VanillaMocha73

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Posts by VanillaMocha73

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  20

  Borg Cost cutting measures...can you think of others?

  by SnakesInTheTower in

  1. watchtower
  2. scandals

  i was reflecting on the other thread (http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/11/135961/2.ashx) about the new koolaid watchtower....and thinking about this being more of an overall cost cutting measure than any kind of old light repackaged as special lite.......can you think of any other examples?

  a few examples: no more subscriptions (no more yellow envelopes, no more yellow, blue, green, pink forms).

  no more postages sending individual magazines.. kingdom ministry now sent in same box as magazines rather than separate roll of kms to po house.

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  VanillaMocha73

  OK.. Here are their servers:
  

  • watch002.securesites.net - 161.58.8.133 (main site)
  • watch005.securesites.net - 161.58.17.4 (JW elder site)
  • watch006.securesites.net - 128.121.212.250
  • watch007.securesites.net - 213.198.53.65

  Guess I'd better not say more huh? LOL - sorry - I'm in network troubleshooting....
• 
  20

  Borg Cost cutting measures...can you think of others?

  by SnakesInTheTower in

  1. watchtower
  2. scandals

  i was reflecting on the other thread (http://www.jehovahs-witness.com/11/135961/2.ashx) about the new koolaid watchtower....and thinking about this being more of an overall cost cutting measure than any kind of old light repackaged as special lite.......can you think of any other examples?

  a few examples: no more subscriptions (no more yellow envelopes, no more yellow, blue, green, pink forms).

  no more postages sending individual magazines.. kingdom ministry now sent in same box as magazines rather than separate roll of kms to po house.

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  2. 
  3. 
• 

  VanillaMocha73

  Hackers??? Woo hoo.
• 
  5

  need 2 WT. articles

  by dvw in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  i need 2 particular watchtower or awake articles.

  i am sorry i cannot be more specific in my requests, but i only have a vague idea what the articles said.. 1. does anyone remember an article saying it is ok. to vote if you think it is "prudent" to do so?

  ( i remember the word prudent was used in the article).

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• 

  VanillaMocha73

  *** w99 6/15 pp. 27-28 Questions From Readers ***
  Questions From Readers
  Since sterilization procedures are now said to be reversible on request, might a Christian view them as a birth-control option?
  

  Sterilization has become the most widely used means of family planning. For many people, its acceptability seems determined by social and educational background, as well as by religious views. The aspect of religious belief comes into play with Jehovah’s Witnesses, who share the psalmist’s desire: “Instruct me, O Jehovah, in your way, and lead me in the path of uprightness.” (Psalm 27:11) What is involved in sterilization procedures?

  Male sterilization for birth control is called a vasectomy. Two small sperm cords, or tubes, in the scrotum are cut and blocked. This can be done in various medical ways, but the intent is to make it impossible for sperm to pass from the testicles. Female sterilization is called tubal ligation. It is usually done by cutting and tying (or, burning) closed the Fallopian tubes, which carry eggs from the ovaries to the uterus.

  It was long considered that these steps were permanent—that they produced irreversible sterilization. But some people, because of regretting their step or as a result of new circumstances, have sought medical help to undo a vasectomy or tubal ligation. With the advent of specialized instruments and microsurgery, attempts at reversal have been more successful. It is not uncommon to read that with selected candidates there can be 50 to 70 percent success in reversing a vasectomy by rejoining the severed ends of the tiny tubes. Rates of 60 to 80 percent success for reversing female tubal ligation are claimed. Some who have learned about this have felt that sterilization need no longer be viewed as permanent. They might believe that a vasectomy and tubal ligation can be viewed as being in the same category as oral contraceptives, condoms, and diaphragms—methods that can be discontinued if a pregnancy is desired. Yet, some sobering aspects should not be ignored.

  One is that prospects for a reversal can be hurt dramatically by such factors as the amount of damage to tubes during the sterilization procedure, the amount of the tube removed or scarred, the number of years that have passed since the procedure, and in the case of a vasectomy, whether antibodies against the man’s sperm have resulted. And not to be ignored is the fact that facilities for microsurgery may not be available in many areas, or the expense may be prohibitive. Thus, many who might desperately wish to have a sterilization reversed would not be able to. For them it is final. So the above-noted rates for reversals are really just theoretical, not dependable averages.

  Some facts bear on the realities. An article published in the United States on reversing a vasectomy commented that after the $12,000 operation, “only 63 percent of patients can impregnate their partners.” Moreover, just “six percent of men who get a vasectomy eventually seek a reversal.” In a German study about central Europe, some 3 percent of men who chose to be sterilized later sought reversal. Even if half of those attempts could succeed, it would mean that for 98.5 percent, having a vasectomy amounted to permanent sterilization. And the rate would be higher in lands with few or no microsurgeons.

  Consequently, it is unrealistic to treat male or female sterilization lightly, as if it were temporary birth control. And for the sincere Christian, there are other aspects to consider.

  A central point is that reproductive powers are a gift from our Creator. His original purpose included procreation by perfect humans, who would “fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:28) After the Flood cut earth’s population to eight, God repeated those basic instructions. (Genesis 9:1) God did not repeat that command to the nation of Israel, but Israelites viewed having offspring as something very desirable.—1 Samuel 1:1-11; Psalm 128:3.

  God’s Law to Israel contained indications of his regard for human procreation. For example, if a married man died before producing a son to carry on his lineage, his brother was to father a son by brother-in-law marriage. (Deuteronomy 25:5) More to the point was the law about a wife who tried to help her husband in a fight. If she grasped the privates of her husband’s opponent, her hand was to be amputated; significantly, God did not require eye-for-eye damage to her or her husband’s reproductive organs. (Deuteronomy 25:11, 12) This law would clearly engender respect for reproductive organs; these were not to be destroyed needlessly.

  We know that Christians are not under Israel’s Law, so the regulation at Deuteronomy 25:11, 12 is not binding on them. Jesus neither ordered nor implied that his disciples must marry and have as many children as possible, which many couples have considered when deciding on whether to use some method of birth control. (Matthew 19:10-12) The apostle Paul did encourage passionate ‘younger widows to marry and bear children.’ (1 Timothy 5:11-14) He did not bring up the permanent sterilization of Christians—their voluntarily sacrificing their reproductive potential to bear children.

  Christians do well to weigh such indications that God esteems their reproductive ability. Each couple must determine if and when they will employ appropriate methods of family planning. Granted, their decision would be particularly telling if there were confirmed medical assurances that mother or child faced grave medical risks, even a probability of death, with a future pregnancy. Some in that situation have reluctantly submitted to a sterilization procedure as described earlier to make sure that no pregnancy would threaten the life of the mother (who may already have other children) or that of a child who might later be born with a life-threatening health problem.

  But Christians who are not facing such an unusual and distinct risk would certainly want to use ‘soundness of mind’ and shape their thinking and deeds by God’s esteem for reproductive potential. (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8; 2:2, 5-8) This would reflect mature sensitivity to Scriptural indications. Yet, what if it became publicly known that a Christian blithely disregarded God’s evaluations? Would not others doubt whether he (or, she) was a good example, having a reputation of making decisions in harmony with the Bible? Such a disturbing blemish on one’s reputation could, of course, affect a minister’s being qualified for special privileges of service, though that might not be so if one had in ignorance had this procedure performed.—1 Timothy 3:7.

  [Footnotes]
  

  “Surgical attempts to reconnect the [vas deferens] have a success rate of at least 40 percent, and there is some evidence that greater success may be achieved with improved microsurgical techniques. Nevertheless, sterilization by means of vasectomy should be considered permanent.” (Encyclopædia Britannica) “Sterilization should be regarded as a permanent procedure. Despite what the patient may have heard about reversal, reanastomosis is expensive, and success cannot be guaranteed. For women who undergo reversal of tubal sterilization, the risk of ectopic pregnancy is high.”—Contemporary OB/GYN, June 1998.

  Another law that might seem relevant said that no man whose genitals were severely damaged could come into God’s congregation. (Deuteronomy 23:1) However, Insight on the Scriptures notes that this evidently “had to do with deliberate emasculation for immoral purposes, such as homosexuality.” Hence, that law did not involve castration or the equivalent for birth control. Insight also says: “Jehovah comfortingly foretold the time when eunuchs would be accepted by him as his servants and, if obedient, would have a name better than sons and daughters. With the abolition of the Law by Jesus Christ, all persons exercising faith, regardless of their former status or condition, could become spiritual sons of God. Fleshly distinctions were removed.—Isa 56:4, 5; Joh 1:12.”
• 
  5

  need 2 WT. articles

  by dvw in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  i need 2 particular watchtower or awake articles.

  i am sorry i cannot be more specific in my requests, but i only have a vague idea what the articles said.. 1. does anyone remember an article saying it is ok. to vote if you think it is "prudent" to do so?

  ( i remember the word prudent was used in the article).

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  VanillaMocha73

  Voting: *** w99 11/1 pp. 28-29 Questions From Readers ***
  
  Questions From Readers
  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 The Watchtower, 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.
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  18

  I must say that I am very curious

  by Grins in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  i am looking for information on the beliefs of jehovah's witness i do not know much and i am afraid that most of what i am finding is biased information one way or the other.

  i did find a "fact sheet" and i am wondering if all of it is true or not.

  i looked at the watchtower website for answers to a few of these and so far i am finding them to be true.

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  VanillaMocha73

  Ninja: Did I do good enough for ya?
• 
  18

  I must say that I am very curious

  by Grins in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  i am looking for information on the beliefs of jehovah's witness i do not know much and i am afraid that most of what i am finding is biased information one way or the other.

  i did find a "fact sheet" and i am wondering if all of it is true or not.

  i looked at the watchtower website for answers to a few of these and so far i am finding them to be true.

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  2. 
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  VanillaMocha73

  Here is a cross-section of what the actual Watchtower publications say. You may judge for yourself.
  #14 You are discouraged from attending college

  Watchtower 2005 - October 1, page 26 - You would need to read the whole article to get the attitude, but the upshot is pretty much given in these concluding paragraphs: (A lot of these you have to read between the lines in the publications, but we got much more direct information from the platform)
  *** w05 10/1 p. 31 pars. 18-19 Parents—What Future Do You Want for Your Children? ***

  Studies show that in many countries, there is an acute need, not for university graduates, but for people to work in the trades and services. USA Today reports that “70% of the workers in the coming decades will not need a four-year college degree, but, rather, an associate degree from a community college or some type of technical certificate.” Many such institutions offer short courses in office skills, auto repair, computer repair, plumbing, hairdressing, and a host of other trades. Are these desirable jobs? Certainly! Perhaps they are not as glamorous as some might envision, but they do offer the means and the flexibility needed by those whose true vocation is service to Jehovah.—2 Thessalonians 3:8.

  “You young men and also you virgins,” entreats the Bible, “let them praise the name of Jehovah, for his name alone is unreachably high. His dignity is above earth and heaven.” (Psalm 148:12, 13) Compared with the positions and rewards that the world offers, a career in full-time service to Jehovah is without doubt the surest way to a life of joy and contentment. Take to heart the Bible’s assurance: “The blessing of Jehovah—that is what makes rich, and he adds no pain with it.”—Proverbs 10:22.

  #16 All pastors are the "AntiChrist" Awake 2001, August 8th, page 21
  *** g01 8/8 p. 21 Who Is the Antichrist? ***
  
  

  The apostle John stated: “Who is the liar if it is not the one that denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, the one that denies the Father and the Son.” (1 John 2:22) Apostates and leaders of false worship twist the clear teachings of Jesus into knots of religious deceit. Such ones reject Bible truth and spread lies in the name of God and Christ. They deny the true relationship of the Father and the Son by their Trinity doctrine. Therefore, they too are a part of the antichrist

  Therefore pastors who proclaim the Trinity doctrine (99%) are indeed considered Antichrists, among many other elements (governments, etc)
  #17 All churches are of Satan

  Any religion that is not Jehovah's Witness is called Christendom or Babylon the Great. From their principal study book What Does the Bible Teach Chapter 15:
  *** bh chap. 15 p. 152 pars. 17-18 Worship That God Approves ***

  The Bible shows that all the many forms of false religion are part of “Babylon the Great.” (Revelation 17:5) That name calls to mind the ancient city of Babylon, where false religion started up after the Flood of Noah’s day. Many teachings and practices now common in false religion originated long ago in Babylon. For example, the Babylonians worshiped trinities, or triads, of gods. Today, the central doctrine of many religions is the Trinity. But the Bible clearly teaches that there is only one true God, Jehovah, and that Jesus Christ is his Son. (John 17:3) The Babylonians also believed that humans have an immortal soul that survives the body after death and can suffer in a place of torment. Today, belief in the immortal soul or spirit that can suffer in hellfire is taught by most religions.

  Since ancient Babylonian worship spread throughout the earth, modern Babylon the Great can properly be identified as the world empire of false religion. And God has foretold that this empire of false religion will come to a sudden end. (Revelation 18:8) Do you see why it is vital that you separate yourself from every part of Babylon the Great? Jehovah God wants you to “get out of her” quickly while there is still time.—Revelation 18:4.
  #19 You cannor read Christian literature from a Christian book store Read the above... The Jehovah's Witnesses do not consider any religion besides themselves to be Christian. Touching a book from another religion would be considered unclean.
  *** w87 11/1 pp. 19-20 pars. 14-16 Are You Remaining Clean in Every Respect? ***

  Some have exposed themselves to possible spiritual contamination by tuning in to religious radio and television broadcasts. In one African land, some have watched TV dramas that portray the superstitions of traditional animist religions in a favorable light. The apostle Paul, though, warned of a more lethal danger—apostate men who were “subverting the faith of some.” (2 Timothy 2:16-18) Individuals like that still exist! (2 Peter 2:1-3) And at times they have succeeded in sullying the thinking of others. As Proverbs 11:9 says: “By his mouth the one who is an apostate brings his fellowman to ruin.”

  Apostates often appeal to the ego, claiming that we have been deprived of our freedoms, including the freedom to interpret the Bible for ourselves. (Compare Genesis 3:1-5.) In reality, these would-be defilers offer nothing more than a return to the nauseating teachings of “Babylon the Great.” (Revelation 17:5; 2 Peter 2:19-22) Others appeal to the flesh, urging former associates to “take it easy” because the humble work of witnessing from house to house is “unnecessary” or “unscriptural.” (Compare Matthew 16:22, 23.) True, such smooth talkers may look outwardly clean in a physical and moral way. But inside they are spiritually unclean, having given in to prideful, independent thinking. They have forgotten all that they learned about Jehovah, his holy name and attributes. They no longer acknowledge that all they learned about Bible truth—the glorious hope of the Kingdom and a paradise earth and the overturning of false doctrines, such as the Trinity, the immortal human soul, eternal torment, and purgatory—yes, all of this came to them through “the faithful and discreet slave.”—Matthew 24:45-47.

  Interestingly, a circuit overseer in France observes: “Some brothers are deceived because they lack accurate knowledge.” That is why Proverbs 11:9 states: “By knowledge are the righteous rescued.” This does not mean giving apostates a hearing ear or delving into their writings. Rather, it means coming to “an accurate knowledge of the sacred secret of God” through diligent personal study of the Bible and the Society’s Bible-based publications. Having this accurate knowledge, who would become so curious as to pay any attention to apostate mouthings? May no man “delude you with persuasive arguments”! (Colossians 2:2-4) False religious propaganda from any source should be avoided like poison! Really, since our Lord has used “the faithful and discreet slave” to convey to us “sayings of everlasting life,” why should we ever want to look anywhere else?—John 6:68.

  #31 You cannot celebrate your birthday Awake 1981, 12/22 page 12 - The whole article is on Birthdays, but here are the most pointed paragraph:
  *** g81 12/22 p. 14 Birthday Celebrations—How Did They Get Started? ***
  

  Does that mean that Christians cannot have anything to do with any custom that might have originated in false religious rites? No. A great many common practices may have had such origins. But when features of the custom, as carried over into modern-day practice, go contrary to Bible principles, then true Christians must conscientiously refuse to participate.

  #32 You cannot run for or hold a political campaign Watchtowr 1956, 11/1 page 645
  *** w56 11/1 pp. 645-646 How True Christians View Politics ***
  

  But why should true Christians shun politics when they could do much, seemingly, to better the world? The answer is, as the Bible shows, that true Christians do not advocate or preach democracy, socialism, communism or any other form of human government as a remedy for the world’s woes. What Christians preach is a heavenly government, the kingdom of God. And that kingdom is not part of this world. Said Jesus: “My kingdom is no part of this world. If my kingdom were part of this world, my attendants would have fought that I should not be delivered up to the Jews. But, as it is, my kingdom is not from this source.”—John 18:36, NW.

  #33 You cannot vote in any political campaign Watchtower 1999, 11/1 page 28:
  *** w99 11/1 p. 28 Questions From Readers ***
  

  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..... In view of the Scriptural principles outlined above, in many lands Jehovah’s Witnesses make a personal decision not to vote in political elections... You would have to read the whole article to get the flavor, but the upshot is no voting unless you might get killed or something

  #34 You cannot serve on a jurt Watchtower 1997, 4/1 page 27: - This one was up to personal conscience.
  *** w97 4/1 p. 29 Questions From Readers ***
  

  In the final analysis, each Christian faced with jury duty must determine what course to follow, based on his understanding of the Bible and his own conscience. Some Christians have reported for jury duty and have served on certain juries. Others have felt compelled to decline even in the face of punishment. Each Christian has to decide for himself what he will do, and others should not criticize his decision.—Galatians 6:5.

  #35 You are discouraged from giving to charity (except Watchtower causes) Watchtower 2003, 6/1 page 3 - this is a unspoken rule, but of course (given the above), they would not want to donate to anything associated with religion:
  *** w03 6/1 p. 7 Giving That Pleases God ***
  

  There is a kind of giving that is even more important than charity. Jesus alluded to this when a rich young ruler asked what he had to do to get everlasting life. Jesus told him: “Go sell your belongings and give to the poor and you will have treasure in heaven, and come be my follower.” (Matthew 19:16-22) Notice that Jesus did not just say, ‘Give to the poor and you will get life.’ Instead, he added, “Come be my follower.” In other words, as commendable and beneficial as charitable acts are, Christian discipleship involves more.

  Jesus’ chief interest was in helping others spiritually. Shortly before his death, he told Pilate: “For this I have been born, and for this I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth.” (John 18:37) While he took the lead in helping the poor, healing the sick, and feeding the hungry, Jesus primarily trained his disciples to preach. (Matthew 10:7, 8) In fact, among his final instructions to them was the command: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations.”—Matthew 28:19, 20.

  #72 You cannot support your country This kind of goes with the political campaigns and voting, but the JWs "country" is not the one they live in. They consider themselves foreigners and part of God's kingdom only.
  *** rs p. 269 - p. 270 Neutrality *** Reasoning Book page 269

  The position of those who do not take sides with or give support to either of two or more contending parties. It is a fact of ancient and modern-day history that in every nation and under all circumstances true Christians have endeavored to maintain complete neutrality as to conflicts between factions of the world. They do not interfere with what others do about sharing in patriotic ceremonies, serving in the armed forces, joining a political party, running for a political office, or voting. But they themselves worship only Jehovah, the God of the Bible; they have dedicated their lives unreservedly to him and give their full support to his Kingdom.

  95 You cannot participate in a school play *** sj p. 25 Extracurricular Activities *** School and Jehovah's Witnesses Brochure
  

  School Plays: Jehovah’s Witnesses do not have any objection to acting in itself. Bible dramas are a featured part of our district convention programs. Yet Witness parents will consider a number of factors before deciding whether to permit their children to participate in a school play. For example, Is what is portrayed in the play in harmony with Bible principles? Witness youths would not participate in a play that condoned moral standards that the Bible condemns. Further, there is the time involved in practicing, and possible unwholesome associations. So in deciding whether Witness youths will participate in a play, their parents will consider these factors carefully. Between the lines here, Witness children are encouraged to not spend any more time than necessary with people who are not Jehovah's Witnesses. They also are encouraged not to do anything that will cut into the five meetings a week they must attend at the Kingdom Hall, the time they must prepare for those meetings before attending and the time they must spend in door to door service. So.. another paragraph on this:
  *** g86 12/8 p. 18 What About After-School Activities? ***

  Like Samuel, you can make good use of your time. How about using your time to help others spiritually? Interestingly, some young ones among Jehovah’s Witnesses in Japan start to make the ministry their career while they are still in school. They buy out their time before and after school to help others to know the Creator. (Colossians 4:5) Surely you would not want to miss the joy and blessings that come from such out-of-school activities. Feel the guilt tactics used here? The rest of the article talked about the dangers of things like sports and school plays and bad association.. now they are saying how much better the child's time would be spent in door to door activity?
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  14

  Did you suffer any PHYSICAL impairments DUE to the jdubs?

  by sinis in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  when i was in i regular pioneered for years and had to wear those shitty wing tipped dress shoes.

  i tried wearing flat front dress/casual shoes but the asshole elders said they were wordly.

  well i now have foot problems due to having my feet crammed into a fucking sardin box and literally walking to china.

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  VanillaMocha73

  Bookbag shoulder, anyone?
  And how about "Oh, our daughter shouldn't go through back surgery, Armageddon will be here before she grows up anyway?"
• 
  55

  What was your WORST Field Service encounter???

  by TheCoolerKing in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  someone mentioned to me the other day about going door to door back when i was a jw.

  "weren't you scared to do something like that, knock on a stranger's door?

  actually it's been so long that i had almost forgotten.

  1. 
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  VanillaMocha73

  Having a shotgun poked in our car window as we were escorted off the property

  Being attacked by a rooster

  I was with a friend and there was a huge rottweiller in the yard. It was friendly, but it came up to my friend, lifted its leg and peed on her foot.

  I had an mag call for about a year - this old guy. One day I went with another girl (yeah - the young teen girls going to stranger's houses, been commented on before here). He invited us in and we went, since I'd been talking to him for so long and he had seemed OK. We walk in and immediately see naked kid pics all over. There is a half-naked girl crying on the couch and telling us we should get out of there. He blocked our way to the door and started swearing at us, while another guy came around the corner with a knife in his hand. I hit the panic button to my car alarm, which caused the young brothers in the car to realize something was wrong and they came to get us. We got out OK and neither one of us thought to call the police.

  Seeing the man I just placed mags with on the street get gunned down by another man who had been standing there.

  Let's see.. are there more? I think so, but can't think of them just now.
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  What would you do with the domain governingbody.org

  by James Free in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i know someone who has this domain.

  he bought it with the intention of challenging the gb's authority and teachings.

  but, times have changed - he's moved on from the past and thinks he'll never get around to making and maintaining the site.. if you would like this domain name - no charge - tell me why you should be the one to use it.

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  VanillaMocha73

  Well, probably some bios on each of those GB members... I know one personally and let me tell you - he ain't nothin' to write home about. How about the one that is accused of child molestation but is still serving? How about the homosexual one that was 'excused'? These are MEN and they are trying to run (i mean ruin) lives. They are the very ones who are so fond of quoting It does not belong to men to direct their steps (jeremiah)....
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  6

  Advice needed.......

  by fifi40 in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i recently wrote a thread about my son who is being brought up in the jw religion by his dad, his dad and i share custody, so 4 or 5 nights of the week he stays with us............tonight i was taking him over to his dads (tuesday night meeting routine) and he was telling me about a school trip he is due to go on at then end of term..............he said his dad had filled in the medical consent form but had put no to the blood transfusion question...................i have been away for a couple of days and i usually get these forms first and i fill them in according to my beliefs not the governing body's...........anyway i said to him that if the school refused to allow him on the trip because of his dad saying no to blood i would do another form for him.............to which he replied that he wouldnt want me to and that his dad had said he would take him to alton towers (the theme park his year are going to) if the school declined to take him........ so where do i stand with this, does anyone know..............if my son required blood (he is a minor, 14) would my wishes over rule his fathers, would my wishes over rule my own son's (he is not baptised)???.

  i also spoke with him about several other things, briefly summarised as.

  1. just because you are taught something from birth does not mean it is right.. 2. i want him to check out things for himself thoroughly before he commits himself to the jws and i spoke to him about the consequences of getting baptised in relation to me and to any future thought changes he might make in the future.. 3. i told him jesus was not baptised until he was 30ish and that getting baptised in your late teens is probably not always the best idea.

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  VanillaMocha73

  There is a form you can legally file with the doctors, schools, wherever you think it needed. It is a Word document (I have it on my PC) that basically states that, although other parents may say no to blood, this is NOT your view and you WILL give consent if the doctor checks with you. You can notarize it and just keep it filed with whichever parties might need the information. I downloaded it from somewhere, but I can't remember where, so if you want it, send me a PM with your email and I will send it to you.