Terra Incongnita,
Thanks for sharing the video. It's insane. ...and in the name of god. Do you suppose all the Tea Partiers believe this?
satinka
*sigh* i have been noticing lately there are a number of groups of "christians" signing up as members of this forum, with the obvious agenda of gaining converts for their own cult-like religions.
i have been wondering things like:.
hmmm...maybe i'll try ignoring them.. thank you simon for the space to vent.. satinka.
Terra Incongnita,
Thanks for sharing the video. It's insane. ...and in the name of god. Do you suppose all the Tea Partiers believe this?
satinka
*sigh* i have been noticing lately there are a number of groups of "christians" signing up as members of this forum, with the obvious agenda of gaining converts for their own cult-like religions.
i have been wondering things like:.
hmmm...maybe i'll try ignoring them.. thank you simon for the space to vent.. satinka.
Prisoner wrote:
JESUS SENT YOU, your delusional man,are you drunk ? I used to believe i was directed by angels, as i went door to door Watchtower told us
Ha! Another way the "superfine apostle" christians are similar to the JWs! Well done, Prisoner!
Cheers,
satinka
*sigh* i have been noticing lately there are a number of groups of "christians" signing up as members of this forum, with the obvious agenda of gaining converts for their own cult-like religions.
i have been wondering things like:.
hmmm...maybe i'll try ignoring them.. thank you simon for the space to vent.. satinka.
Sifting through my cobwebs...The expression "superfine apostles" is used at 2 Corinthians 11:5, at least in the JW bible. If I recall correctly, the Apostle Paul was expressing concern because of certain members of the congregation that were putting on a show of being overly zealous, but were actually the cause of stumbling. The "showiness" was causing problems for Paul, so he was addressing the problem. I don't know what other Bibles say, and I don't know what other religions believe this scripture means. And quite frankly, I don't care. But, I do remember a Watchtower study from years ago that addressed the scripture. Perhaps someone with references could help dig up the article. I no longer have JW publications. I threw them all away in the year 2000 when I left the WT religion. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I figure Paul was using the expression in a sarcastic way to get his point across.
Any ex-jws care to address this further...?
satinka
*sigh* i have been noticing lately there are a number of groups of "christians" signing up as members of this forum, with the obvious agenda of gaining converts for their own cult-like religions.
i have been wondering things like:.
hmmm...maybe i'll try ignoring them.. thank you simon for the space to vent.. satinka.
Terra Incognita wrote:
>it's my belief that most proselytizing, religious or otherwise, is a form of territorial expansion.
Are you saying they think there are not enough Christians in the world? What would happen if they killed off all the non-Christians...then to whom would they preach? Better yet, who would listen? Since each has that sense of superiority we see prominently displayed here on the forum.
>they will like canvass everyone in sight like salesmen do.
Hmmmm...selling religion. Another similarity to the JWs...*shudder*
>Why does anyone think he is more special than others?
Not everyone thinks they are more special than someone else. This appears to be a phenomenon peculiar to religious fanatics. It's like ...when they speak, god speaks ...and they can do no wrong...say no wrong...it's pure gospel! No one is allowed to say NO! or question, because the voice of god speaks through them. NOT! There are people on this forum who think they are channeling! They put themselves above us mere humans by professing doing that. I find that especially objectionable. I, like mostly anyone on this forum, just tries to be a better human...and along comes this "Christian" who tells us we are wrong to think or feel a certain way. Then their friends jump in and compound the issue. Anything that does not sound to them like a "Yes sir, no sir, three bags full sir" is just unacceptable! How insulting! We are just trying to find a voice and a space where we feel we "belong" and receive some validation from others like ourselves...and along comes these judgmental super-fine apostle "Christians" who in effect step on us when we are feeling vulnerable. And they think they are "healers"??? They don't know the first thing about psychology, just like the JW elders. Ooops, another similarity to the JWs! All they know how to do is spew bible text. Like that does any good!
>If they believe that only they have authenticity, as in your last question, then it's obvious that we are inauthentic. Would you respect someone whom you believe is inauthentic?
What I hear you saying is... because they automatically think we are in-authentic, and they are so obviously authentic...how can they respect us? I am embarrassed to admit I had this superior type of attitude as a JW. Another similarity to the JWs. No wonder no one listened to me at the doors. After all, people know when they are being dis-respected. They feel it. They hear it in our voice, etc. Guess I would have been wise to leave the JWs wa-a-a-a-y earlier than I did. Unfortunately, I was conditioned to keep preachin'
by rote lo-o-o-o-ng after it was no longer in my heart to be out there knockin' on doors.
>You see, as an atheist, I really don't care what you believe in. Go ahead and believe in Fairies for all I care. However, if those "Fairies" start whispering in your ear: "Pssst. You see that guy over there? He's inferior because he doesn't believe in us. He might even die a brutal death if he doesn't start believing", that's when I get pissed. And it gets me in trouble.
I don't know where I stand right now. I am in an exploratory stage, going to school and doing a lot of reading and studying. I have been lied to and betrayed by religion. I understand why people go in all differing directions after leaving the JWs. After all, we aren't robots. Our life experiences lead us to where we need to be. It's not for some stranger on a forum to start dictating where we "should" go or what we "should" do next. That might fit their life...not mine! The hell & damnation and Armageddon stuff gets spewed by all religions and it is truly sickening. Another similarity to the JWs---big turnoff.
>they go off topic or focus on the most trivial point of my argument and ignore the rest. ...when it's time for them to give their second rebuttal they either fail to respond or engage in more of the usual dodging.
I have noticed that. I, too, have asked questions only to be ignored. Guess it touched one of their buttons. Same with JWs who come a-trollin'.
>...then Simon gets angry
...I appreciate hearing you break down the process of communicating with these super-fines. And I am grateful that Simon has been patient with forum members. After all, we are supposedly adults and can think and act on our own within the forum rules. And I think for the most part the group is well-behaved...for the most part. Thanks for spending all that time explaining your strategies and reasonings. It's wa-a-a-a-y helpful to hear. Also, in a peculiar kind of way, it validates my venting!
Satanus wrote:
The funnest though, is when christians start ripping eachother;)
*Goes for popcorn...so I can watch the Christians rip each other to shreds.* Who to cheer for, though...
But seriously, the kind of Christians I am refering to are the evangelical Christians promoting themselves as of late. There is another kind... much more "moderate" thankfully. I don't want to paint all with the same brush. That would not be fair.
And I appreciate hearing from other forum members who are experiencing similar things that I am feeling. When I first noticed this happening, I thought maybe it was just me being too sensitive. But I see now..I am not alone . And I appreciate the validation.
satinka
*sigh* i have been noticing lately there are a number of groups of "christians" signing up as members of this forum, with the obvious agenda of gaining converts for their own cult-like religions.
i have been wondering things like:.
hmmm...maybe i'll try ignoring them.. thank you simon for the space to vent.. satinka.
keyser soze wrote:
there are some that have no connection with JWs, but come here looking to convert prey on people they perceive as vulnerable. Frankly, I find it a little insulting to be viewed as a lost soul, in need of saving.
zoiks wrote:
Seriously, I have noticed a number of newish posters who seem to be here solely to push their religious agenda, and have no connection to JWs except through this forum.
Thank you both for the validation. I appreciate knowing others have noticed this phenomenon as well. I NOW know how people in the neighbourhood felt when I went door-to-door now week after week...and would not go away. Very annoying. ...counterproductive...ick ... it feels just creepy thinking about it now...
satinka
*sigh* i have been noticing lately there are a number of groups of "christians" signing up as members of this forum, with the obvious agenda of gaining converts for their own cult-like religions.
i have been wondering things like:.
hmmm...maybe i'll try ignoring them.. thank you simon for the space to vent.. satinka.
(((jgnat))) Thanks for the lovely fruit bouquet. Just what a gal needed who is feelin' vulnerable. *nibbles on a blueberry*
*Offers food to others on the thread*
*ducks the flyin' food*
(((ziddina)))Thanks for the beautiful flowers. How'd you know?
*ducks the flyin' food --- again*
Ahhhh...Laughter...the best medicine!
satinka
*sigh* i have been noticing lately there are a number of groups of "christians" signing up as members of this forum, with the obvious agenda of gaining converts for their own cult-like religions.
i have been wondering things like:.
hmmm...maybe i'll try ignoring them.. thank you simon for the space to vent.. satinka.
*Sigh* I have been noticing lately there are a number of groups of "Christians" signing up as members of this forum, with the obvious agenda of gaining converts for their own cult-like religions. I have been wondering things like:
Is this karmic? After years of us knocking on doors --- year --- after --- year --- is it now OUR TURN to keep saying "no thanks" --- year --- after --- year --- ?
Upon leaving the jws, many of us are "sensitised" to the "mind-control" that goes on in religion. Sure, they say they love Christ...doesn't everyone? In some shape or form? Why is THEIR Christ the best "ONE" to love?
Why do these "Christians" think we are easy prey to their propaganda? Is it because they know we have a spiritual essence? Some of us by choice --- some of us by force --- find ourselves without a religion? Is it so bad to be without religion? I don't think so. It feels healthy to me.
Many ex-jws are the walking wounded and religion is the cause. Why would these "Christians" think we could be sucked in to religion YET AGAIN?
Why do all "Christians" think they are the ONLY AUTHENTIC ones?
Like I have stated on other threads, when these super-fine apostle "Christians" pop up on the radar it feels like my ex has popped into my group therapy session. It feels invasive. It feels disrespectful of our healing space. Don't they have any respect? Any boundaries? Apparently not!
Personally, I am NOT at all "receptive" to their propaganda. It sounds unbelievably and eerily similar to the JW spiel, which I find repulsive --- rather than attractive. I'm thinking of signing off of the forum forever. I hate being inundated with their propaganda. Maybe it is an over-reaction. Especially in view of the suggestion we are given on dealing with Trolls...the simple step of ignoring them. Yet, it is hard to ignore, because of the buttons that get pushed...
Hmmm...maybe I'll try ignoring them.
Thank you Simon for the space to vent.
satinka
both believe in the inerrancy of the bible (psalms 12:6, 119:89, proverbs 30:5-6, 2 timothy 3:16-17, 2 peter 1:20-21, rev 22:18-19) and in their absolute correct interpretation.both believe that the other is apostate (2 thessalonians 2:3-4).both believe that the others doctrine is influenced by the devil (genesis 3:1-15, john 8:44).both believe the other is condemned for their false beliefs (2 peter 2:1-3, 1 timothy 4:1-3, 2 timothy 2:16-19, hebrews 6:4-8).neither would darken the door of the others sanctuary, for fear of contamination.both would avoid casual association (proverbs 13:20, 1 corinthians 5:11, 15:33), and certainly would not marry the other (2 corinthians 6:14).both believe that armageddon is imminent and look forward to the purified world afterwards.both consider that the highest form of charity is to convert another.
practical works like feeding the poor are considered inferior.more?
can we make it a dozen (a more perfect number)?.
Jehovah's Witnesses believe that when Armageddon comes, everyone who is not a JW will be destroyed. They are the "only true religion" according to THEM.
All religions have a similar version of this belief. Evangelicals and JWs...I think that is what Jgnat is saying...or at least that's what I'm saying.
satinka
does anyone know where in the jw publications jehovah is described as "the great patriarch"?.
cheers,.
satinka.
When I threw all my publications away in 2000 I never realized what a valueable resource they would become!
So now I really appreciate this forum for yet another purpose!
satinka
does anyone know where in the jw publications jehovah is described as "the great patriarch"?.
cheers,.
satinka.
WontLeave wrote:
Insight vol2, under Law, p212, subheading: Laws to Noah; Patriarchal Law.
Thanks WontLeave. I appreciate your help.
Love,
satinka