When you are forced to beg Jehovah for help and forgiveness, you realize how much you need him.”
Stockholm syndrome much? How can anyone read this and not think something is not right.
during the last decade i've seen so many articles, and top speakers try to downplay that nfb policy.
now, this weeks wt study mentions a positive experience of someone applying having, "contact and applying nfb with a df relative".
When you are forced to beg Jehovah for help and forgiveness, you realize how much you need him.”
Stockholm syndrome much? How can anyone read this and not think something is not right.
hello brothers and sisters and truth seekers,.
i am an active jehovah's witness.
i don't believe in 1914 and i'm tototally against their way of dealing with abuse cases.
Data dog the bible is easy to understand. What makes it difficult to understand is the customs of men we've allowed in our lives.
Every Bible believer says the same thing. Yet there are a million different interpretations of bible teaching, each appearing logical, evident and "easy" to the respective interpreter.
it seems they sold the brooklyn headquarters building for $340 million.
this according the an article here.
i have argued with several jws who are now being trained to deny the org ever said the end in 75, what is your approach?.
They try to get away with claiming that they never really said specifically that the end would come in 1975, instead always bouncing around with words along the lines of: "...will the end come on that date? it could, it could.." or "...6000 year mark of creation is on 1975, that's all we are saying". However, they knew quite well what they were implying with such statements.
Personally, I would just let the publications speak for themselves. Gather up some quotes and print them. Heck, even the WT itself had to admit that it was responsible for arousing "considerable expectation" for the year 1975 (Watchtower 1980 Mar 15 p.17
)
what follows is my critique of the two final study articles from the november 2016 watchtower.
the articles titles are: "called out of the darkness" and "they broke free from false religion".. article: called out of the darkness.
parr 1. in 607 b.c.e., a massive babylonian army under the command of king nebuchadnezzar ii invaded the city of jerusalem.. .
What follows is my critique of the two final study articles from the November 2016 Watchtower. The articles titles are: "Called out of the darkness" and "They broke free from false religion".
ARTICLE: CALLED OUT OF THE DARKNESS
Parr 1
IN 607 B.C.E., a massive Babylonian army under the command of King Nebuchadnezzar II invaded the city of Jerusalem.
-Off to a bad start. Historical evidence shows that this event likely took place on 587 b.c.e.
Parr 6 - Under the heading "IS THERE A MODERN-DAY PARALLEL?"
Have Christians ever experienced anything comparable to the Babylonian captivity? For many years, this journal suggested that God’s modern-day servants entered into Babylonian captivity in 1918 and that they were released from Babylon in 1919. However, for the reasons that we shall outline in this article and in the one following, a reexamination of the subject was necessary.
-"Modern Day Parallels?" I thought they weren't doing that anymore unless explicitly indicated in scripture. This according to the March 2015 Watchtower Question from Reader Article which mentioned: "However, even where the Bible indicates that someone is a type of
someone else, we should not conclude that every detail or incident in
the life of the type is a picture of something greater".
Parr 7
On the basis of what they read in the Bible, some among them rejected the unscriptural creeds of the church, but it was dangerous—even fatal—to express such opinions openly.
Parr 11
Any dissent from what the church taught was severely punished. Faithful anointed servants of God had to meet together in discreet groups—if they could meet at all
-Similarly, Jehovah's Witnesses that openly question Watchtower creeds based on "what they read in the Bible" are at risk of being "severely punished" with excommunication, a punishment where they are mercilessly and completely cutoff from family, friends and loved ones.
Parr 13
The second notable factor was the decision by a few courageous men at the dawn of the 16th century to translate God’s Word into the languages spoken by the common people. Many translators undertook this work at the risk of their lives. The church was horrified. A Bible in the hands of a God-fearing man or woman could be a dangerous weapon—or so the church leaders feared! And as the Bible became available, people did read it. As they read, they asked questions: [...] From the point of view of the church, this was an outrage. How dare the multitudes question church leaders! The church fought back. Men and women were condemned for heresy because they rejected teachings of the church
-The internet has had a similar effect in our days. Concrete and reasonable counter-arguments to WT doctrine have become widespread and easy to access. The result has been a marked slowdown in growth within developed countries, as well as an increase in member exits.
Parr 14
Many who thirsted for Bible truth fled to countries where the influence of the church was less pervasive. They wanted to read and study and converse with one another without being told what to think.
-JWs are constantly told "what to think" when it comes to matters in faith and even everyday life. "Independent thinking" is discouraged and framed as a "worldly trait".
ARTICLE: THEY BROKE FREE FROM FALSE RELIGION
Parr 3
God-fearing men and women knew what they must do. They could not expect to receive God’s blessing if they continued to support false religious organizations.[...] But in many countries in the late 1800’s, the church was beginning to lose the backing of the State. Without fear of reprisals in such countries, citizens were free to discuss religious matters and to disagree openly with the established churches.
-JWs whose conscience tell them they can no longer support the organization are NOT free to discuss the 'matters nor to disagree openly' with JW dogma. Doing so can lead them to excommunication and a cutoff from family/loved ones.
Parr 4
The Bible Students understood that it was not enough for them to inform relatives, close friends, and church members of their stand on false religion. The whole world needed to see Babylon the Great for what it is—a religious prostitute
-Similarly today, exJWs worldwide are forming communities with the intention of showing the "whole world" the Watchtower for "what it really is": a tyrannical cult-like organization head that expects complete and unquestioned devotion with severe punishment for those that don't comply.
Parr 5
In years gone by, we believed that Jehovah became displeased with his people because they did not have a zealous share in the preaching work during World War I[...] A more accurate understanding of our theocratic history has led to a clearer comprehension of certain events recorded in the Bible.
-In other words: We were wrong, yet again, on yet another subject; but, hey, "new light"!
Parr 6
in actual fact, the Bible Students who were on hand during World War I (1914-1918) gave a tremendous witness during that time [...] First of all, the main work being done in those days involved the distribution of Bible literature. When the book The Finished Mystery
-...when the book The Finished Mystery was released, it included many obviously erroneous and extremely wacky teachings and ideas. You can find a a nice list of some of the crazy explanations from the book compiled a few years back by Alfred here.
Parr 14
Malachi 3:1-3 describes the time—from 1914 to early 1919—when the anointed “sons of Levi” would undergo a period of refinement.
-A clear eisegesis with no reason given to prove that said scripture applies to said date other than a 'because we say so'.
Parr 14
In 1919, a “faithful and discreet slave” was appointed to provide spiritual food to the household of faith.
-.... and immediately proceeded to begin a worldwide campaign entitled "Millions now Living, will Never Die", a campaign which foretold that the faithful "men of old" would be resurrected in 1925 and begin ruling over the earth.
Parr 15
Multitudes of sincere individuals are still being held captive by false religion. They need to be shown the way out. We can guide them. By all means, then, in imitation of our brothers in the past century, let us do all we can to help them get free!
-Its okay for others to leave their religion, but, if any JW were to attempt the same, they'd be severely punished as mentioned before.
-Let's reword it: Multitudes of sincere individuals are still being held captive by Watchtower. They need to be shown the way out. We can guide them. By all
means, then, [...] let us do
all we can to help them get free!
video is entitled "beware of deceit" he uses the letter of jude to show that current day apostates are deceitful and that they use "trickery" to and "twist facts" to try to "grab our mind".
warning: your head might explode.
especially past the 5:30 mark.
Video is entitled "Beware of Deceit" He uses the letter of Jude to show that current day apostates are deceitful and that they use "trickery" to try to "grab our mind".
WARNING: Your head might explode. Especially past the 5:30 mark
https://tv.jw.org/#en/video/VODProgramsEvents/pub-jwbmw_201607_2_VIDEO
among those making cleveland extra gay this week are male prostitutes who are in high demand among older, allegedly heterosexual male republican delegates.. the new york post reports: .
i’ve seen 10 clients so far,” one male escort said.. “most of them were first-timers.
you could tell they were nervous, but once they became more comfortable, they seemed to be having a good time.”.
LoL,
Let's remember the source of these articles (NY Post and towleroad) are not exactly practicing what you'd call "objective" journalism.
are you prepared for jehovah's return??????.
https://youtu.be/ki801ccg9yo.
Are you prepared for Jehovah's return??????
top ten reasons.
(why) jehovah's witnesses can't cope with the real world____________________.
the watchtower organization denies access to reality, substituting its own version instead.
Fantastic analysis Terry. Thank u.
since i'm only an "inactive", i still have plenty of jw friends on facebook and instagram.
here's a few samples of what they are posting regarding the remain loyal to jehovah conventions (note some of my friends are spanish speakers):.
what an amazing fulfilling day with these people .
Since I'm only an "inactive", I still have plenty of JW friends on Facebook and Instagram. Here's a few samples of what they are posting regarding the Remain Loyal to Jehovah conventions (note some of my friends are Spanish speakers):
What an amazing fulfilling day with these people . We still look good for two ladies coughing our lungs out
Regional Convention Day 3... Such important reminders to remain Loyal in these times of the end ... #remainloyaltojehovah
Prepárate con mucho tissue paper porque en el segundo día y el tercero vas a seguir llorando , que disfrutes de esa bella azamblea (My trans: Prepare to pop out the tissues on the 2nd and 3rd days, because there will be a lot of crying. Enjoy this wonderful convention)
What an amazing convention!!!! #2016reginalconvention #remainloyaltojehovah #amazing
Great recognition given in this article. Just goes to show you it matters that you present yourself before Jehovah at His spiritual banquets looking sharpe, within your means. You never know who is observing, not to mention the good example you are setting. (then she posts a link to this article from 2011)
I am so looking forward to this years convention! I'm so excited. Every year I talk to my friends, family and co-workers about it. See the invitation for more information about the program and do not miss the trailers they are Awesome!
Our Regional Convention is over. It was super uplifting and ... Can't say much on FB cause some of my friends still haven't gone to theirs and I don't want to spoil it for them
Last Day of Regional Convention🙁... It was Amazing!
2nd Day of our Regional Convention was awesome! I won't say much so I don't spoil it for my friends who have not gone. You leave feeling like no matter what you are faced with in life Jehovah cares for you as an individual. He is not too busy for you and He is certainly not an absent God like some may think. He is right there with you every step of the way. We should never loose hope and we should never loose sight of His promise for our future. He promises to be loyal to us. We just have to be loyal to Him. This rejoices His heart. Wow! We mere humans have the power to rejoice the heart of the most loving and powerful being in existence, our God and Heavenly Father, Jehovah, by the actions and choices we decide to make. It was a day of reflection and a day to remember and renew our vow to serve Him loyally by ensuring that the choices we make and the actions we take are to bless him. Psalms 145:10
Today hit home hard. Very faith strengthening and I'm sure out of the 14,092 that attended I wasn't the only one who cried . ❤️ great 3 day