defender of truth
JoinedPosts by defender of truth
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Apostasy Trial - Part 2 - Accusation Against Elder Needs 3 Witnesses
by berrygerry indespite being in for decades, i have never heard this before.. can any elders confirm this, and the reasoning?.
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Why the Future of Religion Is Bleak
by defender of truth inreligious institutions have survived by controlling what their adherents know, argues tufts prof. daniel c. dennett, but today that is next to impossible.
illustration: brian stauffer for the wall street journal.
by daniel c. dennett.
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defender of truth
www.wsj.com/articles/why-the-future-of-religion-is-bleak-1430104785
Religious institutions have survived by controlling what their adherents know, argues Tufts Prof. Daniel C. Dennett, but today that is next to impossible
ILLUSTRATION: BRIAN STAUFFER FOR THE WALL STREET JOURNALByApril 26, 2015 11:19 p.m. ETDANIEL C. DENNETTReligion has been waning in influence for several centuries, especially in Europe and North America. There have been a few brief and local revivals, but in recent years the pace of decline has accelerated.
THE RESILIENCE OF RELIGION
Today one of the largest categories of religious affiliation in the world—with more than a billion people—is no religion at all, the “Nones.” One out of six Americans is already a None; by 2050, the figure will be one out of four, according to a new Pew Research Center study. Churches are being closed by the hundreds, deconsecrated and rehabilitated as housing, offices, restaurants and the like, or just abandoned.
If this trend continues, religion largely will evaporate, at least in the West. Pockets of intense religious activity may continue, made up of people who will be more sharply differentiated from most of society in attitudes and customs, a likely source of growing tension and conflict.
Could anything turn this decline around? Yes, unfortunately. A global plague, a world war fought over water or oil, the collapse of the Internet (and thereby almost all electronic communication) or some as-yet unimagined catastrophe could throw the remaining population into misery and fear, the soil in which religion flourishes best.
Behind the decline
With hardly any significant exceptions, religion recedes whenever human security and well-being rises, a fact that has recently been shown in numerous studies, but was suspected by John Calvin in the 16th century. He noted that the more prosperous and comfortable his Genevans became, the less dependent they were on church. Presumably, those who deplore the decline of religion in the world today would not welcome the sort of devastation and despair that could give religion its second wind.
There is no other plausible scenario that could halt the slide, for a fairly obvious reason: the recent rapid growth of mutual knowledge, thanks to the global spread of electronic and digital communication.
Any institution—just like a person or an organism—depends on a modicum of privacy in which to conduct its business and control its activities without too much interference and too many prying eyes. Religious institutions, since their founding millennia ago, have managed to keep secrets and to control what their flocks knew about the world, about other religions and about the inner workings of their own religion with relative ease. Today it is next to impossible.
What is particularly corrosive to religion isn’t just the newly available information that can be unearthed by the curious, but the ambient knowledge that is shared by the general populace.
ENLARGEFunny business
Laughter is particularly subversive. A Mormon watching the episode of “South Park” that lampoons the Church of Latter-day Saints doesn’t just see some outsiders poking fun at her religion. She learns that vast numbers of people find her religion comical, preposterous, ludicrous, as confirmed by the writers’ decision to belittle it and the networks’ decision to broadcast it. This may heighten her loyalty, but it also may shake her confidence, and as soon as she even entertains the hypothesis that belief in God might be a life-enhancing illusion, not a rock-solid truth, she is on the slippery slope.
The late computer scientist John McCarthy, a founder of artificial intelligence, once said, “When I see a slippery slope, my instinct is to build a terrace.” That’s what theologians have been doing for hundreds of years, shoring up whatever they think they can salvage from the rain of information eroding their ancient peaks of doctrine. In some denominations the clergy are obliged to swear to uphold the “inerrant truth” of every sentence in the Bible, but this is becoming more of an embarrassment than a shield against doubt.
Hardly anybody today believes in—or would want to believe in—the wrathful, Old Testament Jehovah, for instance. A God who commands our love is a nasty piece of work by today’s perspectives, and has been replaced, over the centuries, by ever-less-anthropomorphic (but more “loving,” more “forgiving”) addressees of our prayers. (Isn’t it curious how the obsolete term “God-fearing” is still used in some quarters as a commendation?) God has no ears, but may “listen” to our prayers, and “works in mysterious ways,” which is a face-saving way of acknowledging that He doesn’t answer them at all.
Do you remember the impressive and rigorous Benson Study? It was conducted by a Harvard Medical School team that labored for years. It was finally published in 2006, and it concluded that intercessionary prayer for the recovery of heart-surgery patients not only didn’t work; in some conditions it showed a small but measurable increase in post-surgical complications.
ENLARGEMedia bias
This was dutifully reported by the media, and promptly forgotten by most. But if the study had found any positive result, you can be sure it would have been on the cover of all the newsmagazines and featured in television specials. This pro-religion bias in the media is crumbling, however, and once it dissolves, the exposure of all the antique falsehoods of religious doctrine will oblige the theologians to build yet another terrace, lower down the slope. They are running out of rocks.
Religious leaders of all faiths are struggling to find ways of keeping their institutions going, and one of the themes emerging from the surveys they conduct is that creed should be de-emphasized and loyalty and community should be fostered.
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGESIf we are lucky—if human health and security continue to rise and spread around the globe—churches might evolve into humanist communities and social clubs, dedicated to good works, with distinctive ceremonies and disappearing doctrine, except for a scattering of reclusive sects marked by something like institutional paranoia.
If we are unlucky and calamity strikes, our anxiety and misery will provide plenty of fuel for revivals and inventions of religions we have happily learned to live without.
Prof. Dennett is co-director of the Center for Cognitive Studies at Tufts University and co-author, with Linda LaScola, of “Caught in the Pulpit: Leaving Belief Behind.” He can be reached at [email protected].
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The Children Act review – Ian McEwan’s compelling study of rational versus religious belief
by defender of truth inlucy scholes.
sunday 26 april 2015 10.00 bst.
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defender of truth
Sunday 26 April 2015 10.00 BST
The Children Act, McEwan’s 13th novel, presents us with some of the usual trappings that have come to characterise his recent work: the well-educated and well-off protagonist whose equilibrium is suddenly upset by a powerful external force; and a single moment of apparently innocuous, but ultimately momentous, misunderstanding.
By day 59-year-old Fiona Maye, a high court judge, presides over family division cases; by night she sips Sancerre on the chaise longue in her Gray’s Inn flat, dines with colleagues at Middle Temple, or attends concerts at Kings Place “(Schubert, Scriabin)”. Her 35-year marriage with her academic husband is imploding, but this is background noise; the main event is the emergency case she’s just agreed to take on. A 17-year-old Jehovah’s Witness named Adam – an impossibly beautiful, slightly unbelievable, near ethereal presence who writes poetry and plays the violin – is refusing the blood transfusion that could save his life, and Fiona has to decide whether rational or religious thought wins the day.
McEwan’s own atheism rings loud and clear from the very beginning, and from the cases detailed in the first chapter alone it’s obvious that Fiona’s job is to be the voice of reason in the face of religious short-sightedness – a strict Moroccan Muslim father who wants to remove his daughter from the care of her English mother; another, from an Orthodox Jewish community, who wants to limit the education and life experiences his ex-wife wants for their daughters; and a Catholic couple whose faith is compelling them to watch their conjoined twins die, even though the medical establishment advocates the saving of one at the expense of his much weaker brother.
Interestingly, these mini-tales are by far the most compelling elements of the novel. When we’re brought back to Adam and Fiona, it seems less like McEwan’s in charge of the actions and decisions made by his characters and more like he’s observing their every move, recording their interactions with each other and descriptions of their environments with the formal, unemotional tones of an anthropologist. In many ways it’s a parable of the obvious – “It was not her business or mission to save him, but to decide what was reasonable and lawful” – but there’s something about the studied solemnity of McEwan’s tone that held me captivated.
The Children Act is published by Vintage (£7.99). Click here to order it for £5.99
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New Scientology Documentary Banned In UK
by defender of truth inposted in: religionposted: april 19, 2015. new scientology documentary banned in uk for fears of libel claims.
when it comes to the scientologist movement, many are aware that, due to their money, power, and influence, it may not be the best idea to mess with the group for fear of libel claims and legal action.. .
a new scientology documentary, which was due to be aired in britain by sky atlantic, has now been banned for fears it will ruffle the wrong feathers.. the new film, directed by alex gibney, which claims that scientologys practices at their u.s. headquarters were abusive and violent, is shelved due to the fact that northern ireland is not subject to the 2013 defamation act.. john travolta, a scientologist himself, also slammed the new film, speaking to reporters about it, he said, ive been so happy with my experience in the last 40 years...that i really dont have anything to say that would shed light on (a documentary) so decidedly negative.. the leaders of the scientology church have also condemned the film about them, saying it is, one-sided, bigoted propaganda built on falsehoods and informed by former members whom it calls misfits.'.
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defender of truth
Posted in: ReligionPosted: April 19, 2015New Scientology Documentary Banned In UK For Fears Of Libel Claims
When it comes to the Scientologist movement, many are aware that, due to their money, power, and influence, it may not be the best idea to mess with the group for fear of libel claims and legal action.
A new Scientology documentary, which was due to be aired in Britain by Sky Atlantic, has now been banned for fears it will ruffle the wrong feathers.
The new film, directed by Alex Gibney, which claims that Scientology’s practices at their U.S. headquarters were abusive and violent, is shelved due to the fact that Northern Ireland is not subject to the 2013 Defamation Act.
John Travolta, A Scientologist himself, also slammed the new film, speaking to reporters about it, he said, “I’ve been so happy with my experience in the last 40 years…that I really don’t have anything to say that would shed light on (a documentary) so decidedly negative.”
The leaders of the Scientology Church have also condemned the film about them, saying it is, “‘one-sided, bigoted propaganda built on falsehoods’ and informed by former members –whom it calls ‘misfits.'”
In an official statement, the church noted, “The Church of Scientology will be entitled to seek the protection of both UK and Irish libel laws in the event that any false or defamatory content in this film is broadcast within these jurisdictions.”
Lawyer Paul Tweed, who was involved in previous discussion with UK publisher Transworld, said a statement.
“Any client of mine, whether a journalist or a high-profile personality, is entitled to protect their reputation against false allegations. In terms of Sky’s decision … they have to make absolutely certain that what they are broadcasting is not defamatory or untrue. If they have right on their side, they have nothing to fear.”
Gibney said about the banning of his film, and Scientologists in general.
“Scientologists are entitled to believe what they want to believe. And the IRS [Internal Revenue Service] website makes it clear anyone is entitled to start a religion without seeking IRS permission. To maintain the right to be tax-exempt, however, religions must fulfil certain requirements for charitable organisations. For example, they may not ‘serve the private interests of any individual’ and/or ‘the organisation’s purposes and activities may not be illegal or violate fundamental public policy.'”
www.inquisitr.com/2024839/new-scientology-documentary-banned-in-uk-for-fears-of-libel-claims/
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Is this the first time Jehovahs Witnesses have taken part in a forum with other religious leaders?
by defender of truth inschool faith forum to bring religions together.
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defender of truth
BLACK COUNTRY NEWSSchool faith forum to bring religions together
School faith forum to bring religions togetherSchool faith forum to bring religions together
share on Facebookshare on Twittershare on Google+email(0) commentsprintFirst published Wednesday 22 April 2015 in Black Country News Last updated 15:46 Wednesday 22 April 2015 Halesowen News: Photograph of the Author by Dan Sharp, Reporter
A STOURBRIDGE school will be bringing religions together tomorrow (April 23) as it hosts a faiths and philosophies forum.
Old Swinford Hospital students will be joined in a seminar to address religious issues by leaders from local Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Humanist, Muslim, Hindu and Jehovah’s Witness communities.
The Rev Martin Soar, school chaplain, said: “Our school motto ‘Ut Prosim Vince Mallum Bono’, taken from the New Testament letter to the Romans, means ‘Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good’.
“This was our vision for setting up our Faiths and Philosophies Forum on April 23, a day which some celebrate as St Georges’ Day – a truly ‘multi-cultural’ saint.”
The faith leaders will be answering questions on a variety of topics including what place, if at all, faith and philosophy has in the lives of young people, what is meant by ‘British Values’, and how can we demonstrate that we have ‘open hands’ towards one another?
Paul Kilbride, headteacher, said: “Old Swinford Hospital is a Christian school and we are pleased to welcome children of any faith or, indeed, none at all.
“We want the very best for all of them because we believe that they all have exciting potential and an important contribution to make.”
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Is this the first time Jehovahs Witnesses have taken part in a forum with other religious leaders?
by defender of truth inschool faith forum to bring religions together.
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defender of truth
School faith forum to bring religions together
First published Wednesday 22 April 2015 in Black Country News
Last updated 15:46 Wednesday 22 April 2015by Dan Sharp, ReporterA STOURBRIDGE school will be bringing religions together tomorrow (April 23) as it hosts a faiths and philosophies forum.
Old Swinford Hospital students will be joined in a seminar to address religious issues by leaders from local Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Humanist, Muslim, Hindu and Jehovah’s Witness communities.
The Rev Martin Soar, school chaplain, said: “Our school motto ‘Ut Prosim Vince Mallum Bono’, taken from the New Testament letter to the Romans, means ‘Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good’.
“This was our vision for setting up our Faiths and Philosophies Forum on April 23, a day which some celebrate as St Georges’ Day – a truly ‘multi-cultural’ saint.”
The faith leaders will be answering questions on a variety of topics including what place, if at all, faith and philosophy has in the lives of young people, what is meant by ‘British Values’, and how can we demonstrate that we have ‘open hands’ towards one another?
Paul Kilbride, headteacher, said: “Old Swinford Hospital is a Christian school and we are pleased to welcome children of any faith or, indeed, none at all.
“We want the very best for all of them because we believe that they all have exciting potential and an important contribution to make.”
www.halesowennews.co.uk/news/blackcountry/12905426.School_faith_forum_to_bring_religions_together/
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Theists, why does God allow suffering..
by The Quiet One in..specifically, the suffering of animals.
you can talk about free will/sin/people choosing to not listen to god etc to explain human suffering being allowed.. but how can you love a god that allows animals, that haven't sinned or chosen to not have anything to do with god, to have their short lives ended in often long, drawn out, painful ways.
i could list stories i've read that would probably make you feel ill, but i'm not looking to shock anyone or start an emotional debate.
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defender of truth
Excuse me, but how does that relate to the topic?.. Have you watched the above video?
Here is my question again:
Could an all-powerful God have made a world that did not involve millions of years of animal suffering and death?
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Theists, why does God allow suffering..
by The Quiet One in..specifically, the suffering of animals.
you can talk about free will/sin/people choosing to not listen to god etc to explain human suffering being allowed.. but how can you love a god that allows animals, that haven't sinned or chosen to not have anything to do with god, to have their short lives ended in often long, drawn out, painful ways.
i could list stories i've read that would probably make you feel ill, but i'm not looking to shock anyone or start an emotional debate.
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defender of truth
Could an all-powerful God have made a world that did not involve millions of years of animal suffering and death?.. What do you think?
Matthew 19:26
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75% of Jehovahs Witnesses oppose same-sex marriage? And 12% are in favour of it??
by defender of truth inwww.allgov.com/news/controversies/which-religions-oppose-same-sex-marriage-white-evangelicals-black-and-hispanic-protestants-mormons-and-muslims-150424?news=856319.
opposition to same-sex marriage is prominent among many religious groups in the united states, according to a new survey.groups with the largest opposition to homosexuals marrying are jehovahs witnesses (75%), mormons (68%), white evangelical protestants (66%), hispanic protestants (58%), black protestants (54%), and muslims (51%), the public religion research institute found in its survey of 40,000 americans.among white evangelical protestants, white baptists are the most opposed (72%).on the acceptance side of the issue, the most supportive are buddhists (84%), jews (77%), americans who select other religion (75%), and white mainline protestants (62%).a breakdown of white mainline protestant denominations shows support is highest among presbyterians (69%) and both episcopalians and congregationalists/united church of christ members (68%).even a majority of white mainline baptists (53%) back same-sex marriages.
among catholics, 61% of whites and 60% of hispanics support gay weddings.. and the survey is here:.
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defender of truth
Opposition to same-sex marriage is prominent among many religious groups in the United States, according to a new survey.
Groups with the largest opposition to homosexuals marrying are Jehovah’s Witnesses (75%), Mormons (68%), white evangelical Protestants (66%), Hispanic Protestants (58%), black Protestants (54%), and Muslims (51%), the Public Religion Research Institute found in its survey of 40,000 Americans.
Among white evangelical Protestants, white Baptists are the most opposed (72%).
On the acceptance side of the issue, the most supportive are Buddhists (84%), Jews (77%), Americans who select “Other religion” (75%), and white mainline Protestants (62%).
A breakdown of white mainline Protestant denominations shows support is highest among Presbyterians (69%) and both Episcopalians and Congregationalists/United Church of Christ members (68%).
Even a majority of white mainline Baptists (53%) back same-sex marriages. Among Catholics, 61% of whites and 60% of Hispanics support gay weddings.And the survey is here:
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JW.org does partial U-turn over Awake! magazine Rama Singh misquote
by Watchtower-Free inposted on april 19, 2015http://jwsurvey.org/cedars-blog/jw-org-does-partial-u-turn-over-awake-magazine-rama-singh-misquote
jw.org has removed their misquote of rama singh from digital versions of awake!
magazine.
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defender of truth
Excellent thread. As shown in this article, the Rama singh quote was not the only one that was misleading..
" It turned out that non-English-language versions of the magazine included the professor’s full name: Gerard Hertel. And while Hertel’s quotation was accurate, the magazine left out a relevant bit of information that was discovered elsewhere:
Hertel writes that he “now spends his time teaching the Bible as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses“
In other words, he’s one of them. Not exactly an unbiased source.
This is what religious propaganda looks like.
