... all right, folks.
venice is calling in the heavy artillery.
i also have mafia connections who are not named guido, but knee-cap charlie and sal the stiletto.
Ven,
Being a newbie and all I would like to be one of the first to apologize for bringing your post to the top.
It is one of those things that usually happens to me and I really loved the shoe being on someone else's foot.
I'm sorry if it was carried too far please accept!
i wish to conduct a legitimate poll, or at least as legitimate as it can get on this forum.
unless you are or were a jw, please do not respond or make comments.
please simply give an answer, without extended comments.
To the top!
i had long talk with my mom the other day, she called me and wanted to discuss the org and the things i didn't believe in.
i will spare you most of the convo, but a few things "clicked" as i spoke to her.
maybe i have been away for so long i can't clearly remember all of the teachings, but she did agree with a few things i brought up.
Hello Wendy,
I enjoyed your post. I so know where you are right now. I haven't had the discussion with my MOM yet, I know one day it is to come.
My Mother came out of a catholic religion she had problems with some of the doctrines.
I have come to the conclusion that doctrine is the only thing that separates one religion from another. Instead of doctrine they should concentrate on teaching love.
In all religions you are taught that your religion is the true religion. What is religion?
(1) : the service and worship of God or the supernatural (2) : commitment or devotion to religious faith or observance
2 : a personal set or institutionalized system of religious attitudes, beliefs, and practices
3 archaic : scrupulous conformity : CONSCIENTIOUSNESS
4 : a cause, principle, or system of beliefs held to with ardor and faith
The above was taken from the dictionary. Not once does it mention love.
What was the message that Jesus taught. LOVE!
If you truly practice it you will always think twice before hurting others verbal, emotionally, & physically.
Back to doctrines:
1 a : something held as an established opinion; especially : a definite authoritative tenet b : a code of such tenets <pedagogical dogma> c : a point of view or tenet put forth as authoritative without adequate grounds
2 : a doctrine or body of doctrines concerning faith or morals formally stated and authoritatively proclaimed by a church
So you see doctrines doesn't mean squat.
To believe in one doctrines, does it really change anything? Does it change our relationship with Jehovah, Jesus or others?
It is only a difference in opinion.
reminds me of a quote:
Opinions are like assholes everyone has one and no-one gives a damn
Same thing with doctrines. Difference of opinion.
All religions are suppose to teach love. But most are taught they are the only ones that are right, therefore they are the only ones that deserve everlasting whatever.
Love? only conditional not true love. Conform or die. Just like the Jewish religious leaders use to teach yet they were condemned by Jesus Why? They practiced no love only opinions.
You asked your mother to do research.
She has time now, and has the ability to get info from public library. I asked her if she did this and still truly felt this was the right org, then I too would reconsider, and start studying again.
Maybe this is something that could be done together. Do you live close by?
If you were to study again is it really going to make a difference?
Yes, the above is my opinion and we all know what opinions are.
Wendy, please keep us posted . There are so many of us going through this.
To Simon, You have really done a wonderful thing here! What a wonderful meeting place and support system. Thanks!
i have been trying to make points with some in my congregation by dropping neutral hints, such as: did you know since 1985 we (they) do not baptize in the name of the father, the son, and the holy spirit but we have taken holy spirit out of the process and placed the spirit directed organization into the picture?.
i told several on their way to the convention to look for this as well as the emphasis in the drama on loyalty to the organization.
i havent been to the convention this year but may have to persevere through one more because two folks came back telling me they did not hear any emphasis on organization.
When our PO read a letter the other week he started off by saying the "WBTS" then chuckled and said no they changed it to "Christian Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses".
I was not surprised because of some info I had just read on the net.
Absolutely no one caught it.
Maybe the're leaving the name "organization" out because it is not as descriptive as 'those appointed by Jehovah', 'God's appointed servants', the faithful and discreet slave', The other titles re-direct our thinking that they are the direct link from Jehovah, and not a generic man-made imperfect org.
i have been missing in action for 6.5 years.
i moved 55 miles away.
a couple of weekends ago, two elders (in suits) from my old cong.
Erin,
You could always answer any questions with: "Would you like a hot apple pie or fries with that".
Trick, you have to keep a straight face.
Good luck!
what is the spiritual paradise and when did it come into exitence?.
what did george gangas say about it?
Anyway I just would like a little more, I don't know, I guess just a little more imput so I can understand what your point is thats all.
Wiltshire,
Don't you realize you left poor Fred open for someone to say something like:
"The only point Fred has is on the top of his head" Please do try to be careful in future postings. LOL
hey those arab dudes are way ahead......they can divorce by text message!.
a husband in dubai has had his text message divorce validated by a court - but he's changed his mind.. the husband sent the mobile message: "why are you late?
you are divorced.
I think Fred Hall should apply for the experiment,
He is always full of hot air among other things.
by popular demand, i am yielding to pressure, to tell a story about our very own veniceit.. in march, venice and her parents were visiting us here in washington state, and we all had dinner at our daughter's home one evening.
(my daughter posts here as princess) princess's son, 4 years old, was quite taken with venice and was showing her around the house.
he was going up the stairs ahead of her, and turned around, face first at her rather, ummm, er, ample?
Venice,
I was wondering if you had noticed that this thread has been read 1369 times. Has anyone else noticed?
Three little boys were concerned because they couldn't get anyone
to play with them...they decided it was because they had not been baptized
and didn't go to Sunday School. So they went to the nearest church. Only the
custodian was there.
One said, "We need to be baptized because no one will come
out and play with us. Will you baptize us?'
So he took them into the bathroom and dunked their heads in the
toilet bowl one at a time. He said, "Now go out and play."
When they got outside, dripping wet, the oldest one asked,
What religion do you think we are?
We're not Katlick, because they pour the water."
We're not Babdist because they dunk all of you."
We're not Methdiss because they just sprinkle you."
The littlest one said, "Can't you tell by the smell of that
baptismal water what we are?.....Why, we're Pisscopalians
i have been lurking for a while and thought it time to post.. i am aware of many of the names from the old h2o days and it is a. pleasure to see you again.. briefly, i come from south africa.
stepped aside as an elder 3 years.
ago and am still 'associated' for the sake of my family, but inactive.
Hello fellow lurker,
I am also new.
I introduced myself the other day with the I confess! thread.
I am really glad I started to post. I think you will enjoy it here.
I look forward to hearing some of your stories and comments.
