by Annie Over 194 Replies latest jw friends
Gawd we're becoming mundane nit-pickers! Maybe Paul had a point when he talked about disputes over words
See with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand. - Gal. 6:11
No reason. When I was little it made me think Paul actually wrote in crayon .
1Tim. 6:3-5 If any man teaches other doctrine and does not assent to healthful words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, nor to the teaching that accords with godly devotion, he is puffed up [with pride], not understanding anything, but being mentally diseased over questionings and debates about words. From these things spring envy, strife, abusive speeches, wicked suspicions, violent disputes about trifles on the part of men corrupted in mind and despoiled of the truth, thinking that godly devotion is a means of gain. NWT
Summat like that.
1Tim.1:4 ...nor to pay attention to false stories and to genealogies, which end up in nothing, but which furnish questions for research rather than a dispensing of anything by God in connection with faith. NWT
I wonder if Paul knew about the 607 BCE thing?
This woman's simple and childlike relationship with her God is something the Witnesses foster.
It is a badge of recognition to still have it when one is approaching 40 or 50 years old.
So, to publish that kind of innocent wide eyed thankyou for her intact valuables on a web page and direct it to God is somehow supposed to make her appear very religious and righteous, in the JW mindset, and send a message to the angels of destruction that she is one to mark for survival. It borders on superstition to publish these thankyous to God.
You see it all the time in newspapers where some Catholic thanks St. Jude or Christopher for stuff.
We call it childish because, as everyone later commented, it fails to take into consideration the broader view and repercussions of such a belief, much like the views of a child. It works in the small bubble of the JW world, but not in the greater reality of the real world.
I suffered and probably still do to an extent erroneous notions and beliefs similar to this. The idea we should be "good", not swear, cuss, lie. We should be kind, orderly, punctual, thankful, positive. These are wonderful attributes that work in society, but when the motive is a reward after death or Armageddon or help to find lost items, one's core structured beliefs might border on the superstitious or insane as I said. Certainly brainwashed. Notice I said "might" because I think I really still do suffer the same I guess. I think they call it "The Shoulds". Alot of us suffer from a case of the "shoulds". Life "should"be a certain way. I "should" feel a certain way. God "should" be like this.
We have these HUGE EDIFACES or buildings of former false ideas and it takes time to tear them down. Even if you think you tore them completely down there are still small walls still standing sometimes.
Jesus, a very revered spiritual teacher, once advised to say your prayers in private. I believe that was good advice. (Nobody will pick them apart like this one was!!!!)
Anewme
To be silent when you should say something is cowardly.To say something when you should remain silent is foolish.
How do you decide between the two courses of action?
Who would have believed that this thread could have stirred 8 pages of rhetorical reason [or lack-therof] ?
Jeff
Hear Hear!!!
kid-A: Are you actually advocating that ideas should be immune to criticism and empirical dissection in order to spare the delicate sensitivities and feelings of the holder of said ideas?
Can there be respectful criticism? Yes. Can there be respectful examination for validity? Yes. Therefore, agreement is not required for respect. Ridicule is not criticism nor is it empirical dissection nor is it respectful. In other words, no I am not advocating that ideas should be immune to criticism or dissection. To know for sure that is not what I am advocating you only need read through my posts on this forum.
Are you lot asserting that criticism MUST take the form of ridicule, scorn, and disdain? I hope not. I can't imagine any of you pretending to believe that. There is nothing Orwellian about treating the ideas of others with respect. That assertion is beneath you, in my opinion.
Respectfully,
AuldSoul
If someone wants to assign the good things in their life to a higher power and let us in on their feelings, ok. Why do we feel the need to criticize that? Ask questions; thoughtful, poignant and honest questions - ok, but questions meant to belittle or show the initial poster foolish - I don't think that is very welcoming or friendly.
Does anyone here like margaritas? never mind, sorry. I like margaritas. Ooops there I go again. sorry. back to the topic - frozen? no, I like them on the rocks. Stop it!
I don't want to post about margaritas any longer. (oh but they're so yummy)
I've just had a nice dinner which consisted of better margaritas and I am feeling pretty good. I thank God that the hostess kept the pitcher full. -oh is that ok?
Now mind you, I'm not thanking God that she didn't trip or fall or drop my margaritas, that'd be crazy. But, just that she was thoughtful enough to keep the pitcher full. oh yeah.
Anyway, let's try and treat newbies the way we'd like to be treated. No matter how crazy they are. hahahahahahaha.
anewme really gave a pointed opinion on what the posters motive was for thanking jehovah. I was quite shocked. Could it be that she is following the ADMONISHON in the bible......................to give God praise for all things?
Agapa, in previous posts I have stated the belief that it is NEVER INAPPROPRIATE TO PRAISE GOD FOR YOUR PERSONAL BLESSINGS. However, publishing those praises may be another thing.
