Posts by Maximus

15

HELP! - I'm Torn

by Francois in

jw
friends

there's no doubt that in many religious philosophies, believers are advised not to fight with evil; not to resist.

jesus certainly advised his followers not to "resist evil.".

and that's why i'm torn.. i believe, as do most of you here, that the watchtower bible & tract society is evil; a manifest, clear, present, and palpable evil.

Maximus

Francoise, you old Watchtower peddler,

I think your posts are great and I always look forward to reading them.

Matt 5:38-41 is the context. "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist AN EVILDOER. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile."

No essay from me, wouldn't be prudent, not gonna do it--George Bush voice.

Just a suggestion: With your skills, you could easily write up a very good argument that would be very newsworthy to, say, Gustav Niebuhr, religious editor of the NY Times. The liberal media has generally given JWs a pass because of their past contributions to the Bill of Rights, and they will gulp but accept skinhead Nazis or flag-burners as well as kooky folk who eschew blood transfusions and don't salute the flag. Child molestation policy is another matter.

They need to be disabused, don't you think? A little pun there:

"Disabuse," verb. "To free from a falsehood or misconception."

What do you think, gang? Is Francoise just the guy to do this, or what? There are other religious editors too ...

Your brother and fellow whatever,

Max

19

Heidegger's Dasein

by dunsscot in

jw
friends

for those who have trouble understanding basic existential concepts, may i suggest william barrett's work _irrational man_.

on pp.

218-219 of this monograph, barrett succinctly explains the significance of dasein in heideggerian thought.

Maximus

Duns,

I'm frustrated.

When the apostle Paul presented his argument on Mars Hill, the Areopagus, he used a single familiar quotation to appeal to his audience. He did not cite Plato or other philosophers alive or dead; rather, his simple appeal was clearly expressed in his own words. That message rings clear even today.

You've had a unique opportunity here to do something similar with those who find themselves groping for God. Even the thread title will be a turnoff to all but a very few persons, who themselves have read the dead Heidegger.

You won't find me quibblingly criticizing your "Quod erat demonstrandum" [sic] or expressions like "kitten-kaboodle" and many others.

I do however express my deep sadness at your having missed a huge window to advance the broad concepts of Christianity, without resorting to what ultimately is merely the cerebral.

I wish you well personally in whatever you do.

Maximus

8

The Age of Miracles --- BEGINS!

by metatron in

jw
friends

yes, an age of miracles and wonders now begins!.

popular science reports scientists are working on the first.

artificial lung.. people magazine (aug. 6, 2001) pg.80 "medical miracles".

Maximus

Hi, Metatron!

Right on target, as ever. Have you read Ray Kurzweil's "The Age of Spiritual Machines"? A great read that gives much evidence that science fiction is now reality. I note that computers inexorably will exceed the memory capacity and computational ability of the human brain by 2020; information can be fed straight into our brains along direct neural pathways. (But soft: Don't tell the Society about this latter possibility.)

Chilling to have my belief dashed that I would never die. Now I take antioxidants!

A very insightful friend of mine wrote me that what we see is a cult struggling to become a religion. External dynamics will continue to shape it.

A word of disappointment about the thread title: thought you were going to report that the hardliners were thrown out of the Brooklyn Bethel top-floor window this morning. Patience ....

Max

133

BERRY LAWSUIT EVALUATED

by MadApostate in

jw
friends

i would like to preface my discussion of the recently filed berry lawsuit with several remarks.

first, i am not an attorney, and my only connection with the legal profession is that which occasionally arises out of my personal or business affairs.

second, i have no access to court records, opinions, etc., other than what is available via internet search engines.

Maximus

Since you seem intent on being a little snide, read my lips, anewperson.

I would like to help you, but you seem to have the old stubborn JW tendency not to want to believe the facts, just clinging to what you already know to be right from some mysterious source.

Don Adams is the president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania. That is the original corporation with all the money; you should know that. It is fondly called Big Momma. He is in Brooklyn. He runs the international show. He worked with Nathan Knorr and Milton Henschel in the old President's Office and now runs Executive. He has worked there for some sixty years. The corporate change is tacit acknowledgement of his role. His name is on the inside cover of the publications now. You could look it up.

The Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses is in Patterson. It is essentially Service, Legal and Writing Correspondence for the U.S. Judah Ben Schroeder is not there.

You are also misinformed on the following: Judah Ben Schroeder is not an attorney. He has no substantial role in ANY corporate position or any department directing "the international work." The names of each individual corporate director have been published here and elsewhere. Check Randy Watters' site. You will not find his name. Or you could call Randy.

No one here is attempting to stop the legal efforts to sue the socks off the governing body, the Pennsylvania corporation, the New York corporation and the whole lot. Go back and read the salient points of this thread very carefully.

Last but not least, check with that indefatiguable authority Alan Feuerbacher, who seems to be everywhere. Would you like his telephone number? He has freely given it out on this board.

Get it right, or you do disservice to many persons who will believe what you say. I am having a wonderful day, seeing the fruits of my labor for a very, very long time. I am not a boy, having started "witnessing" with a testimony card a very long time ago. You have evidently not read my posts here.

I have no idea who True Faith JWs are.

You've just got it all in one shot. Have fun googling.

Maximus

133

BERRY LAWSUIT EVALUATED

by MadApostate in

jw
friends

i would like to preface my discussion of the recently filed berry lawsuit with several remarks.

first, i am not an attorney, and my only connection with the legal profession is that which occasionally arises out of my personal or business affairs.

second, i have no access to court records, opinions, etc., other than what is available via internet search engines.

Maximus

From a hasty read on your post:

Rees is dead as a doornail. Not appropriately described as a loss, however, because it could go no further by statute.

Waxman will wax eloquent on it; he was quite frustrated. Not ducking, would rather leave it for him or someone VERY knowledgeable to explain in detail.

Didn't meant to imply anything about Anderson re some revisitation of Rees.

You are right: Anderson has the best track record going. Watchtower has been warned many, many times to mend its ways in this area, and they are about to be tested mightily. Damages reduced? That's okay. There are HUNDREDS of cases out there ... just waiting. How many more do you think will come out after Dateline and its additional publicity?

All sorts of mail is pouring in as the result of just the FILING of this case, of individuals who have stories to tell that are astounding.

The Catholic Church has deep pockets. Does the Society, whichever corporation severally or totally?

Let's talk theology: Forget about two witnesses and all that. Secular authorities quite propery view it as their prerogative to examine criminal charges and to judge the matter. (Romans 13:1-4). They are indeed acting as "God's minister."

In its press release the Society says child abuse is a "terrible crime." Why has its judicial process been different when it comes to children? Policy may change or be changing, but that will not stem the tide that will wash over them from past injustices and abuses of power.

Got to run but wanted to get this out to you.

Max

133

BERRY LAWSUIT EVALUATED

by MadApostate in

jw
friends

i would like to preface my discussion of the recently filed berry lawsuit with several remarks.

first, i am not an attorney, and my only connection with the legal profession is that which occasionally arises out of my personal or business affairs.

second, i have no access to court records, opinions, etc., other than what is available via internet search engines.

Maximus

Up Up and Away ....

5

any basis for appointing a GB member

by cyberguy in

jw
friends

is there a biblical basis for appointing gb members?

acts 1:15-26 shows how they were selected:.

(1) someone who was among jesus early disciples, "starting with the baptism by john" (acts 1:21-22),.

Maximus

Cyberguy, please let me express my personal gratitude for both your very fine posts today.

Unfortunately for me, the volume of my mail from thinking elders will rise yet further because of posts like these. Pay no attention to the number of responses, hungry people will read both carefully; believe me.

Thanks again! A warm welcome.

Max

133

BERRY LAWSUIT EVALUATED

by MadApostate in

jw
friends

i would like to preface my discussion of the recently filed berry lawsuit with several remarks.

first, i am not an attorney, and my only connection with the legal profession is that which occasionally arises out of my personal or business affairs.

second, i have no access to court records, opinions, etc., other than what is available via internet search engines.

Maximus

MA and UR:

The Peter Smith news story is incorrect in its final sentences, and I am sure that will be called to his attention.

I just don't have the time to write more than briefly on the subject but suggest you call Michael J. Waxman, attorney for Bryan Rees, Portland, Maine. Address is 371 Fore Street. He will wax eloquent on the subject, as will many attorneys who have gone up against the Tower. All say the same thing: 'These birds will LIE at the drop of a hat.' They've made enemies of very fine lawyers who will use every legal avenue open to them, but would not stoop to lying. Just another area in which the chickens will come home to roost.

Let me state it accurately albeit simplistically: the Maine Supreme Court would not allow Rees to sue Watchtower Society because essentially one cannot sue a church in Maine. Waxman said he wished the case were in Massachusetts or New Hampshire. UR, the point is indeed moot.

BTW, now you've gone and told the world, MadApostate, where we got that name from to sue the governing body, the congregation with its elders, "the Society," etc. Awake! magazine--the Society pointed where to look for the best in the business. What goes around comes around. Isn't that a choice bit of irony? <just so you see a HUGE grin, MadGuy!>

There is a God, and She has one wry sense of humor. Anderson is a man with a mission, many notches on his belt, and he's on the side of the angels with this one.

Max

8

No clinking allowed

by ozziepost in

jw
friends

with the weekend almost upon us, thoughts may be going to those pleasant social gatherings where you might like to share a drink with friends.

i was reminded of the "no clinking" rule last night when at a gathering i met up with a couple of former bethelites.

we, my daughter, the couple and myself took glasses of champagne in hand and the ladies were about to clink glasses when they halted.

Maximus

Excellent points, BBoy!

When there are multiple possibilities, leave it to the Watchtower to select the one that suits them best. That's how they do it with quotations too.

Now just what is the latest policy on saying "Gesundheit!" when someone sneezes? Evil spirits have to be warded off, you know.

Is it a lesser offense to say that word, since Bless You! would give away your true exorcistic inclinations?

Max

63

Watchtower PR Statement 8-7-01

by silentlambs in

public affairs office.

for immediate release august7, 2001 .

sexual abuse of children is a terrible crime that can leave lasting emotional scars on its victims.

Maximus

Time Zone bump.

Keep this one for your grandchildren.

Max
Who is watching the Society being dragged kicking and screaming
out of the fifteenth century