we were told we were part of the world if we got involved in politics.
if we had employment that had political involvement we were instructed to get another job.
we were told we might be considered disassociated if we voted and then it became questionable.
Why would COs or DOs or the GB tell people how to vote ? Anglicans are politically active but my vicar doesn't tell me how to vote .
Anyone can be a conscientious objector and not fight . That is nothing to do with being involved in politics. That is up to individual consciences.
Those are not valid reasons for non involvement in politics. As with most JW dictats it is to do with control and keeping Witnesses away from non Witnesses.
Jan
a number of states are allowing people to not wear a mask.
some think this is disastrous!
what’s your view?.
Pistol , with respect just because covid wasn't a problem for you doesn't mean that it isn't a problem for all those people with underlying health problems, many of whom are young people . Should they simply be allowed to die because they have other problems , like a disability?
Also what about the strain on hospitals coping with so many people who are extremely ill needing expert nursing ?
The knock on effect of other patients not getting the care they need , what about them ?
Jan
a number of states are allowing people to not wear a mask.
some think this is disastrous!
what’s your view?.
FedUp l must respectfully hope that l am right and you are wrong , but only time will tell : )
Our ( UK ) roadmap out of lockdown should end with us being relatively back to normal by the end of June . Restrictions are being eased gradually, with an eye on numbers. So your theory will be tested over the next few weeks .
Jan
i recently had an online exchange with an active jw about the blood issue.
he originally wanted to talk about the potential dangers of transfusions but i pointed out that the risks of transfusions have nothing whatsoever to do with the reason that jws reject blood, and therefore i didn’t see any value in debating that topic.. not able to let it go, he then insisted that the blood mandate was a common theme throughout the bible, quoting acts 15:29.. it’s been a while since i looked into the subject, and i admit i’m now a little rusty when it comes to recalling where to find biblical quotes, but i remembered that there are passages in both the new and old testaments that, when read in the context of the time they were written, call into question the watchtower’s rendition of acts 15:29.. i offered to do some bible research and get back to the jw, suggesting that rather than letting our discussion become combative, we could have an informative and interesting exchange of ideas.
i reassured him that i was not looking to undermine his convictions, in fact i was more than happy to be corrected if my thinking was wrong.
Another example of the danger of taking verses out of context.
All really good points on here. Thank you for all your effort Giles .
Jan
a number of states are allowing people to not wear a mask.
some think this is disastrous!
what’s your view?.
I've had mine and not turned purple or grown extra arms ....... yet .
Jan
we were told we were part of the world if we got involved in politics.
if we had employment that had political involvement we were instructed to get another job.
we were told we might be considered disassociated if we voted and then it became questionable.
Min and Phizzy , you're welcome . Glad to be of service : ) .
Jan
a number of states are allowing people to not wear a mask.
some think this is disastrous!
what’s your view?.
Min , l take your point that flu is ever present. I don't think that anyone is expecting covid to just disappear altogether. Surely the best hope is that when everyone is vaccinated life can return to normal with deaths at a minimum . Until everyone is vaccinated then we all need to do what we can to keep the infection rate as low as possible.
Jan
a number of states are allowing people to not wear a mask.
some think this is disastrous!
what’s your view?.
Just, of course my neighbour needs to take responsibility for herself and her actions . My whole point is that with freedom comes responsibility .
The discussion is about the wearing of masks . They don't stop you from catching anything, they stop you from emitting viruses into the air when you exhale. So my neighbour could wear 6 masks at a time and she will be doing her bit to not pass covid to someone else . It won't stop her from catching it . Me wearing my mask will reduce the risk of me passing it on to her. As l don't want to be responsible for her death l do wear my mask . Why should her life be put at risk by someone else refusing to do their bit and take responsibility for their actions ? That is why governments everywhere have made these laws, to protect the vulnerable people, to stop hospitals being overwhelmed and stop the spread of a killer disease.
Laws are necessary when people don't exercise the responsibility that comes with freedom.
Jan
we were told we were part of the world if we got involved in politics.
if we had employment that had political involvement we were instructed to get another job.
we were told we might be considered disassociated if we voted and then it became questionable.
Many faith groups see the expression " the world " as representing the sinful actions of people . So Jesus's followers are not to follow the norm of the world . Sexual immorality, stealing , lying , cheating etc .
So l think that is more about not complying with the morals of the world rather than getting in there and making the world a better place to live .
Jan
a number of states are allowing people to not wear a mask.
some think this is disastrous!
what’s your view?.
Actually a lot of people need a government to tell them not to murder or steal or rape .
If you are burgled or one of your loved ones is murdered who do you expect to get justice? The justice system using the laws that the government made .
If someone wants to risk their own life , well , but do you have the right to risk someone else's?
Freedom brings responsibility .
An ancient Greek bloke said that the measure of how civilised a society is is how well it looks after its weakest members.
I am not so likely to die from covid but my 85 year old neighbour or the young disabled person in the next road is .
I do not want to be responsible for their deaths. I prefer to live in a civilised society .
Jan
