Both the words dilemma and purpose point to dualistic thinking, which is to say it is relative. It does point to a sense of self, because if there is any hesitation then there is a sense of self, even if that sense of self is one that says "I need to be self-sacrificing and do the noble thing." In short, a dilemma can only exist if you view things as separate.
Introspection
JoinedPosts by Introspection
-
32
Dilemmas......What is their Purpose?
by Siddhashunyata in.
what is the purpose of moral dilemmas?
do they point us to god or to ourselves?
-
-
-
23
Need help - what is the truth...
by confuzcious inhey guys,.
i am a witness that is no longer going to meetings.. but i tell you what, i'm scared to death.. i'm really "limping on two decisions.".
what would you guys say is the one "scriptural" reason why you left the truth.. thanks.. gene.
-
-
Introspection
Gene, I'm curious to know why you put the word scriptural in qutoation marks. The fact is any kind of scriptural reasoning can just turn into a mind game right, just getting all your mental ducks in a row so to speak. But if you really are interested in what the truth is, I'm sure you'll look and will find it. So I know this doesn't directly address your question of a scriptural reason for leaving, but the fact is reasons are just reasons, a smart person can make things sound a certain way, it doesn't mean it's the truth though. Even if their reasoning is logical, that's just a line of reasoning. I think someone already mentioned the point about practicing what you preach - when you refer to an idea that is only theory. The "truth" is much more than just what they have to say about the bible, there are real people with lives involved. It's actually much bigger than the personal thoughts and feelings we have about it.
-
7
Do any of you remember the old Witness BBS's?
by pr_capone ini used to get on the old wt bbs's every once in a while.
the ones where you dialed up directly into someone elses computer.
the society told them to shut down and they did because talks were being shared on-line.
-
-
Introspection
PR where abouts did you live? I live in northern CA but remember meeting people from Phun Net that came from as far as Canada, I still have a T-shirt of a Phun net reunion.. I seem to recall everyone used their real names, no aliases. If you want to talk about this more my email is open, maybe we talked to each other way back then.
Mark
-
7
Do any of you remember the old Witness BBS's?
by pr_capone ini used to get on the old wt bbs's every once in a while.
the ones where you dialed up directly into someone elses computer.
the society told them to shut down and they did because talks were being shared on-line.
-
-
Introspection
Yeah, I was on BroNet and PhunNet, those echonet systems.
-
36
I have been challenged
by SpiceItUp in.
my father has told me that if i can disprove the bible on any point he will discontinue beliveing in it.. i will be the first to admit that bible theology is not my strong point so i need any help that i can get.. thanks in advance
-
-
Introspection
Well, if you want to get into it by all means, but just remember to not get pulled into their trap. The 'challenge' of proving something as false is secondary, the real issue is seeing that their thinking is messed up. Of course, this all depends on how reasonable your father is, but you can't prove something to someone who is not able or willing to see the proof.
Edited by - Introspection on 20 January 2003 17:52:29
-
13
Identifying mind states used by JWs
by Introspection init seems that it would be very useful to know the tricks jws use, most of us are no doubt aware of this on some level but i thought it would be nice to really get into them, maybe even look at some actual incidents that have happend to see what was going on.
what comes to mind for me is that some of the emotions involved are guilt, shame and fear, but not only that there is the whole "love bombing" thing on the other side.
i think it's worth pointing out that the bombing is basically to stroke your ego, i mean they are being nice to you because they want a new person.
-
-
Introspection
Hey Scully,
Your posting of the defense mechanisms made me think of one thing, and that is who people are defending when they are defending their beliefs. Actually it's pretty obvious, it's THEIR beliefs, they are defending their own thinking process. It's really pretty simple, why would GOD need some human's defense??
And of course, defense indicates there is fear. I'm sure we all know what the bible says about fear and love, the two don't jive together. If there's fear, no wonder there is no peace!
-
14
You Do not REALLY Love Me, WT Dec 15
by jgnat ina paragraph in next weeks study had me seeing red.
then i thought, why should i have all the fun?
regular readers of blondie should be able to pick out the manipulative language.
-
-
Introspection
Sorry about the blank post above, got disconnected and can't edit..
-------
Love for Jehovah, then, is genuine only when it is expressed in obedient actions.
Never mind if the actions are genuine, you don't know what love is so you need to be told.
This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments.
Well isn't it convenient that the second part of this scripture was left out! The second part of 1 John 5:3 reads: "and yet his commandments are not burdensome."
If that isn't enough of a clue, lets look at 1 John 4:18: "There is no fear in love, but perfect love throws fear outside, because fear exercises a restraint. Indeed, he that is under fear has not been made perfect in love." But you better be afraid that you don't really love God, because you aint being obedient! (never mind to who or doing what)
Lets go on. 1 John 4:20: "If anyone makes the statement: "I love God," and yet is hating his brother, he is a liar. For he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot be loving God, whom he has not seen." And of course this brings to mind what Jesus said about the two most important commandments, loving God and neighbor. So it seems to me these two commandments are the ones to observe.
But of course, many who claim to love God really do not. Why not? Not loving your brother who you can see, being motivated by the burden of fear or motivating others with fear. This, of course, only means they are not observing the commandments of God. Gee, who does that sound like? No wonder 1 John ends with: "Little children, guard yourselves from idols."
-
14
You Do not REALLY Love Me, WT Dec 15
by jgnat ina paragraph in next weeks study had me seeing red.
then i thought, why should i have all the fun?
regular readers of blondie should be able to pick out the manipulative language.
-
-
-
13
Identifying mind states used by JWs
by Introspection init seems that it would be very useful to know the tricks jws use, most of us are no doubt aware of this on some level but i thought it would be nice to really get into them, maybe even look at some actual incidents that have happend to see what was going on.
what comes to mind for me is that some of the emotions involved are guilt, shame and fear, but not only that there is the whole "love bombing" thing on the other side.
i think it's worth pointing out that the bombing is basically to stroke your ego, i mean they are being nice to you because they want a new person.
-
-
Introspection
So it seems like from reading these observations that basically, the organization fosters emotional dependency among the members. What people don't seem to recognize is that it's not only the dispensing of praise and good feelings in the form of love bombing and such, but they actually push your buttons when it comes to the negative feelings as well - which only makes sense, because then there's complete control from both sides.
What I find ironic about all this is most spiritual teachings has something in there about selflessness, but what an organization like the WTS does is in fact keep you in an infantile self centered state, wanting approval from people whose opinion really shouldn't have a whole lot to do with your self esteem. It's kind of like "You stroke my ego and I'll stroke yours" - all done under an umbrella of an illusory belief system of course.
-
21
Things I like.......
by Tatiana inwanted to do this to remember why i want to be here......i'd also like to know some of your likes....if you care to share..... 1. rainstorms.
2. black kittens with yellow eyes.
3. wind chimes.
-
-
Introspection
10. a long, good book
I thought you said a long, good look - you can put me down for that one.