dontplaceliterature

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Posts by dontplaceliterature

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  44

  A Lurker taking a step out of the shadows

  by AlmightyDog in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i have been lurking on this site and others for a couple of years now, and i feel it is time to step out and say "hello!

  " when i first began investigating my beliefs, it was innocent enough.

  i had been reading an article on scientology, thinking; "wow, these people are just plain nuts!!!

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  dontplaceliterature

  AlmightyDog,

  Welcome to the board, I am also new to this forum, and am still an active member, though a Ministerial Servant, not an Elder. My wife doesn't "freak out" when I express contrary ideas about WTBS doctrine to her, but she clearly doesn't want to talk about it either...same ol' "trust the organization" garbage.

  Like you, what petrifies me the most is raising my children to be Jehovah's Witnesses as well. I can't imagine willfully trapping them into the same predicament I am in currently. I would say that this is the main reason I began to really do some soul searching on my beliefs. I don't have kids currently, but my wife is pregnant with our first. I have never prayed more or read the Bible more than I currently am. This has only lead me further away from Jehovah's Witnesses emotionally and spiritually. How could that be if they are God's true organization?

  Be careful with your wife. Making an adversary out of her will probably not help her follow you out of "The Truth" if that is your long-term plan.

  Giordano's suggestion of reading The Bible with your family is the best thing you could do. There is no way she'll be able to argue with the sensibility of the Scriptures when considered in context. The Watchtower magazines are only designed to expound on and defend a particular belief system, using the Bible to support that, rather than the other way around. They will not help you one iota.

  If you discuss the passages as you read them, and share with her what you feel they mean, she'll be able to see the difference between what is actually written, and what The Watchtower says is there. You won't have to point it out everytime.

  I wish all the best to you and your family. Take things with a grain of salt that are said on this forum (in case someone offends your sense of loyalty), and keep your nose in your Bible.

  -dpl
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  1

  The Governments Turn on Babylon The Great

  by dontplaceliterature in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  leavinwt posted a thread earlier that contained some of the video finalists for project reason 2011. this one in particular got me wondering:.

  http://vimeo.com/19381883.

  do any other christian religions share the same prophecy as the jehovah's witnesses regarding the destruction of "false religion"?.

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  dontplaceliterature

  leavinwt posted a thread earlier that contained some of the video finalists for Project Reason 2011. This one in particular got me wondering:

  http://vimeo.com/19381883

  Do any other Christian religions share the same prophecy as the Jehovah's Witnesses regarding the destruction of "false religion"?

  Out of any of their Revelation views, that one seems to make the most sense. There is no doubt that religion is a powerful influence over politics (as highlighted by the video), and I wouldn't be suprsied at all if as younger more free-thinking generations move into political positions the hammer will start coming down on some of these mega-churches, and even the WTBTS.
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  3

  Project Reason 2011 Video Contest

  by leavingwt in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  the finalists in the video contest are now online.

  project reason 2011 video contest.

  science is a vaccine.

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  dontplaceliterature

  Great thread, dude.

  I really liked The New Tithe video! Would be nice to know how much $$$ the WTS is raking in...
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  11

  Misapplication of Philippians 3:7-8?

  by dontplaceliterature in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  philippians 3:7-8 is often quoted from the platform, and in watchtower literature as applied to material possessions and "worldly" gain.

  i distinctly remember it being quoted in the young people ask video where the young boy's grandmother was trying to discourage him from being a track star.. however, when reading the scripture last night, i got the impression that paul wasn't talking about those things at all.

  he was of course talking to jew's here.

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  dontplaceliterature

  When I showed up at the Kingdom Hall of the local congregation where I attended a University, I felt like a total dirtbag. Everyone was nice to me, but no one took me seriously. The conversations were always superficial. They expected me to stop coming shortly after I began my courses. No effort whatsoever was made to "shepherd" me.
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  11

  Misapplication of Philippians 3:7-8?

  by dontplaceliterature in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  philippians 3:7-8 is often quoted from the platform, and in watchtower literature as applied to material possessions and "worldly" gain.

  i distinctly remember it being quoted in the young people ask video where the young boy's grandmother was trying to discourage him from being a track star.. however, when reading the scripture last night, i got the impression that paul wasn't talking about those things at all.

  he was of course talking to jew's here.

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  dontplaceliterature

  Philippians 3:7-8 is often quoted from the platform, and in Watchtower literature as applied to material possessions and "worldly" gain. I distinctly remember it being quoted in the Young People Ask Video where the young boy's grandmother was trying to discourage him from being a track star.

  However, when reading the Scripture last night, I got the impression that Paul wasn't talking about those things at all. He was of course talking to Jew's here. In the context of the rest of the chapter, it seems there was an issue with the Jews in that congregation feeling like they were better than one another because of their works in the Mosaic Law. However, when correcting them, Paul said, "If any other man thinks he has grounds for confidence in the flesh, I the more so: circumcised on the eight day, out of the family stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew [born] from Hebrews; as respects the law, a Pharisee; as respects zeal, persecuting the congregation; as respects righteousness that is by means of law, one who proved himself blameless." (Philippians 3:4-6)

  It seems very clear here that Paul is telling the Philippian congregation that if anyone has room for bragging because of what a "good Jew they were," it was him. Then he goes on to say in 7-8: "Yet what things were gains to me, these I have considered loss on account of the Christ. Why, for that matter, I do indeed also consider all things to be loss on account of the excelling value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. On account of him I have taken the loss of all things and I consider them as a lot of refuse, that I may gain Christ."

  Is he not just saying that his being "foremost among the Jews" means nothing? Isn't it that his strict adherance to the Law of Moses was a waste for him? In harmony with the writings in his previous books/letters, it seems this is along with the Spirit that salvation is a free gift, and that no amount of strict obedience to rules could earn one the right to salvation.

  Thoughts?
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  26

  Books to Read

  by MrFreeze in

  1. social
  2. entertainment

  i used to love reading.

  i would go through books like mad.

  but as of the last few years i find myself fading further and further from reading.

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  dontplaceliterature

  If you like Political Fiction, Enders Game and Empire by Orson Scott Card are also good reads.
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  26

  Books to Read

  by MrFreeze in

  1. social
  2. entertainment

  i used to love reading.

  i would go through books like mad.

  but as of the last few years i find myself fading further and further from reading.

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  dontplaceliterature

  "The Science of Fear" by Daniel Gardener

  Awesome book, great sensibility, not too political, but slightly liberal.
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  6

  2011 Circuit Ass.

  by tresdecu in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  just had to endure the saturday session of the latest circ ass program.

  during the below symposium each speaker, after talking of some terrible "worldy affliction" that we (as jws) might have succumbed to said in a low dramatic voice : "you...have been contaminated.".

  each speaker said this phrase about 3 times ea.

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  dontplaceliterature

  @ tresdecu

  I don't have mine until Spring, but will be recording the talks, reviewing them, and posting any worthwhile quotes on this forum promptly.
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  14

  Bible Chapter Search Occurrences in Watchtower Library CD-ROM

  by dontplaceliterature in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  on jwfacts, there is a quote that points the emphesis that the watchtower places on certain chapters of the bible.

  5 chapters are mentioned specifically, with matthew 24 being the dominant occurance.

  this chapter focuses on "the last days" as well as the "faithful and discreet slave.

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  dontplaceliterature

  @bohm,

  Having it running again would be awesome if you are up for the task!

  Thanks for offering! If not, I will go back to the original plan, it just seemed so tedious I thought I would ask for some help.
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  14

  Bible Chapter Search Occurrences in Watchtower Library CD-ROM

  by dontplaceliterature in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  on jwfacts, there is a quote that points the emphesis that the watchtower places on certain chapters of the bible.

  5 chapters are mentioned specifically, with matthew 24 being the dominant occurance.

  this chapter focuses on "the last days" as well as the "faithful and discreet slave.

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  dontplaceliterature

  I'll take Matthew! WTLB '10