Posts by AuntBee

47

Lots of JWs out at tables this morning!

by AuntBee in

so, i actually stopped at two different tables that i saw.

the first was 2 elderly men - they were so sweet and open to discuss.

i brought up the topic of the divine name and why the wt inserted it into the nt with no evidence from greek manuscripts.

Lots of JWs out at tables this morning!

by AuntBee in

so, i actually stopped at two different tables that i saw.

the first was 2 elderly men - they were so sweet and open to discuss.

i brought up the topic of the divine name and why the wt inserted it into the nt with no evidence from greek manuscripts.

AuntBee

I don't mind Puff; it's in Tucson, arizona.

47

Lots of JWs out at tables this morning!

by AuntBee in

so, i actually stopped at two different tables that i saw.

the first was 2 elderly men - they were so sweet and open to discuss.

i brought up the topic of the divine name and why the wt inserted it into the nt with no evidence from greek manuscripts.

So, i actually stopped at two different tables that i saw. The first was 2 elderly men - they were so sweet and open to discuss. I brought up the topic of the divine name and why the WT inserted it into the NT with no evidence from Greek manuscripts. They repeatedly brought up the Old Testament, and various translations of the NT, but i kept bringing it back to the Greek manuscripts. (There is a great article on this on www.orthocath.wordpress.com) I also mentioned there is no record of Jesus saying the divine name, although admittedly, He did speak about God's name, as in "hallowed be thy name". I mentioned that In Malachi, the prophet accuses the priests of despising God's name, but this meant they did not obey/honor Him, as it clearly goes on to say they despised His name by offering imperfect sacrifices, contrary to the Law. It didn't mean they said one word instead of another, or neglected to use YHWH. I asked if they are allowed to study the Bible without publications, and of course they said it is encouraged. So i asked them where in the Bible it describes the early church, and wrote down a little study about looking up the word "name" in the book of Acts, to see the name emphasized by the early church, and they said they would. These 2 men had a very different attitude than many JWs i've talked to at my door, tables, etc. They had a sad feeling about them, and seemed to have no "fire" to answer my questions, and were very quiet. They said several times in response to things i said were in older publications, that they would not believe this unless they saw it, but they will look it up. I told them about a man i know of who is now going into hospice, rather than take blood for a condition that could be easily cured. I asked if they knew of the changes about fractions, and also suggested they call Brooklyn if they or loved ones need any blood product, because in the past people have gotten different responses from calling, before stuff was in print, so it could save their life to call, as many believe the policy is in a state of flux. -- They said a sister was coming to take over the table, and she wants to study with me, so i gave her my info.

The next table was completely different. Two women, elderly mother and daughter. The mother immediately became very irate and hostile when i just calmly asked a few questions, and started walking around, very agitated. The daughter was more patient for a while, and took my info and said someone would get back to help with my questions. Again, i wanted to give some info on blood. You know how it is , she wanted to detour with the dangers of transfusion ,etc. But i pressed a bit, and asked if they ever apologized after changes on their stance. Showed her the magazine pic of the children who died, and said probably even some of them could have been saved by fractions that weren't allowed at that time. She went completely ballistic, and took the paper with my info, held it up in front of my face, tearing it up. CONVERSATION OVER! As i left, she called out that i will die soon, but she'll pray for Jehovah for me. Yikes, i think a few people walking by heard her!

I mentioned that i was out preaching, contrary to what they say that no one else preaches, but she said it didn't count because it's not door to door. !!

(and don't scold me for being a Protestant, or i'll never come back. pfff. LOL)

15

The KNOW-IT-ALL: what makes them tick?

by Terry in

we can hardly get through a week on planet earth without an encounter with a know-it-all.. this none-too-rare creature is ever ready to volunteer to enlighten us in our apparent ignorance.. the know-it-all tells us we are wrong (implying they are right) and sets us straight.

and the best part?

we can barely finish a sentence when the know-it-all corrects us!.

AuntBee

This is SUCH an interesting topic, Terry! I just got a book from the library called "First Impressions". I think it's primarily written for people in business to improve their social/conversation skills, but it would certainly apply to anyone who talks to people, and desires to have friends.

You're completely right - it is so ill-mannered, and it is epidemic! I feel the same way as you do - it just amazes me. I also feel sorry for people who feel so compelled to do the things you are describing. They have no idea of the loss of friendship they experience as a result, and true friends are one of the riches of life!

Do you think the internet has exacerbated the problem somewhat? I mean, i notice especially younger people, google something, read a few web sites real quick ,and act like instant experts. In the old days, you'd have to get a library book , or buy a book, on whatever you wanted to learn more about. Thus, no one could really be an 'expert' on everything, unless they had time to read books all day. And being forced to read a whole book on something allows more time for reflection and critical thinking, and of course, covers the topic in a deeper way, hopefully. (i'm not "demonizing" the internet at all - i LOVE it myself. )

People love it when you ask them about their beliefs and opinions. They appreciate it when you try to understand where they're coming from, and acknowledge good points they make that you never thought about before.

74

Will Embracing the Internet lead to Increased Growth for the Watchtower?

by jwfacts in

more important than the reduction in the size of the new magazine is that the watchtower will be actively promoting its website and encouraging people use it to download magazines.

my concern is that this has the potential to lead to an increase in growth for the watchtower.. the door-to-door preaching work has been one of the most inefficient means imaginable to gain converts, and done little more than tie up the time of active jws.

now, by directing people to the internet, witnesses can spread their message at an alarming rate for little cost.. do you feel that this has the potential to lead to a surge in growth of jehovah's witnesses?

AuntBee

Billy the ex: "Hab SoSII' Quch!"

haha, just kidding.

4

Great article on JC-type Meetings and Psychology - Risks/Benefit Analysis of Attending

by AuntBee in

jw
friends

AuntBee

Sorry, had to switch to Goggle Chrome, duh.

This article is not speaking specifically of the WT, so it uses the words "Star Chamber/Hot Seat" meetings. I had never heard that before!

Now i am having trouble getting the link into here, and have to go to work, so here is the link for the web site: www.undermuchgrace.blogspot.com. I think it's the lead article right now. It's called "What Do You Risk When you go to a Star Chamber/Hot Seat Meeting?" The authors' name is Nancy Kunsman.

Here's a snippet from the article:

To those who believe in the benefits of confrontational meetings with spiritually abusive leaders, I offer this summary of information that I've based on the perspective of the writings of Dr. Albert Biderman. I frequently refer to Robert Lifton as a framework to talk about such matters of manipulation, but concerning the nature of manipulation that takes place directly in star chamber meetings with leaders of spiritually abusive groups, I've chosen Biderman's writing concerning manipulation, thought reform, and domestic violence. In his book, The Manipulation of Human Behavior, Biderman notes how these dynamics that occur during such meetings actually foster "disturbances in brain function.

4

Great article on JC-type Meetings and Psychology - Risks/Benefit Analysis of Attending

by AuntBee in

jw
friends

AuntBee

7

History of Medical Treatments

by allyouneedislove in

you know what would be real helpful?

a complete history of each medical treatment that the wt has ruled against at any given time.. i have tried to do the reasearch, but it is hard.. example: the date hemoglobin started being used for medical treatment, when the injections for rh problems started becoming used, when hemophiliac factors (like viii, etc.

) started being used, etc.. it would also be great if all of those dates were backed by a solid reference.. any help?.

AuntBee

http://www.jwfacts.com/watchtower/medical.php#blood

Hi allyouneedislove - Maybe this link would be helpful?

Egregious mis-quoting of Luther in "How Can Blood Save Your Life?"

by AuntBee in

here's the quote: "martin luther pointed to the implications of the apostolic decree: "now if we want to have a church that conforms to this council, .

we must teach and insist that henceforth no prince, lord, burgher, or peasant eat geese, doe, stag, or pork cooked in blood .

and burghers and peasants must abstain especially from red sausage and blood sausage.".

AuntBee

Here's the quote: "Martin Luther pointed to the implications of the apostolic decree: "Now if we want to have a church that conforms to this council, . . . we must teach and insist that henceforth no prince, lord, burgher, or peasant eat geese, doe, stag, or pork cooked in blood . . . And burghers and peasants must abstain especially from red sausage and blood sausage."

ROFL, can anyone with half a brain not see JUST FROM THIS PART of the quote that Luther believed the apostolic decree was NOT binding for an indefinite period of time?

Here's a link with the quote in its complete context: http://www.godrules.net/library/luther/NEW1luther_e14.htm Luther is making an argument against elevating church Councils to the same authority as Scripture. He's showing that even those who advocate the authority of the historic Councils, don't even keep to this first one recounted in Acts.

Sorry if this is old news, just had to vent....

9

Thinking about presenting a speach to the City Council of my town

by sabastious in

jw
friends

the city council of my town in california has banned marijuana collectives after allowing 16 to put up shop and provide for patients.

the ordinance will go through dec 1st and it will be illegal to setup a collective beyond that date.. i am thinking about becoming an activist for medicinal marijuana and i wrote this speach.

i have never spoke before a council before, so i thought posting it here first would break the ice for me.. let me know what you think, if you agree/disagree and why.. .

AuntBee

I think your speech is awesome! It is very candid, as well as informative. I just now learned so much about that topic that I never knew before!

I can totally identify with what BOTR said: "I don't think most people are capable of understanding what it is to be a refugee from traditional medicine." My husband has an incurable, somewhat unusual illness, and i feel so traumatized by watching what he went through, that I can't even bring myself to go to traditional MDs for any tests or check-ups!

My sister has suggested to my husband a few times to check into medical marijuana; he's taking opiates for pain right now, with mixed results.

Yes, i'd also like to hear an update if there is one.