From what I recall, what happened in the Maccabean period so closely paralleled Jesus' warning that the parenthetical phrase "let the reader use discernment" was needed. Leolaia, do you think this assessment is accurate?
rocketman
JoinedPosts by rocketman
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14
Mark 13:14 and 1 Maccabees
by Leolaia inthe "little apocalypse" of the synoptic gospels include a prophetic reference to something that would provoke the people in judea "to flee to the mountains".
this reference varies considerably between the three versions: .
mark 13:14: "but when you see the abomination of desolation (to bdelugma tes eremoseos) set up where it ought not to be (let the reader understand), then let those who are in judea flee to the hills (pheugetosan eis ta ore)".. matthew 24:15-16: "so when you see the abomination of desolation spoken of by daniel, standing in the holy place (let the reader understand), then let those who are in judea flee to the hills".. luke 21:20-21: "but when you see jerusalem surrounded by encamped armies (kukloumenen hupo stratopedon ierousalem), then know that its desolation (eremosis) has come near (engiken).
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JWs required to report medical information to elders
by Elsewhere inthere was an article, i believe in the awake!, that talks about a hypothetical medical worker who in a hypothetical situation comes to find out that a jw has accepted a medical procedure that is not accepted by the wts.
this hypothetical worker must decide where or not she will report the hypothetical violation to the elders.
does anyone recall where i can find this article?
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rocketman
HIPAA laws exist that govern medical privacy. As we know, these regulations are very strict and even the closest family members are not entitled to medical information on a patient unless that patient signs a waiver. The actions taken by "Mary" (probably a make-believe character in a hypothetical WTS-created scenario) or anyone who would choose to act as she did are clearly illegal and unethical.
This article raises serious concerns over whether a JW should ever be employed in any profession where privacy is paramount.... hence, stick to cleaning floors and windows.
Absolutely. Any such employer who would consider hiring a jw should be told ahead of time that such an issue could arise. But of course, jws wouldn't volunteer such info, because they'd want the job they applied for. They shouldn't apply for such jobs or withdraw their application if confidentiality is a condition of employment.
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Add your own Awake caption!
by doodle-v inok guys, it's awake caption time!!.
here's a blank one for you to use:.
here is the original one:.
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rocketman
Great stuff.....and I'd love to see another Awake! cover or two.
Btw, I am surprised that the women aren't running in dresses. Sounds ridiculous, but I wouldn't put it past the WTS, since they've always shown women in dresses, even at picnics. I'd be willing to bet there was some heated debate about this cover before it was used. You'll note that the person in the photo showing the most leg is the guy....who does seem to be running like a fairy, as per drwstn.
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Went To A Church Today
by rocketman ini've been waking up so early on sunday mornings that i finally decided to attend a church today.
it's lutheran, and a work associate invited me some time ago.
taking the risk of being uncovered as an apostate (or at least being under suspicion as one) if i'd have been seen entering or leaving the place, off i went anyway for the 8 am service.
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rocketman
While I personally have time accepting the Trinity (which is why I like the Biblical Unitarians...Heathen, was under the inpression that the BU's [sounds like a university] teach the divinity of Christ; in fact, they assert that he enjoys "functional equality" with the Father) I can certainly understand that many do accept it and that it may not need to be a major stumbling block, at least not for me anyway, especially since there's no BU fellowship around here. Interestingly, many BU's attend church services of other religions because their fellowships are so few and far between.
Back to the Lutheran service - people did kneel, but not to the cross. There were kneel thingys attached to the back of each pew. I did not kneel but simply sat. I noticed others doing the same, so it didn't seem like kneeling was a must.
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Went To A Church Today
by rocketman ini've been waking up so early on sunday mornings that i finally decided to attend a church today.
it's lutheran, and a work associate invited me some time ago.
taking the risk of being uncovered as an apostate (or at least being under suspicion as one) if i'd have been seen entering or leaving the place, off i went anyway for the 8 am service.
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rocketman
Thanks Carla...after checking out the church's web site last night (after I went of course) I saw that they do have full choir (including youth) for their 11 AM worship. I'm sure that sounds much better. Also, they have a 9:30 AM 'informal' service, which would obviously differ from what I experienced and could be more suited to me.
In time, I would like to sit down with the Pastor and discuss some jw-related issues, should I keep attending. You hit the nail on the head too when you mentioned that jws make such major issues out of stuff that is minor or a non-issue. This to me is one of the biggest turn-offs with the jws. Things like playing organized sports, a guy with facial hair other than a mustache, supposedly "immodestly" dressed women, and such matters, which are inconsequential, do become major jw issues and create a suffocating atmosphere that stifles spirituality.
Heathen - I forgot to answer your question about other icons and such in the church. Besides the Flag, there was the usual stained glass windows and a cross or two. I have no objection personally to such objects. I figure that if the Israelites were instructed to have various images in the Tabernacle and Temple, then Christians can have a few too, as long as the images themselves are not worshiped.
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Went To A Church Today
by rocketman ini've been waking up so early on sunday mornings that i finally decided to attend a church today.
it's lutheran, and a work associate invited me some time ago.
taking the risk of being uncovered as an apostate (or at least being under suspicion as one) if i'd have been seen entering or leaving the place, off i went anyway for the 8 am service.
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rocketman
Talesin - the Mrs wants nothing to do with the jws....or any religion, even her former one (Lutheran) for that matter. I didn't mention my plans to go, and she was asleep when I left. The church I went to was not the church she attended because I didn't want her family wondering why I was there but not her.
Heathen - Of all the religions I've looked into after going jw-inactive, The Biblical Unitarians impress me most. But, there are no fellowships in my area, or even close for that matter.. I have been corresponding with a representative from their affiliated site, Christian Education Services. He mentioned that if I want, I could start my own Fellowship. But I'm not sure I want to do that as of yet. Perhaps in time I will, but that poses problems such as finding people with whom to meet and finding a place in which to gather.
hmike - Oddly enough I wasn't nervous, though I knew no one there (I do know a couple that attend but they weren't there when I went). I do like the idea of more contemporary music. I've seen some stuff like that on TV and it looks kind of cool.
freedom96 - It sound like you've found a great place. I'm glad you're enjoying it so much. Non-demoninational sounds like a better bet in some respects than other churches.
Markfromcali - good observations.
AuntieJane and LT - Thanks for your kind comments.
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52
Went To A Church Today
by rocketman ini've been waking up so early on sunday mornings that i finally decided to attend a church today.
it's lutheran, and a work associate invited me some time ago.
taking the risk of being uncovered as an apostate (or at least being under suspicion as one) if i'd have been seen entering or leaving the place, off i went anyway for the 8 am service.
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rocketman
Yes, it is nice...though I had better watch my back for fear of being discovered!
One thing I didn't point out above: In the sermon, the Pastor pointed out how those verses in Matthew 7 and 25, dealing with rejection by Jesus of those who thought they had a righteous standing with God, was a take on those verses I had never before heard or considered. In my experience as a jw, I had only heard and read application of those verses to the religions of Christendom being rejected while Jehovah's Witnesses would be accepted. The verses were used strictly to show the superiority of the jw religion.
I thought that the application by the Pastor was much more realistic and personal. It reminds me of Paul's words: "So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you do not fall!" (NIV). Maybe it's the jw religion, with it's attitude that is "the truth" and it's condemnation of other faiths, that needs to be careful that it 'does not fall'.
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Went To A Church Today
by rocketman ini've been waking up so early on sunday mornings that i finally decided to attend a church today.
it's lutheran, and a work associate invited me some time ago.
taking the risk of being uncovered as an apostate (or at least being under suspicion as one) if i'd have been seen entering or leaving the place, off i went anyway for the 8 am service.
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rocketman
I've been waking up so early on Sunday mornings that I finally decided to attend a church today. It's Lutheran, and a work associate invited me some time ago. Taking the risk of being uncovered as an apostate (or at least being under suspicion as one) if I'd have been seen entering or leaving the place, off I went anyway for the 8 AM service.
Here's my take on the Pros and Cons of the service:
Pros:
- Good sermon dealing with Jesus' rejection of those who thought they were pleasing him, based on Matthew 7:21-23 and Matthew 25:41-46. The Pastor pointed out that those who think they are in a right relationship with God need to be careful. Meanwhile, he pointed out Jesus' welcoming words in Matthew 11:28-30 and also how he welcomed young children as well as the poor and downtrodden - in contrast to his rejection those who think that they are just fine with God. The gospel of Matthew chapters 7-25 will be the focus in the coming months. The congregation was encouraged to read those chapters.
- Two morning worship services at convenient times (8 and 11:00). 8:00 might seem early, but for those of us who find it hard to stay in bed during these mornings of abundant daylight, it's great. I like the fact that both services are in the morning. When I was a jw elder, I often wondered why we couldn't do something similar, instead of spreading the meetings into the afternoon, a time when hardly anyone really wanted to attend (especially during summer).
- The Pastor gave me a very nice greeting as he stood outside to meet all attendees after the service.
Cons:
- While there was Bible reading from selected verses, the congregation simply followed along from the printed program rather than using the Bibles located on the back of the pews. On the other hand, print is print, and it's the words that are important, not so much the book itself. Still, it's easy to see why many churchgoers don't know their Bible as well as jws do (at least scripture locations anyway).
- A US Flag inside the church. After being a jw for so long, it's hard to get used to seeing a flag around. Memorial Day was also mentioned as a time of solemn rememberance. But then again, I thought as I sat there that, had it not been for the sacrifices of those who served in the military, we'd have none of the freedoms (including worship) that we enjoy today. So I can't really knock the nod to our fighting men and women.
- Passing the plate. Again hard to get used to. But I threw in a buck and it was all good.
Not getting a Pro of Con was the singing - while the music seemed a bit dreary and the attendees not real enthused in their singing along, it was a bit better than the canned tunes at the KH and the often moribund singing that accompanied it.
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Comments You Will Not Hear at the 5-29-05 WT Study (Apostasy; Inactive)
by blondie inas the foremost person in the bible who let gods word light his roadway, where is jesus in this article?
wts reminders; otherwise you will not be heard and will not enjoy divine favor.
(psalm 119:175,176) some who have wandered away from the christian .
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rocketman
Must be diligent students Most JWs barely have time to glance at the information assigned each week for them to read let alone do any in-depth research.
20 to 22 paragraphs in the Watchtower
15 paragraphs in the book study
3 to 4 chapters of the Bible
Another WT article for the instruction talk
Material for the #3 and #4 talks
Prepare and conduct the family study
Prepare for field service on Saturday (read articles in 2 magazines)
And if you are an elder, prepare and conduct the book study, perhaps also the WTS, besides preparing one public talk a month
Excellent point Blondie. When I was an active jw, finding time to actually study the Bible was almost impossible. After becoming an elder, I found it beyond comprehension how we were expected to do all that stuff. Add sheperding calls, judicial commitees, and preparing for and conducting the Theocratic School and the task left me drowning in self-doubt and nearly a nervous breakdown.
The WTS has rules to unite them.
Of course, the rules go even further - not only "no beards", but no facial hair other than a mustache. Two local examples: One elder who had a little growth below the bottom lip was asked to shave it off. Another brother who grew a goatee was told he could not have privilages - including even reading at the Book Study.Dress and grooming; no beards on men, no pants on women at the KH or in the ministry, all without biblical basis.
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My mum is rather CROSS at sister Elderette!
by Gill inmy mother was rather upset last week.
she had been sorting the territory when the group was out on field service.
there were only lowly women present so there was no problem with her doing this, as she usually did.
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rocketman
In many cases, it seems as though the elder's wife is more hung up on 'protocol' than the elder himself. Sometimes this is the fault not only of the religion but a manifestation of whatever dynamic exists between the wife and her hubby. For some reason, she becomes his little Rottweiler and seems compelled to defend his sphere of influence. Add to that the Enforcer mentality that many elders' wives seem to have, and it all adds up to the B-word with a capital B.
One thing that might also be at work is this - women among jws have no authority. And of course, they are always reminded of being in proper 'submission' to men. This frustrates many of them, who seek to exert some authority in some way. When hubby becomes an elder, this gives them an opportunity to throw some weight around. This also may partly explain why some elders' wives seem much more judgemental than their husbands.
...Glad I Never Faced A JC Comprised Of Elderettes Class...