I came across this phrase in the context of quantum mechanics. It's called the Gell-Mann's Totalitarian Principle.
I thought it summed up life in the Watchtower quite accurately.
Everything Not Forbidden is Compulsory
by cofty 6 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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KateWild
I see your point. It's a very black and white statement. It doesn't allow for freedom of choice. Kate xx
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KateWild
I was thinking It's much the same as believing in the Darwinian story and having to support Dawkins and the neo-Darwinists who use science to push their own scientist agenda. They are victims of what Raymond Tallis calls Darwinitis and Neuromania! Hahaha
Just pulling your leg, but you get the sentiment Kate xx
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rocketman
It does indeed Cofty.
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cofty
Thank you Rocketman I thought it was very fitting. I might add it to the end of my posts from now on.
Everything Not Forbidden is Compulsory
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OneEyedJoe
In some ways, the converse (everything not compulsory is forbidden) is also true. For example - Thanksgiving. Not sure why that's not allowed, but since the bible doesn't tell us to do it, you can't do it. My family would avoid having anyone over for dinner that thursday (in spite of the obvious convenience of getting together when EVERYONE has the day off, not to mention the sale prices on turkey...) just to make sure that we don't stumble anyone.
Another example would be when my mother was asked not to wear some earings to meetings. The scandalous earings in question? they were flat shapes of a cressent moon, a sun and a 5 pointed star, dangling from a small chain. The reason this was so terrible is that it might stumble someone, because these were images that were sometimes used by other religions, especially pagan religions. Everytime they give the talk demonizing people who feel that they should have freedom to do anything that the bible doesn't condem, and anyone who has a problem with it should learn to suck it up - I think back to that day.
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Hortensia
It's also from one of my very favorite books, The Once and Future King by T. H. White.