Posts by jgnat

16

WT Study 01/12/03: Linking Salvation to Literacy?

by Room 215 in

yesterday's wt study's specious attempt to forge a link to literacy/reading comprehension/ study of the bible got me to wondering about the historic levels of world literacy.

i. it would seem that the people of biblical times had neither public schooling nor any widespread access to copies of the scriptures.

hand-copied scrolls from the sacred writings were in the possession of the elite ruling and clerical classes; hence the custom of public readings of scriptures at the synagogues on the sabbath, ostensibly to the masses who had neither the ability to read or access to these writings.

jgnat

How did Jesus spread his message to a largely illiterate audience? He quoted the manual, referred to the manual. But he also condemned the mint and cummin counters. By His example, I am coming to believe that action is at least as important as study in the Christian life.

Applied to the WT life, the action of peddling magazines would be inferior to the action of bringing chicken soup to a sick neigbour.

Actually, Hippie, I am very much enjoying this discussion. I don't think we are talking in circles, so much, as working out in our own minds what we are really talking about.

Edited by - jgnat on 16 January 2003 14:5:44

28

WTS Cheapshot .....Jan 1st 2003 WT

by ISP in

most christians have to face grave problems during these last days.

still, they try not to be distracted.

in spite of well-publicized economic problems, argentina reported a new peak of 126,709 witnesses last year.

jgnat

Yeah, do not be distracted (by facts) was a recurring theme in 2002. Onacruise, awesome use of the english language. Do you have a thesaurus on line, too?

42

Which country has the best comedy shows?

by sleepy in

jw
friends

.

we have had some pretty amasing classic comedy in britian over the years.. faulty towers, the office, alan partridge,ali g etc.mind you weve had some very crap sit-com 2.4 kids etc.. who does it better the brits or the yanks?.

sorry ozzies cant think of any from down under.

jgnat

Best comedians? Canada, hands down. Mike Meyers, Jim Carrey, Paul Gross. The entire cast of SCTV - John Candy, Joe Flaherty, John Hemphill, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Rick Moranis, Catherine O'Hara, Harold Ramis, Tony Rosato, Martin Short, Dave Thomas, Mary Charlotte Wilcox

Comedy? SCTV, This Hour has 20 Minutes, Air Farce, and more.

No american can duplicate it the hilarous detective spoof, Due South. They can't laugh at themselves.

The UK comedy is great, though. Consider the incomparable, Mr. Bean.

Wait! There's more! Look what I found:

16

WT Study 01/12/03: Linking Salvation to Literacy?

by Room 215 in

yesterday's wt study's specious attempt to forge a link to literacy/reading comprehension/ study of the bible got me to wondering about the historic levels of world literacy.

i. it would seem that the people of biblical times had neither public schooling nor any widespread access to copies of the scriptures.

hand-copied scrolls from the sacred writings were in the possession of the elite ruling and clerical classes; hence the custom of public readings of scriptures at the synagogues on the sabbath, ostensibly to the masses who had neither the ability to read or access to these writings.

jgnat

Hmmmmm Hippie. You are making me think Deep Thoughts in the middle of the week. Let's see if I can keep myself out of a logical quagmire.

Do I think the bible, a manual, is the basis for "things"? Do I believe the bible is the basis for life on this planet? No. I believe God created it. Do I think the bible is a useful base for my life? Its not bad. I like it. I also use my life experience, other books, and advice from friends when making a decision.
Things done should be in harmony with the manual? I have a big problem with the word "should. Using the word should implies that I am applying my standard to other people. I am not sure I have the right to do that. I do believe that a person of integrity, if they claim to use the bible as a base for their decisions in life, has a responsibility to be consistent. I think this goes along with your ELSE-GO TO example.

At work, I am very careful when using manuals, that they do not override common sense. I have seen people wrench their office procedures to match the manual, causing extra work, frustration, and heartache, while the original intent of the written policy is forgotten.

Frankly, I see Christians do the same thing all the time. A turning point for me was listening to a Christian acquaintance whine to us how she suffered at work because everyone else smoked. I thought, wow, I bet you are a real peach to work with. I could see it, the lunch room divided, the smokers laughing and chatting on one end, and this sweetheart taking the farthest chair away as she read her daily bread. It seemed to me she had a golden opportunity to allow the love of Christ to shine through to her co-workers, and she wasted it on a cold shoulder and a holier-than-thou attitude. Terrible.

50

WHAT IS THE BEST TRANSLATION OF THE BIBLE?

by Utopian_Raindrops in

jw
friends

ok.....i really need to have a personal bible reading again with no ones ideas but my own.

just me god and the bible!

i will most likely be looking in others but for 15 years the new world translation has been my base bible along with so-called bible-based literature.

jgnat

See? This individual scholar, through years of research, has determined that his choice is better than ALL THE OTHER scholars that labored diligently over their translation work. One voice in a multitude.

50

WHAT IS THE BEST TRANSLATION OF THE BIBLE?

by Utopian_Raindrops in

jw
friends

ok.....i really need to have a personal bible reading again with no ones ideas but my own.

just me god and the bible!

i will most likely be looking in others but for 15 years the new world translation has been my base bible along with so-called bible-based literature.

jgnat

What is the best? I say ALL of them. Every translation has something to add. I cut my baby teeth on the NIV. Right now I am enjoying a NLT LIfe Application Study Bible that has all kinds of study aids included. For serious study, I found http://www.e-sword.net/ a free download that also offers free translations. The software allows me to do zippy searches and word studies, something I had never attempted before. On my e-sword download, I have the American Standard Version (ASV), the Bible in Basic English (BBE), King James Version (KJV) and the Darby. All interesting. And I can display all translations together when looking up a single verse. Lotsa fun.

Utopian, thanks for starting a great, friendly thread.

30

Hey Gang I am getting my brain scanned tomorrow

by wildfire in

jw
friends

yup thats right iam going to have an mri on my brain...... i have severe numbness on my left side of my face and no feeing in my hands and arm......i have been hurt in 3 car accidents and have two herniated disks in my neck ( oh i pray that they don't have to do surgery......pray for me )))))) i thought i had ms.... a while back because of the numbness but they said no...... well now i get another scan andgo to see a neurologist ,,,, i hope they find out what the problem is so i wont be on

jgnat

Do they let you see the pictures? When I am facing surgery/root canal, etc., I like to remind myself that I am moving in a positive direction - health. Before root canal - severe pain. After root canal - no pain. Yippee! Remember, they are not operating tomorrow, just taking a good look. If I were you, I would want to know what the pictures look like. When they figure it all out, perhaps you will get full function back. Keep on singing!!!

16

WT Study 01/12/03: Linking Salvation to Literacy?

by Room 215 in

yesterday's wt study's specious attempt to forge a link to literacy/reading comprehension/ study of the bible got me to wondering about the historic levels of world literacy.

i. it would seem that the people of biblical times had neither public schooling nor any widespread access to copies of the scriptures.

hand-copied scrolls from the sacred writings were in the possession of the elite ruling and clerical classes; hence the custom of public readings of scriptures at the synagogues on the sabbath, ostensibly to the masses who had neither the ability to read or access to these writings.

jgnat

Hi, old Hippie. I have been considering whether the bible deserves worship or not. Hey, we know how Farkel feels about it, but I still consider the bible a beautiful book. It is another matter entirely, though, whether we should be slaves to it. Consider a simple example from work. I have colleagues who have dedicated their lives to memorizing the manual. One false step, and they are in my face, "Gotcha! See paragraph 6, line 9, right there! You broke the ruuuuule!! Nananananana." Considering how many times I have bent the rules, I am in a lot less trouble with my bosses than Manual Dorkmeister might hope. Maybe perhaps because I never forgot why we were hired, and what we are trying to accomplish.

Just my thought, but I think Christianity has a much better face when we apply this same rule. Once in a while, put the manual down, and remember why. Love our neighbour. Be kind. You know, the simple stuff.

16

WT Study 01/12/03: Linking Salvation to Literacy?

by Room 215 in

yesterday's wt study's specious attempt to forge a link to literacy/reading comprehension/ study of the bible got me to wondering about the historic levels of world literacy.

i. it would seem that the people of biblical times had neither public schooling nor any widespread access to copies of the scriptures.

hand-copied scrolls from the sacred writings were in the possession of the elite ruling and clerical classes; hence the custom of public readings of scriptures at the synagogues on the sabbath, ostensibly to the masses who had neither the ability to read or access to these writings.

jgnat

Here is the quote, WT December 1, 2002, Study article January 12, 2003, "Enjoy Personal Study of God's Word", page 14, para. 5

In our modern era of TV, videos, and computers, reading has suffered a serious, if not debilitating, setback. That certainly should not be true among Jehovah's Witnesses. After all, reading the Bible is like a lifeline linking us to Jehovah. Thousands of years ago, Joshua succeeded Moses as the leader of Israel. To gain Jehovah's blessing, Joshua had to read God's Word for himself. (Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1, 2) That is still a requirement today. Because of limited education, however, some may have difficulty reading or find it laborious. So, what can help us to want to read and study God's Word? The answer can be found in King Solomon's words recorded at Proverbs 2:1-6. Please open your Bible and read these verses. Then we will discuss them together.

Room 215, you are very right. I once meditated on the odd way that Jesus propogated his new gospel. He did not write a book. He did not overthrow any government or start any wars. Instead of inciting them in to a frenzy, He turned away the adoring crowds. He simply showed by example how to live. And made sure he had enough intimate associates who could imitate him and spread His gospel. I think Christianity is best when it proves by its actions to be loving, healing, and forgiving. Like Him.

25

Help she is trying to get to my son part4:)

by Jesika in

jw
friends

i got up at 6am and took alex to the airport:(, then i went home and jumped online looking for lawyers.

i found 186 in dallas that deal with custody.

i called about 12 and left messages.

jgnat

Jesika, it is sad that your mother thinks it is necessary to play this mean little game, but so happy she has no leg to stand on, legally. I pray that this woman will see the error of her ways, and drop the whole thing. Or else the Judge give her a severe tongue lashing and charge all legal costs to her. You go girl.