in the very first paragraph, matthew 13:38 is to be read - "the field is the world; as for the fine seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; but the weeds are the sons of the wicked one..".
jesus speaks of only two groups, so if you accept the wtbts "anointed" doctrine, then if you haven't got the "heavenly hope", then you've got no hope!.
simply put, there aren't any 'other sheep' members of jesus' "one flock" mentioned, unless of course theyare also "sons of the kingdom", but of course, that would be ridiculous!!.
The next step is that the WT will begin producing Memorial wine and unleavened bread.
Each congregation will have the ceremonial package delivered just in time for the Memorial. A 'donation' will be transferred from the Congregation's bank account to the Branch.
The WT has taken ownership of all the Kindom Halls and inevitably will be moving all assemblies and conventions to WT owned properties.
It just makes good business sense...
ginger
i know there are exceptions to this (by good-hearted jws), but has anyone else noticed how some jws (even those who are pios, elders, etc.
) neglect the needs of their elderly parents?
(what i have seen is some jws hiding behind the fact that they are very busy in spiritual matters, too busy, to help their elderly parents with chores around their house, yet they find plenty of time for their own selfish pursuits.
Good families take care of each other. Good people care for their neighbors.
Within the WT organization, the meaning of 'family' is re-defined. A familial connection with the Org. and the congregation is greater than the natural connections between parents/siblings/children. In Watchtower doctrine, it is a matter of loyalty (insert 'to the Organization' here) to our dedication to Jehovah God.
If a person becomes a Jehovah's Witness, he will gradually disconnect himself (physically and mentally) from his family and friends. As he grows old, he finds that his natural relationships with family members has weakened - sometimes destroyed. He now has no one else to turn to for aid - except from those in the congregation.
That's not what I call enjoying ones 'golden years'...
ginger
i know there are exceptions to this (by good-hearted jws), but has anyone else noticed how some jws (even those who are pios, elders, etc.
) neglect the needs of their elderly parents?
(what i have seen is some jws hiding behind the fact that they are very busy in spiritual matters, too busy, to help their elderly parents with chores around their house, yet they find plenty of time for their own selfish pursuits.
The COBE of our previous congregation has a mother who is in her 90's. She is taken to the hall, grocery store, doctor and out in service.....by others in the hall.
Many years ago, it was common for Witness families to bury their deceased relatives without a headstone or grave marker.
Over the years, we've seen friends who were raised in the 'truth' by zealous parents begin to really enjoy life when the parent(s) grew old. With mom and dad unable to monitor their 'spiritual' lives, they play (as they themselves are now approacing retirement).
It's the grandchildren of those zealous grandparents who are now choosing a non-JW life. They don't want to wait around (like their parents did) to grow as individuals and enjoy life.
ginger
why dont you look up on the internet crimes comitted by jehovah`s witnesses , i think you will be very surprised.the majority of cases are comitted by dedicated baptised witnesses , not newly interested ones that you can excuse away.and the crimes range from anything minor to outright murder .. and remember ,jehovahs witnesses are only a minority religion and yet crimes comitted by them far outstrip the national average.. i`m sorry i cant put up the links .i`d appreciate it if someone can .thanks heaps.. smiddy.
Frazzled - you're wife's behavior and thinking patterns are typical of a Jehovah's Witness. We are molded over time to behave much like children and to be dependant on the organization. Eventually all decisions in life are based on the advice/admonition/rules given by the Watchtower.
When she goes against the WT thought structure, she will experience cognitive dissonance.
Upon reviewing my time as a Witness (from childhood) for 40+ years, I can honestly say that most of the stress, personal troubles, anger, distrust, disappointment, etc. came from persons at the Kingdom Hall.
Fear of man is really fear of people (who mess with your life) in 'the Truth'.
ginger
i can't get the home page on jw.org or any others on their domain to load currently.... could it be a dos attack by anonymous??.
it just displays:.
response error.. technical description:.
Eric - clear the cache on your pc.
history>clear recent history and clear cache
ginger
i just received an email notification from the california appellate court hearing the wt appeal of the conti case:.
the case has been fully briefed.. the case is on the conference list.. the oral argument waiver notice has been sent.. .
i'm not well versed in the process or these terms.
Thank you DNCall & Chaserious for your intellegent input!
ginger
i just received an email notification from the california appellate court hearing the wt appeal of the conti case:.
the case has been fully briefed.. the case is on the conference list.. the oral argument waiver notice has been sent.. .
i'm not well versed in the process or these terms.
Vidiot - I don't know enough about the California appeals process and oral argument - so hopefully Chaserious or DNCall will respond to your question.
ginger
i just received an email notification from the california appellate court hearing the wt appeal of the conti case:.
the case has been fully briefed.. the case is on the conference list.. the oral argument waiver notice has been sent.. .
i'm not well versed in the process or these terms.
I received another email from the Court:
Attorney Richard Simons (for Candace Conti) has submitted a request for oral argument
ginger
the local needs talk this week was about helping with the building project in warick new york.
the speaker said twice that project was for building the "world head quarters"!
then he added twice; that the "great tribulation" cannot start to after the "world head quarters" is built!
Clarity
the local needs talk this week was about helping with the building project in warick new york.
the speaker said twice that project was for building the "world head quarters"!
then he added twice; that the "great tribulation" cannot start to after the "world head quarters" is built!
This is a typical emotional appeal from the Watchtower.
At our hall - we phoned in - the speaker went on and on about his 'days in Bethel service' and what a wonderful privilege it was. And...if you don't have construction skills to assist the project, each publisher can support the project with funds.
My brother said that at his hall an elder was standing in the lobby handing out the Temporary Service applications.
The Watchtower uses the tent revival model to get what it needs from it's members....because it works.
ginger
