Posts by Retrovirus

51

Religious People Live Longer

by mankkeli in

14 years ago

regular involvement in religious activities goes hand in hand with better physical health and a longer life, according to a statistical analysis of 42 independent studies published since 1977 that have addressed this issue, states science news.

religious involvement, especially the public type, showed a statistically significant relationship to higher survival rates, the scientists say.

several reasons have been proposed for the findingsthe shunning of risky behaviors, marital stability, less depression associated with matters beyond direct control, greater social contacts, and positive emotions and attitudes.

14 years ago

Retrovirus 14 years ago

Hi Sizemik, I also referenced and quoted from the actual artice.

Another quote, which Mankkeli also omitted (no suprise)

Researchers face daunting problems in assessing religiousness, Kaplan says

"religiousness" means very different things to different people, and lumping all who participate in activities organised by any religion means that any conclusions must be heavily qualified.

Mankkeli's conclusion - the selective quotes should urge people back into a cult - is classic black and white thinking.

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51

Religious People Live Longer

by mankkeli in

14 years ago

regular involvement in religious activities goes hand in hand with better physical health and a longer life, according to a statistical analysis of 42 independent studies published since 1977 that have addressed this issue, states science news.

religious involvement, especially the public type, showed a statistically significant relationship to higher survival rates, the scientists say.

several reasons have been proposed for the findingsthe shunning of risky behaviors, marital stability, less depression associated with matters beyond direct control, greater social contacts, and positive emotions and attitudes.

14 years ago

Retrovirus 14 years ago

Mankkeli, since you failed to cite your source I've helped you out (and you a "professor" - LMAO!).

The artice is here.

And here's a bit that was carefully omitted:

George A. Kaplan, a social epidemiologist at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor,

expresses skepticism about the new report. “There are only a handful of good studies on religion

and physical health,” so mixing them with many inferior studies “doesn’t tell us much

more than we know already,” he says.

“There is absolutely no basis for recommending religiosity as a preventive strategy [in

health care],” Kaplan says.

At least you can only improve, Mankkeli!

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37

Outright Misrepresentations of Quotes and Citations in Watchtower Literature

by Londo111 in

14 years ago

the research of doug mason, annomaly, and others have been eye opening in regards to the society's recent articles on 607 bc.

what i find most disturbing is the misrepresentations of scholars, who are quoted in such a way to say one thing, when they meant something completely different.

it is one thing to teach a doctrine, and quite another to play fast and loose with the truth.

13 years ago

Retrovirus 14 years ago

My jw ladies gave me the earlier "Creation" book, that relied heavily on Francis Hitching, even referring to him as an "expert" - wtf??

He has a basic science degree and has never been employed as a scientist or teacher.

I found this quite shocking as I couldn't find any such reference on the net - it looked as if they'd simply made it up.

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37

AlanF Interview with Creation Book author Harry Peloyan 1997

by besty in

18 years ago

this has possibly been posted before (i hadn't seen it) - i found it a fascinating read - well done alanf for fronting it up..... it can also be found online at http://www.reexamine.org/wtobserver/apps/pbcs.dll/article86c8.html?aid=/20040309/history/204007.

interview with a watchtower society author on wednesday, 27 august 1997, i met with harry peloyan for about 1 1/2 hours in the lobby of the 25 columbia heights bethel office in brooklyn, new york.

my purpose was to discuss problems with the creation book with him, since he is its main author.

10 years ago

Retrovirus 14 years ago

Marking!

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24

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

by Indian Larry in

14 years ago

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 ***.

14 years ago

Retrovirus 14 years ago

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

jw
friends

14 years ago

........... 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 !

13 years ago

Retrovirus 14 years ago

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

14 years ago

.

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... .

14 years ago

Retrovirus 14 years ago

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

14 years ago

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?,.

14 years ago

Retrovirus 14 years ago

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

14 years ago

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?,.

14 years ago

Retrovirus 14 years ago

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

14 years ago

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?,.

14 years ago

Retrovirus 14 years ago

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

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