by William Penwell 15 Replies latest jw friends
Good topic, William. Upon leaving the borg, I made a real effort to not go against my gut-instinct or comfort level due to fear of displeasing an acquaintance or "friend." Allowing the fear of not being favorable looked upon by a person and letting that fear dictate how you act is, in my opinion, the same as being controlled, manipulated and coerced by a religious group.
YC
Great topic, William.
I was one of those sheep, and try not to be now. How successful I am at that is dubious.
As for Jesus being a freeloader, I can see some validity in that view. However, I will play Devil's advocate here.
Jesus exchanged a service (religious teachings) for a fee (room and board). He didn't just beg for food and a place to stay. He gave something back in exchange.
Today we pay money for religious teachings, Anthony Robbins' tapes and books, etc. What Jesus did is not much different. BTW, I am an Anthony Robbins fan.
I have to be self reliant. People in general are so unreliable; you must be able to do things for oneself.
I recall 25 years ago being the sales field, they would recomend Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends and Influence People" or "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living".
http://www.westegg.com/unmaintained/carnegie/dc-books.html
I think he was one of the first people to write about positive thinking. Now there is Anthony Robbins. I have never read any of Anthony's books but what I have seen and heard he teach's much the same stuff.
Will
Robbins is great, but there are many books that teach similar practices to get ahead, and to have a positive attitude.
There is a distinct difference in the attitudes of those that make it in life, and those books are a great help.
There is great value in asking for help when you need it. The one thing I admired about Jesus was the dynamics of his personality. He could be soft and caring or a fighter, all depending on the situation. "No man,(or woman) is an island", there is no shame in seeking the aid of others you trust. BUT, in is important to come face to face with your own circumstances, and deal with it as you believe it must be dealt with. And not shrink back out of fear of what others think.
This forum is a good example. Most of the people who post put their thoughts and feelings on the line. They know that some will disagree, most will not even respond or acknowledge, but they do it anyway. This is a great place to mature and come to terms with what you believe and value. And in the end to become a self-reliant, secure person. The very antithesis of what the J-dud Masters were trying to make you! Maverick
