How Did Being Referred To As A “Brother” Or “Sister” Make You Feel?

by The wanderer 46 Replies latest jw friends

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  OUTLAW

  Wanderer..The term "Brother or Sister"..Feel`s and Sounds.."HOLLOW".....There is no real intent behind it.It`s something you say to belong.....In reality..Your JW Brothers and Sisters,will turn on you in a heartbeat..Like dogs of war,commanded by thier master..The WBT$...OUTLAW
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  LtCmd.Lore

  Did you know they used to use the word 'brethren' instead of 'brothers'?

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  w511/1pp.31-32QuestionsFromReaders***

  Questions

  FromReaders

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  Sinceoursongbook,ourprayers,ournewBible,etc.,aredoingawaywitharchaicexpressions,whataboutthewordbrethren?—H.K.,Nebraska.

  It is well to replace the archaic word brethren with the modern equivalent brothers, as is done in the NewWorldTranslation. When a congregation is addressed as "brothers" the sisters are included, just as they always were when the archaic expression brethren was used. For example, at Romans 1:13 Paul wrote: "I do not want you to fail to know, brothers, that I many times purposed to come to you, but I have been hindered until now, in order that I might acquire some fruitage also among you even as among the rest of the nations." (NW) Certainly Paul was not excluding the sisters by his use of the term brothers. Again, "Brothers, the good-will of my heart and my supplication to God for them are, indeed, for their salvation." And, "I entreat you by the compassions of God, brothers, to present your bodies a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason." (Rom. 10:1; 12:1, NW) In both of these cases the sisters were included. They certainly share in rendering sacred service, just as much as do the male members of the congregation. Not only may we reason from the contents of the letters that the sisters were included in the general term brothers, but also we may especially conclude so since in Christ there is neither male nor female and all are sons of God and are brothers of one another. (Gal. 3:27, 28, NW) So in using modern speech in addressing the congregation the word brothers is sufficient, including all present, and makes unnecessary the longer address of "brothers and sisters".

  Also, correct me if I'm wrong, but don't they generally say: "Brothers and sisters, please find your seats..." at the beginning of every convention now? Here we have ANOTHER, albiet minor, FlipFlop.

  Lore
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  MidwichCuckoo

  Actually - it just sounded very silly to me. What's the point? I suppose to make us feel we had some sort of 'family obligation'. I always called people by their Christian names. I'm more likely to call peeps 'Brother' and 'Sister' on HERE than I did back then.
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  blondie

  Ask me how I felt about being called a "brother" from the platform in the publications even though it was implied that it meant "brothers and sisters." I heard of an anointed sister who sat in the front row of the KH and muttered "and sisters" every time someone said "brothers" from the stage and meant "brothers and sisters."

  I was stunned the first time I found out that other religions called each other "brother" or "sister." Even unions call each other "brother" or "sister." I just can't do it and the union president is not amused. We are scheduled to talk about it. Yippe, more apostate time to count.

  *** w06 12/1 p. 27 What It Means to Love Our Neighbor ***Love for Our Christian Brothers***The apostle Paul wrote: "Let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith." (Galatians 6:10)

  *** w06 11/1 p. 26 par. 17 Do You Share Jehovah’s View of Sacred Things? ***To his anointed brothers, Paul wrote: "Beloved ones, let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in God’s fear." (2 Corinthians 7:1) This statement shows that anointed Christians, "partakers of the heavenly calling," must put forth constant effort to prove that they reflect Jehovah’s view of holiness in every aspect of their lives. (Hebrews 3:1) Similarly, the apostle Peter exhorted his spirit-begotten brothers: "As obedient children, quit being fashioned according to the desires you formerly had in your ignorance, but, in accord with the Holy One who called you, do you also become holy yourselves in all your conduct."—1 Peter 1:14, 15.

  *** w06 11/1 p. 17 Unitedly Building to Praise God ***Our congregation and our brothers around the world donated what was needed for the new Kingdom Hall. Jehovah has taught us to be united in all things.

  *** w06 10/15 p. 8 Finding Spiritual Treasures in Guinea ***They zealously build up the congregations and share with the local brothers in the ministry.

  Brother Blondie (the general term "brother")
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  blondie

  *** km 4/96 p. 7 Question Box *** What is the proper use of the terms "brother" and "sister"?When used in a literal sense, the terms "brother" and "sister" refer to individuals who have the same parents. This natural relationship usually creates a warm attachment, and the closeness these individuals experience is further enhanced by social, environmental, and emotional ties.

  Jesus taught his disciples to address Jehovah in prayer as "Our Father." The use of that expression implies that as Christians, we are all part of a close family circle where we enjoy a rich spiritual relationship. This was further emphasized by Jesus when he told his followers that "all you are brothers."—Matt. 6:9; 23:8.

  Because of our close spiritual ties within God’s household, we address one another as "Brother" and "Sister," particularly at congregation meetings. During these spiritual occasions, the one presiding over the meeting recognizes baptized individuals by using the expression "brother" or "sister" followed by the last name of the person being addressed.

  What if an unbaptized person wishes to participate in the meetings? When a person has been associated with Jehovah’s people for some time and is approaching dedication, considering himself to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, there would be no objection to prefacing the last name with "Brother" or "Sister." This would especially be true if the individual has become an unbaptized publisher.

  On the other hand, interested persons who have only recently begun to attend our meetings have not yet taken the steps that would identify them as part of God’s household. These individuals would not be addressed as "Brother" or "Sister," since the spiritual relationship of God’s family does not exist in their case. So during the meetings, we would address them more formally, using an appropriate title such as "Mr." with their last name.

  Using the expressions "brother" and "sister" at our congregation meetings indicates a bond that is far closer and more precious than any indicated by the use of first names. It reminds us of the very blessed relationship we enjoy as a spiritual family under the one Father, Jehovah God. We are also reminded of the deep love and affection we have for one another.—Eph. 2:19; 1 Pet. 3:8.

  Then why do jws insist on calling Jesus and Jehovah by their first names instead of Brother Jesus Jehovahson or Brother Jehovah Fatherofall.
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  Vernon Williams

  Part of the family....good............

  But here is a much better title: Apostate.

  When I am refered to as an "Apostate" I go all glow-eeee inside...a warm snuggle feeling like a shot of Jameson, but, better, like so, so much better....the best....no better than best.....

  Aaaahhhhh......

  V
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  blondie

  Good morning, Apostate Williams, how's it by you. Another early bird. That's what happens when you doze off in the chair about 7 pm and wake up at 2 pm.

  Blondie
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  sammielee24

  Morning all...it's 2:06 am here....bunch of us might be needing a nap later perhaps?sammieswife
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  Mrs Smith

  There was an elderly lasdy in our congo that was never baptised, she always use to answer up and was called sister Surname. One day one of the elders decided that because she was not babtised she should be addressed as Mrs Surname without informing her. She answered up and the elder doing the WT study called her Mrs!! She was so upset, after the meeting she spoke to the elder and he told her that she was not a JW because she never got baptised and he could therefore not call her sister. Guess who was taking the plunge at the next convention? In this case it was used to make her feel like an outsider, and it worked. It's all part of the mind control game.

  How it made me feel? OLD
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  Crumpet

  It makes me feel hot now, when I go to fests and think these were once my brothers and sisters...very hot!