Posts by punkofnice

12

The Sanitizing of David

by Doug Mason in

the bible depicts king david as a deeply flawed, unsavory character, the perpetrator of evil acts including: murder, insurrection, adultery, banditry, and extortion.

the sanitizing of david’s character during the following centuries and millennia created an image that idolizes him as the paragon of virtue, closely associated with the promised messiah.

my study identifies the davidic sanitizing process.. https://www.academia.edu/s/390a7ba170?source=link .

punkofnice

Even when I was a 'believer(tm)' I thought David was a bit of a twit.

23

What are Jehovah's Witnesses' stance on home ownership?

by timothytha in

what do people usually think of when they buy a house?

"i will probably live here for a long time" (you're invested with your time), "i will save money by building equity over time".

(you've invested in yourself financially for the long run) of course, i wouldn't be able to list the numerous reasons why people want to buy a house.

punkofnice

ghosty - Depends on which JW you talk to.

That about sums it up.

You will find those that are jealous will gossip and deride a person...not just for buying a gaff, but for anything.

The more wealthy jobots are the ones that will give 'hospitality(tm)' to the visiting scrounger/CO. These ones are usually 'promoted' to Elder because of their wealth no matter what scum they are. I've seen it first hand.

'Do what thou wilst shall be the whole of the law.' paraphrase Mr A Crowley.

146

Science News article: ‘Case closed’: 99.9% of scientists agree climate emergency caused by humans

by Disillusioned JW in

a news article has the headline of " ‘case closed’: 99.9% of scientists agree climate emergency caused by humans"; see https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/oct/19/case-closed-999-of-scientists-agree-climate-emergency-caused-by-humans .

the article says in part the following.. 'the scientific consensus that humans are altering the climate has passed 99.9%, according to research that strengthens the case for global action at the cop26 summit in glasgow.. the degree of scientific certainty about the impact of greenhouse gases is now similar to the level of agreement on evolution and plate tectonics, the authors say, based on a survey of nearly 90,000 climate-related studies.

this means there is practically no doubt among experts that burning fossil fuels, such as oil, gas, coal, peat and trees, is heating the planet and causing more extreme weather.. a previous survey in 2013 showed 97% of studies published between 1991 and 2012 supported the idea that human activities are altering earth’s climate.. this has been updated and expanded by the study by cornell university that shows the tiny minority of sceptical voices has diminished to almost nothing as evidence mounts of the link between fossil-fuel burning and climate disruption.. the latest survey of peer-reviewed literature published from 2012 to november 2020 was conducted in two stages.

punkofnice

DD- Yep. We are all doomed. That’s why Elite Democrats are still buying Ocean front properties.

True say.

Like those nutters that glue themselves to the road here in the UK. They roll up in their gas guzzling SUVs. Use all the latest tech by way of phones and watches. Many are Daddy's little rich kid or some retired Middle class prick with nothing better to do. These wazzoks are fakes. Why don't they glue themselves to the roads in China or India?

If they really believed the crap they spew, they'd be living in caves and not luxuriating in modern tech they claim is to blame.

49

Jehovah's Witnesses: remembering the weird and wacky!

by Vanderhoven7 in

do you remember some of the weird and wacky stuff emanating from the watchtower society?

let's make a list from memory that we can use to inject a little humor into our discussions with jehovah's witnesses.

- venus may be an enormous jurassic park.. - germs don't cause disease.. - no beards allowed.

punkofnice

Thanks Radar.

Perhaps like many, myself included, the whole JW thing fades away.

I'm pretty much living an authentic life now. It's not how I wanted life to go, but at least it isn't false.

.....anyway ('anyways', with an 's' on the end, if you live over the Atlantic from me).....where were we, darlings?

146

Science News article: ‘Case closed’: 99.9% of scientists agree climate emergency caused by humans

by Disillusioned JW in

a news article has the headline of " ‘case closed’: 99.9% of scientists agree climate emergency caused by humans"; see https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/oct/19/case-closed-999-of-scientists-agree-climate-emergency-caused-by-humans .

the article says in part the following.. 'the scientific consensus that humans are altering the climate has passed 99.9%, according to research that strengthens the case for global action at the cop26 summit in glasgow.. the degree of scientific certainty about the impact of greenhouse gases is now similar to the level of agreement on evolution and plate tectonics, the authors say, based on a survey of nearly 90,000 climate-related studies.

this means there is practically no doubt among experts that burning fossil fuels, such as oil, gas, coal, peat and trees, is heating the planet and causing more extreme weather.. a previous survey in 2013 showed 97% of studies published between 1991 and 2012 supported the idea that human activities are altering earth’s climate.. this has been updated and expanded by the study by cornell university that shows the tiny minority of sceptical voices has diminished to almost nothing as evidence mounts of the link between fossil-fuel burning and climate disruption.. the latest survey of peer-reviewed literature published from 2012 to november 2020 was conducted in two stages.

punkofnice

I like what Ben Shapiro said. It was that if the climate is gradually changing then it's not an emergency, it's a 'problem'. We are good at solving problems. But he speaks so fast, I can't keep up with him.

'Climate alarmism/emergency'....what a load of shit. I'm sick of hearing about it and seeing how it's been politisised to make money and gain control. Utter SHITE!!! The whole argument is based on what some blokes in white coats are blathering on about and how corrupt politicians can use it to their own ends. And Boris Johnson should tell Carrie to fXck right off.

28

Watchtower Jul 22 - Jesus directed the GB on how to deal with Covid

by Listener in

14 jesus provides wise direction in times of crisis.

the benefits of that direction were evident when the covid-19 pandemic broke out.

while many in the world were uncertain about what course to take, jesus made sure that we received clear guidance to keep us safe.

punkofnice

Georgie Boy they tell their followers to obey even if it seems unreasonable.

The cog-dis is high with these sheeple.

See the pish below.............

Nothing is interpreted but the interpretation comes from God and is then published.
(WT 1943 July 1 pp. 202-203)

Angels deliver what is published.
(PREPARATION 1933 pp. 36-37, 64)

THE WATCHTOWER publishes "no man's opinion".
(WT 1931 November 1 p. 327; 1936 March 15 p. 85)

"To it (this organization) alone...the Bible is not a sealed book." The WTS is "the only organization on earth that understands the 'deep things of God.' "
(WT 1973 July 1 p. 402)

The leaders are "spirit directed" (WT 1988 March 1 p. 10)

and "God's channel."
(WT 1969 January 15 p. 51; 1960 July 15 pp. 439, 442)

"It is vital that we appreciate this fact and respond to the directions of the 'slave' as we would to the voice of God, because it is His provision."
(WT 1957 June 15 p. 370)

C. T. Russell founder of the WTS, called himself "God's mouthpiece" (WT 1906 July 15 p. 229); claimed that compared to reading his books Bible reading is "a waste of time" (WT 1910 September 15 p. 298)

, and that his books "harmonize...every statement in the Bible."
(DIVINE PLAN OF THE AGES 1886 p. 348)

God uses and directs the WTS.
(VINDICATION Book 1 1931 p. 77)

"The 'slave' class has served as God's sole collective channel for the flow of Biblical truth to men on earth. Just as the early Christian congregation collectively served as the channel of communication from heaven to earth, so in our time."
(WT 1960 July 15 p. 439)

"As Jehovah revealed his truths by means of the first-century Christian congregation so he does today by means of the present-day Christian congregation. Through this agency he is having carried out prophesying on an intensified and unparalleled scale. All of this activity is not an accident. Jehovah is the one behind all of it." (WT 1964 June 15 p. 365)

"Therefore, in submitting to Jehovah's theocratic organization, we must be in full and complete agreement with every feature of its apostolic procedure and requirements."
(WT 1967 October 1 p. 593)

"It is vital that we appreciate this fact and respond to the directions of the "slave" as we would to the voice of God, because it is His provision." (Watchtower 1957 Jun 15 p.370)

Only this organization functions for Jehovah's purpose and to his praise. To it alone God's Sacred Word, the Bible, is not a sealed book. Many persons of the world are very intelligent, capable of understanding complex matters. They can read the Holy Scriptures, but they cannot understand their deep meaning.""( Watchtower 1973 Jul 1 p.402)

The point is that Christians have implicit trust in their heavenly Father; they do not question what he tells them through his written Word and organization." (Watchtower 1974 Jul 15 p.441)

"We must serve Jehovah in truth, as revealed in his Word and made clear in the publications of "the faithful and discreet slave." Watchtower 1996 May 15 p.18

w10 7/15 p.23 par.10 “The Spirit Searches Into... the Deep Things of God”

When the time comes to clarify a spiritual matter in our day, holy spirit helps responsible representatives of “the faithful and discreet slave” at world headquarters to discern deep truths that were not previously understood. (Matt. 24:45; 1 Cor. 2:13)

p.17: "Listening to the slave class means giving our full cooperation to its Governing Body."

p.27: "Since Jehovah God and Jesus Christ completely trust the faithful and discreet slave, should we not do the same?" "The slave thus deserves our complete trust"

p.28: "By all means, then, let us listen to the Christ and his trustworthy spirit-anointed brothers."

***w10 9/15 p.8 par.7 Earnestly Seek Jehovah’s Blessing ***

We cannot hope to acquire a good relationship with Jehovah if we ignore those whom Jesus has appointed to care for his belongings. Without the assistance of “the faithful and discreet slave,” we would neither understand the full import of what we read in God’s Word nor know how to apply it.

-- w10 9/15 p. 13 par. 8: "Similarly today, a Governing Body composed of spirit-anointed Christians contributes to the unity of the worldwide congregation. The Governing Body publishes spiritually encouraging literature in many languages. This spiritual food is based on God’s Word. Thus, what is taught is not from men but from Jehovah.—Isa. 54:13."

***w10 9/15 p.23 par.8 “Your Leader Is One, the Christ” ***

The anointed and their other sheep companions recognize that by following the lead of the modern-day Governing Body, they are in fact following their Leader, Christ.

***si p.9 par.16 (2011) “All Scripture Is Inspired of God and Beneficial” ***

(1) Jehovah God originates his utterances; (2) then his official Word, or Spokesman—now known as Jesus Christ—often transmits the message; (3) God’s holy spirit, the active force that is used as the medium of communication, carries it earthward; (4) God’s prophet on earth receives the message; and (5) he then publishes it for the benefit of God’s people.

-- w12 9/15 p. 22 par. 16 Learn From the Patience of Jehovah and Jesus

Well, a person who lacks confidence that the end is near might start to make alternate arrangements, so to speak, in case things do not work out as Jehovah said they would.

-- w12 9/15 p. 24 par. 4 "You Know Neither the Day Nor the Hour"

As the end of this system draws ever closer, the work of pointing to Jehovah’s provisions for salvation has never been more important.

-- w12 11/15 p. 17 par. 9 Cultivate the Spirit of a Lesser One

A humble person has heartfelt gratitude for Jehovah’s provisions, including spiritual food. Hence, such an individual is a diligent student of the Bible and an avid reader of the Watchtower and Awake! magazines. Like many other faithful servants of Jehovah, he may make it a practice to read each new publication before putting it away on a bookshelf in his personal library. When we manifest humble appreciation by reading and studying our Bible-based publications, we make spiritual advancement, and Jehovah is able to use us more fully in his service.

-- w13 4/15 p12 par 11 Do not tire out

Jehovah has provided a bounteous supply of written spiritual food to give us strength. No doubt, you can think of a time when after reading a publication, you thought: ‘That is exactly what I needed! It is as if Jehovah had that written just for me!’ That is not a coincidence. Through these provisions, Jehovah does instruct and guide us.

WT 15 Nov 2013 - "At that time, the life-saving direction that we receive from Jehovah’s organization may not appear practical from a human standpoint. All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not. (4) Now is the time for any who may be putting their trust in secular education, material things, or human institutions to adjust their thinking. The elders must stand ready to help any who may now be wavering in their faith."

28

Watchtower Jul 22 - Jesus directed the GB on how to deal with Covid

by Listener in

14 jesus provides wise direction in times of crisis.

the benefits of that direction were evident when the covid-19 pandemic broke out.

while many in the world were uncertain about what course to take, jesus made sure that we received clear guidance to keep us safe.

punkofnice

14 Jesus provides wise direction in times of crisis. The benefits of that direction were evident when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out.

All I can think of is....

49

Jehovah's Witnesses: remembering the weird and wacky!

by Vanderhoven7 in

do you remember some of the weird and wacky stuff emanating from the watchtower society?

let's make a list from memory that we can use to inject a little humor into our discussions with jehovah's witnesses.

- venus may be an enormous jurassic park.. - germs don't cause disease.. - no beards allowed.

punkofnice

I remember there was a youtube vid by truthbookblues (whatever happened to that youtuber?).

It had Jehovah(tm) at a computer who couldn't decide about the 'Men of Sodom(tm)' being resurrected or not.

It was really rather funny.

49

Jehovah's Witnesses: remembering the weird and wacky!

by Vanderhoven7 in

do you remember some of the weird and wacky stuff emanating from the watchtower society?

let's make a list from memory that we can use to inject a little humor into our discussions with jehovah's witnesses.

- venus may be an enormous jurassic park.. - germs don't cause disease.. - no beards allowed.

punkofnice

INDEPENDENT THINKING

Is Bad - w52 8/15 p. 501 Individual Bible study, certainly! Independent Bible study, beware!

Is Good - w57 8/1 p.469 par.7 "Moreover, people today are developing an aversion to thinking. Their thinking must be channelled for them, ready-made by propagandists. This suits Satan’s purpose."

Is Good - w58 8/1 p.460 "Irish people do very little independent thinking. They are victims of the clergy and fear"

Is Bad - w60 2/15 p.106 par.6 "it follows that one should reject the goal of independent thinking"

Is Good - w72 3/15 P.170 par.7 "independent thinking ... is why you are capable of exercising the fine qualities of love and loyalty, of devotion and integrity. That is why you are also capable of understanding what God has revealed in his Word "

Is Bad - w77 10/1 p.605 "Adam’s selfish thinking and action distorted his way. He set out his own independent course, becoming an enemy of God, and brought his own way and that of his family “to ruin.” Yes, with sin and imperfection ruling, and with each going his independent way, no one knows what may befall him,"

Is Good - Awake! 78 8/22 p.4 " Proverbs 14:15 states: “A simple man believes every word he hears; a clever man understands the need for proof.” (The New English Bible) So each individual must choose what he will feed his mind. Whatever you read or watch or listen to, test whether it is propaganda or whether it is the truth. Will you let others think for you, or will you do your own thinking? Do your own, and “thinking ability itself will keep guard over you.”"

Is Bad - w79 2/15 p.20 par.18 " Jehovah’s people need to be stable, full-grown Christians. Their position must be steadfast, not shifting quickly because of independent thinking "

Is Good - Awake! 80 1/8 p.13 " The person most easily brainwashed is the “normal,” average individual. Such a one is already conditioned to accept opinions of others rather than to form strong convictions of his own. On the other hand, those hardest to brainwash are ones with unconventional ideas and strong convictions and who are not afraid of what others think."

Is Bad - w83 p.27 section heading "Fight Against Independent Thinking" par.22 says it's "demonic"

Is Good - KM 3/95 p.6 par.17 "it is highly valuable to learn how to think. The Bible commends thinking ability and practical wisdom. (Prov. 1:4; 3:21) Learning how to think and retain information enables you to acquire knowledge and skills that will be useful to you and to Jehovah’s worldwide organization. "

Is Bad - w98 5/15 p.26 "Perhaps we are overly sensitive. We may be nursing a grievance, or we may be placing too much emphasis on independence. Thus, our Christian progress may be limited."

Is Good - Awake! 99 1/8 p.11 "The magazine UNESCO Courier suggests that instead of fostering rejection of religious movements, “education for tolerance should aim at countering influences that lead to fear and exclusion of others, and should help young people to develop capacities for independent judgement, critical thinking and ethical reasoning.”"

Is Bad - w06 7/15 P.22 Par.14 "Pride may play a role, and some fall into the trap of independent thinking"

RESURRECTED ONES CAN MARRY?

YES - 1943 “The Truth Shall Make You Free” p.362 - 364
[Evil ones] will not come forth [in the resurrection] to take part in the divine mandate [filing the earth], because that will have been completed by the Lord's "other sheep".

NO - w50 10/15 p. 381 “Be Fruitful, Multiply, Fill the Earth”
Nor will the resurrected multitudes be privileged to do so, for Jesus plainly stated that such will not marry nor be given in marriage

Even survivors won't marry - w54 9/15 p. 575 Questions From Readers
After that final test there will definitely be no marrying or being given in marriage then by those counted worthy of the new world and having the right to eternal life, just as angels have that right

YES - w54 9/15 p. 575 Questions From Readers
It is even reasonable and allowable to entertain the comforting thought that those of the other sheep who now die faithful will have an early resurrection and live during the time when the procreation mandate is being fulfilled and when paradise conditions are being spread earth-wide and that they will share in this divinely given service.

NO - w61 11/15 p. 704 Questions From Readers
for dead ones with spiritual, heavenly hopes and for dead ones with earthly Paradisaic hopes the rule enunciated by Jesus Christ stands unaltered: “In the resurrection neither do men marry nor are women given in marriage

NO - w67 10/15 p. 638 Questions From Readers
Jesus’ words apply to the earthly resurrection, and they indicate that those resurrected will not marry or be reunited in a marriage relationship with former mates.

YES / MAYBE - w14 8/1 page 29+30, questions from readers
"Could Jesus be referring only to the heavenly resurrection?" "It is possible"

49

Jehovah's Witnesses: remembering the weird and wacky!

by Vanderhoven7 in

do you remember some of the weird and wacky stuff emanating from the watchtower society?

let's make a list from memory that we can use to inject a little humor into our discussions with jehovah's witnesses.

- venus may be an enormous jurassic park.. - germs don't cause disease.. - no beards allowed.

punkofnice

"The face of the deep, of course, would be toward the Pleiades, which are claimed to be the habitation of Jehovah." (Creation; 1927; 2,175,000 ed.; p. 94)

"The constellation of the seven stars forming the Pleiades appears to be the crowning center around which the known systems of the planets revolve even as our sun's planets obey the sun and travel in their respective orbits. It has been suggested, and with much weight, that one of the stars of that group is the dwelling-place of Jehovah and the place of the highest heavens;..." (Reconciliation; 1928; p. 14)

"The constellation of the Pleiades is a small one compared with others which scientific instruments disclose to the wondering eyes of man. But the greatness in size of other stars or planets is small when compared with the Pleiades in importance, because the Pleiades is the place of the eternal throne of God." (Reconciliation; 1928; p. 14)

*** kj 377 20 Land of Magog No More to Threaten Mankind ***
The unburied dead, those slain by Jehovah, will be so enormously many that even the carrion birds and scavenging wild beasts could never take care of their consumption. The burial of even what remains after these lower creatures have their fill would be stupendous. Doubtless the Almighty God will use some highly scientific means, whether including antimatter or not, to dispose of the surplus of decaying bodies in a speedy and sanitary way. This remains for the survivors of the war of the great day to see and witness.

*** yw 322 12 The "Prince" of the Sanctuary Stands Up ***
In this prophecy God warns that he will also use other natural forces that are at his disposal, possibly a rain of antimatter that has the property of annihilating any material thing that it meets. He warns all scoffers that he

*** yw 323 12 The "Prince" of the Sanctuary Stands Up ***

25. How could Jehovah God use these cosmic rays to affect the king of the north and the king of the south, and what other natural force might he use in his work?