Sorry... don't agree the "Org." does it for millions... substitute for Rome for those who have defected from the R.C church.. they just love being told what to do. You don't need to think.. just trust you are being shepherded into the right fold. Solution? Don't think... and you will be just fine. [I.M.H.O]
Podobear
JoinedPosts by Podobear
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72
Jehovah's Witnesses---A Religion That Does Nothing For Anyone
by minimus inthe reality is: jehovah's witnesses benefit no one but themselves!.
they don't contribute to society.
they refuse to get involved in local interests because that would constitute violating their neutrality.. if sexual abuse allegations are made amongst their members, unless two witnesses can attest to the molestation, they refuse to get the "superior authorities" involved.. they claim to be doing their neighbors a "life saving" work but the reality is that they simply are pests to their "householders".. they are a tax free "religion" and they do not pay taxes.. they are judgmental people and regard the "world" as "worldly" and in the "power of the wicked one".. and if the individual members do not conform to the organization's dictates, they might very well be "shunned" and regarded as "dead".. why anyone would want to be a jehovah's witness is beyond me..
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What year Did you Stop Attending Meetings - How Long were you a JW ?
by flipper ini'm trying to compare some statistics and figures on this to share later in the thread to see if more long-time witnesses are exiting- or are newer witnesses exiting after a shorter period of time.
and - are more people exiting in the last 10 to 15 years than before.
so your answers would be helpful in looking into this .
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Podobear
Baptised April '71
Mind left as I walked out of Bethel in April '82
Feet Left January '84
Heart left April 2010...
Tough love is hard to break... I guess. Pioneered 6yrs Bethel almost 4 years.. very active publisher up to the last. Had 1hr personal counselling in 20 years... guess the contribution I made wasn't good enough.
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Memorial 2010 Your Experiences
by scotinsw injust got back from memorial.
only went so that i could say to my parents that i had gone and to remind myself why i left.. oh my word!!!
it was sooooo painful.. got there a bit late - it was a couple of minutes into the talk.
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Podobear
Must admit I was on a flight back from Poland from having private surgery, and had completely forgotten about this years celebration.
It was not until I telephoned to my parents at 5.30pm that mother told me Dad was on a mad dash to get to "his meeting" as he had the first shift starting at 6.10pm. From past experience it wasn't worth trying to get him to the 'phone.
Must admit it has been wonderful discussing this subject here and expressing views free from "the fear of" censorship. Thanks to those who have taken the time to post to me on this related subject.
I am going to put a spoke in here in favour of JW interpretation of events: Quartodeciminism was a feature of early Christianity.. the Roman soldiers knew the best occasion to round up those confounded Christians. There is only ONE hope it is true... but there are two DESTINIES, an earthly one and through the death of Jesus a heavenly one two.
Die hard promoters of Christendom and, I am afraid, exjw newbies to their ranks, generally fall silent on that fact. Jesus did not throw out all the Messianic promises of the Hebrew Scriptures (OT, if you will).. he was the start of a Kingdom government.
Much very interesting material has been provided for me on this matter, and I feel I can now fall in agreement, that ALL those born into Christ should honour the Lord's Evening Meal by participating. The "calling" or "anointing" of the individual is between him/her and Jesus himself. The Destiny we aspire to is between Christ as the Head of the Christian Congregation and we alone.
I feel it is entirely disrespectful of any conviction to show disdain by showing videos of people chewing gum and quaffing the Emblematic wine.. and do not agree with such puerile and god dishonouring actions. I showed respect to the faith of others as a JW and continue to acknowledge the deep conviction of most JW's at this sacred occasion.
Since none of us was alive to interpret the periodicity, format or even the entirety of the meaning of Jesus' instruction... we ought defer to honouring the committment of others.
For those who have completely abandoned faith for secularism... it should matter a t*****s c**s anyway!
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Mill Hill Disfellowshippings
by BorgHater ina few months ago there was a thread about a couple of elders at the mill hill bethel being disfellowshipped because they disagreed with some wt doctrine (i can't recall exactly what it was) and that several other betheliteswere under 'investigation'.
i haven't heard anything since, does anyone know anything more about this?.
borghater xx.
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Podobear
Welcome to a fellow Newbie...HappyOutsideThebox: I am in the process of hopefully solving a mystery that has both haunted and plagued me for 25 years. PaulandApollos has started a very interesting thread- a major doctrinal issue- which I have always believed needs refinement and greater understanding amongst Jehovah's Witnesses. It would be interesting to develop a fuller, entire understanding of the joint Christian hope.. its significance to all Christians regardless of their destiny and decision as to whether each one (regardless of destiny) should honour the sacred to command to "Eat and Drink" the blood and flesh of Christ in rememberence of him. It is central and core to what happened in Brooklyn in 1981/82.
Thank you for the PM's from fellow posters on the subject... this has the hallmark of clearer understanding... may you not be considered as the Sons/Daughters of Korah.. but more akin to the enquirers of Beroean, checking daily "as to whether these things are so."
Agape, Podo
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Mill Hill Disfellowshippings
by BorgHater ina few months ago there was a thread about a couple of elders at the mill hill bethel being disfellowshipped because they disagreed with some wt doctrine (i can't recall exactly what it was) and that several other betheliteswere under 'investigation'.
i haven't heard anything since, does anyone know anything more about this?.
borghater xx.
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Podobear
Thanks Paulapollos.. I had a feeling that the issues of 1981/82 at Brooklyn Bethel had emerged again. This board has been the first time I have been able to explore thoughts on the matter. A couple of posters have been very enlightening and I am continuing dialogue on the subject... Any further thoughts on the matter please.. scripturally. Our never was a JW fellow posters seem to have fallen silent.
The BIG difference in the JW doctrine v. Mainstream Christendom is the belief that the Bible must be read as a whole and not the Greek Scriptures (not the New Testament I hasten to add!!) in isolation. The Kingdom has both Heavenly and Earthly expression.. so the HOPE is the same, just One Hope but our destiny is for Christ to choose as Head of the Christian Congregation... it is not for us to say we want to be part of the Government of us.
More thoughts on this intriguing subject for those of us that are not yet spiritually disenfranchised... Thank you Paulapollos
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Kids TV programmes (England and Ireland only sorry) that were on in the 70's and early 80's
by jdhf ini am trying to remember a kids programme that was on while i was a wee thing during the 70's... now i was only born in '68, so i guess it would be late 70's early 80's.
i remember bears, and animation, but i don't think cartoon.
anyway, please can anyone list their favourite british kids programmes during these times and hopefully i will get an epiphany!
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Podobear
What about THE MAGIC ROUNDABOUT.. or is that really giving my age away? Florence and Zebedee (the boss-eyed tomato on springs!).. and Dillon (cool, man) and Ermentrude the cow.
Then there was Andy Pandy.. I always had doubts when he jumped in the box with Loopey Loo at the end of the program and Teddy jumped in between them and the lid closed!! No wonder your generation had a dubious start, jookbeard!
Oh, the days of innocence... when childhood didn't end til your first kiss at sweet 16, eh?
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Mill Hill Disfellowshippings and JW prayers
by VM44 inthe following comment was posted in the "mill hill disfellowshipping" thread:.
all 4 were disfellowshipped for believing that the entirety of the ransom, including the new covenant, and the mediatorship and everything else in the bible, applied to everyone.. if that is the case, why do all of the jw prayers, public and private, end with "we pray this through your son, jesus christ, amen"?.
ending prayers like this implies that the payer is going through jesus, hence jesus is the mediator for all prayers made by jws!.
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Podobear
Wow Wow Wow.. Truthseeker: You have brought a tear to my eye.. I just wish I could give you the BIGGEST hug of Agape and Philia ever. That, has to be for me, the drop from Lazarus table.. the quenching I have needed for a troubled mind on this subject.
Just to had a few personal comments: I moved north after my departure from Bethel and stayed with a Doctor friend whose grandmother was of the anointed. Whilst I was staying in his not unsubstantial home his grandmother died. It puzzled me a little why he appeared quite cold towards his mother.
I sat in the lounge, put my arm round her whilst she sobbed her heart out, "It's just the thought that I will never see her again". "How do you KNOW that?" was my reply "Jehovah is opening his hand and satisfying the desire of EVERY living thing.. Why should that exclude you?.. don't you think Jehovah will find a way for you and her to meet again.. why should your joy be any less?" She turned to me.. by this time my shirt collar was wet.
Yes, whether our call is to serve or be here to enjoy that rule... I feel too, that all who have confirmed their dedication to God and Christ should participate. Only the individual should know his relationship with Jesus, the head of the congregation. That is not for another to question.. unless they eat unworthily.
(P.S. Why wasn't Mary present with her Son and his disciples the night before he died?.. further thread maybe)
I have sent a personal message to you.
Many, Many thanks....... brother
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Mill Hill Disfellowshippings
by BorgHater ina few months ago there was a thread about a couple of elders at the mill hill bethel being disfellowshipped because they disagreed with some wt doctrine (i can't recall exactly what it was) and that several other betheliteswere under 'investigation'.
i haven't heard anything since, does anyone know anything more about this?.
borghater xx.
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Podobear
Greetings for a fellow Newbie on the rocks.. great to be able to express your concerns and feelings isn't it? Seems like the same thoughts on the matter may be running through your head too.. any comments on the topic? Hugs; Podo
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Mill Hill Disfellowshippings and JW prayers
by VM44 inthe following comment was posted in the "mill hill disfellowshipping" thread:.
all 4 were disfellowshipped for believing that the entirety of the ransom, including the new covenant, and the mediatorship and everything else in the bible, applied to everyone.. if that is the case, why do all of the jw prayers, public and private, end with "we pray this through your son, jesus christ, amen"?.
ending prayers like this implies that the payer is going through jesus, hence jesus is the mediator for all prayers made by jws!.
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Podobear
Thank you for your contributions Hamsterbait and Chalam. I have read and re-read Romans 11, many times and do not see how the grafting of the Gentiles into the faithful vine of "Israel" is pertinent to this thread. I have already disabused myself of the tortuous and speculative teaching by the JW's surrounding John 10:16. The "other sheep" are patently (to me) the Gentiles who began to enter the Christian congregation with Cornelius.
Many "Mainstream" branches of Christianity, Chalam, believe that we are living in the "Last Days" so my point stands. JW's are known to be speculative on the matter - and many have tired of the Carrot and Donkey ethics of the WTS!
However, come the day, whenever that may be.. There will be a "New Heaven and a NEW EARTH".. I cannot abandon the NOT-unique teaching by the JW's that there will be a restoration of all things on this Earth too.. a reversal in every sense of the sin brought on us in Eden. When that time comes (and when is very much pivotal to this discussion).. the one way ticket for all Christians as you put it.. will cease. So, I cannot agree. Not ALL Christians will share and rule with Christ in heaven. There is a job to do! The JW's have an EXCEPTIONAL explanation of the "Kingdom" arrangement - and for me have explained far more than my years in the schisms of Christendom.
This thread is about PRAYER and whether those who aspire to an "Earthly" hope have the right to pray for the congregation as a whole.
My JW theology is rusty now.. but I have always understood, that the Bible is written SPECIFICALLY to those who have been called to be with Christ. By rote and adoption those who feel they will share in the NEW EARTH come under the HEAVENLY Kingdom arrangement.
Most Kingdoms have a parliament of elected representatives and constituencies consisting of sectors of their population. I have always viewed the Universe as being one massive Constituency with Jesus as the governmental head with his elected representatives. Maybe, says he (the dreamer) the rest of the Universe is populated with races and beings already enjoying the benefits of that Kingdom rule. Maybe soon, it is our turn for a cleansing and a New World Order. That expression seems to be on the lips of many.
I have switched back to the original (recent) thread on this subject to see if the point I am seeking is further clarified. Very best wishes to you both, as I clear up my last loose ends of my JW/Pentecostal past.
Agape to all lovers of Jesus Christ. Podo.
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Mill Hill Disfellowshippings
by BorgHater ina few months ago there was a thread about a couple of elders at the mill hill bethel being disfellowshipped because they disagreed with some wt doctrine (i can't recall exactly what it was) and that several other betheliteswere under 'investigation'.
i haven't heard anything since, does anyone know anything more about this?.
borghater xx.
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Podobear
Thank you truthexplorer, it helps a little in understanding matters. But, it remains that in the turbulent time of my leaving Bethel.. the central issue in Brooklyn (and now apparently with the Mill Hill 4).. that all were encouraged to participate in the Lord's Evening Meal regardless of their DESTINY. (To rule with Christ or to enjoy eternal life on Earth under Kingdom Rule: a moot point for Mainstream Christendom that believes that every faithful Christian has a one way ticket to heaven). I think this is the point PaP is raising.. but he must guide us in the discussion I think.
I have VERY fond memories of David Gibson (Sylvia I did not know). I have to say if it wasn't for David's personal comments to me a few days before I left Bethel, I would have totally cracked up over events that happened around me. As one poster sadly confirmed.. you have never known a cold shoulder until you get one from Bethel. Wherever you are David... Thank you.