Brother Apostate

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Posts by Brother Apostate

• 
  19

  What would you do if your bank locked its doors?

  by sammielee24 in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  now that most of the major news sources are saying that the usa is already in a recession - will there be a run on the banks like there was in the uk in the fall?

  i know that the government insists that will never happen because they insure your funds up to a specific amount but so far already two banks have reduced the amount of money that you can withdraw from your account.

  they say its because of increased theft from their atm machines but who's really willing to buy that excuse?

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  Brother Apostate

  THE US DOLLAR IS THE ULTIMATE IN RELIGIOUS FAITH

  Amen, Brother!

  If not the "ultimate", definitely high-ranking on the list.

  BA
• 
  19

  What would you do if your bank locked its doors?

  by sammielee24 in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  now that most of the major news sources are saying that the usa is already in a recession - will there be a run on the banks like there was in the uk in the fall?

  i know that the government insists that will never happen because they insure your funds up to a specific amount but so far already two banks have reduced the amount of money that you can withdraw from your account.

  they say its because of increased theft from their atm machines but who's really willing to buy that excuse?

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  Brother Apostate

  Withdraw now.

  That's where we're all headed.

  Now is the time to learn to survive.

  All the World Bankers,

  And all their henchmen,

  Could never put Humpty

  together again.

  Coming soon.

  BA- Gettin' ready.
• 
  110

  What if God IS a farce?

  by LouBelle in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  that would really rock my world as i know it.

  after i initially left the jws' i did question the whole "is there a god"" especially when you look around and see all the atrocities - the sick sick things happening in your own back yard.then i put it out of my mind and carried on believing in a god.. right now i choose to believe in a god, whether that god be jesus, jehovah, buddha, allah, shiva, it doesn't matter - i'm happy with the idea that there is a spiritual & powerful someone running things.however lately i've been questioning again - so many posters on here that are atheists really make good arguments & i can't reason my way out of it.. why does god keep so quiet?

  why not just let us know - tadaaaa i'm here.

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  Brother Apostate

  I'm kind of late getting to this thread, having caught up on it so far, I've noticed Dansk trying to imply that Solomon, David, etc did not exist. In another thread, Dansk asked wheter I'd read The Bible Unearthed by Finkelstein and Silberman, presumably because that is where he gets his ideas from. I'll start by reposting that in it's entirety:

  B.A.

  I believe that the Bible is God-breathed, that the men who wrote the Bible were scribes who wrote God's thoughts.-BA

  Have you ever read The Bible Unearthed by Finkelstein and Silberman? These are two eminent archaeologists who have, in my opinion, done a great job in sifting fable from fact in the Hebrew scriptures. As far as I know, their findings have never been disproved with any worthwhile contrary evidence. The book certainly puts the scriptures in a whole new light and clearly shows the scribes wrote their own thoughts.

  I'd just be interested to know your thoughts on the book.

  Sincerely,

  Ian

  Yes, I have read The Bible Unearthed. There are always at least two sides to every story, so for a balanced view of their claims, I also read differing archaeologist's and apologetic replies to the points Finkelstein and Silberman make. Have you?

  Their findings (opinions) can't be disproved, because they are opinions. However, there are numerous rebuttals to their opinions on apologetic websites, as well as differing interpretations by other prominent archaeologists (Cathey, Deven, Dothan, Ussishkin, Herzog, Ben-Tor, Mazar, etc) all over the internet. Archaeological evidence is interpreted by both minimalists and maximilists. If you don't read both sides, you come away with a skewed viewpoint. The book does provide a different perspective on the scriptures, but as far as the conclusions reached, these have been rebutted, and continue to be rebutted.

  Finkelstein and Silberman's opinions shows the scribes wrote their own thoughts? They are their opinions, with many dissenting viewpoints on how archaological evidence is best interpreted.

  In other words, you'll find among archaeologists a contuum of belief from minimalist to maximilist, and all points in between. There is black and white, and there are shades of grey all along the continuum of these extremes.I am absolutely convinced that most who left the jws never get this point. You must learn at some point in your life that what you readily accept as "fact" is in reality nothing more than an interpretation, an opinion, and these always change with time. Finkelstein and Silberman have crossed the line in their book numerous times where they state as fact what is only opinion, and they have many, or even most, who currently (or will in time) disagree with their "findings".

  Here is a sampling of viewpoints on Finkelstein and Silberman :

  Quote: "As a working archaeologist ... I can attest that Finklestein et al. have based their conclusions upon "selected" data. You can’t hold "one" archaeologist [Finkelstein] up as the paragon of the field and expect the scholars to bow to him. I would direct your readers to Mazar’s recent articles (over fifteen) that dispute the findings in this work. Likewise I would also direct your readers to articles and monographs by Ben-Tor, and even Dothan and Dever. They all will agree on one thing - the data does not support a lowering of the chronology nor the dates he adduces". -Joe Cathey

  Quote: "I was one of the student volunteer diggers for Yadin on the 1971 excavation that found the Solomonic Gate at Gezer. Four of us Dug like crazy for four weeks just shoveling dirt as fast as we could to get down to the Gate. Trust me no one dug it up and rolled rocks down the hill before we got there as some have suggested. We had to dig down though twenty feet of dirt, often having to USE A PICK AXE TO LOOSEN THE ROCKS AND SOIL just to get to it. In the adjoining area burned debris was present above the floor. Assuming this was Shishak's destruction of 930 BC then that pretty much clinches the story, without even getting into the casemate wall issue or the pottery...Finkelstein's argument however, is absurd. You have three identical Heavy Gates all below the Shishak destruction. Call him Solomon or Call him Jerry, the same leader was obviously responsible and the timing is right, so objectively speaking.... whats the problem? ...
  The instant attraction of the minimalist argument/low chronology has less to do with archaeology than with theology and politics I suspect. ...But to let that blind you to the wonders of the text is to poke your own eye out because what you see offends you. The Gates are Solomonic and there is more to the mystery than most are comfortable with. It is the fear of the very real mystery of God which foments fundamentalism, and blinds the minds eye. Don't let fundamentalism blind your objectivity toward science nor toward God." - Daniel Pride www.kingsolomonsgate.com

  Quote: "Even without the above-mentioned archaeological finds (which to the unbiased examiner prove that camels were domesticated in the time of Abraham), it only seems reasonable to conclude that since wild camels have been known since the Creation, "there is no credible reason why such an indispensable animal in desert and semi-arid lands should not have been sporadically domesticated in patriarchal times and even earlier" ("Animal Kingdom," 1988). The truth is, all of the available evidence points to one conclusion—the limited use of domesticated camels during and before the time of Abraham did occur. The supposed "anachronism" of domesticated camels during the time of the patriarchs is, in fact, an actual historical reference to the use of these animals at that time. Those who reject this conclusion cannot give one piece of solid archaeological evidence on their behalf. They simply argue from the "silence" of archaeology…which is silent no more!" -Eric Lyons- http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/1781

  more:

  http://www.apologeticspress.org/articles/13

  http://www.tektonics.org/af/bibleunrvw2.html

  BA- In short, my take is- Some people can't get enough of revisionism ad nauseum.

  PS- It seems these days it's ok to be a skeptic of the Bible, but not ok to be a skeptic of what it's detractors write.
• 
  26

  Is Your Adulthood Authentic?

  by prophecor in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i've been training with some uniquely gifted folks at my place of employment.

  life has done some seemingly impressive things with them.

  one who's spent numerous years in the marine corps is an excellent asset to the company as are others who've likewise spent time in the military.

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  Brother Apostate

  I've always believed the best way to live life is to never truly grow up. To have a child like curiousity and wonder. To trust. To strive against time and experience to always find joy in everything we face, to be in awe and wonder of the beauty of God's creation, to cherish love and respect, and turn from anger and hatred. I think it's why Christ said: "Permit the children to come to Me; do not hinder them; for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these."-Mark 10:14

  Nothing worse than being bitter, mean, jaded and spiteful in our outlook. Unfortunately, many become such as they age. It takes effort to remain unjaded by life's experiences as we age.

  BA- Here's a poem that touches on the subject:

  I Resign

  I am hereby officially tendering my resignation as an adult.

  I have decided I would like to accept the responsibilities

  of an 8-year-old again.

  I want to go to McDonald's and think that it's a four star restaurant.

  I want to sail sticks across a fresh mud puddle and

  make ripples with rocks.

  I want to think M&Ms are better than money because

  you can eat them.

  I want to lie under a big oak tree and run a lemonade

  stand with my friends on a hot summer day.

  I want to return to a time when life was simple.

  When all you knew were colors, multiplication tables,

  and nursery rhymes,

  but that didn't bother you, because you didn't know what

  you didn't know and you didn't care.

  All you knew was to be happy because you were blissfully unaware of all the things that should

  make you worried or upset.

  I want to think the world is fair.

  That everyone is honest and good.

  I want to believe that anything is possible.

  I want to be oblivious to the complexities of life and

  be overly excited by the little things again.

  I want to live simple again.

  I don't want my day to consist of computer crashes, mountains of paperwork, depressing news,

  how to survive more days in the month than there is

  money in the bank, doctor bills, gossip,

  illness, and loss of loved ones.

  I want to believe in the power of smiles, hugs, a kind

  word, truth, justice, peace, dreams,

  the imagination, mankind, and making angels

  in the snow.

  So...here's my checkbook and my car keys, my credit

  cards and all my responsibility.

  I am officially resigning from adulthood.

  And if you want to discuss this further, you'll have to

  catch me first, 'cause,

  "Tag! You're it."
• 
  17

  A message from Samuel Barber and Max Ehrmann

  by Brother Apostate in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  .

  ba- i approve this message.

  ps- learn it.. .

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  Brother Apostate

  Greetings and Gratitude, Bro A:

  Yes, despite our own aridity of soul and disenchantment
  with our fellows, love remains as perennial as the grass.

  These are two of my all-time faves re: Words and Music ...

  Thank you SO MUCH,

  CoCo

  Yes, that is one of my many favorite lines in Desiderata, as well. Glad you enjoyed the presentation!

  BA

  THANK YOU!

  DV

  DV

  You're Welcome!

  BA

  Thanks so much, thats beautiful, uplifting and meditative. It resonates with the soul.-Aphrodite

  You're welcome, aphrodite, glad you enjoyed the message!

  the intro feels almost tolkienish

  BA, what is background picture? It reminds me of Scotland.

  PM me if you know.

  [ink]

  It does remind one of the tolkein novels, no?

  The Scottish landscape , especially the highlands, is indeed breathtaking.

  Glad you enjoyed it as well!

  BA

  PS- Another great inspirational poem:

  A Creed to Live By

  Don't undermine your worth by comparing

  yourself with others,

  It is because we are different that each

  of us is special.

  Don't set your goals by what other people

  deem important,

  Only you know what is best for you.

  Don't take for granted the things closest

  to your heart

  Cling to that as you would your life, for without

  them life is meaningless.

  Don't let your life slip through your fingers by living

  in the past or the future.

  By living your life one day at a time, you live all the

  days of your life.

  Don't give up when you still have something to give

  Nothing is really over … until the moment

  you stop trying.

  Don't be afraid to admit that you are less

  than perfect,

  It is the fragile thread that binds us to each other.

  Don't be afraid to encounter risks,

  It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.

  Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's

  impossible to find.

  The quickest way to receive love is to give love.

  The fastest way to lose love is to hold on too tightly,

  And the best way to keep love is to give it wings.

  Don't dismiss your Dreams. To be without

  dreams is to be without hope.

  To be without hope is to be without purpose.

  Don't run through life so fast that you forget

  where you've been,

  But also know where you're going.

  Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored

  every step of the way.

  Author Unknown
• 
  43

  Faulty Arguments

  by Superfine Apostate in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  apart from "ad hominem", there are a bunch of other "arguments" that are used widely, but actually don't hold any value.. .

  one i find very often to be used is "tu quoque" (you too!).

  like in "yes, i believe without evidence, but you believe too!"..

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  Brother Apostate

  BA, you remind me of Rush Limbaugh. It seems you are of the "If I say it enough, with enough sarcasm, it must be so" school of thought.

  Ok, now we're back on topic. The above is an example of a strawman, a false comparison, and an ad-hominem logical fallacy. It would be like if I were to state: beksbks, you remind me of Adolf Hitler. It seems you are of the "if I dictate often enough, with enough propaganda, it must be true" school of thought. Here's to you and the object of your obsequious, sycophantic desires:
• 
  17

  A message from Samuel Barber and Max Ehrmann

  by Brother Apostate in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  .

  ba- i approve this message.

  ps- learn it.. .

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  Brother Apostate

  and everywhere life is full of heroism.

  That's very true....

  It's a beautiful video, thanks BA.

  You're welcome, emy!

  Yes, the refence to heroism is certainly true, although the world can always use more heroes! On the subject, it reminds me of another upbuilding truth:

  "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in a worthy cause, who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement and who at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly. So that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."

  -Theodore Roosevelt (1858-1919)

  BA- If only more people understood the truth in those words.
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  43

  Faulty Arguments

  by Superfine Apostate in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  apart from "ad hominem", there are a bunch of other "arguments" that are used widely, but actually don't hold any value.. .

  one i find very often to be used is "tu quoque" (you too!).

  like in "yes, i believe without evidence, but you believe too!"..

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  Brother Apostate

  saywhat,

  That is strawman.

  You construct, in your mind's eye, a caricature of BA, then assail it.

  Also, you lack a sense of humor.

  Hilary,

  Likewise, a strawman of BA is attempted, but as usual, with no evidence to suppport your theory, it collapses under it's own miniscule weight.

  Keep trying, midget!

  

  BA- lolz.

  PS-

  
• 
  17

  A message from Samuel Barber and Max Ehrmann

  by Brother Apostate in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  .

  ba- i approve this message.

  ps- learn it.. .

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  Brother Apostate

  Thoughts in a similar vein:

  Man's history is the history of his journey to the unknown quest of the realization of his immortal self - his soul.

  Through the rise and fall of empires, through the building up of gigantic piles of wealth and the ruthless scattering of them upon the dust; through the creation of vast bodies of symbols that give shape to his dreams and aspirations, and the casting of them away like the playthings of an outworn infancy; through his forging of magic keys with which to unlock the mysteries of creation, and through his throwing away of this labor of ages to go back to his workshop and work up afresh some new form; yes through it all man is marching from epoch to epoch towards the fullest realization of his soul - the soul which is greater than the things man accumulates, the deeds he accomplishes, the theories he builds; the soul whose onward course is never checked by death or dissolution.

  Yes they are coming, the pilgrims, one and all - coming to their true inheritance of the world, they are ever broadening their consciousness, ever seeking a higher and higher unity, ever approaching a nearer to the one central Truth which is all comprehensive.

  Rabindranath Tagore
  (1861-1941)
• 
  43

  Faulty Arguments

  by Superfine Apostate in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  apart from "ad hominem", there are a bunch of other "arguments" that are used widely, but actually don't hold any value.. .

  one i find very often to be used is "tu quoque" (you too!).

  like in "yes, i believe without evidence, but you believe too!"..

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  Brother Apostate