Posts by AhHah

89

Do you believe ...

by AhHah in

simply respond to each question with a yes or no answer (or '?

' if unsure):.

before answering, please see my comments on general/main - "how about a survey?"..

AhHah

1. Yes 2. Yes 3. No 4. No 5. No 6. No 7. ? 8. ? 9. No 10. No

89

Do you believe ...

by AhHah in

simply respond to each question with a yes or no answer (or '?

' if unsure):.

before answering, please see my comments on general/main - "how about a survey?"..

AhHah

Simply respond to each question with a Yes or No answer (or '?' if unsure):

Before answering, please see my comments on General/Main - "How about a survey?".

(Just reply with the question number and your answer for any questions that you choose to answer.)

1. Do you believe in God (or that the universe has a Creator)?

2. Have you ever regularly attended meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses (either baptized or not)?

3. Do you personally agree with all current teachings and practices of Jehovah's Witnesses?

4. Do you believe that the modern-day organization of Jehovah's Witnesses has God's blessing?

5. Do you believe that the modern-day organization of Jehovah's Witnesses is God's ONLY channel of spiritual revelation to mankind?

6. Do you believe that Christianity is the only form of worship approved by God?

7. Do you believe that the Bible (or parts of it) are inspired by God?

8. Do you believe that any religious book(s) other than the Bible are inspired by God?

9. Do you believe that there will be a judgment day from God -- when God will judge living humans and put to death any that are not approved?

10. Do you believe that mankind is living in the Bible's prophesied "last days" and that a judgment day from God will come in the near future?

Edited by - AhHah on 28 September 2000 12:32:41

51

i thought it might be interesting to post a survey for those who post on this forum.. perhaps it will provide a basis for some additional stimulating discussions on god and religion.. with that in mind, i have posted a survey of 10 yes/no/unsure questions on the bible/research forum.

AhHah

I thought it might be interesting to post a survey for those who post on this forum.

Perhaps it will provide a basis for some additional stimulating discussions on God and religion.

With that in mind, I have posted a survey of 10 Yes/No/Unsure questions on the Bible/Research forum.

19

The Shunning Song-On the Turning Away

by Seven in

on the turning away.

the turning away.

no more turning away.

AhHah

Seven,

I am so happy that I could bring some encouragement. I believe that all of us have so much to give.

Isn't it amazing what miracles of nature bloom from one gentle spring rain? We all need to be encouraged, we all need to be validated, we all need to know that others appreciate us -- that their life is better for knowing us.

I believe that God's gifts to humanity are living inside every one of us and that our need to believe is proof that he exists and that he cares about every one of us.

Edited by - AhHah on 25 September 2000 17:35:59

19

The Shunning Song-On the Turning Away

by Seven in

on the turning away.

the turning away.

no more turning away.

AhHah

Path,

I totally agree that everyone must deal with life's disappointments and challenges at times. Although some face more dire circumstances than others, we all must find a way to cope.

So much music speaks to the human condition, as the artists attempt to give voice to what so many of us are experiencing. There is a strange, melancholy reassurance that comes from knowing that others feel what we do, sad as it may be.

At some point, however, I believe that we must refuse to be comforted in this way only, in sad resignation to our collective suffering. At some point, we must also find our personal way of bringing hope, beauty and love to our lives.

Fortunately, there is also music that speaks to these emotions as well.

However, there are times when we simply must grieve or cry because we care so much. I believe that we are better prepared to move on when we allow ourselves the necessary freedom to grieve (instead of feeling guilty about it, as though we are somehow immune, and that if we grieve it is an indictment of our spirituality or self-worth).

Acceptance, not denial, is, I believe, the key to coping in a healthy way. As you know by now, I believe that much of religion is about denial.

I am still very hopeful for myself and for mankind. Our very need and ability to discuss these important issues makes me believe that revelations of universal truth await us all.

Edited by - AhHah on 25 September 2000 17:20:27

19

The Shunning Song-On the Turning Away

by Seven in

on the turning away.

the turning away.

no more turning away.

AhHah

Thanks Seven,

I have the CD album. I'll give that song a listen again.

My heart went out to you when I read your brief, but telling answer to what it means to you. I sense such despair from you -- indeed, I believe that we all continue to feel that way from time to time. Especially when circumstances require that we have dealings with those who would just "turn away". (I did just yesterday.)

Yes, it IS a sin that "somehow light is changing to shadow". However, even if the "new wind of change on the wings of the night" proves to be "only a dream", do not despair, Seven! You are creating a new wind of change in your life and bringing that refreshing change to all you meet. Your posts have given us a glimpse of a deep, kind and honest-hearted person who has much to offer.

I believe that JW's are conditioned to seek happiness and fulfillment from outside of their personal experience and to view themselves as helpless slaves of despair, trying to wait out the "old world" -- like the children pictured in the video of Pink Floyd's "The Wall", standing on the moving conveyor belt, waiting to be dumped into the meat grinder. Once we step off of the conveyor belt, we are often all alone for a time, until we find our personal way to shine.

I believe that it is healthy when we take complete responsibility for our lives and our own happiness. Your previous posts have mentioned volunteer work with children I believe. I am sure that must bring much happiness and fulfillment. I believe that when we find even small ways each day to bring happiness to others, our lives our enhanced tremendously. Each morning we arise to a day of paradise, if that is what we make of it. We can become involved in making our world, our universe, the place that we wish it to be. We may not be able to change the whole world, but that does not mean that it is not worth changing those things that we can.

You may have noticed that this philosophy toward life is contagious. When an individual makes these honest efforts, it inspires others to rise to the occasion. After a time, one finds that one is becoming increasingly surrounded by individuals that feel the same. Once in a great while, an individual comes along who inspires an entire culture to rise above their circumstances. But it starts with an individual effort. The individual IS important! YOU are important! You have already added much to the lives of those who read posts on this forum.

I believe that God wants us to use our gifts and share those things that we are passionate about. I believe that is what life is all about. Life is about today, not tomorrow or yesterday! I truly believe that we can be happy when we view each day as its own reward. A loving God will not let those efforts go unrewarded. In the meantime, we can create a little bit of paradise every day.

Edited by - AhHah on 25 September 2000 20:6:49

Edited by - AhHah on 25 September 2000 20:8:11

19

The Shunning Song-On the Turning Away

by Seven in

on the turning away.

the turning away.

no more turning away.

AhHah

Seven,

I like these lyrics. I have come back and read them several times, but I don't remember hearing the song. I have most of Floyd -- what song and album is it from?

I would also be interested to hear what it means to you -- how you relate to it.

"Shine on you crazy diamond."

36

God and religion etc..............................

by Zep in

the communist world, it may be noted, has one big myth (which we call an illusion, in the vain hope that our superior judgment will make it disappear) it is the time hallowed archetypal dream of a golden age (or paradise), where everything is provided in abundance for everyone, and a great, just, and wise chief rules over a human kindergarten.

this powerful archetype in its infantile form has gripped them, but it will never disappear from the world at the mere sight of our superior points of view.

we even support it by our own childishness, for our western civilisation is in the grip of the same mythology.

AhHah

Seems like Seven likes to jab, duck and then leave the ring - to use his own boxing ring analogy.

36

God and religion etc..............................

by Zep in

the communist world, it may be noted, has one big myth (which we call an illusion, in the vain hope that our superior judgment will make it disappear) it is the time hallowed archetypal dream of a golden age (or paradise), where everything is provided in abundance for everyone, and a great, just, and wise chief rules over a human kindergarten.

this powerful archetype in its infantile form has gripped them, but it will never disappear from the world at the mere sight of our superior points of view.

we even support it by our own childishness, for our western civilisation is in the grip of the same mythology.

AhHah

Seven,

That, indeed, is the question.

I feel that I stated my position on the question very forthrightly and as clearly as I know how. The rope-a-dope comment makes it sound as though you feel that I have been cagey or disingenuous, or even that my motives might be to ensnare an unwary victim.

I assure you that is not what I am about. I wonder if you have read any of my other posts?? I am only trying to share my current thinking in hopes of hearing what others are thinking. I have no desire to talk anyone out of anything they choose to believe in. I am, however, willing to adjust my thinking if I am convinced that I should. I am certainly no authority on this subject. I am just hoping to get a clue. Maybe full enlightenment does await us all. Until then, I reserve the right to change my mind.

Lest you think I am still "dancing around", allow me to restate my position. I find it difficult to believe that Jehovah, if he is the Creator of all life as the Bible claims, would require that all mankind accept Christ as their personal savior in order to qualify for eternal life. As I said, that seems to condemn most of mankind for their ignorance. Doesn't sound like a very loving god to me. Sounds more like a jealous child. On the other hand, I cannot state for a fact that it is not true. It just doesn't seem reasonable TO ME PERSONALLY.

Where does that leave the Bible for me (which, I assume, you refer to as the "book of fairy tales" in a sarcastic way)? I stated before that I am not convinced that any or all of it is from the real Creator. That is as clear as I can be.

What do you think, Seven?

BTW, I like the John Lennon quote.

"Imagine there's no heaven. I wonder if you can. ... Nothing to kill or die for, and no religion, too. ... Imagine all the people living for today. ... a brotherhood of man."

36

God and religion etc..............................

by Zep in

the communist world, it may be noted, has one big myth (which we call an illusion, in the vain hope that our superior judgment will make it disappear) it is the time hallowed archetypal dream of a golden age (or paradise), where everything is provided in abundance for everyone, and a great, just, and wise chief rules over a human kindergarten.

this powerful archetype in its infantile form has gripped them, but it will never disappear from the world at the mere sight of our superior points of view.

we even support it by our own childishness, for our western civilisation is in the grip of the same mythology.

AhHah

Thanks Waiting!

At last ... someone WAS listening.

As to the quote, I have never heard it, but I believe that any "confusion" (i.e. waiting to commit until one has enough information) resulting from having enough intelligence not to necessarily believe the first thing one hears about a matter -- is a very good thing. When it is a matter that one cares about, an intelligent person will put forth the effort to gather enough information to make an informed decision -- even if that decision is to defer judgment when there is simply not enough information. This may still allow the intelligent person to be able to reject out of hand any position that is inconsistent with one's research, and thereby possibly avoid the manipulation that others may allow when they let others do their thinking for them. Either way, the informed person is in a better position, if not a blissful one.

I would like to hear your (or anyone else's) thoughts about whether Christianity is the only path to God.

"No eternal reward will forgive us now for wasting the dawn." -- Jim Morrison

Edited by - AhHah on 20 September 2000 15:40:33