Posts by Separation of Powers

25

Was Charles Russell delusional or just a con artist?

by keyser soze in

i've seen him referred to as both on this forum.. did he sincerely believe that he was an inspired prophet whose end-time predictions and biblical interpretations came from god?

or was he just a shrewd businessman who saw a market of disillusioned christians who believed that armageddon was imminent that he could exploit?.

i personally lean toward the latter.. .

Scottish independance in two days what do you think?

by barry in

jw
friends

one thing i would like to say is will the union jack be changed because the scottish flag is incorpreted in it.

if the union jack is changed will we change our australian flag because the union jack is in our flag?

even hawawi has the union jack also fiji and many other commonwealth countries.. .

Although I appreciate the desire for a sovereign state and political autonomy, the financial implications on a global scale will be palpable. The impact of Scottish independence will probably destabilize the euro to some degree and would add more fervor to the Catalan Independence movement going on now in Spain. If it happens, the US dollar and British pound will probably experience a significant bounce as euro holders go to more stable currency, but the global financial markets will probably get wacky...

We shall see..

38

The Books That Redefined C.T. Russell's Beliefs

by Maat13 in

according to wt history, as a youth/young man, ct russell was unsatisfied with a number of explanations he was taught about the bible.

as a result he went on a quest to 'study' the bible himself.

ultimately this led to an organization that now requires its members to read bible aids to help them understand the bible.

Separation of Powers

I guess at that age its really hard to remember....good luck to you on the next decade.

BTW, I enjoyed your review of the Separate Identity.

38

The Books That Redefined C.T. Russell's Beliefs

by Maat13 in

according to wt history, as a youth/young man, ct russell was unsatisfied with a number of explanations he was taught about the bible.

as a result he went on a quest to 'study' the bible himself.

ultimately this led to an organization that now requires its members to read bible aids to help them understand the bible.

Separation of Powers

I hope that when I am 97 I will be as comfortable making blanket assertions by misreading posts.

Several points, I personally don't believe Russel's comment that he "never read anything Miller wrote." Would you have admitted reading something by such a failure? I mean, they didn't call it the Great Disappointment for nothing? Your comment that Russel's "connection to Miller was the belief inherited from Barbour" is pretty much all the proof you need to know that he "knew of and most likely examined the writings of Miller" as quoted from my previous post.

As for my associating "all end of age belief with Miller" suggests that you didn't fully read my post or simply decided to disregard its premise. In either event, it is a testament to the fact that you believe that your position is the only one worth considering.

Thanks for the mental gymnastics. You may want to limber up next time.

38

The Books That Redefined C.T. Russell's Beliefs

by Maat13 in

according to wt history, as a youth/young man, ct russell was unsatisfied with a number of explanations he was taught about the bible.

as a result he went on a quest to 'study' the bible himself.

ultimately this led to an organization that now requires its members to read bible aids to help them understand the bible.

Separation of Powers

FYI Old Goat...and the name may well apply, my comment was in reference to Smiddy's mention of both Barbour and Miller...if you reread my post, which might be difficult unless you have your glasses, you will notice that it does not address the question of the poster, it simply states, sarcastically I might add, that Barbour and Miller were biblical powerhouses!

As for my curriculum vitae in all things Russel, let's see, where should I start? Unlike many Witnesses, I was all in...emphasis on "all." I had in my possession at one time, the entire set of Studies in the Scriptures which I had read. Mind you, not good reading cause I like pictures. From The Divine Plan of the Ages to Atonement. No, I do not include the Finished Mystery because, as you know, it was Rutherford who penned that fiasco. Unless, of course, you subscribe to the belief that Franz wrote it (I do by the way, having dissected his writing style over the course of decades of research).

As well, having had access to a library that could only be comaprable to the Gilead library or that kept under lock and key at 24 Columbia hts, I would say that I have read most of the foundational writings of Russel in Zion's, as well as portions of his Food for Thinking Christians, Tabernacle and its Teachings, and several other monumental literary works.

Now, as for your assertion that Russel was not influenced by Miller, based apparently on the position of Schulz and de Vienne, I would suggest that a simple cursory examination of the religious fervor at the time would counter that position. It is difficult to assume, as apparently Schulz and de Vienne do based on your comment, that the effect of William Miler and his "movement" would not impact the impressionable mind of Russel as he started on his path to religious enlightenment. His affiliation with George Storrs by 1876 and his later affiliation with Barbour by 1877, would indicate, at least to this perspicacious student, that he knew of and most likely had examined the writings of Miller. As for being influenced by them, well, let's just say, Miller expected the end by 1843, Russel by 1914. He did not obviously agree with Miller's calculations but subscribed wholeheartedly to the belief that the epoch of time in which he was living was the "time" of God's greatest intervention. I think it goes without saying that THAT is exactly what Miller believed. Somewhat of a kindred spirit don't you think?

Well, I guess that just about sums it up. And yes, I would bet.

109

Topics Ive Been Pondering On

by JWINQUESTION in

this is my first post on here so bear with me.

currently i am still an active jw with serious questions about the jw org.

i was hesitant signing up but really need as much input from the people on this forum to get a clear understanding on things.

Separation of Powers

Welcome

Choosing to live by a code of standards of morality has little to do with being a Christian. Many atheists and agnostics live by a rigid set of personal standards, I include myself in that. I subscribe to a Buddhist ethic of morality...do no harm, right speech, right effort, right attitude, a believe I am a much more moral person than when I was an active Witness. Maybe because I am not enveloped by a sense of guilt like I was.

As for morality as it pertains to sexual orientation, its none of my business what other people do. I am not their judge. If there is a higher power that will judge them, than he is partly to blame for endowing them with hormones that fire differently than yours and mine. One question, are you attracted more to blondes than brunettes or vice-versa? Why is that? If you can explain to me the chemical reactions that move you to be attracted to a set of physical characteristics more than another, than maybe you can explain why some people are attracted to the same sex....

If there is a God, he is responsible for it all.

38

The Books That Redefined C.T. Russell's Beliefs

by Maat13 in

according to wt history, as a youth/young man, ct russell was unsatisfied with a number of explanations he was taught about the bible.

as a result he went on a quest to 'study' the bible himself.

ultimately this led to an organization that now requires its members to read bible aids to help them understand the bible.

Separation of Powers

Wizard of Oz maybe?

41

Cross & Crown Logo In New WT.org Video For Children?

by SAHS in

jw
friends

the following photo is a still frame captured from the latest semi-animated video on jw.org called caleb and sophia visit bethel:.

here is the direct link to this video:.

http://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/family/children/become-jehovahs-friend/videos/caleb-sophia-visit-bethel/.

Separation of Powers

Anthony Morris...the JW Captain Kangaroo

45

What's "THE END" going to look like?

by Coded Logic in

okay, so its no secret that many of us are hoping to see the downfall of the wtbts (or at least a mass exodous of jws away from them anyway).

i was wondering if you had any thoughts on what this might look like?.

we all know that most every jw has their doubts, large and small, but is afraid to speak due to the illusion of unanimity and self censorship .

Separation of Powers

A transition to nothingness...fade to black....no fear....everything will be ok.....

18

July WT Study magazine - How can any intelligent person believe these things??

by Faithful Witness in

i haven't been paying attention, i admit... but thought i would go and look at their latest magazine, and see what my parents are spending their precious energy on this month.

my mom retired in may, and we have seen her just once since then.

our invitations have been rejected, due to meetings, conventions, service work requirements, etc.

Separation of Powers

Intelligent people don't