Posts by Arthur

59

Is 2034 the ultimate Watchtower date?

by cultswatter in

a recent wacktower had hinted that the year 2034 would be the final date for armaggedon.

if armageddon has not arrived by 2035 then will the wts close shop for good or will they simply accuse the past presidents of apostacy and regroup to form another daughter of the tower offshoot baseless religion?.

.

Arthur

The Society has not specifically pointed to this date, but according to Raymond Franz, there are deffinately some big wigs in various branches that put stock in this date.

If the year 2034 comes and goes, the Society still has some wiggle room. Remember that Noah was given 120 years for the ark construction; but then Noah had to take time to load all of the animals into the ark.

The Society could state that after this 120 year period, that there is now a final gleaning work, where the final ingathering is taking place before the great tribulation errupts (where Jehovah decides to shut the door to his "ark-like" organization). This would see the numbers of pioneer and auxiliary pioneer applications jump dramatically.

Later on, the Society could state that Jehovah was extending mercy on the "nations" as He did with the Ninevites; and how grateful Jehovah's people should be for this extended mercy. All the while, the Society could still repeat it's same mantra that "the time remaining is short". And on and on it goes.

63

was there a 1975 "scare"

by Lotus65 in

ive heard through different research ive done along with people ive talked too that there was a 1975 "scare" in which the time was supposed and the end was at hand

is that true

Arthur

I think that the rank and file are going to need to be prodded with another date, or time period proclamation. Of course the WT won't make another bald prediction, but I think that without some kind of significant "prophetic" time period to look forward to, many in the r&f will continue to become restless and irritable with Jah's delaying.

Stay tuned for "new light" that identifies the King of the North.

37

I finally took my stand.

by Orgull in

i just missed two meetings for the first time in five years.. this past week i went "on vacation", housesitting for relatives nearby.

i told my bookstudy overseer i'd be "away", even though i was only a twenty minute drive from the kingdom hall.

i spent the entire week away from my insane family, away from the meetings and away from my "brothers and sisters".. it felt great.. coming home felt... not so great.. but the first brick in my fade has been laid.

Arthur

Why wait? Why pretend? Leave NOW- it's obvious you don't belong there! Some church is waiting for you! Praise jeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeezuz!

The Martian likes to indulge in pseudo-piety by ridiculing ex-members while he blatantly violates the policies of his organization by his secret dialogues here. I would like to know why the MadJW / Martian doesn't fess up himself and let other JWs know he posts on this forum. Why is HE pretending? I think the Martian is a confused man who isn't sure where he belongs - a fence-siter, as the WTS likes to say. Martian, I think there is a Greg Stafford discussion forum waiting for you.

5

"our" national anthem?

by oompa in

jw
friends

yes there is a tune for this---leslie gore.

i'm not just one of your many toys.

don't say i can't have other joys .... .

Arthur

Blasphemy! Treachery! Jerhoover is going to strike you down for your sassiness!

11

looking for a good definition of "anointed"

by Shawn10538 in

looking for both a biblical usage and a wt definition of term.

thanks in advance!

Arthur

As far as Biblical usage is concerned, one of the best passages that describes Christian annointing is Romans chapter 8. In short, it describes those led by the "flesh" versus those "led by the Spirit." Another passage that discusses "annointing" is 1 John chapter 2, where it states that those with annointing would not need a "teacher".

44

Your favorite bits of JW folklore

by B_Deserter in

we all hear stories an experiences that happened to a "friend of a friend," and the witnesses are no exception.

they even have their own urban legends.

here are my favorites, and please post yours as well.. 1. watchtower theologists according to one of the old guys i used to pioneer with, there is a super-scary-secret organization of apostates called "watchtower theology.

Arthur

LOL at all of these.

I'm sure all of you have heard of the one about the Smurf doll. A small JW child brings their Smurf doll with them to the Kingdom Hall. During a talk, the speaker keeps saying "Jehovah". The Smurf doll begins to pinch the child to get loose. It jumps up, and runs down the aisle and out of the Kingdom Hall. I was about five years old when I heard that, and it scared the crap out of me.

13

"Crystal Blue Persuasion" -- Is it really about the "Truth" Book?

by B_Deserter in

i haven't been able to find a definite source online.

all my life i was taught that this song was about the blue "truth" book that was being used to bring people into the witnesses in the late 60's/early 70's.

now that i don't blindly accept whatever i've been told, i'm having my doubts.

Arthur

I have never been able to find anything to substantiate it either. My personal opinion is that it is just like the other urban JW legends. Another such rumor that spread among the ranks was regarding a song written and performed by the group Super Tramp. The rumor was that the guy who wrote it was describing his experience with a JW couple who was calling on him. I don't know if it was true or not. But given the track record of all of the other JW rumors and legends, I am very reluctant to believe it.

34

I'm sick of "the truth"

by exwitless in

the more i think about the dubs claiming they 'have the truth', the more it irritates me.

there are countless other religions who claim they 'have the truth'.

first of all, "having" "the truth" implies that the truth was either given to them or discovered by them.

Arthur

In my opinion, it has been the obsession with doctrines and dogma that has splintered Christianity into thousands of denominations, organizations, and into various cults. In this process, much of the beauty and profundity of Jesus' teachings have been covered over, forgotten, and ignored. The basic thrust of the Christian life was love of God and neighbor; at least this was so in it's beginning. "Love your neighbor as yourself" is so simple, yet the waters have been muddied by dogma, and the attempts to attain "doctrinal purity".

I think anyone who does not admit that the Bible is ambiguous in many parts, that many passages contain the possibility of multiple interpretations, and that it is even silent in may important matters is in denial. It is very easy for a congregation or an organization to demonstrate a strong sense of love and unity when everyone thinks exactly the same, believes exactly the same things, and where everyone repeats the same identical talking points by rote. It takes much more spiritual strength to show such love to those who have differing views. It requires much more spiritual maturity for a group of people to have a spirit of unity and love among themselves while allowing each other to have differing views.

I once read some good advice in a book that I cant' remember. It goes something like: "If any man or group claims to possess all of the answers or ultimate truth; grab your wallet, and run the other way."

18

I desperately need some advice

by Redbeard in

hey!

i'm new to this forum as a user, 'been hanging around for a while and enjoyed reading the posts here, this site has provided a lot of confidence and encouragement to me through harsh times.

so nice to know that other people out there struggle with the same issues as me.

Arthur

This is difficult, because different people will handle this situation in such different ways. Some people are able to keep up appearances and continue attending meetings for the sake of family and friends, even thought they don't believe in it anymore. Many of us (myself included) just couldn't do it anymore. Personally, I am unable to attend meetings or put on any appearance - even though it will cost me dearly.

I am quite surprised that JWs till associate with you even though you have long hair, and earing, and a "worldly" girlfriend. I am also very surprised that no elders have sought to question you or summon you to a jc meeting yet. This is odd. However, I do know of some JWs who have gone inactive, and then started smoking, and have actually moved in with their girlfriend without being summoned to a jc meeting.

As the old saying goes: "I would rather be hated for who I am than to be loved for who I am not." This is how I feel, but other people just cannot tolerate the thought of losing family and friends regardless. You certainly have a lot to think about and consider. I can only suggest that you not make any rash or knee-jerk decisions for right now. Don't do anything that could burn any bridges with your JW family. Just weigh all pros and cons very carefully and thoughtfully.

37

I finally took my stand.

by Orgull in

i just missed two meetings for the first time in five years.. this past week i went "on vacation", housesitting for relatives nearby.

i told my bookstudy overseer i'd be "away", even though i was only a twenty minute drive from the kingdom hall.

i spent the entire week away from my insane family, away from the meetings and away from my "brothers and sisters".. it felt great.. coming home felt... not so great.. but the first brick in my fade has been laid.

Arthur

Of course, I have to go to the meeting tomorrow or they'll know something is up. Ugh. Fading is going to test my patience to the limit.

Yes, it surely is difficult. I strongly recommend that you DO NOT make any statements to anyone that would suggest that you have doubts. Don't make any waves, or draw attention to yourself. I made the mistake early on of confiding in a couple of people, thinking that it was the right thing to do. Wrong! Opening up to people will just make your life very difficult.

I would suggest that you make your fade very gradual. Don't start missing a bunch of meetings too quickly. This will draw attention to yourself. Just slowly and gradually miss more. If you are approached by elders, just tell them that you have been "busy with stuff"; whatever that might be. Just tell them what they want to hear. But again, from my own experience, I strongly suggest that you avoid confiding in anyone about how you truly feel about the organization. It will surely come back as a boomerang and hurt you.