Is this Bangalore from the "Cafe"?
Yes it is the same Bangalore, Justicia. Nice to hear from you. Not seen you post at the Cafe for a long time.
Bangalore
Bangalore
JoinedPosts by Bangalore
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Declaration Of Facts
by Bangalore indeclaration of facts.
"this company of german people, who are peaceable and law-abiding citizens representing many others from every part of germany, all of whom are earnestly laboring for the highest welfare of the people of this land, being now duly assembled at berlin this 25th day of june, ad.. 1933, do joyfully declare our complete devotion to jehovah, the almighty god, and to his kingdom under christ jesus, whose shed blood bought the human race.
we declare that the holy scriptures set forth in the bible constitute the word of jehovah god given to men for their guidance in righteousness, and that the word of god is the truth, and that it is of greatest importance that man have a knowledge of his relationship to god.
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Dateline tv show
by homeschool ini'd really like to watch that dateline show from a few years back....was it in 2002?
i guess its the one that jws were told not to watch the episode.
i cant find it anywhere!
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Bangalore
I have the video of the Dateline NBC program. I could send it to you as email attachments in two parts. PM me if you would like me to send it to you.
Bangalore
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Declaration Of Facts
by Bangalore indeclaration of facts.
"this company of german people, who are peaceable and law-abiding citizens representing many others from every part of germany, all of whom are earnestly laboring for the highest welfare of the people of this land, being now duly assembled at berlin this 25th day of june, ad.. 1933, do joyfully declare our complete devotion to jehovah, the almighty god, and to his kingdom under christ jesus, whose shed blood bought the human race.
we declare that the holy scriptures set forth in the bible constitute the word of jehovah god given to men for their guidance in righteousness, and that the word of god is the truth, and that it is of greatest importance that man have a knowledge of his relationship to god.
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Bangalore
Declaration Of Facts
"This company of German people, who are peaceable and law-abiding citizens representing many others from every part of Germany, all of whom are earnestly laboring for the highest welfare of the people of this land, being now duly assembled at Berlin this 25th day of June, AD.. 1933, do joyfully declare our complete devotion to Jehovah, the Almighty God, and to his kingdom under Christ Jesus, whose shed blood bought the human race. We declare that the holy Scriptures set forth in the Bible constitute the Word of Jehovah God given to men for their guidance in righteousness, and that the Word of God is the truth, and that it is of greatest importance that man have a knowledge of his relationship to God. We ask to be judged by the standard of the Word of God.
"Christ Jesus is Jehovah God's great Witness to the truth, and as his faithful and devoted followers we are, by His grace, witnesses to the truth. The purpose of this Declaration is that we may present a true and faithful witness before rulers and the people as to the name and purpose of Jehovah God and our relation thereto.
"We are wrongfully charged before the ruling powers of this government and before the people of this nation; and in order that the name of Jehovah God may be exalted in the minds of the people, and that his benevolent purposes be better understood and our position fairly placed before the government, we do respectfully ask the rulers of the nation and the people to give a fair and impartial consideration to the statement of facts here made.
"The Scriptures plainly state that the chief opposer of Jehovah God and the greatest enemy of mankind is Satan the Devil whose name is also that of Serpent and Dragon. It is written in the Scriptures that Satan, who has long been the invisible ruler of this world, deceives and blinds the people to the truth in order that the light of and concerning Jehovah God and Christ Jesus may not shine into the minds of men. (2 Corinthians 4: 3,4) Frequently by fraud, subtility [sic]] and deception Satan has induced honest persons to war with each other, in order that he might turn them all away from God and destroy them. Above all things, the people need to know Jehovah God and his gracious provision for their general welfare.
"By the term ‘clergy', as used in our literature, reference is made to the class of professed religious teachers, priests and Jesuits who employ improper political means to accomplish their ends and pin forces even with those who deny God and the Lord Jesus Christ. That is the same class to whom Jesus referred as his persecutors. We have no criticism of any honest religious teacher.
"When Jesus went to the Jews to tell them of the truth, it was the Jewish clergy, that is to say, the Pharisees and priests, that violently opposed him and persecuted him and caused him to be charged with all manner of crimes and offenses. They refused to hear the truth, and addressing them Jesus said: "Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.' (John 8: 43-45) Although the Pharisees and priests then claimed to represent Jehovah God Jesus told them that they were in fact the representatives of Satan the Devil.
"We have no fight with any persons or religious teachers, but we must call attention to the fact that it is generally those who claim to represent God and Christ Jesus who are in fact our persecutors and who misrepresent us before the governments and nations. As true followers of Christ Jesus we are to expect such opposition, and we mention it here in explanation of why we have been misrepresented before the rulers of this nation. To his faithful followers Jesus said: ‘Remember the word I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they [the false religious teachers] have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.' (John 15: 20) Furthermore, Jesus said that this same class of men would cause his true followers to be wrongfully charged before the ruling powers, his language being: ‘But take heed to yourselves: for they [false religious teachers] shall deliver you up to councils [police power]; and in the synagogues ye shall be beaten; and ye shall be brought before rulers and kings for my sake, for a testimony against them.' (Mark 13: 9) This explains why Jehovah God now permits his faithful witnesses to be misrepresented and persecuted, namely, that those of a wrong spirit may identify themselves as opponents of God and thus bear witness against themselves. The same materialistic spirit that caused the persecution of Jesus Christ now exists and is back of the persecution of us his faithful followers.
"It is falsely charged by our enemies that we have received financial support for our work from the Jews. Nothing is farther from the truth. Up to this hour there never has been the slightest bit of money contributed to our work by Jews. We are the faithful followers of Christ Jesus and believe upon Him as the Savior of the world, whereas the Jews entirely reject Jesus Christ and emphatically deny that he is the Savior of the world sent of God for man's good. This of itself should be sufficient proof to show that we receive no support from Jews and that therefore the charges against us are maliciously false and could proceed only from Satan, our great enemy.
"The greatest and most oppressive empire on earth is the Anglo-American empire. By that is meant the British Empire, of which the United States of America forms a part. It has been the commercial Jews of the British-American empire that have built up and carried on Big Business as a means of exploiting and oppressing the peoples of many nations. This fact particularly applies to the cities of London and New York, the stronghold of Big Business. This fact is so manifest in America that there is a proverb concerning the city of New York which says: ‘The Jews own it, the Irish Catholics rule it, and the Americans pay the bills.' We have no fight with any of these persons mentioned, but, as the witnesses for Jehovah and in obedience to his commandment set forth in the Scriptures, we are compelled to call attention to the truth concerning the same in order that the people may be enlightened concerning God and his purpose.
Our Literature
"It is said that our books and like literature, when circulated amongst the people, constitute a danger to the peace and safety of the nation. We are certain that this conclusion is due to the fact that our books and other literature have not been carefully examined by the rulers and hence are not properly understood. We respectfully call attention to the fact that these books and other literature were written originally in America and the language therein used has been adapted to the American style of plainness of speech and, when translated into German, the same appears to be harsh. We admit that the same truths might be stated in a less blunt and more pleasing phrase, and yet the language of these books follows closely the language of the Bible.
"It should be borne in mind that in the British Empire and in America the common people have suffered and are now suffering greatly because of the misrule of Big Business and conscienceless politicians, which misrule has been and is supported by political religionists, and hence the þ writers of our books or literature have endeavored to employ plain language to convey to the people the proper thought or understanding. The language used, however, is not as strong or emphatic as that used by Jesus Christ in denouncing the oppressors and false teachers of his time.
"The present government of Germany has declared emphatically against Big Business oppressors and in opposition to the wrongful religious influence in the political affairs of the nation. Such is exactly our position; and we further state in our literature the reason for the existence of oppressive Big Business and the wrongful political religious influence, because the Holy Scriptures plainly declare that these oppressive instruments proceed from the Devil, and that the complete relief therefrom is God's kingdom under Christ. It is therefore impossible for our literature or our work to in any wise be a danger or a menace to the peace and safety of the state.
"Our organization is not political in any sense. We only insist on teaching the Word of Jehovah God to the people, and that without hindrance. We do not object or try to hinder anyone's teaching or believing what he desires, but we only ask the freedom to believe and teach what we conceive the bible to teach, and then let the people decide which they wish to believe. "To know Jehovah God and his gracious provision for mankind is of most vital importance to all persons, because God has declared in His Word that where there is no vision or understanding of his Word the people perish. (Proverbs 29: 18) We have devoted our lives and our material substance to the work of enabling the people to gain a vision or understanding of God's Word, and therefore it is impossible for our literature and our work to be a menace to the peace and safety of the nation. Instead of being against the principles advocated by the government of Germany, we stand squarely for such principles, and point out that Jehovah God through Christ Jesus will bring about the full realization of these principles and will give to the people peace and prosperity and the greatest desire of every honest heart.
"Our organization seeks neither money nor members, but we are a company or organized body of Christian people engaged solely in the benevolent work of teaching the Word of God to the people at the least possible cost to them. Our organization was originally incorporated in the United States of America in 1884 under the name of the WATCH TOWER BIBLE 15r TRACT SOCIETY, and in 1914 incorporated under the laws of Great Britain by the name of the INTERNATIONAL BIBLE STUDENTS ASSOCIATION. These are merely the corporate names of our organization for legally carrying forward its work. The Scriptural name by which we are known is ‘Jehovah's witnesses'. We are engaged solely in a benevolent work. The purpose of our organization is to aid the people to understand the Bible, which discloses the only possible way for the complete relief and blessing for mankind. Our organization has extended its work throughout the earth. The education, culture and upbuilding of the people must and will come through the agency of God's kingdom concerning which we teach as set forth in the Bible. The salvation of the people depends upon the true knowledge of and obedience to Jehovah God and his righteous ways.
"The people are in great distress and in need of help to understand the reason for their unhappy condition and what is the means of relief. The Scriptures, when understood, make this matter clear. Instead of collecting money from the people and using the same to erect great buildings and to support men in luxury, we print the gospel message of God's kingdom and carry it to the homes of the people that they may, at the least inconvenience to themselves, gain a knowledge of God's purposes concerning them.
"A careful examination of our books and literature will disclose the fact that the very high ideals held and promulgated by the present national government are set forth in and endorsed and strongly emphasized in our publications, and show that Jehovah God will see to it that these high ideals in due time will be attained by all persons who love righteousness and who obey the Most High. Instead, therefore, of our literature and our work's being a menace to the principles of the present government we are the strongest supporters of such high ideals. For this reason Satan, the enemy of all men who desire righteousness, has sought to misrepresent our work and prevent us from carrying it on in this land.
"For many years our organization has put forth an unselfish and persistent effort to do good to the people. Our American brethren have greatly assisted in the work in Germany, and with money freely contributed, and that at a time when all Germany was in dire distress. Now because it appears that Germany may soon be free from oppression and that the people may be lifted up, Satan, the great enemy, puts forth his endeavours to destroy that benevolent work in this land.
Bangalore
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CNN quotes rabbi saying Michael Jackson used to sell "wash towels" door to door. No Joke
by neverendingjourney ini though this was hillarious.. http://www.cnn.com/2009/showbiz/music/06/30/jackson.rabbi/index.html.
here's the quote from rabbi boteach:.
"michael was a very spiritual, religious man.
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Bangalore
Also note that he said that Michael sold the wash towels, not "placed" them.
Bangalore
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Welfare Cheat Jailed For Seven Year Rip Off
by Bangalore inwelfare cheat jailed for seven year rip off.. .
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/welfare-cheat-jailed-for-seven-year-rip-off-20090702-d5z1.html.
bangalore.
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Bangalore
Welcome Atlantis.
Bangalore
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Minister To Cut Proposed Fines For Blasphemy To 25,000
by Bangalore inminister to cut proposed fines for blasphemy to 25,000.. .
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2009/0702/1224249909022.html.
bangalore.
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Bangalore
Minister To Cut Proposed Fines For Blasphemy To €25,000.
http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/frontpage/2009/0702/1224249909022.html
Bangalore
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Welfare Cheat Jailed For Seven Year Rip Off
by Bangalore inwelfare cheat jailed for seven year rip off.. .
http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/queensland/welfare-cheat-jailed-for-seven-year-rip-off-20090702-d5z1.html.
bangalore.
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Bangalore
Welfare Cheat Jailed For Seven Year Rip Off.
Bangalore
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Polish Clothes Chain Only Hires Jehovah's Witnesses
by Bangalore inpolish clothes chain only hires jehovah's witnesses.http://en.rian.ru/world/20090629/155382092.html.
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bangalore.
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Martial Arts - what is the present stance of the WTS
by insearchoftruth ini have read before that the wts is against the martial arts....i do not have a wts cd, so was wondering if there is any wts literature to support this?.
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Bangalore
*** g84 12/22 pp. 12-16 Wado-Kai Karate-The True "Way of Harmony"? ***
Wado-Kai Karate-The True "Way of Harmony"?
TENSION filled the air. The Dutch karate team championship was under way. At the referee's "hajime!" (Japanese for "start!"), my opponent and I squared off for action.
He was burly-bigger and heavier than I was. But I sensed his lack of experience. I feinted a movement. He attacked furiously, punching and kicking. I lured him into another attack, and when he exposed his lower ribs, I delivered an explosive punch.
Spectators winced as he smashed to the mat and painfully gasped for air. His body shook violently, then suddenly froze. An eerie silence fell. A doctor rushed to the scene and sent him to the hospital. I really got scared. ‘Could it be . . . could it be that he is dead?'
After this incident in October 1971, I was determined to stop participation in such competitions. I stuck to that decision, although it was another seven years before I quit karate completely.
But how did I get interested in karate in the first place? Why would I give it up? And what happened to that injured fighter?
Love at First Sight
To pursue further schooling in electronic engineering, I left my native Suriname for the Netherlands in September 1965 and settled in the city of Hilversum. Shortly thereafter, a friend invited me to see the introduction of a new sport, wado-kai karate. To please him and to satisfy my curiosity, off I went.
I found myself spellbound as Mr. Kono and Mr. Fuji, two Japanese teachers, demonstrated the basic movements. It was different from what I expected-no brawling, street-fight scenes, but beautiful, balletlike movements. They were in perfect command of their lightning-fast bodies. For me it was love at first sight. Already I could feel the karate jacket around my shoulders.
Though 24 years old-too old by karate standards-I signed up for lessons. ‘Just to have something to do for the winter months,' I promised myself. But that winter turned out to last over ten years.
"The Way of Harmony"
The word "karate" is Japanese for "empty hand." Different styles originated in places like Korea, Okinawa and Japan. Wado-kai (Japanese for "way of harmony") centers around two practice styles: ma (the proper distance from one's opponent) and kiai (timing, or finding the best chance to attack). Also flexibility is stressed. As with all karate, wado-kai is influenced by Zen Buddhism, emphasizing the conditioning of the mind in harmony with the body.
During the two-minute karate tournament matches, one scores with kicks and punches directed at vital parts of the body. Although blows to the body are legal, rules forbid actually touching the opponent's face with one's fists. However, mistakes are sometimes made, which is illustrated by what happened when my wife, Hannie, tried her hand at karate. I explained how to aim a punch to the face but to freeze at the tip of the nose. Hannie zeroed in a punch-and a good one at that-but forgot to stop at the critical moment, slamming right into my face, splitting my lips and causing the only injury in my karate career. The next day my swollen face elicited a barrage of embarrassing inquiries!
"The Dutch Stringbean"
I began with three hours of training a week. There is no such thing as ten easy lessons, or instant karate. As one teacher said: "A master of [martial arts] develops slowly, like a ginger root. Mild in taste when young, it becomes hotter and spicier with the passage of time."
"Could you assist in teaching karate?" asked my sensei (teacher) when I won most of the training matches.
"Teaching? Of course!" The result? More time in the dojo (training hall).
In the spring of 1968 my sensei said: "Try tournament karate-fighting." I didn't need much prodding. Unexpectedly I was made captain of our karate school team and was to make a notable debut during the May 1968 championship for teams from the Netherlands and Belgium.
Since I look fragile with my 66 kilograms (146 lb) on a 1.78-meter (5-ft 10-in.) frame, one sports magazine dubbed me the Dutch Stringbean. But what I lacked in weight and power I made up for with technique, speed and calculation.
I became the national champion of the Netherlands in 1971. The authoritative Black Belt magazine listed me twice (1971 and 1972) among the "Top 10 European Karatemen." In April 1972 I graduated as a karate instructor.
Despite these successes, however, something occurred in the autumn of 1971 that made a dent in my idealistic view of the "way of harmony."
Facing "the Big Cat"
At that time I was among the candidates vying for the European Karate Championships in the Pierre de Coubertin Hall in Paris. I was pitted against the perennial champion of France, Dominique Valera. Valera, packing 90 kilograms (200 lbs) on a 1.8-meter (6-ft) frame, was known as the Big Cat. He had a reputation for going all out to get his man with ankle sweeps, fast, powerful front kicks and a murderous roundhouse. Now it was my turn to face him. With a national TV audience looking on and a crowd of 7,000 cheering him, he looked poised to shatter my championship dreams and some ribs as well. Black Belt magazine described the fight:
"Dominique . . . figured to walk all over the Dutch stringbean . . . but the rapidly improving Dutchman grabbed Dominique's early front kick and pumped in a punch to the astonished champ's head for a clean half-point. . . . Again some shuffling by Valera, and again the big maegeri (front kick) shot out. Proving that the first time was no fluke, La Rose grabbed the leg and zinged in another picture punch to Valera's head."
Here I was scoring the only points against the champion during the whole tournament, causing the biggest news at the championship! It was a clear-cut victory. Or so I thought. Black Belt continued:
"The referee, realizing that it was a French audience and that another half-point would put an end to Valera, ignored the punch. As if guilty by association, the crowd remained quiet throughout the remainder of the match."
The fight was over. I walked up to the line expecting to be proclaimed the winner, but the referee awarded my opponent! The surprised Valera hurried away. We filed a protest. After deliberating for half an hour, the president of the European Karate Union ignored the complaint and signaled the fights to continue. The tournament went on with Valera as champion at the end.
This brazen dishonesty in a sport that has the fist and the dove (symbols of power and harmony) as its emblem shattered an illusion. The fist was still there, but, to me, the dove had gone. Little did I realize that I was only two years away from finding a surpassing way of harmony that proved to be real in both word and deed.
Hearing Bible Truth
I always had a deep respect for God and I valued prayer. My wife and I had been raised as Roman Catholics. Ever since our marriage in December 1971, we have prayed together when faced with problems. I had a Bible but had many questions about it. So when two of Jehovah's Witnesses visited me in Amsterdam one Friday morning in January 1973, I didn't hesitate to invite them in and hear their answers. That initial contact was very pleasant. After that, every Friday, for seven months, they came and studied with us the book The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life.
By that time I had finished my schooling, and we decided to move back to Suriname. Before our departure the Witnesses invited us to their home and gave us a surprise farewell party and some Bible publications as a present. Their loving patience and faithfulness in conducting that Bible study with us left a warm, lasting impression on our minds and hearts. We would not forget the truth we had tasted, although it took another year and a half before the ‘watering of the seeds' resumed.
Starting My Own Dojo
My new job for the Surinamese government required moving to a small settlement close to the airport, about 50 kilometers (30 mi) from the capital, Paramaribo. We did not know any Witnesses there and so did not continue our Bible studies.
I did get some visitors though. They were karate fans asking me to start teaching wado-kai. Although I had stopped sharing in competitions, I still loved karate as a sport and agreed to open my own dojo in the capital.
Before long I spent four days a week teaching karate. I would leave my regular job with the government right after work at two o'clock in the afternoon and would not get home until ten o'clock at night. I also arranged sightseeing trips for my students on Sundays and during their school vacations. ‘Just to keep them off the streets,' I told myself. After karate lessons, I talked with them about their school and family problems.
Through all of that, I failed to realize that I was badly neglecting my own family. The more time I spent in teaching the "way of harmony" to others, the more it disrupted the harmony in my own family. Whenever my wife asked me to look after our children, I reacted irritably, being too busy with other people's children. Hannie was hoping for a change.
"Are You Witnesses?"
That change came in May 1975. Hannie spotted two persons visiting all the houses in the village. She waited anxiously till they came to our house. "Are you Witnesses?" she asked, before they could say a word.
"Well, yes, we are."
"Come in, please. Can you continue studying the Bible with us?"
The startled Witnesses were very willing. But again the Bible study was interrupted when I went to the United States for further training in electronics, and later my wife and children went to the Netherlands for some months. Only at the beginning of 1978 did we settle back to a regular life, and as soon as we were ready, the Witnesses were back again.
Facing the Decision
This time the study continued without letup. In time I realized that what I was learning from God's Word did not agree with my love for karate. For one thing, Paul's words that "bodily training is beneficial for a little" conflicted with all the time I was devoting to sports.-1 Timothy 4:8.
Further, as the Witnesses emphasized to me, karate has as its objective hurting an opponent, which can kill or seriously injure a person, even unintentionally. Although this was true, still it was hard for me to accept. How could I forgo all that I had pursued so zealously for 12 years?
I agreed with the Scriptural counsel not to trust in weapons for self-defense because they have often caused the death of innocent people. (Ecclesiastes 9:18) ‘But was practicing karate really comparable to possessing weapons?' I reflected reluctantly, recalling what Isao Obata, co-founder of the Japan Karate Association, once remarked about karate: "The mind is the gun and the body the bullet." ‘Could Jesus' words, "Return your sword to its place, for all those who take the sword will perish by the sword," refer to practicers of karate?' I pondered uneasily. I knew I had to make up my mind.-Matthew 26:52.
One day at school I gathered all my pupils, mostly high school students. Instead of another bout of karate, the perplexed students heard their sensei speak about Jehovah God, explaining that martial arts are not in harmony with the Bible. They listened quietly as I told them that I had decided to close the school for good.
Since I was obligated to finish the semester and supervise examinations, I couldn't quit right then and there. Of course, this posed a danger and could weaken my decision. But the 1978 "Victorious Faith" International Conventions came right on time to fortify me.
I had never attended an entire convention. Other years I had turned up just for an evening or so. But this time I took a leave from my job. When the convention started, my entire family was on hand.
We thoroughly enjoyed it. For me it was nothing less than a revelation. All the virtues I had tried to pursue during my life-respect for God, value of prayer, love for fellowman-I saw all around me. ‘This is the true wado-kai [way of harmony],' I thought and was moved to thank Jehovah for this strengthening experience.
Several months later, on December 24, 1978, my wife and I were baptized and looked forward to a new episode in our lives.
Something Better
That decision has led to many blessings. The family tension has gone. We are united as never before and have the deep joy of seeing our three daughters growing up as worshipers of Jehovah.
Since my baptism I have not used karate again. But several years ago something happened that could have triggered it. One night I woke up and discovered a thief in the house. Instead of resorting to karate, I figured the best defense would be to scream. And scream I did! After many years of silence, an old-fashioned, bloodcurdling karate yell exploded from my mouth. It worked! The thief sped away, and at the same time I was happy I did not resort to karate but used a safer means of defense.
Oh, yes, I still want to tell you what happened to that injured fighter that was rushed to the hospital. He did not die. My punch had broken three of his ribs. I am sorry for that, but I am relieved that I did not load bloodguilt on my shoulders.
In thinking back, I have only one regret: I should have stopped karate sooner. It took me almost six years after my first Bible studies to take my final stand for Jehovah. I am very grateful to these faithful Witnesses who did not give up on me and patiently kept encouraging me to make the right decision. How glad I am that I found the surpassing way of harmony!-Contributed by Harold La Rose.
[Blurb on page 13]
My wife zeroed in a punch but forgot to stop at the critical moment, slamming right into my face, splitting my lips
[Blurb on page 14]
The fist was still there, but, to me, the dove had gone
[Blurb on page 14]
I walked up to the line expecting to be proclaimed the winner, but the referee awarded my opponent!
[Blurb on page 15]
In time I realized that what I was learning from God's Word did not agree with my love for karate
Bangalore
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Martial Arts - what is the present stance of the WTS
by insearchoftruth ini have read before that the wts is against the martial arts....i do not have a wts cd, so was wondering if there is any wts literature to support this?.
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Bangalore
*** g95 9/22 pp. 12-14 Should I Learn Self-Defense? ***
Young People Ask . . .
Should I Learn Self-Defense?
"There's this really bad gang in school," says Jesse. "If they see you in the hallway and want your sneakers, jacket, or even your pants, they take them. If you report it, they'll get you again."
COPING with violence has become a way of life for many youths. Said the magazine USA Today: "About one of every five high school students carries a firearm, knife, razor, club, or other weapon on a regular basis. Many carry them to school." A teenage boy named Jairo knows this firsthand. "Our school was the first [in New York City] to have metal detectors," he says, "but that doesn't stop the kids from having knives and guns. I don't know how they get them in, but they do."
Understandably, the threat of being assaulted has many youths thinking about how they can protect themselves. Young Lola observes: "After a girl from my school was stabbed to death for her earrings, they began teaching self-defense courses in school. Almost everyone signed up." Other youths have resorted to carrying chemical sprays and other weapons. The question is, Do self-defense methods really protect you?
The Martial Arts
They show it on TV all the time-martial arts experts flipping through the air, kicking and punching with the grace of a dancer. Within seconds the bad guys lie motionless on the ground. Amazing! The martial arts seem like the ultimate protection. In reality, though, life isn't like the movies. A man with years of experience in karate said: "It takes just a bullet. If a person at a distance has a gun, you don't stand a chance. If you're too closed in without any room for movement, it's not really that great either."
Realize, too, that to become proficient in the martial arts, one must spend a lot of money and undergo years of vigorous training. And unless you stay in training, your ability to perform those fancy moves can get dangerously rusty in no time at all. The same can be said about other forms of self-defense, such as boxing. Besides, having a reputation for knowing how to fight is likely to attract unwanted attention. Troublemakers may decide to take you on as a challenge.
There is a greater danger, however, in learning the martial arts. The Economist magazine recently reported: "Most, if not all, of the martial arts are inextricably linked to the three main East Asian religions, Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism." Another source adds: "Everything done in karate-every movement, every feeling-can be traced to some principle of Zen." Zen is a sect of Buddhism that emphasizes religious meditation. These religious roots pose a serious problem for Christians in view of the Bible's words at 2 Corinthians 6:17: "‘Therefore get out from among [false worshipers], and separate yourselves,' says Jehovah, ‘and quit touching the unclean thing.'"
Use of Weapons
What, though, about packing a gun or a knife? Doing so may indeed make you feel confident. But that confidence could prove fatal if you started taking unnecessary risks or courting trouble. Warns the Bible: "As for the one searching for bad, it will come upon him." (Proverbs 11:27) And if uninvited trouble comes your way, pulling out a weapon is sure to escalate the conflict. You could get killed-or end up killing someone else. How would God, the Source of life, view your actions if you could have avoided using violence?-Psalm 11:5; 36:9.
True, some do not really intend to use lethal force. They may say they carry a weapon just to scare off harassers. But says Health magazine: "Firearms instructors agree: Don't get a gun if you aren't prepared to use it. Waving a firearm around as a bluff can scare off some assailants, but will only enrage others."
What about "safer" weapons, such as chemical sprays? Besides the fact that they are illegal in some places, these weapons have serious drawbacks. Instead of immobilizing a drug-crazed attacker, they may only succeed in infuriating him. It is even possible that the wind might blow the chemical into your face rather than the attacker's-assuming you get the spray out in the first place. Seeing you rummaging through your pockets or purse, the assailant may assume you are reaching for a gun and decide to take some aggressive action of his own. One police detective thus comments: "There is no guarantee that mace [a chemical spray], or any other weapon, will work. Or that you will have it out in time. Weapons never help a situation. People put too much faith in them."
Weapons-The Godly View
The threat of violence was real back in Jesus' day. One of his most famous parables, commonly called the parable of the Good Samaritan, related an incident involving violent robbery. (Luke 10:30-35) When Jesus asked his disciples to equip themselves with swords, it was not for protection. In fact, it led to his stating the principle: "All those who take the sword will perish by the sword."-Matthew 26:51, 52; Luke 22:36-38.
True Christians, therefore, do not arm themselves so as to harm their fellowman. (Compare Isaiah 2:4.) They follow the Bible's advice at Romans 12:18: "If possible, as far as it depends upon you, be peaceable with all men." Does this mean being defenseless? Not at all!
Wisdom-Better Than Weapons
In an age when there seems to be a gadget for everything, it may surprise you to know that you can have at your disposal a means of defense that is far more effective than any man-made device. At Ecclesiastes 9:18, we read: "Wisdom is better than implements for fighting." This wisdom is more than what some call "street smarts." It is the application of Bible principles, and it can often help you to avoid violent situations in the first place.
Jairo, for example, who earlier described his violent school, steers clear of trouble by applying the Bible's words at 1 Thessalonians 4:11: "Make it your aim to live quietly and to mind your own business." Says Jairo: "If you know there's going to be a fight, you have to mind your own business and go home. Some hang around, and that's when they get into trouble."
"Letting everyone know I'm one of Jehovah's Witnesses is my best protection," states young Lola. "People leave me alone since they know I'm not going to be a threat to them." "It's more than just saying you're a Witness," adds Eliu. "They should see that you're different." Christians must be "no part of the world." (John 15:19) But be careful not to project a superior attitude. (Proverbs 11:2) One youth put it this way: "Don't walk down the hallways as if you own the place." This could trigger resentment. Relates a Christian youth named Luchy: "I'm friendly, and I talk to my classmates; but I simply don't act like them."
How you dress is also important. "I'm careful not to wear things that attract attention," says one youth. "I figure I don't have to wear the most expensive brands to look good." Following the Bible's counsel to dress modestly may help you to keep a low profile and avoid trouble.-1 Timothy 2:9.
If You Are Confronted With Violence
What, though, if in spite of your efforts to stay out of harm's way, you are threatened with violence? First, try to apply the principle at Proverbs 15:1: "An answer, when mild, turns away rage, but a word causing pain makes anger to come up." Young Eliu did so when he was in school. He says: "Sometimes it's just a matter of not taking aggressive statements so seriously. In a lot of cases, it's how you respond that causes the trouble." By refusing to "return evil for evil," you may be able to keep a situation from getting out of hand.-Romans 12:17.
When diplomacy fails, however, you must take steps to protect yourself. If a group of youths demand that you give them your sneakers or some prized possessions, give them up! Your life is far more precious than the things you possess. (Luke 12:15) If violence seems imminent, walk away-better yet, run away! "Before the quarrel has burst forth, take your leave," says Proverbs 17:14. (Compare Luke 4:29, 30; John 8:59.) If escape is impossible, you may have no choice but to ward off violence as best you can. Afterward, be sure to let your parents know what happened. Perhaps they can help out in some way.
Just as the Bible prophesied, we live in violent times. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) But toting a gun or learning karate kicks will not make you any safer. Be cautious. Use godly wisdom when faced with trouble. And above all, have faith and trust in Jehovah. Like the psalmist, you can confidently pray: "From the man of violence you will deliver me."-Psalm 18:48.
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