Finishing up Chapter 3...
It would've been a perfect day to record this study session. I can't believe I forgot. Sorry
I was able to ask if people would be vegetarians in the new system. she said that it appears that Adam & Eve were Vegetarians & that, since the bible shows lions will eat straw as opposed to meat, it appears it will be a vegetarian planet. She made the comment how some jw's joke about it but have a really hard time imagining life without chicken wings in the paradise.I asked "I wonder what scriptures religions like 7th day Adventists use to be vegetarians in this current world". (I'll have to research that). I also said, "if it appears that Adam & Eve were vegetarians & that the paradise looks like it'll be vegetarian, wouldn't jw's strive to be vegetarian currently?" "Its really up to each individual, but I can see what you're saying" (she is also a vegetarian). "Hmmmmm" is all I responded with.
Paragraph 17 allowed me to bring out my recent birthday cards that I received. She asked, "don't you see all the war and killings and wickedness on this earth?" I said, "To be honest, and I dont want to get off topic with birthday celebrations. but can I show you two of the birthday cards I received on Saturday?" They were from 2 close friends. There was NO idolotry in them...they were very detailed by saying how proud they are of me with what I've accomplished with each year & how much they appreciate I was born & how grateful they are to have me in their lives. I said "THESE are the types of people I've encountered over the years. I know there are wicked people out there, but really, for the most part, people ARE good & not self serving. These cards represent the love I've been shown by most people". Then, pulling someone's comment from my 'birthday celebrations' thread, I said "I was talking to somebody on Saturday & they asked me what my family did for my birthday. I explained that they don't celebrate birthdays because of reasons that the only 2 birthdays mentioned in the Bible, people died. To which my friend said 'Well, do they wear makeup? because the only mention of makeup in the Bible is of Jezebel, who was a pagan and who died as a result of her wickedness." And that was it. We moved on. She didn't really respond except to say "interesting". Mission accomplished . she didnt argue but read the cards & heard me. I'm gonna drop that topic...for awhile.
Here's where I REALLY wished I recorded the conversation...there is a scripture we looked up where she explained how important it is to read the bible and not just take people's words for what they say. She didn't even realize that she doesnt listen to her own advice. I've mentioned earlier that I'm about to embark on reading the bible, cover to cover. I asked her if she would do the same reading, in her own private time, but so that we'd be on the same page. She said "Well, we have bible discussions at the meetings. we're supposed to read certain chapters and then someone gives a talk with their comments & then people are able to raise their hands & give their own take on what they read". I said "C'mon! This is a HUGE deal for me! I'm going to actually read the Bible cover to cover! Just do it with me so you know where I'm at & what I've read!" She agreed...we're gonna read the first 3 chapters of Genesis tonight on our own.
Till next Monday...
