I grew up in a military family and it was not a big deal. We didn't even have to stand up, we could sit quietly while the others did it. My father (a non-jw military man) went to bat for us saying the country he fought for believed in freedom of religion, and said so much to the base commander. So no problem. A very unusual experience I know. Once we were at an event when the audience "asked" to stand up for the pledge, we did not, but my father did, the people behind us making nasty comments. My father (in uniform) stood up and turned to them and said, "this is my family, I have fought in 3 wars to protect their right to respectfully practice their beliefs." Well, those people sat down and shut up.
Posts by blondie
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56
Can God Change his Mind?
by peacefulpete inis 31:yet he also is wise and will bring disaster and does not retract his words.. 1 sam 15: furthermore, the eternal one of israel does not lie or change his mind, for he is not man who changes his mind.. numbers 23: god is not a man who lies, or a son of man who changes his mind.
does he speak and not act, or promise and not fulfill?.
when the god you worship pronounces judgement, is he, really just issuing a warning or has the matter been determined through all the godly powers of insight, foresight and perfect judgement?
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blondie
I have thought about this many times. The WTS tries to show how the original language words meant something different (and we are not capable of understanding it seemingly since the WTS does not tell which word they are referring to.)
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Doesn’t the Bible say that God never changes?
Yes, the Bible records God as saying: “I am Jehovah; I do not change.” (Malachi 3:6) Similarly, the Bible says that God “does not vary or change like the shifting shadows.” (James 1:17) This, however, does not contradict what the Bible says about God changing his mind. God is unchangeable in that his personality and standards of love and justice never alter. (Deuteronomy 32:4; 1 John 4:8) Still, he can give different instructions to people at different times. For instance, God gave opposite instructions to King David for fighting two consecutive battles, yet both methods succeeded.—2 Samuel 5:18-25. (Found at ijwbq article 86 in the WT Online Library, no link not to make someone uncomfortable going directly to the site, remember just reporting, not supporting)
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The org. Came out with a Christmas song!!!!
by nowwhat? inholy nativity batman!
on jw broadcasting.
final song for this year's convention.
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blondie
No scripture supporting "no birthdays," in fact the WTS celebrate birthdays back in the day. No a df'ing offense either. Song might work, not associated with December celebration. Now, not counting time, that is amazing; I'm sure it is a combination of the WTS fighting back regarding negative comments about it in court cases and no real scriptural reason for "counting time." (I know the WTS has work-arounds that issue). I wonder if the day will come if men can skip the ties? The WTS also celebrated Christmas until about 1926, even photos showing a Xmas celebration at Bethel. Place for keeping record of birthdays in the equivalent of the examining the scriptures. It is just putting frosting on a turd. -
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Waiting On Jehovah First Mentioned?
by Ron.W. inyes, waiting on jehovah for him to handle a problem/ doctrine etc.. when did the jw's first start saying that?
they've been saying it as long as i can remember.. what scriptures do they trot out to back that teaching up?
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blondie
The phrase comes from the NWT at Psalm 31:24. Earliest I found was a 1962 WT.
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85
Disaster preparedness
by ElderBerry inas your family considers its disaster preparedness plan, please ensure that the secretary has up-to-date contact information for you and your emergency contact.
also, we have re- peatedly seen good results when brothers and sisters are prepared with go bags and are ready to obey direction when they face various kinds of disasters.
please be sure you have a go bag, and review its contents at least once a year.
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blondie
Preparedness became a thing during Hurricane Katrina, when many jws info was lost, and hard to track them. The WTS realized that was a mistake. Katrina 2005: 2007 Kingdom Ministry "Bodies of elders should review the July 6, 2006, letter regarding disaster preparedness and ensure that they have up-to-date contact information for each publisher. In disaster-prone areas, additional emergency contact information should be obtained. Of course, in addition to emergency situations, it is helpful when publishers communicate with their Congregation Book Study overseer or another elder if they will be away for extended periods, such as when traveling on vacation or business, during a hospital stay, and so forth." "Bodies of elders should review the July 6, 2006, letter regarding disaster preparedness and ensure that they have up-to-date contact information for each publisher."
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Spiritual Paradise? Jehovah's Witness cons JW seniors out of life savings.
by Balaamsass2 in3/28/2024 central california coast.
found guilty of $1.2 million scam targeting seniors.
ex-insurance agent brett e. lovett convicted of fraud, elder abuse, grand theft, and money laundering".
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blondie
(Reporting not supporting) What does the WTS say about fraud: "Discernment can safeguard us from taking action that may put the congregation in a bad light. Paul advised fellow Christians to let themselves be wronged and even defrauded instead of taking a brother to court.—1 Cor. 6:7 " let us use discernment when money is lost in business ventures involving fellow believers. If we are thinking about taking legal action, we should consider the possible effects on us personally, on the other person or persons, on the congregation, and on outsiders. Pursuing compensation could consume much of our time, energy, and other resources. It might result only in enriching attorneys and other professionals. Sadly, some Christians have sacrificed theocratic privileges because of becoming overly absorbed in these things. Our being sidetracked in this manner must make Satan happy, but we want to make Jehovah’s heart rejoice. (Proverbs 27:11) On the other hand, accepting a loss may spare us heartaches and save much time for us and for the elders. It will help to preserve the congregation’s peace and will enable us to keep on seeking first the Kingdom." See WT 1997 3/15 p. 17-22 (Barf material)
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86
Prediction: no more changes for a long while
by slimboyfat ini’ve noticed a pattern where things don’t go the way i expect them to go and/or whenever i realise there is a trend and, i mentally adjust for the idea that the trend will continue, the trend stops in its tracks.
so on that basis, and given many people, including myself, and active jws, have been asking ‘what changes will the governing body make next?’ perhaps the (disappointing) answer is: ‘nothing much for a while to come’.
maybe they’ve made the changes they want for now, and will wait a while and see how it’s received.
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What Book is Required for Baptism Now?
by LeeMerk inis it this "enjoy life forever - interactive study guide"?
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is there a second book also?
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blondie
The Bible perhaps. haha
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June 2024 WT: Don't talk about Anthony Morris
by neat blue dog inthe latest study edition mentions hypothetical scenarios of jws who are no longer serving at bethel or no longer elders, etc.
and says we shouldn't speculate, as defaming them could border on slander.. we could unintentionally defame someone by spreading negative information.
..... would it be proper to speculate on the reasons why these adjustments were made and to share that opinion with others?.
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blondie
How the WTS speculates, "The Bible does not say
The Bible does not say how long it took Noah to build the ark, but it seems that he spent several decades building it.
The Bible does not say, and traditions about their number vary. According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, “Eastern tradition sets the number of Magi at 12, but Western tradition sets their number at three, probably based on the three gifts of ‘gold, frankincense, and myrrh’ (Matthew 2:11) presented to the infant.”
The Bible does not say, but here are some possible ways.
The Bible does not say why he left, but the apostle Paul evidently viewed Mark’s action as irresponsible. Paul might have had questions about Mark’s dependability.
How many thousands had become believers? The Bible does not say, but even by the end of the first century, the number of believers must have been far fewer than 144,000.
The Bible does not say, but the way events unfolded suggests that consideration for young Samuel was an important factor.
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The Next Big Thing In WT World
by NotFormer inthings got a bit lively after the agm leaks in october.
there was a lot of discussion going on on this board for a few months.
now that all the leaks have been more or less confirmed as policy, and we've had lively discussions at length concerning the changes, things seem to have slowed down here.. a few suggestions have been raised as to what might be the next changes, such as women being allowed to wear slacks (in the usa, anyway), decoupling from 1914 as an anchoring date and others.. so, what changes do you think will be announced this year?.
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blondie
WTS statements about slacks/pants for woman over the years
1984
The principle in this text would not rule out a Christian woman’s wearing slacks sometimes, as when working around the house or on a farm. And according to local custom and necessity, slacks may be the desired attire in very cold climates.
1975
During cold weather she likely could arrange to be exposed to the weather for shorter periods of time, or pause more frequently to warm herself. But in frigid climates, where everyone in the community wears clothing appropriate to the weather, such as slacks, surely it is proper for Christian women to do the same.
1972
So if a woman were to put on a worn-out pair of her husband’s trousers to do a job around the house or on the farm, she would not be going against the evident purpose of the law, namely, to prevent confusion of sexual identity and sexual abuses...A Christian woman appreciates that whether it would be proper for her to wear slacks or pants depends upon factors other than her personal likes. She would not want to be the cause for stumbling others or bring reproach on the Christian congregation
1951
The women can use good judgment as to time and place and what is accepted as proper in the section where they reside. In some sections where winters are severe many women wear trousers or ski suits or some similar garment that covers and protects their legs. Such is not Scripturally wrong.
Reporting not Supporting
