hello all.... i am new here so i figured i'd make a quick post introducing myself and giving a brief intro as to who i am and what i'm here for... as well as to hopefully meet others.. so, i made a profile and in it i gave a pretty detailed explanation as to my intent here and exactly why i decided to participate in the boards.
in case you don't read it, i'll give a brief summary.
the name is robert.
Yeah I can see this is defiantly more for ex JW. I dont understand why so many would be apart of a Jehovah's Witness forum anyway? You come here for the first time and see message boards mostly designed for members of the faith, you would assume most on here would be members. But it mostly seems like a bashing forum. Defiantly upside down! ha.
Okay, well I am defiantly going to go my way now! Thnks for the responses regardless! Have a wonderful day!
hello all.... i am new here so i figured i'd make a quick post introducing myself and giving a brief intro as to who i am and what i'm here for... as well as to hopefully meet others.. so, i made a profile and in it i gave a pretty detailed explanation as to my intent here and exactly why i decided to participate in the boards.
in case you don't read it, i'll give a brief summary.
the name is robert.
Listener.... In regards to your question/comment about my stance on the Trinity & the one true religion...
Well as for the Trinity, there is one meaning for the Doctrine of the Trinity. Yes, many members view it differently and it does vary from member to member based on their understanding of it. People look at the doctrine differently then others but there's actually one meaning for it. The Doctrine of the Trinity is- The Union of three persons in one Godhead, Or the threefold personality of the one Divine Being.
That is the official Doctrine created by the council in the Creed Of Nicaea in AD 325. The Creed adopted by the council described Christ as "God of God, Light of Light, very God of very God, begotten, not made, being of one substance (homoousios) with the Father."
And it is THAT same creed that was passed along and then taught by trinitarian churches. Rather they changed forms over the years, were slightly taught or preached in various other ways or even members own understanding of them differed isn't the problem. As anyone can beleive how they want in his/her own way. Were all entitled to that. But what is important too me is that I know who God is and who/what I am worshipping. And I dont beleive God wants us to be confused as to who He is. And the Trinity doctrine is very confusing. With many pastors even saying its beyond human comprehension. But I feel God wants us to know exactly who He is and who were worshipping. And he tells us just who He is directly, boldly in the Bible. And Jesus Himself also makes it clear who He is...that is, Son of God. He even said that the Father is greater then He. And that what he teaches comes from the Father. Clearly, He is making it perfectly clear that He is not God. And that all worship goes to the Father.
With that said, most of the Christian Churches who teach the Doctrine of the Trinity dont agree with that. And feel that Jesus is equal to God. And its an obvious error.
Now when you say they are 3 working together, that is different from the Trinity. I also believe they are 3 working together. But I also acknowledge that they're separate and not one in deity. And the Trinity says they are 3 in 1 deity.
What you are referring to sounds more like the Doctrine of the Godhead. Which is different from the Trinity. You described the Godhead.3 Individuals who work together basically as a team, a family. Therefore being one. I do think that sounds more biblical then a Trinity.
Onto your next question.
Why do I think there is one true religion? And why the JW, Or mormons (being newer) would be the true church since they arent the original Church?
Let me try and answer your first question in a simple way.
Its like this, we have truth and then anything outside of the truth is false, right? Its either an error or a lie. For example, Does God exist? The answer is Yes or No. It's only one answer. It cant be both. Only ONE truth to that. You cant choose both and be correct. So if we branch it out, lets say, one says God is all-powerful, creator of all. another says God is limited and only created some things.. a third says God is no more powerful then humans and didnt create nothing. We have 3 conflicting things here. They cant all be true. Only one. How can the first AND second both be right? Either God is all powerful, creator of everything or hes limited and created some things... It's one or the other..we cant preach different, conflicting things yet all be right. Therefore, only one of those 3 people could be correct. Its the same as that, but of course in a more broader sense.
All religions teach different things. THat's why they are separate and different. They vary on teachings and preach different things. Some have huge differences, while others are more similar, but still different. And I dont think God has conflicting characteristics or personalities. I think He has one personality. Very complex one maybe but still one personality.
In our topic with the Trinity for example, It says He is one God, one substance, yet three people. All equal, all eternal, all-knowing etc. Therefore saying Jesus is God. lets say that is true. By saying thats fact (pretending) that right away says that Mormong, JW and several other sects who dont support the trinity are wrong. So with that said, we now know that all the churches who dont teach the trinity have false teachings therefore, they're in error and wrong. Theres no arguement there, right? Either God is a trinity and Jesus is God or hes not. they cant all be right.
Basically, I just feel God set the bible out for us to learn and understand Him. To love and obey Him. To know who he is and how to live correctly. The Bible is God telling us HIS truth. And many people changed different scriptures or doctrines for their own benefit. I feel. The bible is confusing at times, I admit. And I beleive that. But I dont think it's so complicating as to throw out so many different meanings that should divide so many of us. I think a lot of that is mans own doing, fitting it to their own likes therefore creating so many different doctrines.
With that said, I feel theres truth and then anything that contradicts that truth is error. And with all the christian groups all differing from eachother on doctrine and beliefs, therefore becoming different in teaching, all saying conflicting things, there can only be one that is true. Not all of them.
And I am, and have been, seeking just which one that is. Rather its the JW, Mormons, or some other Church, I have no idea. But I will continue in my Bible study and research until I find the one that i believe PERSONALLY , is in line with the Bible and has all biblical teachings. With no error. As I feel that Church does exist, as I would like to believe God has the truth aviaible for us to find by seeking after it.
And to the last part: WHy would any of these "newer" churches be the true church since they werent around as the first church. And I understand why you would ask that. But lets take the Mormon Church for example. They were founded in the 1800s. Making them a newer church. BUT, they claim to be the restored church. The original church. Basically, Christ set up His Church and soon after He died, the truth got lost. None of the original founders were on the Earth anymore and people started changing doctrines, removing them or adding to them (trinity for example). Which would explain the reason we have so many denominations with differing views and doctrines. Basically, error filled the church and the original one was no longer around. So the Mormons feel as though they ARE the original church restored.
The same logic goes for many of the other Churches. Reformed, restored, etc they all feel as though they are the original church. Not a new one, but a restored one.
As for the JW, who dont have that claim. As far as I have read, I may be wrong, but from what I can tell the Church began from a failed prophecy. And kind of grew and branched from there. Never claiming to have been the original church. But that doesnt mean it's not Gods Church. I have yet to identify with a Church, as i explained, I am still finding the truth for myself, but what I do know is that the Original church created in the new testament did fall apart soon after. Rather it disappeared altogether, or puzzled out for a time before piecing back together, I dont know.. but its clear that the truth was removed for a time. Man-made doctrines were introduced and put forth (trinity) that were not apart of the Original church. Early in the church they also destroyed many teachings, burnt what they didnt personally agree with (said it was not scriptural) we lost many writings in the early church and what they didnt want to be scriptural, based on their own feelings regardless of rather it was factual or not, took away many of the teachings from the original church. So it's easy to see that the original church was in fact wiped away or badly flawed after the death of the Apostles. So unless God did put Joseph Smith here to restore His true Church, or another prophet within Christianity history to rebuild or restore it, we wouldnt have the original church here today. Rather the Mormons are correct or not, I dont know.. Rather some of the Christian Reformers (John Calvin, Martin Luther, etc) were correct in their reform, I dont know. But i do know that Christianity at some point was lost. With that being said, Any of these Churches could be correct and the true religion rather they were created in latter times or earlier in history.
ANyway, hopefully that answers your questions. Rather you agree with it or not, is entirely up to you. But as for myself, those are the things I choose to believe and seek after.
hello all.... i am new here so i figured i'd make a quick post introducing myself and giving a brief intro as to who i am and what i'm here for... as well as to hopefully meet others.. so, i made a profile and in it i gave a pretty detailed explanation as to my intent here and exactly why i decided to participate in the boards.
in case you don't read it, i'll give a brief summary.
the name is robert.
Thanks for the replies! Really appreciate them. Let me try and respond to the questions asked.
Smiddy: I get what your saying and totally agree. However, I have already read tons of stories/advice from ex members and nonmembers and/or people who are just against the Church altogether in other forums and chat rooms in the past. I even have a close friend who was raised Jehovah Witness and left the Church when we were teenagers after a falling out within the Family, which she later then converted over to the LDS Church. However, at the time, I had little interest in Church or anything like that. So we never spoke religion but I am well aware of the trouble it caused her and her family. It all began with a blood transfusion that her Mom needed in order to survive. She took it and was ex communicated, banned from her Sons wedding soon after (Who was/is still active in the Church) and she soon followed her Mother and left the Church. It tore the family apart and she was lost at that time. So, for many years, I had a bad feeling toward Jehovah Witnesses and judged them for the pain I saw in my Best Friend. Obviously, I had no right to judge as I was judging a huge community of different backgrounds, many of whom was not their fault. And from that day on, I only remembered that and never would allow myself to even learn of the Church. Until several months ago, I began reading the website, some books and other material.. just opening my eyes a little to its teachings. And the judgment i made years ago was uncalled for. I had never attempted to even learn about the Church, yet i made a quick rush of judgment against it. And I feel like I owe it to at least learn the facts for myself and see both sides before pushing it off altogether. So, thats what im trying to do now.
So I have seen and read from many of the ex members and have already seen that standpoint. And I am happy for that, rather many of their feelings were biased or uncalled for, i dunno, but i am thankful nonetheless that i have different viewpoints. All but from actual members. I have yet to read what members say, current members. I would like a chance to learn a bit from them so i can weigh it all out on my own.
Hopefully that answers your question some.
hello all.... i am new here so i figured i'd make a quick post introducing myself and giving a brief intro as to who i am and what i'm here for... as well as to hopefully meet others.. so, i made a profile and in it i gave a pretty detailed explanation as to my intent here and exactly why i decided to participate in the boards.
in case you don't read it, i'll give a brief summary.
the name is robert.
Hello all...
I am new here so I figured i'd make a quick post introducing myself and giving a brief intro as to who I am and what i'm here for... as well as to hopefully meet others.
So, I made a profile and in it I gave a pretty detailed explanation as to my intent here and exactly why I decided to participate in the boards. In case you don't read it, i'll give a brief summary.
The name is Robert. I am 26 and live in small town Ohio. About 40 min south of Columbus. I label myself a Christian, however, I don't live religiously or even attend church. And mostly its due to the fact that I am still seeking out answers and trying to find the RIGHT Church. Which is why I am here. In part anyway. I have yet to find the right church for me, that can answer all my questions and one I feel satisfied with in basically living my life FOR. Generally speaking, I know I am Christian but I have yet to find where exactly my faith lies. I have been studying the different denominations and sects within Christianity for several years now and after so much research and learning, I have been able to eliminate many of the churches. There's a few things I know for myself, by my own study of the Bible. And the information I have, that I know to be true, I will follow. And if that means disagreeing with this Church's belief, or that one, so be it. I will NOT change what I know is true just to be in line with ones teaching. I will hold onto my own truths and pursue my goal of finding the true Church until I do. And I know it exists. It's just finding it.
So where I am at currently:
One thing I know to be true, in which has also kept me from siding with MOST of the Churches I've looked into, is in regards to who Jesus is, who God Is. Jesus is the Son of God. God is the almighty, all-powerful, creator of everything. Also known as The Father. So we have Jesus, Son of God and then we have God the Father. And the bible clearly states these things. And most churches agree. However, what most fail to recognize is the fact that Jesus and God are SEPERATE! So this brings us to the Doctrine of the Trinity. Which is unbiblical and no where is this mentioned in it or even hinted at. The Bible is very clear that Jesus was below God. Jesus received his understanding and power FROM God. And I know I don't need to ramble this, as I know Jehovah's Witnesses don't teach the Doctrine of the Trinity, which is why I am here.
It is the Doctrine of the Trinity that has made it tough for me to find the right church. As I will not align myself with a Church who teaches this, as its unbiblical, therefore, wrong. So, after I was able to learn for myself these facts, it did make searching for the truth a lot harder. But in other ways, much easier. Because once you eliminate the churches who teach the Trinity, it leaves very few left.
One of the Churches who don't teach this Doctrine is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. (Mormons). So I researched the Church, learned a lot and studied with Missionaries from the Church for a long time. Years in fact. Actually, it's who I have spent most of my bible study with the last couple of years. And at times, I even felt as though I might have finally found the Truth. I purchased basically the entire library from their website over the course of the last few years. And Spent a lot of time studying it, praying about it and learning about it.
I know this post is becoming a huge chapter book now, so I am going to bring this to an end. So to shorten everything up...
So this is where I am right now. I still am in my research and still trying to find the truth and the church I can finally, and FULLY feel is right and true. With no question. I have yet to find that. The Mormon Church is still up in the air for me. I have never made a decision yet. I have not been able to truly say, "this is God's Church without a doubt" without hesitation or doubt. I still feel somewhat questionable and hesitant at times. There's a few things I am unsettled with about it and still need answers for. As well as a couple things I need to research better, to be able and confirm to myself the legitimacy of Joseph Smith. So with that being said...
Now having studied that Church (Mormons) for a few years and still not having a feeling of certainty, I feel by now, God would have confirmed to me the truth of it. Maybe It's not the truth and God has been telling me that all this time, I just haven't listened out of disappointment of having still not found Him. I don't know. But...I know one thing. And that is, the Jehovah's Witnesses are another Christian group in which does NOT teach the Trinity. And I know very little about this Church as I have not studied this one much during all my years of research. Which excites me because it's another direction for me to seek. Another pathway to God, perhaps? Maybe this is the answer! And that's what I am here to find out- to learn more of this Church FROM actual members. So, I hope to gain more understanding of the teachings, doctrine, history, literature and perspective from it's own members.
so I hope to be able and get that here.
I am here to:
READ TESTIMONIES FROM MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH
LEARN FROM MEMBERS (BELIEFS, DOCTRINES, HISTORY OF THE CHURCH/FAITH)
& TO READ ADVICE FROM MEMBERS.
Notice how I mentioned 'members' several times...I really want info coming from just that, rather then former members or critics.
Anyway, I am sorry for the long thread. I did not intend for it to be this long, but I figured the more informative I am about my situation, the better the replies will be to my certain position. So to end this, I just want to say thanks for taking the time to read my post. And that I look forward to reading your replies and learning more about you guy's (HOPEFULLY!!)
Thanks again!!
