this topic was inspired by one of fhn's comments on the 'warzone' thread, so i'll just restate my post there .
.. "i've been wondering for a while now if ridicule really is an unacceptable feature in debate - it certainly isn't a valid form of argumentation.
the thing is, some individuals really do come out with the most laughable nonsense and parade it as a serious proposition that merits attention.
Nicolaou: Watchtower uses the printed word to indoctrinate, coerce and flat out lie. Therefore, to avoid being like the Watchtower, we shouldn't write or read stuff.
This would be true if we were trying to "indoctrinate, coerce and flat out lie" but I assume most here are not.
this topic was inspired by one of fhn's comments on the 'warzone' thread, so i'll just restate my post there .
.. "i've been wondering for a while now if ridicule really is an unacceptable feature in debate - it certainly isn't a valid form of argumentation.
the thing is, some individuals really do come out with the most laughable nonsense and parade it as a serious proposition that merits attention.
Oubliette: As I quoted before, “Rudeness is the weak man's imitation of strength.” ― Edmund Burke
And when that rudeness is within the thought mainstream it is tolerated even applauded. People are people.
this topic was inspired by one of fhn's comments on the 'warzone' thread, so i'll just restate my post there .
.. "i've been wondering for a while now if ridicule really is an unacceptable feature in debate - it certainly isn't a valid form of argumentation.
the thing is, some individuals really do come out with the most laughable nonsense and parade it as a serious proposition that merits attention.
Ridicule is a Watchtower tactic and is evidence of their small mind and intolerance. Ridicule is what Anthony Morris uses as a weapon to disarm those he opposes.
I have no desire to imitate Morris and his intolerance of the consciences of others.
Frank
what do you think the reaction would be?
i would say a small portion (single digit) would walk.
no loss for the borg, they weren't donating anyway.
If the Organization should tomorrow, June 12, 2015, make shunning a conscience matter they would lose approximately 60% of the publishers.
The Organization must first prepare the way before they open the flood gates.
Frank
this photo can be found in the april 15 , study edition article titled:.
why disfellowshipping is a loving provision.
just by looking at this image we can see how quickly the barrier between the congregation and former member is put up, after the announcement that this sister is no longer one of jehovah's witneses.
Tim310rd,
In my area the sister in blue fits right in. Her heels are not high stiletto which are not uncommon in my area. Her dress length is fine in my area as well. There would be rebellion in my circuit if the sisters had to live with the elders you describe.
Elders not all cut from the same cloth.
what would happen if i would write a physical letter to, for example, the branch office.
and ask questions about scandals like the ngo thing and other stuff?
or ask questions about wtbs economy, or ask for a annual report, which is something i would really like to read.
Decades of letters, decades of questions, decades of heartache have little effect on the Watchtower.
There was a time when a few brothers charged with responding might, in answer to a question, send a reprint of an article or in a letter repeat what had already been printed in the literature.
In recent times, though, what will likely happen is your elders will be informed and they will "assist" you to understand whatever question or complaint you had in mind.
Frank
this photo can be found in the april 15 , study edition article titled:.
why disfellowshipping is a loving provision.
just by looking at this image we can see how quickly the barrier between the congregation and former member is put up, after the announcement that this sister is no longer one of jehovah's witneses.
The whole point of that illustration, and I cannot emphasize this enough, is to plant in the minds of the congregation the idea that apostates can appear as one of them! She is modestly dressed, she is presentable, her meeting bag is on her arm. There is nothing to identify her as one who is an apostate whether it be spiritually or morally.
The congregation is being taught to TRUST THE ELDERS as the only ones who can identify an apostate!
It is an insidious image carefully crafted to plant mistrust of any who may appear as one of them but has asked too many questions.
Frank
i'm allergic when watching to the faces of the gb members on tv.jw.org.
i think in my case that hypocrisy that i can detect on their different faces each new coming month may be at the origin of my allergy.
are you suffering from the same allergy as me ?
For me jw broadcasting is like every month watching Judas hypocritically teaching love, faithfulness and the value of MONEY!
The Governing Body is spiritually dead. Zombies who appear every month to get their dead troops in order.
In my opinion, it is highly significant that the Organization has become the stepchild of first century Pharisees and Scribes. Straining the gnat, swallowing the camel.
Frank
governing body member david splane has a new video on tv.jw.org where he talks about all the horrible things committed by martin luther and the protestant reformers.. his conclusion is that there has been no faithful and discreet slave on the earth during the past 1900 years (before 1919 i guess.).
he also says that maybe there were a few anointed on earth, maybe not.. he did add an interesting statement that he doesn't condemn the other churches just for misunderstanding the bible because the society has done that.. another odd point, was that he actually mentioned catholic missionary work in a somewhat positive light, while totally condemning the reformation views on predestination..
Thanks Fusion Theism,
Br. Splane's invented list of four necessary conditions which must be met during the time of the FDS is laughable. During the time of the Apostles and the early Christians they had and understood the Scriptures, they were not deeply divided in their understanding, and they preached the Kingdom.
His teaching was sloppy, his delivery incoherent.
His manner was characteristically of a man falling down a set of stairs trying to grab whatever he could to stop his fall.
A sad man.
Frank
i'm not naming names, but i just want to encourage people on here or on reddit or twitter, and tell you that you do not have to tolerate people who act like schoolyard bullies in the way they speak to you online.
i think anonymity is a big part of it.
they feel like there is zero accountability so they can be a bully all they want.. i recommend just ignoring or blocking anyone who is verbally abusive or treats you like schoolyard bullies treated you.. life is way too short to spend any time dealing with those kinds of people..
Oubliette,
My grandfather's sister lived through the persecution of the European Jews in the last century. It has happened, it can happen. People are people.
