On arguing, I do get frustrated when persons do not comprehend a fallacious approach, but then at some point in time that was true of us all.
Your right, that happens with everyone Friend, its the nature of MSG boards.Its not like talking to someone in person, where you can quickly correct mis-conceptions etc.Its too easy to go off on tangents on these boards and get lost in an argument to the point where the original argument is forgotten.The only way to get around it, i find, is to let things sit for a day or two and write an essay to express your views....but its hard to find the time to do that and by the time your done it the whole mood of BB has changed and a new topic is up and your just left behind sucking your thumb.This is kinda the way i feel now, i want to reply to above post about the sign and all...but its just such a huge topic, i find Mat24 luke 21 & Mark13 a real headache and not straightforward at all.I get the impression from reading them, that the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world are are intrinsically linked, but i dont want to accuse JC of being a false prophet or the Bible of being a fraud, dont like the idea.They are just very confusing chpters to me and i just haven't resolved them in my mind to my satisfaction.
On shunning, i put up the link of an interesting article, it raised some valid points, you might want to take a look...should be under Articles and commentaries at www.xjw.com.I dont think the Dub line on shunning is human or justifiable biblically really...but if it is biblical, then i just cant accept the bible...simple as that.
As for JW just pushing the bible, well, i'd have no problem if they just came to the door selling the bible itself, but they are doing more than that, they're pushing a particular interpretation as Truth... a biased interpretation that i cant accept, let alone push to others. For me to accept them they are going to have to let go of a lot of that dogmatism they have on certain issues and allow people to freely express views and opinions on a wider range of biblical matters.They can still have their core tenets or dogmatic truths like, the resurrection, the holy trinity is bogus etc...but on things like the end of the world they should be very careful, as too with blood and shunning...There should be a freer range of expression on these issues, an open dialogue between members and others. People, when they come to your door shouldn't have to parrot what the FDS say on everything all the time....its annoying. Talking to people who don't have many ideas of their own is very dull.
