I think most JWs are genuinely good people, just mislead. Last night I was invited, for the first time in over eight years, to a Euchre party at my mom and dad's with several of their JW friends. They were all very nice, even though most knew that I had openly spoke against the JW religion in the past. I have just learned to let go of alot of things over time and just let people be who they want to be. If they think they are happy, who am I to disagree. Now if you made the same post about 5 or 6 years ago, I probably would have responded quite differently then.
mpatrick
JoinedPosts by mpatrick
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30
I love Jehovah's Witnesses...
by FMZ inyes, that's right.. i love them.
i love everyone.... "love your neighbor as yourself".... does it specify which neighbors?
the good ones?
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213
WHAT IF WE DIDN'T POISON CHILDREN'S MINDS WITH FANTASY?
by Terry inevery baby born seems to have a giant helping of fairy stories, talking animals, outrageous exaggerations parading as "fact" and an endless stream of cartoons, science fiction and make-believe.
the laws of nature and physics are violated every few seconds in film and tv!
is it surprising that children are not only ignorant of how things really work-but, they don't have patience and an appetite for fact when they get to the schoolroom.
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mpatrick
We share something in common. We were all once FOOLED by the fantasy of Jehovah's story of his kingdom and how we'd all live happily ever after. Would you like to stand up and tell me that figuring out for ourselves that is was A LIE is better than knowing it ahead of time?
I guess I don't look at it as being "fooled" as much as being mislead. JWs believe that they have the "truth". Parents that tell their children fairy tales, knowing full well that it is fantasy, is different than a parent imposing their religious beliefs upon their children as "truth", especially with no room for doubt. I see a difference here. I don't think my children are going to suffer in anyway from believing in fantasy, now or in the future. I have yet to see a traumatized kid that had to go to a psychologist over believing in Santa (not saying it has never happened). It isn't so much what we believe in as how we react to what we believe in. I was taught to believe in Santa until I was four or five years old, then my parents became JWs. I grew up truly believing the JW religion, found out that it wasn't the "truth" and yet I am skeptical to believe in every conspirasy theory that comes my way, but still quite gullible in other things.
Who's to say that teaching fantasy to some can be quite innocent and will never progress anything more than what it is and that a child that is only taught the truth will fare much better? Do you think children in third world countries are at a better advantage because they see the harsh truth of life than my own children?
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WHAT IF WE DIDN'T POISON CHILDREN'S MINDS WITH FANTASY?
by Terry inevery baby born seems to have a giant helping of fairy stories, talking animals, outrageous exaggerations parading as "fact" and an endless stream of cartoons, science fiction and make-believe.
the laws of nature and physics are violated every few seconds in film and tv!
is it surprising that children are not only ignorant of how things really work-but, they don't have patience and an appetite for fact when they get to the schoolroom.
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mpatrick
I am flabbergasted and amazed that so many people insist it is okay to teach children things that are not true. The true matter is this. There is no real Santa! That is a fact.
Then who is that man dressed in red with the long white beard that hangs out at the mall during Christmas season?
I personally enjoy the whole "Santa" fantasy, as well as many others, with my own children. I think their is a big difference between childhood fantasies and religious fear tactics.
Teach children THE DIFFERENCE between fantasy and truth.
Wouldn't it just be better to know the difference between what we teach our children concerning what may be innocent fantasy and the cruel reality of truth? Afterall, there is alot of truth out in the world that I am just not ready for my young children to see. Where do you suppose we draw the line? -
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update on Joy and Steve
by Mulan ini just talked to joy and she said to tell everyone they are fine.
they lost electricity so can't get on computers.. tornadoes came through awhile ago and killed two people, but they are doing fine, and have 5 strong young fellows, with them, to help when things get too bad later tonight.
the water is now in their yard, on the yard side of the picket fence, for those who have been there.
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mpatrick
Steve,
Thank you for sharing the pictures. I am glad to hear that your electric is up and going again and that everyone is safe...except the boat.
Michelle
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update on Joy and Steve
by Mulan ini just talked to joy and she said to tell everyone they are fine.
they lost electricity so can't get on computers.. tornadoes came through awhile ago and killed two people, but they are doing fine, and have 5 strong young fellows, with them, to help when things get too bad later tonight.
the water is now in their yard, on the yard side of the picket fence, for those who have been there.
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mpatrick
((((((Joy))))))
We are so happy to hear that you made it through the storm without too much damage. You have constantly been in our thoughts. Take care of yourselves and if you need any help, please don't hesitate to ask....and if you need a place to stay, you are always welcome at our place!
Give everyone at home a big hug from the Patrick Clan!
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update on Joy and Steve
by Mulan ini just talked to joy and she said to tell everyone they are fine.
they lost electricity so can't get on computers.. tornadoes came through awhile ago and killed two people, but they are doing fine, and have 5 strong young fellows, with them, to help when things get too bad later tonight.
the water is now in their yard, on the yard side of the picket fence, for those who have been there.
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mpatrick
Thank you for the update! It is good to hear that they are doing alright. Keep us posted, please.
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Joy and Steve and all others in the way of Ivan
by blindfool in.
just wanted to let these great people know that i'm thinking of them and hoping they stay safe.. .
bdf
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mpatrick
((((((((Steve and Joy))))))))
I have been thinking about you guys, especially since I remember you saying that if there was another hurricane that you would just ride it out!
I am glad to hear that you are safe for the time being!
Will the waves steal all of your sand like last time? I still remember the picture you showed us of your deck and it was about 8-10 feet off the ground before they pumped sand in from the ocean.
Michelle
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Hurricane Frances, The Good Before the Bad and Ugly
by jst2laws ini'm am sympathetic for you who have been hit by frances.
we will have to share our pictures someday of the 1995 remodeling hurricane opal did to us.
and now we are in the path of frances but hopefully she will not grow much in the gulf before reaching the panhandle.
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mpatrick
Steve,
Thanks for posting, I was worried about you and your family. From the looks of things, it seems you might ride out the storm without too much trouble.
Be safe, and hugs to you and yours.
Michelle
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Movies worth Seeing
by Yerusalyim in.
no, not farhenheit 911...geesh, i was talking about the remake of the stepford wives...i really enjoyed it.. also, tnt is doing a remake of salem's lot airing this sunday and monday...should be good.. .
anymore i need to be aware of?
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mpatrick
I just watched Love Actually and loved it! It is now on video/DVD.
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What Is Beautiful To Me . . .
by Corvin inthe kids are off at their mom's for a scheduled visit.
i come home from work at 2am in the morning and unexpectedly find them all sound asleep in their own beds.
there have been no incidents, no problems .
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mpatrick
Corvin,
That is beautiful!
My husband and I always peek in on our kids when they are sleeping...it is such a beautiful and peaceful time! I hope they are always the kind of kids that like being at home best.