The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses
Watch Tower Society
Wallkill
NEW YORK
12589
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

Dear Brothers

I am corresponding with you once again on the strength of the principle found at Matthew 7:7: "Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you"; and the one found at John 6:68: "Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have the sayings of everlasting life".

It has now been a year since I submitted my Critical Analysis of the Creation book to you (copy of covering letter attached).

In reply, the letter I received from the South African Bethel (copy attached) contained justified counsel and reproof (I subsequently lost many of my privileges in the congregation) - yet in the reply NOT ONE of the scientific matters I raised with regard to the Creation book was addressed.

As I have previously explained to you, due to my scientific background and through my attempts to witness to colleagues at work, I have personally discovered that the Creation book contains what I believe are serious errors in the following categories:

(a) Scientists quoted out of context, and even at times apparently deliberately misquoted
(b) Serious misunderstandings of basic scientific terminology
(c) Apparent deliberate omission of relevant facts
(d) Presentation of flawed scientific information
(e) Portrayal of Science in a biased and unfair way

Since these criticisms call into question not only accuracy but also the honesty of statements made in the Creation book, the issue has really become the integrity of the book’s content, and whether or not it truly conforms to the high standards that all our other publications adhere to. In other words, brothers, the issue is largely a moral one and until these matters are cleared up my wife and I face an ongoing moral dilemma.

Your continued ‘silence’ by omission or avoidance to date, has not helped us but rather harmed us spiritually. Out of loyalty to Jehovah we have given you the benefit of the doubt - telling ourselves that you brothers are just too busy to address the specifics of these criticisms - and have therefore continued to live a Christian routine and life, attending meetings, sharing in the ministry and endeavouring, despite loss of privileges, to remain cheerful and positive members of the congregation. Yet brothers, that alone does not chase away the real doubts that continue to plague us about the Creation book’s, and the writing committee’s, Christian integrity.

An honest and comprehensive answer to these questions is surely called for and would be of immediate benefit to myself and to the rest of God’s people in due course (1 Peter 3:15).

Of greatest concern is not only the fact that the Creation book is still actively being promoted in our publications (eg. w97 2/1 p1; g97 5/8 p17; g97 8/8; p32; w97 12/1 p8), but that in South Africa (and possibly many other countries too) the Creation book is to be offered in the field in February 1998. My wife and I find that we will be unable to offer this publication with a clear conscience, thus adding to the emotional turmoil and spiritual agitation we have suffered so far because of this matter.

Surely brothers, it is only fair that the writing committee responsible for the material in the Creation book respond honestly and thoroughly to the serious questions and grievances raised in my Critical Analysis.

I pray and hope to hear from you soon so that this matter can be put to rest and my wife and I can begin rebuilding our spirituality.

Christian love and greetings


MARIO DI MAGGIO

cc South African Bethel
cc Windermere Congregation Body of Elders