Posts by raymond frantz

22

JWhub

by Mikejw in

i’m an elder who is pima, i’m amazed how much info is available to all elders.

you can see all private details of every member of the congregation.

i wonder how these sisters feel about their private details being available to these creepy elders?.

Atlantis

by Marcial in

jw
friends

please give us news of him as soon as you can.

atlantis has done so much that it would be too ungrateful to forget him.

i am so indebted to him.

JWhub

by Mikejw in

i’m an elder who is pima, i’m amazed how much info is available to all elders.

you can see all private details of every member of the congregation.

i wonder how these sisters feel about their private details being available to these creepy elders?.

For all pimo elders on this site it would be great if you could supply the exjw community with all internal memos like Atlantis did, to my knowledge I don't know of any other elder to do that on a regular basis, I wonder why that is?

6

MAJOR WIN FOR THE WATCHTOWER IN EUROPE ON THE BLOOD ISSUE

by raymond frantz in

https://youtu.be/xhpnp8xtsk4?si=kq55iap5anhlehgd.

so on the 17th of september the european court of human rights (echr) condemned spain over a case involving a jehovah’s witness who was given a blood transfusion during emergency surgery, against her will, this case was well documented earlier last year as a victory for the exjw community and a sign that european countries are turning on the watchtower, unfortunately this was a shortlived victory since the finally authority are no longer countries and their courts but nefarious organizations like the echr that over rule their decisions, and i'm afraid this is the same way is going to go if the victory in norway ends up in strasburg in the hands of the echr.. the case involved an ecuadorian national residing in spain, who was given a transfusion despite her religious objections.

spain found itself in a difficult position when confronted with this case.

raymond frantz

https://youtu.be/xhPNp8xtsK4?si=KQ55Iap5anhleHgd

So on the 17th of September the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) condemned Spain over a case involving a Jehovah’s Witness who was given a blood transfusion during emergency surgery, against her will, this case was well documented earlier last year as a victory for the exjw community and a sign that European countries are turning on the Watchtower, unfortunately this was a shortlived victory since the finally authority are no longer countries and their courts but nefarious organizations like the ECHR that over rule their decisions, and I'm afraid this is the same way is going to go if the victory in Norway ends up in Strasburg in the hands of the ECHR.

The case involved an Ecuadorian national residing in Spain, who was given a transfusion despite her religious objections.

Spain found itself in a difficult position when confronted with this case. The country had to make a decision in a life-or-death situation where medical professionals believed a blood transfusion was necessary to save Rosa’s life. Despite knowing her religious beliefs prohibited receiving blood, the urgency of the situation led the hospital to proceed without consent. Spain's defense argued that medical professionals acted with the best intentions, prioritizing the immediate need to save a life. However, the ECHR ruled that this decision violated Rosa’s right to personal autonomy and religious freedom under the European Convention on Human Rights.

The court’s ruling once again sided with the religious freedoms of Jehovah’s Witnesses, as it has done repeatedly in the past. The ECHR has consistently maintained that religious beliefs must be respected, even when they conflict with medical opinions.

Jehovah’s Witnesses have a long-standing objection to blood transfusions, rooted in their religious teachings. They believe that accepting blood violates God’s law, and thus refuse transfusions, even in critical medical situations. This position, however, has resulted in a hidden tragedy for many followers. By refusing blood transfusions, Jehovah’s Witnesses are often put in life-threatening situations where their adherence to doctrine comes at the ultimate price: their lives. This refusal is nothing more than a form of human sacrifice, where individuals are coerced by religious teachings into giving up their lives. In ancient times pagan priests would sacrifice innocent lives on the altar to appease their gods and in the same way these modern day priests of Satan sacrifice innocent lives under the vice of doctrine to appease their god who is not the god of the Bible but their blood thirsty dark lord. .

The ECHR, by consistently siding with Jehovah’s Witnesses in these cases, reinforces the idea that religious freedom should be respected above all else. However, this raises difficult ethical questions. Should the rights of individuals to adhere to their religious beliefs be upheld when those beliefs endanger their lives? And where is the line between personal freedom and the state's responsibility to protect life?

The court’s unwavering support of Jehovah’s Witnesses, while grounded in human rights principles, has led to concerns that it indirectly endorses a doctrine that results in preventable deaths. The refusal to receive a blood transfusion, seen by some as a choice, may in reality be a coerced decision made under pressure from a community that demands compliance at any cost.

Ultimately, while religious freedoms are essential to democratic societies, the case of Jehovah’s Witnesses and blood transfusions poses uncomfortable questions about the limits of those freedoms. How many more lives will be lost before a balance is struck between respecting religious beliefs and protecting the sanctity of life?

https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20240917-europe-court-condemns-spain-over-blood-transfusions-for-jehovah-s-witness

7

U.S. 2024 Report on Religious Freedom: Challenges for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Japan

by raymond frantz in

thehttps://youtu.be/ycplox56-rk?si=l51-gppfzccoguhd u.s. department of state’s 2024 report on religious freedom sheds light on various challenges faced by minority religious groups around the world.

while the report covers many nations, one of the key regions of focus is japan, where jehovah’s witnesses are encountering growing hostility amidst a shifting legal and social landscape.

this article explores the issues jehovah’s witnesses face in japan and the broader implications for religious freedom in the country.. ### the u.s. report: focus on cults and minority groups.

raymond frantz

Yes the Unification Church member killed the Japanese PM that made the Japanese rethink their stance on imported Christian Cults , that includes of course out beloved organisation

7

U.S. 2024 Report on Religious Freedom: Challenges for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Japan

by raymond frantz in

thehttps://youtu.be/ycplox56-rk?si=l51-gppfzccoguhd u.s. department of state’s 2024 report on religious freedom sheds light on various challenges faced by minority religious groups around the world.

while the report covers many nations, one of the key regions of focus is japan, where jehovah’s witnesses are encountering growing hostility amidst a shifting legal and social landscape.

this article explores the issues jehovah’s witnesses face in japan and the broader implications for religious freedom in the country.. ### the u.s. report: focus on cults and minority groups.

raymond frantz

I know what a title!

7

U.S. 2024 Report on Religious Freedom: Challenges for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Japan

by raymond frantz in

thehttps://youtu.be/ycplox56-rk?si=l51-gppfzccoguhd u.s. department of state’s 2024 report on religious freedom sheds light on various challenges faced by minority religious groups around the world.

while the report covers many nations, one of the key regions of focus is japan, where jehovah’s witnesses are encountering growing hostility amidst a shifting legal and social landscape.

this article explores the issues jehovah’s witnesses face in japan and the broader implications for religious freedom in the country.. ### the u.s. report: focus on cults and minority groups.

raymond frantz

Thehttps://youtu.be/YcPLox56-Rk?si=l51-GppFzCCOgUHd U.S. Department of State’s 2024 report on religious freedom sheds light on various challenges faced by minority religious groups around the world. While the report covers many nations, one of the key regions of focus is Japan, where Jehovah’s Witnesses are encountering growing hostility amidst a shifting legal and social landscape. This article explores the issues Jehovah’s Witnesses face in Japan and the broader implications for religious freedom in the country.

### The U.S. Report: Focus on Cults and Minority Groups

The 2024 report, much like its predecessors, takes a close look at the treatment of minority religious groups, often referred to as "cults" in the media or legal frameworks. In particular, the report focuses on groups that have emerged relatively recently, such as Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Unification Church. The report’s findings have sparked concerns about how these groups are treated in various countries, especially in Japan, where recent legal actions have raised eyebrows internationally.

One of the criticisms of the report is its apparent emphasis on the protection of newer religious movements rather than traditional or well-established denominations like the Catholic or Orthodox Churches. This focus, according to some, is part of a broader U.S. soft power strategy, used to influence international standards on what constitutes religious freedom violations.

### Japan’s Shifting Attitude Towards Religious Freedom

Japan is a nation that generally upholds religious freedom, as guaranteed by its constitution. However, in recent years, there has been an increased scrutiny of certain religious organizations, particularly after the assassination of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2022, which exposed troubling ties between the assassin and the Unification Church. This incident ignited public outrage and led to significant legal and political fallout.

In response to the assassination, the Japanese government took unprecedented legal steps, targeting the Unification Church, a group with a long history of controversy. In a landmark decision, the Tokyo District Court approved the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology’s (MEXT) request to dissolve the Unification Church, citing civil law violations. While this move was largely seen as a reaction to public demands for justice, it has sparked concerns about the broader implications for religious freedom in Japan.

### Jehovah’s Witnesses Caught in the Crossfire

Although the government’s legal actions have primarily targeted the Unification Church, Jehovah’s Witnesses have found themselves caught in the crossfire of growing public suspicion and government scrutiny. The assassination of Shinzo Abe set off a wave of media coverage and public debate about the role of religious groups in Japanese society, and Jehovah’s Witnesses, with their distinctive beliefs and practices, have faced increased social ostracism.

According to the U.S. report, media coverage in Japan has contributed to shaping negative public perceptions of Jehovah’s Witnesses. The organization has been portrayed as secretive and manipulative, with much of the coverage relying on the testimony of former members. This portrayal has fueled harmful stereotypes, leading to social exclusion, discrimination, and harassment of Jehovah’s Witnesses in various parts of Japan.

### Social and Legal Challenges for Jehovah’s Witnesses

One of the most pressing concerns for Jehovah’s Witnesses in Japan is the potential for legal action similar to what the Unification Church faced. While Jehovah’s Witnesses have not yet been directly targeted by government-initiated legal actions, there is growing fear within the community that the government may expand its scrutiny of religious organizations.

In particular, Jehovah’s Witnesses are concerned that the legal precedent set by the dissolution of the Unification Church could be applied to other religious groups. This fear is compounded by the presence of anti-cult organizations such as the National Network of Lawyers Against Spiritual Sales, which have been vocal in pushing for stricter regulations on religious groups. While these efforts are aimed at protecting citizens from harmful practices, they have contributed to a climate of fear and suspicion surrounding religious minorities like Jehovah’s Witnesses.

### Public Discrimination and Social Ostracism

The U.S. report highlights the social difficulties Jehovah’s Witnesses face in Japan, where they are often ostracized and excluded from public life. Members of the community have reported being shunned at public events, denied participation in community activities, and, in some cases, facing harassment or discrimination in the workplace. This social exclusion has made it increasingly difficult for Jehovah’s Witnesses to practice their faith openly without fear of ridicule or hostility.

Jehovah’s Witnesses are particularly concerned about the long-term implications of this social climate. Many fear that continued public suspicion and media bias could lead to further legal actions or government crackdowns on their religious activities. In a country that prides itself on social harmony and conformity, the distinct beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses—such as their refusal to salute the national flag or participate in military-related activities—often make them targets of public scrutiny.

### The Role of Media in Shaping Public Opinion

One of the key factors contributing to the difficulties faced by Jehovah’s Witnesses in Japan is the role of the media. According to the U.S. report, media outlets in Japan have played a significant role in shaping public opinion against Jehovah’s Witnesses, often portraying them in a negative light. This coverage has been fueled by the testimony of former members and has perpetuated harmful stereotypes about the group.

Jehovah’s Witnesses have publicly denounced this media bias, arguing that it fans the flames of fear and hostility toward their community. The group has called for more balanced coverage that accurately reflects their beliefs and practices, rather than relying on sensationalized accounts from disaffected former members.

### U.S. and International Concerns About Religious Freedom in Japan

The U.S. Department of State’s 2024 report on religious freedom raises important questions about the state of religious liberty in Japan. While the Japanese government’s actions have been largely focused on addressing the legal violations of specific groups like the Unification Church, the broader climate of suspicion surrounding minority religious organizations has raised concerns among international observers.

International experts, including those from the United Nations, have expressed concerns about Japan’s shift toward using civil law violations as grounds for dissolving religious organizations. They argue that this approach could have far-reaching consequences for religious freedom in Japan, particularly for groups like Jehovah’s Witnesses, who already face significant social and legal challenges.

### Conclusion: The Future of Religious Freedom in Japan

The 2024 U.S. report on religious freedom highlights the growing tensions between Japan’s legal framework and its obligations to uphold religious liberty. For Jehovah’s Witnesses, the current climate of suspicion and media scrutiny represents a serious threat to their ability to practice their faith without fear of discrimination or persecution. As Japan continues to grapple with the fallout from the assassination of Shinzo Abe and the dissolution of the Unification Church, the question remains whether other minority religious groups will face similar challenges in the near future.

While the U.S. report remains neutral for now, presenting both the Japanese government’s perspective and the concerns of religious liberty advocates, it is clear that the issue of religious freedom in Japan is far from resolved. The coming years will be critical in determining whether Japan can strike a balance between protecting its citizens from harmful organizations and upholding the fundamental right to religious freedom.

1

NEW WATCHTOWER: TERRYFIED OF THIS VERSE

by raymond frantz in

https://youtu.be/cvomv5lxdk4?si=ab9qkymcdz31bqzz.

some religious people claim that jesus’ words found at john 6:53:"unless you eat the flesh of the son of man and drink his blood, you have no life in you" about eating his flesh and drinking his blood set a pattern for the lord’s evening meal because on that later occasion, he used wording that was somewhat similar.

(matt.

raymond frantz

https://youtu.be/cvoMV5LXdk4?si=Ab9QkYmcdz31bQzz

Some religious people claim that Jesus’ words found at John 6:53:"unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you"
about eating his flesh and drinking his blood set a pattern for the Lord’s Evening Meal because on that later occasion, he used wording that was somewhat similar. (Matt. 26:26-28) They claim that everyone who attends the Lord’s Evening Meal should partake of the bread and the wine that are passed among those in attendance. Is that correct? It is important that we investigate the validity of that claim because each year millions around the globe gather with us for that event. We will note a number of differences between what is stated at John 6:53 and what Jesus said at the Lord’s Evening Meal.8. What are some differences between the two occasions? (See also pictures.)Let us note two differences between these occasions. First, when and where did Jesus speak the words recorded at John 6:53-56? He did so to a crowd of Jews in Galilee in 32 C.E. That was about a year before he instituted the Lord’s Evening Meal in Jerusalem. Second, to whom were his words addressed? Most of his listeners in Galilee were more interested in satisfying their temporary physical needs than in satisfying their spiritual needs. (John 6:26) In fact, when Jesus said something that they found hard to understand, they quickly lost their faith in him. Even some of his disciples stopped following him. (John 6:14, 36, 42, 60, 64, 66) Contrast that event with what happened about a year later in 33 C.E. when Jesus instituted the Lord’s Evening Meal. On that occasion, his 11 loyal apostles were with him even though they did not fully understand all that he was teaching. Still, unlike most of those in Galilee, his faithful apostles were convinced that Jesus was the Son of God who had come down from heaven. (Matt. 16:16) He commended them: “You are the ones who have stuck with me in my trials.” (Luke 22:28) These two differences alone undermine the claim that Jesus’ words found at John 6:53 set the pattern for the Lord’s Evening Meal. And there is further evidence.
The argument presented in the text makes a distinction between Jesus’ discourse in John 6 and the institution of the Lord’s Supper in Matthew 26, suggesting that the differences in context undermine the claim that all Christians are meant to partake in the bread and the wine. However, these distinctions are largely irrelevant for several reasons.
1. **The Audience and Timing are Secondary to the Message**: While it is true that Jesus gave the discourse in John 6 to a crowd in Galilee a year before the Last Supper, the timing and audience are not the primary focus. The essence of Jesus' teaching in John 6:53-56 centers on the necessity of spiritual communion with him, symbolized through eating his flesh and drinking his blood. This teaching aligns with the later institution of the Lord's Supper, where the bread and wine represent Jesus’ body and blood. The fact that one group was less faithful than the apostles at the time doesn’t cancel the command for ALL to partake in his body and blood.
2. **Jesus' Words in John 6 Set a Universal Spiritual Principle**: Jesus’ statement that "unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink his blood, you have no life in you" (John 6:53) points to a foundational spiritual principle, not a one-time event for a specific audience. It is a declaration of what is necessary for salvation and ongoing spiritual life. This teaching transcends the particular audience of Jews in Galilee and speaks to all who seek to follow him. In fact, the very rejection by many of the Galileans only highlights the difficulty and importance of the teaching rather than limiting its application.
3. **The Faithfulness of the Apostles Doesn't Restrict Communion**: While it is true that the apostles remained faithful when others turned away, this doesn't imply that the Lord's Supper is only for a select, spiritually elite group. The purpose of the Lord’s Supper is to remind and renew all believers in the sacrificial death of Christ. When Jesus instituted the Lord's Evening Meal, he said, "Do this in remembrance of me" (Luke 22:19), a commandment given to his apostles, who were representatives of the wider Christian community. The notion that only a special group is invited to partake is inconsistent with the New Testament’s teachings on the inclusivity of Christ’s sacrifice for all believers (1 Corinthians 11:26).
4. **The Lord’s Supper is a Continuing Ordinance for All Believers**: The practice of the Lord’s Supper is affirmed in early Christian communities as a regular practice for all Christians, not just the apostles or a chosen few (1 Corinthians 11:23-29). Paul's teaching makes it clear that the act of sharing in the bread and wine is central to Christian worship, available to all who believe. His warnings about partaking in an unworthy manner (1 Corinthians 11:27) are about the attitude of the participant, not a restriction on who is allowed to partake.

In conclusion, the distinctions between the events in John 6 and the Last Supper, such as the audience or timing, do not undermine the universality of Jesus’ teaching about the bread and wine. All Christians are called to participate in the Lord’s Supper as a reflection of their communion with Christ and as a means of remembering his sacrifice. The reasons given in the text fail to address the broader biblical context and the theological significance of Jesus’ words and actions.

22

WHEN WILL THE ANOINTED BE TAKEN TO HEAVEN

by raymond frantz in

https://youtu.be/sptboe8_kuc?si=cnb837qqdlm1glx0.

this is a question that has preoccupied the minds of the governing body " when will the last anointed be taken up to heaven?

" when did this nonsense begin ?

raymond frantz

Jokes aside,judging by how the sided with W.H.O. on vaccinations 100% I expect them to stay put and go through the Great Tribulation telling the Witnesses to submit to the Antichrist by "submitting to the higher authorities " or take the mark of the beast because it is a mandate from the higher authorities, of course they will be taken away by angels at the End of the Tribulation to be burned with the rest of the "weeds" never to be seen again

41

Is Watchtower totally off base on Armageddon?

by Vanderhoven7 in

to me it is quite evident that the gt spoken about in matthew 24, mark 13 and luke 21 is a one time, non-repeatable localized event resulting in the destruction of jerusalem and the temple followed by the dispersion of surviving jews throughout the nations.. however, what is not so clear to most is that the gt of revelation deals with the same event.

my understanding is that the gb of jehovah witnesses has no clue as to how to interpret the apocalyptic messages found both in the synoptics and revelation.

but steve greg has armageddon down pat.

raymond frantz

I used to believe that Arnageddon was a global event but it is quite clear that Arnageddon is a local event that will be fought in the vicinity of Israel it has everything to do with the Antichrist who will at the time reign from current Jerusalem