Posts by Rod P

8

Defining the Decades- 1900 thru 2005

by Rod P in

jw
friends

all of us were born in the 1900's.

during this past century, the earth has been incredibly impacted, and societies around the world have been irrevocably altered.. everyone has been powerfully influenced- at the individual level, the family level, the community level, the regional level, national level and global level.

in fact, we could say that most of this actually defines who we are, and how we see ourselves and others.. one of the problems is, how do we make sense of where we actually fit in history.

Rod P

The year was 1943 in Alberta, Canada. World War II was still over two years away from ending. So why wasn't my dad away from home, fighting the Germans or the Japanese?

He was a converted J.W. who escaped the draft because the Doctor diagnosed him with a heart murmer. All of the other eligible male JW's were in jail for refusing to go to war. They were, of course, "Conscientious Objectors".

My dad was 18 years old when he married my mother at the age of 16. In the zeal of his youth, he was given the position of "Company Servant" (which is now referred to as "Presiding Overseer"). He was earning about $20.00 a week as an apprentice to become a Machinist for the Canadian Pacific Railway. He worked on the old Steam Engines and often visited the sites of train wrecks for repair work.

Between the financial struggles, and the assuming of full responsibilities over a JW Congregation (being the only eligible male who was allowed to be in a leadership position), this was a recipe for a disastrous marriage. My mother got fed up with the whole thing and decided she had had enough, and so she just took off, abandoning us all. In essence, this was a case of a couple of kids trying to raise a couple of babies (me and my little brother).

At age three, I got billeted out to a JW couple who lived on a farm some 45 miles from town. I remember being awestruck in Grade one, when for the first time I saw a black and white movie on the school gymnasium wall from a film projector. I went up to the wall and blocked the picture while I felt the wall. How could pictures move on a wall? It was a total mystery to me.

There was no television; only the radio. I can still remember Patty Page singing "Lady in Blue" (or was it "Blue Lady"?). Then there was her song "Mocking Bird Hill". I also remember the "Blue Barrel Polka". Oh, and the "I Don't Want Her, You Can Have Her, She's Too Fat for Me" Polka. Further, I seem to recall "I'm Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover" and "White Cliffs of Dover" by Vera Lynn. This is all I can remember from Grade One. Hey, what can you expect from a six-year-old?

Rod P.

8

Defining the Decades- 1900 thru 2005

by Rod P in

jw
friends

all of us were born in the 1900's.

during this past century, the earth has been incredibly impacted, and societies around the world have been irrevocably altered.. everyone has been powerfully influenced- at the individual level, the family level, the community level, the regional level, national level and global level.

in fact, we could say that most of this actually defines who we are, and how we see ourselves and others.. one of the problems is, how do we make sense of where we actually fit in history.

Rod P

All of us were born in the 1900's. During this past Century, the Earth has been incredibly impacted, and Societies around the world have been irrevocably altered.

Everyone has been powerfully influenced- at the individual level, the family level, the community level, the regional level, national level and global level. In fact, we could say that most of this actually defines who we are, and how we see ourselves and others.

One of the problems is, how do we make sense of where we actually fit in history. Do we understand where we have come from? In other words, why were you born in the 1940's instead of the 1950's? or the 1960's instead of the 1970's? and so on. Would you have been a different person had you been born a decade earlier, or a decade later?

Well, to start with, let's look at some of the Categories or Compartments with which we could discuss these impacts and influences. Let's look at the Culture of our "Birth Decade", which would include things like Music, Art, Theater, Dance, Opera, Movies. Then, let's also look at other categories like Politics & War, Sports, Science and Religion of our "Birth Decade". (I may have missed one or two categories, so feel free to include others). Within these Categories, we need to mention the most influential Personalities, the most Significant Events that occurred, the Social Trends that were at work at the time, major works or titles that were produced in that decade, and so on.

Now, what about those of us who were born in the middle of a decade, say 1965 instead of 1960? For this reason, I think it would be good to cover the 2 decades surrounding our birthdates. For example, I was born in 1943. So I am going to focus on the 1940's and the 1950's, because that is the time period that influenced me the most "growing up" (i.e. the formative years).

Similarly for you. If a "new phenomenon" was coming on stream during the first 20 or so years of your life, then you should include that as an influence. [Incidentally, you can include what happened when you became J.W. (unless born into it)].

This is not intended to be some list of interesting factoids in history. It is about how certain things have influenced you in growing up within the context of the "World Stage" at the various levels of influence.

This discussion is now open. It ought to be very interesting!

Rod P.

11

Puzzle Over Pets and People

by Rod P in

just for fun:.

people love pets, and pets love people.

see if you can match four people with their pets and their correct names.. here's the story:.

Rod P

Abaddon,

A "riddle", or more precisely "puzzle" is not necessarily without the possibility of 2 answers. This should not be a stumbling block, as this actually gives you an extra chance to solve it. Still, I was unaware of there being two possible answers as I got the same answers as the book. I did solve the puzzle some time ago, without any amendments to the clues.

As for the confusion on the "name of the pet" versus the "name of the type of pet", I knew from the exercise of filling in the squares of the grid with "X's" that it could not have been the personal names of the pet, and that it was inferred that it was the name of the type of pet. In other words, I am not so sure this was not by design. At worst, this could be regarded as an ambiguity rather than a redundancy. One could argue that this may have been part of the challenge.

I am not convinced that Clue #7 should have stated Buffy rather than Duffy. The reason is that the explanation given in the book is consistent with the clue. I don't think the Clue and the Answer would be consistent with each other if there was an error in the clue.

Thank you all for your participation. I apologize for some of the confusion and frustration.

Rod P.

11

Puzzle Over Pets and People

by Rod P in

just for fun:.

people love pets, and pets love people.

see if you can match four people with their pets and their correct names.. here's the story:.

Rod P

Abaddon,

I didn't know there were two possible answers until I saw that nowisee's answer would also work. The source of this puzzle is a book titled "Math Wizardry for Kids" published by Barron's.

I double-checked all of the clues at the start of this thread and they have been correctly stated on a basis consistent with the book.

Leolaia,

Clue 2) - You are right. The "name of the pet" means the "name of the type of pet".

Clue 7) is not superfluous, as explained below.

Golden Girl,

Priceless! I laughed like hell.

Little Toe,

You are right, with a little help from Google. Clue #2 should be the "name of the type of pet". I regret the book did not present the clue with the proper clarity.

The approach to solving this problem is to set up a Grid or Chart to help you make the proper matches. As soon as you find one match, you can cross out other possibilities. For instance, if Pet #1 turns out to be a Mouse, then Pet #1 cannot be a Dog, Cat, or Parakeet. Use logic to find the matches.

Dog Mouse Parakeet Cat Fluffy Spot Mickey Vickie

Buffy

Duffy

Rickie

Danny

Fluffy

Spot

Mickey

Vickie

The above chart should alos have vertical lines to create boxes or squares inside of which you can insert "X's" as you go thru the processes of elimination, applying each of the clues.

Now, follow the clues about the pets and people like this:

1) If no person's name rhymes with the name of his or her Pet, then you know that Fluffy does not belong to Buffy or Duffy. You also can tell that neither Mickey nor Vickie belongs to Rickie. Make "X" marks on the grid by each name.

2) If no person's name begins with the same letter as his or her Pet (type), then you know that neither Danny nor Duffy has a Dog.

3) If Mickey is not a Mouse and Fluffy is not a Cat, mark "X" on the grid by those spots.

4) Danny's pet is neither a Mouse nor a Parakeet. You already know from Clue #2 that Danny's pet is not a Dog. There's only one pet left. Danny's pet must be a Cat. If Danny has a Cat, then the other people, Buffy, Duffy and Rickie do not have a Cat. You can "X" out those spots on the grid.

5) If the pets with rhyming names are not Parakeets, then neither Mickey nor Vickie is a Parakeet. Mickey and Vickie also do not belong to Duffy. Look at the "X" marks on your grid. Spot is the only pet name for Duffy. Spot must belong to Duffy. Now you also know that Spot does not belong to Buffy, Rickie or Danny.

6) The Parakeet does not belong to either of the people with rhyming names. Therefore, the Parakeet does not belong to Buffy or Duffy. Mark your grid.

7) Make an "X" to show that Mickey does not belong to Duffy.

As the grid fills with "X" marks, you can make the rest of the connections between Pets and People.

Rod P.

11

Puzzle Over Pets and People

by Rod P in

just for fun:.

people love pets, and pets love people.

see if you can match four people with their pets and their correct names.. here's the story:.

Rod P

nowisee,

You are correct. Way to go!

The other possibility is the the Dog could be Vickie and the Cat could be Mickey.

Rod P.

11

Puzzle Over Pets and People

by Rod P in

just for fun:.

people love pets, and pets love people.

see if you can match four people with their pets and their correct names.. here's the story:.

Rod P

Just for fun:

People love pets, and pets love people. See if you can match four people with their pets and their correct names.

Here's the story:

Buffy, Duffy, Rickie and Danny each have a pet.

The pets are a cat, a dog, a mouse, and a parakeet.

The pets are named Fluffy, Spot, Mickey and Vickie

Here are the clues to help you match the people, the pets, and the names of the pets:

1) No person's name rhymes with the name of his or her pet.

2) No person's name begins with the same letter as the name of his or her pet.

3) Mickey is not a mouse, and Fluffy is not a cat.

4) Danny's pet is neither a mouse nor a parakeet.

5) The pets with rhymng names are not parakeets, and neither of them belongs to Duffy.

6) The parakeet does not belong to either of the people with rhyming names.

7) Mickey does not belong to Duffy.

Good luck!

Rod P.

56

Do You Feel You Give To The Board What You Take Out Of It???

by minimus in

jw
friends

this board is quite helpful in a number of ways.

do you feel that you contribute to the growth of this board or are you just a taker?

Rod P

I've laughed and cried, and probably bored more than a few of you on this forum with my life story.

I've empathized and sympathized with a number of individuals who are agonizing with personal dilemmas and decisions, and offered a little advice from time to time.

I've flexed and vexed my brains with some of the many intellectuals here, delving into problems of free will, infinity, paradoxes, chess, gnostic literature, biblical questions and contradictions, and peeked in on quite a few threads on a host of other topics. Can't wait to jump into some of those discussions.

I have seen some amazing critical analyses and distillations of "Watchtower Think" that helped me understand what I went thru so many years ago. And I am particularly appreciative of the inciteful contributions of Blondie, who methodically rips apart the lines of propaganda of the Watchtower literature, exposing the techniques they employ to deceive and confuse and lead astray all who are caught in their clutches. There is an amazing wealth of collective knowledge, wisdom and experience on this forum, covering all aspects of life in general.

And in particular, there are a great many here who stand ready to reveal the many travesties committed by the WBTS/GB against so many who have visited or been associated with this forum. I see so many new ones coming on stream who are hurting, or confused, feeling hopeless and helpless, and afraid. And unlike the JW Organization, who wouldn't give these people the time of day because they are too busy shunning them, and ripping families apart, I see the members of this forum lending them support and counsel and encouragement and acceptance. Where else do you see that kind of fellowship and spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood?

Furthermore, we are a diverse community linked together from around the world thru the miracle of the internet. This is becoming a force to be reckoned with, IMHO.

And I've kidded around with the likes of Gumby and Minimus with some of their head games.

Hell, with a Reality Show like this who needs television?!

So Minimus, in answer to your question "Do you feel you give to the board what you take out of it?"

Absolutely not. I think we all realize that we get more from this board than we could ever hope to give back to it. But these days, it ain't for lack of trying, I wanna tell you. Can't remember when something kept me so busy as this here forum. But when all is said and done, I feel a deep sense of gratitude for having stumbled onto this site back in January last, which till now, has been a blast.

Rod P.

66

would you let your child associate with Jehovahs Witnesses?

by Ellie in

jw
friends

.

i'm the only one of my family who is not in 'the truth', and my family don't want anything to do with me.. however, today my mum asked me if she can take my 2 year old to visit the rest of the family, i'm not invited and wouldn't be welcome at any of their houses, so she would be taking my daughter alone.. i told her i would think about it.. i really don't think it would be practical because my daughter is not familiar with the family and i don't want her to be upset.. but the main reason |'m thinking of saying no is that i feel offended that i am not good enough for them to speak to.. am i being selfish if i say no?

Rod P

What makes this so difficult an issue to decide is:

1) You do not want to use your child as a pawn in an adult "game" or "power struggle".

2) You do not want to set a 'bad example" of intolerance towards members of your own family (like your own mother), just because she and others are being intolerant themselves, like JW's are. Children learn by example. What example are we setting for our kids?

3) On the other hand, you do not want your child to be subjected the rules and outside influences of an intolerant religion, especially when you are not there to see what is going on and what your child is being subjected to, so that you can intervene or terminate it if it is going on.

So, the way to handle this, in my opinion, is to allow the visit, but only if you can be present the whole time. That way you can avoid the traps of 1) and 2), while safeguarding your child from 3).

When I was disfellowshipped with 3 daughters, and my wife was JW, I drove her to all her meetings and let her study with the kids when I wasn't there. I thought I was being fair and open-minded. I soon discovered that the JW's have their whole minds and hearts and agenda set on converting your children to "the truth" in a way that by-passes or gets around you. To them, you are the obstacle they must somehow circumvent. Then the next thing you discover about your flexibility, is that if you give an inch, they will take a mile. It is all take, take, take, while you are expected to give, give, give-in. Jehovah will bless them, while you stand condemned before Jehovah. That's exactly how they see it and believe. It is all about manipulation and control, not Love and Understanding and Compassion and being close to family members.

All the best in your decision. Just keep your eyes and ears wide open all the time, and always be present at this stage of your child's live.

Rod P.

2

Something about religion

by free2beme in

jw
friends

when i was a witness, i thought all religions were wrong and all people were wrong, unless they were in the witness religion.

i would speak with other people and share the thoughts of the watchtower organization and no matter what another person said to me, i did not listen, as i was the only one right and all other religions and faiths (any faiths, even no belief in god and those into science), were all wrong and not worth the time.

even when i made statements to others, saying things like, "we are glad to see you believe in jesus" or "we are glad to see you read the bible.

Rod P

free2beme,

Yes, I have come to pretty much the same conclusion as you.

I also think that science has it's own sacred cows and cherished beliefs, even if they claim dispassionate objectivity and empiricism.That is an interesting subject, but not right here.

I was a JW, but during the course of doing field service, I actually converted to Mormonism. As a JW, something began to deeply disturb me along the way. I had met some very knowledgeable and intelligent individuals of other religious and philosophical persuasions. When I listened to what they had to say, I found that the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society (WBTS) had many inconsistencies, illogical arguments, and questionable interpretations of scripture, to say the least. Doctrinal issues, false prophecies and dates, assumptions about only JW's having Christian fruits, ever-changing "new light", etc. created some huge dilemmas in my mind.

The JW's believe that they are teaching only what the Bible teaches, and all the rest of Christendom is preaching false doctrine based on wrong interpretations of the scriptures. They would get into the soul doctrine, the hell doctrine, the trinity doctrine, the blood issue, and on and on, to argue how everyone else but the WBTS was teaching the truth from the Bible. They would erect "straw men" by describing the WBTS version of what other churches taught, and then would proceed to demolish their arguments. When I was better informed by talking with people of those faiths, I found out that the WBTS arguments did not hold any substance, and some of it was downright misrepresentation of a deceptive order.

One of my dilemmas was the Bible itself. How can one base his whole faith and salvation on the Bible alone? How can a JW, or anyone else for that matter, actually know with certainty what the correct interpretation of the Biblical contents are? Take two men (or women) of different religious backgrounds, and assume for just a moment, that they are highly intelligent and well-informed on the Bible. Let us then ask each of them the same question on a Biblical matter involving interpretation of scripture. Give them six months to research the topic thoroughly. Now put them in a room to debate the matter. The odds are they will stale-mate, with each one remaining equally convinced they are right and the other person is wrong. The tendency will be that each one will be simply defending the position and rationale of the religion they already belonged to. And even if one person had won the debate over the other. What would that have proved? It may simply be a case that one person was a better debater than the other on that particular topic. Choose a different topic, and the outcome might have been different.

One argues a literal interpretation, while another argues a symbolic or allegorical understanding. One puts Scripture A in juxtaposition with Scripture B, C, D, E and F, while the other guy interprets Scripture A in the context of Scripture C, E, G, H and I. Biblical interpretation is frought with difficulty. There is much that needs to be understood with certain historical, cultural, linguistic, etc. backgrounds, any one or all of which can completely render different understandings or interpretations of the same passages. Then there is the problem of the many versions of the Bible. If you tried to resolve all of these issues, you would find yourself up against some very profound and scholarly works by men who had spent their entire lives studying this stuff. The amount of material that has been produced would fill whole libraries. How on earth can you and I sort thru all that and come up with the infallibly correct versions of the "truth" about anything from the Bible where there are all these variances. It boggles the mind!

And so, if our very salvation and eternal life depends on making the so-called one right choice about the Bible and which church or religion is right, then the human race is in trouble. I just think this whole premise is ridiculous and illogical, and I do not believe the God of the Universe operates that way. Is He going to judge us for what is in our intellect or what is in our heart?

Furthermore, how about all the other religious books around the world which people outside of Christianity also believe is from God (eg. Koran)? To be fair and unbiased about this, we need to examine those as well. Do so, and it will change your thinking forever!

Rod P.

32

Someones birthday tomarrow!

by gumby in

jw
friends

Rod P

Gumby,

Happy Birfday. (oops, fergot ta put in my teef.....Not!)

And in case you think yer important or sumpin like that, there are more than 9 million other people in the world celebrating their birfday same day as you (minus the J-dubs).

Have a good one!

Rod P.