i everyone, this is my new and first post.
i have like 4 years reading all the stuff in this forum and i like it!!!!
thank you for all your information that helped me to get out from the jwland.
Welcome to the forum ironsnake656 and thanks for sharing.
Having been through an experience with the blood issue myself on 2 occasions, one of which involved my own child, I am so glad that common sense prevailed in this little girls case.
Many many lives have been unnesessarily lost because of this policy by the Watchtower. No other Christian denomination has such a policy. Even orthodox Jews allow for blood transfusions. That in itself speaks volumes
this is my second topic here.
sorry for this biiig post.
i would like to tell you guys about one of the things that bothered me most, despite of being something quite simple, but since it affected me directly, so.... well, being a ministerial servant, i knew the bad view the jw in general have towards beards.
Hi Ray Frankz
If you want to know why you went through your experience for simply growing a beard, here is an extract from jw.orgs Branch correspondence guidelines. Only elders are privy to these rules btw.
The following is the extract on clothing and grooming. Note: I have highlighted the main points in bold and italics. Enjoy
CLOTHING AND GROOMING
Clothing and grooming styles vary around the world. (g76 8/8 24-6; w66 12/1 735-6) The Bible, in giving sound counsel to Christian sisters, sets forth basic principles that should guide men and women in the Christian congregation as to appropriate clothing and grooming. Thus, the basic question to consider is whether a certain style would befit someone “professing to reverence God.” (1 Tim. 2:9, 10; w02 8/1 1719; w01 1/15 5) As ministers, we are under scrutiny, and therefore mere personal preference should not be the deciding factor. (1 Cor. 4:9; w75 8/15 499-501) Consideration should be given to the effect our clothing and grooming will have on the consciences of others, inside and outside the congregation. (g79 4/22 27-8; w73 3/1 137-40) Our choice of styles should reflect the fact that we represent Jehovah.—g98 8/8 20-1; w97 6/15 16-18; w88 8/15 17; w87 9/15 14-15.
It is not wise to look to the world for standards on the subject of clothing and grooming. The Bible itself sets out principles to guide Christians. Without making rigid rules or getting involved in giving yes or no answers, elders should recommend what is appropriate dress and grooming by explaining Bible principles. (w77 3/1 149-50; w72 4/1 222-4) Draw attention to these, and encourage the brothers to make their decisions accordingly.
Scriptural principles about appropriate dress and grooming
Modesty is a Scriptural requirement.
—Prov. 11:2; Mic. 6:8.
Married women wisely consider the wishes of their husbands.—1 Cor. 7:34; Eph. 5:22-24.
Minors should obey their parents (or guardians), submitting to their decisions.—Prov. 1:8, 9; Col. 3:20.
Consider the effect on the attitude of others toward the congregation and its activity.—1 Cor. 10:29, 31, 32; 2 Cor. 4:2; Jas. 2:2.
Personal cleanliness and neatness are desirable.—2 Cor. 7:1.
When replying to specific inquiries on clothing and grooming, the following references in our publications may be helpful. Provocative dress: w87 9/15 14-15; w75 8/15 499-501; w72 4/1 222-4. Hairstyles: w91 6/1 30-1; w91 3/15 30; w73 3/1 140-1; w69 2/15 11415; w68 3/15 191. Jewelry and cosmetics: w91 6/1 30-1; w91 3/15 30. The wearing of a beard: g79 4/22 27-8; w75 8/15 500-501; w73 3/1 13740. Body piercings and decorations:
g00 8/8 18-19; g00 3/22 11-13.
Wearing clothing of the opposite sex is not proper if it is done for immoral purposes or in order to deceive another person. (Deut. 22:5) But this does not prohibit all wearing of slacks, work pants, ski suits in winter, and so forth, on the part of women. —w84 7/15 24-5; g76 8/8 25-6; w72 11/1 671-2; see also SEXUAL CONDUCT.
Jehovah’s organization has provided suggestions in the publications on appropriate attire for Christian meetings,
CLOTHING AND GROOMING (Cont’d)
for the ministry, and for visiting branch homes.—w98 4/1 30; km 3/98 7; od 138.
It should not be necessary to establish a lot of rules to govern what is acceptable on the platform or in the field service, but if styles are extreme or cause offense or stumbling, appropriate counsel can be given.—w77 3/1 149-50; w75 4/1 219; w73 3/1 138-9; w72 4/1 222-4; km 2/69 7.
if you have ever wondered why jesus is always kept at the sidelines by the governing body, then watch this video.. sir anthony buzzard clarify's my own personal doubts and has helped me see exactly what jesus role is alongside the holy spirit.
for all christians searching for truth, this video is a must!.
just a side note.
Although an atheist now, i think this guy is a great speak and theologian. He's debate with two JW's over Jesus being Michael the archangel was brilliant (it's on youtube somewhere). I memorized his lines and use them with JWs
Hi pale emporer. Yes I saw that video. What I found interesting about their conversation was that the 2 witnesses sounded quite robotic in their efforts to explain. Anthony Buzzard easily tore their interpretation apart.
So, I think it's easier to see the JWs out of their santity halo there in the US than it is here in BR.
Hi Ray Frankz and welcome to the forum.
Yes, I think people are wising up much more in the US and Europe, particularly in the UK.
I would say however, that the internet has much to do with exposing the GB and their historical and changeable teachings and policies.
People like Anthony Buzzard help to bring about reason without dictating, something the GB seriously needs to learn and adopt.
if you have ever wondered why jesus is always kept at the sidelines by the governing body, then watch this video.. sir anthony buzzard clarify's my own personal doubts and has helped me see exactly what jesus role is alongside the holy spirit.
for all christians searching for truth, this video is a must!.
just a side note.
If you have ever wondered why Jesus is always kept at the sidelines by the Governing Body, then watch this video.
Sir Anthony Buzzard clarify's my own personal doubts and has helped me see exactly what Jesus role is alongside the Holy spirit. For all Christians searching for truth, this video is a must!
Just a side note. Anthony Buzzard clearly speaks with conviction which is really telling. Not only does his talk make complete sense, but anyone can clearly see he speaks from the heart. Compare this talk to a JW talk (especially on JW broadcasts) where many teachings don't make sense and talks DON'T appear to be coming from the heart ie no conviction.
Enjoy
very well put together!.
https://youtu.be/yyxg8klhtve.
Jehovah loves you
The Governing Body loves you
The Elders love you
Your parents love you
Have I missed someone 🤔
very well put together!.
https://youtu.be/yyxg8klhtve.
Question to the Governing Body. Multiple choice.
How old was 'the RANSOM' oh eh.... I mean our lord, saviour and King 'Jesus Christ' when he got baptized?
A/ 10
B/ 16
C/ 30
did anybody else notice in the convention drama when they went to the memorial the speaker called jesus "our lord and savior"?
when have you ever heard jws use that phrase?
christians, yes; jws, no..
What...........Lord and saviour?
Surely the speaker meant to say 'THE RANSOM'
i was raised a catholic from birth to age 15, that's when my dad started to study with some jw's that came to our door.
i was too young/ naive to notice how my lifelong friends were slowly being replaced with so called " outstanding spiritual youths".. anyway, there was randy and kevin, the sons of the po from the hall, everyone thought that they were the most spiritual people i could hang out with.
these guys taught me the fine points of :.
Lanceink
Man..it sounds like you had a blast lol 🙃
i am interested in getting people's thoughts on this.
on average 40 thousand people leave the organisation yearly for one reason or another.
the experiences all over the media are proof of this.
UischeBeing a Jehovah's Witness is mentioned one time in the Old Testament.
Being a witness for Jesus and or giving testimony about Jesus is mentioned in the book of John as a noun and verb 47 times and 30 more times in his epistles.
Apparently Neither god nor Jesus though it was important to have a clearly defined name.
How about changing their name to - Yhwh's Christian witnesses. That would of course be after they have normalised or reformed the organisation for the good of its members in line with the bible.
why do the gb stonewall individuals with legitimate questions.
for example, they refuse to speak to investagative journalists like trey bundy, unless they happen to get caught somewhere walking about in the street by chance.. i remember the panorama documentary 'suffer the little children' where the presenter tried to arrange an interview with one of the gb.
i can't remember if the gb either refused or simply didn't reply.
Hello, friends. I thought I'd let you know what it feels like to be on THIS side of the GB fence: we're scared. It's like this quote from the YPA book...
“Our teacher asked the class what we thought about evolution. I knew this was a perfect chance to share my faith. But I completely froze and said nothing. Afterward, I felt really bad.”—Jasmine.
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1102011141?q=always+ready&p=par
You see, we're so used to beingworshippedvalued by you dear friends, we just freeze if anyone dares to ask a logical question.
So, stay with us - just obey and you'll be blessed. One brother said "I would rather have Questions I cant answer, than Answers I cant question" , but where is he today? His name was Ray Franz and he was a GB member that DID do media interviews. Enough said...
Hey Tony.
Thanks ever so much for your incredibly enlightening answer.. You are so brave coming out of the closet (so to speak) and speaking your own mind. Like wow. Its such a privelage. I always knew there was a heart in there somewhere. I look so forward to your candid, open minded thoughts in future.
Best of luck 😋
UnshackleTheChains
