the title of this thread is like one of those bumper stickers, "if you can read this, you are too close".
it's true: if you are reading this, you accepted certain assumptions in the past, or need to do so.. the jws deliver a well-honed message that is targeted to individuals who's prior experiences and psyche makes them pre-disposed to accept their version of reality; attending meetings is really just a way for individuals to correct their thinking so as to be more in accord with the beliefs of the group.
btw, the process of aligning one's thinking to a group is not inherent evil, eg doctors attend continuing education courses so they can stay abreast with their colleagues in new findings of research, thus enabling them to deliver the best possible care to their patients, not practicing using turn-of-the-century ideas (blood-sucking leeches, etc).. however, when it comes to religion and faith, accepting assumptions into one's world view without critically-analysis leads one to a conclusion that may be flawed.
I do have another one though.
I once believed that a man was the head over a woman and therefore superior. Although I treated women well, deep down I held the belief I was superior and needed to guide and protect all women.
This of course is fundamentally incorrect.
With my new viewpoint I view women as 100% my equal as a starting point - and then form any opinions on a person only on merit and not on gender.
the title of this thread is like one of those bumper stickers, "if you can read this, you are too close".
it's true: if you are reading this, you accepted certain assumptions in the past, or need to do so.. the jws deliver a well-honed message that is targeted to individuals who's prior experiences and psyche makes them pre-disposed to accept their version of reality; attending meetings is really just a way for individuals to correct their thinking so as to be more in accord with the beliefs of the group.
btw, the process of aligning one's thinking to a group is not inherent evil, eg doctors attend continuing education courses so they can stay abreast with their colleagues in new findings of research, thus enabling them to deliver the best possible care to their patients, not practicing using turn-of-the-century ideas (blood-sucking leeches, etc).. however, when it comes to religion and faith, accepting assumptions into one's world view without critically-analysis leads one to a conclusion that may be flawed.
Interesting question. I remember having a deep discussion on this very question while I was still in.
The conclusion I came to, and argued in favor of, at the time was that - no I did not believe all events had an ultimate cause. I believed that Jehovah controlled the general flow of events, but only as they impacted on the outworking of his purposes. All other events and happenings were uncontrolled and therefore very random.
I now feel just a little bit dirty for having visited my former state of mind, although I pretty much hold the same belief today except for the Jehovah and his purpose part.
the title of this thread is like one of those bumper stickers, "if you can read this, you are too close".
it's true: if you are reading this, you accepted certain assumptions in the past, or need to do so.. the jws deliver a well-honed message that is targeted to individuals who's prior experiences and psyche makes them pre-disposed to accept their version of reality; attending meetings is really just a way for individuals to correct their thinking so as to be more in accord with the beliefs of the group.
btw, the process of aligning one's thinking to a group is not inherent evil, eg doctors attend continuing education courses so they can stay abreast with their colleagues in new findings of research, thus enabling them to deliver the best possible care to their patients, not practicing using turn-of-the-century ideas (blood-sucking leeches, etc).. however, when it comes to religion and faith, accepting assumptions into one's world view without critically-analysis leads one to a conclusion that may be flawed.
I once believed in the concept of meat in due season, or food at the proper time - coming from God to the faithful slave class and then to us.
This allowed my mind to rationalize all kinds of failed prophecies, and allowed me to accept new teachings without questioning anything.
When I started uncovering flip flops, new light that was actually old light - that entire concept unravelled and fell apart like a house of cards.
It gave me"permission" to start researching past teachings and the "foundation" of the "truth". Once I started discovering the real truth, the fog began to rapidly lift and it was the beginning of the end for watchtower mind control.
The Oracle
i've just uploaded a new video in my series of short films that examine some of the more outlandish remarks of governing body member anthony morris iii from the platform.
(before you ask, yes i do intend to move on to another governing body eventually, but i'm not done just yet!).
this latest video looks at the society's relationship with the media.
Tony the Turd. That's funny, Billy!
The appropriate level of respect for such a despicable wackjob.
Anyone in a position like that, who has to know its all horse-poo-poo, yet who continues to control and endanger the healthy lives of millions of innocent people deserves to be referred to as Tony The Turd.
The Oracle
has any one heard what happened or if there will be more?.
Anyone hear from V lately?
The Oracle
and nothing happened.
there aren't any voices, nothing is moving around on its own.
i watched insidious, the first, without a doubt, demonic movie.
Hey Serenity,
Was Insidious any good?
i wanted to consolidate a lot of the information about the attack of anonymous against the watchtower society.
if you disagree with the tactics of anonymous, that's fine.
this information may still be useful as the public is made more aware of the the dangerous policies of the watchtower society.
Hopefully they can make a positive impact for the sake of everything that is good and decent in this world.
Staying tuned for updates....
The Oracle
alex, our youngest, married monika fischer on july 1. i thought i'd toss out a few pictures as everyone involved was making an effort to look presentable.
the groom.
the bride.
Congrats JeffT!
Life is good!
The Oracle
his arguments are succinct against such foolish conclusion that we have nothing to lose by worshipping god if unsure, and is defeated in it's very premise.. http://www.ebonmusings.org/atheism/wager.html.
this paragraph is key to the defeat, and powerful:.
the first and most serious objection to the wager should be immediately obvious to anyone who sees it.
That's just one persons opinion that they are all exactly the same person (god). They are described quite differently. Some of the gods did not create everything.
It all boils down to the imaginations of ancient man.
People invent explanations for things they don't understand. Ancient stories often involved invisible powerful beings who had control over all or part of the things we see on the earth. The forces of nature, our various emotions etc. Some lazier ancients decided to invent the all in one style super being who trumped all the other gods.
Either way it's all man made speculation and conjecture which sprang from not being able to explain things scientifically yet.
the entire time i was gone it was nagging at me.
i hadn't been previously baptized, so leaving wasn't that big a deal.
now i'm back in the swing of it, going to all meetings and field service.
Hi Jake,
First of all welcome to the forum! It's great to have you here.
My advice to you regarding the nagging "what if's?" you are feeling - is to hit the,books and do some research. True knowledge is a powerful force, and once you gain a full understanding of things! those nagging "what if's" completely disappear and are in fact replaced with an an extremely powerful feeling of inner peace and a great sense of "relief" for having avoided a very unsavory life trapped in a religion like the JWs.
I served as an elder for many many years, and then was shocked and horrified to learn that the religion I had devoted my life to was false.
Jake, I strongly encourage you to continue your time here on this forum and to thoroughly research the history and teachings of Jehovah's Witnesses. You can decide for yourself what is true and what is false, but you cannot fall in to their trap of relying ONLY On what they tell you. This is not reasonable and is a tell tale sign that you may be getting mixed up with a cult.
Welcome again Jake, and good luck on your journey to find real truth!
The Oracle
