Lack of evidence in "Insight" *gack* book supporting stake theory.

by kwintestal 40 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

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  kwintestal

  After a short discussion regarding the cross vs. stake theory with my grandmother I decided to refresh my memory of the WTS doctrine regarding this and it's supporting arguments. I was surprised to find that they only used one supporting reference to their claim. It's a quote by John Denham Parsons written in 1896 (interesting that it took over 30 years for God to mention this to his mouthpiece). You'd think that for something that they've made such a big deal about that there would be more proof.

  Kwin
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  Daunt

  Ya know... I've never really heard any "facts" (like JW's have any) about why we believe in the stake. It was always the cross is pagan this and we shouldnt care that he died on that. Never anything positive to support their claim. Seems weird.
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  hubert

  Kwin, I was just going to post on this topic myself, tonight, but I had no clue as to how to go about it.

  I would like to know what kind of evidence the j.w.'s have to support their theory of a stake over a cross.

  Does it have anything to do with dates of when the cross was used?

  Do they say, there is no evidence of crosses used for crucifixion around the time of Jesus?

  What "evidence or proof" do they use for their argument?

  Thanks, Kwin, or anyone else.

  Hubert
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  hubert

  Kwin, check out this link. I'm having trouble finding the info on the stake verses cross argument. I know that the W.T. took the quote out of context regarding the cross verses stake theory.

  It is from the Imperial Bible dictionary, from about the year 1895, I believe. Of course, it is out of print, that way most people wouldn't be able to check the quote.

  Hope I can do the link....http://www.soulright.com/cross.html...

  Well, it didn't highlight, but try it and see what you get. Hope this helps.

  Hubert
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  Leolaia

  hubert....See my posts in this thread:

  http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/10/72572/1.ashx
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  hubert

  Thanks, Leolaia.

  That's exactly what I was trying to show Kwintestal.

  And, what I was looking for, too.

  I have something to add....

  I got a book out of the library called ..."Imperial Rome" by Moses Hadas and Time-life books.

  I was researching Pagan symbols, and came across a picture of a "panel, done about 420 A.D., which shows Jesus on a cross, and to the left, is a carving of Judas hanging from a tree.

  It also states under the picture of the carving, that "The cricifixion, considered a discrace, was rarely shown in earlier art". end quote.

  Hubert
• 

  upside/down

  My favorite "steak" theory is that all steak should be cooked medium rare...

  But I'm no PhD, just a simple man.... IMO

  u/d
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  rebel8

  I attended a lecture by a RC physician once, and he presented evidence that people in Jesus' time were executed on both crosses and stakes. (Can't recall any of it off the top of my head.) He said the cross method was much more painful, so the Romans probably used a cross on him.

  Of course, no one can prove Christ was a real person, let alone how he died. For Christians it seems to me that it matters little what he died on, just that he died for them. I don't understand why it would be such a problem to use a cross in worship, even if it wasn't the instrument of Christ's death.
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  Will Power

  The whole cross vs. stake is another attempt to be different ... just to be different.
  
  It also acts like a beacon. The JW can quickly put the guard up and the armor on whenever they see it. Reminds me a bit of dracula & garlic actually.
  
  It also proves how far the WT can and will go.
  How deceptive it is.
  and how controlling and stubborn.
  Its right up there with shunning, blood doctrine, 607, Beth Sarim ....on & on
  all great examples of trying to act like true christians from the old testament.
  
  ministers of the truth?
  
  quite embarassing.
  
  they have turned a word like truth into a product only - one that constantly needs new promotional strategies like...
  
  New & Improved !
  
  Better Tasting !
  
  No Money Down !
  
  Don't Pay til 2006 !
  
  Collect and WIN !
  
  ......
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  TheListener

  This web page has some good information.

  http://www.forananswer.org/Top_JW/jwcross.pdf

  I don't have access to my cd right now but isn't there an obscure quote in some Awake article that states that the manner of Jesus death can't be proven one way or the other? At the very least the article was the only time where I ever read a softening of the stake doctrine. Obviously it didnt' catch on - after all it was the Awake. I'll look for the quote later if no one else finds it.