I dug a lot of wells during droughts.....the plants needed water. I didnt grow too weary. Had a back hoe and drilling rig along with a handful of laborers.
Separation of Powers
JoinedPosts by Separation of Powers
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15
Did you grow weary in "well doing"?
by compound complex in"and let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
" holman christian standard bible; galations 6:9.. i just now remembered an old wt article about the things that discourage us about our imperfect selves.
one such disappointment in ourselves is that we know we should continue doing good unto others, but we're simply worn out.
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OMG! The world is worse than ever! This system can't last! Violence is increasing! Wait, what's that you say?
by sir82 inif you read jw literature, the world has been progressively getting "worse and worse" since 1914.. is that really the case?.
for a more rational analysis, look here:.
a few highlights:.
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Separation of Powers
Yes...exactly.
I have always been amazed at JWs because they put SOOO much emphasis on numbers and statistics. They pride themselves on memorial attendance, hours in the ministry etc. Yet, when you use statistics to make your case they challenge.
I had the same conversation with my brother (hard core JW scary). I mentioned the decrease in major crimes and the increase in social improvements. He said, "Well, you know, the Bible does say that things will get better right before the tribulation."
Cant win
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54
How do you overcome this JW excuse?
by EdenOne induring one of those meetings that took place before my jc, one of the elders, who was a good friend of mine back then and used to come up with a few outlandish personal views about some teachings, attempted to counter one of my arguments like this:.
eden - "well, if the truth doesn't change, why is it that what we teach as 'truth' has changed over the years (several examples given)?
how can we dogmatically claim at any given moment that we have 'the truth' if our teachings keep changing?".
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Separation of Powers
This is how I would argue the point....
"Did you know that the ancient Egyptians used to make paste out of dead mice and place it on infected teeth inside their mouths? It was used for toothache pain. Were they wrong to do that?
Did you know that doctors in ancient Iraq used to use sheep liver to diagnose human illness? Was that wrong?
Did you know that doctors in the 18tha nd 19th century used to cut off half of the tongue of people who stuttered in an attempt to stop their stuttering? Do you think that was wise?
You see, you can't argue that something was not wrong just because it was once accepted. Immunizations were rejected by the ORG way back when and people probably died because of that, was that God's will or his light? You can't argue that God "wanted" those people to die...
So, what's the difference with that "belief" and a "belief" where the Bible is the point in question? If the "generation" is not what was once taught but now a series of groups whose live's overlap, then the first understanding was absolutely wrong.
OR- you could simply scratch your head and say, "you are delusional, aren't you?"
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Governing Body courageously 'Admit their mistakes'
by LogCon inmarch 2015 study article learn from the illustration of the talents.
brothers and sisters worldwide will be overjoyed to know that the governing body finally has the.
courage to admit their mistakes .
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Separation of Powers
Didnt hear that for the Awake magazine about the kids that gave their lives for a blood doctrine that has been progressively overhauled.
didnt hear that for those that suffered due to an archaic stance against immunization
didnt hear that for those that experienced years of emotional stress in relationships where porneia had not yet been defined and they could not remarry
didnt hear that for.....the list goes on and on
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7
Death and perspective
by Separation of Powers ini realize today, at this moment in time, at this moment, this exact moment in my life the absolute futility of everything.
i sit here, at this desk, in front of this screen, my head is spinning and my mind wanders through all those moments of interaction with someone who has just left this life.
no, he wasn't a family member, he wasn't even a friend really, an acquaintance, a casual work related interaction.
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Separation of Powers
@ The redeemer- I hope he will be eulogized by someone who knew him much better than I
@ Nickolas
Thank you for a thought provoking post....your inference in several areas is quite astute. Futility of life and the indelible marks that we leave on others are not mutually exclusive. We are, by are very being, symbiotic...and although we may feel that we are alone and impermeable, our shared experience leaves upon us the marks of others, some more noticeable than others. Like walking across a subway platform with white shoes....you are bound to see some scuffing.
I have experienced many epiphanies in life, some more striking than others, but today, considering the tragic loss of this young man and the impact that it will have on those that truly knew and cared for him in a deeper way than I had the chance to, the realization of the futility of everything is quite impactful. I sit here wondering why I am sitting here wondering. Why do I come to this board? Truly, why do I even care about this "subject" of Jehovah's Witnesses and the foolishness that is this religion? And the effect that it has on everyone here? Why? It is futile to even care about such things as the precarious nature of this life shakes me to my core and I reflect on the waste of effort it all amounts to. That, Nickolas, is an epiphany beyond measure as I realize that I have posted on this site for several months, I have expressed my dismay and anger, my desilusion and contempt. I recognize now, that it only serves, for me, a regurgitation of what I have come to despise, and therefore, quite futile indeed.
As for my belief, I no longer cling to the idea of Christianity as it has been packaged in bubble wrap and sold to the masses, JW's included. It is a visage that serves to distort the principles so aptly defined by the man Jesus or, better still, the legend of the man Jesus. I hold only to that which brings me peace...that internal voice that beckons to be heard.
As for the closet, it confines me no longer.
As for the offense against my intelligence, I can only say that I know not everything, but what I do know....I know.
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Death and perspective
by Separation of Powers ini realize today, at this moment in time, at this moment, this exact moment in my life the absolute futility of everything.
i sit here, at this desk, in front of this screen, my head is spinning and my mind wanders through all those moments of interaction with someone who has just left this life.
no, he wasn't a family member, he wasn't even a friend really, an acquaintance, a casual work related interaction.
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Separation of Powers
I realize today, at this moment in time, at this moment, this exact moment in my life the absolute futility of everything. I sit here, at this desk, in front of this screen, my head is spinning and my mind wanders through all those moments of interaction with someone who has just left this life. No, he wasn't a family member, he wasn't even a friend really, an acquaintance, a casual work related interaction. He was quirky. He was different. And, although I did not know him that well, I miss him and I will miss him. I do not pray for him, as I do not pray for myself. I mourn him in my heart and with my words, and that is all that I can do. He is a reminder of how our lives are precious and of how distinct we are in our interaction with everyone and everything. This has helped me to again see the reality of this life, how precious, how wonderful, how tenuous....Rest in Peace and know for all eternity that you have left a mark, however faint, however minute, on the lives of so many.
To my fellow readers and posters, live for today....cherish each moment....define this existence by your compassion and kindness....
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After Six Months of Hiatus, I can tell you the Watchtower is Starting to Crumble Faster than you think!
by SanLuisObispoTruthSeeker ini took a hiatus from jwn because the wall started to collapse because i lost several people ive known almost my entire life.
these were people i thought would never die, the lies told by the watchtower is unforgivable!
there was a party i attended keeping a low profile while documenting what was said.
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Separation of Powers
Just for the record....I do not believe that the JW organization will disappear.....I know many on this forum are hopeful, but I am a realist in that regard. My comments relate to the impact that is being felt and after the Conti case is decided that impact may well be more than you and I could imagine. Financial stability is not assured. The downturn in the world economy decimated many organizations, I believe the request or demand for congregations to hand over their surplus is indicative of two things, 1) the organization is expecting more lawsuits 2) the organization is experiencing financial hardship. This is my opinion, nothing more.
As for its endurance, I believe it will survive because it is run by some very shrewed people....and SOOO many people want to believe in something, particularly those who already have a predisposition to a persecution complex.
The original post addresses what the poster believes...namely that things are disintegrating....I believe that to a great extent. Its is like a landslide and we are seeing it break away. The mountain is underminded by the erosion of love, regard, compassion, integrity...all the things that many of us held so dear as part of this group. I think that the mountain will remain, but what kind of mountain is the question. Mt. Everest is almost 30,000 feet in height. In the US a mountain is typically considered to be a landform that stretches past 1000 ft....in the UK, I believe it is 2000 ft. There is tremendous disparity between what one considers a mountain and the highest form of a mountain. The org may stand as a mountain of a religion for some after all this expected erosion, but it won't be a Mt. Everest.
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After Six Months of Hiatus, I can tell you the Watchtower is Starting to Crumble Faster than you think!
by SanLuisObispoTruthSeeker ini took a hiatus from jwn because the wall started to collapse because i lost several people ive known almost my entire life.
these were people i thought would never die, the lies told by the watchtower is unforgivable!
there was a party i attended keeping a low profile while documenting what was said.
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Separation of Powers
I could care less what the witnesses say about the Conti case or its repercussions in the congregation.
If the Conti case is successful, the financial implications will be devastating. It will serves to encourage hundreds if not thousands of other victims and the effect will be too much for any organization. That is my position. Congregation members may blame this "wicked system" or "persecution" but an organization of this size cannot adequately function when its financial stability is in peril....
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After Six Months of Hiatus, I can tell you the Watchtower is Starting to Crumble Faster than you think!
by SanLuisObispoTruthSeeker ini took a hiatus from jwn because the wall started to collapse because i lost several people ive known almost my entire life.
these were people i thought would never die, the lies told by the watchtower is unforgivable!
there was a party i attended keeping a low profile while documenting what was said.
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Separation of Powers
Mormons are NOT a doomsday cult...if they once were they have rebranded...the JWs thrive on the imminent end of this system...it is right around the corner.....
The changes that we are experiencing are having definite systemic effects. In some congregations, they are palpable. Some congregations still fourish and thrive because of the familial ambience, but as for the religious environment, people are active because it is expected of them, not due to an innate zeal. Service related activity is shallow at best.
When the Conti case is decided THAT will have an impact that will be felt universally. Fingers crossed.
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Couple questions....like if JW's not the right way then what is?
by world innew member here so don't attack :d here is a couple questions i have been contemplating lately.. .
if jw isn't the right religion, then which one is?
or is it basically believe in god, the bible and you'll be fine?.
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Separation of Powers
I appreciate your dilemma and many of us here have had similar questions....in order to get to the crux of the issue, you must be ready to ask yourself one simple question....
what if there is no right way?
If you are willing to accept the answer....then you have probably left the Witness mindset and freed yourself from the slavery that is fear and guilt.
Examine the basis of the Bible, BEFORE you ask THAT question....
Old Testament, a group of writings that describe God as a vengeful, bloodthirsty, petty being whose idea of justice is the genocide of entire tribes of people while, at the same time, allowing his OWN PEOPLE to suffer slavery for over 400 years, then when freed, punishes them for not having faith for another 40 years "wandering" in the desert eating manna and being bit by poisonous snakes. How does God expect them to react? They had been abandoned and NOW HE DECIDES TO HELP.....interesting God...
New Testament, a group of writings that depict a saviour whose main idea is love....kindness, compassion....does he represent the God of the Old Testament...hardly. Does the ORG of today represent the same saviour, Jesus? Is it known for kindness, love and compassion? Go back to the Awake article of May 22 1994 and ask yourself THAT question...Look at how little they do for anyone outside of their group....while amassing millions of dollars in real estate holdings and capitalizing on the tax breaks for a charitable institution....
Sorry, but they have weighed and measured themselves and come out wanting.....