Dear Copernicus,
You write:
:Please humor my curiosity when I ask at what point would you cease communing with the JW’s and finally take issue with their doctrinal framework? As far as positive changes go . . I myself would characterize positive changes as the dissolution of the Sanhedrin (GB) as we know it, and along with that an abandonment of the Talmudic mindset that has so mired the organization. I’ve said elsewhere that the org is infinitely more comparable to first century Judaism, with all its emphasis on works, rules, and punishment, then Christianity with its emphasis on the personal development of a relationship with God, and outward manifestations of the kingly law of love.:
You raise a thought-provoking question, Copernicus. I guess I would answer it by saying the preponderance of evidence would have to strongly suggest the organization of JWs is not used by God at all in order for me to leave the Witnesses. In other words, after looking at the doctrinal framework in its entirety and finding gaping holes in many areas, after finding evidence that the Witness organization is simply a product of 19th century human thought and not of God, then I would refuse to associate with the Witnesses.
But two things come to my mind at this point. Russell wrote that when he had to beg for money to keep the Bible Students or the Society going--I can post the exact quote later--he would then know it was time to close shop. Acts 5:35-41 also indicates that a man-made movement ultimately WILL BE overthrown. Until I see evidence that the Witnesses are simply a human organization, I will remain a Witness.
The "truth" has had a tremendous and positive impact on my life. I have come to know God and Christ through this organization, and I have not found another group of Christians that comes anywhere close to serving as a pillar and support of the truth found in the Bible. If I left the Witnesses, I would probably worship God in isolation. However, worshiping God without a community of faith does not seem quite satisfactory either (Hebrews 10:24-25). You are free to and I know that others probably will argue with the thoughts I have typed in this paragraph. That is okay, for "the heart (le coeur) has its reasons which the reason does not understand." God's spirit leads the heart of one who seek to know his ways in a spirit of meekness. I think he is guiding me through His Word and the testimonium spiritus internum.
:I’d be interested in your thoughts on this matter.
Finally, you mentioned Greg Stafford in your response to Farkel. I’m not familiar with him (to any degree) or his “magisterial work” but I do seem to recall that he made a complete fool of himself on talk.origiens by attempting to defend the WTS’specious “scholarship.” How do YOU live with that aspect of things? Please recall my argument via “sum totals.”:
It may seem as if I'm closing my eyes to "the whole," but I think that IF the WTS has made certain errors in its research, one has to stop and ask why they have done so. Secondly, I have not sat down with the _Life_ book, having AlanF's article in hand, and tracked down every source AF refers to in order to see if the material presented in the Society's publication (the Life book) is really an example of pseudo scholarship.
At this point in my life, other matters are more pressing and more important. I'm examining doctrine, and comparing Witness doctrine with the Bible. I'm also leading a productive academic life, employing reason in my religious walk with God, as I wait upon Him to show me the way in which I should tread.
Sincerely,
Dan
Duns the Scot