by sandy 13 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
Does anyone know of this article?
My friend just told me her mom came home the other day and told her you are not supposed say the word Pagan. But she did not tell her why but instead gave her the WT article to read. My friend didn't read it and now she cannot find the magazine.
My guess is that jws shouldn't use the word when talking to outsiders.
Could be, you can never guess their motives. Perhaps they're afraid it's catching?
Emma
<---- Thinking of the word "Pagan"
<< 100% PAGAN and proud of it! Every new article manages to piss me off even more.
Can't wait to read it. LOL
Sirona
Sometime last year when I accompanied my then-husband to a meeting, the speaker reminded the congregation of an old WT article stating they should not use the word "unbeliever" when talking to outsiders. His explanation was that people found the word offensive. He further explained that people outside the org usually considered themselves to be "believers" if they attended a church, etc. (Even though, of course, JWs are really the only TRUE believers!!) The tone of the message was very condescending. There is probably similar reasoning about the word "pagan."
My guess is it's because they're offending so many people by calling their beloved holidays "pagan". I think it's become a P.R. issue for them in some areas.
I remember a young male pioneer and his friends driving down mainstreet at night, yelling "Pagan Crap" at all the Christmas decorations.
Lovely attitude, that.
Then again, they could be setting it up so that, 5 or 10 years down the road, they can "new light" Christmas...if they start now, in 5 years the rank and file could be ready to smoothly accept an 'about face' on that...(hey, it's possible...you never thought they'd join the UN, either)
Remember how they tried to get JWs to stop saying "the Society"?
w98 3/15 18-19 Living Up to Christian Dedication in Freedom
3 Someone may argue that the way the Witnesses speak about the Watch Tower Society?or more often just "the Society"?indicates that they view it as more than a legal instrument. Do they not consider it to be the final authority on matters of worship? The book Jehovah?s Witnesses?Proclaimers of God?s Kingdom clarifies this point by explaining: "When The Watchtower [June 1, 1938] referred to ?The Society,? this meant, not a mere legal instrumentality, but the body of anointed Christians that had formed that legal entity and used it." The expression therefore stood for "the faithful and discreet slave." (Matthew 24:45) It is in this sense that the Witnesses generally used the term "the Society." Of course, the legal corporation and "the faithful and discreet slave" are not interchangeable terms. Directors of the Watch Tower Society are elected, whereas Witnesses who make up ?the faithful slave? are anointed by Jehovah?s holy spirit.
4 In order to avoid misunderstandings, Jehovah?s Witnesses try to be careful about how they express themselves. Instead of saying, "the Society teaches," many Witnesses prefer to use such expressions as, "the Bible says" or, "I understand the Bible to teach." In this way they emphasize the personal decision that each Witness has made in accepting Bible teachings and also avoid giving the false impression that Witnesses are somehow bound to the dictates of some religious sect. Of course, suggestions as regards terminology should never become a subject of controversy. After all, terminology is of importance only to the extent that it prevents misunderstandings. Christian balance is required. The Bible admonishes us "not to fight about words." (2 Timothy 2:14, 15) The Scriptures also state this principle: "Unless you through the tongue utter speech easily understood, how will it be known what is being spoken?"?1 Corinthians 14:9.
Instead of saying, "the Society teaches," many Witnesses prefer to use such expressions as, "the Bible says" or, "I understand the Bible to teach." In this way they emphasize the personal decision that each Witness has made in accepting Bible teachings and also avoid giving the false impression that Witnesses are somehow bound to the dictates of some religious sect.
AHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
all I have to say about that is, PAGAN PAGAN PAGAN PAGAN PAGAN PAGAN.
In order to avoid misunderstandings, Jehovah?s Witnesses try to be careful about how they express themselves. Instead of saying, "the Society teaches," many Witnesses prefer to use such expressions as, "the Bible says" or, "I understand the Bible to teach." In this way they emphasize the personal decision that each Witness has made in accepting Bible teachings and also avoid giving the false impression that Witnesses are somehow bound to the dictates of some religious sect.
***
w89 9/15 p. 23 Be Obedient to Those Taking the Lead ***a spirit of independent thinking does not prevail in God?s organization, and we have sound reasons for confidence in the men taking the lead among us
*** w93 8/1 p. 16 Let No One Spoil Your Useful Habits ***
7
How can we apply Paul?s warning about associations? He did not mean that we should decline to help someone in the congregation who was finding it hard to understand a Bible verse or teaching. Indeed, Jude 22, 23 urges us to give merciful help to sincere ones with such doubts. (James 5:19, 20) Paul?s fatherly counsel, however, should certainly come into play if someone keeps taking exception to what we know to be Bible truth or keeps making comments of a skeptical or negative nature. We should be on guard against association with that type of person. Of course, if someone became definitely apostate, the spiritual shepherds would have to act to protect the flock.?2 Timothy 2:16-18; Titus 3:10, 11.***
w87 2/1 p. 19 Doing Our Utmost to Declare the Good News ***13
First of all, there is the matter of being obedient and ready to respond to encouragement. When direction and encouragement come from the proper source, it is only right that we should respond readily. Thus, rather than viewing these qualities as mere national traits, we keep in mind Jesus? words: "My sheep listen to my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." (John 10:27) We also remember that one feature of "the wisdom from above" is being "ready to obey." (James 3:17) These are qualities that all Christians are encouraged to put on. Due to background and upbringing, some may be more given to independent thinking and self-will than others. Perhaps this is an area where we need to discipline ourselves and ?make our mind over? so that we can perceive more clearly what the "will of God" is.?Romans 12:2.
Blondie,
you're right on the money again.
