Comments You Will Not Hear at the 10-12-03 WT Study

by blondie 39 Replies latest watchtower bible

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  Gozz

  jgnat: interesting comments.

  blondie: good review.

  Per parags 10-13: the WT presents their explanations to the questions [1) who subjected the creation to futility? 2) What, though, is 'all creation' referred to in the passage] starting with "some have pointed to ....", "some have said...." etc as if their view is new. They're not. If the WT writer had access to the iNet, as I belive they would, he/she would have found links on commentaries on the book of Romans where these issues are addressed. WT pillages Christiandom's pantry, and present the goods to JWs like manna from heaven.
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  Gozz

  Blondie wrote:

  Yes, in days gone by the WTS emphasized why David was so courageous, because of the bear and the lion. But no more, they want the r&f to depend on them, the WTS.

  Blondie: do you have any WT reference(s) per this?
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  Room 215

  Gozz, your comment brings to mind my stint at Bethel. I remember particulalry the Bethel library in the 124 building; a cozy place, with shelf after shelf of rare and very interesting Bible commentaries, research volumes, etc., all from Christendom and mostly from teh 19th century. Adjoining the library were a series of small writers' offices, alcoves really, and invariably on the writers's desk were piles of bookmarked volumes of this type, which were clearly being used in research as source material for articles.
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  blondie

  Gozz, here is an example.

  w99 9/1 18 Youths-Train Your Perceptive Powers! ***

  
  David is known for his courage. But when did he develop it? As a youth! Even before his famed confrontation with Goliath, David had shown extraordinary courage in protecting his father?s flocks?killing both a lion and a bear. (1 Samuel 17:34-37) However, David gave Jehovah full credit for whatever bravery he displayed, calling him "my confidence from my youth." David?s ability to lean on Jehovah made him equal to any trial that he faced. You too will find that if you lean upon Jehovah, he will give you the courage and strength to ?conquer the world.??1 John 5:4.

  Blondie
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  Badger

  Blondie

  How do you do it, week after week?

  I never studied this much when I was a pioneer and reaching out in the congregation. You're just amazing with this every week.

  I try to slip a few of your thoughts in every meeting I make. I went into more detail in a message I sent to your inbox. Thank you again...
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  blondie

  Some weeks it is harder, Badger. But I am a researcher by training. So it goes in 3 stages.

  Stage one--quick read with a highlighter, marking buzz words, outside quotes for non-JW material, references to "soon" and "near," "everlasting life," faithful slave, intro and conclusion.

  Stage two--why WTS is discussing this topic, illustrations, guilt inducing comments.

  Stage three--put it together, cutting out unnecessary/repetitous statements.

  It is harder lately since my computer has been giving me problems.

  I have tutored people in the art of studying for over 30 years.

  Blondie
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  DanTheMan

  Furthermore, many religious leaders teach that God long ago predestined every event - including every tragedy and wicked deed - that takes place in this world.

  
  Unlike the enlightened leaders of the Watchtower, who for 120 years and counting continue teaching that "real soon" the ultimate, unimaginable tragedy of Armageddon will befall mankind, a mass slaughter that has been in the works since Adam munched on the fruit.
  

  Satan ...often foments persecution

  
  Satan, the most unverifiable, convenient, and effective scapegoat ever concocted.
  

  Some-times people sow by making bad choices and reap a measure of suffering as a consequence…choose to drive recklessly, resulting in an accident. Many choose to smoke cigarettes, leading to heart disease or lung cancer. Those who choose to engage in immoral sexual conduct risk suffering ruined family relationships, loss of self-respect, sexually transmitted diseases, and unwanted pregnancies. People may seek to blame God

  heard it a thousand times. Same old spiritual food from the fallacious and decrepit slave.
  

  Some-times people sow by making bad choices and reap a measure of suffering as a consequence

  We are born as slaves to sin and corruption without any choice in the matter

  
  The WTS can't seem to decide between free will and determinism.
  

  Satan's efforts to sow doubts in our minds.

  Satan, the most unverifiable, convenient, and effective scapegoat ever concocted.
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  setfreefinally

  Hello Blondie! YOu mentioned you tutored people for over 30 years, what kind of work do you do if you dont mind my asking? BTW, I always enjoy the summarizations you do.

  SFF
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  Gozz

  Thanks blondie. I've done a quick check myself, and found what you wrote to be true: the WT has touted David as a courageous man, now, as jgnat has clearly noted, they're saying to seat in the back seat and have total trust. David+Courage into the WT CD-ROM turns up infrmative results.. One eample here:

  WT 7/15 1993: Tenderly Shepherding Jehovah's Precious Sheep:

  The Fearless Shepherd David: ..... Although David?s work as a literal shepherd was lowly, at times it called for great courage. For example, when sheep from his father?s flock were carried off on one occasion by a lion and on another by a bear, David fearlessly confronted and killed the predators. (1 Samuel 17:34-36) This was a remarkable display of courage when one considers that a lion can kill animals much larger than itself. And the Syrian brown bear that used to inhabit Palestine, weighing as much as 310 pounds [140 kg], can kill a deer with a single blow of its powerful paw.

  David?s courageous concern for his father?s sheep...

  David's courage was thus not blind, like the WT requires; he had some preparation, according to the bible story, and of course, had years of experience and emcounters where he'd displayed courage.
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  blondie

  DanTheMan, you have discovered a WTS technique, flipflop doctrines and principles.

  Setfreefinally, I have been an independent tutor since I was 16. I can point to about 5 doctors, and 8 lawyers who feel they are where they are today because of my training. I now volunteer in a literacy program teaching English as a second language. I have no formal training, except what the literacy program has provided. The reviews aren't as complete as I would like, but doing one a week with my schedule can be a challenge. I have always enjoyed teaching, probably would have been a teacher in a more formal setting except for my family circumstances when I left high school.

  Gozz, good checking. I remembered that article from 1999 without the CD because that point stood out in my mind. Yes, the WTS can make some good points, but as DanTheMan points out, they speak out of both sides of their mouth.

  Blondie