Hi,
I'm lost and a little sad. I actually like the JW faith. Some might call this faith cold, strict, dogmatic but they're just trying to follow rules and give back to God. I respect and appreciate the unity in understanding, how it runs and the things we are taught. My issue now is conviction for baptism.
Creation: Science has glossed over how consciousness and life entered the universe, that's a pretty big thing to miss but everything has it's limits. Faith asserts that conditions needed for life to simply appear are so unlikely, that humans should be aware of this and begin to ask questions. Creation is something that I believe people can only speculate, including Science. We're going back to a time where our understanding of laws and physics begin to crumble. A field where Science admits, we are 95% in the dark about understanding of the universe and how it functions. I'm not saying Science is stupid or we shouldn't trust, but given these factors, how can you confidently push forward ideas and theories given these constraints? Speculation only.
Doctrines: I'l accept the doctrines if I can prove the Governing Body is being led by God.
Understanding of Scriptures: Jehovah's witnesses are so heavily theological as a faith. I usually agree with the things they explain. I'll accept the understanding if I can prove the Governing body is being led by God.
Jesus: Isaiah prophesied about a Messiah. Historians acknowledge him. Sources acknowledge him but dispute the source of his powers and his intentions. He was not born into power but rose from a carpenter boy to the Son of God. His teachings and story now permeate various aspects of our society. How does a mere human create such a profound effect? Perhaps he staged it all (the miracles credited to him would be extremely hard to fake)
Prophecies: I'm looking into this.
Bible: Perhaps the bible is just written works. Human wisdom. Romanticized ideas of God, a messiah passed down lovingly from one generation to another until the inevitable conflict. This where I come to a crossroads, because that is my most logical explanation of the Bible. The bible contains wisdom, stories and prophecies. Wisdom comes from the old, wise and experienced. Stories are easy to tell. Prophecies are harder. So prophecies are where I've looked and the main issue is finding other sources to verify events...
There is so much talk of the impending doom. I want to be sure and I want to believe but I feel like I'm running out of time. I think it comes down to these two decisions:
- Get baptised with half a heart, I have enough appreciation and respect for what I've learned
- Get baptised with conviction, which I'd like but I'm struggling.
Advice on how to achieve the latter?