Traditions, Rituals and Celebrations are Important to Families

by Scully 14 Replies latest watchtower beliefs

  • Scully
    Scully

    gypsywildone:

    Find a way to get rid of the extended family, & you have control over the person.

    And doesn't the bOrg do just that, from the very beginning of contact with Interested Persons™??

    Here, right in the SECOND chapter of the Live Forever™ book, we find this charming excerpt:

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    pechap.2pp.22-24AnEnemyofEverlastingLife*** HOWSATANMISLEADSPEOPLE Do not think that Satan?s methods of getting people to follow him are always easy to see. He is a master at fooling people. His methods over the thousands of years have, in fact, been so clever that today many people do not even believe that he exists. To them wickedness and evil are simply normal conditions that will always be. Satan operates much like modern-day crime leaders who put on the front of being respectable, but who, behind the scenes, do very wicked things. The Bible explains: "Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light." (2 Corinthians 11:14) Thus we can expect that his schemes for misleading people would often appear innocent, even beneficial. Recall that Satan posed as a friend to Eve. Then he tricked her into doing what she thought would be for her own good. (Genesis 3:4-6) It is the same today. For example, through his human representatives Satan cunningly encourages people to put the interests of human governments even above their service to God. This has given birth to the spirit of nationalism, resulting in terrible wars. In recent times Satan has moved people to bring forth various schemes in their search for peace and security. One of these is the United Nations. But has this created a peaceful world? Far from it! Rather, it has proved to be a means of turning the people?s attention away from God?s arrangement for bringing peace to mankind, his incoming kingdom under Jesus Christ, the "Prince of Peace."?Isaiah 9:6; Matthew 6:9, 10.

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    If we are to receive everlasting life, we need accurate knowledge about God, his King-Son and his kingdom. (John 17:3) You can be sure that Satan the Devil does not want you to have this knowledge, and that he will do all in his power to stop you from getting it. How will he do this? One way is by seeing to it that you receive opposition, perhaps in the form of ridicule. The Bible tells us: "All those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted."?2 Timothy 3:12.It may be that even close friends or relatives will tell you that they do not like your examining the Scriptures. Jesus Christ himself even warned: "Indeed, a man?s enemies will be persons of his own household. He that has greater affection for father or mother than for me is not worthy of me; and he that has greater affection for son or daughter than for me is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10:36, 37) Relatives may try to discourage you, doing so in all sincerity because they do not know the wonderful truths found in the Bible.But if you give up a study of God?s Word when opposition comes, how will God view you? Also, if you give up, how will those friends and loved ones be helped by you to understand that accurate knowledge of the Bible is of life-or-death importance? Your staying with the things you learn from God?s Word may in time influence them likewise to learn the truth.

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    and this is from the second chapter of the Truth™ book:

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    trchap.2p.16WhyItIsWisetoExamineYourReligion***As you examine God?s Word, you will learn that your love for God will be put to the test. There may be individuals, perhaps even close friends or relatives, who will not approve of your examining the Scriptures. (1 Peter 4:4; Matthew 10:36, 37) They may try to discourage you. They may do this in all sincerity, because they do not know the marvelous truths found in the Bible. Perhaps you can help them. In other cases the opposition may come from persons who have no love for God. If this should occur, remember, having God?s approval is far more important than having the approval of men. It is God, not man, who will give you eternal life if you love him above everyone and everything else.?Matthew 22:37-39.

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    The seeds for ripping apart families are sown very early in the indoctrination process. The second study chapter would be considered by - what? - within the first month!!

    And here's the study brochure What Does God Require of Us? with its own gems:

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    Lesson
    rqlesson4pp.8-9WhoIstheDevil?*** 4

    Who

    IstheDevil?

    Satan the Devil?where did he come from? (1, 2)

    How does Satan mislead people? (3-7)

    Why should you resist the Devil? (7)

    1. The word "devil" means someone who tells wicked lies about another person. "Satan" means an enemy or an opposer. These are terms given to God?s chief enemy. At first, he was a perfect angel in heaven with God. However, he later thought too much of himself and wanted the worship that rightly belongs to God.?Matthew 4:8-10.

    2. This angel, Satan, spoke to Eve by means of a snake. By telling her lies, he got her to disobey God. Satan thus attacked what is called God?s "sovereignty," or position as the Most High. Satan questioned whether God rules in a worthy way and in the best interests of His subjects. Satan also brought into question whether any human would remain loyal to God. By doing this, Satan made himself God?s enemy. That is why he came to be called Satan the Devil.?Genesis 3:1-5; Job 1:8-11; Revelation 12:9.

    3. Satan tries to trick people into worshiping him. (2 Corinthians 11:3, 14) One way he misleads people is through falsereligion. If a religion teaches lies about God, it really serves the purpose of Satan. (John 8:44) People who are members of false religions may sincerely believe that they are worshiping the true God. But they are really serving Satan. He is "the god of this world." 2 Corinthians 4:4.

    4. Spiritism is another way Satan brings people under his power. They may call upon spirits to protect them, to harm others, to foretell the future, or to perform miracles. Satan is the wicked force behind all these practices. To please God, we must have nothing to do with spiritism.?Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Acts 19:18, 19.

    5. Satan also misleads people through extreme prideofrace and the worshipofpoliticalorganizations. Some feel that their nation or race is better than others. But this is not true. (Acts 10:34, 35) Other people look to political organizations to solve man?s problems. By doing this, they are rejecting God?s Kingdom. It is the only solution for our problems.?Daniel 2:44.

    6. Another way Satan misleads people is by tempting them with sinfuldesires. Jehovah tells us to avoid sinful practices because he knows they will harm us. (Galatians 6:7, 8) Some people may want you to join them in such practices. Remember, though, it is really Satan who wants you to do these things.?1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; 15:33.

    7. Satan may use persecution or opposition to get you to leave Jehovah. Some of your loved ones may become very angry because you are studying the Bible. Others may make fun of you. But to whom do you owe your life? Satan wants to frighten you so that you will stop learning about Jehovah. Do not let Satan win! (Matthew 10:34-39; 1 Peter 5:8, 9) By resisting the Devil, you can make Jehovah happy and show that you uphold His sovereignty.?Proverbs 27:11.onpage9]

    [Pictures

    False religion, spiritism, and nationalism mislead peopleonpage9]

    [Picture

    Resist Satan by continuing to learn about Jehovah

    It's sickening just how crafty and subtle this manipulation is. Imagine - creating a connection between opposed family members and the Devil!!

    This is why JWs are a CULT and not a religion.

    Love, Scully

  • Scully
    Scully

    more:

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    w95 8/15 p. 28 Resist Ungodly Traditions! ***

    Resist

    Ungodly Traditions!

    "THE truth will set you free," said Jesus Christ. (John 8:32) Yes, Christianity sets people free?free from enslavement to superstitions, free from belief in false doctrines and hopes, free from bondage to degrading practices.

    As in ancient times, however, Christians today often face pressures to return to former traditions. (Galatians 4:9, 10) Not that all popular customs are harmful. Indeed, a Christian may choose to follow local customs that are wholesome and beneficial. But when customs run counter to God?s Word, Christians do not compromise. Jehovah?s Witnesses are thus well-known for refusing to take part in Christmas celebrations, birthdays, and other customs that conflict with God?s Word.

    This courageous stand has often resulted in much ridicule and opposition from acquaintances, neighbors, and unbelieving relatives. Particularly has this been the case in some African lands, where a vast array of traditions are commonly observed at funerals, weddings, and births. The pressures to conform can be formidable?often including threats and acts of violence. How can Christians there stand firm? Is it possible to avoid confrontation without compromising? In answer, let us examine how faithful Christians have dealt with some unscriptural traditions.

    nice use of "buzzwords"....

  • Gill
    Gill

    Brilliant post Scully!

    But I can't help wondering, could a group of old geezers, ie. the Governing Body actually be thinking that cleverly and deliberately to keep families apart?

    By saying this I don't for one moment doubt that what you're saying is correct but I just wonder why they would do something like that on purpose.

    This is a question that still irritates me after three years almost of non association. Why do they do it, (the GB)? What is their motive? They're bloody clever in a not very nice sort of way.

  • teejay
    teejay

    From Beginning to End: The Rituals of Our Lives by Robert Fulgham is also excellent reading along these lines. I highly recommend it.

  • Scully
    Scully

    Thanks for the recommendation, teejay! I really enjoy reading Robert Fulghum's books - I'm going out to see if I can find it in the bookstore tonight!

    Love, Scully

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