Posts by konceptual99

22

Bible writers ignored their own principle

by venus in

bible gives a very beneficial principle when it states “too much talk” is problematic whereas “anyone who holds his tongue is prudent.” (proverb 10:19) in harmony with this if bible had given us just enough verses like this: “remember god always and do everything as an offering to him” (ecclesiastes 12:1; colossians 3:17), it could have kept itself invincible.. instead, it started to speak “too much” which often backfired.

1) too much information on a too less important subject (such as woman’s menstruation) and yet too less information on too important subject such as creation which comes in just one sentence: god created “the mankind in his image.” (genesis 1:27).

2) jesus was taken to a mountain top so that he and satan could see “all the kingdoms of the earth” [which is in support of flat-earth belief], and satan tried to tempt jesus by offering them all in exchange of an act of worship to him.

konceptual99

You are right DJ - I don't have any real knowledge of how Jewish scholars and theologians interpret the Torah and I bow to your superior knowledge on this however would you agree that the ancient Israelites had God's authority to subjugate other nations or not? Either they took captives or not.

It's not about the so called rights under the law of the time. It's not about retrospective interpretation of so called holy books. It's certainly not about some kind of relativism where this sort of stuff happened all the time in those days and those people enslaved by the Israelites were bloody lucky they'd not been captured by one of the other nations around them.

I am no Hebrew scholar but I don't need to be to know that type of slavery attested to in the Bible cannot be justified as some kind of pretend or pseudo slavery. People were forceably removed from their homes and made to work for others without any freedom of movement. It's wrong when it happens to women from Eastern Europe when they are forced into being sex slaves. It was wrong when it happened to Africans for 200 years. It was wrong when it happened to the Israelites and it was wrong when it happened to people captured by the Israelites.

22

Bible writers ignored their own principle

by venus in

bible gives a very beneficial principle when it states “too much talk” is problematic whereas “anyone who holds his tongue is prudent.” (proverb 10:19) in harmony with this if bible had given us just enough verses like this: “remember god always and do everything as an offering to him” (ecclesiastes 12:1; colossians 3:17), it could have kept itself invincible.. instead, it started to speak “too much” which often backfired.

1) too much information on a too less important subject (such as woman’s menstruation) and yet too less information on too important subject such as creation which comes in just one sentence: god created “the mankind in his image.” (genesis 1:27).

2) jesus was taken to a mountain top so that he and satan could see “all the kingdoms of the earth” [which is in support of flat-earth belief], and satan tried to tempt jesus by offering them all in exchange of an act of worship to him.

konceptual99

Well in my book slavery is slavery is slavery. The Bible shows that the Israelites were permitted by the laws they claim came from God to subjugate others. Any relativism in their treatment compared to any other example of slavery is meaningless.

233

Number of Muslims protesting London terrorist attack = ZERO. Number of Muslims protesting forced Mosque closure in France = HUNDREDS

by kpop in

so it is now two days after another islamic terrorist attack.

how many muslims are in the streets protesting and condemning this evil?

how many are marching in all the big cities condemning this in mass protests?.

konceptual99

If you are not clear about the issue with Islam then consider the situation with JWs.

Many people who perhaps know a Witness but have never engaged with the organisation would be quite prepared to say that Witnesses are nice people. They are law-abiding, don't cause a fuss, peaceable and so on.

What they fail to recognise, however, is that every Witness, other than a very small minority of those on the edge, subscribes to a whole set of fundamental norms that are built into their core perception of how the world should be organised from a moral and theological perspective. These norms do not align with what would be considered modern, progressive attitudes to human interaction. For example:

Women are in subjection to men and have been conditioned to willingly accept the situation as their God given role. Non Witnesses are condemned to the prospect of destruction at a global war yet this threat is publicly downplayed. Those who fail to meet the standards of the organisation or choose to formally leave are completely shunned yet this behaviour is blamed on the person as something that they have brought on themselves and ultimately will be good for them. Homosexual relationships are completely unacceptable yet this again is publicly downplayed to try and avoid claims of homophobia.

The same is true of Islam. Of course most Muslims we are likely to meet in our day to day lives are not violent Jihadists however the vast majority essentially subscribe to a set of moral and cultural norms that do not encourage tolerance and diversity.

What is worse is that it's highly unlikely that any Witness will ever resort to violence and terror in support of their brand of Christianity however this is absolutely not the case with Islam.

It's good to see some Muslims taking a stand, for example by their support of public events related to the Westminster attack last week however there really does need to be much more done from the inside out to bring real reform.

22

Bible writers ignored their own principle

by venus in

bible gives a very beneficial principle when it states “too much talk” is problematic whereas “anyone who holds his tongue is prudent.” (proverb 10:19) in harmony with this if bible had given us just enough verses like this: “remember god always and do everything as an offering to him” (ecclesiastes 12:1; colossians 3:17), it could have kept itself invincible.. instead, it started to speak “too much” which often backfired.

1) too much information on a too less important subject (such as woman’s menstruation) and yet too less information on too important subject such as creation which comes in just one sentence: god created “the mankind in his image.” (genesis 1:27).

2) jesus was taken to a mountain top so that he and satan could see “all the kingdoms of the earth” [which is in support of flat-earth belief], and satan tried to tempt jesus by offering them all in exchange of an act of worship to him.

konceptual99

DJ

You know nothing about me, my ancestors or my culture. You don't even know if I am white, black, Asian or a bloody martian.

Over the course of history there will have been few cultures that have not been the instigators and victims of slavery, sometimes at the same time. It's still happening now FFS. Dragging white led, imperialist slavery of Africans into the mix misses the point completely.

It's not about who was least bad at being slave owners. It's the fact that slavery went on at all. Just because those enslaved by the Jews had some limited rights does not make it right. It does not lessen the injustice and it certainly does not lessen the nonsensical situation where a supposed God of love provides the framework for one group of people to subjugate another.

22

Bible writers ignored their own principle

by venus in

bible gives a very beneficial principle when it states “too much talk” is problematic whereas “anyone who holds his tongue is prudent.” (proverb 10:19) in harmony with this if bible had given us just enough verses like this: “remember god always and do everything as an offering to him” (ecclesiastes 12:1; colossians 3:17), it could have kept itself invincible.. instead, it started to speak “too much” which often backfired.

1) too much information on a too less important subject (such as woman’s menstruation) and yet too less information on too important subject such as creation which comes in just one sentence: god created “the mankind in his image.” (genesis 1:27).

2) jesus was taken to a mountain top so that he and satan could see “all the kingdoms of the earth” [which is in support of flat-earth belief], and satan tried to tempt jesus by offering them all in exchange of an act of worship to him.

konceptual99

Slaves could buy and own their own property. They could even buy their freedom from their masters

Lucky them.

39

July's watchtower leaves out some important info from a quote!

by stavro in

jerome over on discuss the truth has picked up on something interesting.. in the july watchtower on page 28 of the article entitled “winning the battle for your mind” the following statement is made “keep in mind that satan does not want you to think clearly or reason things out well.

because propaganda is likely to be most effective, says one source, if people… are discouraged from thinking critically.”.

the quote comes from a book entitled: “media and society in the twentieth century: a historical introduction by lyn gorman, david mclean" the watchtower however, chose to leave out a portion of the quote.. the full quote is "therefore, it is likely to be most effective if people do not have access to multiple sources of information and if they are discouraged from thinking critically.. the following sentence which the watchtower also decided was best not to include states,.

konceptual99

Why does the WTS do this over and over and over again? Why do they think that their selective quoting of non attributed sources are not going to be exposed?

Great catch!

44

New letter about Circuit Conventions accounting procedures

by Hecce in

i hope that one of the friends will post the letter soon.

i heard that on 3/27/2017 a letter with new instructions about the accounts at the circuit conventions was released.

the letter seems to adopt many of the corrections that had been suggested here at the forum, among other things during the accounts report they will be no mention of the per capita and the amount due is going to be released only to the elders.

konceptual99

Because the WTS has a cultural norm of keeping things on a need to know basis. It's allows layers of authority and privilege to be created meaning people get to aspire to reach the next position of knowledge.

Also, but I don't think this is the reason, it would also expose the number of people that are not turning up given that the attendance is announced. If they also announced the per capita fee being charged then you could easily work out how many publishers there are on the books and how many don't turn up.

44

The Latest Trend in NW England: Homeschooling Your Children

by pale.emperor in

i dont know if this is becoming a national thing or even globally.

but im hearing more and more people i knew from my jw days have taken their kids out of school to home school them instead.

in my sisters case she's taken her 8yo and 6yo children out already and her 3yo wont ever start a school.

konceptual99

I can't think of a single Witness I know who homeschools (and there are many, including members of my own family) who argue that they are doing it so their child has the best possible academic opportunity. It's not even in the top five reasons.

I really doubt that hordes of Witnesses are pulling their kids out of schools in Liverpool and the NW so they have a better chance to get good A Levels and attend uni.

22

Bible writers ignored their own principle

by venus in

bible gives a very beneficial principle when it states “too much talk” is problematic whereas “anyone who holds his tongue is prudent.” (proverb 10:19) in harmony with this if bible had given us just enough verses like this: “remember god always and do everything as an offering to him” (ecclesiastes 12:1; colossians 3:17), it could have kept itself invincible.. instead, it started to speak “too much” which often backfired.

1) too much information on a too less important subject (such as woman’s menstruation) and yet too less information on too important subject such as creation which comes in just one sentence: god created “the mankind in his image.” (genesis 1:27).

2) jesus was taken to a mountain top so that he and satan could see “all the kingdoms of the earth” [which is in support of flat-earth belief], and satan tried to tempt jesus by offering them all in exchange of an act of worship to him.

konceptual99

yet too less information on too important subject such as creation which comes in just one sentence: God created “the mankind in His image.” (Genesis 1:27)

Well this is an example of Jehovah's skills in foretelling the future not being as ace we were led to believe since he didn't seem capable of working out that his creation would develop the craft of methodical scientific research and start undermining every aspect of Bible mythology.

There is an oft used excuse the the Bible is not a work of science. No shit, Sherlock. If it was then perhaps the idea that God exists and cares for mankind could be more readily reconciled with the fact that the Bible does very little to enhance our understanding of the world around us one iota.

20

NEW PUBLICATION!..... 'References for Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook'

by darkspilver in

jw
friends

haha!

yes folks!

it's an eight page printout from the cd-rom of the scriptures and wt reference for use during the midweek clam meeting.. 'references for life and ministry meeting workbook'.

konceptual99

Thanks Blondie & Fed up

The one I was thinking of is even older and I found it on the WT Library. It's the KM 11/99...

19 Study Aids via the Internet? Some have felt that they are rendering a service to the brothers by posting researched information in connection with various theocratic activities. For example, a person may do research based on a public-talk outline and then post this, thinking that such information will benefit those who need to prepare the same outline. Others will post all the scriptures for an upcoming Watchtower Study or provide source material for the Theocratic Ministry School or the Congregation Book Study. Some may offer suggestions for field ministry presentations. Are such really helpful?
20 The publications provided by Jehovah’s organization stimulate our minds with upbuilding thoughts and train us “to distinguish both right and wrong.” (Heb. 5:14) Can we say that this is achieved if others do our research for us?
21 The Beroeans were spoken of as “more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica.” Why? Because “they received the word with the greatest eagerness of mind, carefully examining the Scriptures daily as to whether these things were so.” (Acts 17:11) Although Paul and Silas preached to them, they could not make the truth their own without becoming personally involved.
22 Using another person’s research for a talk or for other meeting preparation really defeats the purpose of personal study. Is it not your desire to build up your own personal faith in God’s Word? Based on personal conviction, you can then make public expression of your faith—in your talks, in comments at the meetings, and in the field ministry. (Rom. 10:10) Using another person’s research does not fit the description given at Proverbs 2:4, 5 to personally ‘keep seeking and searching for the very knowledge of God as for hid treasures.’
23 For example, when looking up scriptures in your own copy of the Bible, you can briefly review the context of each scripture. You can ‘trace all things with accuracy,’ as did Luke when he wrote his Gospel. (Luke 1:3) The extra effort will also help you to be skillful in looking up scriptures in the ministry and when giving talks. Many have stated that they are impressed with Jehovah’s Witnesses because they know how to use their Bibles. The only way that this can apply to us is if we make it a practice personally to look up scriptures in our own Bibles.

Emphasis is mine.
Flippity flop...