Posts by almostbitten

22

Trading Hierarchies

by almostbitten in

this is closely related to a topic that's already been presented here by someone else, but i felt that i had to post this because i wanted a more detailed answer to a question i raised on the post: .

when a person who is jw converts to the rcc, or vice versa, isn't this essentially trading hierarchies?

if so, does this have to do with that person's true belief or is it ingrained into them that they have to have their beliefs or god's word filtered down to them through a chain of command?

almostbitten

Bottom line: Not here to fight or cause tension. This is an information exchange.
Night all.

22

Trading Hierarchies

by almostbitten in

this is closely related to a topic that's already been presented here by someone else, but i felt that i had to post this because i wanted a more detailed answer to a question i raised on the post: .

when a person who is jw converts to the rcc, or vice versa, isn't this essentially trading hierarchies?

if so, does this have to do with that person's true belief or is it ingrained into them that they have to have their beliefs or god's word filtered down to them through a chain of command?

Now these are universal questions, but if you noticed, no one really did answer the question, even though Satanus offered AN answer. But his opinion or experience is just that. I can't help it if other people make light hearted comments, but it was a topic I found interesting ESPECIALLY in light of what the WTS has often taught their adherents and the fact that the RCC is indeed and hierarchal structure just as the WTS is. What was the appeal? I asked this same question of a woman who was a Catholic who turned JW and she gave me her reasons. I did not judge her or question her beliefs. It was for the sake of wanting to know.

22

Trading Hierarchies

by almostbitten in

this is closely related to a topic that's already been presented here by someone else, but i felt that i had to post this because i wanted a more detailed answer to a question i raised on the post: .

when a person who is jw converts to the rcc, or vice versa, isn't this essentially trading hierarchies?

if so, does this have to do with that person's true belief or is it ingrained into them that they have to have their beliefs or god's word filtered down to them through a chain of command?

almostbitten

• Did Christ make God accessible to all believers through his death versus needing a high priest to stand in the gap? • Holy Spirit and the individual believer vs. Holy spirit available to one authoritative person who leads another group (not discounting leadership in itself) • The idea of purgatory (it's not biblical, I doubt it's from Babylon, but where did the idea spring up?) • Role of saints and Mary in personal salvation vs. Jesus, mediator between man and God. • Church's overall stance on celibacy of priests (which has changed back and forth over the years). • Should the church base everthing on "sola scriptura"? or should there be an hierarchy to make a judgement call given that times and circumstances of the church change? • What Catholic forums are available online to the public about these and other issues if not addressed at this point and time so readers can get information on their own time.

22

Trading Hierarchies

by almostbitten in

this is closely related to a topic that's already been presented here by someone else, but i felt that i had to post this because i wanted a more detailed answer to a question i raised on the post: .

when a person who is jw converts to the rcc, or vice versa, isn't this essentially trading hierarchies?

if so, does this have to do with that person's true belief or is it ingrained into them that they have to have their beliefs or god's word filtered down to them through a chain of command?

almostbitten

All I can say is fire it up, StAnn. There are atheists, agnostics, witches, Buddhists, and what not on here--and they haven't been shy about talking about their experiences. Posting a thread may turn up some interesting notions for many ex-JW who feel as you do--or not.

24

Clothing in the New Order

by donny in

jw
friends

the society teaches that once the new order is up and running, we will achieve perfection as adam and eve once were.

if thats the case, why do they portray folks in the new order as fully clothed?

i thought clothing was the result of sin, so once sin is eliminated, should not clothing be also?

almostbitten

Gymbob, puulleezzze! You should have popped whoever said that was speculation in the mouth! If you closely read the WT literature, they do more than a little speculating--in leaps and bounds!

22

Trading Hierarchies

by almostbitten in

this is closely related to a topic that's already been presented here by someone else, but i felt that i had to post this because i wanted a more detailed answer to a question i raised on the post: .

when a person who is jw converts to the rcc, or vice versa, isn't this essentially trading hierarchies?

if so, does this have to do with that person's true belief or is it ingrained into them that they have to have their beliefs or god's word filtered down to them through a chain of command?

almostbitten

I like it, StoneWall, I like it!!!! I need to do that! LOL

51

Do Paul's Letters Really Count?

by almostbitten in

if there is anyone here with some heavy bible knowledge, i would like to throw this nugget up in the air.

in 2 timothy 3:16, paul reminds us that "all scripture is inspired of god and beneficial for teaching...." nwt (because that was the version that was sitting nearby).

my question is: did paul consider the personal letters he wrote to the various churches and to timothy, titus, and philemon as scripture?

almostbitten

The point of that question was to draw attention to the fact that WAY too many church/christian organizations have taken Paul's letters and writings to a level that has caused more grief than good, and the WTS is a prime example of that. His letters are held up to a standard that kills the spirit of Christ's point about how we should live: Loving God, and loving our neighbors. These two things sum up the law. My goodness, a whole book could be written on how different christian groups and denominations have picked his writings apart and applied them to formulate their own dogma.

Pentecostals: Women, don't cut your hair, wear makeup or jewelry (excessive adornment).
Baptists (and others): No women in the pulpit.
Church of Christ: Women should remain silent; no music in the church.
Catholics, JW, Mormons, Amish, etc.: Shunning in one form or another (ie. excommunication, disfellowhipping, disassociating)
JW: Don't pay clergy.
Most everyone else: Okay to pay clergy. All of this comes from the SAME PASSAGE in one of Paul's letters (can't recall it right off).

Again, I understand that Paul was trying to establish order and structure to and for the early church, but did he perceive his own writings to be the end-all of Christ's church

Is Paul being misunderstood?

btw, how does Paul's rules about a husband being the head of his wife apply to me, a Christian woman who has never been married (nor do I want to be) whose father is deceased. As far as I am concerned, my head is Christ.

51

Do Paul's Letters Really Count?

by almostbitten in

if there is anyone here with some heavy bible knowledge, i would like to throw this nugget up in the air.

in 2 timothy 3:16, paul reminds us that "all scripture is inspired of god and beneficial for teaching...." nwt (because that was the version that was sitting nearby).

my question is: did paul consider the personal letters he wrote to the various churches and to timothy, titus, and philemon as scripture?

almostbitten

Speaking of JCanon, I'm surprised he hasn't chimed in on this. Or is this not his sort of shin-dig? Some of you know better than I do. LOL at Joan Collins wig!

51

Do Paul's Letters Really Count?

by almostbitten in

if there is anyone here with some heavy bible knowledge, i would like to throw this nugget up in the air.

in 2 timothy 3:16, paul reminds us that "all scripture is inspired of god and beneficial for teaching...." nwt (because that was the version that was sitting nearby).

my question is: did paul consider the personal letters he wrote to the various churches and to timothy, titus, and philemon as scripture?

almostbitten

Wonders, "What have I done?"

22

Trading Hierarchies

by almostbitten in

this is closely related to a topic that's already been presented here by someone else, but i felt that i had to post this because i wanted a more detailed answer to a question i raised on the post: .

when a person who is jw converts to the rcc, or vice versa, isn't this essentially trading hierarchies?

if so, does this have to do with that person's true belief or is it ingrained into them that they have to have their beliefs or god's word filtered down to them through a chain of command?

almostbitten

Give Satanus the prize!!! He offered an answer to the question:

If so, does this have to do with that person's true belief or is it ingrained into them that they have to have their beliefs or God's Word filtered down to them through a chain of command?

This gives me some insight as to why some people leave a certain type of religious structure and fall into another similar to it. I guess like seeks out like, although the WTS and the RCC are worlds apart in doctrine. I personally think they are two-side of the same coin, both representing extremes.

yknot, I have to agree that I've seen some FINE young Mormon men around my town. I've been a celibate since late '05, but I ain't dead. I can look, can't I?

Satanus, you're million dollar check is in the mail. Be looking for it in the new world :P