Posts by Nicodemus

11

Inappropriate Guilt & the September 2001 KM

by Nicodemus in

jw
friends

with respect to the article on the back page of the september 2001 km which has been reproduced in another thread, it is my hope that all hard-working jehovahs witnesses consider the balanced counsel provided in the official journal of jehovahs witnesses, the watchtower, as highlighted herein:.

w92 11/1 17 education with a purpose.

if married, a man should be able to provide properly for his wife and any children that may be born, with a little extra to give to those in need and to support the local and worldwide preaching work.ephesians 4:28; 1 timothy 5:8.. .

Nicodemus

Some additional thoughts.

Below are two quotes from the recent KM article:

Because of unfavorable economic conditions in various places, heads of households may have to work long and hard to make a living. When demanding secular jobs take most of their time and strength, they have little left for the preaching work. Since they have an obligation to provide materially for their families, some may feel that they can have only a limited share in the ministry. (1 Tim. 5:8)
Because the world scene is always changing, a family head may be inclined to spend an excessive amount of time on the job, with a view to building up his financial reserves for unforeseen crises. (1 Cor. 7:31)

Let's take the first. What is stated is really the crux of the matter, isn't it? Let's review relevant sections I cited from previous Watchtower material:

w92 11/1 17 Education With a Purpose
If married, a man should be able to provide properly for his wife and any children that may be born, with a little extra to give to those in need and to support the local and worldwide preaching work.-Ephesians 4:28; 1 Timothy 5:8.

and

In addition to an inheritance of knowledge of Jehovah and a relationship with him, parents would be interested in providing materially for their children. In many lands responsible family heads will try to have some savings, a legal will, and insurance. After all, God’s people are not immune to “time and unforeseen occurrence.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11) Money is “for a protection,” and careful planning can often avert hardship. (Ecclesiastes 7:12)

So, the Watchtower indicates that a man should provide "properly" for his wife and children. I don't believe "properly" means "just barely above the poverty level." Otherwise, how would he have "a little extra to give to those in need and to support the local and worldwide preaching work?" And, let's be clear that 1 Timothy 5:8 is a scriptural requirement, just as much as, say, Hebrews 10:24, 25. So, at the very least, the two scriptural thoughts must be balanced.

The reality is that, in capitalist lands, earning such a livelihood is, at its core, a competition. You, the wage earner, are in competition with other wage earners who are also trying to provide for their families. Per the laws of supply and demand, this dictates, for example, what houses and/or rents cost in a given area, and what wage levels are paid for various forms of employment.

In many cases, our brothers in who are now approximately in their 40's and 50's have an additional challenge. Because the prevailing JW attitude in the 70's and 80's was generally anti-college, these brothers are often forced to compete with substandard educational levels. In my view, this means one of two things:

1. They often must work more hours at lower wages to keep up, or
2. If ambitious, they seek out further education to bolster their skills

It is further possible that they may actually have to do both simultaneously. Whatever the case, such efforts take time and effort, whether physical or mental.

Now let's take the second issue, that of "building up his financial reserves for unforeseen crises."

Here's where that second Watchtower quote above was balanced, and realistic. It mentioned "savings, a legal will, and insurance." It mentioned the very real fact that Jehovah's Witnesses are not immune to "time and unforeseen occurrence." Finally, the fact that "money is for a protection."

Therefore, I am confused by the apparently negative comment in the KM regarding a family man who works at "building up his financial reserves for unforeseen crises." How do I reconcile that with the Watchtower comments just cited?

Let me add one final comment that may be relevant. The Society, when considering a new construction project, certainly plans ahead. Before approving construction on a new assembly hall, the Society requires that a large percentage of the funds needed already be in the bank, as well as clear documentation in the form of pledges for the remaining amount. (Luke 14:28)

I just don't see where a family man should be made to feel guilty for doing the same, even if it requires extensive effort on his part.

11

Inappropriate Guilt & the September 2001 KM

by Nicodemus in

jw
friends

with respect to the article on the back page of the september 2001 km which has been reproduced in another thread, it is my hope that all hard-working jehovahs witnesses consider the balanced counsel provided in the official journal of jehovahs witnesses, the watchtower, as highlighted herein:.

w92 11/1 17 education with a purpose.

if married, a man should be able to provide properly for his wife and any children that may be born, with a little extra to give to those in need and to support the local and worldwide preaching work.ephesians 4:28; 1 timothy 5:8.. .

Nicodemus

Amazing,

Thanks for your comments. You identify quite precisely why confusion and uncertainty are present in the lives of many JWs.

Nicodemus

11

Inappropriate Guilt & the September 2001 KM

by Nicodemus in

jw
friends

with respect to the article on the back page of the september 2001 km which has been reproduced in another thread, it is my hope that all hard-working jehovahs witnesses consider the balanced counsel provided in the official journal of jehovahs witnesses, the watchtower, as highlighted herein:.

w92 11/1 17 education with a purpose.

if married, a man should be able to provide properly for his wife and any children that may be born, with a little extra to give to those in need and to support the local and worldwide preaching work.ephesians 4:28; 1 timothy 5:8.. .

Nicodemus

With respect to the article on the back page of the September 2001 KM which has been reproduced in another thread, it is my hope that all hard-working Jehovah’s Witnesses consider the balanced counsel provided in the official journal of Jehovah’s Witnesses, The Watchtower, as highlighted herein:

w92 11/1 17 Education With a Purpose
If married, a man should be able to provide properly for his wife and any children that may be born, with a little extra to give to those in need and to support the local and worldwide preaching work.—Ephesians 4:28; 1 Timothy 5:8.

In the above quote, clear direction is given as to what a married man would set as a goal or standard in making “reasonable” provision for his family. If, due to his personal circumstances and educational level, a brother is required to work long hours and/or under difficult circumstances to do this, he has nothing for which to be ashamed, or for which to apologize.

In addition, the following clarifying comments might be considered. Please pay special attention to the sections of the text highlighted in bold, as they bear especially upon certain issues and topics raised in the KM article:

w97 8/15 19-20 "Soundness of Mind" as the End Draws Close
“Soundness of Mind” and Family Responsibilities
7 The apostle Paul advised Christians “to live with soundness of mind.” (Titus 2:12) It is of interest that, in the context, Paul exhorts women “to love their husbands, to love their children, to be sound in mind, chaste, workers at home.” (Titus 2:4, 5) Paul wrote that in the years 61-64 C.E., a few years before the end of the Jewish system of things. Yet, mundane matters, such as housework, were still important. Both husbands and wives should therefore maintain a healthy, positive view of their domestic responsibilities so that “the word of God may not be spoken of abusively.” One family head apologized to a visitor for the embarrassing appearance of his home. He explained that it was in disrepair “because he was pioneering.” It is commendable when we make sacrifices in behalf of the Kingdom, but care must be taken not to sacrifice the welfare of our families.
8 The Bible urges fathers to give their families priority, saying that one who fails to provide for his family “has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.” (1 Timothy 5:8) Standards of living vary throughout the world, and it is good to keep material expectations modest. “Give me neither poverty nor riches,” prayed the writer of Proverbs 30:8. However, parents should not ignore the material needs of their children. Would it be wise, for example, deliberately to leave one’s family without the basic necessities of life in order to pursue theocratic privileges? Could this not embitter one’s children? On the other hand, Proverbs 24:27 says: “Prepare your work out of doors, and make it ready for yourself in the field. Afterward you must also build up your household.” Yes, while concern for material things has its place, ‘building up one’s household’—spiritually and emotionally—is vital.
9 Have you made provisions to care for your family in case you suffer an untimely death? Proverbs 13:22 says: “One who is good will leave an inheritance to sons of sons.” In addition to an inheritance of knowledge of Jehovah and a relationship with him, parents would be interested in providing materially for their children. In many lands responsible family heads will try to have some savings, a legal will, and insurance. After all, God’s people are not immune to “time and unforeseen occurrence.” (Ecclesiastes 9:11) Money is “for a protection,” and careful planning can often avert hardship. (Ecclesiastes 7:12) In lands where medical care is not paid for by the government, some may choose to set aside funds for health needs or arrange for some type of health coverage.
10 The Scriptures also say: “Children ought not to lay up for their parents, but the parents for their children.” (2 Corinthians 12:14) In the world it is common for parents to lay up money for their children’s future education and marriage so as to give them a good start in life. Have you given thought to laying up for your child’s spiritual future? Suppose, for example, that a grown child is pursuing the full-time ministry. While full-time servants should neither demand nor expect outside support, loving parents might choose to ‘share with him according to his needs’ in order to help him remain in full-time service.—Romans 12:13; 1 Samuel 2:18, 19; Philippians 4:14-18.
11 Having a realistic view of money does not indicate a lack of faith that Satan’s wicked system is near its end. It is simply a matter of showing “practical wisdom” and sound judgment. (Proverbs 2:7; 3:21) Jesus once said that “the sons of this system of things are wiser in a practical way . . . than the sons of the light are” in their use of money. (Luke 16:8) No wonder, then, that some have seen the need to make adjustments in the way they use their assets, so that they can better care for the needs of their families.

Please also note this interesting comment, from that same reference:

w97 8/15 22 "Soundness of Mind" as the End Draws Close
[Footnotes]
In the United States, for example, many carry health insurance, although such tends to be expensive. Some Witness families have found that certain doctors are more willing to consider nonblood alternatives when families have medical coverage. Many physicians will accept the amount of payment permitted under limited insurance plans or government health coverage.

Do you catch the import of the above comment with respect to the options a loyal Witness would have when it comes to the blood issue?

Finally, one last reference that has relevance:

w96 2/1 14 Education-Use It to Praise Jehovah
22 Today, too, a well-balanced education includes preparation to care for the needs of a family some day. The apostle Paul’s words found at 1 Timothy 5:8 indicate that providing for one’s family is a sacred obligation. He wrote: “Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.” Education, then, should prepare children for the responsibilities that they will take on in life as well as equip them to become hardworking members of the community.

It is my sincere hope that these citations will bring a measure of balance around this issue, and serve to alleviate any inappropriate guilt that may arise from consideration of the article in the 9/01 KM.

NOTE: All bold text in the above quotations is mine.

141

JW Kids Leave the Organization: Facts

by Maximus in

jw
friends

the october 1 watchtower 2001 features articles on training children "properly" and dealing with a "prodigal child.

the latest inside u.s. figures reveal that 86% of jw children leave the fold, with some 29% who eventually come back for reasons of family ties, most never "reaching out.

" that means over half leave permanently.

Nicodemus

Maximus,

I appreciate your comments very much. And, here's a related topic that likely deserves its own separate thread:

The needs (or the good) of the INDIVIDUAL vs. the needs (or the good) of the ORGANIZATION

Really, that's the basic foundation of the whole child molestation issue, isn't it? The organization is not the molester, the blame is ultimately with that individual. However, the question is: Who gets protected first, the child or the organization?

Re: your comment about older COs and DOs and younger Service Dept. men. I find it interesting that, from a "big picture" perspective, possibly (I use that word both carefully and intentionally) the younger man is better qualified in some areas. Even in "the world" it happens that way at times, when one has a secular boss who is younger than he or she is.

What I find sad, though, is what I alluded to earlier, and what I think you were picking up on. The older man may have never had the opportunity to develop himself the way the younger man did. He may have been far too busy busting his tail looking out for "Kingdom interests" to have ever become a truly rounded person in his own right. And, by "truly rounded," I am not implying any personal defect, I am simply meaning it in the sense of being exposed to practices, theories and ideas found outside the limited thinking of the organization.

And that's the foundational issue. If the organization looks as its members simply in terms of "what can you do for us?," than by definition it is not looking out for their interests.

I actually think this is one of the inherent problems with infusing Christianity with a lot of organization. Not that such is bad in and of itself, often things are accomplished that never could have been otherwise.

However, when the organization becomes a living, breathing entity which itself needs to be satisfied, such conflicts occur.

141

JW Kids Leave the Organization: Facts

by Maximus in

jw
friends

the october 1 watchtower 2001 features articles on training children "properly" and dealing with a "prodigal child.

the latest inside u.s. figures reveal that 86% of jw children leave the fold, with some 29% who eventually come back for reasons of family ties, most never "reaching out.

" that means over half leave permanently.

Nicodemus

Maximus,

Great post! This subject needs to be brought out into the open and talked about.

Here are a few of my observations and comments, in no particular order.

1. Maximus, I believe you recently commented on a recent KM part “encouraging” Bethel service, and found it frightening. If I recall, I posted a brief comment back suggesting that this KM insert be compared with one that appeared in the KM of March, 1995. While both encouraged Bethel service, I found the 3/95 article to be much more balanced and positive than the latest one. As just one example, here’s a small excerpt from the 3/95 article re: education:

km 3/95 6 Bethel Service-More Volunteers Needed
16 Sometimes young ones ask: “Should I get extra secular training to qualify for Bethel service?” Secular training, in itself, does not qualify a person for Bethel service. Spiritual qualities are all-important and required of all who are invited. We encourage parents and their children who are still of school age to consider carefully the balanced view of secular education that is presented in The Watchtower of November 1, 1992, pages 15 to 21. A decision on secular education is a personal matter. Whatever a person decides, he should make sure that he is able to maintain his spiritual progress by continuing to focus on the principal work of Jehovah’s people, bearing witness to the truth.

Compare that to the wording in the latest article, which essentially discouraged pursuing additional education with the thought that it might help you get into Bethel. But, in the very same context, they commented that they needed people with qualifications in various “professional” fields, and suggested that perhaps some who received such training before they became Witnesses might want to apply.

This brings up a scenario a long-time elder shared with me years ago. Namely, that a kid who grows up “in the truth,” and does everything “by the book,” may end up having as his “overseer” or “superior” in the organization a brother who grew up in the world, got an education, perhaps even partied and caroused. How do I explain this to my son, and suggest that he follow this counsel?

2. I find that kids that come from well-to-do families often have the upper hand in attaining spiritual “privileges.” For example, the Society encourages that, if you are going to get “supplementary education,” you consider pioneering at the same time.

While I am in no way opposed to that idea per se, I think that it can have the effect of separating the “haves” from the “have-nots.” Namely, that a well-to-do family can “sponsor” their child in this endeavor, allowing them to live at home, and providing funding for all their needs, possibly even giving the child a carefully structured work schedule in the family business to earn a few bucks. I’ve known kids that do this, and simultaneously have a pretty good life, their own car, etc.

On the other hand, consider a poor family. If their young one wants to go to school, to try and elevate his or her economic prospects, likely they would have to do the classic routine of attending school and work to earn their way. Often, that doesn’t leave much time for pioneering. So, then, is the child of the well-to-do family a “better” servant of Jehovah?

3. I believe that we take some perfectly valid Bible principles, but then turn them into rules that likely stunt the development of our kids. For example, I don’t quibble with the principles expressed at 1 Cor 15:33 and Pr. 13:20. However, to use those principles to tell a kid that he can’t play any school sports, or participate in the school band because it’s “extracurricular” is, in my view, becoming Pharasaical. While I believe it is true that participation in such activities can lead to “bad association,” I don’t believe that such participation is bad association in and of itself. And, while it is true that one can find potential negatives in such activities (i.e. the “spirit of competition”), one can also see where they teach positive traits. Being in a band teaches discipline and teamwork. So does playing an organized sport. Not to mention what Lisa Bobeesa covered so well, allowing kids to discover and express who they are as individuals.

That’s all for now.

17

Questions and Answers

by Marvin Shilmer in

jw
friends

questions and answers.

should dissidence exist among dedicated jehovahs witnesses?

answer:.

Nicodemus

Anchor,

A quick thought for you:

The new TMS program, as I understand it, replaces what is now a 6-minute Bible Highlights in a talk format with a 9-minute version which includes audience participation.

It'll be interesting to see what that might open up.

11

Lot and His Daughters

by Nicodemus in

jw
friends

note: i wrote what follows this introductory paragraph some time back on the old h2o.

it may be of some interest here, in view of discussions on the read gods word the holy bible daily thread.

the poster known as friend had also participated on this old h2o thread, which will explain the references to his name.

Nicodemus

Marvin,

Just a quick one, for now.

I always appreciate your comments. No apologies of any sort are needed.

Nicodemus

11

Lot and His Daughters

by Nicodemus in

jw
friends

note: i wrote what follows this introductory paragraph some time back on the old h2o.

it may be of some interest here, in view of discussions on the read gods word the holy bible daily thread.

the poster known as friend had also participated on this old h2o thread, which will explain the references to his name.

Nicodemus

NOTE: I wrote what follows this introductory paragraph some time back on the “old” H2O. It may be of some interest here, in view of discussions on the “Read God’s Word the Holy Bible Daily” thread. The poster known as “Friend” had also participated on this old H2O thread, which will explain the references to his name.

I've been following this discussion with great interest, and this latest thread got me to go back and look at the account carefully. To be honest, I have had the same question as to the propriety of Lot offering his daughters.

In reviewing the context of the account (I started at the beginning of Genesis 18), there is another thought that occurred to me:

In the course of an angelic visit, Jehovah brings up the subject of Sodom and Gomorrah. We read in the record of that conversation the following:

Genesis 18:20-21
20 Consequently Jehovah said: "The cry of complaint about Sod'om and Go·mor'rah, yes, it is loud, and their sin, yes, it is very heavy. 21 I am quite determined to go down that I may see whether they act altogether according to the outcry over it that has come to me, and, if not, I can get to know it."

Abraham then pleads with Jehovah to save the city if a certain number of righteous men can be found. He negotiates the number with Jehovah, starting with 50. The account reads that, because of Abraham's pleading (and we must remember that Abraham is referred to in the Bible as "Jehovah's friend"), Jehovah ultimately declares that Sodom will be spared if even 10 righteous men can be found.

The account next tells us that the two men, who it indicates were in fact materialized angels, enter Sodom. Abraham's nephew, Lot, invites them to stay at his home. What happens next is the subject of debate on this entire thread.

Let's review the sequence, as Friend outlined it:

Genesis 19:4-5
4 Before they could lie down, the men of the city, the men of Sod'om, surrounded the house, from boy to old man, all the people in one mob. 5 And they kept calling out to Lot and saying to him: "Where are the men who came in to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may have intercourse with them."

Thus, while the entire group is still in the house, the men (and apparently boys as well, the Bible does not indicate a specific age) demand that the "men" visiting Lot be brought out to them.

Genesis 19:6-8
6 Finally Lot went out to them to the entrance, but he shut the door behind him. 7 Then he said: "Please, my brothers, do not act badly. 8 Please, here I have two daughters who have never had intercourse with a man. Please, let me bring them out to YOU. Then do to them as is good in YOUR eyes. Only to these men do not do a thing, because that is why they have come under the shadow of my roof."

Lot exits the house, closes the door behind him, and makes his plea, including the offer of his daughters.

Now, here's my observation. I believe that this event has to be taken in context with Jehovah's expressed willingness to spare the city if even 10 righteous men can be found. The account in Genesis 18 states that the two "men" had departed for Sodom prior to Abraham having his conversation with Jehovah. Thus, I suppose it could be argued that they had no direct way of knowing of Abraham's negotiation with Jehovah, neither would Lot necessarily have known about this. However, that argument would discount the operation of holy spirit, or Jehovah being able to maneuver matters.

I believe it is possible that Lot's statements could have been directed by Jehovah, as part of his test to determine whether there were, in fact, even 10 righteous men in the city.

What response did Lot's offer evoke?

Genesis 19:9
9 At this they said: "Stand back there!" And they added: "This lone man came here to reside as an alien and yet he would actually play the judge. Now we are going to do worse to you than to them." And they came pressing heavily in on the man, on Lot, and were getting near to break in the door.

Interestingly, the Bible record describes the men, not as being intrigued by Lot's offer, but actually becoming incensed at Lot's refusal to supply the men to them, as they requested. It's as if they said, "excuse me, but we're making the demands around here!" Next, the account records, the men's demands turned physical in nature, as they "pressed heavily" on Lot, and were "getting near to break in the door."

At this point, the angels, who until now have taken no active role, exert their influence, and intervene.

Genesis 19:10-11
10 So the men thrust out their hands and brought Lot in to them, into the house, and they shut the door. 11 But they struck with blindness the men who were at the entrance of the house, from the least to the greatest, so that they were wearing themselves out trying to find the entrance.

Yes, the angels apparently physically opened the door, retrieved Lot while keeping the mob out, and shut the door. What an amazing experience that must have been for Lot and his family! The Bible also does not record any conversation that may have been taking place inside the house as Lot was taking his stand outside. We don't know what reassurances the angels may have given Lot's family, specifically his daughters.

Apparently, though, this was enough to once and for all settle the issue of whether there were 10 righteous men in Sodom. Why can this be said? Well, the next verses convey finality, a decision having been reached.

Genesis 19:12-13
12 Then the men said to Lot: "Do you have anyone else here? Son-in-law and your sons and your daughters and all who are yours in the city, bring out of the place! 13 For we are bringing this place to ruin, because the outcry against them has grown loud before Jehovah, so that Jehovah sent us to bring the city to ruin."

Yes, it was at this point that the angels specifically instructed Lot and his family to get out. For, as they said, "we are bringing this place to ruin."

I agree with Friend on this one. I believe that, if you take the time to examine the account carefully, and in context, it does not offer a valid reason for disagreeing with Peter's statement that Lot was, indeed, "a righteous man."

In fact, when examined carefully, and when one considers how the angels rescued Lot and his family, this account actually gives a basis for confidence in what Peter says next:

2 Peter 2:9
Jehovah knows how to deliver people of godly devotion out of trial

Yes, as I outlined above, at the precise moment the question of whether 10 righteous men existed in Sodom was clarified, Jehovah, through his angelic representatives, stepped in and "delivered [Lot and his family] out of trial.

41

Read God's Word the Holy Bible Daily

by Nicodemus in

jw
friends

for decades now, those words have appeared atop one of the watchtower societys buildings in new york city.. that exhortation may never have been more needed by jehovahs people themselves than it is today.

recent posts have asked good questions regarding what can or will sustain individual jehovahs witnesses who do truly love god, but who may be disheartened by various things they have seen in the organization.. it is clear to me that many witnesses spend far more time reading the societys publications than gods word itself.

one reason sometimes given is that the preparation and research has already been done for you, thus making it easier.

Nicodemus

To All:

I appreciate the comments in reply to my post. I’m not going to go into great depth with replies in certain areas, because I think they divert from the intent of what I wrote.

As I said above:

The impetus for me writing that piece was a recent post by Metatron where he disussed the potential for deep depression, and even possibly suicidal tendencies, from some JWs.

However, I will make a couple of brief comments in response:

bjc2012
I can certainly sympathize with a lot of what you wrote, and see your viewpoint. I will tell you, however, that I don’t agree with all of it.

For example, my view of the 1985 baptism question change differs somewhat from that of some. I’ve read many comments regarding “dedication to an organization.” However, from the w6/1/85, here is the wording of the two baptismal questions:

w85 6/1 30 Subjecting Ourselves to Jehovah by Dedication
The first question is:
On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?
The second is:
Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization?

Now, before I go any further, let me first clearly state that I like the two questions asked prior to 1985 better than I do the current questions. Since I myself was baptized prior to 1985, I answered “yes” to the “old” questions.

However, to be fair with respect to the “new” questions, I only see the word “dedication” used in the first question, clearly in connection with Jehovah. A comparison between the “old” and “new” questions makes it appear that the essence of the two “old” questions was essentially condensed to become the first of the two “new” questions. I will say that I would have liked to see, per Matthew 28:19, a reference to the holy spirit.

The second question asks whether the candidate clearly understands that their baptism identifies them as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Since there can be no disputing that their baptism does so identify them, simply asking them whether they understand that does not strike me as particularly heinous. Perhaps one of our astute ex-Bethelites can shed some more light on this issue. I suspect that there may have been legal reasons for this. I honestly don’t find it as offensive as some do.

Tina
I didn’t write my post to get into a discussion of every passage in the Bible, and my view of it. There are passages that I have just as hard a time understanding as anyone else. Please consider my explanation above as to the reason for my post.

With respect to your question, though, a Question From Readers in the w5/15/72 dealt with this issue. I think the answer given there is as good as anything I could share with you.

Also, if you look at my post carefully, you’ll notice that it wasn’t, per se, a defense of Lot. Rather, it was an attempt to show that Jehovah can value and work with a person, despite, or in spite of, what could be termed as “failures” on their part.

I think this agrees with the import of Romans 5:8

Romans 5:8
8 But God recommends his own love to us in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

41

Read God's Word the Holy Bible Daily

by Nicodemus in

jw
friends

for decades now, those words have appeared atop one of the watchtower societys buildings in new york city.. that exhortation may never have been more needed by jehovahs people themselves than it is today.

recent posts have asked good questions regarding what can or will sustain individual jehovahs witnesses who do truly love god, but who may be disheartened by various things they have seen in the organization.. it is clear to me that many witnesses spend far more time reading the societys publications than gods word itself.

one reason sometimes given is that the preparation and research has already been done for you, thus making it easier.

Nicodemus

Just a quick comment for now, I'll try to get back with more later.

The impetus for me writing that piece was a recent post by Metatron where he disussed the potential for deep depression, and even possibly suicidal tendencies, from some JWs. If you are sincere, having your faith shaken can be an almost overwhelming experience.

At the same time, such an experience can also drive you back to your Bible, in an attempt to understand what God truly wants of you. Certain portions, especially when read with an open mind, can serve to reassure and encourage a downhearted one. As I alluded to, it also gives one a basis for evaluating certain messages they constantly receive as JWs.