TRUST or DOUBT???

MacHislopp

Hello everyone,

I would like to remind you of this article:
:

*** w86 4/1 30 Questions From Readers ***

Why have Jehovah’s Witnesses disfellowshipped (excommunicated) for apostasy some who still profess belief in God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ?

"….Obviously, a basis for approved fellowship with Jehovah’s Witnesses cannot rest merely on a belief in God, in the Bible, in Jesus Christ, and so forth."

"Approved association with Jehovah’s Witnesses requires accepting the entire range of the true teachings of the Bible, including those Scriptural beliefs that are unique to Jehovah’s Witnesses…"

On the basis of the above, what about doubts???

*…not all doubt is bad. At times , you need to suspend acceptance of something
till you are sure of the facts;

*Religious exhortations to the effect that you should just believe and should doubt
nothing are dangerous and deceptive;

*A loving Christian is certainly ready to believe those who have proved trustworthy
in the past. But God's Word also warns against 'putting faith in every word.'(Prov.
14:15);

* Sometimes a person's past record gives legitimate reason for doubt. "Although
- the deceptive talker - makes his voice gracious," the Bible warns, " do not
believe in him." - Proverbs 26/24,25;

*The apostle John also warns Christians against blind belief. "Do not believe every
inspired expression," he writes. Rather, " test the inspired expressions to see
whether they originate with God." (1 John 4:1)´;

*An " expression," a teaching or opinion, might appear to emanate from God.
But did it really come from him? Exercising some doubt, or suspending belief,
can be a real protection because , as the apostle John says, " many deceivers
have gone forth into the world." - 2 John 7;

*Yes, an honest, humble examination of the facts to establish the truth is often called for.

(watchtower July 1st 2001 page 18).-

How can we , honestly harmonize the two articles, spaced in time
15 years?

In reality one should not have " doubts " among the JW , and if …necessity
demands, ask only the "authorized questions. To the idea of "sharing" with
others the fruitage of one's researches…do not think about it!
Now , in conclusion, organisations, associations etc. which refuse the most
elementary forms of "free speech and conversation " are called what???

Agape, J.C. MacHislopp

Big Jim

(SOME GOOD THOUGHTS ON DOUBT)

If you would be a real seeker after truth, it is necessary that at least once in your life you doubt, as far as possible, all things.

Who never doubted, never half believed. Where doubt is, there truth is -- it is her shadow.

True wisdom is less presuming than folly. The wise man doubteth often, and changeth his mind; the fool is obstinate, and doubteth not; he knoweth all things but his own ignorance.

Argument is conclusive... but... it does not remove doubt, so that the mind may rest in the sure knowledge of the truth, unless it finds it by the method of experiment. For if any man who never saw fire proved by satisfactory arguments that fire burns. his hearer's mind would never be satisfied, nor would he avoid the fire until he put his hand in it that he might learn by experiment what argument taught.

Authority has every reason to fear the skeptic, for authority can rarely survive in the face of doubt.

It is easier to believe than to doubt.

If a man will begin with certainties, he shall end in doubts, but if he will be content to begin with doubts, he shall end in certainties.

One must verify or expel his doubts, and convert them into the certainty of Yes or NO.

People in general are equally horrified at hearing the Christian religion doubted, and at seeing it practiced.

Doubt is the incentive to truth and inquiry leads the way.

Doubt is the vestibule through which all must pass before they can enter into the temple of wisdom.

Doubt, indulged and cherished, is in danger of becoming denial; but if honest, and bent on thorough investigation, it may soon lead to full establishment of the truth.

Doubt is the beginning, not the end, of wisdom.

I respect faith, but doubt is what gets you an education.

There lives more faith in honest doubt, Believe me, than in half the creeds.

Life is doubt, and faith without doubt is nothing but death.

When in doubt, ask. When not in doubt, ask.

zev

hey j.c.m., you asked:

organisations, associations etc. which refuse the most elementary forms of "free speech and conversation " are called what?

A Kult!

Simple

__
zev
Now feeling the pain of sitting on the pickets class.

MacHislopp

Hello everyone,

thanks for your comments.

To Big Jim: many nice quotes...!

To Zev: an excellent answer:

" organisations, associations etc. which refuse the most elementary forms of "free speech and conversation " are called what?"

"...A Kult!"

Agape, J.C.MacHislopp

ozziepost

G'day Mac,

I always look out for your topics; they never fail to interest us.

Anyhow, to the topic on Doubts. It seems the Watchtower never fails to obscure/contradict God's Word. Sometimes it seems as though the Writing Dept try and extricate themselves from a bad teaching, only to dig a bigger hole for themselves. I wonder how Jude 22 would sound to them: "Also, continue showing mercy to some that have doubts, save them by snatching them out of the fire."

Cheers,
Ozzie

Freedom is not having to wear a tie.

MacHislopp

Hello Ozzie,

Thanks for taking your time to give an answer.

I also find your observations and quotes very interesting.

I do agree with you , rather than condemn WTS should think more

about :

- following closely the Bible's teaching;

- keeping in mind - as you wrote :" …"Also, continue showing
mercy to some that have doubts, save them by snatching them
out of the fire." (Jude 22);

-and a little of…"Doubt is the incentive to truth and inquiry leads the way."
(as quoted by Big Jim).

Agape to you all, J.C.MacHislopp

P.S. The latest tip :

"How , then , can we protect ouselves from damaging doubts?
By firmly rejecting satanic propaganda and fully
availing ourselves of God's provisions to make
us " solid in the faith."-1 Peter 5:8-10.
(w. 1st July 2001 pag.19)

ozziepost

Hmmmm. "satanic propaganda", heh? And we all know what that is 'code' for, don't we?

Thanks for the quote, Mac, I've missed getting the July issues. I feel like I'm getting in the dark without all that 'new light'!!!

Cheers,
Ozzie

Freedom is not having to wear a tie.

trevor

macH,

It's ok! to examine a teaching from the Tower with the aim of accepting it regardless of any findings that throw it's truthfulness into doubt. It's only when an honest and open minded examination is made that the Witness is accused of doubting.

In short it's ok! to examine a teaching, providing the element of honesty is abscent.

'I was an oak, now I'm a willow I can bend.'

MacHislopp

Hello everyone,

It is nice to have …various answers!

To Trevor,
Thanks for your comment. Your point:

"It's only when an honest and open minded examination is made that the Witness is accused of doubting."…

gives the real sad situation!

Agape, J.C. MacHislopp

TRUST or DOUBT???

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