Posts by blondie

35

Hitting the fan: CD epidemic at my Hall

by neat blue dog in

yesterday my congregation met for field service and the elder taking the lead did something not so smart: he brought up the child abuse situation and the recent news articles hitting local news across the country.

he said 'you can see that the persecution is really coming' and that we should be ready if someone complains about it at the door.

(funny how it's persecution when it's us and righteous judgment when it happens to the other churches.

blondie

NBD, exactly:

Funny how it's persecution when it's us and righteous judgment when it happens to the other churches.

11

The dangerous species: The True Believer

by Terry in

the age of enlightenment is worth a good look.

(the rise of reason, science, art, philosophy replacing superstition and 'belief.

")for millennia emperors and popes enforced compliance in our world.

blondie

Reminds me of Eric Hoffer's comments:

“Hatred is the most accessible and comprehensive of all the unifying agents … Mass movements can rise and spread without belief in a god, but never without a belief in a devil.” ~ Eric Hoffer, The True Believer: Thoughts on the Nature of Mass Movements

https://reasonandmeaning.com/2017/09/04/summary-of-eric-hoffers-the-true-believer/

Those in possession of absolute power can not only prophesy and make their prophecies come true, but they can also lie and make their lies come true. Eric Hoffer

Passionate hatred can give meaning and purpose to an empty life. Eric Hoffer

24

Walked away from bible study after 8 months

by Biblestudent1 in

jw
friends

i have been working through the grey book with a married couple for several months.

actually after a while what happened was a different brother or sister got invited each week to my study.

i met lots and lots.

blondie

biblestudent1, just remember too many jws have walked away or stopped coming to the meetings, but still hang onto to some of the WTS teachings, such as living through Armageddon and living on a paradise earth, seeing their loved ones resurrected; even though the WTS teaches that unless one is a baptized jw in good standing in the congregation, they will not survive Armaggedon.

So hang onto a paper copy of this post of yours and review it you ever think of studying with Jehovah's witnesses again. Don't let emotional things guide your decisions.

17

BLONDIE’S FIRST THOUGHTS REVIEW 8-18-19 (JUNE 2019)(PAGES 8-13)(OVERTURN REASONING)

by blondie in

jw
friends

blondie’s first thoughts review 8-18-19 (june 2019)(pages 8-13)(overturn reasoning).

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2019441?q=overturn&p=sen.

excellent general website: www.jwfacts.com .

blondie

Thanks everyone for your comments. It makes my efforts worthwhile, seeing your first thoughts as well. I hope this onslaught of haranguing and deceptive words eventually makes others wake up. That is what I had to go through to finally see the real light.

As to how I withstand the WTS deceit, I think about people like myself before leaving. To see that they are not alone. I had cognitive dissonance before I knew what that phrase really meant. I would go home so confused seeing that at times the WTS seemed to know what was the Christian way to go, then after see almost no one attending actually doing it. Just judgmental people looking around at others and mentally listing their faults in others rather looking inward at themselves as the WTS deceitfully said. As Jesus told the Jews of his time, do what the religious leaders say (when quoting from the Torah) but not what they do in real life.

17

BLONDIE’S FIRST THOUGHTS REVIEW 8-18-19 (JUNE 2019)(PAGES 8-13)(OVERTURN REASONING)

by blondie in

jw
friends

blondie’s first thoughts review 8-18-19 (june 2019)(pages 8-13)(overturn reasoning).

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2019441?q=overturn&p=sen.

excellent general website: www.jwfacts.com .

blondie

blondie’s first thoughts review 8-18-19 (June 2019)(pages 8-13)(overturn reasoning)

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2019441?q=overturn&p=sen

EXCELLENT GENERAL WEBSITE: www.jwfacts.com

OPENING COMMENTS

In the WTS preview of this article the say:

We may find that certain wrong attitudes have become firmly entrenched in our personality.

How often over the last 50 plus years have I seen the term “attitudes” used by the WTS. What are attitudes per the WTS? Basically, the WTS concentrates and any negative viewpoints jws might have about what the WTS says or is doing.

We may find—true definition other jws or the WTS will point them out to you, no need to examine yourself in reality.

So the WTS uses 18 paragraphs to guide other jws to judge what your attitudes are.

My First Thoughts as reading paragraphs 1-18

Paragraph 1

Why did he give such strong admonition to men and women who were dedicated to God and anointed with holy spirit?

Why would the WTS have to bring out this point? Because many jws think that the anointed somehow are closer to human perfection than the other sheep.

What is the official stance of the WTS on this? Do the anointed have more holy spirit than the other sheep?

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1996447#h=1:0-10:1010

Can we say that God’s servants today who have the earthly hope have as much of God’s spirit as do spirit-anointed Christians?

Yet the fact remains that the same truths and the same understanding are available to both classes, and it is just how the individuals apply themselves in study that determines the comprehension of heavenly and earthly things they acquire. The Lord’s spirit is available in equal portions to both classes, and knowledge and understanding are offered equally to both, with equal opportunities for absorbing it.”

Paragraph 2-3

Here is one for the elders: Satan…uses various tactics. One of them is that of exploiting any tendency we may have toward selfish ambition or self-promotion.

Here’s another regarding education, yes advanced education can lead jws to Satan’s thinking

aspects of our background, our culture, or our education to bring us over to his way of thinking.

Or this:

“we are bringing every thought into captivity to make it obedient to the Christ.”

Obedient to Christ or to the WTS/GB? If one disobeys the imperfect human GB, is that the same as disobeying Christ?

The second brother stated: “Such scriptures as 2 Corinthians 10:5, about ‘obedience to Christ,’ have helped me to be obedient and cooperate with those taking the lead.

w14 11/15 pp. 8-12 - The Watchtower—2014

Paragraph 4

For many of us, this involved giving up some form of wrong conduct.

So which of the jws had no form of wrong conduct to give up?

Paragraph 5

Even though we stopped committing serious sins that we engaged in before baptism, we still need to be diligent about avoiding anything that would tempt us to return to those former deeds (not new deeds or were those who were not of the many not committing any serious sins?)

PICTURE WHICH SAYS

By contrast, the Greek word translated “disguising” at 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 refers to a change that is outward only, a superficial change in appearance. (PIMO jws?)

Paragraph 6

It touches every fiber of our being… Are the changes I am making to become a Christian only skin-deep,

(to become a Christian or a jw, how many jws have you known, elders and so-called mature jws, that proved that they their actions proved their words?)

Paragraph 7

possible to change what we are inside, but it is not easy to do. We need to do more than just suppress

(I knew too many jws that thought if other jws had no knowledge of their bad thoughts and actions, that they were safe. It was it they were like the Israelites in Ezekiel’s time that were worshipping false idols right in the temple with the Jewish priests officiation, saying, “Jehovah has left the land and he is not seeing.”)

Paragraph 8-9

brother who had a violent background. After he stopped drinking and fighting,.. But when the man eventually blasphemed Jehovah’s name, it was too much for our new brother. He went out and beat up the man.

(No mention of how the community viewed this and whether he was disciplined by the BOE. What about if he beat up his wife and/or children? Would it have been different if this man was an elder?) Then:

A drunk man was about to beat up one of the other elders. What did our brother do? In a calm, humble manner, he reasoned with the drunk man, eased the tension, (so this is how to do, does he do it at home?)

Paragraph 10

do not take place overnight; nor do they occur automatically

(so how long after this new brother beat up the man, was he considered worthy of being appointed an MS or elder?)

Paragraph 11

Prayer is the important first step… Jehovah was willing to help those Israelites to change, and he is willing to help us too.

(But only through the imperfect, human GB and their representatives)

Paragraph 12-13

Meditation is the second vital step. As we peer into God’s Word each day, we need to take the time to meditate, or to think deeply.

(But in the end, it is the elders and the WT publications that will identify what you need to change as paragraph enumerates)

For instance, ask yourself: ‘Is there a trace of envy or jealousy in my heart?’ (1 Pet. 2:1) ‘Do I feel a measure of pride because of my background, education, or financial status?’ (Prov. 16:5) ‘Do I look down on others who do not have the same things I have or who are from a different racial background?’ (Jas. 2:2-4) ‘Do I feel attracted to what Satan’s world offers?’ (1 John 2:15-17) ‘Do I feel drawn to immoral and violent entertainment?’ (Ps. 97:10; 101:3; Amos 5:15)

Paragraph 14

Choosing good association is the third necessary step. Whether we realize it or not, we are strongly influenced by those with whom we associate.

(and not everyone at the KH is considered good association by the WTS, in fact the WTS says that 1 Corinthians 15:33 was a warning from Paul about those in the congregation not outside.)

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1993564#h=8:0-9:613

Paul’s counsel at 1 Corinthians 15:33 was particularly applicable to whom?

6 In the course of providing firm evidence that the dead are to be resurrected, Paul told them: “Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits.” The point of this counsel concerned those associated with the congregation who disagreed on the resurrection doctrine.

Paragraph 15-16

Satan is determined to change our thinking.

(so jws think then that Satan is personally attacking them?)

Did God really say that . . . Does God really not approve of same-sex marriage? Does God really not want you to celebrate Christmas and birthdays? Does your God really expect you to refuse a blood transfusion? Does a loving God really expect you to avoid association with disfellowshipped loved ones?’

(No God did not say that, the WTS/GB takes it upon themselves to speak for God)

Paragraph 17

we may prove to ourselves “the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” (Rom. 12:2) By regular study,

(regular study of the bible or WTS/GB publications which “interpret” what they say as “god’s” representatives

Paragraph 18

No one else can stabilize your faith for you

(Except the WTS/GB and their representatives as they help you by examining and judging worthy or unworthy)

CONCLUDING COMMENTS

I have noticed how often the WTS/GB repeats the “admonition” to the flock to pray, meditate, study, and attend the meetings. All propaganda sessions outlining the GB’s viewpoint (attitude). Yes, jws are unthankful for the GB’s efforts to cut back on the time for meetings, the length of the publications, the dumbing down of the articles, only to waste that time on personal entertainment and activities. Shame, shame, shame you jws.

(I think of all of you still attending meetings. I hope you can take your minds to a happy place.)

Love, Blondie

17

No 2019 Conventions in Ireland ?

by Phizzy in

i may have got this wrong, but using the dreaded jw website, they seem to be directing the irish j.w's to go to birmingham in england this weekend.. is this correct ?

they always used to hold two conventions in ireland, are there none in 2019 ??.

probably the irish ones actually, truly, made a loss, but think of all the travelling, including a flight or sea ferry crossing if i am correct.

blondie

So the WTS gave into the Irish jws not obeying their instructions to support the assigned conventions locations? What will happen next?

6

German Files of Interest for Those Collecting!

by Atlantis in

jw
friends

german files for the folks who are collecting these.. bewerbung für besondere predigtaktion in bolivienvom 13. april bis 14. juni 2020.https://docdro.id/2on5cdainfoblatt für diejenigen, die die besondere predigtaktion in bolivienvom 13. april bis 14. juni 2020 unterstützen möchten.https://docdro.id/1ympqjcscn:sse 5. august 2019an alle versammlungen im zweiggebiet zentraleuropabesondere predigtaktion in bolivien.https://docdro.id/ulnq2xq petra!

.

blondie

Here is a WT experience with Mennonites in Bolivia in 2000/2001. Evidently the WTS is trying to build on this group.

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2005645#h=1:0-31:76

11

It is on my local news - Silent No More

by Tameria2001 in

i had a pop up on my phone from my local news (40/29 fayetteville, ar) and they are covering the jehovah's witness and the sexual abuse.

here are the links.. silent no more: the survivors.

silent no more: the verdicts.

blondie

If you state doesn't have the following, check to see if bills are currently being proposed or have been in the past and who in your state government is supporting this. Contact them and see what you can do to help.

Require clergy of all faiths to report allegations of abuse

Add training

Extend the statute of limitations for victims to come forward.

Nevada does not seem to have any of these.

17

No 2019 Conventions in Ireland ?

by Phizzy in

i may have got this wrong, but using the dreaded jw website, they seem to be directing the irish j.w's to go to birmingham in england this weekend.. is this correct ?

they always used to hold two conventions in ireland, are there none in 2019 ??.

probably the irish ones actually, truly, made a loss, but think of all the travelling, including a flight or sea ferry crossing if i am correct.

blondie

Biblestudent 1, that is very probable, since those convention(s) would not be listed on the website since it is now August.

58

Now you don't even have to go to the Kingdom Hall - ALL meetings to be recorded & available on jw.org (if you have a password)

by sir82 in

jw
friends

latest boe letter:.

october 22, 2015. to all bodies of eldersre: use of jw stream.

dear brothers:we are writing to inform you that arrangements are being made for video recordings ofcongregation meetings, circuit assemblies, and conventions to be uploaded to jw stream (accessibleat http://stream.jw.org) in various languages.

blondie

Some congregations make it very difficult to get the appropriate password officially. One long-time elder was told that his elderly parents had to go to the KH during the meeting to get the password, which was updated every month. He was told that even he could not give the password to his parents.

It may have changed since then but if the BOE controls access to the password, it will vary from congregation to congregation.

I got the password from my jw mother in another congregation at a time when I had not attended a meeting for 3 years. Just out of curiosity I listened to 3 minutes of a public talk and 3 minutes of a discussion of one paragraph. I went out and vomited after that.