Terry

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Posts by Terry

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  21

  A Fun Topic: BEFORE God

  by Terry in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  yuh gotta start somewhere, right?.

  big bang theory is not a theory of the creation of the universe, but rather a model of the history and evolution of the universe from its earliest moments.

  it wasn't really until the time of st. augustine that the idea of "out of nothing" entered the discussion.. a reading of genesis doesn't force the "out of nothing" into it at all.. in fact, a kind of chaotic "something" was put into form - or - something out of "something", the way adam is formed from red mud and eve from the rib.

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  Terry

  Yuh gotta start somewhere, right?
  
  

  Big Bang theory is not a theory of the creation of the universe, but rather a model of the history and evolution of the universe from its earliest moments. It wasn't really until the time of St. Augustine that the idea of "out of nothing" entered the discussion.

  A reading of Genesis doesn't force the "out of nothing" into it at all.

  In fact, a kind of chaotic "something" was put into form - or - something out of "something", the way Adam is formed from red mud and Eve from the rib. Something out of something.

  If we really want to think about a more interesting aspect of this CREATION topic, we might well ask: "Was there a time BEFORE creation?"

  If we can agree that, indeed, there was a time before creation we are set to ask some really penetrating questions of interest.

  BEFORE God "created" anything He wasn't yet a Creator.

  Before He created His "First" born son, He wasn't yet a Creator.

  That particular point of discussion is important for a reason: TIME is the distance between EVENTS. Logically, if zero events have transpired - there is not yet a necessity for TIME.

  No what?

  Before God created anything or anyone or any place He was NOT a CREATOR. It follows that we can say He had nothing about which He could be said to KNOW. There was nothing to know. (Not yet created.)

  He would not yet be ALL-Powerful either. The best you could say is that there was a "potential" power not as yet used.

  There was nobody and nothing and God was alone without any parents, partners, friends, associates and no TIME to measure.

  It now becomes very creepy, IMHO.

  A human placed in solitary confinement, without interaction with others or without books and the thoughts outside one's own - plunges into madness. Sanity really is managing one's thoughts when engaged with reality. For GOD - reality was NOTHINGNESS and only BEING.

  How long? Eternity? There was no time - so there was no eternity because no events ever yet occurred.

  So, a tragic question now arises (at least, for me) and that is: How is GOD by definition even GOD?

  On the other hand...

  If the nature of the Universe is such that there has always simply been "something" but that something was chaotic... we might claw our way toward something or some person (i.e. god-like) if this person could interact with the Great Big Nothing and turn it into a Great Big Something.

  Now that - that something is surely more reasonable than the Great Big Nothing (if we are inclined to be reasonable.)

  Why is there "something" rather than "nothing"?

  Why is there "God" if everything else isn't a "thing" until God creates it out of nothing? You See? The questions are practically silly.

  In my mind, it could possibly go another way...

  In my way of reckoning: only possible things actually happen.

  If GOD has always been GOD that is no different than saying

  the Universe has always existed (in some form or chaotic mess).

  God might have been part of a chaotic mess for all I know.

  I find it more likely that a BEING might well go insane as easily as a person in solitary confinement without anything to occupy the mind.

  If you and I can agree on that one single, solitary premise - I can take one more step - if you are ready for it.

  Here goes....

  I think our entire history of the Universe, the world, of mankind, of Nature, of civilizations, politics, technology, etc. etc. is the result of a Supreme Being almost (or entirely) going mad and desperately IMAGINING into "EXISTENCE" something to occupy His mind (lest He go entirely insane.)

  IF this is what happened - then - what next?

  The Supreme Being might well imagine a well-ordered GIANT VIDEO GAME sort of virtual interaction using avatars, first person players, creatures, societies, the whole shebang.

  This Supreme Being might well have conjured up other players to PLAY AGAINST to make it more interesting.

  See where I'm going?

  Human history is a series of levels in which the GOD TEAM plays against the SATAN TEAM and - to make it interesting - HE is evenly matched.

  Satan and the demons were winning in Noah's Day and God cheated a little by destroying the game board ( like a spoiled child sweeping chess pieces away.)

  REBOOT...

  The power of the Demon avatars to manifest bodies was removed.

  Jesus was the Jehovah avatar and his manifest body was murdered.

  REBOOT ...

  Tit for Tat...the game continues...

  Until? I think the DEMONS have found their way back in ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE and are about to be --again -- embodied/ this time in robot bodies.

  See what fun this POV brings to the human imagination?

  I'm not saying this IS a true thing -- I'm just saying you can make of GOD what you find reasonable, or you can just say: God is whatever, and it make no sense at all. We all do this. Don't we?

  Atheists simply sit on the sidelines and jeer at the game players feeling superior, but their own game is not any fun at all for anybody.

  This is how my mind works and your mileage may vary, of course
  
  
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  4

  PERPLEXITY A.I. analyzes the Watchtower Organization

  by Terry in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i like to at least try to stay current with developments in artificial intelligence rather than get stuckwith first impressions and knee-jerk snap judgments that circulate among the public who really don'tinvest any in-depth analysis in forming their views.with that having been stated, i turn to perplexity a.i.

  perplexity ai's strength lies in its ability to serve as a powerful research companion, delivering comprehensive and up-to-date information across a wide range of topics.135 its advanced nlp capabilities, real-time information gathering, and versatility make it a valuable tool for researchers, writers, recruiters, and professionals in various fields._______________i asked perplexity to give an in-depth overview and analysis of the watchtower, it's gb, and its problems.here are the results:____________.

  answer.

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  Terry

  I like to at least TRY to stay current with developments in Artificial Intelligence rather than get stuck
  with first impressions and knee-jerk snap judgments that circulate among the public who really don't
  invest any in-depth analysis in forming their views.
  With that having been stated, I turn to Perplexity A.I.
  Perplexity AI's strength lies in its ability to serve as a powerful research companion, delivering comprehensive and up-to-date information across a wide range of topics.135 Its advanced NLP capabilities, real-time information gathering, and versatility make it a valuable tool for researchers, writers, recruiters, and professionals in various fields.
  _______________
  I asked Perplexity to give an in-depth overview and analysis of the Watchtower, it's GB, and its problems.
  Here are the results:
  ____________
  

  Answer

  Development of Jehovah's Witnesses doctrine

  Evolution of doctrinal beliefs since 1879

  More

  Origination

  Doctrines have evolved since The Watchtower magazine began in 1879, initially based on Charles Taze Russell's interpretations.

  Leadership Changes

  Doctrinal developments have been influenced and altered by Russell's successors Joseph Rutherford and Nathan Knorr.

  Governing Body's Role

  Since 1976, changes have been made at closed meetings of the Governing Body, considered as God's progressive revelations.

  Jehovah's Witnesses have undergone significant doctrinal changes and upheavals over the years, which have raised concerns and criticisms from various quarters.

  Frequent Doctrinal Overhauls

  The Witnesses' doctrines have been revised and overhauled repeatedly since the group's inception. Major doctrinal shifts have occurred under different presidencies, often discarding or altering previously held beliefs.13 This pattern of frequent doctrinal changes and reversals has been criticized as inconsistent and undermining the group's claim to divine guidance and progressive revelation.3

  Governing Body Turnover

  The Governing Body, which dictates all doctrines and policies for Jehovah's Witnesses, has seen regular turnover in its membership over the decades.2 This constant change in leadership has contributed to the doctrinal instability and shifts in teachings and practices.

  Shift from Specificity to Generality

  There has been a noticeable trend in recent years where the Witnesses' publications and teachings have become more general and vague, moving away from specific predictions and interpretations.2 This shift could be an attempt to avoid the scrutiny and criticism that often followed failed predictions or doctrinal reversals in the past.

  Child Abuse Lawsuits and Financial Strain

  The organization has faced numerous lawsuits and legal battles related to its handling of child abuse cases, which has strained its financial resources.2 This has led to a reversal of the long-standing policy against directly soliciting donations from members, a practice that was previously considered a violation of biblical principles.2

  Forecast and Potential Trends

  Based on these upheavals and changes, some potential trends and forecasts can be identified:

  1. Continued Doctrinal Instability: The pattern of frequent doctrinal overhauls and reversals is likely to continue, as the Governing Body seeks to adapt and respond to internal and external pressures.3
  2. Erosion of Credibility: The constant doctrinal shifts and reversals may further erode the group's credibility and claims of divine guidance, potentially leading to more members questioning or leaving the organization.3
  3. Financial Challenges: The ongoing legal battles and financial strain may necessitate further changes in policies and practices, including increased emphasis on soliciting donations from members.2
  4. Centralization of Power: To maintain control and unity, the Governing Body may tighten its grip and centralize power even further, limiting dissent and independent thinking among members.2
  5. Adaptation and Rebranding: In an effort to address criticisms and maintain relevance, the organization may attempt to rebrand itself or adapt its practices and public image, while preserving core beliefs and power structures.2

  It is important to note that these forecasts are based on observed patterns and trends, and the actual future developments within the organization may vary. However, the ongoing upheavals and challenges faced by Jehovah's Witnesses suggest that significant changes and adaptations are likely in the years to come.123

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  Rewrite

  Identify the number one problem JW leaders have which needs to be addressed, discussed, and handled most immediately.

  Sources

  The challenges of treating Jehovah's witnesses

  

  medicalprotection

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  Jehovah's Witnesses - Apologetics - North American Mission Board

  

  namb

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  Why Jehovah's Witnesses Can't Drop the 1914 Doctrine : r/exjw - Reddit

  

  reddit

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  View 2 more

  Answer

  

  Criticism of Jehovah's Witnesses

  Issues and controversies surrounding the religious movement

  More

  Criticism sources

  Mainstream Christianity, medical community, former members, and commentators

  Key accusations

  Doctrinal inconsistencies, failed predictions, mistranslation of the Bible, harsh treatment of ex-members, autocratic leadership

  Controversial practices

  Rejection of blood transfusions even in life-threatening situations, failure to report sexual abuse

  Based on the search results provided, the number one problem that Jehovah's Witnesses leaders need to address most immediately is their doctrine surrounding 1914 and its significance.

  The 1914 Doctrine and Its Centrality

  The doctrine that 1914 marked the beginning of Christ's presence and the "last days" is central to Jehovah's Witnesses' beliefs and identity.3 It underpins their claim to be God's sole channel on earth and the need to separate from "false religion" or "Babylon the Great."3However, this doctrine is based on flawed calculations and assumptions made by the early leaders, particularly the inclusion of a non-existent year 0 in their chronology.3 This error has been well-documented, yet the Governing Body continues to uphold and promote the 1914 doctrine.

  Inability to Abandon the Doctrine

  The Witnesses cannot easily abandon or revise the 1914 doctrine because it is inextricably linked to other core beliefs and claims, such as:

  1. The appointment of the "faithful and discreet slave" (the Governing Body) in 1919 as the sole channel of God's truth.23
  2. The justification for separating from and condemning other Christian denominations as part of "Babylon the Great."3
  3. The imminent arrival of Armageddon and the establishment of God's kingdom on earth, which their preaching work is preparing for.4

  Discarding the 1914 doctrine would undermine the very foundation of the Jehovah's Witnesses organization, its authority, and its raison d'être.3 It would likely lead to a significant loss of members and credibility.3

  Consequences of Upholding a Flawed Doctrine

  By continuing to uphold a doctrine based on demonstrably flawed calculations and assumptions, the Governing Body risks further eroding the organization's credibility and integrity.23 It perpetuates a lie and undermines their claims of divine guidance and progressive revelation.23Moreover, the unwillingness to acknowledge and correct this error exemplifies the Governing Body's authoritarian control over doctrine, suppression of dissent, and discouragement of independent thinking among members.4 This approach is detrimental to the well-being of Witnesses and contributes to the harmful effects of shunning and loss of social support for those who leave or are expelled.4Addressing and resolving the issues surrounding the 1914 doctrine is crucial for the Jehovah's Witnesses organization to maintain credibility, integrity, and the well-being of its members. However, doing so would require a fundamental shift in their power structures, claims of authority, and core beliefs, which the current leadership appears unwilling to undertake.234

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  11

  The first rule of beard club...

  by GrreatTeacher in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  ...is you don't start growing a beard in the spring!

  you start growing it in the fall, keep your chin warm in the winter, and then shave it off for warm weather.

  at least that's how it works in my household and in the northern hemisphere where the gb are.. i have the sneaking suspicion that there is going to be a steep learning curve for many.. will they know to trim it along their jawbone properly?

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  Terry

  
  
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  33

  Can you openly express doubts in the congregation these days?

  by Elena in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  i know of a lovely old sister who has been a jw for several decades now who openly expresses doubts about jw interpretations.. she does it in such a lovely way and everyone loves her.

  she is such a sweet old soul, makes everyone happy around her.. she has said things like- even if we have got it wrong about this and that i still believe the bible is gods word”.

  she answers up regularly and she goes on ministry groups but like most of us she is definitely jwlite, we don’t really do door to door work anymore.

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  Terry

  https://www.jehovahs-witness.com/topic/5708576994623488/story-renegade-anointed

  
  
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  28

  JWs And Superstitions

  by NotFormer in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  prompted by a mention in a different thread.. cracks in the sidewalk, a pinch of salt over the shoulder, black cats🐈‍⬛; do jws have such superstitious beliefs.

  are they allowed to?

  would they be counselled if the elders became aware?.

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  Terry

  Right around the time of the release of the movie, THE EXORCIST, JW's suddenly went batshit crazy
  with wild stories about demons and the boys at Bethel took full advantage of pumping up the articles and fomenting a crackdown on "objects" that could be "demonized."
  Garage sale items were particularly suspect.
  I think the Bible Students in Russell's time were more grounded in the traditional superstitions.
  They even celebrated Christmas.
  
  
  
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  Memoir of a Pioneer Janitor JW

  by Terry in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  how to end a career as a jw janitor.

  (a brief memoir).

  there were ten of us on that crew.

• 

  Terry

  HOW TO END A CAREER AS A JW JANITOR

  (A brief memoir)

  There were ten of us on that crew. Janitor duties.

  Nine black men and yours truly

  (six feet four inches and weighing one hundred sixty pounds).

  The Crew Chief was not black. He was sleepy and named Ed.

  Ed never took part in the cleaning.

  His was a supervisory function.

  He would spot-check and make sure we didn't steal anything expensive. Ed was not very competent in that capacity.

  Ed mostly slept.

  The building we cleaned was the local hometown newspaper,

  THE STAR TELEGRAM.

  (Remember newspapers? No, of course not - you are too young.)

  _____

  What now follows are three incidents leading to my "career change."

  But first - a clarification.

  1. I was an ex-convict fresh out of Federal Prison

  (Jehovah's Witness conscientious objector).

  2. I was a full-time Pioneer minister working part-time at a buck sixty an hour. I worked Midnight to eight a.m. shift.

  3. Intelligence and artistic talent were not fungible in Fort Worth Texas for people like me.

  Now - back to my story and the three incidents...

  ___________

  Incident #1

  ____________

  The first incident I'm pretty sure I've written about before.

  There was a huge Wells Fargo safe in the Editor's office in a walk-in closet behind the desk. The door to that closet was kept locked except for this one occasion. It stood ajar revealing the magnificent locked safe.

  It may have been locked - but - it wasn't safe!

  Remember this story?

  If not - you really missed out!

  Briefly, here are the highlights ...

  When I was in grade school all students had a locker and a combination lock. The unbreakable rule was this: ALL lockers must be kept locked! Always. Break the rule and they break your ass!

  Well, okay.

  However...the distance between my last two classes was three flights of stairs!

  I had very little time to open the locker, switch out the textbook, lock up, and (don't) RUN up the crowded stairs to the last class.

  So what?

  So I - and most other students - worked the combination right up to a half-turn toward the last digit.

  In the frantic mad dash process, we could run over to the lock and give a tiny twist and CLICK! Open! A sweet shortcut, eh?

  Now - back to my Star-Telegram janitor sees Wells Fargo's safe story... (I know you're ahead me on this.)

  As I was sweeping, dumping ashtrays, emptying trash cans - what did I SPY WITH MY LITTLE EYE - but - a combination lock and the instantaneous memory of my high school locker!

  Yes. I simply hypothesized that ...maybe...the editor of the newspaper was once a lazy schoolboy using the same shortcut. Possibly?

  You know how it is when you've been around convicted criminals a couple of years? Yeah - your mindset becomes polluted.

  Cut to the chase...

  I tried it. I HAD TO.

  It would annoy and nag me forever had I not tried.

  I had a 50/50 chance IF the shortcut was to work.

  I tugged at the lock with gently pressure while s-l-o-w-ly turning the combination dial to the Right.

  YIPES!

  The impregnable Wells Fargo solid steel, six-inch thick safe door swung open. WOW!

  Back in the 1960s employees preferred being paid in cash and the Star Telegram did indeed abide by this policy.

  And yes - there were stacks of cash just like it is in the movies!

  Payroll cash.

  No checks - just cash.

  Oh - and there was a bottle of Vodka too.

  How did I feel? How would you feel if you were painfully honest??

  It scared the crap out of me for about a dozen reasons.

  I didn't wish to go back to prison. No no no.

  I also didn't want to stand there eyeballing stacks of $$$$$$.

  The gulf between honest and not honest is not as wide as you might imagine.

  I quickly shut the door and spun the tumbler and rubbed my cleaning rag all over the door.

  My heart was pounding like crazy.

  My sense of outrageous guilt was overwhelming - and I hadn't even stolen more than that tempting glance!

  That was incident number #1.

  ___________

  Incident #2

  __________

  One night my boss Ed , the sleepy supervisor who often spent his shift snoring in a dark office, pulled me aside and spoke in a whisper.

  "I work another job during the day and I'm so tired - I just need to get some rest or I'll fall down. I need you to keep an eye on Tyrone while I catch my Z's. I don't trust him. Okay - go to it and don't wake me up for ANY reason."

  OH GREAT. Who needs that?

  There was no way I was going to do that. I ignored his admonition.

  Fast-forward a couple of hours and Tyrone had stabbed one of the other crew members. You know, as one does when bored.

  It was nothing malicious. Just guys with knives messing about.

  Should I wake ED and inform him or not?

  What would you have done?

  Personally, I have a hard and fast rule I absorbed from my prison experience. DO NOT SNITCH!

  Consequently ...

  Ed slept through the blood, the ambulance, the police part of the evening.

  The next night, Ed pulled me aside with a peculiar look on his face.

  What would you guess Ed was going to say to me?

  Go on ...make your guess.

  Okay. Time's up. You're wrong - whatever you guessed.

  Ed said this to me:

  "Thanks for not waking me up. I'm glad I missed all that shit."

  Yeah. Amazing.

  ____

  Incident #3

  ____

  On my last night of work at the Star-Telegram building as a janitor

  I found the Entertainment Writer, Elston Brooks, dead drunk at his desk.

  At first, I thought he was just dead.

  But as I got closer I could smell the "drunk" part of it.

  Elston Brooks was a larger-than-life personality figure who wrote columns in a witty, off-hand manner and he hob-nobbed with all sorts of celebrities in his capacity as interviewer covering movies, actors, actresses, directors, etc.

  Every city has a local celebrity like Elston Brooks, right?

  I know I should NOT have spoken to him - but - I wasn't absolutely convinced he wasn't dead.

  I followed my natural impulse.

  I jostled his arm and spoke aloud:

  "ARE YOU OKAY?"

  Instantly, Elston sat bolt upright like a Army Private snapping to "Attention!" when a Sgt. walks into the barracks.

  I won't ask you to guess what he said to me.

  Nobody could guess in a million years.

  Not even a million monkeys typing on typewriters random sentences could produce the words that came out of his mouth.

  Here for the very first time, I will reveal it.

  He spoke these words to my wondering ears:

  "Steve McQueen and I -- in London -- watched a naked woman wrestle a panther in Raymond’s Revue Bar."

  He then leaned to the side and hurled chunks onto the floor.

  Noticing the mop and bucket beside me he squeaked,

  "Clean that up."

  Then he passed out face first on the desk.

  Well - I did not "Clean that up."

  I had had enough. My black mood about where my life had ended up had suddenly turned darker than midnight.

  This was what my life had come to.

  Mopping vomit.

  I straightaway marched into the dark office where ED was snoring and shook him awake.

  "ED, can you hear me? I quit."

  He sat there blinking and not at all surprised.

  He just sniffed and rubbed his eyes and told me:

  "I could never figure out why a guy like you would do a job like this until I read your application. Go on. Get out. You gotta step down to step up."

  And those words rang true.

  Shortly afterward, I packed my wife and three very small kids into our car and headed to California to get a job as an artist instead of a vomit mopper.

  "You sometimes gotta step down to step up."

  Thanks, Ed.

  
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  70

  Beards are now allowed - New Light

  by Listener in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  lett has announced in the latest video update that jehovah has dignified the brothers by now letting them to choose for themselves whether they want to have a beard or not -.

  https://www.jw.org/en/news/region/global/2023-governing-body-update-8/.

  this applies worldwide and to all brothers in any position..

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  Terry

  HO HO HO?
  
  
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  10

  The Strange Case of Jim and Sandra Melgar

  by Terry in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  by the time you reach the nine minute and forty one second mark you will know why i posted this.this may be old news to you - but i just discovered it.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74s7jg1fdf4&t=582s.

  .

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  Terry

  In Texas we have OPEN CARRY (own a gun and wear it in public) and it's crickets all the way.
  Nothing unusual in having a friend with many guns as collectibles but kept loaded in the house.
  It's a "man" thing for the most part but not always.
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  28

  Lawyers release survey on alleged Jehovah's Witness child abuse

  by Tahoe in

  1. watchtower
  2. child-abuse

  a team of lawyers has released the results of its survey on alleged child abuse by members of the jehovah's witnesses religious group in japan.. the team held a news conference in tokyo on monday.

  it provides legal support to former members of the group as well as to children of its members.. the lawyers conducted the survey, following the publishing of the health and welfare ministry guidelines last year about child abuse related to parents' religious beliefs.

  a total of 560 people responded.. the survey shows 81 percent of the respondents said they had cards indicating they desired to refuse blood transfusions.. the ministry's guidelines state that parents' refusal of medical treatments for children on religious grounds amounts to neglect --- a form of abuse.. the lawyers said investigations are necessary to find how many people died from refusing blood transfusions, and how many of them were children.. the survey also shows 92 percent of the respondents experienced whipping, 96 percent were banned from school activities, and 93 percent were forced to limit their human relations.. the lawyers said many of the children experienced physical and mental abuse, which afterward led to problems such as loneliness, sense of alienation and a lack of self-esteem.

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  Terry

  Fat Chance any active JW will ever lay hands or eyeballs on any of this...ever.
  They live in a parakeet cage with the door open but do not fly out.
  The public zoo here in my city has a "Rain Forest" with exotic birds, dripping water and vegetation but the surround access where patrons stand to watch remains in darkness. Those birds easily could fly out. They don't.
  Ironically, the captive birds shun the darkness of freedom for the safety of imprisonment in the light!
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  9

  GOVERNING BODY: the role of CONSISTENCY in identifying malpractice and malfeasance

  by Terry in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  consistency plays a crucial role in determining the inherent truthfulness of statements and sources.

  reliability of information: if a source consistently provides accurate information, it builds trust and is considered reliable.

  inconsistent information, on the other hand, can lead to doubts about the source’s credibility.. .

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  Terry

  Here is a link to the entire compilation of Flip Flops compiled by ?
  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B6a8Sp5_PSf-LWNoYWpNNjhwYkU/view?usp=sharing
  
  another link to a different document
  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2s6siGYikWHMGlhQk5FcmxWZWc/view?usp=sharing