The Berean

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Posts by The Berean

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  24

  What does it mean to sin against the spirit?

  by keyser soze in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  this was always one of the most confusing and troubling doctrines when i was a jw.

  i heard the phrase many times, but it was never adequately explained what it meant.

  i often wondered if i had committed such a sin, and if i could really not be forgiven.. how does one know if they have sinned against the holy spirit?

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  The Berean

  To have the desire and a plan to be equal to God ...
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  15

  If "Government Turns on Religion"......

  by cameo-d in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  do you think it would be a good thing or a bad thing?.

  it's so obvious there are so many charlatans and liars getting away with fraud.. it's so obvious that religions are causing most all of the dissention between peoples.. but, because of wt teachings that this act of "government turning on religion" will harbor the worst evil of all....do you still feel a bit uneasy about it?.

  do you think religions have taught this paranoia to try to save their own a$$?.

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  The Berean

  Here's my equation:

  • Religion assures people that they will live again if they stay in line and die for the "cause."
  • Governments continually need constituency who are willing to give their lives in patriotic sacrifice.
  • Therefore, Martyrdom is the common prerequisite for both to flourish and survive.
  • Also, both reinforce the threat that an invisible "Big Brother" is watching followers at all times.

  "God and Country" will continue to be the "yoke and bridle" for world powers. One needs the other.
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  4

  No Virginia, there is no Santa Claus and everything will NOT be alright ...

  by The Berean in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  it seems to me that mankind's need throughout history for a higher power has been predicated on escape from the deadend journey we call life.

  why else would such unproveable "pie in the sky" delusions of eternal bliss captivate the masses since the beginning of time.

  fear is conquered by a spiritual belief that everthing will be alright, regardless of how it appears.

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  The Berean

  kitten whiskers:

  I'll try to clarify my expression. To me, there are many things I am thankful for that have not been created or caused by an individual, group, or Diety. I am thankful I have a roof over my head but I am not crediting the builder, the bank, the shingle company or soldiers who may have died to protect the land, even though they may all have had a part. Many things converged by "time and unforseen occurence" which resulted in having what I do or don't have. The point is I draw little significance from individual conditions, events, or tragedies. It is my belief that weak people must have cause and effect, cause and effect, cause and effect ... the strong don't revisit how they got to where they are, they simply maximize their situation. Incidentally, "weak" is not a negative term. After all women are referred to as " weaker vessels." (Bible opinion, not mine)
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  443

  Can we blame our ancestors for our own shortcomings?

  by undercover in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  in a recent thread about an nfl player being allowed to return to play after being convicted and serving time for a felony, it was suggested that maybe his ancestory played a part in his attitudes and actions.. those of you were playing along at home know the deal.... is it fair to lay blame on one's ancestors in how one acts in today's society?.

  i think not.... my ancestor's came here from scotland, when their lands were taken from them back home.

  they came here with nothing and had to start over in a land with next to nothing, eeking out an existance in the mountains of tn and nc, always struggling.

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  The Berean

  Learn from the Garden. We plant seeds in spring with a pretty good idea of when they will sprout, how they will look, and what type of fruit they will yeild. It's all preprogramed within it's own nucleus. So to humans start with a seed, more complex to be sure, yet with it's own DNA that seperates it from all others in the species. Tendencies both good and bad are manefest at some point. (homosexuality, for example, also dominant left or right handed dexterity) Therefore, all one can do is manage tour predispositions. So I guess if I am unhappy with who I am, I could start to kick tombstones ...
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  4

  No Virginia, there is no Santa Claus and everything will NOT be alright ...

  by The Berean in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  it seems to me that mankind's need throughout history for a higher power has been predicated on escape from the deadend journey we call life.

  why else would such unproveable "pie in the sky" delusions of eternal bliss captivate the masses since the beginning of time.

  fear is conquered by a spiritual belief that everthing will be alright, regardless of how it appears.

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  The Berean

  It seems to me that mankind's need throughout history for a higher power has been predicated on escape from the deadend journey we call life. Why else would such unproveable "pie in the sky" delusions of eternal bliss captivate the masses since the beginning of time. Fear is conquered by a spiritual belief that everthing will be alright, regardless of how it appears. The need for such medicine, to me, is a sign of weakness.

  There is a group, however, who view their existence realistically. First, they are thankful for what little or much they have been given. These appreciate whatever time remains and do not require a promise of a hereafter. It is understood that the journey is a series of highs and lows, pain and pleasure, honor and rejection. The strong blame no one for their plight and demand no entitlement for their efforts. They will assist other travelers as possible while being careful not to hinder the progress of others who take a different road.

  Some of these pragmatists contribute to this board. I salute you. Enjoy the ride!
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  8

  Is it easier to recover from physical abuse or mental abuse?

  by The Berean in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  or are the two connected?.

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  The Berean

  Dear startingovernow:

  As I read through the many threads, it comes to mind that most JWs were not physically abused (some were) Yet, it seem that the anger and resentment last for decades due to the mental manipulation that many former members suffer. How can we compare those affects to rape victims, children beaten by parents, wives beaten by diseased husbands, or gang-related violence. It seems about the same ...
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  8

  Is it easier to recover from physical abuse or mental abuse?

  by The Berean in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  or are the two connected?.

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  The Berean

  Or are the two connected?
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  22

  Good user name suggestions for lurkers who are signing up!

  by Chalam in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  hi jwners,.

  i think we are stuck with the ones we have chosen but how about a thread with good ideas for name for those signing up?.

  it is can be difficult to think of a good one at the moment of signing up so here's mine for any lurker that wants to be.

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  The Berean

  Duplicity
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  21

  What is the mission of those on this board?

  by The Berean in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  venting, closure, confession, social networking, advocating a new direction, building a case to leave the borg, kicking a dead horse, assisting the abused, warning the public, cursing god and religion, justifying actions, filling time, belonging to something, education, identifying mental disorders, condemning hypocracy, highlighting errors of the past, making fun of other people, self pity, hope for recovery???.

  as a newby, i can't tell ....

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  The Berean

  Venting, closure, confession, social networking, advocating a new direction, building a case to leave the borg, kicking a dead horse, assisting the abused, warning the public, cursing God and religion, Justifying actions, filling time, belonging to something, education, identifying mental disorders, condemning hypocracy, highlighting errors of the past, making fun of other people, self pity, hope for recovery???

  As a newby, I can't tell ...
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  8

  CALLING ALL EX BETHELITES &GILIAD MEMBERS :what REALLY goes on

  by freedomisntfree in

  1. watchtower
  2. scandals

  ive been stewing on the idea for a few years that these places who are supposedly so holy must have a dark underbelly.what kind of scandolous things if any did any of you witness or hear about.e.g: amatuer porn in the residences,grow ops in the gardens cross dressing gb members etc.im going to be really disapointed if none of this ever happened.

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  The Berean

  If no scandal exists, can we not conclude that the life of a Bethelite is superior to that of the common publisher?