by Quarterback 11 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
of worship. They regularly met together
in synagogues or at open-air meeting
places. They sang songs, prayed, and
discussed the Scriptures. Similar practices
are followed in Christian congregations
today." ....Is that really accurate? Did the Jews regularly have this Synagogue meeting each week?
Why are JW's boasting about modelling themselves on Jews and not Christians?
The first century Christians predominantly met in HOMES. So what does the Watchtower Society do - cancels HOME book studies. They cancelled the very thing they should have retained if they want to make claim to following any first century pattern.
But since when are the JW's modelled on first century Christianity? They are a quasi Jewish cult that constantly harks back to the OT. They even took their name from the OT.
Plenty of Jews today do their fellowshipping in home meetings. The synagogs are for religion and education approved of by the 'authorities'. However, small groups would get together over coffee/food and discuss things in a deeper way, both religious and philosophical. I have had the privilege of attending both synagogs and groups of studious faithful who wanted to go deeper into the scripture and other writings. I have seen the same in Islam. The informal discussions usually have more politics woven in-philosophies of how religous and political issues mesh-or if they truly can and how much compromise is beneficial vs comproMISING.
I have learned a lot more in those discussions-in all three faiths than ever in a synagog, mosque or church. If not always what I agreed with, it always gave me more to study about,think about and pray about-because they were honest conversations, rather than ones meant to please "authority" or follow the party line, so tospeak.
Quarterback, check out my analysis of this JW "belief" here:
I am not sure if the pre-Christian era Jews met regularly or not, and equally sure the WT does not know either. However, that has never stopped them from cherry picking bible verses to make their point.
The WT at best tries to present itself outwardly as "Christian", but would much rather use the OT to enforce their rhetoric. Too many conflicting messages in the NT for them. The "friendlier" parts of the NT just do not sit well with the JW leadership.
It's all crap anyway.
d4g
Yes, and the ancient Jews also killed and burned animals, splashed blood on houses, allowed misogyny, waged bloodthirsty wars etc.....
Lets do all of that too?
Thanks, friends for all your comments.
Good post Oublette. I have marked it for later
D4G, excellent analysis and summary
Stuck, that's a really good reasoning point.
QB, you're welcome.
fukital - "Why are JW's boasting about modelling themselves on Jews and not Christians?"
'Cause the WTS is really down with the vengeful fire-and-brimstone OT God, and there's way more useful rules in the OT (compared to the NT) that they can pick and choose from.
BTW, your username is awesome.
