Posts by Laika

15

JWism and their curious doctrine of salvation

by Laika in

in christian theology there is often a lot of talk about whether we are saved by faith or works, and what exactly those things mean.

this thread is not exactly about that, instead it's about how jws, in their inimitable style, somehow managed to create a doctrine that mixes the worst of both and caused me no end of internal conflict as a jw.. in jw doctrine, life is about an argument between jehovah and satan.

satan said that nobody follows jehovah out of love, but only for what they can personally get out of it.

Laika

You raise another good point bruh, JWs would agree that you can't earn salvation in the sense that you can't live a perfect life so it takes some element of forgiveness from Jehovah. But there's still a bar they have to reach, vaguely defined as 'doing your best' It's all very confusing.

258

i wish more churches would preach truth like this

by unstopableravens in

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cncehcvrvgq.

Laika

Tammy, I don't understand. I remember we disagreed on the nature and purpose of baptism. Does this mean you think I'm a false Christian? :(

153

Jesus' Teachings - Helpful or Harmful?

by jgnat in

spinning off from another thread, have jesus' teachings been less than universally helpful to mankind?

how do we measure if a particular philosophy is helpful or harmful?.

i am going to use the "universal morals" listed here.

Laika

Helpful - if you're an African American living in southern USA. Harmful - if you're a JW waiting for his imminent return.

15

JWism and their curious doctrine of salvation

by Laika in

in christian theology there is often a lot of talk about whether we are saved by faith or works, and what exactly those things mean.

this thread is not exactly about that, instead it's about how jws, in their inimitable style, somehow managed to create a doctrine that mixes the worst of both and caused me no end of internal conflict as a jw.. in jw doctrine, life is about an argument between jehovah and satan.

satan said that nobody follows jehovah out of love, but only for what they can personally get out of it.

Laika

Succinct. :)

108

"Jehovah ALWAYS had/used an organization". How would you reply?

by EdenOne in

in a recent meeting with elders, an argument was used to the effect that jehovah has always [= throughout history] used, or operated through, an organization; therefore, the wts must be that organization today, since god must be using one.

naturally, i know what arguments i've used to counter that argument.

but i'm interested in hearing yours.

Laika

'pretty much'? Which part did I get wrong?

11

JW Prayer vs. Christian Prayer

by Faithful Witness in

we studied for a few years with the jw's.

the public prayers were often an endurance test, while holding exhausted babies.

to be honest, i have forgotten the jist of most of their prayers.

Laika

Practical assistance is obviously preferable, but not always possible.

Jgnat, does your husband let you pray along with him? That would get him in trouble in the Kingdom Hall!

15

JWism and their curious doctrine of salvation

by Laika in

in christian theology there is often a lot of talk about whether we are saved by faith or works, and what exactly those things mean.

this thread is not exactly about that, instead it's about how jws, in their inimitable style, somehow managed to create a doctrine that mixes the worst of both and caused me no end of internal conflict as a jw.. in jw doctrine, life is about an argument between jehovah and satan.

satan said that nobody follows jehovah out of love, but only for what they can personally get out of it.

Laika

In Christian theology there is often a lot of talk about whether we are saved by faith or works, and what exactly those things mean. This thread is not exactly about that, instead it's about how JWs, in their inimitable style, somehow managed to create a doctrine that mixes the worst of both and caused me no end of internal conflict as a JW.

In JW doctrine, life is about an argument between Jehovah and Satan. Satan said that nobody follows Jehovah out of love, but only for what they can personally get out of it. Instead of telling Satan to eff off, Jehovah decided to take this challenge, and our salvation is now dependant on our ability to answer it. We are, as it were, Witnesses in a court case, offering evidence for Jehovah's side. Our reward for giving Jehovah the evidence he requires is eternal life.

The problem is that we prove this love by doing works, most importantly through the formal preaching work. If we don't preach, we can't be rewarded, but the reason we preach cannot be to get rewarded, but out of pure motive and love for Jehovah. You have to try to earn your salvation, without being allowed to try to earn your salvation!

As a JW I could not convince myself that I was preaching for love, as I hated this work with an unmatched passion. It was a burden, and if we love God, his commands are not supposed to be burdensome. No wonder I always felt guilty!

What were your experiences in this regard? Did you ever feel 'saved'?

32

Lies on the JW.org FAQ section

by EndofMysteries in

it's riddled with lies.

here are a few, "are you an american sect?

all of our teachings are based on the bible, not on the writings of some religious leader in the united states.1 thessalonians 2:13.. we follow jesus christ, not any human leader.matthew 23:8-10.. .

Laika

I almost like their answer to the salvation question, it's quite funny: 'no, we don't think we're the only ones who will be saved, some nonJWs might become JWs in future, and then they can get saved too!'

As if anyone asking that question only means current JWs.

16

2014 DC OFFICIAL THEME

by WatchTower87 in

jw
friends

the official theme is :.

.

"keep on, seeking first the kingdom" matthew 6:33.