When does the paradise earth become more important than family ? and why ?

by run dont walk 13 Replies latest jw friends

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  maxwell

  I agree that the lure or paradise and fear are both probably the main motivators for people considering the religion more important than family. But I also remember scriptures being read in Matthew (can't remember the exact verses now) where Jesus one must hate his father and mother to follow him and other scriptures that said one must love Jesus more than one's family. The JW party line dogma was that love for Jesus and God was the biggest motivating factor and that the paradise was a nice gift, but secondary to our love for God and Jesus. And I actually told myself in my mind that I was doing this primarily because I loved God although I wanted to be in paradise. But to be honest with myself, if there had never been in promise of reward, gift, "underserved kindness" (I've only been out a year, some phrases are still with me), I probably would not have hung around as long as I did.

  On another note, I really think unconditional love is very rare. If I decide that I want to kill my mother, I think my parents would have good reason to stop loving me. However, I'm sure there are some people out there who truly do have unconditional love. I think most people would agree that religious beliefs would not be a condition for love even if it is dependent upon some other conditions..

  Disclaimer: I don't have any children, so I don't claim to know how parents really feel.
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  run dont walk

  thought this one was worth sending through again !
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  cat1759

  What a great thread. Another eye opener.

  Cruzanheart I am with you! We need to want to live life in order to get through the daily dillies.

  Alan, rundontwalk, so true.

  Take away the carrot and the horse is not going to move. Period.

  It is about fear and guilt. If we have enough guilt we will always be out in service and meetings to get the promised redemption. Enough fear will keep us on our toes. Always striving to do what is right because we already know we are sinners when we come out of the womb. My god how many times do we have to be told we are sinners and the worst kind if we are not doing what we are told to do.

  Thank you

  Cathy
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  Holey_Cheeses*King_of_the juice.

  rdw,

  I enjoy your posts, and I agree, this topic is worthy of greater discussion, but I believe that, many posters like myself, would have so many experiences to relate on the subject, that it is just bewildering as to knowing exactly where to start. No doubt there are many horrific stories out there to be told.

  cheeses - who knows that the new system/jehoovers sovereignty/gods love/jesus sacrifice etc, etc, is more important to the dubs than family values.