sometime in late 1969 to 1970, the number one hit song "spirit in the sky" by norman greenbaum was interesting to me.
don garloff, jr., the jw man who brought me into the religion lived next to norman greenbaum ... don told me that norman based part of his song about going to heaven to meet the "spirit in the sky" as a rebuttal to the jw belief system of living on earth forever.
norman greenbaum at that time lived in the rural areas near petaluma, california ... i was listening to the radio a while ago and heard this song again, and thought that this might be an interesting bit of trivia.
Amazing;
I also used to feel funny listening to that song when I was a dub. Then I reflected, why can't this song be speaking about the anointed ? Can't the old diaper laden beings enjoy music? Now I just turn up the volume and enjoy it for a while. I guess the influence of the WT will always be there in varying degrees.
HCM
this evening my daughter said: "being in this religion is like being in a gang.
you may join and never understand what's really required and if you ever want to get out, you can't.
you belong to them...."
Minimus;
At least gangs will take care of their own children, They might kill some others with a stray bullet now and then but it's purely not intentional.(sarcasm) The WT intentionally kills with their blood policy and molestation cover-ups.
HCM
ps: Your in the announcements category, not seen as mush here.
anyone from martha's vineyard congregation?
that's pretty much where it all began with me and the "truth" , would love to chat regarding people, places and things from times past.
i walked out back in 1997 (i was not living on the island at that time), and would love to hear from only those that have also left the jw"s from the island.
Wow, sisteract;
All the ones you mention and more I recognize. Some WERE close friends, I may even recognize you by sight, or better yet you might know me wouldn't that be a hoot?
See you at the next apostofest.
HCM
anyone from martha's vineyard congregation?
that's pretty much where it all began with me and the "truth" , would love to chat regarding people, places and things from times past.
i walked out back in 1997 (i was not living on the island at that time), and would love to hear from only those that have also left the jw"s from the island.
Sister Act;
I'm not from the island but have been there many times and know some large families from there.
>>" and would love to hear from only those that have also left the JW"s from the island. "<<
Sorry I'm answering and not "from" the island. Why limit the responses you get?
HCM
here are some questions for the honest and good elders in the congregation of jehovahs witnesses:
#1. when a member of your congregation asks you if it is true that victims of pedophiles where/are often not encouraged by elders to go to the police, or where told to stay quiet because they have/had no second witness, will you tell the truth?
#2 when you hear members of the congregation attack the victims who spoke out on dateline and panoramavictims who did nothing wrong and whose lives where destroyed by evil menwhen you hear members of the congregation attack those victims, what will you do?
Lisa;
Along with all you've said, which I agree with. How about all the elders out there with something to loose?
Elders: The WT will hang you out to dry! They will not defend you against a law suit if it is filed against you personally. With all the negative exposure "you" elders are a prime target for court action against you. Have you taken out ecclesiastical insurance yet?
Oh, by the way, make the coverage as high as you can, good lawyers are expensive .
HCM
i have been struggling over a decision about evil for some time.
i went from thinking the wbts uses too much old testament laws to the old gb guys were stuck in old beliefs that will change to wondering if there is an evil intent here.. this revolved not so much regarding dogma such as trinity-hell-jesus is michael etc.
then does this indicate that satan is in some way involved in these actions.. i have the same dilema when i consider the disallowing of transplants and the deaths this caused and then later allowing them with out even an apology.
Out;
>>" Can a group of old men "the governing body of jehovah's witnesses" be so deluded that they are completely ignorant of this? "<<
YES.
>> " Do they not have any grief over what they have caused? "<<
NO.
HCM
i have to laugh about the interview with the "boss".. while i don't know all the details, doesn't it suggest.
he was set up?
that information was leaked as to his.
met;
> At some point, somebody tells themself:
"They're just stupid old men" <
That's exactly what happened to me. Once the blinders came off as to their real demeanor I could never follow or listen to anything they said again.
HCM
the governing body is such an elite group.
whatever they say, it is law.
they are revered and held in the highest esteem.
minimus;
You have to be a good orator. Or at least something oral.
HCM
i was surprized by the deletion of the new book-for-baptism's.
chapter on partaking/being anointed.. can it be that they are thinking of de-emphasizing or fading.
my first reaction would be no, that this.
met;
It seems the remaining power anointed are mostly in diapers so something has to change. They will not let the other eight thousand claimants have any say or power. Eliminating explanations from their literature such as their "abba" doctrine will slow down the number of new converts from biting the cookie.
HCM
Edited by - HoChiMin on 16 July 2002 8:25:14
i have read many opinions about jw's being a cult.a dictionary describes cult as a system of religious beliefs and ritual .. some have viewed even major religions as a cult, such as the roman catholic church.based upon webster almost anybody or anything that is viewed as ritualistic could be said to be cultic.when someone tries to negate jehovah's witnesses by using.
the "cult" word, i believe they are not seeing that many others could legitimately be regarded as a cult or at least "cultic".therefore the word loses alot of meaning.
some have said that the watchtower is a cult because of the control factor.
Unfortunately the opinion you have of a cult and the word cult that makes you bristle when mentioned about JWs is not everybodys problem. Its just your perception of the circumstances; perhaps you were brought up a JW all your life and know no other? What does it matter what JWs are called we know it effected our lives in a socially negative way. Comparing and justifying in regards other religions will not remove the negative veil the WT has put on our lives.
So if you want to be fair call it what you want. I still say its a CULT and will never change my mind on that.
HCM
