12 have empathy for unbelieving relatives.
while we may be overjoyed about the bible truths we have learned, our relatives may mistakenly believe that we have been tricked or have become part of a cult.
we should show empathy by trying to see things from their viewpoint and by listening carefully to discern their real concerns.
by listening carefully to discern their real concerns.
This rules out former members, so they are referring to unbelieving relatives that do not know much about the religion.
I also find it appalling the idea of only trying to understand where someone else is coming from without a genuine interest or care in their viewpoint, but only to find a way to argue your case with them.
That nails it. The article is intended to show how to use this as an opportunity to convert a relative.
we all know that the governing body claim to be "god's representatives" and the "faithful and discreet slave" that dispenses spiritual food..... but where is the proof?.
according to the bible (if we just for a moment take it as a reliable source), all of god's representatives in the past furnished proof of their appointment - not just self referential claims or statements.. for instance, moses and aaron performed miracles before pharaoh (such as the snake staffs.).
other prophets performed signs and miracles such as making the sun stand still, healing sick people, making walls fall down, etc etc.... even jesus performed miracles as proof of his divine appointment!.
Good question, examples of Bible leaders always were able to demonstrate miracles and had direct communication with angels.
Watchtower tries to say that the gifts of the spirit ceased when that which is perfect arrived. Watchtower and other religious groups that don't claim to have gifts of the spirit conveniently say this was the completion of the Bible books, though the scripture shows it is when Jesus is seen face to face.
we all know the rate of suicide is high among jw's.
my question is this- was there some subliminal messages that encourage this.
i was a born in and my entire life i would have these thoughts that could come out of nowhere,"kill yourself.
I have had a number of Jehovah's Witness friends commit suicide, and thought about this a lot. I don't think Watchtower specifically attempts to encourage suicide, on the contrary, suicide was said to be likely to result in losing a chance of a resurrection. However, the control through guilt, and teachings about the world and shunning mean that suicidal thoughts are a result. I personally always feared that if I left the religion, I would commit suicide, as being in the world would lead to unhappiness, being surrounded by people that could not be trusted, and life would have no meaning, waiting to be destroyed at Armageddon.
this post is actually in answer to a question i got from jwfacts.
i think the issue was also raised on a recent thread.. first, some data from the 2011 and 2016 censuses:.
(a) 1,751,733 (7.5% of population) reported being in a de-facto couple on census night, but .
Thanks Shepherdless. This confirms the trend from research I did ten years ago in other countries (Divorce Rate of Jehovah's Witnesses), that JW divorce rates are similar to the general population, and worse than certain segments of the population.
Interesting the increase in the percentage divorced from 5.86% to 6.47% in just 5 years. That averages out to an additional divorce in almost every congregation.
another recent topic got me thinking.
has there ever been any kind of study of the ratio of male to female anointed?
if the female anointed will be co-rulers in heaven with morris and company, why are they not represented as gb members and helpers before armageddon arrives?.
genetic gullibility (purportedly passed on from Eve)
Does that mean that when women are no longer affected by sin, that they will be treated as equals in the New System? Or is it that since Eve is from Adam, that there will always be the headship arrangement?
i know you might think i'm exaggerating but if you really think about it, maybe i'm not.
these two religions originate with the same ancient belief system.
islam is a dangerous middle eastern cult that seeks to control every aspect of its members' lives.
will always be much worse than Christianity because Muhammad's example is much worse than Jesus'.
Interesting point. Jesus was a more peaceful prophet than Muhammad, but don't forget at the core both groups worship the same murderous God that destroyed his creatures through Noah's flood.
another recent topic got me thinking.
has there ever been any kind of study of the ratio of male to female anointed?
if the female anointed will be co-rulers in heaven with morris and company, why are they not represented as gb members and helpers before armageddon arrives?.
Interesting that women are not fit to rule on earth, but are in heaven.
The argument is men are the head on earth because of superior emotional intelligence (what a seriously archaic view).
The difference between people on earth and heaven will be the removal of genitalia. Is that to indicate this is the main hindrance of women having positions of headship on earth?
i know you might think i'm exaggerating but if you really think about it, maybe i'm not.
these two religions originate with the same ancient belief system.
islam is a dangerous middle eastern cult that seeks to control every aspect of its members' lives.
You miss my point. There are variations of Islam just as there are of Christian. It's like saying Christians are murderers because they die refusing blood, when only Jehovah's Witnesses follow that teaching.
So ... women should be covered at all times lest them tempt men with their sluttiness? Cut off their lady parts to prevent them enjoying sex? Walk 5 paces behind your lord and master? Don't go out without your owner? Throwing gays from building would be A-OK?
Are these the radical ideas or the norm?
This does not apply to 100% of Muslims. In Indonesia, the world's largest population of Muslims, the jilbab is not obligatory. In Australia, a minority of Muslims wear the hajib.
Groups that strictly abide by Sharia law - fundamentalist Islam - are what the OP is referring to.
i said god is not giving them much of a chance to hear his message, i think it's one to 3 million ratio.
i said if wt paid prime internet space they could beam their propaganda to everyone instantly, then you could show the world mr lett live , and explain how he is to rule the world from heaven.
then i asked that god seems to like the anglo nations , i should of asked how many chinese and indian are on the gb..
you could show the world Mr Lett live , and explain how he is to rule the world from heaven.
Hilarious. Such a compelling reason to join.
i know you might think i'm exaggerating but if you really think about it, maybe i'm not.
these two religions originate with the same ancient belief system.
islam is a dangerous middle eastern cult that seeks to control every aspect of its members' lives.
You cannot compare JWs to Islam. Islam aligns with Christianity, not a single sect.
If you are going to have this sort of conversation you need to be clear you are referring to the Extremist Islamic sects. Using the term Islam when you are referring to just its most radical followers serves no useful purpose and creates unnecessary animosity.
