Clash:
1. Dogma
2. Fellowship
3. Regeneration
4. Interpretation
5. Evangelism
1. Dogma
The difficulty with unbending dogma is it instantly identifiable with the Pharisee's of Jesus days.
We were released from that, when we left the JW's.
We came under a different yoke, a kindly one, that belongs to Christ.
2. Fellowship
Being under the yoke with Christ as our head, we immediately become part of the body of Christ - the Universal church.
I don't think that it is possible to equivalate that with joining a local congregation, however.
That is a step that will no doubt be eventually taken, but as to how soon it would occur it is impossible to put a timescale on.
UnclePenn comments that it would likely be within a couple of years.
I have to disagree with any attempt to put a timetable on it.
For some it will be within the hour, for others it may be many years.
Granted, the Christian is only damaging him/herself by holding off from this, but I don't believe that it can be forced into such a rigid statement.
For an example, might I point you to the example of the Apostle John, when exiled on Patmos.
His opportunities for fellowship were likely to be greatly impeded.
This would be equally true for someone in the JW's.
How should he know to leave, unless it is revealed to him/her?
It was two months before that was revealed to me, and then a further four months before I was allowed to leave.
The net result was for the best, although I was nearly climbing the walls before I finally left, as there was so little that I could conscienciously teach.
3. Regeneration
I think I have discovered another flaw in your argument, but perhaps you could elaborate, before I jump on your case.
In what way, and to what extent, do you believe we are transformed upon conversion?
There is something that you should really consider, that being the audience of the Apostle Paul's letters.
He was writing to Christians, yet exhorting them to action.
I believe that this ably demonstrates that, regardless of the regeneration, there is much work to further be accomplished in the life of a Christian.
Part of this will undoubtedly be the transforming of the mind regarding association with other Christians.
Why else would the writer of Hebrews remind them to not forsake gathering together, if it were such an automatic thing?
4. Interpretation
You further accuse me of using deceptive language, before the session. On what evidence do you base that comment?
A few words on a public forum?
All words, written and verbal are able to be interpretted in a variety of fashions. That is one of the reason's that so many document are written precisely the way they are.
Regardless of whether we concur 100% with another Christian's perspective, there are certain key issue that really count - i.e. faith in our Saviour Christ Jesus.
I would rather read a document that was inclusive, yet not heretical, than one that is exclusive and dogmatic.
I am neither playing games, nor being overly humanistic. Rather, I am being pragmatic and humanitarian, in the context of scripture. I think you will find that Christ was so.
5. Evangelism
With regards to evangelism you quoted Eph.4:12, but surely can't have missed verse 11 which shows that not all would be cut out for that work.
You accuse me of relying on "mystical pragmatist humanistic intuition" rather than studying the bible. Again you have little knowledge about me, upon which to base that judgement.
I'm strongly refute your assertation that I am a humanist.
I continually seek the mind of Christ on all things, through prayer and bible study.
Nonetheless, I cannot disregard the experiential aspects of my faith.
It would appear that even after 2.5 years shackled to the borg you have little comprehension of the psychological damage it can wreak.
Try walking a mile in someone else's shoes...