@DDog
@FTF
check your inbox for PM
during the last three to four months, i have spent a great deal of time sinking my teeth into various critical biblical commentaries and lexicons.
naturally, after beginning to research "the truth about the truth" one of the most commonplace yet controversial arguments revolve around the "gentile times" doctrine (i.e.
the application of the seven times of daniel 4 from 607 b.c.e.
@DDog
@FTF
check your inbox for PM
during the last three to four months, i have spent a great deal of time sinking my teeth into various critical biblical commentaries and lexicons.
naturally, after beginning to research "the truth about the truth" one of the most commonplace yet controversial arguments revolve around the "gentile times" doctrine (i.e.
the application of the seven times of daniel 4 from 607 b.c.e.
WMF / CofC
Let’s be real. Several people can get under the skin with rants. What happens when they rant? They sputter a bit, people ignore them, then they go away till their next rant. So they’re tolerated. FTF (aka whatever) is a brash eccentric. But, what make him intolerable is his argumentsare are cogent. He makes you think. Something the JW GB also fears the most.
Ignore FTF and he will go away. Instead of being knee-jerk, folks should acknowledge if his arguments have merit or not. Secure people should make their augment strong, one way or the other, and then move on. Others of us can weight both sides and make an intelligent decision. Remember, it’s OK if someone does not agree with your argument. Also, over time positions can change. It’s call growing.
I believe his brashness signal that he has some inferiority issues. But, his skills are a valuable asset, a beneficial data resource with time to rearch. Worst case scenario with him? We simply agree to disagree, next subject.
One more thought: FTF does not run in JW status quo circles. He’s a uncontrollable loose cannon that’s tangential somehow, non-threatening to JW mainstream intelligentsia. Otherwise he would an ex-JW. Bet’cha. Brash loose canons are way too risky.
during the last three to four months, i have spent a great deal of time sinking my teeth into various critical biblical commentaries and lexicons.
naturally, after beginning to research "the truth about the truth" one of the most commonplace yet controversial arguments revolve around the "gentile times" doctrine (i.e.
the application of the seven times of daniel 4 from 607 b.c.e.
@Omaly/Jeffro
Great discussion!
I do feel cheated that it ended without getting to 607. Most forums allow arguments till both sides have made their case respectfully. I don't understand why this forum is so paralyzed by fear. It's like I'm still at the KH being fed measured scoops of pablum. This is indication that the dominant spirit of the forum is insecure. The JW GB has this identical phobia sickness.
Remember the Dark Ages cleric morbid hysteria with Galileo?
@Dog
Who appointed you to be kindergarten referee? Your presumptuousness is amazing. Are you the resident preeminent sage leading the flock?
during the last three to four months, i have spent a great deal of time sinking my teeth into various critical biblical commentaries and lexicons.
naturally, after beginning to research "the truth about the truth" one of the most commonplace yet controversial arguments revolve around the "gentile times" doctrine (i.e.
the application of the seven times of daniel 4 from 607 b.c.e.
FTF, I’m secure in my Christian belief. I’m looking forward to your post. JWs taught me an important lesson:
Don’t waste your life being a lemming; ALWAYS accept the challenge of well
conceived thoughts. Core beliefs affirmed or cognitive dissonance lessons
is all good—either way it’s a win-win.
EVERYONE should want to know under testing as to whether their beliefs are fact or fiction. Spiritual truth and proven science alongside empirical archeology and history data is all compatible.
What would happen if you grilled your GB, as is your habit, over any of their untenable positions? It is just a matter of time; you WILL drop into your interrogation mode correcting some “truth”, heard by a Praetorian Guard elder, and you’ll be gone (per Franz/Dunlap).
The JW Rutherford’s model of Christianity is not where you want to be. The Beorean openness suits you more. Christianity’s greatness is due to “faithful” individuals. Earthly organizations have all been failures. Join those of us stamped as “faithful.” We will be appointed over much.
during the last three to four months, i have spent a great deal of time sinking my teeth into various critical biblical commentaries and lexicons.
naturally, after beginning to research "the truth about the truth" one of the most commonplace yet controversial arguments revolve around the "gentile times" doctrine (i.e.
the application of the seven times of daniel 4 from 607 b.c.e.
FTF, I’m secure in my Christian belief. I’m looking forward to your post. JWs taught me an important lesson:
Don’t waste your life being a lemming; ALWAYS accept the challenge of well
conceived thoughts. Core beliefs affirmed or cognitive dissonance lessons
is all good—either way it’s a win-win.
EVERYONE should want to know under testing as to whether their beliefs are fact or fiction. Spiritual truth and proven science alongside empirical archeology and history data is all compatible.
What would happen if you grilled your GB, as is your habit, over any of their untenable positions? It is just a matter of time; you WILL drop into your interrogation mode correcting some “truth”, heard by a Praetorian Guard elder, and you’ll be gone (per Franz/Dunlap).
The JW Rutherford’s model of Christianity is not where you want to be. The Beorean openness suits you more. Christianity’s greatness is due to “faithful” individuals. Earthly organizations have all been failures. Join those of us stamped as “faithful.” We will be appointed over much.
having just finished reading the gtr (4th edition), i've compiled my notes and observations and am composing a comprehensive review/analysis of many sections.
so my question: would anyone be interested in reading and/or participating in a discussion about a number of jonnson's viewpoint?
be assured, it will be of substantial merit and not the typical superficial and remiss arguments you perhaps expect from someone who is a jw.. .
FTF, I'm very interested in your posts. JWs taught me a great lesson:
Don’t waste your life being a lemming; ALWAYs accept the challenge of
well-conceived thoughts. It will expose your own beliefs as either weak
or strong.
Challenges affirming Core beliefs or cognitive dissonance humility are all good—either way it’s a win-win.
The God or truth is never going to penalize ANYONE (or organization, even your Dark Ages GB) for acquiring more truth. Spiritual truth (uncontaminated by Hellenized philosophy or ideological fantasies) and proven science as well as historic empirical data, etc., is all compatible.
Your tone is a bit off putting.
You agree to learn humility, I’ll promise to take your arguments seriously.
Deal? You have an audience of at least one.
the purpose of the christian era is to moves descendent of adam into the family of jesus, the "last adam eternal father.
" 1co 15:45; isa 9:6 so, the christian order is familial, it is about jesus' family pleasing the father.. .
this is why jesus is the center piece of the nt greek text.
There is therefore no real distinction between the makeup of the three entities of Rev.7, a) the 12 tribes of the Israel of God, the Christian congregation, b) the 144 000 that are sealed from among them, destined for heaven and c) the great crowd. The distinctive feature of the great crowd is its disorganized state after having come out of the great tribulation.
So, both of you believe: a, b, c, are essentially the same, destined for heaven?
the purpose of the christian era is to moves descendent of adam into the family of jesus, the "last adam eternal father.
" 1co 15:45; isa 9:6 so, the christian order is familial, it is about jesus' family pleasing the father.. .
this is why jesus is the center piece of the nt greek text.
@prologos
The little flock was the small nr. of disciples in Jesus' day ,
Hmmmmmm… interesting points. I’ll take a closer look…
@yadda
Very interesting QC,
“If you know that he is righteous, you gain the knowledge that EVERYONE who practices righteousness has been born from him [God].” 1Jn 2:29 NWT “His own did not receive him... Yet ALL who receive him... believe in his name, he gave the right 2 to become children (sons AV ) of God.” Jn 1:11-13 NIV
2 exousia G1849 : privilege, capacity, freedom, mastery, control; from exesti G1832 —in the sense of ability;
i.e. God extends to each offspring of Adam the ability to CHOOSE to be “born anew” into the family of Jesus;
Adam descendants can accept or reject this life reprieve from Adamic death.
@Phizzy
obvious references to the divinity of Christ.
Of course divinity is not to be confused with equality with the Father.
“Us…you may become participants of the divine nature.” 2Pe 1:4
the purpose of the christian era is to moves descendent of adam into the family of jesus, the "last adam eternal father.
" 1co 15:45; isa 9:6 so, the christian order is familial, it is about jesus' family pleasing the father.. .
this is why jesus is the center piece of the nt greek text.
@trujw
JW's make much of calling God Jehovah as if somehow this makes them better
Great insight, you are on to something.
Trinitarians and JWs represent opposite sides of the same coin. Arch theological enemies with one another, but each in their own way are a trafficker in spiritual ruin, clashing with the Father and the Son false theology. Both customize the Bible accommodate their own theological agendas. This makes them members of the antichrist crowd, "evil" masquerading in a Christian disguise. Mat 23:15; 2Th 2:3-8; Ac 20:29-30
the purpose of the christian era is to moves descendent of adam into the family of jesus, the "last adam eternal father.
" 1co 15:45; isa 9:6 so, the christian order is familial, it is about jesus' family pleasing the father.. .
this is why jesus is the center piece of the nt greek text.
The purpose of the Christian era is to moves descendent of Adam into the family of Jesus, the "last Adam eternal father." 1Co 15:45; Isa 9:6 So, the Christian order is familial, it is about Jesus' family pleasing the Father.
This is why Jesus is the center piece of the NT Greek text. He is God's reconciliation solution for the alienated family of the first "son of God" on earth, Adam." Lu 3:38 His mission to earth carries his teachable righteous orientation originating in the righteous culture surrounding God. Conspicuously, God's realm has a familial aura of dignity wherein God is addressed lovingly as "Father" and "Abba Father." This etiquette of "Abba Father" devotion is dominant (akin to our Papa or Daddy), and is why formal name Jehovah1 is not a feature of the Christian Scriptures. Mt 23:9 The Christian narrative cast in this intimate family culture of adoration and righteousness is detail guidelines for all destined to be Christian "born anew" sons of God, resolving the absent sons of God failure by Adam. Ga 3:26; Ro 8:14, 19; Mt 5:9
This brings the importance of Jesus' emphatic dialog with Nicodemus into sharper focus. Jn 3:3-11 "Born anew" means, one receives a spiritual rebirth (sprinkled clean water...and you will be clean" and "a new heart and...new spirit" Eze 36:25-27 cleansing "from a guilty conscience." He 10:22 into the family of Jesus. Thus, ALL true disciples of Jesus receive this spiritual righteous pedigree, i.e. a born anew spirit "anointing." "Born again" and spirit "anointing" are synonymous.
The Rutherford understanding of "born again" is not just wrong, it's "evil." It's an attempt to diminish the purpose of what it means to be "born again" for ALL Christians. It seeks to reduce the unique Christian population, those with a "born again" righteous pedigree. It's a veiled defamation of "the Son;" as is the JW obsession to insert Jehovah in the NT, an attempt to cloud of the "glorification" of the Son. Jn 13:31
Bottom line: The Memorial is a celebration for ALL righteous disciples of Jesus. The "little flock" and the "great multitude" have the same righteous born anew pedigree. And, just as the 12 apostles is a fixed number, the "little flock" is a fixed number. The Father makes the call on heavenly "Levite" assignments. Mt 20:23; Mk 10:37 They are selected from among the pool of born anew righteous Christians, in the same way the apostles were selected from among born anew righteous Christians.