this is from the back cover of the june 15 wt entitled the wounds of a friend.
it highlights the usual double-standards........ .
the apostle paul saw the need to administer some correction to first-century christians in galatia.
Slip,
I occasionally read the magazines, either get them from the JW literature desk at the airport or the local laundramat. You will read them with a totally different point of view. Even the boring "study" articles are interesting as you read between the lines and spot the subtle urgings and pressure that is wrapped up in making the org virtually above God.
Thirdson
'To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing'
ok hands up.
who really enjoyed playing the part of the irate or definately unbelieving householder on the school or demo items?.
i know i really did and its only recently struck me that maybe for years deep down these where my true feelings shouting to get out.. shame i didnt listen to them sooner.
Great job Duncan,
My favorite part was a staged piece. During the service meeting it was arranged that I would stand up and shout my disagreement at the elder presenting the KM piece. He would then invite me on stage to discuss my grievance and I would be "turned around". It so happened we had occasional interuptions at this time from the unbelieving and somewhat opposed mate of a local "sister". He would barge in to the KH and shout his wife to get out. When I stood up and shouted a deathly silence fell on the congregation and a shocked look on was on everyone's face. This was followed by an audible sigh of relief as everyone realized it was staged. I can't remember what I was supposed to disagree with but it was fun to do.
Thirdson
PS: I remember David Merry. Do you remember Noble Bowers?
'To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing'
i was in the philippines some time ago.
the big religion there is a group called `iglesia ni cristo`(literally church of christ).
an indigenous group which sprung up around the turn of the century.. it has since become hugh(in the philippines).
Fred,
Quote me where I said it was wrong to have US HQ's. Otherwise if you can't read don't post.
Thirdson
'To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing'
i was in the philippines some time ago.
the big religion there is a group called `iglesia ni cristo`(literally church of christ).
an indigenous group which sprung up around the turn of the century.. it has since become hugh(in the philippines).
JWD,
You are right about the growth of "American" religion. This was commentated on by Newsweek recently. The growth of Christianity in Africa and Asia is attributed in no small part to its link to America. The WTS has managed to get some of the growth by being part of "Christianity" and aided by the fact that its HQ's are in the USA.
There is a difference in Europe where American religions are treated suspiciously and the old world history and traditions are most important. However, in other parts of the world where America is seen as the successful offspring of Europe, America's religion is often seen as desirable. Much that people will see Hollywood movies, smoke American cigarettes and wear American brand clothes they will often practice American religion too.
My thoughts anyway.
Thirdson
'To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing'
ever wonder where some of the wt `biblical` teachings came from?.
for example, where in the bible does it say that you should report.
time?
Hi JWD,
It is all part of the control. If we collectively listed is all of the rules and regulations known to be set throughout J-Dubyadom we'd collect 100's if not 1000's. All the regulations are there to control. If you don't toe the line you wont't get privileges, won't be part of the 'In' group, will be "spiritually weak". If you do as you are told you might get to be part of the controlling group (elders) but by then you are willing to be cotrolled by the next level up.
Thirdson
P.S. At least Fred gets to be independant here. HE is out of control and likely not an esteemed memeber of his congregation, if even bothers to attend one.
'To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing'
it's 4 a.m. here on the left coast, and while i have always been an early riser, this is ridiculous; but i just have to get some things off my chest.
with the sands of the hourglass down to the last few grains, i want to have a last word with you all.
first, i want to offer my sincere apologies for all the mean and nasty stuff i may have said during the heat of battle.
ISP,
It would be good if someone could produce "The List" of all of YK's prophetic statements and Bobby's dates for the end of the world. After the dismal failure of the date roll-over to 2000, the last I heard from him was a global economic melt-down worse than the Wall Street Crash. YK clipped every piece of bad economic news or prediction to bolster his scriptual quotes (not unlike the "boys in writing").
At least the good people on this board unfamiliar with YK might learn a little about his character.
Thirdson
'To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing'
we all know how this works, just give us your best caption for this pic' .
[why do i get the feeling that 'gutter' will crop up more than once?].
nic'.
"OK, I bought your two magazines. NOW WILL YOU LET ME CROSS THE STREET?"
when spencer traceys genial dr. jekyll started to whistle you can see me dance the polka we all knew what was about to happen.
sure enough, within a minute or so, the hairs were growing on the back of his hands as the metamorphosis into the odious mr. hyde took effect.. so, im wondering, what exactly are the warning signs that signify that a normally pleasant human being is about to turn into that most wearisome of creatures, youve guessed it, the self-righteous condemning and critical jw?.
i ask because of the impending visit of my auntie lou.
E-man,
Your post on the behaviour of JW's and the programmed attitudes reminded me of an old Star Trek episode where Kirk and the gang have to deal with a robotic probe intent on cleansing the Universe of the imperfect. Spock overloads its brain with logic and convinces the robot that it is imperfect and thus should kill itself.
Just be careful with Auntie Lou, don't overdo the logic and reasoning.
Regards,
Thirdson
'To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing'
the 69th psalm is known as a messianic psalm, as it foretells the documented experiences of jesus during his execution.
for instance, verse 21 foretells the occasion when jesus was offered gall to drink as he hung from the torture stake.
however, of particular interest, is the fact that verse five says: "o god, you yourself have come to know my foolishness, and from you my own guiltiness has not been hidden.
You Know:
O God, you yourself have come to know my foolishness
We know.
Thirdson
'To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing'
"jude," she [sue bridehead] said brightly, when he had finished and come back to her; "will you let me make you a new new testament, like the one i made for myself at christminster?".
how was that made?".
"i altered my old one by cutting up all the epistles and gospels into separate brochures, and rearranging them in chronological order as written, beginning the book with thessalonians, following on with the epistles, and putting the gospels much further on.
Ginny,
Wow! I guess I going to have buy the book myself.
Thanks again,
Thirdson
'To avoid criticism, say nothing, do nothing, be nothing'
