so i attended a funeral for a jw who passed away (non-"annointed) and i would have to state that although i have heard the standard funeral talk outline for dozens of funerals i've attended, i never really took the time to listen.
and my god, i was cringing.
the outline is essentially broken down like this:.
I remember how uncomfortable non-believers became when a
funeral talk went over 15 minutes. It became a propaganda and
doctrinal discourse for the Watchtower Society. But, I'm afraid
it had just the opposite effect. People were relieved when it
was over. The trend in "worldly" funerals is to celebrate
life and share interesting stories about the deceased. It's
a far better approach for those grieving the loss of a loved
one.
i'm thinking he traveled east and learned the wisdom of the orient.
no way the watchtower line about him being a carpenter's assistant all that time is possibly true.
he was way too learned about the ways of people to not have been educated and his ideas seem very eastern to me.. anyone got any good books, articles, blogs, websites on the topic?.
If speculation gives a distorted view of the source and basis of Jesus'
message, then history becomes important to understand the context
of his teachings. The early Gnostics thought themselves intellectually
superior for their understanding of the secret knowledge (gnosis) about
Christ. But the average believer was drawn to his message because
it was about the love of God and love of neighbor. It was a simple message
all could understand.
i'm thinking he traveled east and learned the wisdom of the orient.
no way the watchtower line about him being a carpenter's assistant all that time is possibly true.
he was way too learned about the ways of people to not have been educated and his ideas seem very eastern to me.. anyone got any good books, articles, blogs, websites on the topic?.
It's odd that one who questions the historical references to Christ would
accept the tales and myths of eastern teachers as "proof" of Christ
being in the east during his youth. I could understand if you rejected
all sources because of your own doubt. But it seems quite inconsistant
that you would pick and choose only those sources that support your
personal views regardless of how far-fetched they might be. Let's hope
that you live up to your handle as "prodigal son", a biblical parable.
i'm thinking he traveled east and learned the wisdom of the orient.
no way the watchtower line about him being a carpenter's assistant all that time is possibly true.
he was way too learned about the ways of people to not have been educated and his ideas seem very eastern to me.. anyone got any good books, articles, blogs, websites on the topic?.
There is plenty of information on the historical Jesus on-line. Just type
the subject "Historicity of Jesus". One site lists some sources:
Jewish: Josephus, Talmud
Roman: Pliny, Tacitus, Suetonius
Opponents: Celcus, Lucian... etc....
The Gnostics who taught the "secret knowledge of Christ" were one
of the early groups that denied that Christ came in the flesh. Many
scholars feel that Peter's and John's letters were directed at the
Gnostics because of their denial. (Ex: 2 John 7-12)
im 23 and im still a jw.
the jehovahs witnesses claim that god is using their earthly organisation in the last days!
im realy not too sure.
If one accepts the explanation of most commentators that Mt. 24:45
is just an encouragement for Christians, especially the leaders,
to stay faithful and alert until Christ returns then the whole basis
for the Watchtower's position falls apart. One might compare the
account of Luke 12:42-48 about the "servant" to see the parallel.
Luke adds a third condition of a servant who "does not know"
and receives the lesser punishment. According to Watchtower
doctrine, who would be in this "class?"
i'm thinking he traveled east and learned the wisdom of the orient.
no way the watchtower line about him being a carpenter's assistant all that time is possibly true.
he was way too learned about the ways of people to not have been educated and his ideas seem very eastern to me.. anyone got any good books, articles, blogs, websites on the topic?.
There was a time when critics of the Bible said that Jesus did not even
exist. But as knowlege increased and historical records were revealed
Jesus became an actual person living in Palestine during the Roman
conquest. And the rulers mentioned in the accounts were also
historical personages. Jesus' historicity is no longer in doubt.
The Bible account proved to be true. Now, one no longer hears
those arguments. But to accept myths, stories and traditions as
facts is pure speculation.
why did they include the idea that rutherford would only accept the mansion if it was deeded to the ancient worthies?
the article clearly states the house was for rutherford so why add a crazy notion that its going to be turned over to the bible worthies upon their imminent return?
it scream cult when they included this crazy notion of ancients beeing on the deed.. if wts followers didn't mind rutherford having a mansion when the country was entering an economic downturn why would they want to report the idea of the building being deeded to king david?
Isn't it a shame that Rutherford didn't follow Jesus' counsel to the
rich young ruler: "Go, sell all you have, give to the poor and come be
my follower." Unlike the apostles who followed Jesus, Rutherford
accepted gifts that would put him in the lap of luxury during a time
when most of his followers were overburdened with the woes of
the Depression. The apologists may try to justify it. But it falls very
short of the teachings and actions of Christ and his followers.
note: the following is not meant to be construed as a recommendation but to demonstrate the sharp contrast between any authentic bible translation and the new world translation.
for those of us who participate and or read the threads on this board, i understand and appreciate that all here have different views on religion, the existence of god, and of the catholic church.
i believe each individuals convictions should be treated with the utmost respect and dignity.
The fact that the Old Testament was written by Israelites/Jews clearly
shows that the orginal writers had no compunction about using God's
name throughout their writings. One has to question why the Jews
of later times eliminated it. One respects their reverence of the name.
But is it the same case as other matters in the Law where Jews
added and embellished the requirements into Talmudic law? It
doesn't seem that the alteration of the original writings is a way
of exalting God's name.
i'm thinking he traveled east and learned the wisdom of the orient.
no way the watchtower line about him being a carpenter's assistant all that time is possibly true.
he was way too learned about the ways of people to not have been educated and his ideas seem very eastern to me.. anyone got any good books, articles, blogs, websites on the topic?.
It is interesting the that myths about Jesus Christ continue to this day.
Mary and Joseph's flight to Egypt was when Jesus was an infant. It
was hardly the time for him to pick up Egyptian mysticism. And the Jews
were especially warned not to follow other religions. Mary and Joseph
faithfully followed the Mosaic requirements as evidenced by their taking
Jesus' to the temple when he was 12 years old. The essence of Jesus'
teachings can be found in the Old Testament. It is wishful thinking on
part of those who link Jesus with eastern beliefs. There simply is no
evidence.
well that was 93 years ago so well probably never know all the facts.
but the wt claims that russell and others were falsely accused of sedition.
the may 9, 1918 new york times article that covered these arrests and sedition charges states that they were charged with spreading doctrines calculated to promote unrest and disloyalty among the men of the army and navy.
One can't dismiss the hysteria of the time. During WW I people were
caught up in patriotic fervor that made anyone not supporting the
war effort as suspect. (Citizens of Germanic descent experienced
the blind hatred of their fellow citizens.) Since Rutherford was outspoken
in his denunciation of the war, he made the whole
organization a target for persecution. And, no doubt, the clergy
encouraged the authorities as a way to get rid of opponents.
Eventually, reason prevailed. Rutherford and the Watchtower leaders
were released from prison. And the Watchtower now had their own
martyrs
