Devon,
I believe they are a Pentecostal type group. I guess they are your basic born again whatever.
Freeman
freeman
JoinedPosts by freeman
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6
The "good news" gives me the blues
by freeman inyesterday i got back from a blues festival and was feeling pretty good, pretty good that is until i decided to read a little tract that some people were handing out to the joyful crowd.
i saw the cross on the cover page with the phrase god loves you so i knew it was a religious tract of some kind before i stuck it into my pocket, but it wasnt until i got home and really looked at it that i noticed just how utterly offensive this tract really is.
hear is a scan of the inside page:
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6
The "good news" gives me the blues
by freeman inyesterday i got back from a blues festival and was feeling pretty good, pretty good that is until i decided to read a little tract that some people were handing out to the joyful crowd.
i saw the cross on the cover page with the phrase god loves you so i knew it was a religious tract of some kind before i stuck it into my pocket, but it wasnt until i got home and really looked at it that i noticed just how utterly offensive this tract really is.
hear is a scan of the inside page:
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freeman
Yesterday I got back from a Blues festival and was feeling pretty good, pretty good that is until I decided to read a little tract that some people were handing out to the joyful crowd. I saw the cross on the cover page with the phrase “God Loves You” so I knew it was a religious tract of some kind before I stuck it into my pocket, but it wasn’t until I got home and really looked at it that I noticed just how utterly offensive this tract really is.
Hear is a scan of the inside page:
http://www.strike9.com/file.aspx?path=%2ffreeman%2ffullsize%2ftract.jpg
The first tip off that something is wrong is found the opening line “Please do not resent us for giving you this tract.”
Why does a religious tract need a disclaimer, why does it need a warning label?
Next they say that they love my soul? Just my soul? What about the rest of me?
And then comes the bad news… If you’re not with us pal, you burn. Oh boy, just what I need, death threats, or more precisely, eternal torture threats! The back of the track is stamped with the name and address of the church associated with this uplifting message, just in case you wanted to join. Oh yes the church just happens to be “Assembly Of God”, and it's printed by the "Fellowship Tract League"
You know it’s not that I don’t appreciate that they love my soul and all, but somehow that message of you better be on our team or else seems rather reminiscent of a group that I really would like to forget about. I think I’m leaning more towards taking my chances on burning rather then joining at this time.
You know it’s kind of sad, sick, and funny at the same time when I think about it. The Blues festival made me feel happy and the Good News contained in this little tract gave me the blues.
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9
Weird Beliefs from JWs
by Yizuman inwho has heard some really far out, off the wall, el whacko beliefs from jws over the years??.
here's an example....yesterday a couple of jehopeless witlesses told me that riding my bicycle was the doings of the devil because, since a bicycle can't stand up by itself, it's impossible to ride one without the devil holding you up.
does anybody know what bible verse they use to support this?
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freeman
You think JWs have some strange beliefs do you?
I guess you would find it hard to believe that daemons can live in very small items procured at garage sales. Maybe you find the suggestion that recipients of heart transplants unknowingly receive the personality of the deceased donor just a bit nutty. Does it not make perfect sense to everyone that annoying and disease spreading insects such as the common housefly and mosquito are creations not of God but of the devil? And just who can argue with the soundness of avoiding aluminum knowing as we do from the pages of the Watchtower that it can cause insanity and a host of other problems? And let us not forget about the wise counsel of refusing emergency blood transfusions for both adults and children alike. As you well know God is not pleased when lives are saved using blood products that have not been sufficiently broken down into smaller components.
IMHO, considering some of the truly strange and even death-dealing beliefs JWs have had over the years, a little satanic bicycle-balancing act is really not that out of the ordinary. But then again in fairness, I am sure this is not a JW belief. To me it sounds like some individual nutcase with nothing better to type.
Freeman
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21
Two most important doctrines of JW's.
by Mr Bean in1. you will believe in the sacrifice of jesus christ.
2. you will believe in god's anointed,directed and inspired organization.. .
in case you are not sure, study baptismal questions.. .
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freeman
SOJ said:
THE MOST IMPORTANT DOCTRINE IS: THE RESURRECTION HOPE.
Think about it...Perhaps to you SOJ that is the most important doctrine, and that’s good. However, from the standpoint of the Watchtower organization, from the standpoint of those who would judge you in a judicial committee, the real test is if you fully believe in the doctrine of the FDS and that the FDS is represented by the Watchtower organization.
SOJ, you can do all the good things Jesus talked about 24/7, and expound on the virtues and meaning of his death and resurrection until you are blue in the face, however if you don’t answer in the affirmative about the FDS and the Watchtower organization being God’s visible organization on earth when they ask you, you are toast my friend, you absolutely will be dis-fellowshipped.
Think about it...
Freeman
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21
How many have multiple degrees on this forum?
by logansrun insometimes i think life was so much easier under the feudel system..... .
well, i'm still deciding on a career.
have i made much progress since my thread about teaching a few months ago?
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freeman
When you decide to make major changes in career paths, (like from business, to electronics, to computers, you often find that your previous education and training is not necessary fully applicable to your new career choice, hence you must start anew with each major career change. Oh yes it is quite true that in doing so you will in fact collect a number of very nice vellum-like parchments to hang in your den, however you also collect another nice knick-knack that you get to carry on your back for years and years to come.
DEBT!
I don’t want to turn anyone away from the pursuit of an education, far from it! All I am stating is that you should think long and hard on a career choice before starting college and then pursue that ONE direction ,unless of course you are independently wealthy or just like collecting diplomas.
Here is a student aid statement (with my name and student id removed) showing just some of educational debt that I have incurred for this year alone, with payments that stretch into the far future. Yes sir, I’m almost 50 and back in school again, kind of like Rodney Dangerfield in the movie BACK TO SCHOOL, “hey, Shakespeare for everyone”.
PS: You will note that the opening line on my award letter below is “Congratulations!” They say it as if I had won a prize instead of a mountain of debt.
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Congratulations! The financial aid awards listed on this page were calculated based on the information you provided on your application for financial aid. These awards are estimated, and subject to change upon verification of the information provided on the application, maintaining satisfactory progress, approval by lenders or other agencies, or withdrawal from the school before the award is disbursed. The Financial Aid office reserves the right to change your award to comply with federal regulation.
Important: Your estimated financial aid award cannot be processed until you have accepted this award and all requested documents have been received by the financial aid office.Award Year: 2002-03
Academic Year: 6/8/2003 - 2/7/2004
Institutional Charges: $15,876.00Award Type Amount Awarded Fees Net Amount Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan $2,000.00 $60.00 $1,940.00 Distribution Schedule Date Scheduled Gross Amount Bank Fee Net Amount 6/13/2003 $1,000.00 $30.00 $970.00 7/21/2003 $1,000.00 $30.00 $970.00 Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan $1,000.00 $30.00 $970.00 Distribution Schedule Date Scheduled Gross Amount Bank Fee Net Amount 6/13/2003 $500.00 $15.00 $485.00 7/21/2003 $500.00 $15.00 $485.00 Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan $3,666.00 $109.98 $3,556.02 Distribution Schedule Date Scheduled Gross Amount Bank Fee Net Amount 8/24/2003 $1,833.00 $54.99 $1,778.01 11/16/2003 $1,833.00 $54.99 $1,778.01 Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan $3,333.00 $99.99 $3,233.01 Distribution Schedule Date Scheduled Gross Amount Bank Fee Net Amount 8/24/2003 $1,667.00 $50.00 $1,617.00 11/16/2003 $1,666.00 $49.99 $1,616.01 Self payment - extended 12 months $6,177.00 $0.00 $6,177.00 Distribution Schedule Date Scheduled Gross Amount Bank Fee Net Amount 7/15/2003 $280.77 $0.00 $280.77 8/15/2003 $280.77 $0.00 $280.77 9/15/2003 $280.77 $0.00 $280.77 10/15/2003 $280.77 $0.00 $280.77 11/15/2003 $280.77 $0.00 $280.77 12/15/2003 $280.77 $0.00 $280.77 1/15/2004 $280.77 $0.00 $280.77 2/15/2004 $280.77 $0.00 $280.77 3/15/2004 $280.77 $0.00 $280.77 4/15/2004 $280.77 $0.00 $280.77 5/15/2004 $280.77 $0.00 $280.77 6/15/2004 $280.77 $0.00 $280.77 7/15/2004 $280.77 $0.00 $280.77 8/15/2004 $280.77 $0.00 $280.77 9/15/2004 $280.77 $0.00 $280.77 10/15/2004 $280.77 $0.00 $280.77 11/15/2004 $280.77 $0.00 $280.77 12/15/2004 $280.77 $0.00 $280.77 1/15/2005 $280.77 $0.00 $280.77 2/15/2005 $280.77 $0.00 $280.77 3/15/2005 $280.77 $0.00 $280.77 4/15/2005 $280.83 $0.00 $280.83 Total Financial Aid $16,176.00 $299.97 $15,876.03 Special Notes:
LOAN FEES: There is a loan origination fee and guarantee fee that is deducted from the award amount of the Subsidized Stafford Loan, the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, and the PLUS Loan. The fees usually total 3% and are itemized on the Notice of Guarantee and Loan Disclosure that will be mailed to you from the lender. Your loan funds will be disbursed to the school by electronic funds transfer (EFT) and you will be notified by email. The net amount above represents loans less fees. The gross amount above represents the loan debt. VERIFICATION: A percentage of applications for financial aid are selected for a process called verification. If your application is selected you will be asked to provide copies of tax returns, W-2's, or other proof of income reported on your application. Freeman (a very much in debt Freeman)
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50
Can God exist outside of time
by setfreefinally in.
some say god exists outside of time and space therefore he can predict the future.. any comments?
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freeman
It’s amazing how some people provide the answers to their own questions. Some are able to do it all on their own, and some just need a little assist.
Setfreefinally said: Some say God exists outside of time and space therefore he can predict the future.
Lets just break that statement down into its essential components:
God exists outside of time, or God exists where time is not, further distilled and purified to read God exists where no time exists, and as a last refinement; at no time did God exist.
Now lets look at the other part of Setfree’s statement asserting that God exists not only out of the realm of time, but also beyond the realm of space. Or put another way, God resides in a place outside of our existence, further refined to read God is found someplace we can’t go, and as a last refinement, God is no place to be found.
So there we have it, at no time did God exist, and he is no place to be found.
So Setfree, I have a question, did you realize you were an atheist before you made this post?
Don’t take offense, just musing with you.
Freeman
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27
I need a good beating for what I did this morning
by freeman inthis morning i let my emotions run away with me and challenged my 20-year-old son into defending his loyalty to the watchtower shunning doctrine.
it was not good, im in no way proud of myself.
im sure he and my dub wife will likely mischaracterize it as an attack on god; anything said against the tower is always an attack on god.
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freeman
Thank you all for the many kind words of encouragement and some pointed advice.
I was told I can’t visit the boys as of yet because only immediate family member are allowed to visit due to their serious condition, also my wife did not tell me which hospital they are in and I doubt she even will now.
My wife is no doubt kicking herself for letting me find out that this happened in the first place. I’m not supposed to know about anything bad going on with the JWs as I might use that to attack Gods organization. As far as my son goes, I truly think he needs therapy or at least an examination, and most likely medication, God that is such a hard thing to say. Now getting him to realize he needs this and must do something about it will be the next big hurdle. Again thank you all for your kind words, you guys are the best.
Freeman
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27
I need a good beating for what I did this morning
by freeman inthis morning i let my emotions run away with me and challenged my 20-year-old son into defending his loyalty to the watchtower shunning doctrine.
it was not good, im in no way proud of myself.
im sure he and my dub wife will likely mischaracterize it as an attack on god; anything said against the tower is always an attack on god.
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freeman
This morning I let my emotions run away with me and challenged my 20-year-old son into defending his loyalty to the WATCHTOWER shunning doctrine. It was not good, I’m in no way proud of myself. I’m sure he and my DUB wife will likely mischaracterize it as an attack on GOD; anything said against the TOWER is always an attack on GOD.
Emotions ran high, voices were raised and I just hope I did not put my son over the edge. That is what I am worried about; my son at age 20 is an emotional cripple. As his father, it's very hard for me to say that, but it is unfortunately very true. He can’t handle stress of any kind or normal everyday disappointments like most people can. He has VERY serious mood swings among other emotional problems, and I strongly suspect he suffers from bipolar disorder. Two semesters of college phyc classes does not make me in anyway an expert on the subject, but he has all the classic signs judging from everything I have read.
Here is what precipitated the row this morning:
Last night I learned that two boys, brothers to each other and dis-fellowshipped for about a year now, boys we have been very good friends with for over 10 years, were in very serious condition after a fight. A fight which I understand transpired in a bar. I am not surprised it happened in a bar as the boys have gone downhill very fast since their dis-fellowshipping and subsequent loss of every friend they had in the world as a result of their new religious status. All their so-called friends were witnesses and everyone of them now shuns them. Now the boys hang out with a very bad crowd, lots of drug use etc.
The one boy Adam had several bones broken and multiple lacerations. That’s bad enough, but unfortunately Adam is in much better shape then his older brother Seth who among his other serious injuries that put him in critical condition includes a punctured, bleeding, and collapsed lung. Seth was stabbed, his throat slashed and like his brother, beaten with bats from what I understand. Someone attempted to murder both of them and my son has been upset over this, but yet he can’t check on them, he can’t see them in the hospital, make a call, or even offer a prayer because the two boys are dis-fellowshipped.
All the “friends” of course still shun both of them too, as everyone is obliged by WATCHTOWER dogma to shun these boys, even when they are near death’s door. Now if they were convicted child rapists but not dis-fellowshipped then the “friends” could visit them, but smoke a cigarette or break some other mad-made WATCHTOWER rule and it’s out the door you go. SICK!
The thing that really got me is that I found my son all dressed up this morning for service waiting to be picked up by yet a third brother in this family, Luke. And yes these are their real names, all very biblical don’t you think?
After realizing my son was all dressed up to go spread this propaganda with Luke to other unsuspecting people, everything welled up in me and I lost it. I just could not contain the resentment I feel for this cult and how it dehumanizes normal family relationships and so I lost it right then and there, I really lost it and let my emotionally fragile child have it with both barrels. I normally walk on eggshells with him because he is so fragile. I won't go into deatils of what was said, I more or less challenged him to put his money where his mouth was and show me the scriptural basis for shunning, and I did it in a very unkind way.
As I walked out the door hurriedly on my way to work, I taunted him that he needs to tell everyone on who’s door he knocks about the WATCHTOWER’s loving provision of shunning for people near death, and that he has all day to look up the scriptures, and he better be ready to prove his case for shunning to me from the Bible when I get home.
Of course he can’t and won’t but I just had to get that last little dig in. If my son does not emotionally meltdown, (and God I hope not) then he should have an interesting conversation with Luke about what I said as he was going to be picked up in just a few minutes. He and Luke can then both high-five each other WATCHTOWER style over the foolishness of what brother inactive (that’s me) had to say.
Someone reading this post may wonder, why the hell I would ever want to broadcast to the world this personal information about family members and myself. The answer is simple, I WANT TO SAVE OTHERS FROM THE PAIN I AM GOING THROUGH!
For anyone reading this, please investigate the WATCHTOWER, don’t join because they seem like nice people, research their organization first, then make up your mind! You have a right to ask questions!
Freeman
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31
Is there life on other planets?
by JH indo you believe that there is life right now on other planets?
how can we be alone since the universe is endless?
if god does exist, why did he create all of that, if man will never go there?
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freeman
Looked at from the standpoint of probability alone and based on what we collectively know or more correctly about what we think we know, I believe the answer from a scientific point of view is yes most likely there is life elsewhere in the cosmos. The majority of NASA scientists studying that possibility are very much convinced of this and to that end NASA is using some of its vast resources searching for signs of this life (i.e. the SETI program). That said however, the likelihood that we would be able to discover the existence of such life in our lifetimes, and in particular sentient life, is quite improbable. Still we try because it truly would be the greatest discovery in all human existence, well a close second anyway to beer.
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30
Hillary Clintons new book
by freedom96 in.
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will it be found under the fiction or non-fiction section?
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freeman
Oh Englishman you are just too funny! LMAO!!!
Freeman
