rational1

Joined

• started 0 topics
• posted 6 times   see topics posted on
• send a message

Posts by rational1

• 
  25

  List of "pagan" things JW's allow

  by problemaddict 2 in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  what i'm looking for specifically is things that are "pagan" in the sense they predate christianity (or i guess judiasm to cover the ole mosaic code), that jw's allow or do.

  the ones that come to mind are below.. rings - rings seem to originate in egypt.

  for wedding ceremonies it became a symbol of "ownership" in rome.. pinatas - looks like possibly it originated in china as a part of the new year and a request for luck, and catholics later turned it into a beating of temptation type thing.. anything else?.

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  rational1

  Wedding-everything is loaded with pagan origins.. cakes were for good luck, ring on fourth finger had some mystical tie to the heart.. etc.
• 
  25

  Why do people need religion in this century?

  by sweetgrass in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  i think people need religion because of fear.

  fear of death and what will happen at death if they have been good or bad.

  people say it gives them hope but is this not born too out of fear of not seeing dead loved ones again, or having a better life in the afterlife?

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  rational1

  The percentage of people who never graduate past the "social/group" third tier in Maslow's hierarchy of needs is staggering. I think people are generally lemmings who find it easier to follow the trend/group then really push themselves to develop (thus why religion is such a convenient control mechanism). Religion is the easiest way to "punt"... afterlife / dead loved ones are just convenient excuses.
• 
  45

  Do JW beliefs deserve respect?

  by azor in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  what say you?

  .

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  rational1

  Three JW beliefs that deserve not respect, but absolute contempt:
  1. shunning
  2. no blood
  3. stance on paedophiles.
  JWs kinda bring it on themselves, in a way. They don't respect any other beliefs/opinions and walk around thinking theirs are the best thing since sliced bread. If the WT was more like mainstream religious groups and showed some respect for other beliefs and opinions then I'd be more inclined to treat their beliefs - the kooky but harmless ones - with respect.

  Not that I disagree, but do you know how many religions / groups have what most would deem "contemptible" policies? Female Genital Mutilation? Eschewing modern medicine? Public stoning? This list goes on and on and on and has since the dawn of time. While I don't expect JWs or anyone else to judge my personal belief system (they do, but that's their problem) - the only thing I can do is set the example and treat them (and others) how I would want to be treated, or completely steer clear all together.
• 
  52

  JWR usernames list

  by StarryNight9 in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i created this thread so that jwr members can list their old jwr username with their username for whatever site they've moved to.

  i apologize if this has already been created somewhere else.. jwr = starrynight.

  jwd = starrynight9.

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  rational1

  Aww.. it's like JWR roll call :-)

  Rational1 - present.
• 
  45

  Do JW beliefs deserve respect?

  by azor in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  what say you?

  .

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  rational1

  I think every human deserves respect, regardless of if their beliefs differ from mine. I respect every person's RIGHT to have beliefs that differ. The context under which people come to believe certain things is theirs to own, no matter how destructive or negative I may view it within my own construct. "Ridiculous" is completely relative.

  JWs are exercising their rights to form and manage their own social club and member initiation, rules, and dues. I may think it's a complete crock, but I don't have to subject myself to it, either.
• 
  123

  Message from Designer Stubble to the former JWR members

  by Designer Stubble in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  message from designer stubble to the former jwr members.

  first of all i am glad to see that many of you have found your way to this great forum, facilitated by simon.

  i am sure that after the dust of the jwr shutdown has settled, you will find this to be a good new home.. i would like to apologize for the sudden closure of jwr.

  1. 
  2. 
  3. 
• 

  rational1

  Thanks DS - appreciate the note. I was a little surprised that you hung around after your earlier "stepping away" from JWR but was of course glad that you did. Rifter ran the actual site, correct? It had a good run, and while I would have preferred to see a week of notification, I also kind of understand the ripping off the bandaid as I'm sure there would have been piles of complaints to address. I think it's unfair for people to judge the chosen method when it's not their personal resources and sweat equity involved.

  It's cool to see people jumping over here and to Reddit - I was really surprised how taken aback I was when it went down. I haven't met really anyone, but all of a sudden I was wondering what was going on. It had definitely evolved for me as I went from a "jw fish out of borg-water" to more of a community with a casual interest in what was happening... but I also didn't quite realize how involved I was / how frequently I checked in.

  Anyway, I'm rambling.. so I guess I'd say "safe travels" to those who take this opportunity to evaluate the topic of "moving on" and for any JWR folks / mods who I didn't get to thank, thank you. Your hard work proved to be instrumental in helping me escape a depressing path.

  Not sure how active I'll be here but thank you, Simon, for carrying a valuable torch.