Did I miss the section on proper formatting of external references, such as MLA or APA style?
shadow
JoinedPosts by shadow
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SECRET DOCUMENT: Publication Standards Manual
by Elsewhere indownload the publication standards manual: http://www.davidgladden.com/jw/docs/stdm-e-2006.pdf
have you ever wondered what guidelines the wts uses to write its publications?
shortly i will be releasing another closely related memo titled "writing for our journals".
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Rip it apart: A Letter from a First Century Christian
by serendipity injesus or paul?
" he gives his opinion and has the nerve to say that he thinks he has god's spirit in what he says.
well, i have jesus telling me what is the good news and i will listen to him and his father, not men who committ apostasy and flip flop back and forth and misinterpret prophecy and do not show love and want all the glory for themselves.. .
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shadow
First of all, there is constant flip flopping. At first the apostles believe Jesus was setting up the Kingdom when he was on earth. Then they said it will come before John dies. In my studies of the scriptures I have concluded that it is not coming until the wheat and weeds grow together first. That is just now beginning to happen. The apostles are false prophets as they have totally disregarded what Jesus himself said. If they would quit trying to put forth their own interpretations and rely on Jesus they would not be flip flopping back and forth. The truth is the truth. And if you are not telling the truth you are lying. Why should I stay in an organization that lies and makes demon-inspired false prophecies.
None of these beliefs were required of others on pain of forced shunning.
Then their is the thing about meat. First James and others say abstain from meat sacrificed to idols. Then Paul has the gaul to say, no, it is ok to eat that meat. Which is it, Paul and James? Can we eat the meat or can we not eat the meat. Since Jesus didn't say anything about it why are rules being made by others like Paul and James (oh by the way, Jesus half brother. hmm . I wonder how he got in the position that he's in. Can we say Nepotism?) I do not serve man, only God. When they start making rules and regulation beyond what Jesus said something is wrong and I will not stand by and be a part of such Pharisaic like thinking.
Again, recommendations made without threat of expulsion.
And speaking of Paul, can you believe what he did about Mark. How unloving. Not wanting Mark to go with him on the missionary tour. A lot of good his missionary tour does. I happen to know that Mark had a good reason for leaving Paul and Barnabus the first time. Barnabus sure thought so too. Paul is ridiculous. I thought Jesus said Love is the identifying mark of the true religion. I do not see such love here in this organization.
If GB actually admitted mistakes and apologized I would have more respect for them. Also later editions of Acts were not changed to cover up the story.
You know what else Paul had the nerve to say. Be obedient to those taking the lead among you and be submissive. I am submissive only to Jesus and Jehovah. I do not need men telling me how to worship God. I have the scriptures. Jesus said to worship in spirit and truth. He did not say worship how the elders or Paul or some self appointed governing body in Jerusalem tells you to worship. They have set themselves up above Jesus as God's channel. Why should we stay among men who want glory for themselves and want you under their thumb. How about be obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul also said, Become imitators of me. Jesus on the other hand said follow after me. Jesus or Paul? Who should we follow? I think I will follow Jesus rather than some old bald headed man who is trying to get glory for himself and usurp Jesus' position as the channel of God.
Paul also said not to follow him if said something not true.
And then he says this, "A wife is bound during all the time her husband is alive. But if her husband should fall asleep [in death], she is free to be married to whom she wants, only in [the] Lord. 40 But she is happier if she remains as she is, according to my opinion. I certainly think I also have God's spirit." He gives his opinion and has the nerve to say that he thinks he has God's spirit in what he says. Who is he to say if you will be happier if you don't remarry. Some people happen to like being married. Just because he is single he thinks everyone should be. Is he trying to say that he is the only one serving Jehovah in the right way? I just cannot have respect for a man like this who seeks his own selfish glory rather than God's. How can we be a part of an organization that allows men like this to continue and try to tell us what to do instead of letting what Jesus said come first.
Decision was left to individual. Those who did not follow his recommendation were not villified.
And did you hear about Peter and his good ole boys did. Before the arrival of certain men from James, he used to eat with people of the nations; but when they arrived, he went withdrawing and separating himself, in fear of those of the circumcised class. The rest of the Jews also joined him in putting on this pretense, so that even Bar´na·bas was led along with them in their pretense. That is disgusting. That is apostasy. And what happened to him for that. Nothing. A slap on the wrist. Paul confronted him about it and told him he shouldn't be that way. But he remained a big shot in the congregation and organization. How many people do you think he stumbled with his good ole boys joining right along with him. And yet, if you say anything about it you will be chastised and kicked out for 'speaking abusivley against glorious ones.' Unbelievable that God's organization could be like this. I was of the opinion that Barnabus was a good brother until I found out that he did nothing about it but just went along with Peter because he was probably afraid of losing his position. They should all be removed but since they are big shots in the organization nothing is done to them.
This really points out the obligation that individuals have to speak out against wrong conduct even by those in high places like the GB. Does the WTS encourage this?
But look what they're trying to do to Diotrephes. John said something to the congregation about Di·ot´re·phes. He said Diotrephes likes to have the first place among them, does not receive anything from them with respect. Then John said that is why, if he comes, he will call to remembrance his works which he goes on doing, chattering with wicked words. Also, not being content with these things, neither does he himself receive the brothers with respect, and those who are wanting to receive them he tries to hinder and to throw out of the congregation. Who died and made John the judge? Its just like him though! Anybody who don't believe everything they say they are ready to silence them in the congregation just like John and the apostles wants to silence Diotrephes. How unloving that he says Diotrephes is 'chattering with wicked words.' Such lies and slander. Oh but Peter and Barnabas and the good ole boys can do anything they want and they just get a slap on the wrist. But because Diotrephes doesn't bow down to them whenever they enter the congregation they accuse him of being wicked and want to hush him up and get him out of the congregation. Reminds me of Caesar type mentality. Oh but let someone sleep with their father's wife and they are oh so willing to let him come back into the congregation because he is 'repentent'.
Even this is done publicly, no star chamber tactics. John was given authority by Jesus personally. Another irony is unintentionally stated concerning the sinner in Corinth. The scriptural record shows the restoration of the man in Corinth ocurred within a few months which condemns modern WT practice.
Even Jude tries to throw his weight around as someone important probably because he is the half brother of Jesus. He tried to drag out the tired old "Korah" analogy, in an attempt to suggest blind, unflinching, unquestioning obedience to the "golden calf," known as 'the way'. He said, "Too bad for them, because they have gone in the path of Cain, and have rushed into the erroneous course of Ba´laam for reward, and have perished in the rebellious talk of Ko´rah! These men are murmurers, complainers about their lot in life, proceeding according to their own desires, and their mouths speak swelling things, while they are admiring personalities for the sake of [their own] benefit."Keep reading Jude and learn about mercy:
22 Also, continue showing mercy to some that have doubts; 23 save [them] by snatching [them] out of the fire. But continue showing mercy to others, doing so with fear, while YOU hate even the inner garment that has been stained by the flesh.Let's get real about this, once and for all, shall we? If anyone today fits the role of ancient Korah, Dathan and Abiram, who REALLY would that be? Does not the so called Governing Body and older men in Jerusalem sit themselves in the seat of Moses and try to speak for all the anointed brothers as if they are the only ones with holy spirit? They want to intimidate and demean and spiritually terrorize us, -- trample upon our rights and our dignity, -- by talk of "Korah-like" influences and/or behavior, ... I tell them right now they've got their finger pointed in the wrong direction. And I will not stand for it because I know the real 'way about the Way' and they are not acting in love the way Jesus said it should be.
There was no GB in the first century.
Bottom line is I am not going to let some old men in Jerusalem tell me how to worship Jehovah and how to follow in Jesus footsteps. I have the scriptures. I can read them myself. I have the helper, the holy spirit. They think they have a monopoly on the holy spirit? They are always quoting that Ethipian Eunuch who said he couldn't understand the scriptures unless someone guided him. Of course, they have set themselves up as that guide, not Jesus. They go beyond what Jesus said. Paul even said, However, even if we or an angel out of heaven were to declare to YOU as good news something beyond what we declared to YOU as good news, let him be accursed. He is trying to say we are cursed if we don't listen to what they say is the good news. Well, I have Jesus telling me what is the good news and I will listen to him and his Father, not men who committ apostasy and flip flop back and forth and misinterpret prophecy and do not show love and want all the glory for themselves.
There were very few beliefs that were insisted on by the first century congregations. There was much greater emphasis and recognition of individual responsibility.
I choose Jehovah and Jesus over man and so I am leaving this God dishonoring organization who trys to say only they have the truth.
That's cool, it doesn't mean I can't talk to you or that you will have to sit in the back for a year if you change your mind.
Much peace and love,A 'true' worshiper of Jehovah
PS--Since I wrote this letter I have learned that Paul was in prison and appealed to Caesar so that he is now going to Rome. Wouldn't it be so much better if he appealed to God? Doesn't he know what Daniel prophecied about Rome being the ferocious wild beast? And now he appeals for help from the wild beast! That explains why not one time has he or any of the other writers of letters to the congregations ever talked about how God will destroy that beast after the small horn grows and tramples God's people. He and thus his organization that he is an apostle for is committing spiritual prostitution by relying on the governments to protect him. It is disgusting! I will not stand by and be a part of such filthy and deceitful hypocrisy. I am outta here.There is a difference between appealing to secular authority and making a voluntary alliance with it and writing letters to glorify Caesar.
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WT Secret Document admits that only Elders and MS's are Ordained
by Elsewhere inthe watchtower society likes to tell its members that all jws are ordained ministers, but in reality only elders and ministerial servants can obtain a certificate of ordained minister from the watchtower society.
even then one must specifically state the reason the certificate is needed.
bottom line, the watchtower society makes it very difficult for any jw to receive such a certificate.. branch organization manual.
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shadow
Word count of selected terms:
Apostasy, apostate 0
Charity, charitable 1
Jesus 10
Marriage 13
Christian 17
Media 18
Jehovah's Witnesses 23
Jehovah 56
Bibl*, scriptur* 112
Governing Body 140
Attorney, lawyer, legal 150
Money, cash, funds 151
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shadow
Yes, about the same situation that Hidden Questioner described.
Elder until a few months ago.
Avoided serving on committees after deciding that I could not give full support to the judicial process.
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Chronology - 70 weeks of years
by shadow inthe 7 times of daniel 4 and the connection to 607 has been discussed and debated in great detail.
is there a thread that discusses the 70 weeks of years in daniel 9?
is the time frame suggested by the wt for this also in doubt?
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shadow
Narkissos, Thanks for the link. However that discussion focused on the interpretation. My question concerns the dates involved. Is there a solid date for the beginning of this period or is it a matter of controversy? Steve, Greetings! What kind of questions do you have about this?
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C Wah reads apostate literature?
by shadow inwould it be of interest to anyone to note the fact that carolyn wah (wt attorney) has publicly stated in writing that she reads "articles and books written by former members"?
she makes that statement in this article (see page 162):
authors: wah, carolyn r.1 [email protected] source: review of religious research; dec2001, vol.
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shadow
Would it be of interest to anyone to note the fact that Carolyn Wah (WT attorney) has publicly stated in writing that she reads "articles and books written by former members"? She makes that statement in this article (see page 162): Authors: Wah, Carolyn R.1 [email protected] Source: Review of Religious Research; Dec2001, Vol. 43 Issue 2, p161-174, 14p
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Chronology - 70 weeks of years
by shadow inthe 7 times of daniel 4 and the connection to 607 has been discussed and debated in great detail.
is there a thread that discusses the 70 weeks of years in daniel 9?
is the time frame suggested by the wt for this also in doubt?
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shadow
The 7 times of Daniel 4 and the connection to 607 has been discussed and debated in great detail. Is there a thread that discusses the 70 weeks of years in Daniel 9? Is the time frame suggested by the WT for this also in doubt? What evidence, pro or con, is there? Thanks to any who take time to respond
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The Blood doctrine - A Medical or Scriptural issue?
by Jourles inif you were to ask any witness whether or not the blood doctrine is scripturally or medically based, you would receive the same answer 100% of the time.
"scripturally, of course.
there is one component in particular which shows the wts uses medically based information to cement its postion on what is and what is not allowed for a witness to accept.
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shadow
As Marvin stated, this change is not understood too well, even by HLC members as evident by the discussion in the thread noted below. http://www.noblood.org/forum/showthread.php?threadid=2662 Another thread discussed transporting blood to another location before reinfusion. http://www.noblood.org/forum/showthread.php?t=697&highlight=irradiation This site provides a fascinating and troubling look inside the secret world of HLC's. skyman, WT prefers Lev 17:15 over Lev 11. They must believe it is more useful to support their contention that these scriptures refer to accidentally eating an animal found dead. Another WT curiosity states that the Bible does not forbid cannibalism in their article reversing the organ transplant ban. The hard part is that the human you eat would have to be properly bled.
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The Blood doctrine - A Medical or Scriptural issue?
by Jourles inif you were to ask any witness whether or not the blood doctrine is scripturally or medically based, you would receive the same answer 100% of the time.
"scripturally, of course.
there is one component in particular which shows the wts uses medically based information to cement its postion on what is and what is not allowed for a witness to accept.
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shadow
The WT says Christians do not eat animals found dead.
*** w63 2/1 p. 74 Conduct “Worthy of the Good News” ***
For the same reason an animal that is found dead as a result of being caught in a trap or being torn by another animal would not be fit for food for a Christian, since it had not been bled at the time of death. Likewise, when one buys meat, either in a market or from a hunter, the Christian should be satisfied that the animal was properly bled so that he does not risk a violation of this law of God.
The Bible says it could be sold to Gentiles
(Deuteronomy 14:21) 21 “YOU must not eat any body [already] dead. To the alien resident who is inside your gates you may give it, and he must eat it; or there may be a selling of it to a foreigner, because you are a holy people to Jehovah your God.. . .
It was a minor matter even for the Jews under the Law
(Leviticus 11:39-40) 39 “‘Now in case any beast that is YOURS for food should die, he who touches its dead body will be unclean until the evening. 40 And he who eats any of its dead body will wash his garments, and he must be unclean until the evening; and he who carries off its dead body will wash his garments, and he must be unclean until the evening.
Christains are not under Law anyway.
(Romans 10:4) . . .For Christ is the end of the Law, so that everyone exercising faith may have righteousness.
How serious is imposing dietary restrictions?
*** w75 5/15 p. 301 ‘Eating and Drinking to God’s Glory’ ***
The institution of dietary restrictions as a religious duty is not a minor matter. It constitutes rejection of Christian faith and accurate knowledge. It implies that there is something defective in God’s “word,” that it does not reveal the full scope of what people need to do to gain divine approval and that man-made precepts are therefore needed. The importance of God’s “word” is minimized and human regulations are elevated. By thus misunderstanding the only standard for judging truth, the Scriptural standard, the door is opened for other apostate teachings. Accordingly, to command obedience to man-made dietary restrictions as a religious duty dishonors God.
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Can any JW answer OldSoul's 4 questions about JW teachings scripturally?
by kwintestal ini am waiting for any jehovah's witness to offer support in scripture of these four articles of faith: .
(1) the faithful and discreet slave is a class of people, .
(2) that the holy spirit directs organizations in addition to individuals, .
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shadow
OS,
No, I do not believe that is possible. However, I believe the Bible lays out a clear authority structure. God, Jesus, Holy Spirit, congregations (individual people, not elders—and the Governing Body is completely absent, as is the Faithful and Discreet Slave).
Do I believe that authority structure exists today? Yes. Do I see any indication in Scripture of an earthly authority structure necessary beyond that one? No, not yet. Do you have some Scriptures that indicate a need for Christians to recognize an authority beyond the God, Jesus and the Spirit?
So the 1st century pattern of elders is to be abandoned? Was there a need in the 1st century for elders & servants?
Okay. You are free to disagree. Which sanguinary conflict they could have been "leaders" in? The stated and published stand on neutrality was violated by members of the Governing Body itself, how does Romans 2:1, 2 not apply to them?
I believe it does apply to them and everyone else.
Does the presence of true teachings and teachings that are based on the Bible mitigate the presence of false teachings and teachings that are not based on the Bible? If so, how and why?
Were true teachings mixed with false ones in the 1st century? Should everyone wanting to serve God have left those congregations?
Besides this, there is contradictory application of their stand on neutrality. Witnesses in Mexico could accept political pary cards while brothers in Malawi were being beaten and killed, sisters being raped, beaten and killed for refusing on the grounds of neutrality. In 1991, the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York, Inc. joined the mouthpiece of the UN, the UN/DPI and maintained that relationship until apostates called the contradiction to their attention in 2001. The UN/DPI is anything but a neutral organization. So if there is a preaching of neutrality and a punishing for lack of it at the bottom, but not a practice of it at the top...is there neutrality, in truth?
That may reveal hypocrisy at the top but does not invalidate the thousands who have maintained neutrality even to the point of death. What groups manifest that determination to remain neutral?
But you haven't demonstrated Scripturally that these men who started a religion on the basis of false prophecy, (Deuteronomy 18:20-22) appeal to pyramidology as proof (Colossians 2:8-10), and authoritative teachings that do not originate with God (1 John 4:1) actually are God's people. That would, I suppose, have to come first.
I'm afraid I can't use works as a method of determining God's people, Matthew 7:21-23; Matthew 24:24; Mark 13:22, 23; and Luke 21:8 warn me not to listen to any who point to works as proof or who say, "the due time has approached."
What method would you use to identify God's people?
I am understanding that clearly from your posts, and I think it is a courageous stand to take. One that will eventually lead to your expulsion from the Christian Congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses. So, when someone in your congregation is disfellowhipped are you always aware of the grounds? What about outside your congregation?
When the disfellowhipping is outside scriptural bounds, do you continue to freely seek out and associate with the ones wronged, as Jesus did (John 9:34, 35) or do you limit your association?
I will exercise my own best judgment on such matters. If I accepted WT policy on this I wouldn't be here.
It is my understanding that religious authority is not legitimate if they lie about how it is derived, or claim Scriptural support for the claim when they do not have it. Am I understanding that incorrectly? Can you show me evidence of religious authority that God recognized as legitimate that was not authored by him?
Did Jehovah author the arrangement of bishops and deacons in the 1st century?
If there are plain teachings of the Scriptures that show Jesus viewed the religious leaders of the Jews as God's organization that he exclusively recognized or that there is such an organization today, please share them.
If not, please explain, Scripturally, how I should view an organization that makes this lying claim and then punishes people, or even threatens to punish (John 9:22), with excommunication for publicly disputing this claim.
While Jesus was on the earth, did Israel constitute God's chosen people? How did Jesus view worshipping God within that arrangement? Did he only observe what was specifically stated in scripture in matters of worship?
You stated to Toreador:
Well, if we are still living during the Great Apostasy then there is not an ongoing "gathering," per se, although I am of the opinion that may come in time. If it does it will be unmistakable what is going on and why. No one will have to dance and dodge through Scriptures to try and make a case for what is happening.
Was it unmistakable that Israel was God's people? If so, do we still have indisputable evidence that was true?
Was 1st century Christianity unmistakably supported by God? Why then did the disciples have to make a case for it?
Though I confess that I have wondered the same things. On the other hand our time is unique in the fact that mankind has never faced so many threats to our continued existence.