misant: Well I would have invited all my 'mericun friends but didn't want them to get into trouble with Uncle Sam upon their return. It is still illegal for US residents to travel there. But come up to Toronto and I am willing to share.. (oops sorry Mary) ummm sell some cigars.
Posts by Uzzah
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27I need a VACATION
by Uzzah inever get to that point, where you want to throw your hands up and say screw it?
i'm tired, overworked, stressed and need a break.. just been cruising a couple of last minute deal places and am thinking of cuba.
$400 all inclusive beachfront including airfare.
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27
I need a VACATION
by Uzzah inever get to that point, where you want to throw your hands up and say screw it?
i'm tired, overworked, stressed and need a break.. just been cruising a couple of last minute deal places and am thinking of cuba.
$400 all inclusive beachfront including airfare.
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Uzzah
Bobbi: Thanks. Good to be home but need a break.
Nvr - You are hilarious my friend! I'll report back as to my own findings
moms: Cuba is the destination of choice for Canadians. Very safe especially if you stay within the resorts.
FF - Hope Rocco is enjoying the extra attention. Does he go ont he day trips with you or is he not a traveling kind of bird?
Mary - <sigh> If I thought you were even remotely serious I would be in my car coming to pick you up right now. That's like the best offer I had in.... well forever! Be still my quaking heart ...
Okay $200 going once ...twice ....
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27
I need a VACATION
by Uzzah inever get to that point, where you want to throw your hands up and say screw it?
i'm tired, overworked, stressed and need a break.. just been cruising a couple of last minute deal places and am thinking of cuba.
$400 all inclusive beachfront including airfare.
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Uzzah
Ever get to that point, where you want to throw your hands up and say SCREW IT? I'm tired, overworked, stressed and need a break.
Just been cruising a couple of last minute deal places and am thinking of Cuba. $400 all inclusive beachfront including airfare. I think I am going to go for it. Pay the damned single supplement (it's like being taxed for not being involved with someone)
Just thinking about the white sand, cold drinks ... ahhhh a little scuba diving.
So anyone been to Cuba? Any recommendations for locations/resorts? Any other ideas for a break?
Now to tie in recent threads, I am a gentleman who loves blondes (brunettes and redheads too) is not a conspiracy nut, does not have a wife with cancer nor do I own pepper spray. I don't mind pictures being taken and shared but you do so at your cameras own risk (This face is deadly to most lenses). I am not interested in loving (romantically) two people at the same time, but am willing to try one as long as she knows what kind of drink she is, but my hopes are shot to h***. Hoping y'all can gimme a ....
Okay yeah I am just blathering and thanks for letting me blather. back to dreaming of white sand....
Uzzah
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31
Can you say SATAN?!?!
by Uzzah inwhat is your stance on the devil, satan, demons etc?
personally i find the concept of the devil as presented in scripture to be purely symbolic of humankind's ability to chose to do good or evil.
the development of a moral compass unique to each person.. with many ancient beliefs, people tried to humanize concepts in order to better understand.
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Uzzah
What is your stance on the devil, satan, demons etc?
Personally I find the concept of the devil as presented in Scripture to be purely symbolic of humankind's ability to chose to do good or evil. The development of a moral compass unique to each person.
WIth many ancient beliefs, people tried to humanize concepts in order to better understand.
This question comes to mind as a result of the many Masonic threads (ad nauseum) that appear here. It seems that the biggest objection is historical references or use of 'pagan' or satanic imagery or references. If Satan does not exist, (which is my personal assertion/belief) than it makes many of the arguments of those against Masonry moot.
I am curious where people have gone with their belief about 'the dark side.' We often discuss belief systems surrounding 'god. g-d, YHWH, Yahweh, Jehoover, hoober, Jehovah" etc but not the associated belief in an actual evil entity. And does one necessarily have to exist in order to confirm the existence of the other?
Thoughts?
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40
Freemasonry?
by inkling inok so my cousin (raised as a witness but never took it serious) recently has.
become a freemason.. i have always thought of them as a odd but likable and harmless "club", but.
all this thinking makes me wonder if there is anything dark and sinister my.
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Uzzah
I guess what I fail to understand is why the attacks on Masonry? If it isn't due to a Christian aboration against things pagan, why does it bother people so much that they become consumed with it as evidenced by some on these threads (not directed at you Ninja).
If there are "pagan" symbols or 'satanic' references, so what? I guess it would only bother someone who actually believed in Satan and demons.
Masons do not claim to be a Christian group. The only 'religious' requirement is you have to admit a belief in a creator. Whatever you believe that creator to be is fine. I could believe it was aliens, and I would still be allowed to join.
So the only ones that I can see who would have a problem would be the ultra right wing born again christians who pass judgement on loose historical references or uses of ancient pagan symbolism. Much like the JW's who don't celebrate mothers day because of some 2,000 year opld pagan maternal cult activity.
Again I can't help but shrug my shoulders and say, "if it bothers you, don't join, otherwise why the judgmental condemnation and insistence that others believe as you do?"
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30
Would Witnesses Kill If Ordered? Probably!
by metatron inas a functioning cult, would jehovah's witnesses kill someone, if ordered?
i believe that many would.. while some might think this is farfetched, i can cite some examples that manifest a lack of concern.
for the lives of others, that could easily be extended into murder or manslaughter.. 1) forcing older brothers into jobs at bethel that were far too strenuous for them - as a means of.
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Uzzah
The odd fringe member may be able to be convinced to kill outright.
However, JW's may not feel compelled to PREVENT someone from being killed if so ordered. If they can allow their children to die from lack of blood, it isn't a far reach to believe that if they were told not to save others if within their power (i.e. Apostate needing CPR) I could see many following through on that council.
No such suggestion has been given to date but ...
The above is the most I could see the average Witness agreeing to and agree about the lack of courage to stain their own hands.
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40
Freemasonry?
by inkling inok so my cousin (raised as a witness but never took it serious) recently has.
become a freemason.. i have always thought of them as a odd but likable and harmless "club", but.
all this thinking makes me wonder if there is anything dark and sinister my.
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Uzzah
too funny. I wear my Masonic rings daily (usually third degree but often rings indicating higher degrees as well.) For the most part someone will come up and say 'hey you're a Mason." I will say "yup". Damn those secrets.
Most of the "passwords" are part of ritual within the Lodge and are not part of daily life. The handshakes simply confirm the assertation that "I am a Mason"
To an ultra Right wing Born again fanatic, I can see how one might find fault with some symbolisms and analogies used in Masonry. But it is a MULTI-FAITH fraternity, not intended to replace your religion.
Here's a clue, if it bothers you, don't be part of it. The cool thing with the Masons is that if you decide to quit, you can and they will still all talk to you and your family doesn't have to disown you.
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Is There Really a Lawyer's Fund for Litigation?
by Connaughty ini read recently that certain key men involved with the united way (charity org) were experiencing some legal issues here in canada.
it seems that they didn't operate by the rules of the charity.
does the wbts society have any rules to abide by?
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Uzzah
In one child abuse case in Canada, Boer versus Watchtower, the main reason why the Watchtower was found negligent was that they didn't follow their own rules. The courts are hesitant to state what rules a religion should have but once they are stated, the courts can be used to enforce liability should they act against their own policies/process.
Uzzah
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40
Freemasonry?
by inkling inok so my cousin (raised as a witness but never took it serious) recently has.
become a freemason.. i have always thought of them as a odd but likable and harmless "club", but.
all this thinking makes me wonder if there is anything dark and sinister my.
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Uzzah
To answer the original question, Masons are simply a fraternity with a focus on behind the scenes charitable works. For example my lodge funds a woman's shelter and we also had a fundraiser to pay for three seeing eye dogs last year. There is no fanfare, just neighbor helping neighbor.
There is a close bond between Masons and that has been a cause for concern in the past since the ties from Lodge can influence a choice in contractor, roofer, insurance agent, etc prefering to do business with someone you know from Lodge rather than a non-Mason. However that is a personal choice and not something inforced.
The Shriners which at one time were made up of 32nd degree Masons was more of the public goodwill segment of the Masons. The Shriners circus and the little cars in parades are all used as means of raising money for the various Shriner burn units in place across North America (I can't speak to elsewhere). Now any 3rd degree mason is welcome to join the Shrine. This is because Masonry is dying off. It is mostly older men, long retired that make up the lodges.
The interest generated from National Treasure and the DaVinci Code have swelled the ranks slightly but Masonry of today is a pale shadow of its former self of the late 1600's to early 1900s. This is why you see so much Masonic references in American culture and even in the teaching of Russell. Masonic imagery was everywhere in North America during Russell's time, including most Adventist churches. So yes Russell used a prymid to help justify his chronology and to make predictions of the 'end times' that however did not make him a Mason, anymore than someone carrying an amercian dollar bill has masonic ties because of the 200 year old imagery contained on the currency.
There are rituals (aka lessons) that are involved with each degree of Masonry. Each degree teaches a different life lesson. The general motto of Masons is that we take good men and make them better. This is also why one's family and career take priority over Masonic activity. Masonry is intended to make someone a better husband and father not to take them away from their family. (Which was very refreshing approach considering the JW stance).
Inkling: Hope that gives you some basic information. Feel free to pm me if you have any other questions.
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9
A Premise to Sue the WBTS
by tula in"when the government puts its imprimatur on a particular religion it conveys a message of exclusion to all those who do not adhere to the favored beliefs.
a government cannot be premised on the belief that all persons are created equal when it asserts that god prefers some.
" supreme court justice harry a. blackmun in the lee v. weisman ruling,1992.. .
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Uzzah
One suit that has great potential of succeeding (in my not so humble opinion) would be the judicial punishment of a baptized minor.
A minor cannot agree to a legal contract (such as membership) and therefore cannot be held liable for forfeiture or punishment. A minor who is disfellowshipped could have legal standing against the elders and Society.
My thoughts only.