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.
almostbitten
JoinedPosts by almostbitten
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Trading Hierarchies
by almostbitten inthis 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?
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Clothing in the New Order
by donny inthe 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?
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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!
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Trading Hierarchies
by almostbitten inthis 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?
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almostbitten
I like it, StoneWall, I like it!!!! I need to do that! LOL
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Do Paul's Letters Really Count?
by almostbitten inif 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?
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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. -
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Do Paul's Letters Really Count?
by almostbitten inif 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?
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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!
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Do Paul's Letters Really Count?
by almostbitten inif 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?
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almostbitten
Wonders, "What have I done?"
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Trading Hierarchies
by almostbitten inthis 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?
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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 -
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Do Paul's Letters Really Count?
by almostbitten inif 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?
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almostbitten
Witnessgirl.
Glad to get the juices flowing--something the WTS would NOT do.
You said, "If he wasn't, then the quote seems a little silly, at least as it is used by the Society.
Therein lies a point. The Society only uses that tidbit of a quote while ignoring that Paul was referencing OT Scripture frequently. The Society throws that out there to squash any peepings of dissent by guilt tripping others into believing that if you question Paul's words (and the Orgs strict application of it), then you are questioning God. This is why I can't stress to Bible readers/believers enough to READ IT FOR YOURSELVES--and not just a piece here and a piece there. Context, folks, context.
On another point, I clearly understand a need for structure and order. But how many Christians are really aware that their faith is more Paul-like than Christ-like? What even prompted me to raise this question to begin with was something I heard on TV: if Paul had any idea how people would theologize his letters, he would have been more careful when he wrote them (a paraphrase from a man featured in "Banned from the Bible" on the History Channel).
Oh, witnessgirl, in reference to your mentioning 3 Corinthians: Why kind of morons was Paul dealing with over in Corinth that they couldn't seem to get their act together? Three letters? Dayuuuummmmm!!! -
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Trading Hierarchies
by almostbitten inthis 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?
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almostbitten
yknot, I may study with the Mormons next just to see what bag they are coming out of
Satanus, I'm going to play Devil's Advocate here: SHOULD a [catholic] do almost anything he/she wants and still remain a member? -
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Trading Hierarchies
by almostbitten inthis 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?
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almostbitten
Thanks Baba and Yknot. I was beginning to think this point was lost on most people. LOL at a "Pope with several heads." Sounds like the beast in Revelations, huh?
hmmmmm.....