Posts by Berean2

12

Do JW'S need James 1:5

by Ade in

i was reading james a minute ago and wondered whether this verse is needed for the average jw's, after all how can they be lacking in wisdom when gods anointed are leading them ??

i know this probably seems harsh but hopefully you can grasp what i mean, when you have all the "so called" knowledge of god and interpreting the scriptures why would any of them need to ask god for wisdom that he's already given them ??

maybe i'm having an unreasonable moment here folks.

Berean2

Hi Ade and thanks for the welcome, I was in the Truth for 35 years and an elder for many many years.

During this long time, I never felt that I was deceiving anyone by preaching publicly, I was superbly convinced that my actions were both scriptural and "approved" the right thing to do to show love to ones neighbour by sharing good news with them. I give this same advantage to the R&F JW's. They innocently believe that they are doing God a favour by preaching, and in some way this is the truth. Since leaving the organisation I have not found a substitute religion with a better form of worship, I have, as with so many others, tried to develop a relationship with our creator independantly.

It is my firm belief that every single religious organisation will be plagued by man-made dogma and people who do things that can be criticised. In this JW's are not alone.

I have not found evidence of God's blessing on JW's as being any different to any other organisation. Nothing that JW's have or do is evidence that God is on their side. Particularly when we know that the bodies of elders in countless congregations are guilty of so much wrongdoing. If Jesus were leading these men, then Jesus has great reason for embarrasment. If they are acting on their own, then that is exactly what they are, ON THEIR OWN, no evidence of Divine help.

So whilst I understand to a degree your feelings about deception, I would target the makers of these "rules" as the deceivers. Still, Eve was decieved and paid the same price as Adam so your point holds legality.

Best to ya

Berean2

12

Do JW'S need James 1:5

by Ade in

i was reading james a minute ago and wondered whether this verse is needed for the average jw's, after all how can they be lacking in wisdom when gods anointed are leading them ??

i know this probably seems harsh but hopefully you can grasp what i mean, when you have all the "so called" knowledge of god and interpreting the scriptures why would any of them need to ask god for wisdom that he's already given them ??

maybe i'm having an unreasonable moment here folks.

Berean2

Wisdom, as explained by JW's is the proper enactment of knowledge. So as James later explains that Faith without works is dead, we conclude that the request for wisdom is really for prudent behaviour in all circumstances within your control.

I feel we need to draw a distinction between JW's and the Organisation. On one hand the JW's are the rank and file members, and on the other we have the "lawmakers" the organisation. The Faithful & Discreet Slave"

JW's on the whole are somewhat made up of ordinary folk who are encouraged to be humble and meek and follow the "slave" so they are not the lawmakers, just the great crowd of sheep, and as is the case with sheep, they are not encouraged to think out of the "box" or watchtower.

However, it appears to me, if your question is aimed at the R&F then these would need wisdom independantly to perform their knowledge.

On the other hand, if your question is in regard to the F&DS then yes, they have taken the stance of allknowing and allwise. They are not to be questioned. this is a draconian stance.

The have stated that their publications are not "inspired".....that leaves room for human error, but that will not be admitted, except to alter some minor course and say the "light" is getting brighter. Take the smoking issue as an example, why did this "God's Organisation" only get a brighter light on smoking after almost 90 years of existence? Then take the draconian step to disfellowship a smoker?

Are they saying that God let his cherised people smoke for 90 years, ruin their precious lives with tobacco, then call down the sword to execute or excommunicate them? does that sound remotely like a loving God? If indeed they have the loving God on their side?

No I feel this is not a divine action, but as with so many other man made rules fabricated by these lawmakers it is human and therefore open to error!

Wisdom my dear friend is also the ability to discern between right and wrong, such as what constitutes truth or fabrication!

The "lawmakers" fear of Apostates borders on paranoia. The question I would like to ask is why? Could it be that the "truth" as discovered by these apostates is so sound that it would undermine the fundemental laws of the organisation?

Too many ex-witnesses have sound first-hand experiences that they have suffered at the "lawmakers" hands, experiences which they are petrified will get into the hands of the great crowd. This is due to the huge number of members being lost every year and increasing in velocity.

A long winded attempt to answer a straightforward question, I apologise in advance for this verbal diarretic reply.

Berean2

50

in love with a very confused jw

by limitless in

hi guys,.

this is a fairly long story, so bear with me.... twelve years ago i dated a jw man briefly in new york.

we got along really well, but he stopped calling.

Berean2

From what you have said and what confused has said, it appears that there is a strong connection between you two.

You would like to be with the guy who showed himself intitially, now his confusion has changed the game somewhat.

Three weeks has passed with the silent treatment and you are seeking forum thoughts and help if possible in the interim.

Ok, bear with me please while I summarise.

The next move for him or you will determine to a large degree how the future panns out.

My thoughts are that it takes time. Yes for many years he has been out and feeling estranged. His relationship with you has rekindled feelings of love and family life. He may remember what it was like in his early times with the JW's who show initial interest in you. He may be under the mistaken idea that this is what life is like with them currently. Since he has not been privy to their goings on and the hyprocrisy and backbiting etc. he feels he may be missing out on something wholesome. Wholesome as in his relationship with you. You represent something of great value to him. Do not give up on him too soon. Give him some time to work out his confusion. I do not beleive this is an overnight decision for someone like him. If he loves you and sees in you the qualities he most respects, then he will come around to his senses.

The burning question here is: will you be willing to wait and play the fish of your dreams?

From another perspective, he needs to understand that Jehovah is creator of all humanity and that just because JW's use God's name does not in any way indicate that they have the truth. If they did and Jesus was indeed leading the elders, then explain why there is so much disarray amongst elders, and congregations falling apart, surely Jesus is not powerless to asssist his own congregations? It is a poor reflection on Jesus, if JW's have the truth!

I am firmly of the belief that no-one can state categorically that they have the truth. The evidence quoted by JW's as proof of God's blessing is no different to any other individuals or church groups evidence. Show one reason why they have exclusive rights to GOD? and please do not say they have love for one another, they spend more time preaching to unwilling strangers than showing real love for their brothers.

Ask me I know, 35 years in the "truth" and many years an elder.

I too can write volumes on the maltreatment of humans by JW's

But that would only be to sink to a level that I hate.

Show patience and wisdom and be sure of what you want, however, the future is never crystal clear nor filled with perfect outcomes. You could choose to go off with someone else, only to find in time that it was a big mistake. It takes a hell of a lot of sacrifice and hard work to make a relationship work over an enduring time. (already you are being put to the test)

Anyone can make a year or two in a relationship, but many, many years is for the real heroes.

Love to ya

Berean2