early christians were drawn together by their love of christ and each other.
most were just hard working average people who had little education and no understanding of the philosophies of the world.
the gospel message of the kingdom and the future hope of life everlasting were the basis of their simple faith.
The real appeal remains the same today as in the first century: Love of Christ and the love of each other.
Few words that speak volumes. I never really felt this was the key principle of JW's "version of Christianity"; it was always about time, service, and different doctrines, placing magazines, talks, assemblies, etc.., etc...,etc... that the true message of Christ is buried.
Thanks for the post.
i don't think you can, because they are completely fixated with territory maps, hours and doors to knock on (and literature to present).. how many years have jws been active in the uk?
well over a century.. how many hours were spent "preaching" in the uk last year?
must be well over 500,000 hours.. if you were to ask a member of the public what jws believe, now many would you have to ask before anyone mentioned god's kingdom?
Blondie's comments are really helpful, esp. when dealing with a hardcore dub. Show them from their own publication that his comments are wrong. The equate reading the WT to reading the bible anyways....
But also, Mustang's comments are relative also, since at Romans 12:6 we know that everyone has different gifts, and preaching sn't everyones...
comments you will not hear at the 08-17-08 wt study (june 15, 2008, pages 11-15)(pursue).
review comments will be in red.
wt material from today's wt will be in black.
Great post, I especially like the opening comments - an eye opener..
for me, i had doubts from the beginning.
however, my 1st major doubt came as i had it confirmed that other people felt like i did about certain big issues within the org.
there were many, i realised, that just knew things were not right.
Honestly, I think due to GB's monitoring of this site and others, it won't be long before they take a hardline stance against Faders also, twisting some scripture to show how they are bad association, apostate, etc....
I think I'll follow Poz's lead and keep perfect attendance at the memorial.....that way I may have something to fall back on, should they take this position... 45 minutes out of a year is a small price to pay to keep my family relationships in tact....
for me, i had doubts from the beginning.
however, my 1st major doubt came as i had it confirmed that other people felt like i did about certain big issues within the org.
there were many, i realised, that just knew things were not right.
I only had doubts about a few things initially, but after coming to this site, my fade kicked into lightning speed. I've only been on here for maybe 3-4 months, but after this site and reading CoC, I was completely disgusted. I haven't been back to the meetings in almost 2 months. Maybe because I never was an exemplary dub to begin with and I did not buy into the 'fire and brimstone' approach, being scared into baptism out of fear of the big A.
for me, i was attracted to concrete proofs, facts, published information that showed conclusively the errors of the watchtower.
i love seeing posts that prove the watchtower's hypocrisy.
i very much enjoyed reading anything historical from pre-bible students time to the present day.
Great thread. I feel like I have a lot of catching up to do before this site goes down and I really wanted to read up on many of the threads 'that made a difference'. Keep 'em coming...
thanks to this site, not only am i free of the mental imprisonment, but i am also free of the fear that the society used to keep me and others like me silent.. i am not a witness anymore because the truth is not what we are directred to think it is.
once we allow ourselves to think, it is clear as day that there is no real basis for anyone to take the title of faithful and discreet slave.
there are folders and lists which contain the names of pedophiles who were never turned over to the proper authorities for their crimes.
Great words, Donnie. It is my wish for the future that everyone may soon be able to join you in your freedom ~
all jehovah's witnesses should read it.
.
some one just called & read it to me,it is all about showing love & kindness to every one not only among themselves .. what a load of cods wallop after all the families they have devided .i am so ticked .
Anyone have the August edition?
easy answer....just about everything.
everything in my life is bigger than this place.
yet, it has offered me so much during a time when i needed it.
I don't think that I have ever wanted any website to survive more than this one. I know it's an incredible burden to run a site 24/7 like this one, however losing the incredible support, knowledge and insight is terrible to think about. I understand Simon's reasons, however the reality still hasn't sunk in - I hoping that this forum will be around much longer.....
what a waste of living being "in the truth" was!
sometimes i see persons suggesting that the witness religion isn't all so wrong.
actually they suggest that they themselves are the issue.
Well said Mary.
It's just a shame that in the land of the net and boards, this kind of mob action will always result. Probably the reason why this site will soon be gone as well.
