When you were a JW did you ever feel really ashamed when someone would sneeze and you wouldn't say "God bless you!" It always bugged me. I'd always feel like a real jerk for not saying it. Does or did anybody else feel this way?
God Bless You!
by MrFreeze 6 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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Lozhasleft
Yep I did. Same with the raise the glass and say 'Cheers' thing ...felt so mean not responding...
Loz x
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miseryloveselders
Lately when people say it, I say thanks or thank you. 99% of people today don't even know where God Bless You originated, so I figure the thought they have behind it means more than anything pagan or religious. So who cares, it's common courtesy to say thanks.
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MrFreeze
I kinda brought that up in "Anniversaries" thread. The dubs don't mind wedding rings because people don't even know about how it originated. It's the same deal with God bless you. It's just courteous. There's nothing about it that's religious.
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Jadeen
I always say "Gesundheit". I did get chewed out a couple of times for it, but I would say that it was good manners.
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Cold Steel
I can't believe that anyone would be so offended. It's one of those things the leaders say that can be safely disregarded.
These people in leadership posistions aren't prophets...they aren't even ordained by anyone that goes for more than a few generations back.
The Witnesses have always said that Jehovah had witnesses ever since the days of Jesus. Somewhere, some place, there was a believer who kept things going. If so, they never ordained any of the present leadership. And they didn't make themselves known through writings, etc. Before Russell, I don't believe there were JWs. And where were they in 1492? Did any of them sail to America?
Columbus: Glad to see you joined the voyage crewman!
Crewman: Me, too, sir! Always an honor to sail with you!
Columbus: Okay, if you'll just sign in and get your uniform....
Crewman: Can't do that, sir...Jehovah God wouldn't like it.
Columbus: Jehovah, who?
Crewman: God, sir. God. Jehovah is God's name.
Columbus: And you're on a first name basis with the Almighty?
Crewman: Well...yeah...sort of. We just call him that.
Columbus: (Sigh!)...okay, no uniform. We run a liberal ship. But it'll ruin the group photo at the party.
Crewman: What party?
Columbus: Well, I didn't want to mention it, but it's er...my birthday. The men are all planning a little get-together in my honor.
Crewman: Eh...well, looks like I won't be joining you on that.
Columbus: Ummm...Jehovah God again?
Crewman: Yep.
Columbus: Look, maybe you're not cut out for this voyage. I mean....
Crewman: NO! I mean, no! I really...really...want to be a part of this. To go down in history!
Columbus: Okay, then. No uniforms, no birthdays...you say this is a religion?
Crewman: Sure. There are lots of us. We call ourselves "Witnesses of Jehovah God!"
Columbus: Hmmm...how about something shorter. You know, like, say...I dunno..."Jehovah's Witnesses"?
Crewman: Hey, that's not bad. Wait until I tell the guys at the Hall of the Kingdom!
Columbus: Wouldn't "Kingdom Hall" be a bit shorter?
Crewman: That's not bad, either! Can I just write that down?
Columbus: (Sigh!) Okay, but make it spiffy. And after you do that, hoist the flag!
I just have a hard time seeing it. Or it could be me.
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MrFreeze
Haha that's pretty good Cold Steel