amac: The two examples you use (blood transfussions & associating with disfellowshipped ones) are not suggestions made by the GB. Those doctrines are based on Bible scripture. Whether you accept those scriptures or not is up to you. In those two cases I am not following the GB, but Jehovah God who inspired his word. On the third example, (reading apostate literature) again is not a doctrine or a law. Yes, some elders might be harsh, but again if you're making public this information or it is known that you're trying to create disunity or disorder then of course they will react negatively. If it's your own personal research, as I am doing, and do not involve anyone else in the concentration then there is not harm done to cause disunity.
detective: I will answer your questions from my perspective.
>>>does your life have meaning now?
It sure does. I live to serve Jehovah God and help people acquire the knowledge that will give them everlasting life. That is meaningful.
>>>Would it have meaning if you stopped going regularly to meetings?
Eventually it would cause me spiritual harm. I enjoy associating with Jehovah's people. I love all of my brothers and sisters and I recharge my batteries everytime I am present at a meeting.
>>>Can someone outside the witnesses have a meaningful life?
Yes, I think many people choose careers such as in the medical field or even volunteer work so they can have a meaninful life.
>>>Would this statement be equally valid if presented like so: "Now do I get all pissed off because I might not agree with 100% of what the {mormons/scientoloists/catholics teach}?
The religions you metion do not change their doctrines. Catholics have believe the same thing for centuries even though most of their beliefs are not biblical. One example is the belief of eternal torment in a fiery hell. I have read-up on the beliefs of mormons and scientologists and I do no agree with 85% of their doctrines that's why I have not joined up with those groups.
>>>What types of things can a person learn about the bible?
You can learn how to live life to its fullest. Read 2 Tim. 3:16, 17.
>>>Can you learn alot about the bible by going to the library and reviewing different materials?
Of course you can. I've had the opportunity to read bible commentaries and compare them to JW beliefs. This is very helpful. For example, using the doctrine of "torment in hell", I have print outs of many commentaries that give the real meaning of "sheol", "hades" and "inferno". I printed out what the Catholic Encyclopedia has on the subject. I carry this information in my book bag so that I can use it in service when discussing this doctrine with a householder.
>>>Can you learn alot about the bible by comparing different interpretations of passages? Can you learn alot about the bible by reading it yourself?
Yes and yes. If you are implying that as JWs we don't use that, you wrong. Even our publications encourage us to study the Bible itself. Some members of this forum have suggested that I read the Bible without the help of Watchtower publications. But why should I listen to them, they don't care about my well-being, all they care to see is if another JW will lose faith. I guess they get satisfaction in destroying the faith of a former brother, they don't care if I live or die. My brothers care for me and my well-being. That's why I love them so much. We are united in belief and not attacking one-another. So I choose to study the Bible with the help of the publications. I read the writers reasoning, compare it to the scriptures, meditate on it and then I reach my own conclusions.
Gerard: You say "Anyone who prays will have God's blessings". Of course, you will agree that he will listen only if the prayer is from the heart and if the person recognizes who he really is.
>>>then the people who have died from lack of tissue transplants and blood tranfusions could have been in vain?
I don't believe this to be so. Many died because they had mortal decease. Could have a blood transfusion been able to help them survive another hour, day, week, year? Maybe, but Jehovah promises eternal life. An those dear brothers/sisters of mine that died because of these horrible deceases will have an opportunity to resurrect. Just imagine, the joy of seeing them again. Imagine the joy they will feel to resurrect in a beautiful paradise.
>>>Why not let criminal system punish pedophiles instead of sheltering them?
I don't believe the organization shelters pedophiles. It's not like I hide them in the closet while the police is looking for them. That's just an example but it shows that no JW will ever hide the actions of a pedophile. If he is guilty then disfellowship his butt out of the organization and turn him into the police for prosecution. That's what JWs do. Are you satisfied with that? Probably not, most in this forum are not satisfied, they criticize the two-witness rule that is scriptural. Well that's not a problem with the organization, that's a problem with Jehovah's law. I don't mess with that. I follow Jehovah God and as my creator I believe he knows best how to handle situations here on Earth.
>>>Since you are not directly guided by Jehovah,
You have incorrectly assumed that as JWs, we are not guided by Jehovah. I did not say that, I said that the GB is not inspired to write as the Bible writers were.
>>>could the WT's rules and limitations be the product of a faulted human organization derived from from mistaken premises and interpretations?
I could say that your reasoning is also a product of a faulted human mind and are mistaken about JWs. The thing here is who is doing God's will. You or I. I can only answer for myself, and I believe that as one of Jehovah's Witnesses, preaching the good news of the Kingdom of Christ, I am doing Jehovah's will. All other injustices, I leave up to him.
