Encouragement for new members (page 2)

jgnat

My dad is fiercly opposed to joining any organized religion. I am in my forties, and I just found out a short while ago that a "man of the cloth" sexually assaulted my dad when he was a kid. Now I know why my dad stopped singing (he travelled with his choir to New York when he was a kid). Now I know why my dad keeps his naturally soft, curly hair closely cropped. Now I know why he showed our visiting pastor the door. He is still angry, he still feels betrayed, and I don't blame him. I have decided it is foolishness on my part to insist that he needs the same religious connection that I have found so vital to my life.

I believe God understands.

I won't push anyone here who has turned away from religion. After being fed so many lies, it is healthy for XJW's to question.

I wonder if some JW's sitting on the fence, are afraid to take the leap because they think there is no God outside the WTBTS. I aim to show that God's love is on the other side, too, and that leaving a man-made ORGANIZATION is no way NEAR the same thing as leaving Jehovah.

nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:39 ASV

Swan

Hooberus and other newcomers;

I realise that many here do not believe the Bible to be scripture. This thead is not directed towards thoe who hold this view, but respectfully to those who do consider the bible to be scripture.

Respectfully, I sometimes express my skepticism and disbelief rather outspokenly, but don't take this as me discouraging anyone away from God or the Bible. I am not sure I know how to say this without sounding condescending, but I understand the comfort you find in the scriptures, since I was once a believer myself. I would never want to take that away from anyone or discourage anyone from it; but I just don't believe it myself any more.

This is occasionally a sore point between my husband and me, but I never try to "convert" him to atheism. That just isn't my job. (In fact the phrase "convert to atheism" sounds kind of silly, but I don't know how else to phrase what I'm trying to say.) So I am not here trying to "convert" anyone by stating my beliefs in this or any other of these threads. I'm just trying to express my thoughts and feelings; certainly not trying to force anyone to believe my way. I do think this is a good dialog though and we have many things to learn from each other. Diversity is good, but I find it is often better to focus on what we share in common rather than fixate on our differences.

So welcome new ones.

Tammy

funkyderek

I've found that some XJWs have abandon all faith in the Bible and Christianity. But I've also noticed that many of their postings are geared to "tearing down" and not "building up." Perhaps, it is because they have nothing to offer in its stead.

are you saying you find the arguments against the veracity of the Christian worldview to be flawed, or just that they don't make you feel good?

But something is accomplished with their agnostic/athiestic views. It tests our own Christian faith and strengthens our resolve.

I can understand how your faith is tested when people point out inconsistencies in your worldview - that's what's supposed to happen when you get new information, but what is it about a challenge to your beliefs that "strengthens your resolve", your resolve to what? To believe the same thing regardless of contrary evidence or to seek truth wherever it may be found?

mizpah

Funkyderek:

No, what I am saying is offer me something better than the Christian teaching to enrich my life and to help others. Is the "Christain worldview" to love one's neighbors, to help the poor and to live a decent moral live so flawed? Then, offer your alternative. I'll be more than happy to listen and to consider another "world view."

Christians have always been encouraged to "test" faith. But when other beliefs fail to satisfy the above, then a Christian resolve is to "stand firm" and to continue faith in Christ.

I suspect the annoyance has more to do with the failure to convince and the resulting antipathy when this failure becomes evident.

funkyderek

No, what I am saying is offer me something better than the Christian teaching to enrich my life and to help others. Is the "Christain worldview" to love one's neighbors, to help the poor and to live a decent moral live so flawed? Then, offer your alternative. I'll be more than happy to listen and to consider another "world view."

No, your morals are admirable. I share some of them. I just don't believe the Christian mythology. It's possible to live a moral life without believing in your god.

logansrun

Mizpah,

You ignored my request! I asked you to think about what someone should say if Christianity is in fact false and you didn't even broach the subject! If something is false and you don't have a fully-functional belief system to replace it with (complete with Deity and afterlife) does that mean one should NOT "tear down" the false idea?

You then say:

If you can offer me something better than "love your neighbor as yourself" or "love God with your whole heart, soul and mind" I might be interested. What do you offer to "replace it?"

The problem is that is not ALL Christianity says. I have NO problem with the "golden rule." Many atheists and non-Christians follow this axiom. In fact, Jesus was not the first or only figure to state this. Confucious, Hillel the Elder and many other figures independent of Jesus have espoused this. Case closed.

Now, I DO have a problem with the second statement of "loving God..." Why? Because there is no proof of any deity's existence, period. Also, to state that these two statments (love god and neighbor) are the totality of Christianity is also false. What about the destruction and bloodshed in the OT? What about the "bad advice" of Jesus? Or the contradictions and mythological elements of the Bible? Is that to be believed just because SOME aspects of Christianity are beneficial?

Bradley

logansrun

Mizpah,

No, what I am saying is offer me something better than the Christian teaching to enrich my life and to help others. Is the "Christain worldview" to love one's neighbors, to help the poor and to live a decent moral live so flawed? Then, offer your alternative. I'll be more than happy to listen and to consider another "world view."
Christians have always been encouraged to "test" faith. But when other beliefs fail to satisfy the above, then a Christian resolve is to "stand firm" and to continue faith in Christ.

Ever hear of Mahatma Ghandi? The Dalai Lama? Love for fellow man and charity are near universals when it comes to religion. The Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims and Jews all have variations of this theme. So does the modern Secular Humanist movement.

Think about it.

Bradley

little witch

Logan, and Funky,

as much as I admire you both, and I do mean that. I read most of your posts, and even agree with them,

The original poster ask a question to those who were like minded, and made it clear that they wanted responses from like minded.

Let this person learn at their own pace, and dont do this to him-or-her.

Its just not........nice.....

Please let people learn, and ask questions, and grow at their own pace....K?

christopherceo

Many questions need to be asked, however, a persons relationship with god is between them and god regardless of what religion one chooses

christopherceo

Many questions need to be asked, however, a persons relationship with god is between them and god regardless of what religion one chooses

Encouragement for new members

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