How about Michael Jackson…boy did JW’s make him a big deal when he first became famous…
Posts by RAS
-
67List of Prominent JW Urban Legends...
by Tuesday inhey folks,.
i'm wondering if you all could help me with my next video that i want to put up in the next couple of days (though i'm hoping for tonight), i want to come up with a list of the most prominent urban legends surrounding jws and then refute them whatever they may be.. i'm thinking there's the urban legend about the question on jeopardy that said the nwt was the most accurate would be a good one.
that one stems from an online powerpoint presentation named theological jeopardy and a book which was written comparing six different translations of the bible.
-
-
-
19
Should Jehovah Witnesses have Cats?
by RAS innew light!.
there are numerous reasons why a loyal dedicated servant of god should use his bible-trained conscience to arrive at a proper understanding of why cats are not advisable as pets or companions for christians.
consider, then, the following facts: .
-
-
RAS
This is not from the WT but it is shows how easy it is to take scripture out of context and create your own theology.
-
19
Should Jehovah Witnesses have Cats?
by RAS innew light!.
there are numerous reasons why a loyal dedicated servant of god should use his bible-trained conscience to arrive at a proper understanding of why cats are not advisable as pets or companions for christians.
consider, then, the following facts: .
-
-
RAS
NEW LIGHT!
There are numerous reasons why a loyal dedicated servant of God should use his Bible-trained conscience to arrive at a proper understanding of why cats are not advisable as pets or companions for Christians. Consider, then, the following facts:
It was a common practice in ancient Egypt to worship or idolize cats as 'gods'. Indeed, after death many cats were mummified, venerated and sacrifices were made to them. As Christians we observe not only the Mosaic Law, but also the 'necessary things,' identified by the Apostles at Jerusalem, to include the following edict: '(1) Abstain from sacrifices to idols'. We are to 'guard ourselves from idols' and 'worship no other gods'. Such feline influence could lead to idolatry and thereby 'grieve Jehovah's Spirit' with tragic consequences. May we never take for granted Jehovah's wise and generous counsel brought to you by your spiritual brothers in the pages of this magazine!
The Bible does not say that cats were not present at Herod's birthday party when John the Baptist was beheaded. History shows that cats were most likely present at this tragic party that Jehovah did not approve of. Clearly then, as loyal Christians, why would we even want to associate with animals that are without a doubt of such bad influence, remembering how true are the Bible's words: 'Bad associations spoil useful habits'! -1 Cor. 15:33. Some have exposed themselves to possible spiritual contamination in this way. To invite cats in our house is to toy with disaster. Can one deny that the chance exists that the same grave consequences could visit your home that fell upon John? Clearly, God disapproved of this 'birthday' party. Should we not then disapprove (without showing any malicious intent, only Godly hatred) of cats the way the scriptures recommend?
The scriptures clearly indicate that neither Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, faithful Job, the Apostles, Jesus nor any other human bearing God's favor himself owned a cat. Should we simply assume that this is a mere coincidence? Surely not! This was most likely because they didn't want to be like the pagan contemporaries of their respective days who showed no regard for how God feels about owning a cat. In harmony with the pattern set by the faithful prophets and worthies of old, it would therefore not be fitting for the true Christian today to own a cat.
-
21
number of anointed
by ssn587 indont know if i or anyone else has asked this before, but does anyone know how many annointed were supposedly at the last memorial, it seems to be the hidden #.
does that mean they are now the hidden society (said tongue in cheek).
-
-
RAS
I think you find some light right in the bible...Lokking in Rev 7: Notice the bible says a great multitude that no one can count...hmmm the prior versus explain the 144,000 so who are these folks and what are they doing in heaven? It looks like more then 144,000 have a heavenly hope
9 After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” 11 All the angels stood around the throne and the elders and the four living creatures, and fell on their faces before the throne and worshiped God, 12 saying:
“ Amen! Blessing and glory and wisdom,
Thanksgiving and honor and power and might,
Be to our God forever and ever.
Amen.”
13 Then one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?”
14 And I said to him, “Sir, [b] you know.”
So he said to me, “These are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them. 16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any heat; 17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them and lead them to living fountains of waters. [c] And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” -
67
List of Prominent JW Urban Legends...
by Tuesday inhey folks,.
i'm wondering if you all could help me with my next video that i want to put up in the next couple of days (though i'm hoping for tonight), i want to come up with a list of the most prominent urban legends surrounding jws and then refute them whatever they may be.. i'm thinking there's the urban legend about the question on jeopardy that said the nwt was the most accurate would be a good one.
that one stems from an online powerpoint presentation named theological jeopardy and a book which was written comparing six different translations of the bible.
-
-
RAS
Will the men of Sodom be resurrected?
Yes Watchtower 7/18/79 p. 8
No Watchtower 6/1/52 p. 338
Yes Watchtower78/1/65 p. 47g
No Watchtower7 6/1/88 p. 31
Yes Live Forever (old ed. ) p. 179
No Live Foreverr (new ed. ) p. 179
No Insight, vol. 2, p. 985
No Revelation. book, p. 273
Also, their involvement with the United Nations
-
21
number of anointed
by ssn587 indont know if i or anyone else has asked this before, but does anyone know how many annointed were supposedly at the last memorial, it seems to be the hidden #.
does that mean they are now the hidden society (said tongue in cheek).
-
-
RAS
One could ask, If there are 144,000 spirit anointed people who have a heavenly hope, and a great crowd of people who have another hope of everlasting life on paradise earth, why does Paul say that there is only ONE hope (Eph 4:4), instead of two?
-
1
Down in the valley
by free2beme inwith the family who ignored christmas.
and you will spend next year,.
year after year..
-
-
RAS
The Watchtower Christmas Dilemma Questions
1. Does Jehovah God change His views on what is right and wrong with regards to important issues such as idolatry? (The Jehovah's Witness will reply: "No!")
2. Has the "faithful and discreet servant" faithfully taught and lead God's organization since 1919? (The Jehovah's Witness will reply: "Yes!")
3. Do those that belonged to this slave class in 1919 belong in heaven with Jehovah God, among the anointed 144 000? (The Jehovah's Witness will reply: "Yes!")
4. Jehovah God must then have approved of their life decisions and beliefs? (The Jehovah's Witness will reply: "Yes!")
5. When Jesus came back invisibly in 1914, did He find that those who were the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society faithful and wise? (The Jehovah's Witness will reply: "Yes!")
6. The Watchtower 1903 Dec 15, 1904 Dec 1 and 1919 Jan 15 say that it is appropriate to celebrate Christmas, that we should celebrate Christmas to show our respect to Jesus, and that it is a good thing to give and receive Christmas gifts. In the Watchtower 1919 Jan 15 president Rutherford exclaims his gratitude for the numerous Christmas gifts that he and his associates received. I wonder: were these men faithful and wise?
7. Did Jehovah God approve of their Christmas celebrations, that according to the organization encourage idolatry, and if He did not approve how can the slave then have been faithful since 1919 and do they belong in heaven?
8. If I celebrate Christmas just as the faithful and discreet servant (approved by Jehovah God and belonging in heaven), how can I then risk being disfellowshipped if I do the same thing that the anointed that are in heaven did?
9. Is it Jehovah God or men that have changed views in this matter? If it is not Jehovah God that has changed views; is it so that the servant was not faithful nor wise and do not belong in heaven or is it ok for me to celebrate Christmas?
10. The Jehovah's Witness might bring out Proverbs 4:18 and start talking about "new light". The question is then whether or not this "new light" also relates to Russell's article on the same passage in which he states that old light can not be replaced by new light. New light can only add to old light, not make a truth a lie. Read the article here!
11. Finally: if I accept the consequences of current Watchtower views and believe that Jehovah God does not approve of Christmas celebrations, may I still be a member if I really believe that Jehovah God has NOT changed His view on this matter and that the those who did celebrate Christmas in the beginning of this organization's history were not anointed and do not belong among the 144 000? -
33
The Diary of an Armageddon Survivor
by RAS ini am not sure if anyone ever posted this but i thought it was worth sharing: (can anyone relate?).
the following is not fantasy, this is what we were taught to expect when we were jehovah's witnesses.. michael pendley .
day 1. well, the big a is over and i survived.
-
-
RAS
I am not sure if anyone ever posted this but I thought it was worth sharing: (Can anyone relate?)
The following is not fantasy, this is what we were taught to expect when we were Jehovah's Witnesses.
Michael Pendley
DAY 1
Well, the Big A is over and I survived. I made my way down to the Kingdom Hall this morning. By the end of the day most of the congregation had gathered at the Hall. Some brothers and sisters are still missing, Ed Thorn, our presiding overseer, told us that those who were missing should have spent more time in field service.
DAY 2
Brother Thorn called a special meeting this morning. He announced that he and the other elders would now be assuming full authority over our new community until contact was reestablished with headquarters. All decisions regarding community regulations, living arrangements, work assignments, and other matters would be at the sole discretion of the elders.
Sam Greene objected to this dictatorial policy until Thorn pulled out a letter from the Society dated several months ago which stated that, after Armageddon, the local body of elders would be responsible for all decisions until otherwise directed by the Society. Sam voiced no further objections. The rest of us also accepted the new arrangement.
The first new rule was not long in coming - all brothers and sisters were required to report to the Kingdom Hall at 8:00 every morning to receive work assignments and other instructions.
DAY 3
Brother Thorn has assigned me lo the burial detail. It seems that most of us single brothers have been assigned this unpleasant duty. The dead bodies are already starting to get to me. It sickens me to watch the birds and other animals scavenge the corpses. I actually saw a raven pluck out an eyeball today. Disgusting! Rob Johnson got a bulldozer running and has begun to dig a large common grave. My job is to go around collecting bodies and load them into the back of a pickup truck.
DAY 4
We had our first judicial hearing today. Larry and Sue Winters had moved into the McRae mansion in what was once the exclusive Cypress Oaks subdivision. The problem was that Sister Thorn had already had her eye on the place and, as wife of the presiding overseer, she figured that she should have first choice. Brother Thorn told Brother and Sister Winter that they had no right to claim anything without approval of the elders. They were ordered to get out of the house by nightfall. The Winters were very disappointed but they agreed to move out.
DAY 5
At the morning meeting, the Thorns announced that they would be moving into the McRae place. The Winters were livid, but they didn't say anything. It was also announced that the surrounding estate homes had been assigned to the other elders. Position has privilege, even in the New World.
Some of the brothers have started calling the area "Elder Hill". It was also announced that anyone wanting to appropriate a home must first file a request with the elders. I have decided to stay in my own house. It doesn't seem right to move into someone else's home, even if they were worldly. It makes me sad when I go into someone's house and see the family pictures and personal belongings. Most of the others don't feel this way, it doesn't bother them to loot the dead.
DAY 8
The elders announced a new meeting schedule at the morning meeting. On Sunday, we will still have the public talk followed by a study of old Watchtower articles until we get new magazines. On Tuesday night, we will have a congregational book study. The Service Meeting has been canceled (no need for it anymore) along with the Ministry School. They have been replaced by an instructional session to be held on Friday night. This new meeting will instruct us on how to conduct ourselves in the New World Society. The best thing, of course is no more field service!
DAY 10
This burial work is taking a heavy toll on me. I can't help but feel saddened at the waste of so much human life. Why couldn't Jehovah have found a way to save more people? The children are the worst, I can't stand to see their little bodies anymore. I don't think I'll report for work tomorrow.
DAY 11
I didn't go to work today. Ed Thorn came by later in the morning and asked me why I wasn't at work. I told him I didn't feel well. He told me to get to work, that everyone feels well all the time in the New World. He also told me that depression and mental anxiety were things of the past. Of course, he doesn't have to bury the bodies.
DAY 14
It's been two weeks now. I really miss things like electricity and running water. I wonder if we'll ever get things working again. Rob Johnson and I borrowed a generator from the Hall last night and hooked it up to my television and VCR. We had a great time watching some "Star Trek" videos and a tape of last year's Super bowl. I really miss television.
DAY 15
At the morning meeting, Brother Thorn publicly reprimanded Rob and me for watching television. The elders have decided that, henceforth, watching videos is prohibited since we do not want our new paradise to be contaminated by the old world. Thorn speculated that one day we might have "theocratic television" from the Society. The Watchtower Channel? Spare me.
DAY 20
Still no word from the Society. We have spoken to representatives from surrounding congregations but the elders are not allowing anyone to travel. Carol Woods wanted to visit her sister in the next county to see if she made it through okay, but Brother Thorn told her to stay put and be patient. After all, she would have plenty of time to see her sister later. I thought that was a cruel thing to say.
DAY 30
We finally finished most other the burial work. I am so relieved. The scavenger birds are still hanging around. I have grown to hate the sight of the fat, disgusting creatures. One of the damn things attacked me today. I think they have acquired a taste for human flesh.
DAY 45
Many other the brothers and sisters are getting sick of being bossed around by the elders. They run things like an old South plantation, we are the slaves and they are the overseers. I have been reassigned to work on the communal farm. It is hard work but it is an improvement over the burial detail. Sam Greene is organizing a committee to speak to the elders about some of the complaints that we all have.
DAY 47
The elders found out about Sam Green's attempted "rebellion". At the morning meeting, he was publicly reprimanded and told to pray for a humble spirit. No one is to speak to him until he has shown proper repentance. I can't believe that we are disfellowshipping people in the New World
DAY 51
Today a messenger finally arrived from the Society. Wade Peters, a young Bethelite, arrived on horseback. He told us that the Society has moved all headquarters staff to Patterson after the destruction of New York City. We also received the first post-Armageddon Watchtower (now issued quarterly).
Many of us had hoped that it would contain information allowing us more personal freedom but we were disappointed to read that we were to keep following the instructions of the local elders until further notice. He also gave the elders a copy of a new procedure manual (titled ORGANIZATION FOR THE NEW WORLD") but none of us were allowed to see it.
DAY 69
My best friend got married today in a shotgun wedding! Rob and Sally Kennedy were discovered together while engaged in a heavy kissing session. Sally's blouse was unbuttoned and Rob had his hand on her exposed breast. After a judicial meeting, Brother Thorn announced that they were now married, without a ceremony or anything! Rob objected strenuously, explaining that he and Sally had not had sex. Brother Thorn, however, declared that the decision was in keeping with the new elder procedure manual. Sally seems happy enough but Rob is in a state of shock. I remember he once told me that he liked Sally's body, but thought that she was as dumb as a box of rocks. Now he is married to her forever. I'll have to remember to keep my hands in my pockets when I date any sisters.
DAY 80
The newlyweds are not getting along. There has been a lot of gossip about their horrible spats. Rob confided to me today that he went to the elders in an attempt to get the marriage annulled. They told him that according to the Society's new procedure manual no divorces or annulments would be allowed for any reason. In addition, all marriages now have to be approved by the local body of elders.
DAY 81
Sam Greene was reinstated today. He is still unhappy, but keeps his thoughts to himself now.
DAY 89
We are all in a state of shock! Rob committed suicide today. I guess the idea of spending eternity with Sally was not acceptable to him. The elders refused to let us hold a funeral service. I volunteered to bury my friend. Brother Thorn instructed me to bury him in the common grave where we had put the worldly persons. No one came to the grave side, not even his widow. I said a prayer for my friend. I will miss Rob greatly.
DAY 100
Life is becoming miserable for many of us. The elders keep placing new rules on us every day. We are told we must lead holy lives of service and submission. No dissent or discussion is allowed. It seems like we had more freedom before Armageddon. I never thought I would be nostalgic about the old world
DAY 111
I can't take it here anymore. I am going to travel to my brother's place, about a hundred miles from here. Traveling on foot I think I can make it in about five days. I wish I could get gasoline for my car. I'll have to sneak out since the elders still aren't giving anyone permission to travel. I have stored some food and plan to leave tonight after the curfew. I hope my brother is still alive, maybe he will know if Mom and Dad are okay.
DAY 112
I made it out of town today. I wonder if they miss me yet? The destruction in the countryside is incredible. How will we ever rebuild everything? I've seen quite a few skeletons already. I guess there Is still a lot of burial work to do before we build a paradise.
DAY 113
I ran into a group of brothers from Westview congregation. I was detained at gunpoint! Brother Thorn had gotten word to them to be on the outlook for me. I am furious. Why can't I visit my brother?
DAY 114
Ed Thorn and two ministerial servants arrived today to escort me back "home". They were all carrying guns.
DAY 115
After my attempted escape and several other disciplinary problems involving other brothers, the elders have now set up a gun-toting police force. I was, of course, disfellowshipped at the morning meeting. I have been assigned to latrine duty.
DAY 116
I was instructed to report to the Kingdom Hall after work for "additional instruction." I saw Sam Greene and a couple of other "troublemaker's" there. We were subjected to an hour of "reindoctrination," mostly the usual crap about maintaining a servant's spirit and not to think too much of ourselves. We were told to come back next week for more of the same.
DAY 123
I blew up today at the reindoctrination meeting. I told Ed Thorn that I was sick of him acting like a theocratic Hitler. I also told him that I was leaving the community and that he better not try to stop me. My mistake. Thorn called his police force in and had me arrested. I am being detained under armed guard in a makeshift jail cell in the Kingdom Hall basement.
DAY 124
My judicial hearing is scheduled for tomorrow. Sam Greene came by to see me. When the guards were out of ear shot, he told me that his efforts to contact the Society about the local elders had done no good. He had been told by the Society to keep quiet and obey the elders without question. Sam is very depressed about this and about my situation.
DAY 125
My judicial hearing was held today. Ed Thorn acted as lead prosecutor. I, of course had no defense counsel and could call no witnesses. After the hearing which was held in secret, I was judged guilty of being an unrepentant apostate. I was solemnly informed that according to the Society's instructions (as contained in "ORGANIZATION FOR THE NEW WORLD"), the punishment for apostasy is death by stoning. My execution is scheduled for tomorrow.
DAY 126
Well, this is the end. Later today, I will be led out for my execution by stoning. I would rather be shot in the back of the head, but the Society obviously feels that stoning provides a better object lesson. If I get a chance I will throw one of the rocks back at Ed Thorn. The funny thing is that I don't really feel so bad about my impending demise. This New World Society is not my idea of a paradise and I don't want to live with these people for all eternity. From paradise lost to paradise regained to paradise lost again.
EPILOGUE
Everyone turned out for my stoning, even the kids. Ed Thorn solemnly pronounced my death sentence and then quoted scripture telling everyone to "not to let their eye feel sorry." No one did. My only regret is that they tied my hands behind my back so that I couldn't return any of their rocks with interest. Not very sporting. The last thing I saw before the lights went out was a sickening smirk on Thorn's face. Then I woke up. In Heaven. And there was St. Peter. "Welcome to Paradise, my child" he said as he gently took my hand. Confused, I said "But I thought paradise was back on Earth with the Witnesses." "No," explained St. Peter, "That was Hell."