by the Archbishop and Bishops, are actively engaged in work for the welfare of refugees evacuated from the western frontier districts. Many cloisters have been transformed into hospitals and the monks and nuns are working under the direction of the Red Cross.

The Catholic Bishops of Germany have issued a pastoral letter stating:

“In this decisive hour we admonish our Catholic soldiers to do their duty in obedience to the Fuehrer and be ready to sacrifice their whole individuality.

“We appeal to the faithful to join in ardent prayers that the Divine Providence of God Almighty may lead this war to blessed success and peace for our fatherland and nations.”

Each Bishop in addition has issued a special message to his own diocese, including the Bishop of Rottenburg in Wuerttemberg, who was expelled from his diocese last year for refusing to vote in a national Socialist election.

Cardinal Archbishop Bertram, head of the German Episcopal Congregation, has similarily issued a patriotic message to his flock urging that all “be strong in your heart, all you who confide in God Almighty.”

[Picture on page 4]

Clergymen praise the Prince of Peace, yet bless war

[Credit Line]

El Comercio, Quito, Ecuador

[Pictures on page 6]

“If Jesus could not do this and be true to his character, then how can we do it and be true to him?”

[Credit Line]

U.S. Army photo

[Picture Credit Line on page 3]

From U.S. Army photos

Peace on Earth—Only a Dream?

AFTER surviving the horrors of World War II, people everywhere yearned for peace. “We have had our last chance,” General Douglas MacArthur declared. “If we do not now devise some greater and more equitable system Armageddon will be at our door.”

That same year the Charter for the United Nations was signed. “We the peoples of the United Nations,” the preamble of the Charter affirms, are “determined to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war . . . and to unite our strength to maintain international peace and security.”

The United Nations was thereafter hailed by political and religious leaders alike. In 1961 United States President John F. Kennedy called it “our last best hope in an age where the instruments of war have far outpaced the instruments of peace.” (Italics ours.) And in 1965 Pope Paul VI said: “The peoples of the earth turn to the United Nations as the last hope of concord and peace.”

Yet, there has been no peace! Rather, tens of millions have since died in conflicts around the world, and disillusionment in the UN has grown. Despite the UN’s recent declaration of 1986 as an International Year of Peace, people everywhere doubt that true peace can ever be realized.

Another Hope

But what of the angelic pronouncement at Christ’s birth about ‘peace on earth’? (Luke 2:14) “The kind of peace about which the angels sang,” wrote religion editor Tom Harpur, “was not a merely personal, ‘safe-in-the-arms-of-Jesus’ sort of inner calm. . . . It means the peace which comes when justice prevails, fear is put to rout, and war is no longer even thinkable.”

From a human standpoint, such true peace may not seem possible. Yet, regarding the One at whose birth the angels sang, the Bible promises: “In his days the righteous one will sprout, and the abundance of peace until the moon is no more. And he will have subjects from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth.”—Psalm 72:7, 8.

Yes, what is foretold here is an earth-wide rule by God’s Son, Jesus Christ. It is promised to occur in fulfillment of the angel’s assurance to Mary regarding her child Jesus, “And he will rule as king . . . and there will be no end of his kingdom”!—Luke 1:32, 33.

‘But how can this be,’ you may ask, ‘when Christians do not hesitate to go to war and kill one another? What basis do we have for believing that such true peace is really possible?’

“Christians” Who Are Not Christians

First, it is vital to clarify what Christianity is and what it is not. Jesus himself said that a person is not a Christian simply because he says he is. In fact, he warned: “Be on the watch for the false prophets that come to you in sheep’s covering.” Jesus also said: “Many will say to me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not . . . perform many powerful works in your name?’ And yet then I will confess to them: I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness.”—Matthew 7:15, 21-23.

Jesus provided this rule: “By their fruits you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:16) This is really such a simple rule, or truth. Steve Whysall, staff writer for The Vancouver Sun, pointed this out, explaining: “Often you will hear people talk about how this or that was done in the name of Christianity and what an awful thing it was to do. Well, yes, it was awful. . . . But who ever said they were Christians who did those awful things?

“Oh, you say, the established churches say so. Well, who ever said the established churches are Christian?

“So the pope blessed Mussolini, and there is evidence of other popes who have done dastardly deeds in the past. So who said they were Christians?

“You think because a man is the pope he must be a Christian? Just because a person says ‘I am a Christian’ does not mean he is one—just as a man who claims to be a mechanic may not be a mechanic. . . .

“It’s amazing how many people think the fighting in Northern Ireland is some kind of holy war. That’s a lie.

“No Christian can war against another Christian—it would be like a man fighting himself. True Christians are brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ. . . . They would never, never intentionally hurt one another.”

The Bible puts the matter very plainly, saying: “The children of God and the children of the Devil are evident by this fact: Everyone who does not carry on righteousness does not originate with God, neither does he who does not love his brother. For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should have love for one another; not like Cain, who originated with the wicked one and slaughtered his brother.”—1 John 3:10-12.

Clearly, the churches provide no basis for believing that they can bring earth-wide peace. What does their record show? It shows that their members were the principal combatants in the world’s two greatest wars; they slaughtered not only one another but innocent women and children as well.

Well, then, is there any basis for hope that lasting peace can be realized?

Making War Impossible

Jesus explained how his true followers could be recognized. They would be “peaceable,” he said. (Matthew 5:9) He also gave this means of identification: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” In addition, Jesus said of his disciples: “They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.”—John 13:35; 17:16.

In view of these teachings, do you believe that Christ’s early followers participated in the wars of the nations? Discussing this matter, Professor Reo M. Christenson wrote in The Christian Century: “The earliest Christians did not serve in the armed forces. Roland Bainton notes that ‘from the end of the New Testament period to the decade A.D. 170-180 there is no evidence whatever of Christians in the army’ . . . Only gradually did Christians abandon their opposition to military service.”

Thus, there was no such thing as a Christian going to war against a fellow Christian. No matter what a worldly ruler ordered, Christ’s followers would not become children of the Devil by slaughtering their spiritual brothers. They obeyed God as ruler rather than men! (Acts 5:29) So if the whole earth was inhabited only by true Christians, war would be impossible!

Happily, the Bible foretells that such a situation will actually occur. It says: “They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” (Isaiah 2:4, King James Version) These words have been inscribed on a stone wall just across the street from the United Nations’ main building in New York City, but it is obvious that UN members have not fulfilled them. Yet, early Christians did!

The prominent church historian C. J. Cadoux explained: “The early Christians took Jesus at his word . . . They closely identified their religion with peace; they strongly condemned war for the bloodshed which it involved; they appropriated to themselves the Old Testament prophecy which foretold the transformation of the weapons of war into the implements of agriculture.”—Isaiah 2:4.

So peace on earth is not an unattainable dream. Since adherence to Christ’s teachings made war impossible among his early followers, basis was provided for believing that peace earth wide would eventually be achieved. Is there a similar basis today for believing that peace on earth is possible?

Basis for Hope Today

Well, the Encyclopedia Canadiana observes: “The work of Jehovah’s Witnesses is the revival and re-establishment of the primitive Christianity practised by Jesus and his disciples during the first and second centuries of our era. . . . All are brothers.”

Is this really true? When the nations became involved in World War II, did Jehovah’s Witnesses obey Christ’s teachings to “love one another” and to remain “peaceable”?—John 13:34; Matthew 5:9.

Yes, they did. The book The Nazi Persecution of the Churches 1933-45, by J. S. Conway, explains: “Basing their case on biblical commandment, [Jehovah’s Witnesses] refused to take up arms.” Contrasting their adherence to Christ’s instructions with the actions of others, the Roman Catholic St. Anthony Messenger observed: “Jehovah’s Witnesses stand outside the ‘establishment’ and accept no responsibility to bless whatever the secular government decides to do. Thousands of good people find such aloofness from political and economic interests closer to the spirit of the New Testament than the present sometimes cozy arrangements between Church and state.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses everywhere place their hope for peace, not in the United Nations or in any other human peace effort, but in the reign of the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. What if everyone did that? Yes, imagine what would happen if everyone heeded Christ’s teachings to “love one another” and to remain “peaceable”!

True Peace on Earth—Soon!

‘Peace on earth’ are words often heard at Christmas, accompanied by the visual image of a babe in a manger. But is this a true picture of Christ’s position? Not at all! Christ is now more than a baby prince—he has been given rulership and authority in fulfillment of the ancient Bible prophecy: “The princely rule will come to be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called . . . Prince of Peace.”—Isaiah 9:6.

As God’s appointed Ruler of all the earth, Christ will bring peace to earth. But this will not occur in the way that many may expect. Please open your Bible to Revelation chapter 19 and read Re 19 verses 11 to 16. It is vital that we get the picture of Christ’s position here described—as a mighty ruler at the head of God’s angelic forces. Notice that the scripture says that Christ, who is “The Word of God,” will ‘strike the nations and shepherd them with a rod of iron,’ removing them to make way for God’s government of peace.

This, then, is how peace on earth will be realized. It will not come by means of the United Nations or any other human peace agency. But it will be realized by means of God’s Kingdom government. We are now living at the time when this Bible prophecy will be fulfilled: “In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be brought to ruin. And the kingdom itself . . . will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it itself will stand to times indefinite.”—Daniel 2:44.

In view of the foretold divine destruction of all these present governments, as well as the religions that support them, it is vital that we examine our own situation. If you agree that war does not make sense and that you would like to live on earth when peace is universal, contact Jehovah’s Witnesses. They will be pleased to help you to learn more about how peace on earth will soon be realized under the rule of God’s Kingdom.

Come, you people, behold the activities of Jehovah, how he has set astonishing events on the earth. He is making wars to cease to the extremity of the earth. The bow he breaks apart and does cut the spear in pieces; the wagons he burns in the fire.—Psalm 46:8, 9.

[Blurb on page 8]

“We should have love for one another; not like Cain, who . . . slaughtered his brother”

[Box on page 9]

From a Killer to a Man of Peace

A traveling overseer of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the southern United States was making house-to-house visitations along with an older German Witness. At one door a woman who identified herself as a member of one of Christendom’s churches said she wanted nothing to do with Jehovah’s Witnesses because they did not fight for their country. She had lost a son during World War II and felt that the Witnesses should also have helped in the war effort.

As they were leaving, the older German Witness asked if he could tell the woman something. ‘You know, I fought in that war,’ he said. ‘But I didn’t fight on the side of the United States. I fought on the side of Germany. And I was personally decorated by Adolf Hitler for single-handedly killing 35 American soldiers. Many of these were with my own hands, in hand-to-hand combat. Perhaps one of those men was your son. I don’t know. But you should have prayed for me to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses back then because when I did that I was a member of your religion.’

That gave the woman an entirely different perspective. Really, how can persons be true Christians and kill fellow believers simply because they are of a different race or nationality?

[Picture on page 10]

Who is fulfilling the Bible prophecy inscribed on this wall of the United Nation’s plaza?

Does Christ Approve of Christmas?

IN MANY parts of the earth, Nativity scenes are common during the Christmas season. These often include near-life-size figures of the babe Jesus in a stable, along with Mary, Joseph, shepherds, Magi, and some cattle. Does Christ approve of such Christmas displays?

Actually the propriety of Nativity scenes has been heatedly debated, even being argued before the Supreme Court of the United States. Last December, Time magazine reported: “Thanks to a Supreme Court decision earlier in the year, Nativity scenes this season also adorn the public parks and buildings of some municipalities that had ceased putting them up while the issue was in dispute.”

But, in fact, the issue of whether Nativity scenes are legal on government property is still in dispute. “The Supreme Court’s ruling,” Time acknowledged, “failed to settle the matter.” Again this year, in an indecisive 4 to 4 ruling regarding the legality of a Scarsdale, New York, Nativity scene, the Supreme Court failed to give clear direction.

Promoting Christianity?

Opposers of such Nativity scenes, who include the American Civil Liberties Union, argue that Christmas displays amount to a state promotion of religion and so are in violation of the constitution. But columnist Bill Hall, writing in the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, protests that Christmas in no way promotes Christianity:

“Where in the world did the American Civil Liberties Union ever get the silly idea that Christmas is a Christian holiday? A walk through any shopping center in America at Christmas time would dispel that notion.

“Christmas has little to do with Christianity. Christmas is a heathen celebration of wealth, greed and gluttony.

“Christianity, by contrast, is a nearly extinct religion based on the teachings of one Jesus Christ. It was a religion that stressed generosity, love, forbearance and non-violence. . . .

“Yet the ACLU has jumped hilariously to the wild conclusion—probably because of the similarity in names—that Christmas and today’s Christian churches actually have something to do with authentic, original Christianity. . . .

“The ACLU makes the common mistake of assuming that Christmas is essentially a Christian celebration which American heathens also celebrate. The reverse is true. The vast majority of those celebrating Christmas are people who don’t go to church. It is essentially a heathen revel.”

Christmas “a heathen revel”? Could that be true? Isn’t Christmas the birthday of Christ?

Whose Birthday?

No, it is not Christ’s birthday. “The day of Christ’s birth cannot be ascertained from the N[ew] T[estament], or, indeed, from any other source,” explains the Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological, and Ecclesiastical Literature. One thing is certain, Christ was not born on December 25th. At his birth shepherds were in the fields at night tending their flocks, which they would not have been doing during the cold nights of December.—Luke 2:6-8.

Furthermore, Lutheran minister John C. McCollister wrote in his recent book The Christian Book of Why: “It was the feeling at that time by all Christians that the celebration of all birthdays (even the Lord’s) was a custom of the pagans. In an effort to divorce themselves from all pagan practices, the early Christians refused to set aside a date marking Jesus’ birth.”

Where, then, did the Christmas celebration of December 25th originate? The book Celebrations—The Complete Book of American Holidays by Robert J. Myers answers: “Prior to the celebration of Christmas, December 25 in the Roman world was the Natalis Solis Invicti, the Birthday of the Unconquerable Sun. This feast, which took place just after the winter solstice of the Julian calendar, was in honor of the Sun God, Mithras.”

“Besides the Mithraic influence,” Myers continues, “other pagan forces were at work.” The Romans celebrated the licentious festival of the Saturnalia during the latter part of December, and, as Myers explains: “The clergy eventually brought the upside-down world of the Saturnalia into the Church itself.” No wonder the book Christmas Customs Around the World reports: “The Puritans showed their disdain for this pagan festival by planning hard work for the day and passing a law forbidding the celebration of Christmas”!

Does Christ Approve?

‘But the Puritans were too rigid,’ some may object, ‘and so were early Christians. Now Christmas honors Christ.’ Does it really? Christ always stood for truth, but Christmas fosters untruths. (John 14:6) ‘It is Christ’s birthday,’ even schoolteachers and clergymen say. But it is not! ‘Santa Claus will bring you presents if you are good.’ But that is not true! Consider, too, the Nativity scenes.

Many of these show the Magi, or astrologers, with Jesus when he was born. Yet the Bible says that by the time the astrologers arrived, Jesus was no longer a baby but was a child living in a house. (Matthew 2:7-11) Do you really believe that Christ approves of a celebration that so misrepresents the truth?

Even more serious, however, is the false impression given by Christmas that Christ is simply a helpless baby. A little girl viewing a Nativity scene was heard to ask her mother: “Did Jesus ever grow up?” Why did she ask? “Well,” she responded, “he hasn’t grown at all since I saw him last year!” And the impression left at Christmas is just that, that Christ is a helpless babe, not the ruling King that he is, one who will soon rid the earth of all unrighteousness.—Psalm 2:9, 12; 110:1, 2; Revelation 12:5; 19:15, 16.

When you consider what goes on at Christmas, really how could Christ approve? “Alcoholics and their families have an especially rough time of it because the Christmas spirit so often comes in bottles,” Time reported. “And the lipstick worn home from the office party disturbs untold millions more.” Yes, Christmas has not changed from its licentiousness of earlier days.

The book Curiosities of Popular Customs, by William S. Walsh, observes: “In spite of the condemnation of the wise and the sane, Christmas in the early days frequently reproduced all the worst orgies, the debaucheries and indecencies, of the Bacchanalia and the Saturnalia. . . . The wild revels, indeed, of the Christmas period in olden times almost stagger belief.”

When you think about it, perhaps you will concur with the opinion voiced last December in The Sunday Express, a newspaper of South Africa. “It’s that time of year again,” the article began, “when the festive spirit comes to the fore and religious people say: ‘Let’s put Christ back into Christmas.’

“Since Christ was not there in the beginning, it would be far more appropriate to remove any reference to Him altogether and call Christmas by some other name.

“Why besmirch Christ’s name with all the associations of commercialism, excessive eating and drinking and revelry?”

What Will You Do?

Surely, Christ does not approve of Christmas. It dishonors him and his teachings. So what will you do at this season of the year?

The above-quoted South African newspaper suggested: “Let’s rather be honest and turn Christmas back into the pagan feast that it was in the beginning and relax and enjoy ourselves in partying and jollifications with all the trappings of yule-logs and wild feasting—without pretending that we’re celebrating Christ’s birth.”

True, that may be unhypocritical, yet Christ does not approve of licentious pagan feasts, whether they are carried on in his name or not. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18) So if you truly desire Christ’s approval, what will you do? The columnist Bill Hall, quoted earlier, answers: “Any genuine Christian—assuming there actually are a few of them left—would shun any association with the worldly, modern celebration known as Christmas.”

Jehovah’s Witnesses everywhere do that very thing. They take no part in the celebration of Christmas because they are truly trying to win the favor of their heavenly King, Jesus Christ. And they seek to live in accord with his teachings, not just on special occasions but every day of the year. If that also is your desire, Jehovah’s Witnesses will be delighted to help you fulfill it.

[Picture on page 12]

Do Nativity scenes teach the truth about Christ?

Should I Tell My Parents?

Young People Ask . . .

Should I Tell My Parents?

‘WHAT my parents don’t know won’t hurt them!’ Have you ever said that to yourself when you had a serious problem? Or when you made a mistake that you dreaded your parents would find out about?

Fourteen-year-old Harvey has been experimenting with smoking marijuana. His parents have no idea how deep his drug involvement is. “I’m scared to tell them,” says Harvey.

Yes, a reluctance to confide in one’s parents is all too common. True, a recent study of 2,000 young persons found that youths may take questions about school, family, or career to their parents. But when heavier and more sensitive subjects—such as dating or sex—are involved, they go to their friends. As explained by Jacqueline Smollar, Ph.D., a psychologist who coauthored the above-mentioned study: “Kids know that parents won’t always approve, whereas friends are more accepting.”

Would you go to your parents if you had a serious problem or had done something wrong? Or are you convinced that your parents are hopelessly old-fashioned and cannot offer either understanding or helpful guidance? Do you perhaps fear they will be disappointed in you? Whatever the case, hiding your problems from your folks does not solve them. In fact, it can simply make matters far worse.

Beware of Cover-Ups!

The Bible at Ecclesiastes 7:20 says: “There is no man righteous in the earth that keeps doing good and does not sin.” But as common as it is to make mistakes, how difficult it is to admit them! Especially is this so when a serious wrong such as lying, premarital sex, or smoking is involved. Often the young person fears what will happen if his parents find out. However, have you thought of the price you pay when you keep wrongdoing secret?

Youths that resort to cover-ups often suffer the pangs of a wounded conscience. (Romans 2:15) As with the ancient psalmist, their errors can become ‘a heavy load,’ too weighty to bear. (Psalm 38:4) Almost inevitably, they are forced to commit further wrongs by lying and deceiving their parents. This, in turn, erects barriers to communication between them and their parents. Parental help is cut off.

In time, covering over problems can become a habit. One becomes like those described in the Bible as “marked in their conscience as with a branding iron”—unfeeling and insensitive! (1 Timothy 4:2) Their hearts can become “fully set in them to do bad.” (Ecclesiastes 8:11) Their relationship with God is thus seriously damaged.

The Bible says: “He that is covering over his transgressions will not succeed, but he that is confessing and leaving them will be shown mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13) Note: It is futile to try to keep the wrong hidden—such a course will not succeed. As one young man named Vince observed: “It’s going to catch up with you later.” Why is this? As 19-year-old Betty put it: “Jehovah sees everything anyway.” In time he can see to it that the wrong is exposed.

The wise thing to do, then, is to confess the wrong. First, seek Jehovah’s forgiveness, confessing your wrong in prayer. “Before him pour out your heart,” said the psalmist. (Psalm 62:8) This is sure to ease some of the torments of your conscience. Nevertheless, the matter cannot simply end there. ‘Why shouldn’t it?’ you may object. ‘Isn’t it enough that God knows about it and that I’m sorry?’

Seeking Out Discipline

No, an erring youth must do more than simply confess his sin to God. “Listen, O sons, to the discipline of a father,” explains the Bible, “and pay attention, so as to know understanding.” (Proverbs 4:1) Understandably, you may fear such discipline. But likely it is the very thing that you need. Why, even a wise person needs reproof and discipline at times. Proverbs 9:8, 9 says: “Give a reproof to a wise person and he will love you.” The reason? “He will become still wiser.”

But if you have proved unwise and have fallen into difficulties, you obviously need discipline more than ever! This means telling your parents. They have experience in life and can often help you leave your mistakes behind and avoid repeating them. Especially is this true if your parents are God-fearing. True, confessing wrongdoing is not easy. However, Jehovah tells youths: “Honor your father and your mother.” (Ephesians 6:2) Jehovah has assigned the job of discipline to your parents. And if they see the need to punish or restrict you, view it as a reflection of their love for you.

Love? Yes, it may seem hard to believe that there is anything loving about giving punishment. But note what Proverbs 3:12 says: “The one whom Jehovah loves he reproves, even as a father does a son in whom he finds pleasure.” Really, how much better it is to have parents who love you enough to discipline you than parents who simply do not care!

The Benefits

You may still, though, have a hard time appreciating the value of looking for discipline by telling your parents what you have done wrong. So consider some of the fringe benefits. For one thing, admitting your mistakes in a straightforward way gives you a better feeling inside. Says 18-year-old Chris: “It really can help you to talk about it. It’s finally a relief to get it off your mind.” Or as a youth named David puts it: “It will always stick with you as long as it’s kept secret.”

Getting matters out in the open frees your mind of worry. As Betty, previously quoted, observed, it is one thing to realize that God knows about your error; “and now also to have to worry that your parents will find out,” she adds, “is just too much to handle.” However, ripping away the veil of secrecy will make it easier for you to handle the problem.

Straightening out matters with your parents can also strengthen your heart and mind for what is right. As Chris further reminds us: “Without talking about it, it will always be easier to repeat the mistake.”

One young man, though, points to a seeming complication: “When you’re a kid, you think that taking a problem to your parents is really going to hurt your relationship with them.” Admittedly, your parents may feel hurt and disappointed at first. But if you go to them voluntarily—without their having to pry the truth out of you—they will probably realize that this took real courage on your part. They will appreciate how much you love and trust them. In the long run, they may even increase their confidence in you. You see, parents usually want to believe that their children have good qualities that will win out over the bad. And your being honest with them demonstrates that you have such qualities.

Remember, too, that trust is a two-way street. Said Jesus: “Stop judging, and you will by no means be judged . . . For with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you.” (Luke 6:37, 38) To some extent this may prove true with your parents. Show them that you have trust in their inherent love for you. Confide in them and look for the direction and assistance they are eager to extend.

Finally, consider the benefits of listening to your parents’ wise advice. A few young people put it this way:

“My parents can look at things more objectively than I can when I’m right in the middle of something emotionally troubling.”

“My parents help me to think of other solutions to the problem.”

“You may have to make certain amends that your parents can mediate for you.”

So if you ever have a serious problem, do not hesitate to go to your parents. Give them a chance to help you. Remember: What your parents do not know may not hurt them, but their not knowing can often result in irreparable damage to you. Confide, then, in your parents and enjoy self-respect, a clean conscience, and peace of mind.

Also remember, nothing is secret “to the eyes of him with whom we have an accounting.” (Hebrews 4:13) And knowing that Jehovah knows may make it a bit easier to tell your parents. They have a right to know too.

[Picture on page 16, 17]

Who is more qualified to help you with your problems—your peers or your parents?

Tonight We Won!

MY FOOT landed squarely in my opponent’s face! Swiveling around like lightning, he tried to unbalance me with a leg sweep, following it up with a backheel blow in my stomach. We exchanged all sorts of authorized kicks and punches, both taking punishment.

It was May 19, 1978, and my opponent, Gilbert Letouzo, and I were fighting for the French national championship at the Hotel Meridien in Paris. Both Gilbert and I had learned the basics of savate, a type of French boxing, in street fights in the suburbs of Paris. (See adjoining page.)

The capacity crowd was vibrating with excitement and shouting encouragement. But I was worried. ‘What if something goes wrong? What if I really injure him?’ I kept thinking. The stifling, smoke-filled atmosphere made it very difficult to concentrate. I needed every ounce of attention I could muster.

By the fourth round, Gilbert was showing signs of serious fatigue. He had trouble keeping his guard up, and his punches lacked confidence. As for me, the reflexes were performing easily. I landed a powerful counterpunch, and my opponent collapsed. Although he was rapidly on his feet again, it was obvious that Gilbert was flagging, and his second decided to throw in the sponge. I had won the French national cup!

A few months earlier, how I would have savored these moments of glory, the sound of the loudspeakers blaring out the highlights of the match, mingled with the cheering of the crowd! This evening, however, all these honors—the glory, the fame, and the prospective contracts—left me quite indifferent.

I caught sight of my wife’s radiant face in the crowd. Obviously, she could tell by my expression that I was not going back on my decision. We could truly say, “Tonight we won!” We had truly won, for I had made my decision to cease all participation in boxing competitions. We were now entering another fight but this time together.

Fighting Violence With Violence

I was born in 1947 in the Paris suburb of Rueil-Malmaison, location of the palace where Napoléon’s first wife, Joséphine, once lived and later died. Ours was a working-class family, and it was not long before I became indignant about all the injustice in the world. I wanted to right all the wrongs. In 1967 I started studying law in hopes of becoming a lawyer. At that time trouble was brewing in the French universities, especially in Nanterre, another suburb of Paris, where I was studying. It was a period of fierce confrontation between extremist political groups.

A few years earlier I had started a promising career in soccer, but I quit because of all the violence that was invading the stadiums. Paradoxically, I turned to the combative sports. I had the attitude: ‘I may as well learn to give as good as I get.’ In view of the tense atmosphere at the university, I figured I would be left alone if I knew how to defend myself. After having tried several sports, I finally chose savate, an all-around sport derived from French boxing. Savate attracted me because it was a “complete” fighting technique, using feet as well as hands.

A Troubled Period

In May 1968 extremist groups in the universities pressured for political and social change. To our surprise, the workers, in sympathy with our student demonstrations, spontaneously supported us. Then the workers’ unions joined in with their own demonstration marches and with orders to the workers for a general strike. Thus, during May and June 1968, France was virtually paralyzed.

A spirit of exultation reigned among us students, for we considered ourselves a sort of catalyst provoking a movement that expressed the general desire for a more just and humane society. At first I was wholly devoted to this apparently worthy cause, and, believe me, my physical fitness proved to be most useful when running from the police during the student demonstrations in the Latin Quarter in Paris.

However, I was soon disappointed, for our demonstrations began to turn violent. The longed-for political and social changes never materialized, and the prospect of a more equitable and friendly social system was eclipsed by temporary and illusory material advantages. The icing came off the cake. I lost all confidence in man, in his projects and principles.

Personal Achievements

Nevertheless, I succeeded in graduating from the university before leaving for military service. Upon my return, I took up sports again, especially savate. My efforts were rewarded, for I was champion of France six times. I won about a hundred cups and medals, and I was selected many times for the national team.

In addition, I became a qualified state teacher and ran four sports clubs, including the one in Rueil-Malmaison that then boasted the largest membership in Europe. I also supervised several associations, edited a sports magazine, and was on the board of directors of the French Boxing and Savate Federation.

A Drastic Change

In October 1977 my wife was contacted by two of Jehovah’s Witnesses and soon started studying the Bible. At the outset I was neither prejudiced against Jehovah’s Witnesses nor predisposed in their favor. As a disappointed Catholic, I had never had the opportunity of studying the Bible, so why deny my wife that possibility? At that point some of our relatives started opposing the Bible discussions, saying that the Witnesses were a dangerous sect. So I felt obliged to defend my wife in the name of freedom of religion and on the grounds of the basic principles of the French Revolution of 1789 and the Declaration of the Rights of Man, which were dear to me.

One of these opposed relatives happened to be in one of my boxing classes and started the rumor that I had become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. So at each lesson, I would establish my authority by methods that made it perfectly clear that I was not as yet a true Christian, judging by the number of sore ribs and jaws I caused!

This inexplicable opposition triggered my curiosity. So I looked into the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, which deals with fundamental Bible doctrines. I devoured it in just two evenings. I had already read hundreds of books on politics, history, and philosophy, but they all seemed to be unfinished, incomplete, deficient, and—contradictory. Man’s incompetence seemed to me even more paradoxical in this 20th century of great technical and scientific accomplishments. Unlike anything I had ever read before, this book provided a comprehensive explanation of man’s origin and destiny and the reasons for his existence.

Suddenly, all this knowledge started piecing itself together to form a sound, coherent, logical whole. All human history—with its wars, religions, and civilizations—everything fitted into a pattern, a marvelous purpose unknown to me until then. Above all, I was staggered by the accuracy of Jesus’ description of present-day events, given as a sign of his coming intervention in world affairs. (Matthew 24; Luke 21) I was convinced that I had found the truth. But other steps were necessary before I could really understand all that was involved.

First Contacts

In the spring of 1978 my wife was invited to the Memorial, a celebration held by Jehovah’s Witnesses each year to commemorate Christ’s death. I wanted to attend, but I had a boxing lesson that would not be finished until 9:30 p.m. However, that evening only 15 percent of the class were present, and as all the students were off form, the lesson finished at 7:45 p.m. Unexpectedly, there was an adult in that class, which was intended for youngsters. When the lesson ended, he mentioned that he had to pick up his wife at the station because her car was temporarily out of order. This meant that he would be driving past the Kingdom Hall where my wife was attending the Memorial. All these coincidences were so great that I asked him to drop me off, and I joined my wife at the meeting.

In spite of my appearance—I was wearing jeans, and my hair was still wet from the shower—I was given a warm welcome. Who could have guessed that my sports bag was full of boxing gloves? When the meeting was over, one of the Witnesses came over and conversed with me. As I was already convinced by what I had read in the Truth book, I paid less attention to what he said than to the man himself. I observed him, and what I saw persuaded me that this was no fanatic. A little later, I too began studying the Bible.

A New Personality

My last championship fight, described at the beginning, took place just a month after I started studying the Bible. After my double victory, I felt as though a load had been lifted off my shoulders. I reasoned that my situation was now in order with Jehovah God, since I had stopped competitions. However, still other changes were to come.

In order to attend the local meetings of Jehovah’s Witnesses regularly, I decided to limit my sports activities to the club in my hometown of Rueil-Malmaison. Then, at one meeting, we were reminded that a Christian should avoid anything that could, knowingly or unknowingly, bring bloodguilt upon him. I can still remember how the blood rushed to my cheeks when this matter was discussed. You see, my students were not all amateurs who just came to relax, but some were also fighters, serious competition-level boxers. What if an accident occurred? What would be my degree of responsibility? As a result, I resigned from my functions in the French Boxing and Savate Federation and arranged for my brother to take over my teaching post at the club in Rueil-Malmaison.

In the months that followed, I continued to go to the club for the sake of the sport, simply to spar in a noncompetitive way. But my conscience was becoming more and more sensitive. The apostle Paul’s words were food for thought: “A slave of the Lord does not need to fight, but needs to be gentle toward all, qualified to teach, keeping himself restrained under evil, instructing with mildness.”—2 Timothy 2:24, 25.

And when I thought about it, it was very difficult for me to imagine Jesus and his apostles training to be gladiators just for sport, even though they were not going to take part in actual combat. So, unable to reconcile my boxing with Bible counsel, I eventually made a clean break from any participation whatever in it.

Before I left the club, I witnessed either directly or indirectly to all my students. Indeed, I considered those 200 boxers to be my special territory. Seven of those with whom I studied the Bible eventually became Jehovah’s Witnesses. When discussing boxing with my students, I had to offer counsel using my newly acquired knowledge. This proved to be a great help for me spiritually. It forced me to do a great deal of self-analysis and led me to practice what I preached.

Thus I left the boxing world and ceased “striving after wind.” True, I lost hundreds of so-called friends along with fleeting glory and fame. In return, Jehovah has abundantly blessed our family. We now have a goal in life and the righteous cause of the Kingdom to defend, not with fists, feet, and sophisticated combat techniques, but with spiritual weapons. (Ecclesiastes 2:11; 4:4; Ephesians 6:14-17)—As told by Christian Paturel.

[Blurb on page 20]

All human history fitted into a pattern, a marvelous purpose unknown to me until then

[Blurb on page 21]

Who at the Kingdom Hall could have guessed that my sports bag was full of boxing gloves?

[Box on page 19]

French Boxing and Savate

French boxing is an amateur combat sport authorizing the use of feet and fists. At the close of the 19th century, Frenchman Charles Lecour played a major role in codifying procedure. He combined English boxing rules as regards punches with other rules for foot blows, based on the observation of Paris street fighters. French boxing became very popular, and many people engaged in it, including such famous authors as Alexandre Dumas and Théophile Gautier.

Nowadays, savate/French boxing offers a wider range of kicks and punches and modern training methods. The goal is the same as in English boxing: win either by knockout, by withdrawal, or on points. Generally speaking, fewer blows are struck than in English boxing because a greater distance is kept between the opponents. However, the kicks can be very dangerous, so it is considered to be one of the more violent combative sports.

Alert Use of the “School” Brochure

THE Watchtower Society publishes a brochure entitled “School and Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Its purpose is to acquaint teachers and other school authorities with Witness beliefs that affect participation in school activities. The following account by a teenage Witness illustrates the potential of such provisions when Witnesses are alert and use them effectively.

“I obtained a list of superintendents and other administrators in the county school systems in Georgia. Brochures were sent to those in Atlanta and surrounding areas. I sent 350 and received requests for 2,000 additional copies. My father and I visited 42 principals. Many expressed appreciation and the wish that ‘all religions would provide such helpful information.’ In most schools visited, a brochure was given to each homeroom teacher, and copies were placed in the school libraries.

“In addition to the brochure, we placed 32 copies of the book Your Youth, Getting the Best out of It and 140 copies of the Awake! issue dealing with ‘Child Molestation.’ Several principals asked permission to use excerpts from these publications in school newsletters, PTA bulletins, and talks before student-body assemblies. One principal invited us to return to speak to the faculty about the beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses. My father spoke for 20 minutes, and afterward we placed several more books and magazines. Also, we received a request from Mr. Samuel Wallace of the Planning and Expanded Services office in Atlanta. He requested copies of the brochure and the Awake! magazine for each of the 30 social workers who visit the elementary schools as counselors.

“Following all of this, we received four other requests for a total of 450 brochures. Seeds of truth have been planted, and we hope that parents will be able to follow up on the interest teachers may show when their children return to school in the fall.”—B. L., Norcross, Georgia.

Stepping Into the 21st Century

By “Awake!” correspondent in Japan

LOOK at all those buildings! In the shapes of cones, cylinders, spheres, pyramids, wedges—they look like something right out of the realm of science fiction. Or is it fiction? Each has been designed to show the kind of world that scientists and technologists are hoping to create for the 21st century. They are all part of a huge science fair in Tsukuba, Japan, called Expo ’85.

The Exposition’s chosen theme? “Dwellings and Surroundings—Science and Technology for Man at Home.”

The exhibits, constructed at a cost of $2.6 billion (U.S.), represent the dreams of 47 nations, 37 international organizations, and 28 domestic corporations. Using the latest in lasers, robotics, biotechnology, telecommunications, and a host of other scientific and technological developments, they present visions of how they think life in the next century will be. Shall we take a step into the 21st century?

Close-Up of Some Exhibits

Many of the exhibits have special themes that give the visitors a good idea of what to expect. In the Matsushita Pavilion, “electronics meets an ancient age.” Three-dimensional TV and superdirectional loudspeakers reproduce the sights and sounds of life in ancient Japan. A life-size robot speaks an early version of Japanese. Laser holography creates images of three-dimensional ritual figurines that appear to float in midair. And most amazing of all, a robot actually uses a brush to draw a portrait of a person in less than three minutes.

“What mankind can dream, technology can achieve”—that is the Fujitsu Pavilion theme. Dreaming of having a robot do your work? Then meet “Fanuc Man,” said to be the world’s largest humanoid robot. At 16 feet (5 m) and 25 tons (22,700 kg), he can lift a 440-pound (200 kg) barbell as easily as he can assemble a 4-inch (10 cm) replica of himself. Another dream come true is the Communilab, a multilanguage translation machine. As simple sentences written in Japanese on an electronic pad are fed into the machine, translations, or reasonable approximations thereof, in English, French, and German flash on digital screens simultaneously. Finally, a panoramic 3-D film generated by computer graphics is so realistic that you are prompted to reach out and ward off the water molecules that appear to come right at you.

Not all exhibits are serious scientific ventures. In the Fuyo Robot Theater, for example, youngsters and those young at heart are entertained by large, toylike robots in song and dance and other antics. One of them, “Marco Kun,” responds to voice commands from children and pulls them around the stage in a trailer.

Other attractions include the Jumbotron, the world’s largest outdoor TV screen, measuring some 80 feet by 130 feet (25 m by 40 m), roughly the size of an Olympic swimming pool. Its color picture can be viewed in broad daylight from as far as 1,600 feet (500 m) away.

To show how natural resources can be harnessed, the Theme Pavilion built by the Japanese government features a giant tomato plant cultivated by hydroponic techniques, that is, with no soil but only sunlight, water, and fertilizers. It is about 50 feet (15 m) across and bears some 2,000 tomatoes at one time. This one plant is expected to produce 10,000 tomatoes in the six months of the exposition.

A robot that plays an electronic organ is another attraction in the Theme Pavilion. It can play Bach, or given a word command, it can switch to the Beatles, and it can even read music placed before it. It is intended to show how closely machines can mimic human behavior.

Parting Thoughts

We have not even scratched the surface of what there is to see. There are scores of other international pavilions, industrial and scientific exhibits, parks, rides, and shows of all sorts.

Expo ’85 certainly is colorful, fascinating, and entertaining. But after seeing all the lavish displays, what is one to think? Yes, science and technology have achieved a great deal that is to man’s benefit and enjoyment. But “the Expo as a whole also makes the point that no matter how advanced the technology becomes, it’s still humans who do the designing and planning,” remarks Wolf Morrison in The Daily Yomiuri.

In a sense, Expo ’85 only highlights the immense potential of the human mind and imagination and what can be accomplished if that potential is put to constructive use. Yet, the present sorry state of human affairs testifies that what is urgently needed is, not more technological breakthrough, but proper direction in using what we already have.

What the 21st century will bring, scientists and technologists can only surmise. But those who look to the Creator of all things, Jehovah God, are assured that “the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.”—Psalm 37:11.

[Map/Pictures on page 24]

(For fully formatted text, see publication)

JAPAN

Tsukuba

Expo ’85 site

[Pictures]

A robot brush drawing of person at right

Jumbotron, the world’s largest outdoor TV

From Our Readers—“When Someone You Love Dies”

THE April 22, 1985, issue of Awake! contained a four-part cover series entitled “When Someone You Love Dies.” Many readers wrote letters expressing their appreciation for the material. We would like to share some of their comments.

“Thank You for Letting Me Know I Am Normal”

Most of those who wrote expressed gratitude for learning that their feelings were not uncommon. They wrote:

“Our son Mark died in an accident last June. Words can’t express how a mother feels. He was my friend as well as my son. The Awake! helped me to realize that my feelings are normal.”

—A. D., Nebraska

“A couple of weeks after this article came out my father passed away. I didn’t know why I was feeling all the emotions that I did or how to handle them. Then I read these articles and realized that what I was feeling was not uncommon. Every time I feel down, I just pick up this Awake! and read it over and over. By doing this, I get comfort, and I’m able to go on.”

…

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Awake!, December 22, 1985