Sometimes its like talking to my old JW friends to hell with history or facts you've got the vision of how things were in your heads and that's all that matters.
Er?? (And, again, peace to you, designs). You referred to the Jews being present at Sabbath readings as an indication that they weren't "bad" or "negligent." I pointed out that folks "show up" to such things all the time... but that doesn't mean their not bad, negligent, hypocritical, wrong, not getting it, etc., and that the JWs are actual modern proof of that.
I am absolutely CERTAIN the Jews showed up. The accounts SAY they did. But you are the one who misses the point: they showed up at meetings; indeed, they fasted twice a week, and regularly tithed (gave the tenth of the mint, cumin, etc.). No problem at all, there. Or was there? What happened to the "weightier matters", such as justice and mercy? What did the Prophet Isaiah share with them as to the true "fast" of God... and how were they doing in that category? Let's see:
"Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? [is it] to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes [under him]? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the LORD? [Is] not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? [Is it] not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh?"
I think, if you consider the truth, dear one, it isn't me (or dear tec) who is saying "to hell with history." If their own recorded history is to be believed, they were... and perhaps you are, as well.
I do not doubt that many "reformed" Jews are now trying to live the true fast. But a visit to Brooklyn, New York, a couple/few years ago... where a Hassidic Jew literally crossed the street because he couldn't walk on the same sidewalk as my husband and me... and a subsequent news report where a "gentile" man was allowed to lay dying the street after a vehicle accidence while the "kosher" ambulance took the Jew to the hospital... tells ME that not ALL get it. Like every other religion. And I strongly believe, after my stint with the WTBTS, that a little "leaven" may indeed "ferment" the entire "loaf."
Please do not take my disagreements with you as blind obstinance and a need/desire to contend, dear designs, for nothing could be further from the truth. I am not trying to be "right"... or prove anyone "wrong" (well, except perhaps, the WTBTS). Everyone of us here has a right to put something out there; at the same time, we each have the right to rebut it, if it's not accurate or truthful. I only did what you would do to me under the same circumstances.
Again, I bid you peace!
A slave of Christ,
SA
