Redline:
Facilis descensus averno. Forbidden fruit, this was the same temptations that lead adam and eve off to destruction. Your mentioning that originally you had sought it out innocently at first, (no comments on the fact I am here as well) but then rejected your prior beliefs because of what you had stumbled across. That the society had deceptively left out information or changed it to fit the context.
My mention of forbidden fruit was meant to be sarcastic – because of the society’s relentless directions to refrain from surfing. Originally in the garden, the fruit was proscribed for reasons best understood by Jehovah. In this case the society had things to hide. All was not right in paradise. If they had been up front about numerous items, instead of trying to conceal them, they wouldn’t ever have faced the credibility issues they face today. I believe the fault lies with them in this regard.
I believe that there are many sides to all arguments, that we could easily bring out versus that when used in one conversation would have a completely altered meaning.
And of course, you are right. That’s something we all have to determine for ourselves.
I skeptically looked into the Jehovah's Witness Organization when it was first proposed to me. Not giving in on what I had already felt was factual, but then found that with their answers, and my study, that this was indeed the correct religion. But if I pause and look around, there are hordes of people trying to disway anyone associates with it away, and this is to be expected of anything that may hold value.
Hordes? Isn’t that a bit of an overstatement? And in any event, maybe they have your best interests in mind. It is a possibility, yes?
So rather then saturate myself with other peoples opinions, I usually stick with my own, and the Organization.
That’s your choice. I understand completely.
This is not completely mistake free (on my opinion), but over time the answers usually come.
Or so they say.
More then likely I couldn't stand up to a Theological Conversation with most of you, due to my lack of knowledge and experience. I however am strong on what I have established, and feel that my foundation is strong, and based on truths. I am sure most of you felt the same way before turning, but the love of the greater number was prophesied to start to cool as the end drew near.
“. . . but the love of the greater number was prophesied to start to cool as the end drew near.” Do not confuse love cooling off with the experience many of us have had in all of this. I still have a love of truth. Jesus said: “everyone that is on the side of the truth listens to my voice.” As I said in my earlier post, I couldn’t reconcile the lies knowingly propagated by the society with this clear injunction. If you can, that’s OK by me.
Why would the Jehovah's Witness be completely exempt from it?
I think that the title of “God’s Channel” is a serious mantle to assume. While no one is exempt, they hold themselves to standards that suggest they might do better.
Again there are personalities with the congregations, some Elders are kind and humble, while other may be pretentious and unjust in their dealings. We are plagued with imperfections, and to continue to fault the whole because of the few is ignorant and unfair. Even in my few years I have seen that, but cannot deny that my own actions have been similar, so cannot point fingers when I made my own bad steps.
Very well said, and well thought out. I’ve had the same thoughts myself on many occasions.
I enjoyed this exchange Redline. I am not interested in trying to sway anyone per se. I am here to try and heal the wounds I experienced while serving as a Witness. And to better understand both sides of what is an infinitely more complex issue than I would have thought possible. Over time as a Witness, you’ll see that the idea of grouping things in black and white begins to fade. Things are rarely that simple.
I wish you all the best. And if it works for you – go for it!