Hello Blondie,
thanks for the interest. I have been rather busy and away from home
quite a while ...and also sick. But now things are going better.
Greetings, James Charles MacHislopp.
P.S. I do greatly appreciate your posts.
MacHislopp
JoinedPosts by MacHislopp
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The WTS has disassociated itself !!!
by Elsewhere inhttp://www.jehovahs-witness.com/forum/thread.aspx?id=36375&site=3
http://www1.richmond.com/output.cfm?id=2161158&cfid=568503&cftoken=77338460
wednesday, september 11 [...].
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"Genuine " mistakes or lies ?
by MacHislopp inthese few lines to relate an experience with a "friend" who insisted to say that.
the wbts never tells (writes) lies but when differences are found they are only.
due to " genunine " mistakes.
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MacHislopp
Hello everyone,
These few lines to relate an experience with a "friend" who insisted to say that
the WBTS never tells (writes) lies but when differences are found they are only
due to " genunine " mistakes. I didn't want to have an argument so I've made
quite simple and sent him the following:
*** w72 5/1 272 How Your View of Authority Affects Your Life ***
15 The visible governing body of Jehovahs organization has also been given authority by Him to direct the work of His worshipers on earth at this time. (Matt. 24:45-47).
16 Sometimes persons speak against the understanding of certain Scriptural teachings that the Watch Tower Society has set forth."
*** w98 8/15 20 Strengthening Our Confidence in God's Righteousness ***
19 Jehovahs organization does not discourage sincere, timely questions, as some opposers mistakenly claim. (1 Peter 1:10-12)
However, the Bible counsels that we avoid foolish, speculative questions. (Titus 3:9)
Asking reasonable questions and searching Gods Word and Christian publications to find Scriptural answers can increase our accurate knowledge and can thus strengthen our confidence in Jehovah.
So, a very simple and very easy question:
When did Jesus Christ , came to inspect the "spiritual temple?"
a)
w50 9/15 331 Malachi Warns of Coming Judgment ***
The evidence has been presented in the columns of The Watchtower time and again showing that in 1918 this messenger, Christ Jesus, came to his temple for judgment and that as a result of his cleansing work there is a clean priesthood today that is presenting offerings to Jehovah in righteousness.Mal. 3:1-6, AS.
b)
From the book :"God's Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached "
(published in 1973)
*** ka 351 17 The "Slave" Who Lived to See the "Sign" ***
" Did he find that body of Christian slaves disregarding the unpopularity of the world and seeking to be pleasing to their Master by doing what he had appointed to be done during his absence?
He must have found them so, according to the way the inspection, begun in 1919, has affected his decision since. His actions, his dealings with his Christian slaves, speak louder than words."
c)
*** yb75 88 United States of America (Part One) ***
Jehovah and his messenger of the covenant, Jesus Christ, came to inspect the spiritual temple in 1918 C.E. Judgment then began with the house of God and a period of refining and cleansing commenced. (Mal. 3:1-3; 1 Pet. 4:17)
d)
*** w83 9/15 19-20 "One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism" ***
Since the master found the remaining ones of this body faithfully and discreetly giving out food supplies when he arrived for inspection in 1919, he appointed them over all his belongings. (Luke 12:42-44)
e)
From the book: " Revelation - its Grand
Climax at Hand! " (published in 1988)
*** re 31 6 Unlocking a Sacred Secret ***
Thus, when the Lords day dawned in October 1914,
there were still true Christians on earth. (Revelation 1:10)
It appears that Jehovah came to his spiritual temple for
judgment about three and a half years later,
in 1918, accompanied by Jesus as his
messenger of the covenant. (Malachi 3:1; Matthew 13:47-50)
Then 40 years after the article - w50 9/15 331 Malachi Warns of Coming Judgment -
comes this astonishing statement:
f)
*** w90 3/15 14 'The Faithful Slave' and Its Governing Body ***
19 In its issue of November 1, 1944, The Watchtower stated:
In 1878, forty years before the Lords coming to the temple in 1918, there was a class of sincere consecrated Christians that had broken away from the hierarchic and clergy organizations and who sought to practice Christianity . . ."
Then we are left with this:
From the book " Reasoning From the Scriptures " (published in 1985)
*** rs 203-4 Jehovah's Witnesses ***
Do Jehovahs Witnesses believe that their religion is the only right one?
Repeatedly the Scriptures refer to the body of true Christian teachings as the truth, and Christianity is spoken of as the way of the truth. (1 Tim. 3:15; 2 John 1; 2 Pet. 2:2) Because Jehovahs Witnesses base all of their beliefs, their standards for conduct, and organizational procedures on the Bible, their faith in the Bible itself as Gods Word gives them the conviction that what they have is indeed the truth. So their position is not egotistical but demonstrates their confidence that the Bible is the right standard against which to measure ones religion. They are not self-centered but are eager to share their beliefs with others.
and also this:
*** w86 4/1 30 Questions From Readers ***
Why have Jehovahs Witnesses disfellowshipped (excommunicated) for apostasy some who still profess belief in God, the Bible, and Jesus Christ?
"Obviously, a basis for approved fellowship with Jehovahs Witnesses cannot rest merely on a belief in God, in the Bible, in Jesus Christ, and so forth."
"Approved association with Jehovahs Witnesses requires accepting the entire range of the true teachings of the Bible, including those Scriptural beliefs that are unique to Jehovahs Witnesses. "
In conclusion, I have asked is the WBTS making - mistakes
or just very simply....l telling lies???
After 4 weeks Im still waiting for an answer.
Greetings, J.C. MacHislopp.
P.S. I do apologize if my posts ' editing is not quite up to standard.
Suggestions for improvement are welcome and much appreciated.
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The WTS has disassociated itself !!!
by Elsewhere inhttp://www.jehovahs-witness.com/forum/thread.aspx?id=36375&site=3
http://www1.richmond.com/output.cfm?id=2161158&cfid=568503&cftoken=77338460
wednesday, september 11 [...].
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MacHislopp
Hello everywhere and all the others,
I'm back after quite a long spell. I wish to add the following
quote (from a recent WTBS publication):
From the The Watchtower October 15th page27 "Questions From Readers"
Generally, Jehovahs Witnesses avoid such dealings with other religions
and :
2 Corinthians 6 :14-17) What did Paul mean by the words fellowship and sharing ?
The fellowship that Paul mentions clearly involves worshipand spiritial dealings with idolaters and unbelievers. He warned the Corinthians against partaking of ...the table of demons. (1 Corinthians 10 :20,21 ) Thus , an act of interfaith is that of sharing in worship or having spiritual communion with other religious organisations. (Exodus 20 :5 ; 23 :13 ; 34 :12).
and :
There is no sharing or fellowship between
true and false worship .
and :
Although we do not feel superior to those who profess other faiths, we avoid socializing with them or getting drawn into their worhip .
To Nathan: A good idea. Let's wait for the
results.
Greetings, J.C. MacHislopp
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Apostasy Or Hypocrisy? WT Loads the Language!
by Englishman inapostasy: noun.renunciation of one's religious faith or ones principles or party etc.. hypocrisy:noun.simulation of virtue or goodness, insincerity.. the above is taken from the oxford dictionary.
clearly, apostasy is an act of openly giving up a belief, whilst hypocrisy is an act of pretending to be good and sincere.
quite a difference!.
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MacHislopp
Hello Englishman,
thanks for this piece... a very nice one indeed!
It's for the archives.
We know now how to call the WBTS Inc....if we had
any doubts.
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp
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The 144,000 'chosen ones' a random number?
by Overseer inhey,.
first, i'm not a witness so bare with me because i just need some answers.. i recently bought a book called 'the worlds greatest cults' by nigel cawthorne (an excellent read) an article on jw's was featured in it giving some basic facts-who founded it etc.. it stated that the 144,000 people were going to go to heaven-this number was selected as the gentleman who founded the religion never thought it would grow larger than that-nothing to do with anything mentioned in the bible.
when the number of members began to reach this number, the founder said that all other members would stay on earth.
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MacHislopp
Hello dungbeetle,
thanks for your comment. Imho I would have stated:" ...borrowed, "
after all is what C.T. Russell did with most of his teachings. It is a fact
that they originated with the Adventists.
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp
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Worship pub. changes, FDS doctrine affected?
by Oroborus21 inhowdy folks,.
last night i was reviewing the new publication: "worship the only true god" ("worship") which is an update of the "united in worship of the only true god" ("united").. while i only spent a short time doing this there are evidently many changes.
some are just grammatical or stylistic changes and others i am wondering if they may be more significant in terms of doctrinal shifts.. examples:.
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MacHislopp
Hello Eduardo and all the others,
how about this other chapter, that the WBTS Inc., has left entirely out in the new release of the revised 2002 edition of the "Worship the Only True God " book??
*** uw 110-6 14 'I Make a Covenant With You for a Kingdom' *** Chapter14
I MakeaCovenantWithYouforaKingdom
IT WAS on the night before Jesus was put to death that he told his faithful apostles: In the house of my Father there are many abodes. I am going my way to prepare a place for you, that where I am you also may be. He further said to them: I make a covenant with you, just as my Father has made a covenant with me, for a kingdom. (John 14:2, 3; Luke 22:29) What a marvelous prospect he set before them!
2 However, Jesus did not mean that only those apostles would rule with him in his heavenly Kingdom. Later it was made known that 144,000 redeemed from the earth would have that grand privilege. (Rev. 5:9, 10; 14:1, 4) Are some today reaching out to lay hold of it?
Gathering theKingdomHeirs
3 After John the Baptizer was imprisoned by Herod Antipas, Jesus undertook an intense campaign of public preaching in which he focused attention on the kingdom of the heavens. (Matt. 4:12, 17) He made people aware that there would be opportunity for them to enter that Kingdom, and his disciples earnestly reached out for that prize.Matt. 5:3, 10, 20; 7:21; 11:12.
4 At Pentecost of 33 C.E. the first of them were anointed with holy spirit. (Acts 2:1-4; 2 Cor. 1:21, 22) Gods provision for salvation leading to immortal heavenly life was made known. Peter used the keys of the kingdom of the heavens to open up this knowledgefirst to the Jews, next to the Samaritans, and then to people of the Gentile nations. (Matt. 16:19) Special attention was being given to making up the government that would rule mankind for 1,000 years, and nearly all the inspired letters in the Christian Greek Scriptures are primarily directed to this group of Kingdom heirsthe holy ones, partakers of the heavenly calling.
5 Their being called to heavenly life was not because they were somehow better than all the servants of God who had died before Pentecost of 33 C.E. (Matt. 11:11) Rather, Jehovah now had begun to select those who would be associate rulers with Jesus Christ. For some 19 centuries after this there was only one calling, the heavenly one. It was an undeserved kindness that God bestowed on a limited number in furtherance of his own wise and loving purposes.Eph. 2:8-10.
6 In time the prescribed but limited number of 144,000 would be filled. The final sealing of these spiritual Israelites as approved would be near. (Rev. 7:1-8) Then Jehovah, by means of his spirit and the understanding of his Word that he made possible for his visible organization, would direct matters so as to fulfill another part of his purpose, as described in Revelation 7:9-17. A great crowd out of all nations would be gathered, with the thrilling prospect of surviving the great tribulation and living forever in perfection amid an earthly Paradise. When we consider what has actually occurred, it seems evident that the heavenly calling in general was completed by about the year 1935 C.E., when the earthly hope of the great crowd was clearly discerned. Since then there have been brought into association with the comparatively few thousand remaining ones of the heavenly class millions of worshipers of Jehovah who are earnestly hoping to live forever right here on earth.
7 Does this mean that none are now being called by God for heavenly life? Until the final sealing is done, it is possible that some few who have that hope may prove unfaithful, and others will have to be chosen to take their place. But it seems reasonable that this would be a rare occurrence.
Spiritual SonsHowDoTheyKnow?
8 Gods spirit gives positive assurance of adoption as spiritual sons to baptized Christians who have received the heavenly calling. The apostle Paul showed this when he wrote to the holy ones in Rome, describing what was at that time the situation of all true Christians. He said: All who are led by Gods spirit, these are Gods sons. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery causing fear again, but you received a spirit of adoption as sons, by which spirit we cry out: Abba, Father! The spirit itself bears witness with our spirit that we are Gods children. If, then, we are children, we are also heirs: heirs indeed of God, but joint heirs with Christ, provided we suffer together that we may also be glorified together.Rom. 1:7; 8:14-17.
9 Two uses of the word spirit are here brought to our attention: the spirit itself and our spirit. The first is Gods invisible active force. It inspires in his spiritual children a conviction of having been adopted as Gods free children. That spirit also bears witness through Gods inspired Word, the Bible, which is like a personal letter to his spiritual children. (1 Pet. 1:10-12) When those who have been begotten by holy spirit read what the Scriptures say to those who are spiritual sons of God, they properly respond: That applies to me. Thus Gods own active force in various ways bears witness with their spirit, the motivating force of their own mind and heart, that they are Gods children. In accord with what Gods spirit thus indicates, their minds and hearts become set on the prospect of being joint heirs with Christ, and they accept the responsibilities of Gods spiritual children.Phil. 3:13, 14.
10 Is that true of you? If so, you have a wonderful privilege. However, it would be a mistake for any to conclude that because a person has keen appreciation for deeper spiritual things or is zealous in the field ministry or has intense love for his brothers he must therefore be a spirit-anointed Christian. Those very things characterize many of the other sheep. Their hearts, too, are moved by what they read in the Scriptures regarding Christs joint heirs, but they do not presume to claim for themselves something that God has not reserved for them. (Compare Numbers 16:1-40.) They recognize Gods original purpose for the earth and work appreciatively toward sharing in that.
Partaking Worthily
11 Each year, on Nisan 14, after sundown, the anointed followers of Jesus Christ in all parts of the earth commemorate his death, in harmony with the instructions that he gave to his apostles. (Luke 22:19, 20) The other sheep also attend, not as partakers of the bread and the wine, but as respectful observers.
12 This is no empty religious ritual but is filled with powerful meaning. To first-century Christians in Corinth, Greece, some of whom failed to show proper appreciation for the occasion, the apostle Paul wrote serious counsel, saying: Whoever eats the loaf or drinks the cup of the Lord unworthily will be guilty respecting the body and the blood of the Lord. What made them unworthy partakers? They were not properly preparing themselves in heart and mind. There were divisions in the congregation. Also some overindulged in food and drink before the meeting. They treated the Lords Evening Meal with indifference. They were not in condition to discern the serious significance of the bread and the wine.1 Cor. 11:17-34.
13 What is that significance? It does not lie in any supposed miraculous transformation of the bread and the wine. Christ is not in any sense sacrificed again at each Memorial. The Scriptures state that Christ was offered onceforalltime to bear the sins of many. (Heb. 9:28; 10:10; Rom. 6:9) The loaf of unleavened bread and the red wine are merely emblems to represent the literal body Jesus sacrificed and the literal blood he shed. But how precious these realities are! Jesus sinless human body was given so that the world of mankind could have the opportunity to live forever. (John 6:51) And his shed blood serves a twofold purposecleansing from sin those humans who exercise faith in it, also making operative the new covenant between God and the congregation of spiritual Israel, which is composed of spirit-anointed Christians. (1 John 1:7; 1 Cor. 11:25; Gal. 6:14-16) It is these precious provisions that make it possible for the members of the little flock to be declared righteous by God, actually having human perfection credited to them. (Luke 12:32) This is done so that they can be begotten by holy spirit as Gods sons, with a view to their sharing with Christ in his heavenly Kingdom. As they partake of the Memorial emblems each year, thus bearing witness to their heavenly hope, their appreciation of being in the new covenant mediated by Christ is renewed and deepened.Heb. 8:6-12.
We WillGoWithYouPeople
14 The other sheep discern how Jehovah has been dealing with his anointed ones, and they have joined with them, saying: We will go with you people, for we have heard that God is with you people. (Zech. 8:20-23) Not only do they meet together but they share together in making known the good news of the Kingdom in all the inhabited earth. However, the other sheep are not taken into the new covenant with spiritual Israel nor are they included in the covenant . . . for a kingdom made by Jesus with those chosen to share heavenly life with him, and hence, properly, they do not partake of the Memorial emblems. (Luke 22:20, 29) But as the new covenant achieves its purpose, gathering the final members of the little flock to the heavenly Kingdom, the other sheep realize that this indicates that the blessings they will receive on earth by means of that Kingdom are drawing near. They count it a privilege, during the last days, to serve unitedly with the loyal remnant of Kingdom heirs.
[Footnotes]
See the opening verses of Romans 1:1; , 1 Co 1:1; and 2 Corinthians 1:1 , Ephesians 1:1 , Philippians 1:1 , Colossians 1:1 , Titus 1:1; , 1 Pe 1:1; and 2 Peter 1:1 ; also Galatians 3:26-29, ; 1 Thessalonians 2:12, ; 2 Thessalonians 2:14, ; 2 Timothy 4:8, Hebrews 3:1, James 1:18, ; 1 John 3:1, 2 and Jude 1.
Review Discussion
Why does so much of the Christian Greek Scriptures direct attention to the heavenly hope?
How do those who have been begotten as Gods sons know that? What is the meaning of the Memorial emblems of which they partake?
How do the other sheep demonstrate that they truly are united with the little flock?
[Study Questions]
1. On the night before Jesus death what prospect did he set before his apostles?
2. How many will share with Christ in his heavenly Kingdom?
3. In his public ministry, to what opportunity did Jesus draw attention?
4. (a) When were the first of Jesus disciples anointed with holy spirit? (b) What shows that attention was being directed from then on to the gathering of the Kingdom heirs?
5. Was their being called to heavenly life because they were better servants of God than those who had lived before?
6. (a) Why must the time come when the heavenly calling would close? (b) Who would direct matters so that the prophecy regarding the great crowd would also be fulfilled, and what has actually happened?
7. Is it possible that some even today might receive the heavenly calling, and why do you so answer?
8. What explanation does Paul give showing how those begotten by holy spirit are aware of that fact?
9. How does the spirit itself bear witness with the spirit of those who truly are sons of God?
10. (a) What factors do not by themselves identify one as an anointed Christian? (b) What view do the other sheep take regarding their place in Gods purpose?
11. Who attend the annual commemoration of Jesus death, and why?
12. How were some early Christians in Corinth failing to show proper appreciation for the Lords Evening Meal?
13. What is the significance of the bread and the wine served at the Memorial?
14. (a) Why do the other sheep not partake of the Memorial emblems, but what do they eagerly anticipate? (b) How do they view their association with the remnant of Kingdom heirs?
What can be so problematic today , to let the WBTS Inc. , decide to leave out such
material?? Is it distrurbing? Is it revealing? Does it contracdicts the latest informations
about the anointed remnant? Or would it exist a real problem with this part of paragraph 6 ???
a) When we consider what has actually occurred, it seems evident that the heavenly calling in general was completed by about the year 1935 C.E., when the earthly hope of the great crowd was clearly discerned.
Please, remember that these words were written in 1983.
b) *** w92 6/15 23 Fishing for Men in Global Waters ***
5 Most of the anointed Kingdom heirs were fished from the nations prior to 1935, so their full number has basically been completed. Therefore, especially since 1935, Jehovahs Witnesses have been seeking those humble persons who might be described as meek ones who will possess the earth. (Psalm 37:11, 29)
These words were written in 1992.
c) *** w96 8/15 30 Questions From Readers ***
The reports for some years show that the number partaking of the Memorial emblems increased slightly. Does this suggest that many new ones are being anointed with holy spirit?
There is good reason to believe that the number of 144,000 anointed Christians was complete decades ago.
and also this:
We understand that this heavenly calling continued down through the centuries, though during the so-called Dark Ages, there may have been times when the number of anointed ones were very few. With the reestablishment of true Christianity near the end of the last century, more were called and chosen. But it seems that in the mid-1930s, the full number of the 144,000 was basically completed.
These words were written in 1996.
d) ** w98 2/15 20 Glorious Freedom Soon for the Children of God *
9 After 1935 some Christians who had been partaking of the bread and wine at the Lords Evening Meal ceased to partake. Why? Because they realized that their hope was earthly, not heavenly. Said one woman who was baptized in 1930: Though [partaking] was considered the right thing to do, especially for zealous full-time ministers, I never was convinced that I had a heavenly hope. Then, in 1935, it was made clear to us that there was being gathered a great crowd with the hope of living forever on earth. Many of us rejoiced to understand that we were part of that great crowd, and we ceased partaking of the emblems. Even Christian publications changed in nature. While those of former years had been designed primarily for Jesus spirit-begotten followers, from 1935 onward TheWatchtower and other literature of the faithful slave provided spiritual food suited to the needs of both the anointed and their associates having the earthly hope.Matthew 24:45-47
.
10 Suppose an anointed one became unfaithful. Would there be a replacement? Paul indicated as much in his discussion of the symbolic olive tree. (Romans 11:11-32) If a spirit-begotten one needs to be replaced, likely God would give the heavenly calling to someone whose faith had been exemplary in rendering sacred service to him for many years. Compare Luke 22:28, 29; 1 Peter 1:6, 7.
These words were written in 1998.
e) *** w99 2/1 17 Our Treasure in Earthen Vessels ***
16 In the 1930s the number of those called and chosen and faithful, the 144,000, appeared to be filled. (Revelation 17:14; see box on page 19.) We do not know how many of the anointed were gathered in the first century and from among the weeds during the dark centuries of Christendoms great apostasy.
*** w99 2/1 19 Our Treasure in Earthen Vessels ***
[Boxonpage19]
No MoreAdditions!
At a Gilead graduation in 1970, Frederick Franz, then vice-president of the Watch Tower Society, told the students of the possibility that they, who were all of the other sheep with earthly hopes, might baptize someone who might claim to be of the anointed remnant. Could this happen? Well, he explained that John the Baptist was of the other sheep, and he baptized Jesus and some of the apostles. Then he went on to ask whether there still was a call for gathering in more of the remnant. No, no more additions! he said. That call ended way back there in 1931-35! There are no more additions. Who, then, are the few newly associated ones who are partaking of the Memorial emblems? If they are of the remnant, they are replacements! They are, not additions to the ranks of the anointed, but replacements for those who may have fallen away.
Please notice that although these words were written in 1999,
they referred to a : ... Gilead graduation in 1970.... So about
29 years before!
Notice also another very interesting remark
by the late Frederick Franz, concerning the few newly associated ones who are partaking of the Memorial emblems.
They are : ...not additions to the ranks of the anointed, but replacements for those who may have fallen away.
Now lets see ! According to yearly figures published in the
Yearbooks, since 1970 there have been:
158 anointed added in the year 1970;
173 1973;
200 1974;
37 1981;
20 1985;
49 1989;
135 1990;
10 1993;
28 1995;
112 1996;
38 1997;
59 2001;
This makes a grand total of 1,019 as replacements for
those who may have fallen away in just 31 years!!!
Who is ...playing? What is the name of the game???
f) As a final remark, one of the most recent quotes on this subject comes from : The Watchtower January 15, 2000 page 16
paragraph 11 , which states: It seems that by the year 1935,
the general ingathering of the anointed was complete.()
()The footnote states: See The Watchtower , February 15
1998, pages 17-22
Well I hope that all of this , could be of help to someone.
Greatings, James Charles MacHislopp
Edited by - Simon on 27 July 2002 19:17:52
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My Letter To The GB
by DakotaRed inbelow is a copy of the letter i wrote tonight and mailed to the watchtower society.
i even remembered to actually sign this one.
watchtower bible and tract society.
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MacHislopp
Hello DakotaRed,
thanks for sharing your letter with us. A very interesting, factual
honest...and right to the core of the problem. I'm also thinking
of writing one and I'll post it on this forum.
Grits: good comments. Excellent idea about the links. Thanks.
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp
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WTS borrowed Beard Stance from Disneyland?
by Prisca inwe all know the tough stance the wts has about beards, but i found this bit of information about disneyland's standards regarding male employees (and guests!
) rather interesting......... (emphasis in the paragraph (yellow high-lighting) mine).
http://www.snopes.com/disney/parks/longhair.htm.
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MacHislopp
Hello Prisca,
thanks for the nice and factual reseach, quite an interesting one.
I do remember also a letter written to a JW' , from the WBTS Inc.
of New York, the Writing Department. I don't have the web page
anymore but I do have these references:
****** EZF:ESJ December 11, 1996***
The first line reads: " We apologize - for our delay- in responding to your letter
of November 3, 1996. You ask about the propriety of a Christian wearing a beard."
It is a two pages letter and comments about privileges.
Maybe somebody else will find the link again, if not I could try to scann it.
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp
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MacHislopp
Hello Erie Guy,
many thanks for the information and the link (...another one for the files).
You've asked a very logic and pertinent question. Since the elders other
there have ignored the ...basic facts, the next one to ask will be our
'beloved ' PR for UK,...the famous Paul Gillies of the Bethel in London.
Did ever read his written answers concerning the NGO's , theUnited Nations
and the WBTS Inc. ??
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp
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Worship pub. changes, FDS doctrine affected?
by Oroborus21 inhowdy folks,.
last night i was reviewing the new publication: "worship the only true god" ("worship") which is an update of the "united in worship of the only true god" ("united").. while i only spent a short time doing this there are evidently many changes.
some are just grammatical or stylistic changes and others i am wondering if they may be more significant in terms of doctrinal shifts.. examples:.
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MacHislopp
Hello Edoardo and the others, please take a look at chapter 20
which was completely left out in the 2002 edition of the Worship book.
From the 1983 edition:
*** uw 154-60 20 Life and Blood-Do You Treat Them as Sacred? *** Chapter 20
Life and BloodDo You Treat Them as Sacred?
IT SHOULD NOT surprise us that Gods viewpoint toward life is very different from that of the world. To God, human life is sacred. Do you view it in that way? We are completely dependent on God, who gives to all persons life and breath and all things. (Acts 17:25-28; Ps. 36:9) If we share Gods view, we will safeguard our life. But we will not violate divine law in an attempt to save our present life. We treasure Gods promise of everlasting life for those who truly exercise faith in his Son.Matt. 16:25, 26; John 6:40; Jude 21.
2 In contrast, Jesus said that Satan the Devil, the ruler of this world, was a manslayer when he began. (John 8:44; 12:31) From the very start of his course of rebellion he brought death to mankind. The worlds violent history reflects his spirit. But Satan can also present a seemingly different appearance. Thus men who are influenced by his thinking argue that, while it may be all right to be religious, when life is at stake you would be benefited by heeding their expert advice instead of quoting the Bible. (Compare 2 Corinthians 11:14, 15.) When faced with an apparent life-or-death situation, which way will your heart incline? Of course, our desire should be to please Jehovah.
3 Gods Word reveals an intimate relationship between life and blood, saying: The soul [or life] of the flesh is in the blood. Just as life is sacred, so, too, God has made blood sacred. It is something that belongs to him, to be used only in the manner he approves. (Lev. 17:3, 4, 11; Deut. 12:23) So we do well to consider carefully what he requires of us with regard to blood.
Read Genesis 9:3-6
What practices in your area require you to be alert so as not to consume animal blood?
In view of what is said in Ge 9 verse 4 regarding animal blood, how would you react to the drinking of human blood (which was done at Roman gladiatorial events)?
As shown in Ge 9 verses 5 and 6, to whom primarily must one answer for shedding human blood?
Read Acts 15:28, 29
Does this state that the requirements would apply for only a limited time? Do they apply to us?
Is human blood excluded by the language used here?
Does the text indicate that exceptions might be made in cases of emergency?
4 As regards human blood, we cannot assume that simply refraining from murder keeps us guiltless. The Scriptures show that if we are part of any organization that is bloodguilty before God, we must sever our ties with it if we do not want to share in its sins. (Rev. 18:4, 24; Mic. 4:3) Such action deserves urgent attention.
5 In the case of Gods servants whom he has commissioned to warn of coming destruction in the great tribulation, their remaining free from bloodguilt requires that they faithfully proclaim that message. (Compare Ezekiel 3:17-21.) The apostle Paul viewed himself as a debtor to people of all sorts because of the ministry assigned to him. He felt free of responsibility for their blood only after he had borne thorough witness to them about Gods provision for salvation. (Rom. 1:14, 15; Acts 18:5, 6; 20:26, 27) Does your diligence in the field ministry reflect a similar awareness of the responsibility that rests on all of Jehovahs Witnesses?
6 Fatal accidents should also be of serious concern to us. Under the Mosaic Law persons who accidentally caused the death of a fellow human were not viewed as guiltless. Penalties were imposed. (Ex. 21:29, 30; Deut. 22:8; Num. 35:22-25) If we take to heart the principle involved, we will be careful to avoid contributing to any fatal accident by the way we drive a vehicle, by our taking some foolish chance or by allowing unsafe conditions to exist in our home or at our place of business. Does your attitude regarding these things reflect full appreciation for the sacredness of life?
What About Medical Use of Blood?
7 Although the practice is not new, particularly in the 20th century blood has been widely used for transfusions, with the intention of sustaining life. Both whole blood and primary components of blood are used in this manner. Of course, such medical procedures do not guarantee that the patient will not die. Sometimes, in fact, death follows as a direct result of such use of blood. But of even greater concernDoes the Bible requirement that we abstain from blood apply to this medical practice? Yes! Taking blood into ones body from any other creature, human or animal, violates the divine law. It shows disregard for the sacredness of blood. (Acts 15:19, 20) There is no basis for restricting the command to abstain from blood to practices that were current in the first century and thus excluding modern medical techniques. Reason on the matter: Who would claim that the Bibles command against murder did not include illegally taking human life by means of a gun, since gunpowder was not invented until the 10th century? And would it be reasonable to argue that the prohibition of drunkenness applied only in connection with beverages known in the first century and not to modern-day hard liquors? For persons who truly want to please God, the message conveyed by the command to abstain from blood is clear.
8 Nevertheless, the complexity of some medical procedures may give rise to questions. How can these be resolved? First, ask your doctor for a clear explanation of the proposed procedure. Then analyze it prayerfully in the light of Bible principles. The doctor may suggest that you have some of your own blood withdrawn and stored for use, if necessary, during a later operation. Would you agree? Remember that, according to Gods Law given through Moses, blood removed from a creature was to be poured out on the ground. (Deut. 12:24) We today are not under the Law code, but the underlying message is that blood is sacred and, when removed from a creatures body, is to be returned to God by pouring it out on his footstool, the earth. (Compare Matthew 5:34, 35.) So how could it be proper to store your blood (even for a relatively brief time) and then put it back into your body? But what if the doctor says that, during surgery or in the course of other treatment, your blood would be channeled through equipment outside your body, and then, right back in? Would you consent? Some have felt that, with a clear conscience, they could permit this, provided that the equipment was primed with a nonblood fluid. They have viewed the external equipment as an extension of their circulatory system. Of course, situations vary, and it is you that must decide. But your decision should leave you with a clean conscience before God.1 Pet. 3:16; 1 Tim. 1:19.
9 To assure that your doctor will respect your decision to abstain from blood, talk to him before any medical emergency arises. If it is necessary to check into a hospital for treatment, take the precaution of requesting in writing that no blood be used, also speak about it personally to the doctor that will be handling your case. But what if there is an unexpected emergency? Unpleasant confrontations can often be avoided by having a respectful, reasonable discussion with the doctor, urging him to use his skills to help, but with respect for your Christian conscience. (Prov. 15:1; 16:21, 23) However, if perhaps well-meaning medical personnel insist that refusing blood will endanger our life and so try to force us to acquiesce, then what? Faith in the rightness of Jehovahs ways should make us firm. Loyalty to Jehovah ought to make us resist resolutely, because we choose to obey God rather than men.Acts 5:29; compare Job 2:4; Proverbs 27:11.
How Serious Is the Matter?
10 To persons who do not yet know Jehovah, arguments in favor of blood transfusions may at times seem to show high regard for the sacredness of life. But we do not forget that many who argue in this way also condone the destruction of life by means of abortion. Jehovah knows more about life and blood than any medical expert. All His commandments have proved to be for our good, safeguarding our present life and our future prospects. (Isa. 48:17; 1 Tim. 4:8) Is the command to abstain from blood any different?
11 The seriousness of respecting the sacredness of blood is emphasized by what Jehovah said regarding the only use to which blood could be put. The soul of the flesh is in the blood, and I myself have put it upon the altar for you to make atonement for your souls, because it is the blood that makes atonement by the soul in it. That is why I have said to the sons of Israel: No soul of you must eat blood. (Lev. 17:11, 12) All the animal blood poured out at Jehovahs altar in harmony with that requirement foreshadowed the precious blood of Jesus Christ. (Heb. 9:11, 12; 1 Pet. 1:18, 19) Thus the sacredness of the blood of Jesus itself is emphasized by Gods law prohibiting any other use of blood. From this it can be seen that any misuse of blood shows gross disrespect for Jehovahs provision for salvation through his Son.
12 When faced with a life-or-death situation, how shortsighted it would be to turn ones back on God! Although we appreciate the services of conscientious doctors, we do not desperately try to keep ourselves or our loved ones alive for a few more days or years by violating Gods law, as if this life were everything. We have faith in the value of Jesus shed blood and the eternal life that it makes possible. With our whole heart we believe that faithful servants of Godeven those who diewill be rewarded with eternal life.John 11:25; 1 Tim. 4:10
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Review Discussion
What makes life and blood sacred? Why does the world argue for a different view?
As regards animals, how do we show respect for the sacredness of their blood?
In what various ways should all of us show that we treat human life as being sacred? How important is it to do so?
[Study Questions]
1. (a) How does God view life? (b) How can we demonstrate that we appreciate Gods gift of life?
2. Whose attitude toward life does the world reflect, and to what kind of reasoning does this sometimes lead?
3. (a) Why should we be especially interested in what the Bible says about blood? (b) Read Genesis 9:3-6 and Acts 15:28, 29, and then answer the questions listed above with these texts.
4. As discussed here, what action do the Scriptures show that a person may need to take so as not to share in bloodguilt?
5. How is diligence in the field ministry associated with being free of bloodguilt?
6. What connection is there between accident prevention and respect for the sacredness of life?
7. (a) Is transfusing blood of one human into another compatible with the sacredness of blood? (b) Why is it unreasonable to restrict the command to abstain from blood to practices that were common in the first century?
8. (a) How can you determine whether a certain medical procedure is suitable for a Christian? (b) If a doctor wanted to withdraw some of your own blood, store it and then return it to your body during an operation, what Bible principles could help you to make a sound decision? (c) How might a person reason on treatment that requires the blood to circulate through equipment outside the body?
9. (a) To assure respect for your decision to abstain from blood, what precautions ought to be taken? (b) Even in the event of an emergency, how can an unpleasant confrontation sometimes be avoided? (c) If a doctor or a court tried to force a blood transfusion, what would you do?
10. Why would the claim that a transfusion is needed to save a life not change our view of the matter?
11. (a) What was the only use that Jehovah permitted the Israelites to make of blood? (b) Why is this very important to us as Christians?
12. If faced with death, why would a true Christian not resort to any misuse of blood in an attempt to stay alive?
Have you notice the last paragraph?
12 When faced with a life-or-death situation, how shortsighted it would be to turn ones back on God!
Although we appreciate the services of conscientious doctors, we do not desperately try to keep ourselves or our loved ones alive for a few more days or years by violating Gods law, as if this life were everything.
We have faith in the value of Jesus shed blood and the eternal life that it makes possible. With our whole heart we believe that faithful servants of Godeven those who diewill be rewarded with eternal life.John 11:25; 1 Tim. 4:10
Now, does the WBTS Inc. consider a life or death
situation, no longer important...for thebible students??
Greetings, J.C.MacHislopp