Posts by NewChapter

54

Were There Any JW Doctrines Or Beliefs That You Found Confusing?

by minimus in

jw
friends

most witnesses never could explain exactly who the "faithful slave" was (according to the society's explanation).

the resurection of the sodomites was another bewildering thing.

were they or weren't they going to be resurrected?

NewChapter

Miscarriage/Abortion/Stillbirth/Ressurection

Okay, so life is so precious to god, from conception, that ending it makes a person bloodguilty. Even if by accident, such as if when 2 men struggle and a fatality occurs---etc. Today, woman can confirm they are pregnant even before they miss a period. In ancient Israel days, that was not possible. So, what about ALL THOSE EMBRYOS lost before pregnancy was noticed, when ALL THOSE MEN fought and bumped ALL THOSE WOMEN?

So, the life is so precious to the god, its book is written while still screened off in the belly.

So precious, that a woman would risk her life, even to the point of sacrificing her life for that unborn child. She would even shorten her life, like if she had heart disease, kidney failure, cancer--so the child could live. But, if she loses the child, that she should be ready to die for, before birth, it doesn't qualify for resurrection. But it's PRECIOUS to god--er--just not as important as those that made it out into the world alive.

And for that matter, even if she carries to term, and the child dies in labor--it is not eligible for resurrection.

So the god is saying, there is a difference between life developing in the womb, and life already established after birth. Which is what pro-choicer's say. So I guess that makes god in favor of abortion.

I NEVER understood that. How do you comfort a family that delivered a stillborn with that reasoning?

72

What is difference between Black Congregations and White Congregations

by Pitchess Co-Gen in

i'm from south los angeles and been to black congregations all my life, but i moved 70-75 miles north from where i grew up.

i just want to know the difference ..

NewChapter

I was shocked, utterly shock to find out that in the South, congregations were segregation. The Society said it was in deference to the customs of the

area as though such stigma and unJesus like conduct could be dismissed so readily. No one I know left when they discovered this fact.

A black circuit overseer used to tell me stories about serving in the south during the civil rights movement. He said that the Society even segregated his work--which means, black congregations got black co's and white congregations got white. He said they needed double the co's. But what disturbed me was that here was this northern black man, in a tie, with a briefcase (book bag) knocking on doors. He immediately stirred up suspicion from the racist locals that he was "a northerner mixing up trouble" and working for the civil rights movement.

At the time, he told how he was able to clarify his message, and in the process, teach some white southerners about the bible. That sounded great. But the more I think, (since I can now think) I realize how UNLOVING the society was to put this man and his wife in such danger. Who was supposed to back him up? Disempowered black brothers? I mean, would it have not been safer to have mixed with the white brothers, who had the power, than to leave this CO to fend for himself?

I don't know if any of that just made sense. But I'm saying they put him in harm's way. And he had to fend for himself. He was a great guy too. I feel sad that he sacrificed so much for nothing.

11

I dreamed I was outed on this site

by NewChapter in

so i dreamed that i had pontificated about some-self important point or another, and someone responded to my post by using my real name.

in my dream, i experienced all the emotions and ended with, "oh well, now i can put anything i want on my fb page.

" obviously, i'm a fader, but no one talks to me anyway.

NewChapter

LOL, I often wonder the same thing about my old cong. But it's been several years now, so I reckon my abscence has pretty much given them the

message

Yeah, I haven't been to the hall in quite some time---probably 2 years. BUT, I've been dealing with very serious illness, so I "kind of " had an excuse. The contact didn't just dwindle away. It stopped very suddenly. I remember the last time I talked to most people, and they all stopped at once. Weird. But I've been okay. I've been making friends that I get to keep and will never have to shun. I went back to school. I still have health problems, but I've learned I can handle them without the support of the congregation. I don't feel lonely or depressed. For that matter I feel GREAT. I'm just puzzled. It's more curiosity than anything else. I mean, all those friends that were sticking closer than a brother just went *poof*.

I still find it strange that if they knew, they would consider me one of the most evil kind of people on the earth. Satan's tool. Of course, I no longer believe in satan or god, but it blows me away that they would have such a strong opinion of little old me. LOL

11

I dreamed I was outed on this site

by NewChapter in

so i dreamed that i had pontificated about some-self important point or another, and someone responded to my post by using my real name.

in my dream, i experienced all the emotions and ended with, "oh well, now i can put anything i want on my fb page.

" obviously, i'm a fader, but no one talks to me anyway.

NewChapter

So I dreamed that I had pontificated about some-self important point or another, and someone responded to my post by using my real name. In my dream, I experienced all the emotions and ended with, "Oh Well, now I can put anything I want on my FB page." Obviously, I'm a fader, but no one talks to me anyway. I'm not sure why they aren't talking to me, and sometimes wonder if they made an announcement without telling me. But i don't want to ask any of them, because just the question would draw attention. LOL ISN'T "THE TRUTH" great?

Can someone tell me how to change my avitar and create a profile? I've been playing here for days, and don't see any options to update anything.

Thanks--insert real name here. LOL

19

HI

by recovering in

jw
friends

i am giving an update to my health.

i would like to thank everyone for the support you have given me.

i have been undergoing treatment for the cancer and so far so good.

NewChapter

Hi Recovering,

I'm recovering from cancer also. It's a struggle, but I wish you the best. Take Care!

61

Hello Everyone...Just Joined Today

by DarioKehl in

i've been reading this thread for some time and finally had the opportunity to create an account.

i am anxious to meet you all and have a support group/active audience over the next crucial months and years following.

background: long-time doubter, giving way to frustration and skepticism beginning about 10 years ago and finally to total admission that this is a cult and that atheism is the way to go.

NewChapter

Atheism has a strong case and can be a perfectly healthy way to live ones life. I'd love to hear your

thoughts on how atheism became so illuminated for you.

I STRONGLY agree with this statement. I NEVER thought I would be an atheist. And yet, the moment I admitted to myself I was an atheist, this life suddenly became a great deal more precious to me. I no longer had to 'edit' information to fit in with my beliefs, but I was able to look at the facts and make clear, unburdened conclusions. 98% of my guilt disappeared. My self esteem increased, in a good way. Every one else's life became more precious. I found myself a great deal more concerned for the conditions that fellow humans live in RIGHT NOW, during their precious life. I actually care more. I am calm. I am much healthier today than when I was religious. My anxiety is at a life-long low. I know longer have to dance around facts so much when facts disputed my beliefs.

On the other hand, I realize that some people still feel a spiritual need. And for them, I hope they find what they are looking for. I don't consider it an intelligence issue at all. I dislike when atheists act like religious people are not smart. But I also dislike when religious people assume that atheists don't have purpose and meaning. We should leave each other alone. It's good to discuss ideas, but judgment is another issue.

21

more Jan 15 Study WT: I caught you looking at porn! You better tell the elders!

by baltar447 in

jw
friends

so we've seen flipper's thread discussing the jan 15th wt.

well in the article following the one discussed in that thread, you have discussion about turning in your friends.

apparently now they aren't content to turn in for "gross sin".

NewChapter

I read quite a bit about Jonestown, and one way that Jim Jones kept his flock in order was by mandating that they tell on each other. He even sent moles out to say "wrong" things to test if people would turn them in.

The thing is, young people do have a code of silence. And that can be dangerous. I remember as a teen, keeping secrets when I should have told an adult. I'm not talking about porn, I'm talking about suicide, drugs, violence, you know, things that actually matter. The problem with these hyperbolic warnings by the WT is it desensitizes young people to actual REAL dangers.

Also, I'm concerned that the article doesn't tell the kids to go to parents, NO, go to the ELDERS! Just bypass the parents all together. It's all so screwed up. If anyone has a right to be concerned about such things, it's the parents. That's it. Just the parents. If they are worried about it at all--their choice, and many don't care about such things anymore. Maybe that is because kids have been sneaking looks at porn for as long as it has been available. They seem to grow up just fine. I think it is a way for the GB to inject themselves into the most private moments and thoughts of adherents. So that, even in secrecy, they feel the presence of the GB. Mind Control.

I used to DREAD finding about "wrong doing" and having to choose to have that on my conscience, or turning in a friend. I would actually stop friends midsentence if I sensed a confession. I'd tell them PLEASE don't give me anything to plaue my conscience. They had me convinced that keeping sins secret was the same as committing the sin myself.

I remember turning a corner and bumping into a sister that was smoking. NO! I practically begged her to go to the elders so that I didn't have to stay up at night obsessing on it. She did, and was disfellowshipped. She didn't seem too upset about that though. From my conversation with her, I got the impression that she had already "left" anyway.

There were so many times that I chose not to do things, not because I thought they were wrong, but because I worried about how they would be perceived. I'm so glad I am free of this bullsh*t. I really am. How can you argue that the friendships within the congregation are TRUER than any other friendships when you are always 2 breaths from losing all of them? Freaking ridiculous. Teens have enough STRONG emotion to deal with not to ladel them out an extra heaping helping of guilt.

56

Dexter

by leavingwt in

any fans?

love it.

can't get enough.. if you have never seen it, don't judge it by the commercials.

NewChapter

I like Judges 19: 23-26 better, NewChapter.

Right, Right, Right. Not a story the WT focuses on though! If I remember right, you didn't start early enough. You see, the concubine had committed adultery-and the priest was going to take her back anyway. So, she only got what she deserved because the punishment for adultery was death. You see, god doesn't hate women, he hates adulterers. My favorite part:

'Up, and let us be going.' But she didn't move. She was dead.

In other words, The FUN IS OVER HONEY, time to go.

I may be out of posts for a little while. I'm still limited to 10. But honestly, the same people that love that vile book, disaprove of Dexter. I mean, I was the same. And try as I might, I can't understand how I made it okay in my head. But I did. helpmejesus

56

Dexter

by leavingwt in

any fans?

love it.

can't get enough.. if you have never seen it, don't judge it by the commercials.

NewChapter

Yeah Lion, almost from start to finish, this story is HORRIFIC when compared to little old Dexter. Or how about TAMAR? Here is how the insight book blames her for the situation:

***

The beauty of Absalom’s sister Tamar caused his older half brother Amnon to become infatuated with her

Yeah, blame it on her beauty INSIGHT, quite, well INSIGHTFUL. bastards. And then David mourns and mourns because Absolam did the right thing and killed the rapist, Amnon.

***

it-1pp.32-33Absalom

***

Hearing of his daughter’s humiliation, David reacted with great anger but, perhaps due to the fact that no direct or formal accusation was made with the support of evidence or witnesses, took no judicial action against the offender

Only, I don't remember reading ANYTHING about this anger, (I could have missed it, but i can't bring myself to read it again.) However, I DO remember DAVID's anger at Absalom for killing the man that raped his own daughter. I always thought I would have felt so much better if he clapped Absalom on the back for doing the right thing.

But you know, god doesn't hate women, no, he just loves men better.

You know, every day my mind gets clearer, and I just get so mad at myself for being such a sucker.

56

Dexter

by leavingwt in

any fans?

love it.

can't get enough.. if you have never seen it, don't judge it by the commercials.

NewChapter

Hi Misery,

I understand where you are coming from, and Dexter taken on the upper level is disturbing. For that matter, it often disturbed me. But here is the thing. I find that taking an ironic view of things works my intellect in an interesting way. No one would argue that taking on a Dexter role would be the "right" thing to do, but considering some of the ideas that the show looks at makes me think. Coming from my fundamental background, GOOD AND EVIL was oh so very clear. But you know what, GOOD AND EVIL, is quite a bit more relative than that.

Think about the Iraelites committing genocide against the Canaanites. This was always GOOD to me, ordained by god. I don't think the Canaanites thought so. But god had GOOD REASON for what he commanded. These people sacrificed CHILDREN. Of course, killing Canaanites also meant killing Canaanite children, thereby saving them from POSSIBLY dying for religion, to DEFINTIELY dying for religion. Naturally though, the god was not guilty of such horrible evilness when he killed David's son, because after all DAVID deserved it, because David had broken the god's law. But ask the dead baby. So, DEXTER, perhaps in a god-like role, takes out evil people that hurt children, (he NEVER hurts children--but, according to scripture, god did) and other innocent people and he ends them. To those people, that was a bad thing.

But Julia Stiles character was unique, because she had been deeply hurt by serial killers. She was not a killer. Well, she was, but only to put herself back together. And she saw Dexter as a hero, even though she recognized his darkness, and knew, she couldn't live with it once she was past her crisis.

So, it's just a tv show, but it has chosen subjects that are intriguing. The same people that told me I shouldn't watch such trash, looked at pictures of dead and dying bodies being piled in a final war. They put their children to bed after showing them pictures of babies drowning in god's righteous flood.

Think about Sodom and Gomorrha (sp) All the men, from old man to young boy demanded to have sex with angels. It was pointed out in WT, that the "young boys" was evidence of child molestation, cuz young boys aren't prone to demanding sex with grown men. So their destruction was WARRANTED, this was a horrible place. And of course, the victiims, the young boys, went down with the city.

So, one could question the motive of god, just as one can question the motive of Dexter. But in the end, the question is, is there "righteous" killing, and who gets to decide? A god who kills innocent children along with guilty adults, or a serial killer that would never hurt a child?

As an atheist, I'm pretty sure that no one will jump on a vigilante mission to kill wrong doers after watching Dexter. However, I'm pretty sure that after reading the bible, many are moved to do just that. And even if they would not act on it, they will gleefully preach from door-to-door the imminent death of all who you love--and this is the good news.