Posts by Arthur

posted

18
I just attended my first Buddhist class... in an old KINGDOM HALL!
by Kudra in
1. jw
2. experiences
it was weird seeing all the typical dub stuff in another setting... .

literature cabinets full of buddhist pamphlets!

no windows!
Arthur

Kudra and Sparkplug: Thank you so much for your input. It was very interesting.
Sparkplug wrote:
Personally I would love to go to a temple type convent place and stay a couple of years and really learn what it is all about. then I would really know if I liked it.
I don't know if you knew this or not. But, in Southern California; about 20 miles outside of Los Angeles, is the largest Buddhist temple in the Western Hemisphere. I know that many worshipers live inside. The property that it sits on is enormous. Actor Richard Gere built a house really close to it, for convenience.
14
JW Wedings
by testigay in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
i've just register to this forum.

i want you to discuss about jw weddings... i mean... why there is no oficial ceremony, as for example baptisms?

here, in spain where i live, the elder only give a speech about marriage&family but always they say that the marriage have been already made at the council-house (it's correct this word?
Arthur

First of all: Welcome testigay.
I'm fascinated with your choice of alias; although maybe it's none of my business. Anyhow, I'm not quite sure what you are asking. Are you asking why the JWs do not follow the marriage ceremonies as conducted by the first century Christians, or why JWs conduct ceremonies a certain way in Spain?
The only input that I can offer is that a JW ceremony must adhere to whatever laws govern a particular municipality. Here in the United States, the person conducting the ceremony must be a minister recognized by the individual state in which they are being married. These criteria can differ from state to state.
You asked something as to why JW marriages are not done with an established ceremony like baptisms. It was my understanding that the two persons exchanging marital vows in front of witnesses constitutes an "established ceremony". But, maybe I misunderstood your question.
24
So what exactly IS the unforgivable sin...?
by Kudra in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
.

apologies if this has been covered before... .

but is it apostacy --- not being repentant for anything (no matter what the "sin" is) --- saying *something* (i forget what) about the "holy spirit"- this last one seems sorta familiar... .
Arthur

For a man: leaving the toilet seat up.
19
Did You Shun Someone?
by Country Girl in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
how did you feel when you met the person in public that you were shunning?

what were you thinking as you were shunning the person?

did you think about what other witnesses were thinking if you did not want to shun the person?
Arthur

Only on a couple of occasions did I see DFd people in public; and most of the time; both of us just pretended not to see each other. But, one time, I did bump into a DFd brother at a video store. I literally almost ran into him as I was walking aroung the isle corner. Neither one of us said a word to each other. It was really awkward. Looking back now, I feel bad that I didn't at least ask him how he was doing. I feel like a fool.
18
I just attended my first Buddhist class... in an old KINGDOM HALL!
by Kudra in
1. jw
2. experiences
it was weird seeing all the typical dub stuff in another setting... .

literature cabinets full of buddhist pamphlets!

no windows!
Arthur

Kudra and Sparkplug:
I just thought of a question I wanted to ask both of you. Which branch of Buddhism did you study? (Mahayana? Zen? Hinayana? Tatric? Tibetan?) Or, was it just a generalized study of Buddhism? Did you enjoy any certain branch better, or find a certain type to be more beneficial? Just curious as to what your observations were.
18
I just attended my first Buddhist class... in an old KINGDOM HALL!
by Kudra in
1. jw
2. experiences
it was weird seeing all the typical dub stuff in another setting... .

literature cabinets full of buddhist pamphlets!

no windows!
Arthur

How did you find about about this? Where would I go to find some in my area?

Just Google the words: Buddhist / Classes / Your City.
I was doing some research, and found a Buddhist center just a few miles from my house. (which surprised me, because I didn't even know it existed)
6
.....YOU MIGHT JUST BE AN ELDER IF......
by LuciousJ in
1. jw
2. friends
if you get off sitting in a room with the door closed so you can ask a young woman what position she had sex in........you might just be an elder.

if your highest degree is janitorial but at night you are the "massa".........you might just be an elder!

if you walk around during the meetings and whisper in several mens' ears.....you might be an elder.
Arthur

If your briefcase is bigger than your car . . . .
58
Why is the WTBTS so against mental health professional treatment?
by Gill in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
following on from sandy's thread on her brother's pt, i wondered exactly why does the wtbts take such an opposing stand to professional mental health treatment?
Arthur

It's a shame because most bible believers of church goers I've met find peace and stability in their faith which can be a helpful supplement to their therapy.
Very good point. What does it say about a faith that is so vulnerable; that it cannot tolerate the unfettered and honest exploration into the mind that houses it?
25
Camping Pics......
by whyamihere in
1. jw
2. friends
i went camping with the kids over the holiday weekend, i took a few pics of upper peninsula, mi area.. throwing rocks in clark lake.. .

clark lake.

dam nearby our campsite.
Arthur

Those are some beautiful pictures. Thanks for sharing. I've never been to Michigan, but have always wanted to visit those types of areas.
11
SEX ABUSE claims against JW church may go to trial
by DannyHaszard in
1. watchtower
2. child-abuse
napans' claims against church may go to trial

comment box add yours.

napa valley register, ca - 1 hour ago.
Arthur

Hey Danny,
Wouldn't it be interesting if members of the GB who instituted the current policies were forced to testify? I would like to see them have to defend this policy in front of a jury without the aid of one of J.R. Brown's press releases to do the talking for them.