The religious leaders of Jesus' day demanded to know by what authority he taught the things he did and worked the miracles he did.

It is important to determine by what authority any religious body claims to speak. This, in fact, is the intent behind the second of the Ten Commandments (by the Catholic numbering), which forbids taking the name of the Lord in vain . This prohibition was originally intended not against profanity (if that even existed at the time), but rather against presuming to speak for God, i.e., to claim to speak in His name, as false prophets did.

So the question is appropriate: does the Watchtower Society speak with authority from God? Does the Catholic Church? Let's examine the facts and see ...

• Which religion has a better historical and Scriptural claim to authority: The Watchtower or the Catholic Church?

I invite your engagement with me on these questions. You may leave comments below, but please be sure to read our policy on commenting before doing so.