Posts by FusionTheism

10

Type and Anti-Type, the killing of the Faithful and Discreet Slave. Whats thier angle and how do they spin out of this one?

by Crazyguy in

it would seam that the changing of the type anti-type teaching kills their claim as the faithful and discreet slave class as it is only a parable according to peter at luke 12:41. obviously i don't think they will ever come out and actually say that the f&ds is just a parable, so when one asks what will the answer be, to spin out of this obvious problem?.

also what do you think is the reason for the change in this teaching?

is it more to do with getting rid of doctrine that can be criticized or could it be that they are trying to make it as though they are really not in control of the congregations so as to say we aren't responsible when the prosecution comes knocking over future pedophile case?

FusionTheism

Believe it or not, The Watchtower has begun referring to the Faithful & Discreet Slave scriptures as a "parable:"

The Watchtower (Simplified Study), March 15, 2015, Page 11:

6 What basic message do we learn from this parable? Remember the context of the Bible account. In Matthew chapter 24, Jesus discussed “the faithful and discreet slave.” That slave would be a small group of anointed men who would take the lead among Christ’s followers during the last days. Jesus warned those men that they must remain faithful. In the next chapter, Jesus uses the parable of the ten virgins to counsel all his anointed followers in the last days. The message was to “keep on the watch” so that they would not lose their heavenly reward. (Matthew 25:13) Let us now examine the parable and see how the anointed have applied the counsel.

Pages 17-18:

3. What do we learn from the parables in Matthew chapters 24 and 25?

3 When Jesus told the parable of the talents, he told three other parables that were also part of the sign of the time of the end. All these parables describe specific qualities that his followers must have. We can read these parables at Matthew 24:45 to 25:46. The first parable is about the faithful slave, the small group of anointed ones who have the responsibility to teach Jehovah’s people. They need to be faithful and discreet.* (See footnote.) The following parable is about the ten virgins. In it, Jesus warned all the anointed ones that they would need to be prepared and watchful because they would not know the day or the hour when he would come.* (See footnote.) Next, Jesus told the parable of the talents to teach all the anointed ones that they would need to work hard in caring for their Christian responsibilities. Then, Jesus told the parable of the sheep and the goats, which focuses on those who would have the hope of living on earth. He emphasized that they must be loyal and do all they can to help his anointed brothers.* (See footnote.) This article will explain the meaning of the parable of the talents.

Insight Book (2015), Volume 1, Page 805:

When answering the apostles’ question concerning his future presence and the conclusion of the existing system of things, Jesus Christ included a parable, or illustration, dealing with a “faithful and discreet slave.” The faithful slave’s master appointed him over his domestics, or household servants, to provide them their food. If approved at his master’s coming (evidently from some trip), the slave would be rewarded by being placed over all the master’s belongings.—Mt 24:3, 45-51.

John the Baptist -- Simplified Suggestion

by FusionTheism in

matthew 11:11-15 (nwt): "truly i say to you, among those born of women, there has not been raised up anyone greater than john the baptist, but a lesser person in the kingdom of the heavens is greater than he is.

from the days of john the baptist until now, the kingdom of the heavens is the goal toward which men press, and those pressing forward are seizing it.

for all, the prophets and the law, prophesied until john; and if you are willing to accept it, he is elijah who is to come.

FusionTheism

Matthew 11:11-15 (NWT): "Truly I say to you, among those born of women, there has not been raised up anyone greater than John the Baptist, but a lesser person in the Kingdom of the heavens is greater than he is. From the days of John the Baptist until now, the Kingdom of the heavens is the goal toward which men press, and those pressing forward are seizing it. For all, the Prophets and the Law, prophesied until John; and if you are willing to accept it, he is ‘E·liʹjah who is to come.’ Let the one who has ears listen."

The traditional JW interpretation of this passage is that it means John the Baptist (and all those who died before the resurrection of Jesus) were not going to be "in" the Kingdom of Heaven, but instead they are going to be resurrected to a Paradise Earth.

A much more simplified explanation which fits the context, would be that John was not as great as Jesus' followers because John knew and lived under the Law of Moses instead of the Law of the Spirit and the teachings of Christ.

Luke 16:16 (NWT): “The Law and the Prophets were until John. From then on, the Kingdom of God is being declared as good news, and every sort of person is pressing forward toward it."

Matthew 13:16-17 (NWT): “However, happy are your eyes because they see and your ears because they hear. For truly I say to you, many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things you are observing but did not see them, and to hear the things you are hearing but did not hear them."

The context really doesn't say anything about an earthly hope and a heavenly hope held out for two different groups.

23

need clarification: i told my wife the type and anti-type abolishment made the FDS a parable and not factual. boy did this piss her off

by goingthruthemotions in

let's just say i sometimes don't know how to keep my trap shut.

i really need to learn to keep well enough alone when she attacks me.

keep in mind i never start the fights about the borg.

FusionTheism

It's not impossible to discuss religious doctrine with JWs, you just have to be very careful.

You must assume the role of a student, and allow the JW to be the Bible teacher.

You can ask questions as long as they are genuine and don't sound aggressive or antagonistic.

Ask them questions which will cause them to do research that will bring up doubts.

And explain that you truly do want to better understand the reasoning and evidence behind the JW doctrine, so that you can make the truth your own.

23

need clarification: i told my wife the type and anti-type abolishment made the FDS a parable and not factual. boy did this piss her off

by goingthruthemotions in

let's just say i sometimes don't know how to keep my trap shut.

i really need to learn to keep well enough alone when she attacks me.

keep in mind i never start the fights about the borg.

FusionTheism

Think about it this way too:

If she were attacking your parents or your children or something else you deeply loved: favorite book, favorite actor, favorite super hero, and just completely tearing it apart...

Would you be happy with her?

That's how it FEELS to her when you attack the Society and their teachings.

23

need clarification: i told my wife the type and anti-type abolishment made the FDS a parable and not factual. boy did this piss her off

by goingthruthemotions in

let's just say i sometimes don't know how to keep my trap shut.

i really need to learn to keep well enough alone when she attacks me.

keep in mind i never start the fights about the borg.

FusionTheism

I would recommend just agreeing to disagree. Talk about any other subjects, but don't bring up religion unless absolutely necessary.

Either that or get a divorce.

6

607 B.C. controversy

by FusionTheism in

i'm not sure the whole 607 b.c.e.

controversy is really that major of a deal.. even if the society admits it and changes it, that's only a difference of 20-21 years, so the governing body could just shift 1914 to 1934-1935 and say that world war ii and hitler was the beginning of the signs.. a much bigger issue is why they even say daniel's tree prophecy has an antitypical fulfillment, especially after their new light on types and antitypes..

FusionTheism

I'm not sure the whole 607 B.C.E. controversy is really that major of a deal.

Even if the Society admits it and changes it, that's only a difference of 20-21 years, so the Governing Body could just shift 1914 to 1934-1935 and say that World War II and Hitler was the beginning of the signs.

A much bigger issue is why they even say Daniel's Tree Prophecy has an Antitypical Fulfillment, especially after their New Light on Types and Antitypes.

6

Carefully Examine the Scriptures like the Beroean

by FusionTheism in

these quotes might come in handy for some of you in certain situations:.

bearing witness (acts) book, pages 137-138:.

16 though the beroeans were hearing something new, they were not suspicious or harshly critical; neither were they gullible.

FusionTheism

These quotes might come in handy for some of you in certain situations:

Bearing Witness (Acts) Book, Pages 137-138:

16 Though the Beroeans were hearing something new, they were not suspicious or harshly critical; neither were they gullible. First, they listened carefully to what Paul had to say. Then, they verified what they had learned by turning to the Scriptures, which Paul had opened up to their understanding. Moreover, they diligently studied the Word of God, not just on the Sabbath, but daily. And they did so with great “eagerness of mind,” devoting themselves to finding out what the Scriptures revealed in light of this new teaching. Then, they proved humble enough to make changes, for “many of them became believers.” (Acts 17:12) No wonder Luke describes them as “noble-minded”!

17 Little did those Beroeans realize that the record of their reaction to the good news would be preserved in God’s Word as a shining example of spiritual noble-mindedness. They did precisely what Paul had hoped they would do and what Jehovah God wanted them to do. Likewise, it is what we encourage people to do—to examine the Bible carefully so that their faith is solidly based on God’s Word. After we become believers, though, does the need to be noble-minded come to an end? On the contrary, it becomes ever more important that we be eager to learn from Jehovah and quick to apply his teachings. In that way, we allow Jehovah to mold us and train us according to his will. (Isa. 64:8) We thus remain useful and fully pleasing to our heavenly Father.

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Awake!, March 2008, Pages 8-9:

Some first-century residents of Beroea were commended by the apostle Paul for the way they responded when he taught them. They did not immediately accept what Paul said as truth; still, they listened respectfully. We can learn from what the Beroeans did after hearing the message.

Note that the Bible explains: “Now the [Beroeans] were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so. Therefore many of them became believers.” (Acts 17:10-12) So their search was not superficial. They did not expect conclusive results in just one or two brief discussions with Paul.

Observe also that the Beroeans “received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind.” This tells us something about the attitude with which they approached their study of the Scriptures. They were not gullible, but neither were they cynical. They did not have a critical attitude toward what was explained by Paul, who was one of God’s human representatives.

Consider this too: The Beroeans were hearing about Christianity for the first time. It sounded good, perhaps too good to be true. But rather than dismiss it, they carefully examined the Scriptures, checking to see ‘whether the things Paul was saying were so.’ Note, too, that those in both Beroea and Thessalonica who made such a diligent search became believers. (Acts 17:4, 12) They did not give up and conclude that truth cannot be found. They identified the true religion.

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Watchtower, July 1, 2005, Page 5:

The apostle Paul wrote: “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight.” (2 Timothy 3:16) Paul’s words harmonize with those of Jesus, who said in prayer to God: “Your word is truth.” Today, we know that Word as the Holy Bible, and we are wise to check that our beliefs and standards measure up to it.—John 17:17.

By comparing our beliefs with God’s Word, we imitate the people of ancient Beroea, who made sure that Paul’s teachings harmonized with the Scriptures. Rather than criticize the Beroeans, Luke commended them for their attitude. They “received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind,” he wrote, “carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11) In view of the contradictory religious and moral teachings that abound today, it is important that we imitate the example of the noble-minded Beroeans.

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Watchtower, October 1, 2014, Page 8:

You are wise to be cautious instead of believing everything you hear. (Proverbs 14:15) In some ways, your caution could be compared to that of the ancient Beroeans.* When they were first told about the good news of the Kingdom, the Beroeans accepted what they heard, but not simply because they wanted it to be true. Rather, they carefully examined the Scriptures “to see whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11) In other words, the Beroeans compared the good news that they heard with what the Scriptures say. In time, they became convinced that the good news was in fact solidly based on God’s Word.

Jehovah’s Witnesses warmly invite you to do the same. By means of our free Bible study program, we offer you the opportunity to compare what Jehovah’s Witnesses believe about God’s Kingdom with what the Bible teaches.

9

The Crappy piano music Replacement has begun

by 1tMakesNoSence in

im typing this while i'm sitting on the toilet in the kingdom hall to just skip a few seconds of the mumbling.

they read a letter just now they have started to replace the kingdom melodies with the orchestral versions.

all and all to make it look and sound better to the people outside.. id have to say though, that piano music sucks measuring up to church music.

FusionTheism

Oh have you guys checked out that one new song, don't remember the name... One of the three newest, that sounds almost just like the theme of Jurassic Park

9

The Crappy piano music Replacement has begun

by 1tMakesNoSence in

im typing this while i'm sitting on the toilet in the kingdom hall to just skip a few seconds of the mumbling.

they read a letter just now they have started to replace the kingdom melodies with the orchestral versions.

all and all to make it look and sound better to the people outside.. id have to say though, that piano music sucks measuring up to church music.

FusionTheism

Ahh, Hell yes! I could go for some JW Beatles tunes.

1

The Great Slurping Controversy of 2002

by FusionTheism in

jw
friends

just found this on the jw site.

thought i should share:.

awake!, january 22, 2002, pages 28-29:.

FusionTheism

Just found this on the JW site. Thought I should share:

Awake!, January 22, 2002, Pages 28-29:

Slurping Controversy

To slurp or not to slurp, that is the question—at least for customers at Japan’s popular noodle soup restaurants. Many middle-aged and older Japanese feel that the long noodles actually taste better if slurped along with the broth and while still hot. They consider loud slurping to be normal and a way to show that one really enjoys the meal. But a newer generation of Japanese has a different point of view regarding noodle etiquette. The Japan Times reports: “Younger Japanese are more concerned not to dribble the soup onto their silk ties and [designer] dresses. Reared on Western manners and a more Western diet, they are likely to be offended when those around them slurp.” This slurping issue has become part of Japan’s generation gap, causing some older ones to be self-conscious about breaking the silence when eating noodles in public. Taking sides with the older generation, a major Japanese newspaper lamented: “It’ll be a truly lonely feeling when nobody makes any slurping noises any more.”