by Introspection 3 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
I'm posting this here because it seems to be the most appropriate forum, though it's still not entirely on topic.. I was just wondering how many out there would be interested in discussing spirituality beyond an exclusively biblical dialogue, it would seem that there's atleast a few.
Here's a thought.. Apocalyptic mindset as a form of escapism. What do you think?
I would be willing to be included in discussions on spirituality.
As to your question on "Apocalyptic mindset as a form of escapism?" I would agree to a certain extent.
Realizing of course that, Christianity teaches an apocalypse, and end of things as we know it and a new beginning as it should have been. The problem with Christianity, the Watchtower included is that they all teach a narrow view of salvation. Christendom teaches, believe now or face the fires of hell, the Society teaches, join us now or face second death.
And although I do not believe in hell fire, the scriptures are clear of second death, however, it is not something to easily fall into. I believe in what is called two salvations, one heavenly for those who make up teh church and one earthly for the rest of mankind, where every man, women and child will have the opportunity to learn of God's love.
The scriptures ae clear however that there is an apocalypse that will preceed the final end, and this is where the Churches err, including the Society. Before building can begin, tearing down must start first, and we are in that tearing down process now.
The problem with the masses is that they believe that only those believers will escape the apocalypse, that they are the "chosen ones."
Being a chosen one makes one feel special, privileged, and although it IS a privilege to be among those chosen of God to reign with his Son, it is not in itself the finale, "choose it now or lose it all," theology of the Churches.
THose who hav this attitude of being "special" yes have a mindset of escapism, because when you believe as they do, you tend to explain away everything, every problem, trial, and hardship, as a test of God for being special or being worthy of it.
And setting dates for the end, and believing in such dates, makes it more exhilarating, exciting!
I realize I seem to be babbling! :)
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Religion is man's attempt to reach God,
Jesus is God's attempt to reach man.
Introspection,
What exactly do you mean by 'spirituality' apart from the bible? Does that have to include belief in God? Or could it mean morality? Or meditation. I'm too lazy to look up the exact definition, but it may be you mean something else.
I definitely would like to have something to hang onto in my search for belief right now.
It seems as tho it would be an interesting discussion.
It seems as if belief in armageddon becomes a form of escapism, but many believe it at first since it is such an integral part of the bible. Then, later on it beomes a coping mechanism for all of life's hardships.
Patio
Well Patio, I don't know if I'd say it's so much something to hang on to, but the organization of my comparative religion class comes to mind. We were to consider each tradition in terms of it's view regarding ultimate reality, phenomenal reality, human nature and the path to fulfillment. Considering that many appears to continue as seekers, I figure perhaps the path to fulfillment would be an appropriate focus. My hope is that we can share our views equally, being open to what others can bring to it and hopefully enrich our lives in some way. How does that sound?
