My last comment on this is simply, sin is not the same as right and wrong.
Back to the topic at hand, and many thanks for allowing me to share my view.
AllTimeJeff
JoinedPosts by AllTimeJeff
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68
spirituality and religion - what are the differences?
by soft+gentle intrying to understand the differences.
started this topic on the xjwsforchrist forum as well and would like to ask jwn posters the same question.
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68
spirituality and religion - what are the differences?
by soft+gentle intrying to understand the differences.
started this topic on the xjwsforchrist forum as well and would like to ask jwn posters the same question.
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AllTimeJeff
Apostatethunder, right and wrong is different than sin for one reason, the guilt it engenders in the person. Guilt is mentally unhealthy.
Right and wrong should be closely related to "live and let live". Sadly, most (if not all religions) teach that certain behaviors, which are really personal decisions and do not otherwise hurt anyone, are in fact, rejected by "god".
That has nothing to do with right or wrong, that is pure control by religious leaders. It does nothing for the person, nothing for a persons spirituality, and only enhances the control of the religion.
That I have a problem with. THAT is wrong, and a sin over a persons freedom.
I realize that all religions have some of it right, but that doesn't justify the other extraordinary claims, nor the certainty that they give behind their definition of "sin". And that, is harmful to a persons spirituality.
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Question for ex or current :) bethelites
by EndofMysteries inif any of you have worked in the mail department or are familiar with how mail is handled.
two questions.
1. if a letter is sent to the main bethel address and the name is "the governing body of jehovah's witnesses", will that letter reach them or is it opened and read by an underling who decides if it works it's way to them.
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AllTimeJeff
Maybe on both counts. But thanks to their brainwashing, they have elders open their mail, kiss their butts, and pass on what they deem relevant.
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68
No More Missionaries
by Lunatic Faith inhas anyone heard about this?
we received an email from an old friend who is still an elder and doesn't know what we are up to.
"a change, they are no longer training missionaries and sending them into foreign fields.
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AllTimeJeff
Btw, as an aside, the absolute best source of JWrumors that aren't true but seem to live forever are from elders who think they know more than what they really do.
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68
No More Missionaries
by Lunatic Faith inhas anyone heard about this?
we received an email from an old friend who is still an elder and doesn't know what we are up to.
"a change, they are no longer training missionaries and sending them into foreign fields.
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AllTimeJeff
This seems very rumor like to me. Any WT articles on this? I'm not sure this is true. They might discuss it, but that doesn't mean they'll do it.
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AllTimeJeff
If one has time, the Gilead and Bethel libraries are full of old WTs with Ruthrfords bull all in it. Part of my awakening and leaving centered on how much of an idiot Rutherford was and how the GB still insisted that he was prophesied as a leader straight from the bible.
Wonder if he typed this from his mansion in California?
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68
spirituality and religion - what are the differences?
by soft+gentle intrying to understand the differences.
started this topic on the xjwsforchrist forum as well and would like to ask jwn posters the same question.
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AllTimeJeff
I think that spirituality and faith are part of the human condition that most religions to one degree or another use to control and often exploit.
One big difference in my view is that a spiritual person need not be burdened with the mind controlling (& brain damaging) concept of sin, which is the main device most religions use for control.
If there were no teachings on what is "sinful", the need for religions to interpret and control the actions of their followers would be nil.
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81
What Gilead Taught ME
by AllTimeJeff inthey mean the leadership.
all of this is code for: one who is not ready to really study and accept how the leadership of jehovah's witnesses use the bible to their own self serving means.
but to be fair, jw's teach that most all of these characters refer to the leadership of jehovah's witnesses, the governing body.
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AllTimeJeff
Heck no. I'm normal on the outside now. Lol.
Its just easier to bump up what I've already written on the matter as opposed to doing a new one. Lord knows I wrote enough about it.
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81
What Gilead Taught ME
by AllTimeJeff inthey mean the leadership.
all of this is code for: one who is not ready to really study and accept how the leadership of jehovah's witnesses use the bible to their own self serving means.
but to be fair, jw's teach that most all of these characters refer to the leadership of jehovah's witnesses, the governing body.
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AllTimeJeff
Trying to live. :) I'm still learning that little trick.
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shepherd the flock gem
by outsmartthesystem injust reading through the manual that only elders have access to ..........and.
page 58 - "elders should act promptly when they receive a report of serious wrongdoing so as to safeguard the congregation and provide assistance to the wrongdoer.
neglecting to care for such matters can hinder the flow of jehovah's holy spirit to the congregation.
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AllTimeJeff
I was drawn to this and as a former elder, my impression is that this is one of the most abused points in the cult leadership handbook. (that's what the "Shepherding" really is)
Its great fun to watch an elder froth at the mouth out of the regard he has for the "free flow" of holy spirit in the congregation. Words like this give elders with control issues a free pass to spiritually and emotionally abuse people.
I look back with pity at those still in, and ESP with the elders who believe that bullsh*t.