enoughisenough, but though the ancient Egyptians were pagans, Russel said the biblical Joseph was the one who built (directed) the building of the the Great Pyramid of Giza. Russell said it happened when Joseph (according to the Bible) was in a very high level governmental position in Egypt. Russell also used a biblical verse to say it was built as a witness to Jehovah God.
What do Jehovah`s Witnesses beleive that can be linked to Pagan practices , anyone ?
by smiddy3 12 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
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Disillusioned JW
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Disillusioned JW
peacefulpete, regarding your post in which you said 'Every aspect of civilization began as "pagan" ' I was going to say something similar, but you beat to it. Congratulations. However mine intended post is more muted than yours, but I decided to include it in the latter part of this email anyway. Regarding what you said, that is true regarding the God the Biblical Abraham and the biblical Moses, since archaeology reveals that Jehovah (Yahweh/Yah/Yahu) God originated as a god of the ancient polytheistic Canaanites, and even as one of the 70 sons of El (by "El" I mean the Canaanite God named El), before becoming specifically identified as the God of the Hebrews and the God of the Jews.
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When the WT (and some other Christian groups) refer to practices and beliefs they don't adhere to due to pagan origins, they mean those pagan practices which started out as a part of religious practice or religious belief (including ones considered superstitious). But if we use the definition of "pagan" to even refer to nonreligious beliefs and practices of polytheists and of nature worshipers, then many ideas and practices of JWs and other Christians are pagan. Even more so, if we also define pagans as "a person who is not religious or whose religion is not Christianity, Judaism, or Islam". That is because our system of time and basic parts of our system of mathematics were created by the ancient Babylonians (or by the ancient Sumerians?). That includes our use of the 60 seconds in a minute and 60 minutes in an hour, and in regards to geometry of 360 degrees in a circle and in regards to some astronomy. It also is in regards to arithmetic. Going back even further in time it also pertains to the invention of stone tools and early metal tools, the invention of cooking, the invention of clothing, the invention of farming, the living in villages and cities, and the hunting and slaughter of animals using weapons/tools.
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blondie
Used to believe that Polynesian luaus were connected to false religion and that pinatas also had connections but the WTS back tracked on that. Pinata September 22, 2003 Awake, page 22. We found that for many people in Mexico, the piñata has lost its religious significance and is considered by most to be just harmless fun. In fact, piñatas are used in Mexico on many festive occasions, not just for the posadas or for birthdays...When considering whether to include a piñata at a social gathering, Christians should be sensitive to the consciences of others. (1 Corinthians 10:31-33) A main concern is, not what the practice meant hundreds of years ago, but how it is viewed today in your area. Understandably, opinions may vary from one place to another. Hence, it is wise to avoid turning such matters into big issues.
Luaus As noted there in our footnote on page 24, while the luau may at one time have had a connection with false religious practices, the word now has simply come to refer to a Hawaiian banquet. A specific gathering to which the word "luau" is applied may or may not be appropriate for a Christian to attend. As in all aspects of life, Christians should make decisions that will leave them with a clear conscience before Jehovah God. (January 8, 2000, issue of "Awake!" pages 26-7.)
Kauai Luau Celebrations and Feasts
A Kauai luau is a party or celebration with Hawaiian music, dancing, food and fun.
Non jw source: Traditionally luaus were held as a thank you to the gods to celebrate a battle victory, the birth of child or a safe return from a long voyage. As a religious ceremony a luau consisted of elaborate rituals which needed much preparation.
https://www.jehovahs-witness.com/topic/133780/comments-you-will-hear-5-6-07-wt-review-resist-demons