zophar

Joined

• started 12 topics
• posted 247 times   see topics posted on
• send a message

Posts by zophar

• 
  39

  Is changing the "truth" / presenting "new light" really so bad?

  by Zana in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  playing devil's advocate here.... what's the difference between the gb changing bible interpretations compared to parliaments all over the world changing laws?

  although the us constitution (=bible) remains untouched, congress passes i don't know how many new laws every year.

  and of course people are expected to follow them.

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  zophar

  notsurewheretogo

  and
  sir82

  You both make excellent arguments, perhaps you should join the Legislature or Parliament!

  I understand the Mormon Church believes the US Constitution is a document inspired by God. Others however might view it as a wise document capable of changing interpretation with time and circumstance. In that way, a living document. The Bible makes the claim that it too is a living document.

  Heb 4:12 "For the word of God is alive and exerts power"

  So, like the constitution, does that mean that changing times might call for changing understandings. The problem is that the GB feel they are the only ones that can read the Bible's pulse. So you get the terrible situations as discussed by notsurewheretogo above. That position causes pain, depression, anger and even death.

  The change in accepting blood fractions, alternative military service and the change in laws regulating marital sexual relations cost people their association with friends, divorce and even death because of adjusted views!

  Perhaps, if JW's had stayed Bible Students instead of claiming to be arbiters of truth they would experience more peace and less depression and anger in the ranks.
• 
  45

  What Songs Best Fit you when you learned TATT and Afterwards?

  by Wasanelder Once in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  the work of john lennon best fit my situation.

  first, i found out.

  i found out.

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  zophar

  Rascal Flatts: I'm Moving On

  I've dealt with my ghosts and I've faced all my demons
  Finally content with a past I regret
  I've found you find strength in your moments of weakness
  For once I'm at peace with myself
  I've been burdened with blame, trapped in the past for too long
  I'm movin' on
  
• 
  59

  Morning Woship: Kenneth Flodin targets "apostates"

  by Sanchy in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  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.

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  zophar

  "He would have the light of the Scriptures" ??

  If that were true, wouldn't JW's still be using Studies in the Scriptures? After two years or ten years of studying those volumes wouldn't I still be an apostate according to current JW teaching?
• 
  59

  Morning Woship: Kenneth Flodin targets "apostates"

  by Sanchy in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  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.

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  zophar

  James Mixon

  Agree wholeheartedly!
• 
  59

  Morning Woship: Kenneth Flodin targets "apostates"

  by Sanchy in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  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.

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  zophar

  I took a different view. I think they made a mistake arguing that the Scriptures would validate JW doctrine.

  JWFACTS.com is full of Scriptural reasoning on a number of doctrinal issues that clearly disprove much of JW dogma.

  Flodin asserts that opposers would be afraid to argue Scripture with a JW to prove a point. There are many examples such as 1 John 5:1 "Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born from God, and everyone who loves the one who caused to be born loves him who has been born from that one." The marginal reference references John 3:3 In response Jesus said to him: “Most truly I say to you, unless anyone is born again, he cannot see the Kingdom of God.” Show that Scripture and the marginal reference....then shut up and wait for the explanation as to why everyone only means 144,000.

  Of course, reason and logic will not change the captive emotion of one who refuses to look objectively at the Bible. It does, however, show how much of a mistake WT is making with the statements from Flodin. True Bible students do not fear a Scriptural discussion with JW's.
• 
  20

  Hello Everyone

  by Mozzie in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  hoping this is the right section..... my story so far,,,.

  hello everyone, i have been reading a lot on what most jws would say apostate websites, but i have been asking myself, how much of this s true and considering a lot of these are run by ex jw elders, bethalites and one who was with the gb at one stage, overseers and the like.

  i was an unbaptized publisher many years ago but never got to the point of baptism as i fell into sin, that pretty much ended my attending meetings again.

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  zophar

  Mozzie,

  Many people attend Catholic services every week. They practice birth control, think Priests should be able to marry, don't agree with the Church on divorce, don't believe the Pope is infallible.....but still they go to church. Why? Maybe they enjoy the service or maybe they just feel it is part of worshipping God. It really doesn't matter, if they feel better then good for them.

  That is harder to do with Jehovah's Witnesses since they don't want you to "go to church" they want to control your life. BUT, I am convinced that MANY people go to the Kingdom Hall like they would go to church. They don't agree with shunning their children, believing every word of the Governing Body, the blood issue and so on. Now, if you feel better by "going to church" at the Kingdom Hall, that is up to you. However, do not join by getting baptized and quit studying with the pioneer. It will just lead to more pressure to conform and likely lead to him labeling you an apostate because of your independent thinking.

  I have asked unbelieving mates who have attended meetings for years, why they come. Several have told me they like the meetings and the people. Hey, as long as it makes them feel better, so be it. Some go to the movies for that, but if the meetings work fine. And, they are free as long as you don't contribute. 🤑

  As for Armageddon. If Jesus came and paid the price for you, who has the right to say you won't make it. Also, if there is no Armageddon it doesn't matter anyway does it?

  You might do well to study the subject of Grace, called undeserved kindness by JW's. It's a way of continuing your belief but in a less judgmental way. It's more just appreciating life and living a life of gratitude rather than obligation. You just might find that indeed, Jesus yoke is light and refreshing.

  Good luck Mozzie.
• 
  17

  Today's WT. Jephthah's Daughter - Virgin Slave or Crispy Critter?

  by Slidin Fast in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  i whiled away the time today in the wt researching the above question on line.

  it seems to me that there is more evidence to say that the account simply depicts the poor nameless child/woman as being toast.

  the idea of her going into "tabernacle service" is completely fabricated and has no basis in scripture.

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  zophar

  Slidin Fast

  I agree. Matthew Henry in his commentary believes it was a literal sacrifice for example.

  If it wasn't a literal burnt offering, then it made me think of Catholic Nuns. Virgins who are married to God.
• 
  17

  Today's WT. Jephthah's Daughter - Virgin Slave or Crispy Critter?

  by Slidin Fast in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  i whiled away the time today in the wt researching the above question on line.

  it seems to me that there is more evidence to say that the account simply depicts the poor nameless child/woman as being toast.

  the idea of her going into "tabernacle service" is completely fabricated and has no basis in scripture.

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  zophar

  Adam Clarke's Commentary makes this comment.

  "From Judges 11:39; it appears evident that Jephthah's daughter was not Sacrificed to God, but consecrated to him in a state of perpetual virginity; for the text says, She knew no man, for this was a statute in Israel. בישראל חק ותהי vattehi chok beyishrael ; viz., that persons thus dedicated or consecrated to God, should live in a state of unchangeable celibacy. Thus this celebrated place is, without violence to any part of the text, or to any proper rule of construction, cleared of all difficulty, and caused to speak a language consistent with itself, and with the nature of God."

  
  
• 
  28

  I'm getting disfellowshipped

  by raven in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  hi everyone, a bit of an update here on my continuing disaster of a situation.. (refer to my previous posts for the full story) my mom met with me yesterday for dinner, it was nice.. however, she brought up the fact that because i live with my boyfriend and how everything has gone down, i will be disfellowshipped.. i think the elders basically have enough proof of this.. due to the anonymous tipper (still have no clue who it was, i live in another town 100's of miles away from my old congregation territory), and my mom telling them.

  i'm not sure when they will announce it, or if they will contact me prior.. at this point i feel so emotionally dead i don't care- on the other hand, i don't want to be disfellowshipped because i do not want to loose a relationship with my mom.

  that is the whole reason i tried fading out.. .

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  zophar

  The fact that your mother had lunch with you knowing your situation is proof that she WANTS to have a relationship with you isn't it? She WANTS to show love to you because that is the way we are made.

  Just tell your mother that you love her unconditionally. And, just as she has the right to decide how she lives her life so do you but that does NOT affect your love for her. Let her know you will always love her regardless of her religion. Then, ask her if she REALLY thinks Jesus believes we should disown our family. His brothers were not believers and yet there is NO proof that Jesus ever shunned them. And, they had Jesus himself in their family!

  I agree that in your situation I would not pursue legal recourse. The religion is going to do what they do and it only highlights your opposition. That is probably not the best thing for your mom to see. I think your mom is really hurting too. She probably only reported you because she thought she had to. Your continuing to tell her you love and need her will do the most to break down this unnatural barrier her religion is imposing on her.

  I wish you the best. You never know what can happen.
  
• 
  19

  disfellowshipped wife, husband still a jw

  by thereishope in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  i'm new here and haven't introduced myself yet, but have been lurking for the past couple of weeks and learned so much!

  quick first question: if i get disfellowshipped for researching info on websites other than jw.org (the official website), how can i expect to be treated by my husband still in the truth?

  ie what will he be told by the elders about how to treat me?

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  zophar

  Have the elders made any shepherding calls on you or talked about your field service report?