Posts by Jomavrick

23

The Aug. 1, Watchtower is Lying - Again!

by metatron in

jw
friends

the august 1, 2003 issue of the watchtower is lying -- again.. on page 20 it states,.

"they [jws] have no paid clergy".

this is false.

Jomavrick

I wouldnt consider what elders, circuit overseers, bethelites receive in the way of food, assistance, insurance etc,,, to be "paid" clergy. Compared to what that term normally means in the christian chrch community. I know many ministers who shall we say, live very well,,,,,,,

As far as using the label clergy for legal reasons, I understand the reason why that would be done. But really they are in my mind clergy, whether they are paid or unpaid. They just work very hard at not accepting the outside labels. It does not seem a case where they are lying.

Jomav

11

This One's For The Girls

by sandy in

this one's for the girls.

this is for all you girls about twenty-five.

this ones for the girls.

Jomavrick

That was very nice, in fact reading something meaningful and reflective kind of made my day. And I already had a nice day.

Is it okay for me to say even tho I'm a guy?

Jomavrick

33

Theocratic School Talks, they were the worst ! hated doing them, did you ?

by run dont walk in

jw
friends

remember back to the days you were in the theocratic school and had to give talks, were they the worst or what, i remember they were suppose to run about 6-8 minutes, i had some short as 3. the talks were pointless, you would just throw some mumble jumble together and go up and talk, first the introduction (and don't forget your gestures), then read the weekly scripture and then the conclusion, all your words of wisdom.

i would rank this second on the worst list next to field service (still # 1).. how about you, did you enjoy doing them ?

did you even prepare for them ?

Jomavrick

Personally,

I really enjoyed giving talks. It was tremendous training for research, putting together information in an informative, instructional and interesting way. Also the learning speaking skills in front of an audience is something that I have used a lot in the business world. Mind you it is generally a difficult thing to do, I just loved the challenge and took a lot of pride in improving my personal skills. You know it is one of the things I am truly most grateful for that I was (forced) to engage in that activity because I am still benefiting and using what I learned.

46

Can a witness receive a massage?

by JH in

jw
friends

.

just wondering if witnesses are aloud to go and receive a massage and be touched by other than their spouse?

i'm talking about a normal clean massage here, don't get me wrong.. .

Jomavrick

Messages are permissable,

Just as long as there is not a "happy ending".

(subtle "Mind of the Married Man" reference).

13

I offer you a free bible study

by JH in

jw
friends

.

yes, jh comes clean, and offers you a free bible study.

.

Jomavrick

JH,

I would have to say that you are a rather dashing looking fellow! By the way, have you ever had a bible study with someone and worked to teach them what your beliefs were? Just curious,,,

11

Love-Trademark of the christians?

by vesse in

all of you who have a little bit more than usual objective view of the religions.what have you noticed while observing the way how the parishioners of different churchers are showing love toward their fellowbelievers .is there any difference compared to jt's.i know that wts is boasting that the true and genuine love exists only among themselves.i don' t know exactly what a hell this means?one argument i have been told is that the door-to door preaching is one evidence of christian love ( far - fethed , i think ).

what about at the congregational level?.

any feedback?

Jomavrick

Well what do you define as love? Some would present the idea that love manifests itself in deeds and actions wrapped in principle. If a witness does spend spare time in the activity of trying to teach and disseminate his or her beliefs and do so because they are motivated by a genuine caring for others as opposed to duty, that is love in my opinion.

If you lead a life of honesty, kindness and look out after the interests of others first, that is love I think. So I would say that many self labeled christians do carry the identifying mark of displaying love, but many, many of any particular religion practise a self interested, self righteous, disengenuious way of life that does not reflect the kind of love that Jesus referred to.

I have found that most witnesses are simple genuine people that do care for other people. They may be wrapped up into an organization that has a variety of deficiencies and faults, but most people (common publishers) that I have met are good and loving individuals.

19

Convention Report

by Euphemism in

jw
friends

i just got back from my convention yesterday evening.

i'll be trying to catch up on the posts as time allows, but there is a very large volume; so if i miss any personal replies, please forgive me.. this was my first convention since i became mentally free, and it was just painful to sit through.

i used to be one of those dubs who actually enjoyed conventions.

Jomavrick

Euph,

Thank you for taking the time to break down the assembly information as well as your candid analysis . You obviously did pay attention!

I am curious as to how you would rate on a scale of 1-10, the quality of speaker at the convention?

Many Thanks,

Jo

7

WT & Religous Freedom vs Religous Terrorism/ Opinions?

by ARoarer in

jw
friends

i have been reading a lot of the comments on the new childrens book released at the convention.

i must say this book turns my stomach.

you know, for years the wts has demanded thier religious freedom in the courts and won many decisions based on thier first amendment right to worship as they choose.

Jomavrick

With regards the threatening nature the witness teachings impose upon those that would not be a part of the "organization", it is not unusual from most religions. On some level the ultimate fate that awaits humans according to most religious thought is divine condemnation, death, eternal damnation, becoming recycled into a tazmanian fruitfly if you do not meed the criteria as set out by the religion. From a practical perspective, leveraging fear is one of the only tools the religion has to keep the masses in line.

However the Witness imposition of thier views is to be certain more comprehensive and intrusive into every avenue of a persons life. Hence it is, in my opinion a very controlling religion. That can be a bad thing and it can be a good thing. Many people have a need to be controlled, have a need to be a part of an organization that projects such strong rules, perceptions thoughts on its followers. It does tend to strip a person of our god given ability to think independantly and express our own values and gifts in life.

I do not think that as a whole, Witnesses are a bad thing in most societies. The people do tend to be honest, strive to be moral and not a disruptive force in society. Thier noninvolvement with politics and local issues is obviously a deficiency, but I dont personally see the level of danger you were referring to with regards terrorism.

43

hello there

by tinkerbell82 in

jw
friends

just thought i'd introduce myself, and i didnt see a spot for newbie introductions, so i hope it's ok to put this here.

anyhow, here i am!

Jomavrick

Greetings to the new person from the Golden State

54

Quesions about Jehovah

by the real truth in

i am not writing these quetions to offend anyone, i am just seeking honest answers.

will you jehovah's witnesses help me in finding answers?

there is only 1 god.

Jomavrick

An good and interesting question. The witnesses definitely adhere to the idea of a single entity as the Supreme Being and the scriptural references seem to support that concept. However in your mind, forgetting scripture, bible, teachings etc,,,,,

What do you think? What seems logical in your mind? I believe that at the end of the day, what we believe has to make sense to our individual faculties as we must take responsibility for our lives, actions, and to a lesser degree our beliefs. However I argue that what is most important is what kind of people we are, what kind of life do we lead. Are we good, moral, kind, thoughful, loving, constructive, positive people? A belief to a large extent is a hollow and empty thing. If you belief that there are 48 gods, how does that affect you?