Vidqun

Vidqun

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Posts by Vidqun

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92
Chance or intelligent design?
by ExBethelitenowPIMA in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
cofty could you answer how the single cell came about by chance?.

i know the argument for complexity in nature says natural selection over billions of years but this could not explain the complexity of the single cell the building blocks of life?.
Vidqun

I asked ChatGPT a few questions. This is how it responded:

ChatGPT
09:02
Thank you! Is there anything else I can assist you with?
You
09:03
What about intelligent design? Any opinions?
ChatGPT
09:03
As an AI language model, I do not hold opinions, but here is what I can tell you about intelligent design.

Intelligent design is a theory that suggests that life and the universe are too complex to be explained solely by natural processes such as evolution, and therefore requires an intelligent agent or creator. This view is often associated with religious beliefs and is seen by many as an alternative to traditional scientific explanations.

The scientific community, however, generally does not accept intelligent design as a scientific theory because it is not testable, falsifiable, or based on empirical evidence. Instead, scientific theories rely on evidence-based explanations that can be tested and validated through experimentation.

In summary, intelligent design is a controversial topic that has been debated for many years. While some people believe in it, the scientific consensus is that it does not meet the criteria of a scientific theory.
You
09:50
If intelligent design does not qualify as scientific theory, how is it that the theory of evolution does?
ChatGPT
09:50
As an AI language model, I do not have personal beliefs, but I can provide information based on facts and scientific evidence.

Intelligent design is not considered a scientific theory because it relies on supernatural explanations and cannot be tested and falsified through empirical evidence. It lacks the essential elements of a scientific theory, such as predictability, explanatory power, and testability.

On the other hand, the theory of evolution is a scientific theory backed by vast amounts of empirical evidence from various fields of science, such as genetics, paleontology, and biogeography. It has undergone rigorous testing and peer-review from scientists worldwide and has predictive power to explain the diversity of life on earth.

In summary, a scientific theory needs to be based on empirical evidence and tested through scientific methods to qualify as scientific theory, and intelligent design does not meet these criteria.
You
09:52
No, there is a lot of aspects of evolution that cannot be proved. It's a case of peer pressure.
ChatGPT
09:52
As an AI language model, I have no personal opinion on this matter, but I can provide you with some information.

Evolution is a scientific theory that has been extensively studied and supported by various types of evidence, including but not limited to fossils, genetics, comparative anatomy, and biogeography. While some aspects of evolution may not be directly observed or proven beyond any doubt, the overall body of evidence strongly supports the theory of evolution.

Peer pressure, in the context of scientific research, refers to the influence of the scientific community on researchers to conform to accepted theories and methods. While peer pressure can play a role in shaping scientific research, it is ultimately the evidence that determines the validity of scientific theories, including evolution. If new evidence emerges that challenges the current understanding of evolution, scientists will need to revise their theories accordingly.

In summary, while not all aspects of evolution can be directly observed or proven, the overall weight of evidence supports the theory of evolution, and scientific research is guided by evidence rather than peer pressure.
92
Chance or intelligent design?
by ExBethelitenowPIMA in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
cofty could you answer how the single cell came about by chance?.

i know the argument for complexity in nature says natural selection over billions of years but this could not explain the complexity of the single cell the building blocks of life?.
Vidqun

I do like the complexity argument. The most detailed image of a cell to date using rendered data from radiography, nuclear magnetic resonance and cryoelectron microscopy. As the video brings out, in Darwin's time they had limited knowledge of the cell. It is possible to reconstruct aminoacids in a lab, but not possible to make twenty aminoacids and then to connect and fold them into proteins. For that one needs instructions as from the DNA in the nucleus. The instructions are transported by m-RNA to the ribosomes where these are implemented. This is an information and manufacturing system, equal to none. For that you need a designer, architect and engineer to put it all together. A simple explanation for a very complex phenomenon.
92
Chance or intelligent design?
by ExBethelitenowPIMA in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
cofty could you answer how the single cell came about by chance?.

i know the argument for complexity in nature says natural selection over billions of years but this could not explain the complexity of the single cell the building blocks of life?.
Vidqun

I enjoyed this discussion, up-to-date, examining the state of Darwinian evolution in the 21st century:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rXexaVsvhCM
12
things shelved, not looked into because of group think
by enoughisenough in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
here are some things i never really believed the jw taught...i just didn't really examine it closely.

i shelved it, so to speak, thinking no one is perfect and they know more than me...if i ever thought about it at all.. i never believed that only jws would be spared at armageddon.

i never believed the where in james, you went to the elders to confess being spiritually sick-always thought that referred to a real illness.
Vidqun

An example of this in my case, we were always reminded that we are the Egyptians that left with the Israelites. We are the foreign residents staying in Israel as "the other sheep." The anointed, as the "little flock," is Israel or the twelve tribes. But two scriptures bothered me. 1) "Jesus said to them, Truly I say to YOU, In the re-creation, when the Son of man sits down upon his glorious throne, YOU who have followed me will also yourselves sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Matt. 19:28 NWT). 2) "And I heard the number of those who were sealed, a hundred and forty-four thousand, sealed out of every tribe of the sons of Israel" (Rev. 7:4 NWT). Logical thinking points to Israel being all of God's followers, but group think kept my critical thinking in check. How can the GB and all the brothers be wrong?
61
Why are so many Jehovah’s Witnesses Angry and Rude?
by Vanderhoven7 in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
why do you think many jws are hostile and rude?

or is that just my imagination?.

mark jones writes: the vast majority of jehovah’s witnesses are nice people.
Vidqun

Sometimes people hold on to a core belief that is very strong. When they are presented evidence that works against that belief, the new evidence cannot be accepted. It would create a feeling that's extremely uncomfortable, called cognitive dissonance. As long as one stays within the limits of the instructions, you are acceptable. Debating is not allowed.
18
Does anyone actually believe that Russia blew up its own gas pipeline?
by slimboyfat in
1. social
2. current
the claim that russia blew up its own pipeline functions, whether intentionally or not, as a test of our collective intelligence, and it’s worrisome how many fail the test.

as a former pentagon official put it, “a child could tell you that doesn’t make sense”.

they talk a lot about russian propaganda and suppression of their media, which i don’t doubt for a minute.
Vidqun

The US qualifies as a terrorist state. It attacked and destroyed infrastructure of its allies. What a friend to have. Balloons and UFO sightings are distractions.
https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/nord-stream-sabotage-was-cia-us-navy-covert-op-seymour-hersh-bombshell-prompts-white
63
Jerusalem will be trampled by the nations until the Gentile Times are Fulfilled. — Luke 21:24
by Fisherman in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
jerusalem will be trampled by the nations until the gentile times are fulfilled.

— luke 21:24 .

the bible book of luke records jesus prophecy of the last day with his parousia including the verse about the gentile times.
Vidqun

Fisherman, I prefer Jesus' interpretation. Most attempt to pin Daniel’s prophecies to events during the reign of Antiochus IV Epiphanes. These follow the interpretation found in the book of Maccabees, one that Jesus rejected outright (cf. 1 Maccabees 1:54, 59; Matt. 24:15, 16). Jesus warned: When one catches sight of the disgusting thing that causes desolation, “standing in a holy place,” “standing where it ought not,” then let those in Judea begin fleeing to the mountains (cf. Matt. 24:15; Mark 13:14). The Maccabees did try their best to apply Daniel to their situation, but they failed and the Maccabean Dynasty would eventually be overthrown (cf. Dan. 11:14).
Disillusioned, another point. If earthly Jerusalem still featured in God's purpose, why is it necessary for a "New Jerusalem" to come down from heaven (Rev. 3:12; 21:2; 21:10)?
61
Why are so many Jehovah’s Witnesses Angry and Rude?
by Vanderhoven7 in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
why do you think many jws are hostile and rude?

or is that just my imagination?.

mark jones writes: the vast majority of jehovah’s witnesses are nice people.
Vidqun

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jebv0TuLqeg
Anthony Morris III gave a nasty little talk, concerning "apostates." He calls us "despicable." Here is a Beroean Pickets commentary, refuting his claims. But I do notice they are certainly becoming more militant as the days go by. Criticism is directed, not against worldly governments, not against Catholics. Protestants, Muslims, but "apostates." I also thought the Witnesses were the kindest people, that is until I started questioning their doctrines. It was like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I realized I never knew these double-sided, two-faced people. I was happy to be removed from them. Hypocrisy is not my thing. I prefer leaving the judgment to Jesus.
63
Jerusalem will be trampled by the nations until the Gentile Times are Fulfilled. — Luke 21:24
by Fisherman in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
jerusalem will be trampled by the nations until the gentile times are fulfilled.

— luke 21:24 .

the bible book of luke records jesus prophecy of the last day with his parousia including the verse about the gentile times.
Vidqun

Disillusioned, I cannot fault your historical account. I do differ with you as to your interpretation of events. Jerusalem used to be the capital of unified Israel, later of Judah-Benjamin. It housed Jehovah’s temple on Mount Moriah (2 Chron. 3:1), and the throne of David on Mount Zion (1 Kings 8:1; 2 Chron. 5:2). Thus, Jerusalem would symbolize theocratic government on earth. After the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians, the Davidic line of kings would be interrupted. After the destruction of the temple by the Romans, earthly Jerusalem would lose its significance. Since its demise in 70 CE, the name Jerusalem would take on a figurative meaning. The functions of the city would be transferred. The writer of Hebrews set Mount Zion, i.e., “heavenly Jerusalem,” as a goal for anointed Christians to strive for (Hebr. 12:22).
63
Jerusalem will be trampled by the nations until the Gentile Times are Fulfilled. — Luke 21:24
by Fisherman in
1. watchtower
2. beliefs
jerusalem will be trampled by the nations until the gentile times are fulfilled.

— luke 21:24 .

the bible book of luke records jesus prophecy of the last day with his parousia including the verse about the gentile times.
Vidqun

Very interesting observations, Jeffro. As you have discovered we do differ as to interpretation. Here's why:
Daniel was written in the 2nd century BCE.
The above is easy to refute, but this is not the time or place. Suffice to say, Ezekiel had a high regard for Daniel (cf. Ezek.14:14, 20; 28:3).
[Modern scholars view this Daniel as Ugartitic hero named Dan’el, whose life story is narrated in the legend of Aqḥat (dating from about the fifteenth century B.C.).” However, Dan’el was an idol-worshiper, a drunken party goer, contemplating murderous revenge. Ezekiel, a zealous prophet and the son of a priest, would never have used a Baal-worshiper as a paragon of righteousness and purity.]
The author of Daniel refers to oppression by Antiochus IV.
And all the way to the Prince of the army it put on great airs, and from him the constant [feature] was taken away, and the established place of his sanctuary was thrown down. (Dan. 8:11 NWT)

And the people of the prince who is to come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. (Dan. 9:26 ESV)
Would you be so kind as pointing me to a historical or reference work where Antiochus is responsible for destruction of the city and the sanctuary. If so, then I’ll also apply it to Antiochus. While you’re busy with that, apply the following to Antiochus’ life. As far as I know, such a battle never took place and Antiochus died of illness. Place: Fars Province, Iran, somewhat far removed from Israel (Wiki). That's why I exclude Antiochus here.
40 "At the time of the end, the king of the south shall attack him, but the king of the north shall rush upon him like a whirlwind, with chariots and horsemen, and with many ships. And he shall come into countries and shall overflow and pass through.
41 He shall come into the glorious land. And tens of thousands shall fall, but these shall be delivered out of his hand: Edom and Moab and the main part of the Ammonites.
42 He shall stretch out his hand against the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape.
43 He shall become ruler of the treasures of gold and of silver, and all the precious things of Egypt, and the Libyans and the Cushites shall follow in his train.
44 But news from the east and the north shall alarm him, and he shall go out with great fury to destroy and devote many to destruction.
45 And he shall pitch his palatial tents between the sea and the glorious holy mountain. Yet he shall come to his end, with none to help him. (Dan. 11:40-45 ESV)
The ‘times of the gentiles’ began with the Roman response to the Jewish revolt in 66CE and culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem in 70CE. Revelation 11 explicitly gives the duration as 3.5 years.
The temple was destroyed by the Romans. At least we ca agree on that. In the NT interpretation of the the new temple is somewhat different to what many expect. The new temple, as well as courtyard, would consist of living stones, i.e., individuals belonging to the Israel of God (Gal. 6:15, 16; cf. 1 Cor. 3:16, 17; 2 Cor. 6:16; Eph. 2:21, 22).
As a descendant of Jeconiah, Jesus would not have the legal right to be king (Jeremiah 22:28-30)
There are three possible solutions to this difficulty. First, the “offspring” of Jeconiah mentioned in the curse could be a limited reference to the king’s own children—his immediate offspring, in other words. On a related note, the phrase “in his lifetime” could apply to the entire verse. The curse would only be in force while the king lived. This is exactly what happened, as Jeconiah was not successful as a king (he only reigned for three months before he surrendered to Nebuchadnezzar’s forces), and none of his sons (he had seven of them, 1 Chron. 3:17, 18) reigned over Judah.

A second solution concerns the virgin birth. Jesus only had one human parent, Mary. His mother was of David’s line, but not through Jeconiah (Luke 3:31). Joseph was Jesus’ legal father, but not His physical one. Thus, Jesus was of royal blood through Mary, but the curse of Jeconiah stopped with Joseph and was not passed on to Jesus.

A third possible solution is that God reversed the curse on Jeconiah’s family. This is hinted at by the prophet Haggai, who told Zerubbabel, Jeconiah’s grandson, that God would make him a “signet ring” on God’s hand (Haggai 2:23). Zerubbabel was blessed by God as the governor of Judea, and he prospered in that role when the Jewish exiles returned to Jerusalem. The “signet ring” imagery of Jeconiah’s curse is repeated in Zerubbabel’s blessing, which must be more than coincidence. Several rabbinic sources teach that Jeconiah repented in Babylon and that God forgave him and lifted the curse.
“Jehoiachin’s sad experiences changed his nature entirely, and as he repented of the sins which he had committed as king he was pardoned by God, who revoked the decree to the effect that none of his descendants should ever become king (Jer. xxii.30; Pesik., ed. Buber, xxv. 163a, b): he even became the ancestor of the Messiah (Tan., Toledot, 20 [ed. Buber, i. 140]).” Jewish Encyclopedia –Louis Ginzberg, “Jehoiachin,” vol. 7 p. 84.
The following article discusses the Jewish view and Rabbinical quotes, which I found to be interesting.
https://jewsforjesus.org/answers/the-problem-of-the-curse-on-jeconiah-in-relation-to-the-genealogy-of-jesus