there is a huge logical problem for the newer jw doctrines and beliefs:.
watchtower, august 1, 2010, page 22:.
so although jehovah does not promise that every individual will receive exactly the same opportunity, he does make sure that an opportunity is held out to all honesthearted ones.
Br. Splane's alice in wonderland world does not require that he make sense. He is not interested in truth so much as in keeping his place in the Organization. Something Jaracz thought was paramount. This is the only real desire of the GB because they are not 100% sure they are of the anointed.
Frank
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.
And most here are not using ridicule as a weapon of intolerance either.
richard dawkins has said frequently if we don't agree with religious or spiritual people we need to "insult them!
" tell their their out of their "fucking gourds!
" and make sure you really show them how stupid they are for believing in something they can't prove!".
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
