by BlackSwan of Memphis 16 Replies latest watchtower bible
For those that wear bifocals, (like me), this is what the footnote reads above in the "Awake" magazine. Blondie posted for us.
[Footnote]
Although the luau may originally have had some connection with false religious practices, the word has simply come to refer to a Hawaiian banquet. Many Christians may therefore conscientiously feel that they can participate.
a custom has no current false religious significance and involves no violation of Bible principles
OK so what is the current false religious significance of a birthday ? none that I can think of.
Mind you if one tries hard enough you can think of a Bible principle that is violated by almost everything
The Question from Readers in the December 15, 2001 Watchtower seems to make allowances for JW women with unbelieving husbands to participate more in "holiday" activities. It even goes so far as to say that if he requests a "special meal" on that holiday, she should prepare it for him, and that if he requests that she do shopping for him and gift wrapping for him, she should oblige. In the matter of visiting non-JW family members, that is also left up to the individual. The only time a line is drawn is in "participating" in "acts of false worship", yet they don't bother defining what would constitute "acts of false worship", so apparently that is left to the discretion (aka Conscience™) of the individual.
hey scully, that is definitely interesting
Sounds like Bull Shit to me. My wife and I were at a luau in Maui where before we started to eat we were asked to stand and join in some sort of prayer ritual to the "great spirit" or something like that. Even though it meant nothing to me I remained seated with my wife and daughter since it was easier than getting into shit over it later with her. They talk out of both sides of their mouths on this issue.
This is really helpful poztate. I’m going to do a little more research on it to use along with the info supplied here.
Thank you Atlantis for that scan!! This is for a person who does not have this stuff very available, and I think it will help her credibility. Thank you!!
The Question from Readers in the December 15, 2001 Watchtower seems to make allowances for JW women with unbelieving husbands to participate more in "holiday" activities. It even goes so far as to say that if he requests a "special meal" on that holiday, she should prepare it for him, and that if he requests that she do shopping for him and gift wrapping for him, she should oblige. In the matter of visiting non-JW family members, that is also left up to the individual. The only time a line is drawn is in "participating" in "acts of false worship", yet they don't bother defining what would constitute "acts of false worship", so apparently that is left to the discretion (aka Conscience™) of the individual.
I remember that article Scully. I used it when I was a “single” mother in the “truth”.
Thank you for the info all!
BSoM
Scully posted this information for us. "Questions From Readers" Just in case you need a scan of it! Thank you Scully!
Remember that these are the people that:
1) Select a day six months after their birthday, and call it a "Special Day" and have special foods, a party, and gifts. (Birthday)
2) Select a day a few days before or after Christmas, and exchange gifts.
3) On Thanksgiving Day, have JW friends and family over for turkey and the fixings since "turkey is so cheap" then.
4) Go to see the fireworks on the 4th of July; watch them from their yard.
5) Have a party on New Years Eve with drinks and friends
6) Have costume parties any month but September, October, November.
7) ***Have the regular pioneers and families over for a meal with the elders and their wives on Christmas Day (I knew of 10 different congregations with this tradition).
Sounds like holiday celebrations to me.
Blondie
