from jw.org (while waiting for new bible to download, i clicked on the link for "christian," which asks the following question...).
"are we christians?
we are christians, for the following reasons.
EOM: You have a good point! The dictionary is based on the twisted definitions written by imperfect men. I guess only one choice remains.
There is clearly only one source of information on this planet you can trust today... and it is so simply put in this clear, fact-based statement:
... take into consideration out of humility and recognition that they're where they are because Jehovah's spirit caused it to be.
from jw.org (while waiting for new bible to download, i clicked on the link for "christian," which asks the following question...).
"are we christians?
we are christians, for the following reasons.
Oh, silly me! I found the answer to my own question, on another page which asks,
"Religious Titles - Right or Wrong?"
Early Christians with responsible duties were referred to as “elders” and “overseers.” Were those terms used as titles? No. Such men were never called “Bishop Peter” or “Elder James.” That is why mature Christian men among Jehovah’s Witnesses who serve the congregation as elders never use the term “elder” as a title. The terms “elder” and “overseer” (bishop) apply to those holding a position of authority and responsibility. The terms also describe the qualifications of the men appointed and the work that they do.
Ohhhh I get it... "elder" and "overseer" are just terms, not titles. Terms that describe men who hold positions of authority and responsibility. I feel so silly now. How could I ask such a foolish question!
Ok. I stand corrected. So... What does authority mean?
According to the dictionary, authority means:
"Legal or rightful power; a right to command or to act; power exercised buy a person in virtue of his office or trust; dominion; jurisdiction; authorization; as, the authority of a prince over subjects, and of parents over children; the authority of a court."
from jw.org (while waiting for new bible to download, i clicked on the link for "christian," which asks the following question...).
"are we christians?
we are christians, for the following reasons.
From jw.org (while waiting for new bible to download, I clicked on the link for "Christian," which asks the following question...)
"Are We Christians?"
"Yes. We are Christians, for the following reasons." (then it goes on to mention Jesus a few times... BUT...)
... "However, we are different because..."
"... We do not believe that the soul is immortal, that there is any basis in Scripture for saying that God tortures people in an everlasting hell, or that those who take the lead in religious activities should have titles that elevate them above others.—Ecclesiastes 9:5; Ezekiel 18:4; Matthew 23:8-10."
Matthew 23:10-11 (NWT): “10 Neither be called ‘leaders,’ for YOUR Leader is one, the Christ. 11 But the greatest one among YOU must be YOUR minister. 12 Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.”
I am still unable to access the NewNWT version 2013. But this older version of their bible seems pretty clear. Where does the GB fit into this system of things? Do elders, COs, pioneers, Bethelites, etc., consider themselves to have a "title?"
Does verse 10 clearly state who the Leader is, or am I just completely daft? So confused!
it cracks me up if you bring this subject up to a witness , they always try to convince themselves that i'm reading into this!!!.
.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bpqwknq31ie&feature=youtube_gdata_player.
Good find, Splash! *swish*
When I mentioned to my mom that they sold the Brooklyn WTS buildings to Donald Trump's son in law, she immediately went on to tell me how those buildings had been in such high demand, because of the way they'd been kept so immaculately. I simply said, "No wonder they got over $350 million for them... THAT should help with paying for the construction of their new compound!"
She looked at me for a second, and I think I actually heard a click inside her brain on that one. Certainly they have been begging for donations of labor and cash for this project by now...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwcbag-s7ua.
The light is so bright, they are blinded to the truth. They can't tell that is a spotlight, pointed directly at them now...
I am hoping the day comes soon, when we see the end of this system - I mean this systematic manipulation of people's thoughts.
The facade of the tower is starting to decay and crumble. Keep shining that light, while throwing more distractions at people. It's not going to work forever... TOO MANY people are awake now. Rise up, JW people! The alarm has been ringing for years now.
to any jws watching and reading here, please know thiis:.
.... we know how you must be feeling so bad about being at a website like this, yet inside you are somehow questioning and not wanting to question... relax right now.. your computer won't explode -- reassuring smile -- all you are doing is asking a question or seeking an answer... right?
isn't that how one gains knowledge, finds truth?.
Look! How can this be?
So many faithful servants of Jehovah's organization, have come to realize the errors of the one true religion...
Hopefully, you will be able to see the mutual respect and common ground that the people here stand upon. They don't all agree, but their experiences are similar, and they can relate to yours. When you are ready, you can comment and question here, without the fear of being disfellowshipped. There is no peace inside the Watchtower, but you can find comfort in the arms of strangers here. Follow your conscience.
as a young teenager, i would look at "apostate" books at the city library.
i was always intrigued as to what was sooo bad and other than a few writings of some that seemed like they hated the witnesses, i would clandestinely look at literature, especially in "christian" bookstores.. it took years for me to finally disconnect.
i will say that ray franz' books enlightened me the most!.
I would add, that today, my parents, sister and brother in law, STILL blame our unworthy study conductor, for our failure to submit ourselves to the "Truth." If we had been going to THEIR congregation, we would definitely be baptized and active today.
as a young teenager, i would look at "apostate" books at the city library.
i was always intrigued as to what was sooo bad and other than a few writings of some that seemed like they hated the witnesses, i would clandestinely look at literature, especially in "christian" bookstores.. it took years for me to finally disconnect.
i will say that ray franz' books enlightened me the most!.
It was not this exact interview with these people, but my husband accidentally found this video from the John Ankerburg Show. We were curious bible students, and I was heartbroken to discover the lies and cover-ups. When we showed the video to our 77-year old, born and raised JW, bible study conductor, he turned his back and refused to answer any of the questions raised by apostate evidence. He flat out denied that 1975 ever was a prediction at all. We got him to bring a "copy" of the article we saw on the tv show, and he brought a typewritten, transcribed, obviously changed article.
At this point, we realized they were liars, from the top to the bottom of the organization. After this confrontation, the same man cornered my husband and threatened him with eternal destruction for his entire family, "if you fail to progress." We never went back.
John Ankerburg does a great job at highlighting the false prophecies. This clip is about 1925 and 1975, and how the WTS pulls the wool over the eyes of the faithful followers of the org.
here's a lovely idea i heard from an evangelical preacher lately.
he said that any mother who works when it isn't financially necessary is "serving the devil.
" i think i remember that verse.
Blondie makes an excellent point, as usual.
here's some info i came accross & that's been circulating via email (i did not write it).
bethel lecture on the new bible.
by governing body bro geoffrey jackson.. use the new bible and get to know it read it.
At least the Smurfs are a happy clan... always singing that happy tune. La la la la la la, la la la la la...
