Retrovirus

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Posts by Retrovirus

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  24

  What is the most ironic statement you have seen in the Watchtower?

  by Indian Larry in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  there are so many good ones, but this has got to be near the top of the list: .

  *** w56 2/1 p. 88 par.

  45 cautious as serpents among wolves ***.

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  Retrovirus

  There's a beauty in the latest public Watchtower, on page 10:

  We may also show humility by the way we respond to other people's suggestions. Instead of rejecting an idea

  simply because we did not think of it ourselves, we may wisely welcome comments from others. (Proverbs 15:22). Such an open-minded attitude especially benefits those with a measure of authority.

  “I’ve found that a good overseer creates an environment where people feel free to express themselves,” says an experienced supervisor named John. He adds: “It takes humility to recognize that someone under your oversight may have a better way of doing than you do. But then again, no-one - not even an overseer - has a monopoly on good ideas".

  When we imitate Abraham by listening to the suggestions of others and by performing lowly services in their behalf, we gain Jehovah's favor. After all, "God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones" 1Peter 5:5

  Hope the GB, COs and elders are listening!
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  44

  WT Society Appoints Elders/MS Based on " Functions " Performed - not ....

  by flipper in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  ........... holy spirit or any " fruitages of the spirit " like love, kindness, mildness, meekness , etc.

  shown by men considered for elder or ms positions.

  qualities or true positive character traits are not that important to the wt society in appointments of these men in jw congregations.. no, the real " qualifications " that a jw man needs to exhibit is being able to report 10 hours a month in knocking on people's doors offering wt and awake magazines !

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  Retrovirus

  Hi Mr Flipper,

  A thought from an "outsider" - everything I've read and seen indicates that the WT equates "spirituality" or "spiritual maturity" to blind obedience. From all you've posted, this applies to elders as much as to any other jws. Are elders allowed to stray a step from the "handbook", even if circumstances may suggest a more subtle approach, or even (J forbid!), recommending "worldly" medical or psychiatric advice? Or worse yet, child protection agency or police intervention which is not directly mandated by law?

  So perhaps a blinkered trust is more important than strength of character, compassion and real greatness of spirit. To the WT at least.

  Hope all is going well for you and your wife, Retro
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  64

  Confused...

  by raxxxx in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  .

  hiya and... i do not really know where to begin... currently a jw... slightly starting to fade... got a girlfriend baptised... i am baptised also... my head is a mess... i do not know what to believe anymore... never really fully trusted elders as it comes to 'leading the flock'... got burned a few times with their ... decisions etc.

  read a few articles in here about their alleged false beliefs... do not really know what to do... wondered if any of you felt like that at any point... when something that you trusted and followed most of your life... does not seem to be what you thought it was... .

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  Retrovirus

  It is a privilege to have a cyber doctor on JWN, let others avail themselves of the opportunity my presence offers, It will definitely help the healing process.

  Self-appointed and unqualified quack. We need a register to strike you off . . .
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  260

  Are you sure leaving the JW religion has made your life better?. Lurkers think twice

  by mankkeli in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  on this forum, i have carefully read most of the experiences of those who left the jw religion, i have even read experiences that have dated back to 2001, i have read the different circumstances surrounding their exits and what ensued upon leaving.

  for the majority, i observed they are better remainning in the religion than leaving.

  what benefit is there to strain family relationship because you want to be free?, please tell me, of what value is that freedom?,.

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  Retrovirus

  JonathanH,

  Spot on, but it's even worse than that. From the OP

  Participate in the preaching work and encourage fellow christains as much as possible, this demeanor will not harm you.

  Mank is proposing that unbelievers not only pretend to believe, but try to convert others.

  Completely dishonest and morally bankrupt!
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  260

  Are you sure leaving the JW religion has made your life better?. Lurkers think twice

  by mankkeli in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  on this forum, i have carefully read most of the experiences of those who left the jw religion, i have even read experiences that have dated back to 2001, i have read the different circumstances surrounding their exits and what ensued upon leaving.

  for the majority, i observed they are better remainning in the religion than leaving.

  what benefit is there to strain family relationship because you want to be free?, please tell me, of what value is that freedom?,.

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  Retrovirus

  Retrovirus - If you trully know what ethics are, how does that shield your obsession with the JWs?

  Mankkeli, I know what ethics are. As can anyone with a dictionary. What is your basis for assuming I'm obsessed with JW's?
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  260

  Are you sure leaving the JW religion has made your life better?. Lurkers think twice

  by mankkeli in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  on this forum, i have carefully read most of the experiences of those who left the jw religion, i have even read experiences that have dated back to 2001, i have read the different circumstances surrounding their exits and what ensued upon leaving.

  for the majority, i observed they are better remainning in the religion than leaving.

  what benefit is there to strain family relationship because you want to be free?, please tell me, of what value is that freedom?,.

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  Retrovirus

  Lurkers please I beg you, hold on to what you have, dont walk along the same path with those who have left for decades and keep ranting here to get some therapy. leaving doesnt worth it after all. Remain in the organization, keep your senses and maintain a good balance, Participate in the preaching work and encourage fellow christains as much as possible

  So, you want people who have doubts to stifle them and actively recruit others to believe what they cannot?

  I suggest you find out what ethics are and get some.

  Retro
• 
  39

  Dec.15th WT -WTS Expects JW's to Preach Despite Chronic Illness - Sick !

  by flipper in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  in the dec.15th jw only version in an article titled " do not let illness rob you of joy " it promotes being a martyr in jehovah's witnesses preaching door to door in spite of debilitating and often life threatening illnesses .

  ask yourself if jesus would have stood with a whip to the back of his disciples if they had these illnesses or medical conditions ??.

  under the subheading entitled " they keep preaching despite chronic illness " with pictures of these alleged sick people sharing how they " sacrifice " to spread the wt society's message i will share the quotes with my takes.. izabella who suffers depression states, " i like the door to door ministry , but when i am not feeling up to it , i engage in telephone witnessing.

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  Retrovirus

  Jehovah can give you strength by means of his holy spirit, his word, and the Christian brotherhood

  This part is just as bad a guilt trip. If you're doing well, you aren't doing enough. But if you feel terrible, and not benefiting from this vague "support", you must be spiritually weak!
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  10

  Coming out of the closet to my sister

  by FrankWTower in

  1. social
  2. family

  hi,.

  i am an active jw, still single and i live with my jw family.

  i have tried to instill critical thinking skills to my sister and she has gladly accepted them.. i really want to tell her how i feel about the wt and their teachings but i'm not sure if i should.

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  Retrovirus

  From my limited experience, ask her questions rather than "come out" with statements that may be very hard to retract later. Such as, "how would you explain to latest generation teaching to an interested one, in your own words?"

  IOW, plant seeds. If you're lucky, in time she'll start expressing doubts.
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  3

  Read This Book: Crisis of Allegiance

  by headisspinning in

  1. watchtower
  2. scandals

  we already read crisis of conscience which was incredible, but if you are canadian, you need to read crisis of allegiance.

  my husband knows a lot of the players and if you're an ex-canadian elder you probably will too.

  he is just riveted and i can't wait to read it next!.

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  Retrovirus

  Is it the one in this thread?
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  28

  I want your Christmas traditions!

  by watersprout in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i have deceided that this year i would like (if you will indulge me) lots of different traditions from lots of different countries and cultures.... so what have you got??.

  i also want to hear what makes your christmas super special... what do you do to make up for all those lost years.. babysprout really believes in santa... all the kids in her class have been telling her he isn't real.

  i mean what is this, a class full of dubbies??

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  Retrovirus

  Last year I had backpackers from Europe staying and we celebrated Advent. We made a wreath with four candles and decorated it. Each Sunday leading up to Christmas we lit one more candle. We also made cookies called 'Zimtsterne' - cinnamon stars - but I didn't have a cookie cutter, so we made lots of rather creative shapes as well.

  My parents did all this when we were small, so it brought back some great memories. Still need a bit more practice with the cookies, though!