it's a simple fact.
jw's cannot freely express themselves.
they can't freely tell another about a doubt or a question that they might have for fear they could be exposed to the elders.
ozziepost
I have written to the Society particularly the Writing Committee over a few issues and have received an appropriate response. If one has a contentious matter or something they disagree or wish to make a intellectual contribution then one should explain the matter fully, submit it and simply leave the matter with brothers at Bethel.
scholar
it's a simple fact.
jw's cannot freely express themselves.
they can't freely tell another about a doubt or a question that they might have for fear they could be exposed to the elders.
ozziepost
All Witnesses are encouraged to ask questions and can find answers by means of the Index, local elders and a letter to the Society. If there is a contentious matter then one can write and leave the matter to dealt with .
scholar
it's a simple fact.
jw's cannot freely express themselves.
they can't freely tell another about a doubt or a question that they might have for fear they could be exposed to the elders.
hilary_step
Where there is interpretation then faith is required as there is much abpot theology and biblical studies where our knowledge is less than perfect and no better example is chronology. One's faith should be directed to the big picture in biblical understanding and that prophecy. The Jonsson hypothesis has no room for prophecy for twentueth century Christians. Besides his evidence does not agree with the biblical evidence for 607.
scholar
if we want to worship god acceptably, we must know the truth.
this is an important issue.
our eternal happiness depends on it.
Neonmadam
Jonsson has not got university qualifications at all to my knowledge or at the very least not in the discipline he claims to be an expert in. If his book is so great then why has it not been peer reviewed in the literature? It is not normal practice to review particular church doctrines unless a scholar has published writings on that subject and Witness topics have been peer reviewed/
My degrees are from Deakin University and the University of Sydney.
scholar
it's a simple fact.
jw's cannot freely express themselves.
they can't freely tell another about a doubt or a question that they might have for fear they could be exposed to the elders.
hilary_STEP
You talk about so called 'evidence' for the Jonson hypothesis but I have a reason for not trusting Jonsson's presentation of that evidence of which I may elaborate further. At rany rate The WT chronology is based on 'biblical evidence' primari;ly and seular evidence which does not destroy faith in God's Word as the chronology of higher critics represented by the Jonsson hypothesis does.
The GB member who had doubts about 607 could not have understood chronology or is weak-minded. It is not faith in the organization that is destroyed by the speculations of higher critics but that faith is destroyed in the Bible, its teachings and prophecies.
scholar
it's a simple fact.
jw's cannot freely express themselves.
they can't freely tell another about a doubt or a question that they might have for fear they could be exposed to the elders.
hilary_step
Perhaps you should put the question of whether the Jonsson hypothesis is infallible or not to Jonsson himself but his book certainly presents his scheme dogmatically. I have no problem in saying that WT chronology or any other chronology is tentative and able to be falsified. But I believe that WT chronology is the best I have seen and its foundation is such that faith can rest upon it. The acceptance of the Jonsson hypothesis can only constitute a denial of faith and prophecy.
scholar
if we want to worship god acceptably, we must know the truth.
this is an important issue.
our eternal happiness depends on it.
Gamaliel
If you believe the Jonsson hypothesis is so grand then how come it has not been peer reviewed in the scholarly literature?
scholar
if we want to worship god acceptably, we must know the truth.
this is an important issue.
our eternal happiness depends on it.
jwbot
As you say that you are only 21 years of age and am at college then you have a whole life of learning ahead of you. So keep learning. But remember you know nothing about me so why bother to speculate.
scholar
if we want to worship god acceptably, we must know the truth.
this is an important issue.
our eternal happiness depends on it.
NeonMadman
You say that Jonsson has obtained advanced degrees then what are they?
scholar
it's a simple fact.
jw's cannot freely express themselves.
they can't freely tell another about a doubt or a question that they might have for fear they could be exposed to the elders.
hilary_step
You talk about remembering detail when Alleymom said she has a BA in religion whereas you said she had a BA in theology. Please get your facts right as there is a big difference between theology and religious studies. You seem to think that discussions on this board are a like a chess game to see who is the smartest player or someone must be victorious as in a debate. Frankly, it does not bother me at all if you or others believe that I have been beaten for I can assure you that the truth about biblical chronology transcends all of our egos.
Rolf Furuli has already admitted in his book that the Oslo chronology is an hypothesis and unlike Jonsson has not proclaimed that his work is infallible. Rather, he urges the reader to be cautious in viewing any chronological scheme as such schemes can only be viewed as tentative.
scholar
BA MA Studies in Religion
