Derrick,
If you accept the core truth of the "theology" of the witnesses, and the problems you are having are with the "organization" policies, why not find your own way of worshipping god outside of the organization? Just a thought......
Thanksgiving is it..............................
by defd 97 Replies latest jw friends
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willowmoon
I think if you take it in the purest form - a celebration of the fall harvest and giving thanks for the food grown and provided by the Creator - it's good. Gathering to show thanks to the one providing the food and enjoying a meal together with family and friends is a positive experience.
Of course, that could be done on any day, not just one designated by ... whomever?????
The decorating part, I think you should allow your children to participate, particularly if it's a creative exercise for the children.
The thing I don't get about the day is the turkey thing. I hope you'll teach your children not to call it "turkey day". They still need solid principles and they need to know why participating in commercialism and idolatry is wrong, but you seem capable of teaching them the difference.
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under74
everybody needs to take a step back to see where they are defd. I hope you take the step...even if you don't come to the same conclusion I've come to.
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AlmostAtheist
Not picking on anyone in particular, but there are several "Why do you care what anyone says about thanksgiving?"-type responses here. Of course, you KNOW why Defd cares -- he's a JW! He cares what the Bible says, what the FDS says, to a lesser extent what the elders say.
It isn't in itself a bad thing that he cares. Many people care what somebody else thinks. Bible believers come to mind, but what about those that look into what doctors say about smoking or drinking or whatever? The point is that people consult their chosen authorities to determine the "right" answers to questions. I don't agree with his choices, but I know that's why he cares.
Unfortunately, as pointed out, Derrick, it looks like the FDS does in fact consider Thanksgiving to be a no-no. If you want to check it out live, you can call Brooklyn and ask. The number is 718-560-5000.
Dave
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kid-A
P.S. My family always had a big thanksgiving dinner and my dad is an elder (P.O.) so this seems to depend entirely on the individual congregation.
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defd
I wi;; almostathiest right now ill be back in 15 min.
D,
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xjwms
defd
A road trip sounds good.
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The Chuckler
It's all to do with control. Where does it say in the Bible you can't celebrate your childs birthday? Where does it say you cannot grow a beard and be successful in your Christianity?
They control every part of your life - the way you worship, when, where, how, your view of God and what you think he wants, it effects your work, your family, both intimate and extended, your rituals (praying before meals etc), how you spend your free time, what and when you celebrate, how you sleep with your partner - even whether your shave or not or how long your hair is!
They manipulate all of it using misapplied scriptures and the moral judgement of the self appointed as justification.
You will not get an definite yes or no to the thanksgiving issue. It's a 'conscience' issue - in other words you are supposed to police yourself. If you have any doubt it's wrong, you're conscience should say don't do it!! It's all part of the manipulation.
You're conscience is slipping defd, using Satans tool, the internet, to look for spiritual guidance is a Jehovah no-no.
Chuckler
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wanderlustguy
I want to do what is right in JEHOVAHS eyes, so I NEED to make sure.
Strange how most dubs can't seem to seperate Jehovah's will from the Organization's will, or entertain the possibility that they are not neccesarily the same. It's a scary thought at first.
But you are well on your way.
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I quit!
I remember in the 4th grade crying when I had to do an activity sheet featuring a turkey & pilgrim....the teacher was fed up....but it didn't help me any...I thought Jehovah was going to kill me.
I think this comment by under74 says it all. By obeying the Watchtower on this and so many other petty issues you are messing with your childrens heads and screwing them up for life. How many adults that went through this sort of thing are here posting because of the emotional strain they were put through as children. You don't need to go to the Bible or any religion to figure out if it is ok to set a day aside to have a traditional meal and give thanks you just need to use your head. That is what I believe God gave it to you for. What the WT would term "independant thinking" bad only in there eyes because of their lemming like belief system. Just the fact that witnesses have to ponder these things and seek WT approval shows how messed up it is.