Impermanence: a red herring?

by seattleniceguy 6 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  seattleniceguy

  The WTS often talks about how impermanent the things of our world are. Governments change in the course of a few years or centuries, notable people come and go, the world scene constantly changes. Our lifespans are but a tiny blip on the cosmic scale. Et cetera, et cetera.

  Something struck me the other day as I thought about this. I think this argument is a total red herring. What does it matter what our lifespans are in relation to the age of the universe? The things that are important to us are the things in our local spheres: our local community, our homes, our relationships with our friends and families. The fact that these things may seem insignificant from a cosmic standpoint doesn't make them insignificant to an individual human. We aren't experiencing the world from a cosmic standpoint; we're experiencing it as humans.

  Just sitting here musing. Thoughts?

  SNG
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  SixofNine

  well of course I used that argument to rationalize things as a believer, but since then, yeah... it's obviously a crock, trotted out when people are cornered with their own lack of "here and now" based logic.
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  ESTEE

  The jws talk about Impermanence as if it were a "badTM" thing.

  Buddhists believe it is a positive thing ... Life would be boring if everything stayed the same, wouldn't it? Change is part of life, change is a very natural course of things, and part of progress. I don't think it is healthy to resist change.

  The jws seem to find something negative in every situation. As if the dubs have any consistency or permanence ... with all their changing "New LightTM" ... sheesh!!!

  ESTEE
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  Leolaia

  An organization espousing Present Truth (tm) critiquing "Impermanence"?
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  Pole

  I guess the impermanence argument makes them feel better when they see "worldly ones" enjoying their miserable transient lives. :)

  At least, that used to be the case with me.

  Subconsciously, they reason: "Ok, we may be doing those boring "theocratic" routines, but what we're getting as a reward is a comsic lifespan - not just temporary hedonist pleasure...

  So in this sense it is a red herring indeed. It diverts your attention from the fact that the much ridiculed 70-80 year lifespan (if you're lucky) may as well be all that you ever get

  Everything else is just a matter of faith, hope and promise.

  Pole
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  opium

  The motivating factor behind almost all teachings and doctrines of the WTS is fear and this one is really no different. Be scared the world is changing, be fearful because there is nothing but chaos in the world, so cling to us and we will give you all the answers. Thats not the way life goes no one has all the answers. i agree with what someone wrote ealier change is apart of life and being human, the world would be a much worse place if things didnt change even if the change seems bad at the moment.
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  seattleniceguy

  Ask a question, get five good answers! That's what I love about this board. Very interesting replies, guys. As a one-line reply, I thought Leoleia's

  An organization espousing Present Truth (tm) critiquing "Impermanence"?

  was a great summation! LOL. Everybody else had rad posts too - I'm just don't have time to give you my individual thanks. But thanks!

  SNG