by Terry 46 Replies latest watchtower bible
Dear Janet B,
It was that very "emptiness inside" that you spoke of that spurred me on to seek out the real truth. Had I not read things like Terrys post above, I should still be thinking that perhaps the WT/JW religion is perfect but for one or two flaws that were obvious to me at the time.
It takes a challenge to your beliefs and world-view to make you investigate and search.
Keep up the good work Terry !
Terry, i have to applaude you for the man you are after i read your tragic post about u and your wife, real sadening but envouraging too.
@Janet B :
1) Personally, at this stage of your life after seeing all you have observed thus far, do you believe the bible is the true, inspired instrument from Almighty God that must be observed? (You know, that's how many JWs that follow the WTBTS see things.)
2) Do you believe Jehovah and Jesus are benevolent rulers, that wish to provide everlasting benefits for mankind? (Something that all JWs believe too.)
for just this the WTB$ is guilty and would be held accountable someday. For all the pain, deciet, agony they made people go through. I have never been a JW, i have never felt being afiliated with a particular christian group meant being closer to God. I have always believed in the bible to be the Word of God and adhered to it. I have always known it to be all i need, but that doesnt take away my joy and freedom in this life. i live everyday of my life in contentment and look forward to the coming of Jesus Christ. See thats all what there is to it.
Hello bioflex! Your comment; "I have always known it to be all I need" And you have it, do you not? I'm assuming, please forgive me if I seem to be going off on a tangent. What came to mind when I read that is Revelation 3:17;
'Because you say, "I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing," and you do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked,
Because see what "have become wealthy" is related to, please. http://concordances.org/greek/pneuma_4151.htm
(see under "related terms", the last one) http://concordances.org/greek/4147.htm
I think what might apply concerning your comment is "beware of the leaven of the paharisees...", what Jesus said.
@N. Drew : well i was not talking about wealth here, i meant the bible and Jesus is all i need to live a true christian life. I am saying this because most people seem to depend on the church/leaders rather than Christ/bible, that is why many christians/JWs get misled, fooled.
Yes, I understand, thanks! And I agree.
Here is my boiler plate viewpoint on such matters: If something is really true and worthwhile nothing anybody says can tear it down.
But, if it is untrue and malicious, something that can be said my well expose that as a fact. The key is the willingness to be wrong.
If we aren't WILLING TO BE WRONG about our most cherished beliefs we simply are not intellectually honest and can never grow, change or repent.
People don't like to be unhinged to what they have longingly stood up for or has created a self assuming identity toward themselves.
The other element that creates so much ambivalence toward intellectual honesty is the cultivation of fear that religious organizations
indoctrinate people with, a very powerful controlling mechanism that has the ability of locking out opposing thoughts presented by these organizations.
Fear was always the most important and useful tool in creating the wealth and stature of the spiritual seers throughout the many civilizations in human
history.
The other element that creates so much ambivalence toward intellectual honesty is the cultivation of fear that religious organizations
indoctrinate people with, a very powerful controlling mechanism that has the ability of locking out opposing thoughts presented by these organizations.
Personally, I don't think half the JW members would REMAIN if the Doomsday aspect were suddenly relaxed!
'The reason why people use a crucifix against vampires is because vampires are allergic to bullshit' Richard Pryor
