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ozziepostLooking after orphans and widows


Christian organisations around the world have a long-standing interest in rendering physical and material aid to those in their communities who find themselves in need.

In recent times, the WTS have reacted to criticism that they have not lived up to the apostle James' admonition to "look after orphans and widows in their tribulation" (James 1:27) So on their Media website, they make a statement entitled "Contribution to the Community".

So, how do those claiming to be the true Christians render such aid. I've abridged their statement to show the 5 ways they claim to fulfil the Biblical command and the opening description of that feature in each case.

As you read them, look closely, and see if you can pick what isn't on their list i.e. what they're NOT doing.

Contributions to the Community

Disaster Relief

Since World War II, Jehovah's Witnesses have organized relief efforts to help fellow members and others who suffer the effects of war, natural disasters, or other calamities.

Literacy

For decades Jehovah's Witnesses have organized literacy programs throughout the world for people who have had little or no opportunity to receive formal schooling.

Moral Values

Evidence shows that learning and following the Bible's counsel is a good way to combat many social ills and to become better equipped to deal with the problems and pressures of life.

Racial and Ethnic Unity

Jehovah's Witnesses, who come from all racial and ethnic groups, believe the Bible's teaching that all races are equal in the sight of God. Through Bible education, they have been successful in helping many to overcome deep-seated prejudices.

Civil Liberties

Court cases involving Jehovah's Witnesses make up a significant portion of U.S. and Canadian law relating to freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and freedom of the press.

Well, what do you think? What isn't there?

Cheers, Ozzie
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ScullyRe: Looking after orphans and widows
I'll take a shot at it Ozzie :)

Where are the JW-sponsored food banks and soup kitchens?

Where are the JW-sponsored homeless shelters?

Where are the JW-sponsored hospitals?

Where are the JW-sponsored shelters for battered women?

Where are the JW-sponsored legal aid offices?

Where are the JW-sponsored 'looking after orphans and widows fund'?

Am I close?? ;)

Love, Scully

Edited by - Scully on 29 July 2002 10:41:43

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ozziepostRe: Looking after orphans and widows

You're too good, Scully!!

But there's a bit more to it. What ELSE is missing?

Cheers, Ozzie
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MikeMustoRe: Looking after orphans and widows

Hi,

 

This fashionista wants nothing to do with the homeless and sickly....I would rather contribute

to the red cross or something...does that make me bad?
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ScullyRe: Looking after orphans and widows
Ozzie:

After all the hoopla from JWs about how they were "first on the scene" in the aftermath of 9-11, where are the testimonials and photographs to back up these claims?

Mike Musto:

After going to assemblies for 25 years, one charity that desperately needs to be established for JWs is "The WTS Fund for the Fashion Challenged".

I think you'd be a real ASSet in that capacity.

Love, Scully

Edited by - Scully on 29 July 2002 11:33:9

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LieuRe: Looking after orphans and widows

I'll guess Oz,

Nowhere does it say that they are "looking after widows and orphans"....nor does it state that any of the abovementioned activities are part of some well regulated and specific "program". It also does not say that there is any monetary or food assistance for those in need. 
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JoyzabelRe: Looking after orphans and widows

Good question, Ozzie.

I liked all of Scully's responses.

Please tell us Ozzie what you are thinking about! (This is like the fishing questions brothers had from the platform.  Throw out a question and fish to see who knew what was on the speaker's mind. hehe)

j2bf
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blondieRe: Looking after orphans and widows

I know that there are "strings attached" to everything JWs "give."  Remember "give free, you received free" a scriptural rule, that's why the JWs charged for the publications, eh?  It took a law from the government to stop that since they ignored the Bible.

 
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ozziepostRe: Looking after orphans and widows

Okay, okay, I know I've been a tease! And after Joy's comment about the "fishing expeditions" in the talks, I'm full of guilt!!!!! Oh yes, I remember THOSE talks!

OK, so what's missing?  Answer:...... (drum roll).............. "the orphans and widows"

Notice that in each of the five areas that they proclaim their good deeds, the beneficiaries are themselves, but what about those outside?

And the winner is:   Lieu ! ......... (Applause).............

Cheers, Ozzie
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Golden GirlRe: Looking after orphans and widows

Guess who IS looking after them?

The DA and DF children of the "Widows"

And the Orphans are sent to be wards of the state or adopted by a "Worldly Person"...

YEP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Golden Girl...who helps take care of a "Widow"..because everone in her Hall is too busy! And her JW daughter moved to NY...2 days away!....

But they are very loving when the say they are too busy!

Edited by - Golden Girl on 31 July 2002 1:50:18

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jgnatRe: Looking after orphans and widows

I just had to add my two cents worth.  It bugged me when I read what the WTS said about their own efforts of releif in Rwanda.  They claimed that the locals commended them for coming and checking on the condition of their own members.  That is good, but what of the massive problem of orphans in that country, where many of the adults are now dead?

Huh?

Rwanda's Orphans of War

Christianity in Action - what they say about themselves.

Christian Aid in Rwanda - a representative from Christendom.

One notable difference between the two articles;  the WTS mission was a single in-and-out effort, and reports a sunny result.  The Christian Aid organization paints a less sunny picture, and is obviously in for the long haul.

Edited by - jgnat on 3 August 2002 11:19:41

Edited by - jgnat on 3 August 2002 11:39:35

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ozziepostRe: Looking after orphans and widows
The Christian Aid organization paints a less sunny picture, and is obviously in for the long haul.

Good point, jgnat.  I'll have to remember that point.

Cheers, Ozzie
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