Billy Graham says Christians Don't Actually Hear the Voice of God

by leavingwt 101 Replies latest jw friends

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  designs

  Billy was a good salesman............
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  OnTheWayOut

  Inkie, thanks for admitting your condescending tone and for attempting honestly to answer my questions. When I asked if it was possible that someone else suggested it was the Lord's voice, I meant that you might have relayed the story of having a feeling that you should take the headphones off later. At that later time, perhaps someone who thinks the voice they hear is the Lord suggested the same for you. Two more questions: Have you heard the Lord's voice/directions specifically since that incident? What did the voice say to do?

  On your questions:
  In speaking with others on this board with whom you do not agree regarding their position on a topic or what they believe, you come across, it seems to me, as someone unusually angry and bitter. Mean even. Is that how you want to come across to people? Mean? Bitter? And angry?

  It is not how I want to come across. I am only human and might sometimes let some of that out. But this is a discussion forum that lends itself to such "heated" discussions. People need to learn to walk away from a discussion without their feelings being hurt. Otherwise, it is like I said: SBC nailed it.

  What kind of man were you when you were IN the organization? Seriously. Did you extend kindness and mercy to others? Have you ever disfellowshipped anyone? And, if you did, was there ever any attempt at mercy?

  I was and am ALL MAN. I don't know how better to answer that part. I was rugged and tough yet sensitive and caring. I did extend mercy to others. I have documented that I saw favoritism from the elders toward their families on judicial things. They just wanted their family member to stay out of trouble. I decided that if that was the right thing to do, I would do it for everyone- every last JW member. I helped them to stay out of trouble by typically saying, "Just stop smoking," "Tell me you won't discuss spiritual things with your disfellowshipped daughter." Stuff like that.
  
  Sometimes, it did lead to disfellowshipping, but there was plenty of mercy.

  I don't go around picking on Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists about their beliefs. Again, this is an internet forum that lends itself to heated discussions. And when I hear people tell me that the Holy Ghost told them to do something, and there is not a reason to believe it, then I feel a duty to point out that they might need help. When they say how the Holy Ghost told them to mail a package, feed the dog, or look for a flight deal in the newspaper, it's pretty obvious that they are lying or delusional, or something inbetween. Just as you "know" what you heard, I knew a similar feeling at one time that turned out to be a need for help, and Joseph Smith heard the same thing that was either a con or a breakdown (or both) and I could look up endless examples.

  If there is one God and one truth, and He contacts people (thru the son, the Holy Ghost, angels, whatever) then He reaches out across belief systems, even to those that worship many gods. (at least according to all the people that "know.")

  If I am wrong, and you really heard a voice- an actual voice- then it could have been aliens from another world. That, I could accept. But to even suggest that the Holy Ghost cannot tell people in the path of a tsunami or earthquake what to do before the terrible disaster to find shelter, but He can make sure you feed your dog (letting some bitterness slip out at that bastard) then I will say how that is bullcrap or the God who does that is bullcrap.