My Top Most Absurd “Questions from Readers”

Questions From Readers, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom—April, 15 1952

Questions from Readers is a series that appears in the Watchtower from time to time. When I was in, I treated it as gospel. I think these articles are hilarious. They're also really good examples of how the Watchtower organization wanted their members to depended on them for instructions on how to live their life, dominate their decision-making process, fill their head with nonsense or just fill some pages. Some of the topics I see now I just can't believe anyone would need to ask these questions or accept their ridiculous answers.

Here are my favorite, most prescriptive and stupid Questions from Readers:

1. Is it wrong to take the life of a very sick or old pet? (w03 6/1 p. 31)
2. Is it fitting for a Christian to permit an autopsy on a relative? (w87 4/1 p. 31)
3. How should true Christians view the common practice of individuals’ giving to others copies of commercial software programs for computers? (w01 2/15 p. 28-29)
4. If a person is being harassed by the demons, what can he do to get relief? (w06 4/15 p. 31)
5. If a Christian hears voices, does that necessarily mean that he is under demon attack? (w03 5/1 p. 31)
6. How should a Christian view hunting and fishing? (w07 12/1 p. 31)
7. To what extent do the limits on marriage between relatives set out in the Mosaic Law apply to Christians today? (w02 2/1 p. 29)
8. What can be done to assist brothers and sisters who suffer from adverse reactions to fragrances? (w15 2/15 p. 29)
9. What factors should Christians take into consideration when it comes to sharing living accommodations? (w10 2/15 p. 23)
10. Should a Christian give a government employee a tip or a gift for his services, or would that be viewed as bribery? (w05 4/1 p. 29)
11. Since Christians do not wager money, may they accept tickets or participate in drawings in which they may win prizes? (w93 6/15 p. 31)
12. Did the serpent that spoke to Eve have legs? (w07 6/15 p. 31)
13. Before coming to a knowledge of the truth, my wife and I submitted to in vitro fertilization because of our desire to have a baby. Not all our fertilized eggs (embryos) were used; some were frozen and stored. Must they be retained, or may they be disposed of? (w12 12/15 p. 14)
14. What should I do when I have a question about something I read in the Bible or when I need advice about a personal problem? (w11 10/15 p. 32)