what'll be funny is if that core doctrine of "the end times being near" never changes
so close, yet so faaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaar away...
Ethos (and all still mentally in): Truth, Tipping Points and Standards
by NeverKnew 57 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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Finkelstein
One can assume that the WTS. will continue on with this proclaiming assertion for its strongly advantageous
as an expressed vehicle to attract attention toward the organization and its published goods.
The Gospel coming from the WTS. may not be a purely supported biblical gospel, but its certainly viable as a commercial aspect.
There is more a spirit of commercialism within the WT organization that many people, including non-jws, just don't fully realize or comprehend.
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Captain Obvious
ETHOS:
I really do appreciate you sharing your viewpoint on the board. I really do.
But you really do need to listen to yourself for a minute. Many of us are here BECAUSE the WT DOES knowingly teach false doctrines that they are too committed to drop ie. 607, the NON divinity of Christ, modelling their theology on ancient Israel instead of Christianity and a host of others.
Next you say that we think we are experts because we have read these cult books... Um. No. We consider ourselves experts because we WERE witnesses, some of us for our whole lives. And yes, it is quite easy to predict what the average JW would do in a certain situation, based on what they are told to do by the WT and how closely they follow those directions.
Your university example is erroneous. Yes, textbooks are updated as new information becomes available. That's a good thing. The difference is that they don't claim to have "absolute truth." You are allowed, even welcome to challenge the current understandings. Current knowledge and "truth" are always up for grabs. That is how humanity progresses. The science books are not written by any self-appointed authority who does not allow anyone else to try to challenge them.
You come here using all these big words trying to sound intellectual and you might be, but so far I have yet to see you make a single clear, logical statement. Don't forget everyone here usually has their BS detectors on high alert, you won't be able to defend yourself and your beliefs with illogical statements or using a red herring.
I look forward to further discussions with you, but please... Step it up a notch or two. Perhaps you should read a book or two on critical thinking as we all have. I'm certain that your university library has a good selection of these.
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Captain Obvious
Oh and one more thing. Your statement that the core doctrines haven't changed in 100 years proves that you have not looked into what those doctrines even were 100, or even 70 years ago. You follow a group that has a 100% failure rate for predictions and speculations. We can guide you to some great resources for older publications if you would like to actually find out for yourself.
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problemaddict
@ Ethos,
As a current member in good standing of Jehovah's Witnesses yet someone who feels justified in bending some of the rules as you do, let me say I understand your thought process. It is kind of a backstop to say that some "key" things help onto for 100 years is evidence of anything in particular. The Isrealites for example, had many "key" things they continued to believe, but their actions showed little respect for their God. So here are a few thigns to consider. What and who defines a matter as "key".
For example anyone claiming a division of Christianity, believes in upholding Gods word as infallible, believes that Jesus sacrifice is the only way to have your sins forgiven, and that kindes to your neighboor and telling others about Jesus is key to Christianity. These are key items.
Now you are adding the concept of the Trinity (which I too reject). Yet we used to teach it was proper to worship Jesus in a way different that we interpret proskuneo today. So you could say that has changed. Hellfire, was a carry over from Adventist times, but I also believe it is false according to scripture. This is a teachign many Christian faiths are revisiting or out right rejecting. USe of Gods name is not unique to Jehovah's Witnesses althought we are most "famous" for it. I think there is a good arguement to use Jehovah as the divine name, while acknowledging nobody can be certain.
Now we move on to all of the things we have changed. And you clearly already know the list. This is the key Ethos. I don't think anyone here has a problem with somethign ebing taught, and then revised. I think what people including myself have a problem with, is the uniformity of any belief sent down being attributed to God even when changed over and over, and then the belief in these things enforced through disfellowshipping.
Anyone being honest with themselves has to admit the errors and mistakes. But who made them? God? Of course not. People did. So the branch cannot have it both ways. You can't say we are uninspired, are not prophets, don't have a special relationship witht he holy spirit, do not possess the "gifts" of the spirit (which includes knowledge and understanding)......and still REQUIRE a uniformity of belief in the hands of so few people. It simply isn't biblical. It simply isn't responsible.
Just that concept alone, is what breeds all of these other issues. Honestly, I could care about 1914 and wether its accurate. i think there is a good arguement either way, but most likely the date isn't of merit. That being said, what does it matter? Does it change Jesus sacrifice? Does it change the proper mind state fo the ready Christian? It shouldn't. So why deny someone a Christian babtism simply because they don't see the merit in it.
I just watched a show where one of the main characters said her G-ma used to tell her, "trust those who seek the truth, beware of those who say they have already found it."
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Ethos
It's hard to argue coherently and really want to put out serious, strong arguments when your confined to such a miniscule posting limit. I can't argue/defend anything I write (not much anyway), so I'm not putting that much effort just yet. I didn't realize this until I started my own thread. I elicit all these responses and can hardly respond to them before reaching a posting limit. So right now, I'm just trying to have a little fun with it and respond to tidbits here and there. I'll atone, I'll atone.
And yes, jookbeard, I'll be discussing all those issues (in a serious manner though)
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mrsjones5
Hm, another newbie posting limit compliant.
You have 70 more posts to go. Patience is a virtue.
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keyser soze
Hopefully he doesn't get banned, like Recovery, and have to start all over.
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problemaddict
I barely joined, and I am limited to 100 a day, and 4 threads a day. What gives for Ethos?
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mrsjones5
Nothing gives for Ethos. The standard is ten posts a day until one reaches 100 then it's 100 posts a day. I have no idea why you have more. Sounds like a hiccup, be grateful.