TheListener

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Posts by TheListener

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  96

  Challenges Facing the Watchtower Org

  by eric356 in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  ive been thinking about the future of the watchtower organization and the challenges it faces in coming decades.

  its difficult to address the issue without allowing personal feelings affect the analysis.

  many people seem to think that the society will collapse fairly soon, based mostly on the fact that the person dislikes the leadership or cant understand how others can believe the doctrine.

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  TheListener

  Perhaps the WTS is more like Babylon the Great than they realize?

  Remember when they taught us that Babylong the Great fell way back in 1918/1919 and that what we have now is its last gasps before it completely expires? Sounds more like the WTS was talking about themselves.

  __________

  The average rank and file believe it, the leadership believes it and they won't easily give it up. So, if you have an unworkable model, but believe in it completely, what do you do? That is what I see as the main question.

  That's why I mentioned special focus on the youth. Yes, trying to imagine myself going door to door with some JW youth pastor(elder or ms) seems unbearable, but for someone who truly believes and sees whatever situation he/she is in as a stepping stone to greater privileges thus a closer relationship to God - no embarrassment is too much. Plus, it just reinforces the persecution complex.

  I also believe they continue to plan for the future because although they very much believe they're in the time of the end they don't really know how long a period they have to live in and must properly take care of all that God has entrusted to them. That means growing as much as possible and helping as many people as possible. Future planning is just plain prudent - for those who really believe.

  It does make sense to me that as the organization has changed so much in the past decade or two that a strong leader at the top who feels that things have gone awry could split things in some way. Like everything in life these things are all about timing. If Ray Franz existed today he may have led the charge to change the organization and had enough support to create a tipping point. We'll never know. Is the organization primed now for such a tipping point? We'll have to wait and see. With Teddy gone who knows what may happen with the power vacuum he left. Plus, those previously sidelined or nervous to speak their mind may find new power (perhaps by grouping together agains any heir apparent).

  This is a good thread and I hope it doesn't die too soon.
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  96

  Challenges Facing the Watchtower Org

  by eric356 in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  ive been thinking about the future of the watchtower organization and the challenges it faces in coming decades.

  its difficult to address the issue without allowing personal feelings affect the analysis.

  many people seem to think that the society will collapse fairly soon, based mostly on the fact that the person dislikes the leadership or cant understand how others can believe the doctrine.

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  TheListener

  Great analysis everyone!

  Streets, I have always thought that the WTS would start age specific Sunday school type classes on the weekend. Perhaps a half hour or so in the classroom and then an hour +/- in the field ministry. That would help retain their youth.

  Let's face it, without birthday parties, Sunday school, youth groups and a specific youth ministry the young ones aren't truly emotionally connecting. They are going through the motions. This seems to be catching up to them at some point which is why the retention rate is so low.

  ________

  I loved the point about one or two GB members getting it into their heads that they have been specially chosen to correct the thinking and direction of the organization. I would love it even more if those one or two were more hardcore - I believe the best way for the masses to wake up and leave the organization is for the organization to become even stricter and more controlling than it is. I don't want them to go mainstream and then have people stuck in a more comfortable place and thus never leave.

  I feel like I could see a couple of the GB2.0 doing something like that.

  ____________

  They may have to split their model for different cultures. They may have printing facilities in 3rd world areas and electronic distribution in 1st world areas. They seem to be pretty good about tailoring their message to specific types of people and culture.
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  31

  declaring the truth about the truth during a talk from the platform

  by agent zero in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  has anyone done this, seen it happen, or heard of it happening?

  with what results?.

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  TheListener

  I believe a poster called LittleToe did something like that years ago. If I'm incorrect - sorry.

  TL
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  109

  ...Obama on Jon Stewart`s "Daily Show"...

  by OUTLAW in

  1. social
  2. current

  last night obama was a guest,on jon stewart`s "daily show"... stewart did`nt pull any punch`s... obama got a chance to say,what was on his mind... .

  civil obama interview on 'daily show' cements stewart's talent, influence .

  robert bianco usa today october 28, 2010. when it comes to interview gets, it doesn't get any better than sitting presidents.

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  TheListener

  Sooner I think you have a point. Not the death part but the other part. You know about how all the news outlets are biased in some way.

  Whatever happened to presenting the facts and ....... stopping. Just present the facts. Present the news - don't analyze it.

  Anyway as long as Charles Krauthammer stops beieng on tv I'll be happy - his face freaks me out!
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  109

  ...Obama on Jon Stewart`s "Daily Show"...

  by OUTLAW in

  1. social
  2. current

  last night obama was a guest,on jon stewart`s "daily show"... stewart did`nt pull any punch`s... obama got a chance to say,what was on his mind... .

  civil obama interview on 'daily show' cements stewart's talent, influence .

  robert bianco usa today october 28, 2010. when it comes to interview gets, it doesn't get any better than sitting presidents.

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  TheListener

  Seriously, you think America will be gone? when? after the mid-terms or perhaps after 2012 - if you don't get the result you would like.

  You should go to the Keep Fear Alive rally.

  I missed the part where the dude dropped his pants. I'll have to check online for that one.

  Shouldn't we teach our kids value regardless of which poltical party is in power? And ass kissing? Seriously? You support an ex-president named Bush and a VP named Dick and you are talking about ass kissing? Loooove it.

  Anyway, you're probably right after all.
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  109

  ...Obama on Jon Stewart`s "Daily Show"...

  by OUTLAW in

  1. social
  2. current

  last night obama was a guest,on jon stewart`s "daily show"... stewart did`nt pull any punch`s... obama got a chance to say,what was on his mind... .

  civil obama interview on 'daily show' cements stewart's talent, influence .

  robert bianco usa today october 28, 2010. when it comes to interview gets, it doesn't get any better than sitting presidents.

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  TheListener

  Only 1,000 likely votes were polled for that poll. Where and how were they chosen? Is a 1,000 a lot?

  I want a president I can call dude one minute and yuck it up with and then have him bust a cap on some terrorists ass the next. kind of how I like my women.
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  109

  ...Obama on Jon Stewart`s "Daily Show"...

  by OUTLAW in

  1. social
  2. current

  last night obama was a guest,on jon stewart`s "daily show"... stewart did`nt pull any punch`s... obama got a chance to say,what was on his mind... .

  civil obama interview on 'daily show' cements stewart's talent, influence .

  robert bianco usa today october 28, 2010. when it comes to interview gets, it doesn't get any better than sitting presidents.

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  TheListener

  Seriously, the name part is what matters - Bush and Dick. Elected officials in America called Bush and Dick! Come on. I can't be the only one to love sophmoric humor. If you asked average Americans throughout history if a president named Bush with a vp named Dick would get elected they would have arrested you for public indecency.

  Forget the supreme court part, that was throwaway. Remember the name part - that was true blue humor.
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  109

  ...Obama on Jon Stewart`s "Daily Show"...

  by OUTLAW in

  1. social
  2. current

  last night obama was a guest,on jon stewart`s "daily show"... stewart did`nt pull any punch`s... obama got a chance to say,what was on his mind... .

  civil obama interview on 'daily show' cements stewart's talent, influence .

  robert bianco usa today october 28, 2010. when it comes to interview gets, it doesn't get any better than sitting presidents.

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  TheListener

  Right, by going on The Daily Show the presidency appears less Kinglike. Oh how we long for the days of the supreme court elected king bush (with dick his trusty assistant).

  Am I the only one who ever got the irony of those names?
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  55

  New here..

  by breakfree in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  just wanted to introduce myself.

  i've been reading your posts for a couple of months now and i think i finally have the courage to join in.

  i have written and deleted this post many times.

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  TheListener

  Whoo Hoo !!!! Welcome to the forum breakfree.
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  202

  "Birthdays rob the glory of God"

  by sabastious in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  humans are unique.

  each one is unique in his/her own regard.

  like your thumbprint, your life is unlike any life in existence.. .

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  TheListener

  Birthday party - Who are the gifts for? Who gets the attaboys and congratulations? The person whose birthday it is right? Witnesses say birthdays are pagan and wrong.

  Anniversary party - Who are the gifts for? Who gets the attaboys and congratulation? The individuals who got married a certain number of years ago - Witnesses say this is acceptable.

  Bridal showers - Who are the gifts for? Who gets the attaboys and congratulations? The individual(s) getting married - Witnesses say this is acceptable.

  Baby showers - Who are the gifts for? Who gets the attaboys and congratulations? The gifts are for the ones having a child to use with/for the child - Witnesses say this is acceptable.

  Wedding receptions - Who are the gifts for? Who gets the attaboys and congratulations? the gifts are for the newly married couple (the gifts are not for the 'marriage arrangement') - Witnesses say this is acceptable.

  If you feel that giving honor to a person or being other than Jehovah is wrong then actually live by those ideals. Don't pick and choose what is acceptable and what is not.

  My question to my witness friends is this: Why are you constantly training your conscience if you aren't allowed to use it? Ooops, except when you're told it is ok to use it. :)