AlmostAtheist

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Posts by AlmostAtheist

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  24

  Those That Hate God For Suffering

  by writetoknow in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  glory in tribulations.

  060905 tuesday, september 05, 2006 daily devotional.

  by brent riggs .

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  AlmostAtheist

  It's interesting that the article seems to focus on personal suffering. When I've heard people question god over "suffering", it wasn't usually their own suffering they were talking about. They were concerned about innocent people becoming victims of violence -- human and natural -- and other problems that may not even affect them. Those that die as a result could hardly be 'learning a valuable lesson' or any such thing.

  I remember a CO talking about how Jehovah loves the weak, because the weak can appreciate it when he strengthens them. This article sort of speaks in that way.

  As an aside, I've never seen the word "glory" used as a verb before. That was kind of cool. :-)

  Dave
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  38

  Holey Sh*T....

  by Priest73 in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  duck!!!

  dodge.... ridiculous...

  from the front desk!!

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  AlmostAtheist

  >>In seven of these lawsuits against the elders, accusations against the Watchtower Society itself were dismissed by the courts.

  This is an interesting line. This isn't even "covering your ass", though it may have been meant that way. As the OP said, they have missed the point. This line is the one that shows it.

  Dave
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  87

  I dedicate this video to Brother Apostate, and Vinny

  by 5go in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  this guy says it better than anything i could type here.. .

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  AlmostAtheist

  Quite an articulate and well-spoken fellow, isn't he? Thanks for the video!

  Dave
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  44

  Why God permits wickedness..the argument and counter logic

  by wherehasmyhairgone in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  when i was a pioneer i used to get the comment a lot, as i am sure most here have.. my stock answer was the analogy.... wt 2002 10/1 page 7 as an example.

  imagine a father allowing his child to go thru a painful operation in-order to get better...hence why god permits suffering.

  anyway i used to trot this out without any counter arguments.. even when i left, it still seemed a reasonable explanations, then something clicked.

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  AlmostAtheist

  Surely, a more pertinent question is, Why do we humans permit wickedness?

  ...

  I'm inclined to think the reason we humans permit wickedness - however defined - is for the same reason we permit bad weather: When all is said and done, we actually have very, very limited influence over others' behaviour.

  That's where the "Why does Goes permit..." question comes from. He (allegedly) has UNlimited influence.

  I know why *I* don't stop a million violent acts a day -- I don't have the power. If I had it, I would.

  (We can quibble about what constitutes a violent act, but I'm sure there's an act or two we could all agree on. Rape leaps to mind)

  Good job on pointing out the hole in the "parent/doctor" analogy. Analogies are downright dangerous -- they make believe accept the most inane stuff.

  Dave
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  76

  Fear of athiests

  by changeling in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i seemed to have missed some of the excitement from last night.

  but i wanted to post my observations.. it seems to me that some have an irrational fear of athiests.

  it's as if they fear we are evil people that are out to destroy their faith.

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  AlmostAtheist

  >>This was another poor showing. http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/6/132946/1.ashx

  Perhaps it would pay you to review this one, Vinny. I just reread it, and there isn't an iota of disrespect toward anyone for the first 23 posts, of a total of 28. This thread was an attempt at exactly what you are saying you want -- respectful discussion.

  Dave
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  76

  Fear of athiests

  by changeling in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i seemed to have missed some of the excitement from last night.

  but i wanted to post my observations.. it seems to me that some have an irrational fear of athiests.

  it's as if they fear we are evil people that are out to destroy their faith.

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  AlmostAtheist

  Hi Vinny,

  Nice to see you again!

  I didn't see the posts that prompted this discussion, so I may be speaking out of turn. If so, sorry.

  If I say, "You are a moron for believing in God" then that is most certainly disrespectful and inappropriate. I wouldn't want to legislate against that sort of thing, but I would definitely lose respect for someone that talked that way.

  However, if I say, "I think belief in God shows a lack of logic and reason" then I'm stating an opinion. (One I don't happen to hold, BTW, so don't bother flaming) I don't think that is disrespectful. It's an opinion, and one I could be called upon to defend and could lead into a lively and even useful discussion.

  Would you agree that one is acceptable and the other is not? Or would both be out of line?

  Dave
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  68

  Throwing the Baby out with the Bathwater Goodbye Watchtower Hello Nothing?

  by Magick in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  as witnesses who were deeply indoctrinated.

  we accepted all of jehovah's witness teachings as a total package, it was "the truth".

  there were no cracks in our armor that would allow other ideas, doctrines or thoughts to seep in.

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  AlmostAtheist

  In my case, I threw the baby out first -- the bathwater was just along for the ride.

  But you make the point that religion does not equal Watchtower, and organized religion doesn't equal worship. Very valid points that need to be brought up. Thank you for the post.

  Dave
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  69

  Jehovah's Witnesses are not a cult and here's why I think so

  by B_Deserter in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  when most people think of "cult" they think of the people's temple, the branch davidians, or heaven's gate.

  many also want to put jehovah's witnesses, mormons, and scientologists into this group.

  i don't agree with that because there is one main difference between true cults and high-control groups like jws:.

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  AlmostAtheist

  >>The term "Cult" is not a precise term.

  I think that's the issue. It's more of a label than a word.

  I label them "cult", and at the end of the day, I think I can defend my use of it. But you can defend your "not a cult" position, too.

  Dave of the "Former Cult-Member" class
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  64

  I’m only mostly dead.

  by seven006 in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  as miracle max (billy crystal) said about westly in the movie the princess bride, hes only mostly dead (i love that movie).

  i have gotten a few inquiries over the last few months about why i am posting a little more recently.

  wasnt i ill, sick?

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  AlmostAtheist

  >>I'm on a Mac so if anyone wants to make the link I gave above clickable for me, please do.

  http://www.maloneillustration.com/

  Dave
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  32

  My Letter to The Editor was Published.....

  by AK - Jeff in

  1. watchtower
  2. medical

  again it ran in the sunday edition - i hope that a few people might be 'forewarned' and thus 'forearmed' against the jw religion.

  perhaps a jw or two will read it also- here was the letter:.

  to the editor; on october 25 the british press was awash with the story of young emma gough from tellford, uk.

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  AlmostAtheist

  Just adding to the chorus, Jeff. Nice job, not hateful, makes the point. Very well played, and an excellent face to put on "apostates".

  Dave