...they are not encouraged to think out of the "box" ... -------- Title: "BREAKING OUT OF THE MENTAL BOX -- LEARNING TO THINK IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION OF PROPAGANDA TO FIND THE TRUTH" Subtitle: In U.S. Army Intelligence, I was trained that the truth most often lies in the exact opposite direction of the public rhetoric. You must learn this technique if you are to successfully glean the truth... http://www.cuttingedge.org/News/n1558.cfm --------- ;-) That article has NOTHING to do with the Watchtower, but Berean's comment about JWs not being encouraged to think out of the "box" reminded me of it... The principles can be applied to WT or news or any situation. ---------- And so true about James 1:5. In 11 years as a JW (1980s) I don't think it ever occurred to me to pray for wisdom about anything I read in the Bible, and for exactly the reasons already stated, ie, we had the mags to tell us the answers, how to think, etc. It's sad, REALLY, because they were actually "crippling" us from learning how to HEAR from the Holy Spirit (the REAL "Teacher"). I still struggle with that one. :-( /AG
Do JW'S need James 1:5
by Ade 12 Replies latest watchtower bible
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Ade
Hi Berean2 and Gold Morning,
Thank you for the agreement in certain aspects,its nice you have come along with an open mind Berean2, after all so long in the "truth" and then leaving often leaves a bitter taste in the mouth and a willingness to put forth hatred towards it in all respects.This is definatley not my purpose, as you say there are genuine people therein who wish only to serve God.As stated by yourself these people believe their "works" will bring favour/salvation from God.We are clearly taught God shares equally amongst all good and bad and to believe we are more acceptable to God at this time for any works, would in my mind be accusing God of favouritsm ( something we are warned against ), in essence God needs no "Help" from us. The light shone its brightest upon Jesus arrival, and then sacrifice, we have been given all we need within the bible to add to this saying we have a "special knowledge" is great presumptuousness.
concerning mans religions i believe, they, all being the product of Man believing they cannot attain Gods blessings without being formally organized in a "religion" however thats another discussion that has been covered but stimulating conversation and viewpoints always come of it.
Gold Morning, many thanks for your comment
God bless you and yours -Ade -
read good books
Asking God for wisdom sound like an excercise in independent thinking for the rank and file JW when the society is supposedly the only channel for insight into the Bible. It sounds like a disfellowshipping offense. I say welcome to the board, and think all you want inside this box.