Good topic shotgun..
I was really programmed not to look at the context of scriptures when I was a J.W...
I could flip flop that bible back and forth and sling scriptures to back up most things that needed to be defended. I was exceptional in defending why people should not take a blood transfusion.
However, all the scriptures were taken out of context of the story they were in .
It kind of makes me feel sort of "stupid" now as I look back on it all.
Just took it all hook, line and sinker.. yes master, yes master, yes master..
If you have ever watched "Toy Story" movie with your kids. There are these little martian type figures that think Buzz is like a God when they are at the Space Pizza Joint.
They are being plucked out of this machine by the nasty kid (who will tear them apart).. and they are sooo happy to be the chosen one... they all think the same and all follow each other in their mindless senseless DAH .. kind of way. Not one of them is an independent thinker.
I guess that was me when I was a J.W... DAHHHHH !!! I Will follow YOU!!! We have been chosen !!! or in my case. My parents have chosen the way that I must follow.. Blech!
All plugged in to the same light bulb..
Thanks for all your research, Shotgun.. It is quite amazing all the digging and reasoning that you do... and it all make sense.. and proves one has to think and reason things out.
If you ever get out of this religion, I don't think you will ever be duped again by some religion or any group holding up .. dangling carrots, paradises on earth, or any pie in the sky prizes.
I think next time I'm gonna want my prize FIRST !!!
sincerely
Special K