I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction of some articles that really stand out about JWs and materialism. You know, articles that talk about how bad it is to be materialistic, or better yet, articles that tell parents how much more important it is to provide for their children "spiritually" rather than materially. (I mean, I know they say to do both, but I mean articles that really emphasize how much more important it is to spend time doing "family things" like the ministry, meeting attendance, family Bible study, etc). I was just looking for some articles on this topic for the project that I am doing and I couldn't find anything this specific on reexamine at the moment (it was also being weird when I was on it, though). But if anyone remembers any articles that really stand out about emphasizing "spiritual" raising of children rather than "materially" raising children, could you let me know what it is? I would be so grateful.
JWs and Materialism
by kristyann 5 Replies latest jw friends
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heathen
I don't know if it's been published ( that doesn't mean it's not taught) that raising children with a firm hand is mandatory to be a j-dub . They tolerate no dissent from children and are abusive about it . This of course is done for jehovahs sake and the childs benefit . Pretty sure I have seen articles on disciplining children for the sake of the kingdom .
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jwfacts
Didn't get a chance to look too far but here are a few quotes
*** w96 12/1 p. 19 Youths Who Remember Their Creator ***
14 If you pursue secular education beyond what is required by law, wisely examine your reason for doing so. Is it to make a name for yourself and to get material riches? (Jeremiah 45:5; 1 Timothy 6:17) Or is it your goal to use supplementary education to share more fully in Jehovah’s service? Lydia, a youth who chose to pursue further education, expressed a fine focus on spiritual matters, explaining: “Others pursue higher education and let materialism get in the way, and they’ve dropped God. Personally my relationship with God is the most important thing to me.” What a commendable attitude for all of us!
*** yp chap. 22 p. 177 What Career Should I Choose? ***
A university degree may or may not improve your employment prospects. But one fact is indisputable: “The time left is reduced”! (1 Corinthians 7:29) For all its presumed benefits, would four years or more in a university be the best use of that remaining time?—Ephesians 5:16.
Would a university education steer you toward or away from your spiritual goals? Remember, a high income is not a Christian priority. (1 Timothy 6:7, 8) Yet, a survey of U.S. university administrators described today’s students as ‘career-oriented, concerned with material success, concerned with self.’ One group of students said: “Money. It seems like all we talk about is money.” How might being immersed in an atmosphere of intense competition and selfish materialism affect you?
*** w58 7/15 p. 438 Find Your Place in the New World Society ***
17 The same is true with the opportunity of full-time service that is offered today to those free to accept it. It is not easy to pioneer. Cancellations of personal programs, for example, a college education or a specialized career, may be necessary in order to accommodate the full-time pioneer service in one’s life. Many obstacles and much opposition must be overcome. Paul had to surmount similar obstacles in order to cross the threshold and enter the enlarged field of activity as a pioneer. “A large door,” he says, “that leads to activity has been opened to me, but there are many opposers.” Again this full-time servant of the Lord God wrote: “Who will separate us from the love of the Christ? Will tribulation or distress or persecution or hunger or nakedness or danger or sword?” If on earth today Paul might add: ‘Will the materialism and luxuries of this age prevent us from proving our love for God in the full-time service?’ Positively and forcefully he answers all such questions, saying, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things here nor things to come nor powers nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Any other “creation” would include not only animate creatures but also all the inanimate luxuries and unnecessary things of this modern civilization, which things those having the same mental attitude as Paul do not allow to come between them and their proving their love for God to the full extent of their ability.—1 Cor. 16:9; 2 Cor. 4:7-11; Rom. 8:35-39.
*** w96 11/15 pp. 29-30 Would You Have Recognized the Messiah? ***
The situation has not changed. Becoming a genuine follower of the Messianic King means putting spiritual interests before everything else, including earthly belongings. For any who have a materialistic outlook, this is a challenge. For example, a missionary couple in one Eastern land talked to a woman about the Bible. Believing that she would like to learn more about Jehovah God and his Son, Jesus Christ, the couple offered her The Watchtower and Awake! How did she react? “Will these magazines help me to earn more money?” she asked. The woman was more interested in material things than in spiritual matters.
The same couple studied the Bible with a young man who started to attend meetings at the Kingdom Hall. “You are wasting your time,” his parents told him. “You should get a second job in the evening and earn more money.” How sad it is when parents encourage their children to put material things ahead of learning about the Messianic King! “For all his wealth the ruler cannot buy ten thousand years of life,” says a Chinese proverb.
Many have come to realize that learning about and following the Messianic King leaves no room for a love of money. A Witness of Jehovah who used to have her own business with high earnings, said: “Having a lot of money is very pleasant but not necessary. Money is not what makes a person happy.” She is now a member of the Bethel family at a European branch of the Watch Tower Society
*** uw chap. 11 pp. 91-92 ‘Keep On Seeking First the Kingdom’ ***
10 To what extent do we personally share the Kingdom good news with others? That depends, in part, on our circumstances and, to a large extent, on the depth of our appreciation. Keep in mind that Jesus did not say, ‘Seek the Kingdom when you have nothing else to do.’ Neither did he say, ‘As long as you talk about the Kingdom once in a while, you are doing all that is necessary.’ Nor did he say, ‘Start out with zeal for Kingdom interests; but if the New Order seems long in coming, keep doing something in God’s service but live more like other people.’ Knowing well the importance of the Kingdom, he expressed his Father’s will in the matter, saying: “Seek continually his kingdom.” Or, as the apostle Matthew recorded it: “Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness.” (Luke 12:31; Matt. 6:33) Though most of us find it necessary to do some kind of work to care for the physical needs of ourselves and our families, if we truly have faith, our lives will revolve around the work that God has given us in connection with his Kingdom. At the same time we will not neglect our family responsibilities.—1 Tim. 5:8; Prov. 29:15.
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kristyann
Hey jwfacts, thanks a lot! I really appreciate it. If anyone else has anything else, let me know. But that was extremely helpful jwfacts.
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heathen
Yep that shows their mentality of education . I mean after all they boasted that the WT study was equal to a college education. You might also want to look at the watchtower quotes site . Don't have the link handy but if you pm somebody like blondie you will probly get it .
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unclebruce
Now hear this all you farkel sucking apostate bastards .. JWs only care about others and aren't the least bit concerned with material things!! (they just want to inherit the earth and live naked forever on fruit and unsalted nuts) unclebruce ps: the above mini rant was but a test pattern .....not the least bit serious not the least bit funny testing ..123