Posts by El blanko

16

No Visit of Encouragement

by CaptK in

jw
friends

i have a question that hopefully someone can answer.

i am currently disfellowshiped but attending the sunday meetings at the kingdom hall.

i live with my mother who is in her late 70's and has been a witness for over 50 years.

El blanko

Why can't they out of love go and visit an elderly sister. Oh yes, I forgot - it is more important to push information at people who aren't interested than attend to the existing flock!

|3i|3lE - oh dear - put your brain into gear and realize that your precious organization is not all that it is cracked up to be. If the elders are truly spirit directed, then why would Jehovah's spirit not guide one of his chosen to that old lady to encourage her? It is not exactly a good witness to anybody here to have a former member feel so low as to post on an 'apostate' site about this matter.

Also, if the poor brothers couldn't bare facing a Df'd person, then that is frankly their own problem and they could have chosen to slip away and allow the mature Christian taking the lead to make his own choice whether to visit one of the faithful or not. Utter garbage, stop trying to defend a case that has no real defense.

63

scholar and 1914

by Marvin Shilmer in

jw
friends

hello, scholar

can you name a single thing of significance that the watchtower society or charles russell taught about 1914 prior to 1914 that was accurate?

marvin shilmer

El blanko

The other thing I don't understand is that the preaching work came to a near stand still from 1914 to 1918. If this is supposedly when Jesus returned to identify those who were faithful and discreet, what was it that set the JWs apart from others? Especially if they weren't spearheading their beloved door to door work?

Raymond Franz has a lot to say about this in Christian Freedom, which is worth a read if you haven't read it already.

15

Proof

by desib77 in

jw
friends

.

is there proof other than the bible, of jesus life and ministry on earth?.

desi

El blanko

Interesting article that, thanks for the link - http://www.atheists.org/church/didjesusexist.html

A snippet from that link up there:

It is sometimes claimed that the "miraculous" spread of Christianity in the early Roman Empire is evidence of an historical Jesus - that such a movement could not have gone so far so fast had there not been a real person at its inception. A similar argument could be made, however, in the case of the earlier rapid spread of Mithraism. I am unaware of any Christian apologists who would argue that this supports the idea of an historical Mithra!

Hmmm... true enough, but that does not mean that Mithra is the way, even though it may have had a tangible inception.

Check this link: http://www.well.com/user/davidu/mithras.html - not that I am an expert, but that particular area of worship appears to be steeped in mind boggling esoteric knowledge and idolatry, whereas the pure Christian faith helped followers walk away from that materialistic style of God worship. Mithraism although appearing at the time of Christianity, stands in complete opposition of the core ideals.

I plan to return to the atheist link and have a good read. It is worth noting however that the author is not a man of faith so some of his points made leave possible divine intervention out of the picture completely. He does not consider the writings inspired (fair enough, it's his right) and therefore attempts to shoehorn every account into a rationalized pigeon-hole.

15

Proof

by desib77 in

jw
friends

.

is there proof other than the bible, of jesus life and ministry on earth?.

desi

El blanko

Add to this the supernatural tall tales of his miracles, and you have a recipe for regarding the story as merely legend. This is the standard to which we hold Greek mythology, why do we lower our standards for the Bible?

Possibly because the historical figure of Christ represents a more clearly identifiable human character than the weirdos found within Greek mythology Although I always enjoyed the Jason stories ...

There are references amongst Roman writers of the spread and effects of Christianity. This suggests that there was a starting point and certainly a figure known as Jesus who developed such vigor amongst people at that time. To spawn an entire religious movement containing such rapid growth and strength of numbers is a monumental task within itself (give it a go if you like!).

So yes, I'd personally say that Jesus existed. Now whether you have faith in him being "the son of God" is up to you.

20

Why didn't Abraham suspect it was Satan telling him to kill Isaac?

by True North in

haven't we all heard of those who've killed others -- even their own children -- after (they claimed) hearing a voice telling them to do so?

most people would consider these ones to have been insane if they really thought they'd heard such things.

on the other hand, some jws, i would suspect, would think that these murderers may actually have heard demonic voices.

El blanko

But, hypothetically, if you knew it was God, would you kill your loved one, without a doubt?

If a person has faith that goes beyond what is normal to most men, then he would probably answer yes. In the absolute assurance that the God he knows and loves would never bring harm to a family member who is known and loved.

Would I do it? If Almighty God commanded me directly and I had no doubt at all that it was Almighty God, then maybe I would. Would you?

Peter denied Christ according to the Bible to spare his own life and Jesus did not reject him for his weakness, I'd rather focus upon that example myself. Being as Jesus is the God we are taught to focus upon.

39

How can Jesus be God since he referred to the Father as "my God"

by hooberus in

ron rhodes quotes paul g. weathers: .

since christ came as man, and since one of the proper duties of man is to worship, pray to, and adore [god], it was perfectly proper for jesus to call the father "my god" and to address him in prayer.

positionally speaking as a man, as a jew, and as our high priest ("made like his brothers in every way," heb.

El blanko

Jesus IS NOT Almighty God according to scripture. He is defined as being God's word, the first and most intimate expression of God towards a physical creation. God defined the physical creation using Jesus Christ (his word). The word has ownership over everything that has been defined and is currently God towards this system we exist within and our main focus at this time.

After the physical creation is restored to a state of perfection, ownership goes back directly to Almighty God. No need for the mediator.

Simple really.

125

Is the Bible Just B.S.?

by shamus in

do you think that god enjoys killing people?

it sure sounds like it to me; jw doctrine more or less scared me into thinking that god is going to kill all persons whom he/she thinks is not doing his will.

my question is, how can god kill someone for not being "christian", or following the bible out of sheer ignorance?

El blanko

God has nothing to do with our everyday life. Praying to God for help is a total waste of time from a practical point of view. Belief systems do not mix with the practical things of life. If you are a believer in the powerof prayer, by all means, pray your head off if it gives you some satisfaction. For me it must make sense and I must see the fruits of my prayer to God.

Phil:

I feel the same way at times and get quite despairing inside. I do pray everyday and believe that at times I have been uplifted during my prayers. I have faith that there is a God who loves us when we reach out with an open heart and I believe through my faith within that moment, that we can be uplifted and strengthened.

My belief system when in full flow is not oppressive towards others, is more considerate and loving and hopefully of some benefit. When I am in that zone of behaviour, I believe I tackle the practical everyday more soundly as a result of my faith.

Most do not even know the struggle I have inwardly with faith and I prefer it that way. I know that miracles rarely happen and accept that God is distant from us all at present.

I can only wish you well and hope that you regain faith through your life.

125

Is the Bible Just B.S.?

by shamus in

do you think that god enjoys killing people?

it sure sounds like it to me; jw doctrine more or less scared me into thinking that god is going to kill all persons whom he/she thinks is not doing his will.

my question is, how can god kill someone for not being "christian", or following the bible out of sheer ignorance?

El blanko

Abbadon (sorry if I got your name wrong):

I do try to be a literalist, but at the same time I have read too many accounts across the internet and also through other reading to be absolutely certain in all areas. For sure, it would be nice to be able to walk by faith alone and dismiss arguments put forth, yet for me over the past two years that has not been possible due to my enquiring mind.

I personally would never place Santa and Jesus Christ side by side. I understand where you are leading my mind with that line of argument, but know that the texts refering to Christ as outlined within the pages of the Bible, help describe a whole being and one who taught fine and understandable qualities for our combined benefit. Other characters plucked out of history may well do this in their own way, but Christs claim to be the "Son of God" makes him unique and worthy of special attention (if only to falsify his claims).

Mormons & Islam. Strange choice being as both have a relationship with old Bible law. I get your point though and accept that not everybody on this planet shares my own vision of reality.

Thanks for taking the time to read my words.

125

Is the Bible Just B.S.?

by shamus in

do you think that god enjoys killing people?

it sure sounds like it to me; jw doctrine more or less scared me into thinking that god is going to kill all persons whom he/she thinks is not doing his will.

my question is, how can god kill someone for not being "christian", or following the bible out of sheer ignorance?

El blanko

The OT contains more archological history IMO (and errors too) than the NT which realatively has as much proof as Peter Pan.

"IMO" should not really be applied to archeology, as many here appear to consider that area of exploration and knowledge as absolute evidence that the word contained within the Bible is either correct or incorrect.

But, in reality, you are right. IMO is the essence of many of the archeological findings. The record in many instances stand incomplete.

The greatest victory over the material universe, is that Jesus Christ does exist in the hearts of many individuals across the globe and proves to be true in the spirit of love that is generated there within.

The "New Testament" is a historical record unto itself. The spread of Christianity can be traced back to ancient Rome. Plenty of evidence there then!

44

NIV vs NWT

by azaria in

im here for just a few minutes to post this.

i will try to come back later this evening.

niv titus 2:11-14 for the grace of god that brings salvation has appeared to all men.

El blanko

UnDisfellowshipped:

Gumby appears to be character who bases his understanding of this life strictly in the objective/material world and does not believe in the invisible possibilities unless they can be measured and rationalized before his eyes.

Preaching the good news to him is pointless, as he has made his mind over.

You have to respect that I suppose and move on.

Gumby:

Have you ever considered looking into the world of the occult sciences? If you want well documented evidence of intelligent spirit creatures, try looking there. Eliphas Levi is an interesting character to start you quest for knowledge. Also, Dr John Dee.