ezekiel3

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Posts by ezekiel3

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  30

  !!Fluff!! Richie's Hunting Accomplishments

  by RichieRich in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  because i'm bored, i have decided to do a little bit of bragging.. first off, here taxidermed remnants of a turkey i got in april:.

  in case you didn't know, turkeys are "graded" by the size of their spurs (black things sticking off legs) and by their beards (black feathers that stick out of their chest).

  this turkey had an 8 1/2" beard and 1 1/4" and 1 1/8" spurs.

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  ezekiel3

  Do the turkeys have large talons?
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  21

  First annual Apostate Independence Day?? Any takers? Lurkers L00k please.

  by IP_SEC in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  let me start by saying that i have the deepest respect for all of you who have left the organization.

  some of us choose to leave in spirit only but remain physically for any number of reasons.

  i have respect for you because youve been able to push through what i know is a terribly dense cloud to get to the point where you see the org for what it really is.. others choose to fade, which in many ways is harder than leaving out right.

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  ezekiel3

  Ezekiel, yes this plan is only for folk who would be willing to take it on the chin. Your idea would be great for those not inclined to go out with a bang. Would you like to organize something like this?

  Well I do think you are on to something. If anyone is interested in a lite version of this (see my post above) PM me.

  If this gets interest I would like to work with you Matt on this as well.
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  17

  Resurection with no Soul

  by jimakazi in

  1. social
  2. entertainment

  it always puzzeled me how a person could be resurected it there were no soul.. if it is just a clone with your memories then it is not you - or is it.

  are we no more than our memories?.

  assuming as the jw's do that there is no soul or life essesnce that leaves the body and can be restored.

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  ezekiel3

  The comparison of computer memory is apt.

  The following reflects the JW standpoint:

  1. We our body and soul is computer hardware.
  2. Our "spirit" is the electrical current without the computer and its memory is useless.
  3. Our experience, ego and memory is the files and programs on our hard drive.
  4. When we die our hardware stops functioning, but God copies the memory to his archive.
  5. The archive is on static media (DVD or CD) not on his active computer, or we would still be "alive".
  6. When resurrected, God creates a duplicate hardware system with a monitor, keyboard and mouse that look just like our originals.
  7. Then God copies the archived "you" onto the new hardware--basically a system restore.

  Some questions that arise from this are:

  • Could not God create more clones of you in this way?
  • If our memories, ego and experience are stored in God's memory are we not alive in some way, anyway?
  • Since there is not continuity between the original you and the resurrected you, can it really be you? Isn't that a copy?
  • In what way is a "Stepford Wife" different from a resurrected mate? Perfect in every way...
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  21

  First annual Apostate Independence Day?? Any takers? Lurkers L00k please.

  by IP_SEC in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  let me start by saying that i have the deepest respect for all of you who have left the organization.

  some of us choose to leave in spirit only but remain physically for any number of reasons.

  i have respect for you because youve been able to push through what i know is a terribly dense cloud to get to the point where you see the org for what it really is.. others choose to fade, which in many ways is harder than leaving out right.

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  ezekiel3

  Matt, I like your idea very much. However, a "religious kamakazee" assult of this magnitutude would mean that enough JWs are willing to sacrifice everything on the hope that everyone else does too.

  That would cause the typical edge of the cliff, "You jump first..."

  What about a less tramatic action to float this concept without permanantly affecting these JWs?

  If the less tramatic actions were a success, then more JWs would be confident in their "religious kamakazee".

  Other actions would include:

  • Count zero hours on a specific month
  • Count an abnormally high number of return visits (say 30) on a paticular month
  • Place an abnormally high number of books (say 10) in a paticular month

  Something that would show up on the radar and be revealed in every Kingdom Ministry service report. That kind of success would benchmark the fact that many active JWs are in fact lurkers and prepare for a more drastic action.
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  14

  Witness Convention Banta fodder - lose your music career + go fulltime!

  by Dogpatch in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  satisfaction beyond music

  amelia couple will share its story during this weekend's jehovah's witnesses' meeting

  by alberta lindsey times-dispatch staff writer saturday, july 2, 2005 .

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  ezekiel3

  I wonder how Prince feels about this?
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  16

  Kinesiology - what is the current stand? (Any elders?)

  by ithinkisee in

  1. watchtower
  2. medical

  i don't feel like pretending i have genuine concern to go to a local elder and ask ... so i ask you .... what is the deal with kinesiology as far as jws?

  the 94 wt where they talk about it sounds generally like the answer is no.

  everything i read about the origins are traced back to some chiropractor who supposedly had occult origins ... .

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  ezekiel3

  This same article quoted above by Blondie ends with this:

  Again, each individual must resolve what to do regarding such personal matters. Yet, Christians should remember God’s counsel: "Anyone inexperienced puts faith in every word, but the shrewd one considers his steps." (Proverbs 14:15) That applies to health claims too.

  Satan is eager to distract God’s servants from true worship. The Devil would rejoice if he could do so by getting Christians fascinated with other interests. He would be even more delighted if they became fascinated with things that are, or seem to be, uncanny practices that might draw them into spiritism.—1 Peter 5:8.

  Though Christians are not under the Mosaic Law, Jehovah God’s attitude toward occult practices has not changed. As noted earlier, God commanded the Israelites that "anyone who employs divination, a practicer of magic or anyone who looks for omens or a sorcerer, or one who binds others with a spell" was not to be found among them. "Everybody doing these things is something detestable to Jehovah . . . You should prove yourself faultless with Jehovah."—Deuteronomy 18:10-13.

  How wise it is, then, for Christians today to keep on "the complete suit of armor from God . . . because we have a wrestling . . . against the wicked spirit forces in the heavenly places"!—Ephesians 6:11, 12.

  In addition kinesiology was roundly condemned at the 2004 District Convention, Satuday 2:35 PM part "Keep Your Senses Completely" My notes record that:

  Knesiology related to auras and electrical fields

  (Isa1:13 "New moon and sabbath, the calling of a convention—I cannot put up with the [use of] uncanny power along with the solemn assembly.")

  Uncanny power = anything eerie, weird, mysterious. Is practice of spiritism. Focus on real solution.
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  5

  Test of Bible knowledge for JW lurkers

  by jaffacake in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  no cheating!

  the bible alone is allowed to be used to research answers.

  whose witnesses should we be throughout the whole world?

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  ezekiel3

  If Jesus returned in 1914, why do JWs still celebrate the Memorial?

  
  According to JWs, Jesus comes more often than a porn star. (But is he just faking it?)

  • Jesus comes as king in 1914 "coming in the clouds"
  • Jesus comes in judgement at Armegeddon "I am coming to you quickly"
  • Jesus comes with the last anointed death (Memorial ends) "I am coming again and will receive you home to myself"

  Come Lord Jesus!
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  10

  Isn't caffeine a drug?

  by Fatfreek in

  1. watchtower
  2. medical

  during the early days of the wt tobacco ban i can recall the six month (or so) leeway period in which baptized ones who were still using tobacco could quit those nasty habits.

  i also recall one of those elderly brothers at that time who always reeked of smoke on his breath and his clothes.

  i actually felt sorry for this smoker who had done this since childhood.

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  ezekiel3

  Here's your WT answer!

  ---

  Watchtower 1990 2/15 p. 29 Questions From Readers

  Should a Christian avoid coffee and tea because they contain the addictive drug caffeine?

  The Bible does not mention coffee or tea. But what it does say can help a Christian to decide whether he will drink coffee or tea.

  The drug caffeine can affect mind and body. Millions of cups of coffee and tea are consumed daily, leading Dr. Melvin Konner to say: "[Caffeine] may, in fact, be the most widely used psychoactive drug in the world." It can increase alertness, raise one’s adrenaline level, and speed up circulation and metabolism. That it is a drug does not of itself establish whether a Christian should shun caffeine-containing beverages (coffee, tea, cola drinks, maté) or foods (such as chocolate).

  Alcohol is also a drug that can affect mind and body, yet what do the Scriptures say about it? The Bible acknowledges that wine (or other alcoholic drinks) can make "the heart of mortal man rejoice" or alter the mood of a distressed soul. (Psalm 104:15; Proverbs 31:6, 7) God’s Word does not, though, indicate that true worshipers must avoid all beverages containing alcohol. What the Bible condemns is immoderate use of alcohol—drunkenness.—Deuteronomy 21:18-21; Proverbs 20:1; Hosea 4:11; 1 Corinthians 5:11-13; 1 Peter 4:3.

  What, however, of the claim that a person may become addicted to caffeine? Many who habitually drink coffee, tea, or maté develop some degree of dependence, though it is debated whether this is a true clinical addiction. At least they feel withdrawal symptoms, such as headaches or nausea, if deprived of their normal dose of caffeine. Here again, call to mind the Biblical view of alcoholic drinks. Though many persons have been addicted to alcohol, it is not forbidden to Christians if taken in moderation. Jesus drank wine; he even miraculously made wine at a wedding feast.—Matthew 26:29; John 2:3-11.

  Still, a Christian might feel that he would prefer not to risk becoming dependent on caffeine. If being deprived of his regular intake of caffeine makes him irritable ("coffee nerves"), he might consider abstaining from caffeine as a demonstration of "self-control." (Galatians 5:22, 23) Since the Bible does not mention abstinence from beverages containing caffeine, the decision about coffee or tea must be made individually. Moderation is appropriate if a Christian consumes either.—Compare Titus 2:2.

  Moderation is also central to the question of possible health risks. There are many claimed hazards of regularly taking in large doses of caffeine (whether from coffee, tea, cola drinks, or other drinks or foods). Yet, for each study linking a particular health risk to caffeine, another seems to point to the contrary.

  The logic of moderation is underscored by what the Bible says about honey. It is a natural substance, and the act of eating it as a stimulating energy food is natural (in contrast to breathing smoke into the lungs). (1 Samuel 14:26, 27; Matthew 3:4) However, you can get sick from eating too much of it. The Bible warns: "Is it honey that you have found? Eat what is sufficient for you, that you may not take too much of it and have to vomit it up."—Proverbs 25:16, 27.

  Some people cannot consume any honey at all. Similarly, for health reasons some may need to avoid alcohol, caffeine, dairy products, or other foods and beverages. Others may avoid such things by personal choice or because of widespread local sensitivity, not wanting to offend anyone. This reminds us of the apostle Paul’s comment: "If food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat flesh at all, that I may not make my brother stumble."—1 Corinthians 8:13.

  Consequently, let each individual act in accord with his own resolve without feeling that his decision needs to be imposed on others. Paul wrote: "Let the one eating not look down on the one not eating, and let the one not eating not judge the one eating, for God has welcomed that one. Who are you to judge the house servant of another?"—Romans 14:3, 4.
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  46

  Need clarification on communication with a disfellowshipped person

  by jostes in

  1. social
  2. family

  was wondering the clarification of a relationship someone can have with their mother if they have been disfellowshipped and the daughter is in good standing with the congregation?

  the daughter was baptised after the disfellowship.

  does this mean the daughter is not to have a relationship with the mother.

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  ezekiel3

  Now let me guess since I don't have the views of a JW my sister shouldn't speak or associate with me either?

  Actually the bland truth is that JWs are not to associate on a friendly basis with anyone who is not a JW. Of course this except family who were never JWs to begin with.

  However, if you continue to oppose your sister, her JW programming will cause her to limit her association with you too. Because you would be a "spiritual danger" to her.

  This is just classic cult practice.

  I empathize with you and there are many of us willing to address your questions. Just don't expect to hear the answers you want.
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  46

  Need clarification on communication with a disfellowshipped person

  by jostes in

  1. social
  2. family

  was wondering the clarification of a relationship someone can have with their mother if they have been disfellowshipped and the daughter is in good standing with the congregation?

  the daughter was baptised after the disfellowship.

  does this mean the daughter is not to have a relationship with the mother.

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  ezekiel3

  
  Is that you Shatner? Nice to hear from the 'Captain'.

  Here is the article that changed everything regarding disassociation.

  Interesting that this was published six months after Peter Gregerson disassociated himself. A few months after that, Ray Franz was seen taking lunch in a restaurant with Gregerson and it was this event that got Franz disfellowshipped himself. But at the time of the lunch, it was permissible (albeit questionable) to have dealings with a DAed person. The 9/15 Watchtower was instrumental in 'cleaning house' at the time.

  Ray Franz says in Crisis of Conscience: "Some commented to me, 'They did everything but put your name and Peter Gregerson's in the magazine.'"

  ---

  Watchtower 1981 9/15 p. 23 Disfellowshiping—How to View It

  THOSE

  WHO DISASSOCIATE THEMSELVES

  13

  A Christian might grow spiritually weak, perhaps because of not studying God’s Word regularly, having personal problems or experiencing persecution. (1 Cor. 11:30; Rom. 14:1) Such a one might cease to attend Christian meetings. What is to be done? Recall that the apostles abandoned Jesus on the night of his arrest. Yet Christ had urged Peter, "When once you have returned, strengthen your brothers [who also abandoned Jesus]." (Luke 22:32) Hence, out of love Christian elders and others might visit and help the one who has grown weak and inactive. (1 Thess. 5:14; Rom. 15:1; Heb. 12:12, 13) It is another matter, though, when a person repudiates his being a Christian and disassociates himself.

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  One who has been a true Christian might renounce the way of the truth, stating that he no longer considers himself to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses or wants to be known as one. When this rare event occurs, the person is renouncing his standing as a Christian, deliberately disassociating himself from the congregation. The apostle John wrote: "They went out from us, but they were not of our sort; for if they had been of our sort, they would have remained with us."—1 John 2:19.

  15

  Or, a person might renounce his place in the Christian congregation by his actions, such as by becoming part of an organization whose objective is contrary to the Bible, and, hence, is under judgment by Jehovah God. (Compare Revelation 19:17-21; Isaiah 2:4.) So if one who was a Christian chose to join those who are disapproved of God, it would be fitting for the congregation to acknowledge by a brief announcement that he had disassociated himself and is no longer one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.

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  Persons who make themselves "not of our sort" by deliberately rejecting the faith and beliefs of Jehovah’s Witnesses should appropriately be viewed and treated as are those who have been disfellowshiped for wrongdoing.