Posts by FusionTheism

8

JWTALK - They never asked them to take it down? Do they allow it?

by thedepressedsoul in

i recently came across jwtalk and realized it is a huge place that very "prominent" jw post and talk on.. the wt never contacted them and asked them to take it down because it wasn't "official"?

i thought people were only supposed to go to jw.org for religious matters?.

does anyone have any information on if/why this website is allowed to be up and have so many higher up jw posting on it without the wt contacting or writing in publications on how we shouldn't be on websites such as that?.

FusionTheism

The latest publications I've seen (such as "Our Kingdom Ministry" issues and videos on JW Broadcasting), are now saying that JW's can use the Internet to associate with one another, as long as they watch out for apostasy and don't become addicted, or start Bible studies with people in foreign nations. Very different instructions from the past.

24

Suggestions for Governing Body 2.0

by FusionTheism in

i realize many people on here are very angry at the watchtower society and/or governing body for various reasons, many of which are likely justified, at least to some extent.

i also can totally understand the cynicism and pessimism i see from certain ones regarding the leaders of the society.. i think one thing that's often forgotten or overlooked, however, is the fact that members of the governing body who've been "in the truth" for 30, 40, 50, 60 years, probably truly believe in this organization.

in my opinion, it's more likely that they believe what they teach instead of being liars who are intentionally deceiving everyone.

FusionTheism

FayeDunaway,

I wouldn't see any problem with the Governing Body 2.0 continuing to point out major flaws in other religious groups, as long as it's not something hypocritical, where the Organization does the same flaw.

Also, they should never say members of other religions are going to perish because only Jesus is the Judge of the sheep and goats.

24

Suggestions for Governing Body 2.0

by FusionTheism in

i realize many people on here are very angry at the watchtower society and/or governing body for various reasons, many of which are likely justified, at least to some extent.

i also can totally understand the cynicism and pessimism i see from certain ones regarding the leaders of the society.. i think one thing that's often forgotten or overlooked, however, is the fact that members of the governing body who've been "in the truth" for 30, 40, 50, 60 years, probably truly believe in this organization.

in my opinion, it's more likely that they believe what they teach instead of being liars who are intentionally deceiving everyone.

FusionTheism

I realize many people on here are very angry at the Watchtower Society and/or Governing Body for various reasons, many of which are likely justified, at least to some extent. I also can totally understand the cynicism and pessimism I see from certain ones regarding the leaders of the Society.

I think one thing that's often forgotten or overlooked, however, is the fact that members of the Governing Body who've been "in the truth" for 30, 40, 50, 60 years, probably truly believe in this Organization. In my opinion, it's more likely that they believe what they teach instead of being liars who are intentionally deceiving everyone. I think we would've seen many different-looking things happen if the Society is simply lying and trying to make themselves look good.

They would've totally abandoned the Blood Doctrine and 1914 before now if they didn't believe in it.

I also want to give points and credit to this new "Governing Body 2.0" for publicly and repeatedly admitting that hundreds of the older doctrines taught by the former Governing Bodies were likely wrong or going beyond what is written in the Bible.

They also deserve credit for telling people to focus more on Jesus and the main points of His parables instead of getting lost worrying about details. I also like that they tell Witnesses that pretty much anything written before 2000 may be incorrect.

Perhaps the biggest change has been the fact that this GB has fully embraced and promoted the Internet and technology.

So here are my Suggestions to this Governing Body 2.0: (everyone, add your own suggestions!)

Lighten up on the shunning. This is the 21st Century. There are many legitimate alternative interpretations of those shunning Scriptures. There's no need to make mandatory severe shunning unless it's someone practicing something severely dangerous to the Congregation, such as child molestation, rape, murder, physical abuse, etc.
Promote and reward free thought and expression. Don't punish or rebuke those who view certain Bible passages a differently than you do. Instead, look at it like you do with different cultures such as Native Americans. Celebrate the differences, don't scold them. Jehovah created everyone differently for a reason.
If someone is openly speaking evil of the Governing Body, the Congregation, or Elders, or promoting atheism, then by all means, you have the right to excommunicate them. But don't separate or break up family relationships.
Encourage deeper study of the Bible using other dictionaries and commentaries to compare with your own. Bring in a variety of views. Two or three pairs of eyeballs are always better than one.
Be even more open and honest about the mistakes and misunderstandings made by the previous Governing Bodies and Society Presidents. People deeply appreciate integrity and honesty. You'll win the respect of many more people if you issue an apology/acknowledgment statement regarding some of your old teachings. It may upset and freak out a few now, but in the long run it will be much better for your public perception.
Move toward making evolution and blood transfusions a matter of conscience and personal decision.
Release new versions of older books that contain wrong teachings and misunderstandings.
Allow actual Question-And-Answer sessions at your Watchtower Study, Public Talks, etc. Don't just have people read answers from a paragraph. Have Beroean Bible Studies!
Here's a really novel idea! Solicit feedback on tough-to-interpret Bible verses from your Congregation Elders and members. Listen and consider their thoughts on Scriptures as you prayerfully examine them yourselves.
Let everyone know in advance that this is a NEW Governing Body for a new era, and that you will be reviewing ALL PAST teachings to ensure that they are truthful, accurate, and don't go beyond what is written in the Bible. There are no sacred cows in Jehovah's Organization. But there is a new sheriff in town.
Focus the Witnesses' attention and hearts on the love of Jehovah and His Son Jesus, and don't spend all your time talking about field service and preaching. If people are truly motivated by the love of Christ, their hearts will move them to tell others about Him without you constantly reminding them.
Announce that you don't know for sure whether the number 144,000 is literal or not. Tell the Congregation members to listen to their spirit to see whether they desire heaven or earth. Don't discourage anyone from partaking of the Emblems.
Admit that you aren't sure whether Daniel's explanation of the Great Tree had any secondary fulfillment after Nebuchadnezzar. Just point out any signs you see that you believe are fulfilling Jesus' Last Days prophecy.

Ways that I see the Governing Body can update their interpretation of"This Generation:"

Say that "this Generation" simply refers to all of the Anointed, and Jesus was saying there would always be some faithful Anointed Christians on earth. (Matthew 28:20)
Say that "this Generation" refers to the entire Christian Congregation replacing Israel as God's "chosen race." (1 Peter 2:9)
Say that "this Generation" only applied to the people living while Jesus was speaking, and this was fulfilled in 70 A.D. (Use their new Types/Antitypes Rule to justify this change)
Say that "this Generation" begins with the Cry of Peace & Security/Outbreak of the Tribulation. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-5)
Say that "this Generation" refers to wicked religious leaders/clergy such as the Pharisees. Jesus was saying unfortunately the clergy would always be with us until the Tribulation. (Acts 20:29)
Say that "this Generation" refers to the foundation of the"Disgusting Thing" (United Nations) on October 24th, 1945, and that a generation is around 100 years.
Say that "this Generation" was referring to the Jewish people. As part of God's unconditional promise to Abraham, God feels obligated to keep some Jews alive at all times so they have the opportunity to hear the Good News and be saved. (Romans 11)

36

"Be Kind to the Fornicators in the Congregation!" -- New August Watchtower

by FusionTheism in

have you noticed the article entitled "watch your associations in these last days" in the new august 2015 study watchtower?.

unless i'm reading it wrong, or somehow misinterpreting it, it is saying that we should be kind to intentional breakers of god's laws inside and outside the congregation, including fornicators, but that we must not be close associates with them.. are they already preparing for a shift in their disfellowshipping practices?.

here are the relevant paragraphs:.

FusionTheism

But, another very interesting thing about this article is that, as far as I know, always in the past, the Watchtower commanded all Witnesses to immediately report to the Elders whenever they knew another Witness was committing fornication or adultery or smoking. But this article just says to be kind to them and don't be close associates.

12

The New 2015 Insight Book

by FusionTheism in

what changes and new light have you found so far in the new 2015 insight book?.

here's a short list so far of the articles i noticed which have been changed:.

* generation.

FusionTheism

I forgot to provide the link. The new 2015 Insight Book is available on the JW site at http://m.wol.jw.org/en/wol/lv/r1/lp-e/0/3

12

The New 2015 Insight Book

by FusionTheism in

what changes and new light have you found so far in the new 2015 insight book?.

here's a short list so far of the articles i noticed which have been changed:.

* generation.

FusionTheism

What changes and New Light have you found so far in the New 2015 Insight Book?

Here's a short list so far of the articles I noticed which have been changed:

* Generation

* Gog

* Illustrations/Parables

36

How long until the "Generation" gets Revised/Dropped?

by Lemonp in

if you don't already know this; the latest revision of the insight book has no mention of the "overlapping generation" bs online library, insight book .

obviously that change will not bee seen by the vast majority of people, so when will this "brighter light" shine through in a wt or assembly talk?

predictions?.

FusionTheism

Cofty,

I first noticed the 2015 Print Insight Book about 4-5 weeks ago when I downloaded an update to my iPhone JW App.

A curious fact is that the Copyright says "June 2015," but I'm assuming that will be because they are planning to release it at the Conventions around June.

36

How long until the "Generation" gets Revised/Dropped?

by Lemonp in

if you don't already know this; the latest revision of the insight book has no mention of the "overlapping generation" bs online library, insight book .

obviously that change will not bee seen by the vast majority of people, so when will this "brighter light" shine through in a wt or assembly talk?

predictions?.

FusionTheism

Ways that I see the Governing Body can update their interpretation of "This Generation:"

Say that "this Generation" simply refers to all of the Anointed, and Jesus was saying there would always be some faithful Anointed Christians on earth. (Matthew 28:20)
Say that "this Generation" refers to the entire Christian Congregation replacing Israel as God's "chosen race." (1 Peter 2:9)
Say that "this Generation" only applied to the people living while Jesus was speaking, and this was fulfilled in 70 A.D. (Use their new Types/Antitypes Rule to justify this change)
Say that "this Generation" begins with the Cry of Peace & Security/Outbreak of the Tribulation. (1 Thessalonians 5:1-5)
Say that "this Generation" refers to wicked religious leaders/clergy such as the Pharisees. Jesus was saying unfortunately the clergy would always be with us until the Tribulation. (Acts 20:29)
Say that "this Generation" refers to the foundation of the "Disgusting Thing" (United Nations) on October 24th, 1945, and that a generation is around 100 years.
Say that "this Generation" was referring to the Jewish people. As part of God's unconditional promise to Abraham, God feels obligated to keep some Jews alive at all times so they have the opportunity to hear the Good News and be saved. (Romans 11)

36

"Be Kind to the Fornicators in the Congregation!" -- New August Watchtower

by FusionTheism in

have you noticed the article entitled "watch your associations in these last days" in the new august 2015 study watchtower?.

unless i'm reading it wrong, or somehow misinterpreting it, it is saying that we should be kind to intentional breakers of god's laws inside and outside the congregation, including fornicators, but that we must not be close associates with them.. are they already preparing for a shift in their disfellowshipping practices?.

here are the relevant paragraphs:.

FusionTheism

Have you noticed the article entitled "Watch Your Associations In These Last Days" in the new August 2015 Study Watchtower?

Unless I'm reading it wrong, or somehow misinterpreting it, it is saying that we should be kind to intentional breakers of God's Laws inside and outside the Congregation, including fornicators, but that we must not be close associates with them.

Are they already preparing for a shift in their Disfellowshipping practices?

Here are the relevant paragraphs:

5 To avoid spoiling our useful habits, we must not have as close associates those who practice bad things. This applies not only to associating with unbelieving wrongdoers but also to associating with those who claim to worship Jehovah but who deliberately violate his laws. If such professing Christians engage in serious wrongdoing and do not repent, we do not continue to associate with them.—Rom. 16:17, 18.

6 If we were to associate with those who do not obey God’s laws, we might have the tendency to do what they do in order to be accepted by them. For example, if we were to have close association with sexually immoral people, we might be tempted to practice immorality. That has happened to some dedicated Christians, and some of them were disfellowshipped because they were not repentant. (1 Cor. 5:11-13) Unless they repent, their condition can become like that described by Peter.—Read 2 Peter 2:20-22.
7 Although we want to be kind even to those who do not follow God’s laws, we should not become their intimate associates or close friends.

24

New Light! People CAN now be saved AFTER the Tribulation begins!

by FusionTheism in

for decades, i remember the society, publications, and elders saying that once the great tribulation begins, it is too late to repent or be saved.

they said the "door of the ark will have been closed.".

now, however, look at the brand-new clarified understanding / new light on this from jw.org, below.. they are still saying that the majority of worldly people will not be saved, but they are now saying it is possible.. the simplified july study watchtower says this:.

FusionTheism

I just wanted to share another Watchtower quote from last year showing the "Old Light" on this topic:

This quote shows the Old Light that the "Window of Opportunity" to be saved is closed at the outbreak of the Great Tribulation:

**Watchtower, December 15, 2014:**

12 Does this mean that those who have left the truth will never be allowed to return to the congregation? Or if someone fails to dedicate his life to Jehovah, will he be forever classified as someone “unsuitable”? No. There is still a window of opportunity for such ones before the outbreak of the great tribulation. It is as if Jehovah calls out to them: “Return to me, and I will return to you.” (Mal. 3:7) This fact is emphasized by another illustration given by Jesus, that of the prodigal son.—Read Luke 15:11-32.