a friend in need (page 27)

seven006

Thank you, thank you all. You're a wonderful audience.

I'm here every Friday night. Make sure to tip your waitress and please drive home safely.

Dave

Joyzabel

*wonders what old soul is thinking right now*

poor OldSoul is just champing at the bit trying to respond here. So as soon as his post limits are up, I'm sure we'll see him around with lots more info. poor OS, got to learn to pace himself.

Maybe the past few hours have pulled this thread away from the "why report abuse to the legal department instead of the police" direction it was heading in earlier, but at that time the phrase "personal decision" came up. It said that the elders -- if asked -- should tell the alleged victim that going to the police was a "personal decision". I didn't want to say it at the time, but "personal decision" is JW-speak for "personally decide to do what we are hinting you should do." So if the elders even slightly hinted that going to the police was a bad thing -- "You can do it, but the reproach to Jehovah's name could be an issue for you to consider" -- then the good JW's would give it a miss.

I'm basing that assertion on the use of the phrase "personal decision" in the Society's publications. Here's a long sample I threw together from the CD just now.

(Sorry it's so long, but collectively they make the point that there's no such thing as a "personal decision". Especially, please note the first one)

Dave

*** w98 3/15 p. 19 Living Up to Christian Dedication in Freedom ***

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.

*** w99 11/1 p. 28 Questions From Readers ***

As to whether they will personally vote for someone running in an election, each one of Jehovah?s Witnesses makes a decision based on his Bible-trained conscience and an understanding of his responsibility to God and to the State. (Matthew 22:21; 1 Peter 3:16) In making this personal decision, the Witnesses consider a number of factors.

Suppose a question arises concerning neutrality. We can make an informed personal decision by remembering that we are ?no part of the world? and that we have ?beaten our swords into plowshares.?

As my conscience started to be molded and trained by the lofty standards and principles of the Bible, I was motivated to make a personal decision regarding blood transfusions.

What, though, if the Christian lives in a land where exemption is not granted to ministers of religion? Then he will have to make a personal decision following his Bible-trained conscience. (Galatians 6:5) While taking the authority of Caesar into account, he will weigh carefully what he owes to Jehovah. (Psalm 36:9; 116:12-14; Acts 17:28)

But in time you must make a personal decision. Do you truly love Jehovah and want to be one of his servants? Do you really want to live in a world where righteousness will prevail?

Bible principles were considered and they were shown that it was a personal decision. On the next visit, great was the brother?s joy when the young lady said: ?I know that this contract would solve my family?s financial problems and that all I need to do is dial the phone number of the producer and ask him to send me the contracts, but I have decided not to sign them. My mother agrees with me, because we do not want to do anything contrary to Jehovah?s will.?

There may be no Bible rule forbidding attendance at the function, so you would have to make a personal decision on the basis of principles that apply. Would you weigh this principle of giving exclusive devotion to Jehovah? Just being present when the false religious ceremony was going on would not necessarily make you a false worshiper, but would embarrassment at being different lead you to kneel before an image or a cross with the rest? That would be breaking the Biblical law forbidding idolatry. (1 John 5:21) Will the others attending conclude that your presence indicates that you have abandoned exclusive worship of Jehovah and started worshiping their trinitarian god? These are questions that the principle should suggest.

Are you willing to compare them with the promises made in a very ancient book, the Bible, and then honestly make a personal decision as to which side offers the better, more practical hope? We invite you to do so.

seven006

***BTW - what's so wrong with Mighty Mouse?***

I didn't say their was anything wrong with him. Personally I think given his size compared to Superman's size, he is the superior super hero and will save us all much better than Superman.

But, that's just my opinion based on the little snippets I saw of his cartoon show on Saturday mornings as I peeked into the houses of the people's homes we knocked on out in service. Given that little bit of knowledge, I could be wrong.

Now, in respect for Oldsoul, lets get back on topic. I believe it is Old Jehovah Vs New Jehovah.

Dave

Narkissos

LOL.

Remember: never start a thread with "Although I realize I have no authority here over what anyone chooses to do, I would personally appreciate consideration in leaving this thread free for a discussion between X and myself."

RebelliousSpirit

Please ... RS ... show them your last post ... shows your true character.

Answering honesty with insult ... is that in your JW training, AFIN? I think not. You are a poor example and should be ashamed of yourself. If you are at all representative of the JWs - tell me why would I want to associate myself as such?

You want my true character? Everyone who knows me already knows it well.

RS is outspoken, headstrong, independent, and practical. RS is a no BS kinda gal. RS tells it like it is, calls it as she sees it. RS practices what she preaches and loathes hypocrisy. RS is always true to herself and her principles. RS admits her faults, takes responsibility for her words and actions, and lives her life in such a way that she has nothing to be ashamed of - no regrets. RS doesn't play games, but when someone brings the game to her she will play it better than they can just to prove a point.

"If I'm gonna go down, I'm gonna do it with style ... and you won't see me surrender, you won't see me give in".

Dave

a friend in need

seven006

Joyzabel

AlmostAtheist

seven006

Narkissos

RebelliousSpirit

kls

a friend in need

minimus

seven006

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