thecarpenter
JoinedPosts by thecarpenter
-
42
What is the Future of the Watchtower Society?
by jwfacts inafter reading comments on this site for a while and looking at what happens to other religions i feel the watchtower society has a long future in front of it.
this is bad news all round, sad for us waiting for our families and sad for witnesses waiting for paradise.
the reason i say this is that any organisation with 6 million members, billions in assets and little to spend their money on would find it very hard to go out of existence.
-
-
-
9
1999 new light on voting?
by under_believer inso it was just brought to my attention that the nov 1, 1999 watchtower, while still strongly discouraging voting, says:.
*** w99 11/1 p. 28 questions from readers ***.
as to whether they will personally vote for someone running in an election, each one of jehovahs witnesses makes a decision based on his bible-trained conscience and an understanding of his responsibility to god and to the state.
-
-
thecarpenter
I spoke to one of the elders in my congregation about this very subject a few months ago. My question was, in a country where voting is not mandatory, if my conscience allows me to vote for a presidential candidate because I feel that this candidates policies are best for my employment future, would I be disciplined by the congregation? He referred to the Nov 1st 1999 article but he couldn't give me a solid answer as to whether I would be disciplined (he mentioned he hasn't seen any further society direction in this matter such as a letter to all bodies of elders). He said follow my conscience but tell no one if I vote or not. Essentially he didn't know how the other elders or CO would perceive this direction or how they would act.
Questions From Readers (Nov 1 1999 p28) How do Jehovah’s Witnesses view voting?There are clear principles set out in the Bible that enable servants of God to take a proper view of this matter. However, there appears to be no principle against the practice of voting itself. For example, there is no reason why a board of directors should not take a vote in order to arrive at decisions affecting their corporation. Congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses often make decisions about meeting times and the use of congregation funds by voting with a show of hands.
What, though, of voting in political elections? Of course, in some democratic lands, as many as 50 percent of the population do not turn out to vote on election day. As for Jehovah’s Witnesses, they do not interfere with the right of others to vote; neither do they in any way campaign against political elections. They respect and cooperate with the authorities who are duly elected in such elections. (Romans 13:1-7) As to whether they will personally vote for someone running in an election, each one of Jehovah’s Witnesses makes a decision based on his Bible-trained conscience and an understanding of his responsibility to God and to the State. (Matthew 22:21; 1 Peter 3:16) In making this personal decision, the Witnesses consider a number of factors.
First, Jesus Christ said of his followers: "They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world." (John 17:14) Jehovah’s Witnesses take this principle seriously. Being "no part of the world," they are neutral in the political affairs of the world.—John 18:36.
Second, the apostle Paul referred to himself as an "ambassador" representing Christ to the people of his day. (Ephesians 6:20; 2 Corinthians 5:20) Jehovah’s Witnesses believe that Christ Jesus is now the enthroned King of God’s heavenly Kingdom, and they, like ambassadors, must announce this to the nations. (Matthew 24:14; Revelation 11:15) Ambassadors are expected to be neutral and not to interfere in the internal affairs of the countries to which they are sent. As representatives of God’s heavenly Kingdom, Jehovah’s Witnesses feel a similar obligation not to interfere in the politics of the countries where they reside.
A third factor to consider is that those who have a part in voting a person into office may become responsible for what he does. (Compare 1 Timothy 5:22, The New English Bible.) Christians have to consider carefully whether they want to shoulder that responsibility.
Fourth, Jehovah’s Witnesses greatly value their Christian unity. (Colossians 3:14) When religions get involved in politics, the result is often division among their members. In imitation of Jesus Christ, Jehovah’s Witnesses avoid becoming involved in politics and thus maintain their Christian unity.—Matthew 12:25; John 6:15; 18:36, 37.
Fifth and finally, their keeping out of politics gives Jehovah’s Witnesses freeness of speech to approach people of all political persuasions with the important message of the Kingdom.—Hebrews 10:35.
In view of the Scriptural principles outlined above, in many lands Jehovah’s Witnesses make a personal decision not to vote in political elections, and their freedom to make that decision is supported by the law of the land. What, though, if the law requires citizens to vote? In such a case, each Witness is responsible to make a conscientious, Bible-based decision about how to handle the situation. If someone decides to go to the polling booth, that is his decision. What he does in the polling booth is between him and his Creator.
The November 15, 1950, issue of TheWatchtower, on pages 445 and 446, said: "Where Caesar makes it compulsory for citizens to vote . . . [Witnesses] can go to the polls and enter the voting booths. It is here that they are called upon to mark the ballot or write in what they stand for. The voters do what they will with their ballots. So here in the presence of God is where his witnesses must act in harmony with his commandments and in accordance with their faith. It is not our responsibility to instruct them what to do with the ballot."
What if a Christian woman’s unbelieving husband insists that she present herself to vote? Well, she is subject to her husband, just as Christians are subject to the superior authorities. (Ephesians 5:22; 1 Peter 2:13-17) If she obeys her husband and goes to the polling booth, that is her personal decision. No one should criticize her.—Compare Romans 14:4.
What of a country where voting is not mandated by law but feelings run high against those who do not go to the voting booth—perhaps they are exposed to physical danger? Or what if individuals, while not legally obliged to vote, are severely penalized in some way if they do not go to the polling booth? In these and similar situations, a Christian has to make his own decision. "Each one will carry his own load."—Galatians 6:5.
There may be people who are stumbled when they observe that during an election in their country, some Witnesses of Jehovah go to the polling booth and others do not. They may say, ‘Jehovah’s Witnesses are not consistent.’ People should recognize, though, that in matters of individual conscience such as this, each Christian has to make his own decision before Jehovah God.—Romans 14:12.
Whatever personal decisions Jehovah’s Witnesses make in the face of different situations, they take care to preserve their Christian neutrality and freeness of speech. In all things, they rely on Jehovah God to strengthen them, give them wisdom, and help them avoid compromising their faith in any way. Thus they show confidence in the words of the psalmist: "You are my crag and my stronghold; and for the sake of your name you will lead me and conduct me."—Psalm 31:3.
-
11
the 5/14/06 watchtower study
by buffalosrfree ini was watching my wife study the watchtower saturday and sunday morn before leaving for the hall, she had a couple of questions about the ethiopian enuch (spelling) and phillip.
i asked her honey, think a second are you able to read a book or mag while driving in the car on faily good roads, and of course her answer was no.
why i asked she said its too hard to, the bumping the movement of the car/truck etc throws the words off all the time.
-
-
thecarpenter
There is something that I failed to consider before, the holy spirit was acting more overtly back then in directing the work
Acts 8 29 So the spirit said to Philip: "Approach and join yourself to this chariot." 30 Philip ran alongside and heard him reading aloud Isaiah the prophet, and he said: "Do you actually know what you are reading?"
Acts 10 19 As Peter was going over in his mind about the vision, the spirit said: "Look! Three men are seeking you. 20 However, rise, go downstairs and be on your way with them, not doubting at all, because I have dispatched them."
:44 While Peter was yet speaking about these matters the holy spirit fell upon all those hearing the word. 45 And the faithful ones that had come with Peter who were of those circumcised were amazed, because the free gift of the holy spirit was being poured out also upon people of the nations. 46 For they heard them speaking with tongues and magnifying God. Then Peter responded: 47 "Can anyone forbid water so that these might not be baptized who have received the holy spirit even as we have?" 48 With that he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
It seems the holy spirit was directing the work more closely, reading the hearts of those who were sincere as opposed to those who were just moved emotionally. Since tongues of fire no longer appear over the heads of interested sincere ones, the witnesses spend more time studying with people to see that they understand what being a Christian means. But I still see the society adding to the basic requirements that Jesus set forth to the Christians of the first century. ex: The baptism vows, accepting all the new rules of the church (such as accepting virtually everything the GB says) etc...
-
11
the 5/14/06 watchtower study
by buffalosrfree ini was watching my wife study the watchtower saturday and sunday morn before leaving for the hall, she had a couple of questions about the ethiopian enuch (spelling) and phillip.
i asked her honey, think a second are you able to read a book or mag while driving in the car on faily good roads, and of course her answer was no.
why i asked she said its too hard to, the bumping the movement of the car/truck etc throws the words off all the time.
-
-
thecarpenter
There is something that I failed to consider before, the holy spirit was acting more overtly back then in directing the work
Acts 8 29 So the spirit said to Philip: "Approach and join yourself to this chariot." 30 Philip ran alongside and heard him reading aloud Isaiah the prophet, and he said: "Do you actually know what you are reading?"
Acts 10 19 As Peter was going over in his mind about the vision, the spirit said: "Look! Three men are seeking you. 20 However, rise, go downstairs and be on your way with them, not doubting at all, because I have dispatched them."
:44 While Peter was yet speaking about these matters the holy spirit fell upon all those hearing the word. 45 And the faithful ones that had come with Peter who were of those circumcised were amazed, because the free gift of the holy spirit was being poured out also upon people of the nations. 46 For they heard them speaking with tongues and magnifying God. Then Peter responded: 47 "Can anyone forbid water so that these might not be baptized who have received the holy spirit even as we have?" 48 With that he commanded them to be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ.
It seems the holy spirit was directing the work more closely, reading the hearts of those who were sincere as opposed to those who were just moved emotionally. Since tongues of fire no longer appear over the heads of interested sincere ones, the witnesses spend more time studying with people to see that they understand what being a Christian means. But I still see the society adding to the basic requirements that Jesus set forth to the Christians of the first century. ex: The baptism vows, accepting all the new rules of the church (such as accepting virtually everything the GB says)
-
11
the 5/14/06 watchtower study
by buffalosrfree ini was watching my wife study the watchtower saturday and sunday morn before leaving for the hall, she had a couple of questions about the ethiopian enuch (spelling) and phillip.
i asked her honey, think a second are you able to read a book or mag while driving in the car on faily good roads, and of course her answer was no.
why i asked she said its too hard to, the bumping the movement of the car/truck etc throws the words off all the time.
-
-
thecarpenter
I have to agree with Shadow here, there isn't enough information to go by.
Acts 8 27 With that he rose and went, and, look! an E·thi·o´pi·an eunuch, a man in power under Can·da´ce queen of the E·thi·o´pi·ans, and who was over all her treasure. He had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28 but he was returning and was sitting in his chariot and reading aloud the prophet Isaiah. 29 So the spirit said to Philip: "Approach and join yourself to this chariot." 30 Philip ran alongside and heard him reading aloud Isaiah the prophet, and he said: "Do you actually know what you are reading?" 31 He said: "Really, how could I ever do so, unless someone guided me?" And he entreated Philip to get on and sit down with him.
The scripture says he was sitting in his chariot obviously going slow enough so that he could read and Philip could run with his sandals on alongside of the chariot. He didn't seem to be in a hurry. Also, I've noticed that sometimes they have a companion traveling with him and sometimes they don't. WT artist illustrations are not absolutes (they said this in the article about the crucifixion "Where were his legs?" WT 87 8/15 p29
The point that differs from us today is why aren't jews today baptizes as quickly as the ethiopian eunuch. The reason is that the society is adding to the basic requirements that he set for Christians in the first century.
-
107
What do you do for living?
by averyniceguy ini am america sign language teacher and a caretaker of a house near the beach.
what do you do for living?
-
-
thecarpenter
I think you can guess what I do
-
-
-
thecarpenter
hey Richie, I'm sending something in the mail, you should get it by monday or tuesday. (don't know how to use western union)
Hang in there bud, things will work out for you. -
49
Your favourite film of all time?
by Spectrum inmindless fun part (ii) .
.
mine is - west side story followed in second place by the very first star wars.
-
-
thecarpenter
How about my top 10
Gladiator
Ben Hur
Forest Gump
Clint eastwood the good the bad the ugly
Spiderman
The count of monte cristo
Rocky
The lord of the Rings
Die Hard
The Patriot -
48
Your Advice Needed! What Appears Like My Only Way Out....
by drew sagan inwell gang, let me tell you a little bit about what is going on in my world.
for about the past 2 years i've gone through all the formations and as many of you have known from reading my posts i've pretty much have moved way beyond the watchtower in my mind many months ago.
coming to this board has helped with the process much, as well as getting my hands on alot of good reading material.
-
-
thecarpenter
What might also help to to get material (pictures as a example) http://www.freeminds.org/history/cemetary.htm of the Watchtowers past and stick them in the den or leave them around the house. I have a few pictures of Russells pyramid and charts, one of them waiting to go to
heavenAlso, you might want a copy of all the child molestation news video on your desktop
http://www.silentlambs.org/education/multimedia.cfm, audio downloaded at the freeminds.org website
http://www.freeminds.org/wav/wav.htm
from various talks including the 1975 incident.In addition, pick up several books (do it slowly so not to overwhelm her); personally,
I picked up the two Franz books, the Olof book on the gentile times
reconsidered, Expecting Armageddon by Jon R. Stone (basically a collection of
essays by different researchers on various religious sects (most prominently the
JW's) and the psychology of why people stay, absolutely amazing.... There are
plenty of books out their, pick and choose which ones sound good.But from a practical stand point, she needs a support structure; without that,
she will feel lost. Start developing friends outside the organization.
What has really helped me was the support of my non-witness brother and his wife
who listened to my vents and offered non judgmental support. At this point
I plan on looking into nondenominational churches and a complete reading of the
Greek scriptures and then the whole bible. I am also going back to college
and taking a few courses, your wife may want a try at that.As Finally-Free mentioned
Whatever you decide, the more you are
involved with the JWs the more difficult it will be to leave. If you plan to
leave, I strongly suggest both you and your wife develop a real-life support
network of non JWs.I like what lovelylil done
One thing I did learn was to take the
time to find out what I really believed in. I simply told my hubby that I would
respect his beliefs but that I needed a short time to figure out what I believed
because I did not know at that point. I asked for some personal space. Then, I
did not try to attack his belief in the JWs at all. Once I felt sure of what I
believed and why then I went to my hubby and told him. It was still hard. He
went crazy and threatened me with divorce. But, I told him that was his decision
and I was in no way advocating it. And I gave him time to calm down and just
kept treating him with respect. After that, as opportunity came up, I would ask
him Q's that would make him think.All this advice sounds good to me
-
15
Where have you pulled a girl or a guy?
by Spectrum inthis is a kind of a branch from my previous thread.
what interesting places have you asked a girl or a guy out that you took a fancy to?
most of mine were in college.
-
-
thecarpenter
this is just a test
Please ignore
this is just a test