I'm quite new too and am impressed with this board. Welcome. I have never been a witness but may start to study soon - just to keep a channel open to my lifelong friend soon to be baptized. I feel dishonest, but if he thinks I'm a potential convert I might stay close to him and gradually reveal the truth about the truth (all learned from Bible, past Watchtowers, Books & Internet over past 5 months. Does this make me a bad person?
jaffacake
JoinedPosts by jaffacake
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50
I'm new to the board
by mjl inthere has been a few new to board so what's one more?
i've been reading the board for a few weeks and i'm impressed at the amount of research that goes into many of postings.
there are two topics that really get me going, one is "607 bce".
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Call me slow, My Baptism Contract null and void.
by BrendaCloutier ini just realized how null and void my baptismal contract is.... i know, it's been tossed around here probably almost as long as this site has been functioning.
i'm a little slow sometimes.
it's doesn't have to do with age, as my parents supported me, a minor, in my decision (made at 14 because it was what i was supposed to do to please my parents).
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jaffacake
According to Matthew?s Gospel, Jesus Christ told his disciples to baptize persons ?in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit?. Peter and others called on people to ?repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus the Messiah for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.? People were baptized into Christianity in similar ways to this for 1,900 years. For more than 100 years the Watchtower followed this Scriptural example.
Watchtower
?A Christian cannot be baptized in the name of the one actually doing the immersing or in the name of any man, nor in the name of any organisation, but in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This shows, amongst other things, that Christianity is not a denominational affair?.
Watchtower page 603
?We do not dedicate ourselves to a religion, nor to a man, nor to an organisation. No, we dedicate ourselves to the Supreme Sovereign of the Universe, our Creator, Jehovah God Himself. This makes dedication a very personal relationship between us and Jehovah.
Why were the questions changed (so called simplified) to remove ?the Holy Spirit? that Jesus Christ told his disciples to baptize in the name of. Instead, persons are asked to confirm their understanding that their dedication and baptism identifies them as one of Jehovah?s Witnesses in association with God?s spirit-directed organisation.
Is an earthly organisation led by fallible men now inserted into the ?intimate relationship with God?? I am genuinely troubled about how this subtle change sits with the Scriptural importance of God?s Holy Spirit:
1 Corinthians 1:13
?Was Paul crucified for you? Were you baptized into the name of Paul??
New light - JWs crucified for us!?
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Are some people REALLY better off in high-control groups?
by seattleniceguy inin holly's good-bye thread, quotes mentioned that he felt that some people were better off in high-control groups.
i've heard othes say similar things.. but i have a difficult time with this.
is it not true that high-control groups stiffle a person's emotional and intellectual development?
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jaffacake
Can anyone tell me why intelligent JWs who know the facts about the history of the organisation come on here to support or defend it. I understand why they stay in it, but do they REALLY believe it?? Can't get my head round this. Or is it just about arguments?
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Can anyone in NE England help me
by jaffacake ini only became interested in jws because by lifelong best friend and his wife are soon to be baptized.
at first this all seemed harmless and i noticed some positive changes in their lives.
i have studied the bible & past watchtowers plus ray franz books for 5 months to dissuade them from the path they are on.
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jaffacake
I only became interested in JWs because by lifelong best friend and his wife are soon to be baptized. At first this all seemed harmless and I noticed some positive changes in their lives. I have studied the Bible & past Watchtowers plus Ray Franz books for 5 months to dissuade them from the path they are on. I didn't appreciate the danger until it was too late. They have told the elders of my questions and have all but been cut off. I have said I might study with JWs and this has kept the door slightly ajar, but I am being directed to a different congregations elders to answer my dangerous questions.
I cannot get much access to my friends. I need help. Ideally I would like to introduce friend to someone in Northern England who is better qualified than me to help him. Any suggestions?
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What's Your Opinion of Michael Jackson?
by minimus inis he a molester?
a nut?
a gifted musician??
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jaffacake
Does anyone know whether he was ever disfellowshipped?
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Goodbye everyone
by holly inits time to leave.
i have had all the answers i need to make a firm decision.
thank you so much everyone for your replies, for talking to me over the last few weeks and for some of the humour.. i believe the jws are right and that they have the truth.
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jaffacake
Holly
Just seen your posts about the Church. If ur still there, don't you think the Watchtower Society ARE the Church, the modern Pharisees, the new Catholicism. My best friend since childhood, due to be baptized a JW in June, won't talk to me cos I study Bible & Watchtowers myself & come up with different interpretations, WTS say I'm dangerous. I've lost a dear friend when I need him most - my wife & sis in law both have cancer, but he is obedient to the elders. Please just read the 2 Ray Franz books, before you leave - what harm could it do? Please.
David
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Goodbye everyone
by holly inits time to leave.
i have had all the answers i need to make a firm decision.
thank you so much everyone for your replies, for talking to me over the last few weeks and for some of the humour.. i believe the jws are right and that they have the truth.
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jaffacake
Goodbye Holly
Please just read the two Raymond Franz books. I think you will be moved and enlightened. Love and best wishes.
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Goodbye everyone
by holly inits time to leave.
i have had all the answers i need to make a firm decision.
thank you so much everyone for your replies, for talking to me over the last few weeks and for some of the humour.. i believe the jws are right and that they have the truth.
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The (non-NGO) Library Card Has Bids!
by BrendaCloutier ini love it!
the library card up for bid on ebay has 6 bids.
awesome.
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