Posts by simwitness

36

Prophecy debunked in one sentence

by logansrun in

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the very act of looking into the future, changes -- indeed, negates -- that future.

bradley

simwitness

The particular theory or "paradox" that you are refferring to is called "schrodinger's cat"... basically it states that you cannot observe anything without somehow affecting that which you observe...

"If you put a cat in a box that you cannot see into or hear (observe), and release a poison... does the cat die? How do you prove it?" (very loosely paraphrased, I hope you get the idea)

In essence, I agree with you, that you cannot "see" the future without somehow changing it... either intentionally or not.

48

Jesus versus Judas. (May cause offence)

by Englishman in

jesus was a ransom sacrifice for many.

according to scripture, he died to save the world and carried the sins of the world with him as he died.

he actually suffered an horrendous death, dying 3 hours after being crucified.

I always saw that Judas was extremely faithful, but felt that the Messiah needed a "push" to show the non faithful his true power, and to fulfill prophecy... you see, Judas expected an earthly paradise, with an earthly king.

So, Judas actually showed the most faith in his master, he did not feel that he was betraying him... Now, once his master actually "died" before his eyes, he realized not only that he had "missed expectations" but that at that point, he had "betrayed" his friend and master, taking away the light that had come into the world before it's time.

11

Does the Golden Rule go both ways?

by dh in

everyone knows the golden rule 'do unto others as you would have them do to you'.

mostly people seem to see the good side of this rule, i.e.

be kind to people if you want them to be kind back, etc, but couldn't it also mean you can be as evil as you want as long as you don't mind if people are evil back to you?.

simwitness

I absolutely think the golden rule applies both ways...

"Do unto others as you would have them do to you"

to me has to equally mean:

"Expect other to do to you as you have done to them"

59

A Program For Jehovah's Witness Growth

by SixofNine in

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two words: fresh donuts.

simwitness

1. Do away with the DisFellowshipping / Shunning policy

2. Do away with the unneccesary rules/bylaws (blood as a good example)

3. Resume the practice of celebrating holidays with family.

4. Celebrate Family, Friends and life...

5. Quit looking for Armageddon... it will happen when it is supposed to happen.

6. Help a friend, a neighbor, anyone in need.

7. Instead of printing magazines, open a few soup kitchens.

36

Lurkers! Is the WTS a Tax Cheat and Deadbeat?

by metatron in

i have not seen any announcement from the watchtower stating that they have settled their tax liability with.

the nation of france.

they went thru the courts there - and lost.

simwitness

There's a typo in that add... they mispelled that guys name... should be

Respectfully yours
L.A. Swindle
For the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses

30

1879-1916 WT Tidbits--Then and Now

by blondie in

i have been using a website to go through the wts from 1879 to 1916. i find things that amaze and astound me.

i will post some here that i think may be of interest.

herald of christ's presence.. (changed 1909, the watch tower and herald of christ?s presence (title and cover change, january 1).

simwitness

RR,

I think we are actually in agreement..."every" book claims to be the best... Ever read a couple of Bass Fishing magazines or lure catalogs? The problem is that the WTBS holds that Russle was it's founder (albeit modern day), but they don't follow any of his charector and views

If the Watchtower today continued to publish Russell writings and reflect hsi character and views, they wouldn't be having all the problems they have today.

From what I understand of Russell's charector and views, I would have to agree with you.

However, There is a vast difference between Russells "charector" and some of the teachings he taught as truth. One example would be his teachings on the pyramid (which changed measurements to support new "understandings") and his teachings on what would come to pass in 1914. While you may be able to pass that off on "missed expectations", it was still taught that that was what was to pass.

Perhaps this statement is true about Russells works as well:

Many friends of the Bible, instead of regarding it as containing a system of truth, look upon it as a compilation of facts, commandments and promises, that are not susceptible of arrangement.

The paragraph about the Studies stands... Russell fealt that he was presenting the truth through the "studies in scriptures", and indeed he was, as he understood it. Anyone not studying his works would indeed fall into darkness as far as he was concerned. The WTBS, under Rutherford (and from then on) stopped teaching Russell's views, and fell into that "darkness".

But what always surprises me in any of these conversations is how followers of "end time" groups (like Russells, WTBS, teh adventists) always seem to ignore Christ's clear instructions at Luke 21:8

He replied: "Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and, 'The time is near.' Do not follow them.

Now, I don't know wether or not Russel ever strictly claimed to be something special, but he certainly claimed that the time was near.

Again, RR, I want to be sure you understand my meaning:

Russell taught a good many thing that was indeed "truth" and worthy of consideration even a hundred years later, but he also taught, and did, a number of things that prove he was "just another man".

Just like thousands of others, from the time of Christ untill now, and for another millinnium to come... until we all begin to realize it is a "system of truth" and not a "a compilation of facts, commandments and promises".

30

1879-1916 WT Tidbits--Then and Now

by blondie in

i have been using a website to go through the wts from 1879 to 1916. i find things that amaze and astound me.

i will post some here that i think may be of interest.

herald of christ's presence.. (changed 1909, the watch tower and herald of christ?s presence (title and cover change, january 1).

simwitness

RR,

While I agree that maybe that first paragraph should be included, how does it prove that Russell did not feel that the studies were atleast as important as the bible itself, when the second paragraph so clearly states that?

IMO, the first is setting up the difficulty while the second paragraph is giving the "solution"... a common advertising scenario.

Also, the reason the quote is so valuable as is, is it shows that the WTBS upon abandoning Russels writings quickly went into darkness, and how arrogant the WTBS was from it's very inception.

All of this, is of course, the very opposite of what the article I quoted from in the previous post was attempting to say.

The reality is, without the "whole picture" of what the organization itself represents and teaches, any single article is fairly reasonable and balanced of its own accord. It is the whole that makes it what it is. (This only applies to thier scriptural teachings, and not to thier science and views of world history).

30

1879-1916 WT Tidbits--Then and Now

by blondie in

i have been using a website to go through the wts from 1879 to 1916. i find things that amaze and astound me.

i will post some here that i think may be of interest.

herald of christ's presence.. (changed 1909, the watch tower and herald of christ?s presence (title and cover change, january 1).

simwitness

I've allways liked this one as well:

If the six volumes of 'Scripture Studies' are practically the Bible topically arranged, with Bible proof-texts given, we might not improperly name the volumes - the Bible in an arranged form. That is to say, they are not merely comments on the Bible, but they are practically the Bible itself since there is no desire to build any doctrine or thought on any individual preference or on any individual wisdom, but to present the entire matter on the lines of the Word of God. We therefore think it safe to follow this kind of reading, this kind of instruction, this kind of Bible study. Furthermore, not only do we find that people cannot see the divine plan in studying the Bible by itself, but we see, also, that if anyone lays the 'Scripture Studies' aside, even after he has used them, after he has become familiar with them, after he has read them for ten years - if he then lays them aside and ignores them and goes to the Bible alone, though he has understood his Bible for ten years, our experience shows that within two years he goes into darkness. On the other hand, if he had merely read the 'Scripture Studies' with their references, and had not read a page of the Bible, as such, he would be in the light at the end of the two years, because he would have the light of the Scriptures." {ZWT Sep 15 1910 298}

30

1879-1916 WT Tidbits--Then and Now

by blondie in

i have been using a website to go through the wts from 1879 to 1916. i find things that amaze and astound me.

i will post some here that i think may be of interest.

herald of christ's presence.. (changed 1909, the watch tower and herald of christ?s presence (title and cover change, january 1).

simwitness

Thank you for the link... I found the following tidbits quite interesting... In an article intitled "Interpetation" ->http://www.agsconsulting.com/htdbnon/r24.htm

Many friends of the Bible, instead of regarding it as containing a system of truth, look upon it as a compilation of facts, commandments and promises, that are not susceptible of arrangement. Such persons are weak and vacillating, and often at the mercy of the bold unbeliever, who finds in his "God of Nature" the embodiment of law and order. He sees order in Geology, Astronomy and other sciences, but only confusion in the Bible, and he rightly reasons that God's works should be harmonious. He knows the principles of those sciences, and can read the book of nature, we will suppose (though but few are free from the domination of leaders who give us ideas second hand), but he knows little, if anything, of the plan of the Bible, and therefore cannot read it. One man has as much right to reject Astronomy because he cannot understand it, as another man has to reject the Bible for the same reason.

Because, while learning, men differ and quarrel over their opinions does not militate against the truth of any system. If men were more fully controlled by the Spirit of Christ, they could differ in opinion without quarreling.

To understand any science or book it should be read according to its own principles of interpretation. "No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation." 2 Pet. 1:21. Moved by one Spirit it should be taken as a whole, and not disconnectedly. If we would compare scripture with scripture, we would learn that--
"God is his own interpreter,
And He will make it plain."
We affirm that a piece-meal interpretation is the cause of confusion in the Christian world, and gives rise to the profane proverb that "the Bible is just like an old fiddle on which any tune may be played." Very few pretend to use much of the Bible; only a few practical precepts, and enough to prove the particular creed, are valued by the many. They virtually blame the Lord for giving a large book when a small one would have been all-sufficient.

We do not accuse men generally of dishonesty; we are glad to believe that all parties have some truth, and that they defend their errors with sincerity. None of us are perfect in knowledge, and doubtless all have in the past sincerely believed to be truth, and earnestly defended what is now regarded as error. This should make us feel kindly toward all who differ with us, and who cannot yet see all we can see.
The sects are too much like men backing [R24 : page 6] into a corner, and defending themselves with a text.

We are not more intelligent or pious than our fathers, even if it be true as we claim that we have advanced truths. Let all bear in mind that "to whom much is given much is required." If we are advanced in truth we should also be advanced in holiness, and obedience to God's will is an important aid in knowing the truth. John 7:17.
He that values reputation more than truth, how can he believe? John 5:44.

Well, all things since then considered, I can actually begin to understand why Russell had so many adherents...

67

What will you say to God in your defense?

by fearnotruth22 in

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suppose god holds us accountable.

what will you say to him in your defense to plead you cause?

simwitness

"I did the best I could with the tools you gave me...."