Posts by mizpah

5

Divorce....a concession of Moses?

by mizpah in

in jesus' discussion on divorce, he said that moses allowed more latitude about divorce to the sons of israel as a concession.

(matthew 19) jesus noted this this arrangement was not so from the beginning.

are we to understand that parts of the mosaic law aside from the 10 commandments were from moses rather than god?

mizpah

Ohappyday:

Thanks for those very interesting comments. I guess I just assumed that God delivered the entire Mosaic law to Moses in the mountain. But considering the hard hearts and the difficult ways of his people, Moses might have requested concessions.

Another thought comes to mind, too. The divorce provisions are found in Deuteronomy that Moses delivered 40 years after the wanderings just prior to the Israelites entering the "promised land." (Deut. 1:3) Moses had experienced 40 years of trying to solve the complexities of keeping his people under God's law. Certainly, marriage then as even now can present many problems.

As you said, there is no definitive answers. But this does seem reasonable. Thanks for sharing.

43

Why Are So Many JWs Ex-Catholic?

by SpannerintheWorks in

is it just my imagination, or are a disproportionate of jws ex-catholic?.

were you a catholic before a jw?.

why did you feel that the jw religion was "better" than the "catholic" one?.

mizpah

Protestants may have known a little more about the Bible. But in the Baptist church where I grew up it was mostly the Bible stories we knew. There was very little discussion on Bible doctrine. In fact, it wasn't until I became a JWs that I realized what the church taught about the trinity, soul and hell. But, we did bring a Bible to church. And we were usually awarded a Bible upon baptism. I sat in a small Bible group in another Baptist church just a few years ago. While studying, two members expressed their opinions that they didn't believe that Jesus was God. The minister and the other members who were attending never said a word. I don't think the members were aware that it was one of the principle teachings of the church...although one would think the minister did. Maybe these doctrinal differences are not important any more.

Jehovah's Witnesses had a similar advantage of Bible knowledge over both Protestants and Catholics. The churches were very negligent in teaching the Bible. And this often impresses people at the door. What they don't realize is that they know the Bible as interpreted by the Watchtower Society. Whether or not it impresses Catholics more than Protestants, I don't know. But I think there may be other important factors.

23

Ass(Mule) Worshipping Hebrews

by Ravyn in

ass(mule) worshipping hebrews (highlighting mine).

"the womens encyclopedia of myths and secrets" by barbara g. walker, 1983, harper-collins publishing: .

the ass-god pales had an extensive cult throughout the ancient world.

mizpah

Ravyn:

Thanks for clarifying. I should have noticed the source of information: " The Women's Encyclopedia of Myth and Secrets." Sorry I even dignified your posting by responding.

3

New Article on California Abuse Cases

by blondie in

http://www.napanews.com/templates/index.cfm?template=story_full&id=ff8a2203-2fed-4981-914a-34c9828cf668

napanews.com woman speaks about abuse at jehovah witness lawsuit meetingfriday, august 1, 2003. .

by marsha dorgan.

mizpah

I'm still always shocked when I read that reports were made and the elders did nothing. It seems that their positions mean more than the safety and well being of their most vulnerable members, the children. Where is the moral compass of these men? It's obviously not pointed to the "true north" of moral responsbility but, rather, the the "magnetic" direction of the Watchtower Society.

4

The SilentLambs Strike Back - California Victims Sue Watchtower Society!!!

by UnDisfellowshipped in

jehovah's witnesses: http://www.watchtower.org.

silentlambs web site: http://www.silentlambs.org.

jehovah's witnesses: http://www.watchtower.org.

mizpah

Is anyone really surprised by the "internal investigation" that proclaimed "the elders did nothing wrong?"

It is further proof that the Society is in the business of covering up these abuses and abusers. Hasn't it learned yet by the example of the Catholic church?

28

"AMICUS CURIAE", the USA Supreme Court and the WTBS Inc.

by MacHislopp in

swaggart ministries v. cal.

amicus curiae ".

amicus curiae '

mizpah

You'll have to excuse this last posting. I'm not sure how it ended up on this thread. But my first response did not go through. So, I guess I inadvertantly posted the new one on the wrong thread.

Bluesapphire: I hope you read it in anycase...as you are probably the only one other than me to make sense of it...haha

10

Will it happen again?!?

by BornAgainGirl! in

happy august to you!.

i apologize if this has been brought up before, but what is everyone's take:.

will the wtbts yet again set forth a date for the end?.

mizpah

A review of the history of the Watchtower Society shows that there have been major defections from the organization at various times. With any change of doctrine, some leave the organization. With major changes, many leave. Many of us have felt that the next large issue would be about the 1914 date. That has been very important in all the Society's reckoning. That would constitute a major change.

On the other hand, the Society has skillfully introduced small changes leading to a major one to prepare the members. Perhaps, the "generation" change tested the waters for this. It all remains to be seen. But I do believe changes are coming. They have in the past. And they will in the future.

11

Is the Watchtower's idea of preaching what Jesus had in mind?

by Latin assassin from Manhattan in

what kind of preaching was jesus talking about in mathew 24:14?

it seems to me that jesus wanted christians to preach the hope of the resurrection to mankind.

nowhere in the bible, does it say that christians were to preach their own interpretation of bible prophecy as the wts does today.

mizpah

Ohappyday:

Even as a JW, I always resented the fact that when circuit or district overseers came to the congregation, one's faith was evaluated by the "publisher's record card." A "weak" one was one who did not go out in service regular and make placements of the literature or conduct Bible studies. What foolishness! I remember a dear "sister" in one congregation who told me she just couldn't go from door to door. But if anyone was sick, she was there to help. She sent food to those less fortunate. She contributed generously to the congregation. But she was considered "inactive" and "weak." She probably was a better Chrisitan than most in that Kingdom Hall.

It is clear to me now that the "gifts of men" among early Christians included those who showed kindness and hospitality to others. The ministry had a place in the early church. But it was not the most important element of faith. Like Paul's illustration of the body, every part has a function. And some of the most hidden and obscure parts are the most essential.

27

Let Us Create A True Religion...

by Latin assassin from Manhattan in

the wts feels that they are the true religion because they place tons of literature based on their own interpretations and because they show true christian love for one another.

this forum is testimony to the validity of their cause so i won't bother to repeat the obvious.

but if a true religion were to exist, i belive it shoud be based on the following:

mizpah

Noumenon:

The trouble is that most religious leaders and groups have said or felt that they were under the influence of God's spirit when they formed their groups. And many people can be mislead thinking they are being guided by holy spirit but are being led by false spirits. That is why were are told to "tests the spirits."

I agree with you that the Bible is the one source we have to use as a litmus test for faith. But many of us can read the same passages and come to different conclusions. Does this mean that the spirit of God is directing some and not others? I don't think so. I think God has given enough room in our search to satisfy the basic need of faith without being dogmatic. And maybe the real test for Christians is the toleration we have of others. There have been many Christians that have not had interest in doctrinal beliefs but have been just good and decent people who care for others. In the long run, I'm not sure the doctrine is all that important. In the end, God seems to judge us for our "deeds" not our doctrine.

23

Ass(Mule) Worshipping Hebrews

by Ravyn in

ass(mule) worshipping hebrews (highlighting mine).

"the womens encyclopedia of myths and secrets" by barbara g. walker, 1983, harper-collins publishing: .

the ass-god pales had an extensive cult throughout the ancient world.

mizpah

It's all a very interesting posting Ravyn. But what are you trying to suggest? The Israelites worshipped many false gods in their history. (The Golden calf, the serpent of Moses, the gods of the Canaanites, etc.) Please make your point clearer.