What I find interesting about the topic is that Paul's Epistles were written prior to the Gospels. Add to this that the Gospels are believed to have been written no earlier than 3 decades after the events they are alleged to have chronicled took place. That being said, New Testament scripture starts with Paul's writings and not those of the 12 who actually followed Jesus around on his earthly ministry.
truth_b_known
JoinedPosts by truth_b_known
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Jesus Christ: Invented by the Romans to subvert the Messianic impulse in Judaism into Pacifism?
by TerryWalstrom inof course, there are many crackpot theories about all sorts of things.
we hear about them,look into them and laugh.however, once in a great while, somebody presents a cogent and feasible thesis backed up by scholarship and history.watch this video presentation and present your rebuttal (or agreement) for discussion.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uqg8w7ezuq&t=268s.
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First time here - My Story (Spousal Abuse)
by Centaurus A inhi everyone, this is my first time here and only in the last 2 weeks have my eyes been opened.
still trying to take in all this new info.
anyways here is my very condensed story:.
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truth_b_known
Welcome and thank you for sharing your story with us all.
As Jehovah's Witnesses are being exposed more and more for their practice of hiding child abuse, domestic violence is another example of secrets kept from the public by the organization. Many women are being physically abused by their spouse who are also Jehovah's Witnesses are treated as you were by leadership in the organization. Rather than help you, elders make the problem yours by recommending you be more humble or kind to your abusive spouse. Heaven forbid they actually get educated and learn that domestic violence is about control and it's never about the victim. Whatever happens they will never get the authorities involved. They put the reputation of the organization above the physical well being of those in danger.
I also find it appalling that the only recommendation for marital problems is attend more meetings and study the Bible more. Millions of happy married couples have never walked into a Kingdom Hall or read the Bible. I fail to see how that is a cure-all for marriages.
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Two witness rule: who cares?
by _Morpheus ini find people railing against the so called “two witness rule” puzzling.
i think its a complete and total non issue.
for those that protest, argue or advocate for change in that rule, why?
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truth_b_known
I see Morpheus' point -
Jehovah's Witnesses could end the practice and belief of the "Two Witness Rule" and still stick to their guns on not reporting to the police. All the Two Witness Rule does is prevent pedophiles who are Witnesses from being disfellowshipped.
I live in a state where failure to report a felony is a crime punishable up to 1 year in the county jail. I wholeheartedly would like to see Witnesses locked up for failing to report child abuse, especially sexual assault. Explain that to the public; that you would rather do time in jail then report child predators to the police.
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My story
by Leeny ini came across this website when i was looking for some emotional/mental support lately as i was summoned by elders to explain someone’s report on me saying “i’m promoting homosexuality”.
i’m inactive, not attending meetings or associating with jw outside of my biological family for almost 2 years now.. yes i am gay (you can judge away) and yes it is in a direct contrast to the scriptures, no arguement about it.. i was brought up in a jw family.
my dad is a typical zealot, he literally talks or thinks about the bible 24/7.
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truth_b_known
Welcome Leeny!
While I was a young adult (about your age) and a Witness I became close friends with 2 gay men. I knew what the Witnesses believed and what the Bible said. I am much happier being out of that organization and have even more close friends who are openly gay.
You should get your own place and get on with being you as soon as possible. I lost a good 10 years of my adult life because I waited until my 30s to get out of that horrible organization.
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truth_b_known
To counsel someone against saying "good luck" because it is a form of worship to "the god of luck" infers that another god other than Jehovah exists.
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Faders Needing a Great One Liner
by Solzhenitsyn inso our family fade is well under way.
we changed congregations as regular attenders and left in good standing with those giving hugs and kisses simply knowing we "needed a change".
we moved to a neighboring congregation that is out of our original region knowing we would see no one and the two boe's wouldn't really have immediate dealings.
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truth_b_known
At some point in time you will have contact with Witnesses, whether the new congregation's elders or acquaintances from the old congregation, and they will corner you with questions. You can either lie to them or just figuratively rip the bandage off and be honest.
The only thing that happened like this to my wife and I was a Witness my wife used to work with reached out to her for help on a job. He dropped it off at the house and when the job was completed he picked it up. My wife told me that when he comes to pick it up he will question us as to why we are no longer active and he did. Here's how I responded to him -
"If we are each responsible for developing our own individual relationship with Jehovah I think it would be improper for me to tell you why I am no longer active. I became aware of things through study and research that brought me to this decision. It would not be right for me to try to influence your relationship by sharing everything I learned.
"What I will tell you is this - I cannot associate myself with an organization that intentionally hides the criminal behavior of its members. Hiding child sexual abuse for the perceived idea that it will maintain the integrity of the organization's reputation is not only morally wrong, but it directly violates my sworn oath as a peace officer. Romans 13:1-7 states that I am a servant given by Jehovah and I carry a sword as an avenger to spread wrath against the one practicing what is bad. I cannot support what is directed to me by Jehovah under scripture and the opposite which is directed by man made policy of an organization."
The Witness paused and said that I gave him something to think about. We never heard anything after that.
When leaving the organization there is no "Eat your cake and have it, too" scenario. At some point in time Witnesses will figure out what's going on and act just like you would imagine they would. The important thing is that you fill the void of family and friends with new family and friends.
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truth_b_known
This is where Leonard Nimoy got his idea for the Vulcan salute on Star Trek.
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giving to jehovah part this week
by road to nowhere ini love it!!
the brother started by saying we know our donations don't go to the local brothers -- you don't see us wearing gold rings, fancy jewelry (watches?
) wonder if he notices who does?.
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truth_b_known
Since 1991 when the WBTS went to the voluntary contribution model for its literature we have seen numerous cut back and cost saving measures take place. Yet, it seems the coffers of the WBTS can never be satisfied. You would think the WBTS would produce their NWT Bible and 1 study book which is only updated with "New Light".
Instead there is a constant production of new literature and periodicals featuring centuries worth of redundant information. Why? ITS A BUSINESS PRETENDING TO BE A RELIGION.
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What do the Angels do?
by LovingLifeNow inso what exactly have they been doing now , with the exception of intervening thousands of years ago, what exactly do they do in heaven?
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truth_b_known
The book of Genesis records that about a third of them are voyeurs and like to watch you bathe.
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Do you celebrate Christmas?
by LovingLifeNow indo you celebrate and how long have you been out?
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3 years for me and yes i do..
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truth_b_known
This year will mark my 9th Christmas celebrated. However, I like to joke around and remind people that Christmas is actually the Norse holiday of Yule. I call it my "Yule Tree" and instead of a star as a topper of my tree I have put a Thor action figure.
I buy my family and a few close friends presents. I like the work Christmas lunch with the white elephant gift exchange. Christmas day it is enjoyable to watch my kids open their presents.