The Two-Witness Rule

 

Jehovah’s Witnesses hide and cover for rapists, child molesters, and child rapists using the two-witness rule, requiring two or more eyewitnesses in accord with their interpretations of Deuteronomy 17:6, Deuteronomy 19:5, and First Timothy 5:19, and rape or child molestation usually involves only one eyewitness unless the perpetrator confesses. Let's take a closer look at these proof texts:

Consider the context of Deuteronomy 17:6. Deuteronomy 17:2-6 deals with the crime of apostacy, and with apostacy there is no physical evidence, there is only eyewitness testimony.

It is argued that any iniquity or sin is covered by the two witness rule according to Deuteronomy 19:15, but the context includes instructions on handling cases involving only one eyewitness, and the command to thoroughly investigate indicates looking for hard evidence other than eyewitness testimony. (Deuteronomy 19:15-21) Also consider Deuteronomy 22:23-27, where a conviction was possible in a case where there was only one eyewitness. How could the Bible require two or more witnesses for a conviction and then provide for a conviction in a case involving only one eyewitness without contradicting itself? "Witness" (Hebrew: Ed)  in Deuteronomy 19:15 also means tangible or physical evidence. (Consider Genesis 31:44, 48; Exodus 22:13; Deuteronomy 31:19; Joshua 22:26-27; Psalm 89:37; Isaiah 19:19-20) The Bible did not require two or more eyewitnesses, as the word translated as "witness" means evidence and not necessarily an eyewitness, so what the Bible required was that there must be more than one piece of incriminating evidence for a conviction. In cases of rape or child molesting there are normally numerous evidences that are ignored by JW Elders, or overlooked because they are not police or detectives trained to handle crime and criminals. (Consider Romans 13:1-7)

New Testament references to the two witness rule always refer to it in the context of the Mosaic Law, so First Timothy 5:19 is obviously merely saying not to listen to accusations against a faithful elder of good repute unless there is strong evidence (a protection against slander), and not advising the cover-up of serious crimes. (Matthew 18:16; John 8:17; Hebrews 10:28)

Jehovah's Witnesses should be asked: If the Watchtower Society began teaching that any incident of rape or child molestation should be reported to the police as soon as possible even if the victim is the only eyewitness to the crime would you agree with that policy? How are you certain that their current teachings and policies on this are right, and does it ever bother you that if you don’t change your beliefs every time the Watchtower Society changes their teachings you could be considered an apostate and be disfellowshipped?

 

Further reading:

WITNESSING TO JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES