Posts by tec

I use New International Version/Thompson Chain Reference Bible/ Red letter edition. (Red letters for everything Jesus said - and I tell you, that got confusing when doing my Bible Study with JW's, because they didn't agree that it is Jesus speaking in the places where my edition says He is speaking)

I like this translation. Its easy to read, and it tells me at the bottom of each page what might have been added, and shows alternate translations, as well as where those alternate translations came from. This bible is actually a huge source of information regarding different translations, archaeological backups, etc. I didn't research if it was the best translation to use, though, because I didn't think it mattered. Changing a few words here and there should not impact the message.

Except in the NWT.

Tammy

43

MEET THE MAN YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF........PAPIUS the investigative reporter

by Terry in

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tec

I can agree with using values for heart. I actually think we're on the same page.

You said, values come from two sources:

1.Your personal decisions, observations, careful analysis

OR

2.By default through passive thinking and accepting and absorbing the views of others around you

I agree.

Getting your heart/values 'right' means strengthening them through #1: personal decisions, observations and careful analysis. If you do allow yourself to believe through #2: default, passive thinking, etc... then you are far more likely to compromise the values you are living by, because they aren't really yours; merely a reflection of others' around you.

Comes down to the basic know yourself, and then be true to yourself.

When it comes to social morals, then I agree that they are dependent upon what is acceptable in each society. I just happen to think that the morality that Jesus taught could transcend every society. Not the rules that man added afterward, but the underlying values of love your neighbor, do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

Paul gave social morals in accordance to the customs of the time and place - such as women having long hair instead of having to wear a head covering/ and a wife not speaking in the church. In another time or society, social customs might dictate that this not apply. And as long as the people are still following the underlying values stated above, then I don't see why there exists a problem with that change.

But then, I don't see Christianity (as Jesus taught it/not what it has become) as a stagnant, doctrine based faith.

Tammy

43

MEET THE MAN YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF........PAPIUS the investigative reporter

by Terry in

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his name was papias.. [if !supportemptyparas] [endif].

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tec

Cyberjesus and Terry - gotta go to work, will respond when I get home. But CJ - that isn't what I meant. I meant that I was using 'right' by Jesus' standard - but the concept of making your heart right so that your actions/thoughts will follow can be used in any society by any social morals that society deems 'right'.

Tammy

53

"Why Christianity Must Adapt -- Or Perish"

by leavingwt in

jw
friends

why christianity must adapt -- or perish.

there is a fundamental question facing christian sects in america, an ideological distinction that cleaves the many churches into two different camps: is it better to fit the church and christianity to the world, thus keeping the faith relevant, or is it better to mold the world to the faith?

put more bluntly, whose vision of the future of christianity is correct: the conservative, literal baptists or the modern, liberal episcopalians?

tec

I used to be ashamed to carry the title of Christian - when I was studying with JW's. But a Christian is simply a follower of Christ, and there are many sincere Christians spread out among the various denominations; as well as those who do not belong to any sect at all.

The Church in the early centuries was just the body of Christ. The group of people who followed Christ. They called themselves Christians, and just because the name has been sullied by insincere followers, doesn't mean the name itself is bad. Sometimes good people have to stay with something to show others that it isn't what some people have turned it into.

Jesus expected to have followers; and he gave them a specific command to show that they belonged to Him. John 13:35 - All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.

I call myself a Christian (though I sometimes clarify that with 'a follower of Christ)... but it means so much more than just a label. It means following the example of Christ, and listening to this command. I'm no longer ashamed to identify myself as this.

Tammy

43

MEET THE MAN YOU'VE NEVER HEARD OF........PAPIUS the investigative reporter

by Terry in

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his name was papias.. [if !supportemptyparas] [endif].

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tec

Does one THINK in their brain or in that blood pumping organ? Does it make any difference to your observation?

I'll try to explain my meaning better; and I agree that words mean something. People argue over things they might otherwise agree upon, simply because each party attached a different meaning to a certain word.

When I say thinking from the heart, I don't mean the organ. I think of emotions, empathy, conscience. Probably there is a place in the brain that is in charge of these things; I don't think it matters.

If the heart (emotions/empathy/conscience) is right (I'm speaking of 'right' by the standards of Jesus' teaching and example - but you can use any standard of different societies) then you no longer have even thoughts that might be hurtful to another person: thought crimes.

If we don't have thought crimes because our emotions, empathy, conscience are 'right', then we shouldn't progress to having physical crimes. That's why I think Jesus taught changing the heart of the person, rather than just the rules or behavior. Harder to do, but a person would be less apt to be mislead or corrupted.

Heart = thoughts = actions. Although understandably, heart sometimes just = actions.

Not sure if I explained this better or muddled it up.

Tammy

14

How can I counter the isolation scripture?

by Strider Arekksu in

jw
friends

well, i talked to some elders and basically said the organization was calling the prophets and god liars, because they were disgarding the importance and relavance of some of the prophecies.

i told them that there is no true organization on the planet right now.

i used luke 21: 8, i used many scriptures and actually i qouted chapters, not just verses where it was obvious they were wrong, i counter verses, they didn't get them.

tec

I actually had a good argument, but I was getting emotionally stressed out, so it looked like I was doing a bad job.

Don't beat yourself up over that. It happens to the best of us, and you probably did quite well despite your concerns. You can't help it if your argument falls on deaf ears.

If there is no one teaching truth though, you have to work with the Bible, it's all you have.

I would add that you also have Christ. If no one is teaching the truth, use the Bible as a guide because the teachings of Christ are written in it - but put your faith in Christ, Himself. You don't need an organization to be able to that.

Tammy

12

cancer.....wanted to warn you....

by peaches in

jw
friends

my aunt is self supportive...runs a self employed catering service...healthy and active...went to bed one night,,,,woke up with a sore chest....she thought she had pulled a muscle...so...gave it a few days to heal.....no improvement.... went to the doctor,,,,,they ran some tests,,,,and found out she is full of cancer...it is in her breast,,,lungs,,,liver....they told her she has about 4 to 6 months to live...nothing they can do for her..... she is just a wonderful person,,,,and i love her alot...i told her god loves her,,,and that heaven was a wonderful place...i said nothing about "earth"...i told her death is only hard on the living...and sent her big hugs...... this is really disturbing because she had no symptoms....none...she felt fine...i did not want this to happen to any of you...so,,,guys and gals,,,check for lumps and bumps...get the yearly physicals,,,mamo-grams,,,pap smears...prostrate..etc etc.... we always think it would never happen to us or a loved one...but...it so easily could....peaches .

tec

I'm sorry about your aunt. The things you said to her were strong and beautiful!

I am two years behind on my examinations, so thanks for the reminder and the push.

Tammy

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