Five Whys

[Tortuga]

The human mind is amazing, Jehovah created us with an imagination that seems to constantly fill our lives with a sense of wonder and a series of "What if" questions. We look at the things that Jehovah has done and we wonder how he did it and what he will do in the future, however in that process we sometimes confuse the possibility of something happening into a probability that it will happen. We need to remember that just because we can imagine the possibility of Jehovah doing something, it doesn't mean that he did do it or will do it. Possibility does not equal probability.

 

When the difference between possibility and probability becomes confusing, it seems the simple solution is usually correct, and the Five Whys technique can very helpful to find the simple and logical answer.

 

The Five Whys is defined as 

Five whys (or 5 whys) is an iterative interrogative technique used to explore the cause-and-effect relationships underlying a particular problem. The primary goal of the technique is to determine the root cause of a defect or problem by repeating the question "why?" five times, each time directing the current "why" to the answer of the previous "why". The method asserts that the answer to the fifth "why" asked in this manner should reveal the root cause of the problem.

 

How do you think this technique can help you in understanding biblical accounts and visualizing the future?

Edited June 5 by Tortuga

[Beggar for the Spirit]

Good topic Richard 👍 

It seems you were wanting to use this “5 Why” technique to discuss the difference between possibility vs probability when seeking answers, and that is a really good topic!  But I wanted to add that this technique can also help address spiritual problems overall.  So I will try to add to your topic the best I can.  I will share my longer post with more in-depth thoughts in the hidden box below if anyone would like to read it, but to just briefly summarize:

• To me, the idea behind the “5 Why” technique or just any method that causes use to dig deeper is to move beyond “surface problems” to try and uncover the underlying “root cause”.
• So whether a person chooses to use this technique or another, as Christians we should not be wanting “fast food” answers, “fast food” guesses or speculations, nor “fast food” surface answers that do not touch the heart of the problem or are not based on Jehovah’s superior ways. 
• For me personally, asking “Why” questions one after another has motivated me to go beyond surface answers or just speculate, and to dive deeper in nature and in the Bible to find answers in the deeper wisdom of Jehovah
•  If each of us does our best to not just use our imagination to guess or speculate about ”possibilities”, and if each of us does our best to dive deeper into spiritual questions or spiritual problems by researching in our publications,, then this can help “peel away” layers of surface symptoms or surface-level explanations to discover and reveal Jehovah’s wise thinking on matters! Then JWtalk will be an even greater resource because there will be less guesses, less speculations, and deeper answers and understandings that will help all of us grow stronger spiritually! 🌟 

 

(More in-depth post)

Spoiler

(Medical Illustration)

1 of the issues today about this world that influences us is what I refer to as the “Fast Food Culture”.  The world wants everything fast and simple. So if any problem arises, most just ask 1 basic question of “Why” or “What is wrong”?” so that they can just put a “quick-fix” or “band-aid” on it and keep moving on.

 

We see this in the medical field. I am curious how many of us here on JWtalk have had some medical condition that has not been accurately diagnosed and as a result has caused us more problems?   Doctors dont have enough time to spend on patients so there is not enough time or energy to “dive deeper” to find the root cause of the condition rather than to just prescribe meds that mask or “band-aid” the problem. But the patient continues to suffer month after month with no hope of the root cause being identified. 😞 

 

SPIRITUAL PROBLEMS

Now let’s compare that medical illustration to spiritual problems and even spiritual questions and spiritual speculations

This “Fast Food Culture”  we live in influences us Christians to want answers fast and simple or to get a  “quick-fix” solution to a spiritual problem we may be having. Or if we have a spiritual question, it is easier, faster, to use our imagination to just guess or speculate at some possibility rather then “dig” or “dive deeper” to find answers in the Bible that can give higher principles or guidelines based on Jehovah's wisdom that can provide a much better probability as to what Jehovah may do in a certain situation.

 

To me, the idea behind the “5 Why” technique or just any method that causes us to dig deeper is to move beyond “surface problems” to try and uncover the underlying “root cause”.

 

So whether a person chooses to use this technique or another, as Christians we should not be wanting “fast food” answers, “fast food” guesses or speculations, nor “fast food” surface answers that do not touch the heart of the problem. For example, it is far better to ask “Why?” multiple times which hopefully causes us to research for answers and Bible principles when wondering how Jehovah will act or why He acted the way He did in a certain situation. Rather than just using our imagination to wonder and guess at some strange possible ways that Jehovah could have acted or may act in the future.  

 

If we use our imagination only to guess at “possibilities”  instead of trying to determine the “probability” of how Jehovah may act, then we get only “fast food” conclusions, “premature conclusions” that provide no answers of substance. Who of us wants our doctor to just give us a quick, superficial fix and doesn’t spend time researching and “diving deeper” in order to target the root cause and so instead just prescribes any medication to just mask the symptoms we are experiencing? So we shouldn’t do the same spiritually, we should want to get to the root of the problem or dig for the best principles that helps us understand how Jehovah thinks and reasons rather than just guessing or imagining some possibility

 

For some reason, when I started learning the Truth, while I didn’t know any kind of techniques like the “5 Whys method”, I found myself wanting to seek a deeper understanding or see beyond the surface of an answer.  I think the reason was because I really wanted to know Jehovah more intimately, to understand how He thinks or how He feels on a deeper level. And this has continued to me mentality to this day. For example, I would constantly ask, “Why is Jehovah so deeply compassionate?” or “Why did Jehovah design and build the universe with infinitesimally small particles that are invisible and that behave far different than the classical physics we see in the visible world?”  These kind of “Why” questions have motivated me to go beyond surface answers or just speculate, and to dive deeper in nature and in the Bible to find the deeper wisdom of Jehovah

 

Also the training we have received in Jehovah’s organization has helped immensely. For example, anyone who has served as an elder knows firsthand that the training they received in just reading/studying the “shepherding” book has trained them to dive deeper into spiritual matters/problems and not just be satisfied with surface answers. 

 

For example, that book has helped motivate elders to take more time and listen more closely and ask better questions that reveal deeper motives.. For example, when a committee of elders meets with someone involved with serious sin, why have elders been trained to do more than just ask a few questions and accept initial answers?

 

Because Jehovah provided outstanding principles and the FDS put these in that book, such as, “The thoughts of a man’s heart are like deep waters, But the discerning man draws them out.” (Proverbs 20:5)  So can you imagine if elders had an “Fast Food” mentality and just quickly accepted the “surface” answer from a brother/sister as they were quite anxious and nervous about the sin they committed?

 

 The result would be elders making “fast food” conclusions or “premature conclusions”  that may lead to a wrong understanding of who this person truly is at heart. So is the brother/sister truly repentant? The only way to know with a greater certainty rather then just guessing or speculating is to “draw them out”, to draw out the “deep water thoughts and feelings” to understand the person.

 

But if we expect elders to do this which requires some more effort and time, shouldn’t each of us be doing the same in our own life with questions and problems we have? Yes!  So we must find motivation to dive deeper to find the real answers, the core answers, rather than just accepting some guess or speculation. 

 

This is why I wrote this longer post, I thought this was a great topic to mention some things that I have been wanting to express for a while.

But the overall main point is this:

 If each of us does our best to not just use our imagination to guess or speculate about ”possibilities”, and if each of us does our best to dive deeper into spiritual questions or spiritual problems by researching in our publications,, then this can help “peel away” layers of surface symptoms or surface-level explanations to discover and reveal Jehovah’s wise thinking on matters! Then JWtalk will be an even greater resource because there will be less guesses, less speculations, and deeper answers and understandings that will help all of us grow stronger spiritually! 🌟 

 

Edited June 5 by Beggar for the Spirit

[BLEmom]

I have seen a similar method used in getting to the root cause of trying to achieve a new personal goal. Mostly in regards to weight loss and exercise. 
This article explains it nicely…

https://daniellesaputo.com/digging-deeper-into-your-why-truly-opens-your-eyes/
 

It can be powerful in dealing with emotions too. When I was young I found myself getting irritated and angry but wasn’t able to identify why most of the time. At some point in my 30’s I was able to start processing better. There was one thing that took me two days to get through and figure out why I was upset. 😆

I think processing is getting harder and harder. Satan likes to keep everyone so busy we don’t have time to process thoughts and emotions. 
A sister and I were talking after the meeting when we did the article on forgiveness and I just happened to mention that sometimes people try to push you into forgiveness before you are ready. She said emphatically “I know.  I hate that!”  While we know we need to forgive, everyone processes and heals at different rates. 

Digging deeper in anything is admirable but is definitely a lot of work and abilities vary. I look forward to when it comes naturally. 

[dljbsp]

4 hours ago, Beggar for the Spirit said:

 If each of us does our best to not just use our imagination to guess or speculate about ”possibilities”, and if each of us does our best to dive deeper into spiritual questions or spiritual problems by researching in our publications,, then this can help “peel away” layers of surface symptoms or surface-level explanations to discover and reveal Jehovah’s wise thinking on matters! Then JWtalk will be an even greater resource because there will be less guesses, less speculations, and deeper answers and understandings that will help all of us grow stronger spiritually! 🌟 

 

This has been such an insightful discussion—thank you to everyone contributing.

 

One powerful truth that keeps me anchored is what Jesus said at Matthew 19:26: “With God all things are possible.” That’s absolutely true—Jehovah’s power has no limits. But at the same time, we have to be careful not to confuse what’s possible with what’s probable. Just because we can imagine Jehovah doing something doesn’t mean that’s what he will do—because Jehovah always acts in harmony with his will, not ours. His will is perfect, just, loving, and always tied to his purpose.

 

As Deuteronomy 29:29 reminds us, “The things concealed belong to Jehovah.” That includes details of how or when certain prophecies will unfold. The July 2022 Watchtower, Study Article 28 gave timely direction when it said: “We should not speculate about when the great tribulation will begin.” Of course, Jesus told us to watch for the signs (Matthew 24:33), and we absolutely do—but we want to anchor our expectations in what Jehovah has revealed, not in what we hope or imagine might happen.

 

We can trust his pattern. Malachi 3:6 says, “I am Jehovah; I do not change.” So instead of trying to predict what Jehovah might do next, maybe the better question is:

“What does Jehovah’s past dealing with his people teach me about his heart, his timing, and his purpose—and how can I align with that now?”

 

Jehovah can do anything. But what he chooses to do will always reflect his will—and his will is always right.