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sadiejive
JoinedPosts by sadiejive
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Are Jehovah's Witnesses evil?
by SexyTeen ini am shocked at the many accusations against jehovah's witnesses in this forum.. i know that i am young, but most of my family are jws and they are good people and i love them.
even my worldly family is very nice and i do not shun them.
the friends in the hall are very nice also.
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no blood cards this year!
by DIM inlast night at meeting they told us to just use our blood cards from last year.
in the past they've always told us how important it was to get it signed every year so that people could see our current views as jw's.....doesn't this new arangement negate everything they've ever said in regards to this?
absolutely nuts!.
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sadiejive
They also seem to want us to use those DPA forms, which are actually beneficial to anyone (JW or not).
What's a DPA form?
Just think, one article in the WT and suddenly all those JW's consciences will magically transform into 'allowing' themselves to take blood!
LOL....my thoughts exactly!!sadie
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Do you think JWS are a cult?
by Trixie indo you think that the jw religion is a cult?
i believe that it is, but i wanted to get other people's opinion.
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sadiejive
Trixie:
At one time I believed they were not a cult. But any organization that discourages it's followers to think independently or make their own assumptions of what the bible is saying...could be nothing less. It would be different if the followers were allowed to have a mind of their own...but they are not. This subtle brainwashing technique can be found in their own literature. And threats such as disfellowshipping and being shunned if someone questions their teachings can be used against anyone questioning their "rules". And it's not surprising, that most of it's members could care less that the WTS has done this...that should tell you something.
"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery." Galatians 5:1, NIV. Sadly, most who are in the society do not realize that they are indeed slaves to the WTS.
Below are some examples in some recent Watchtower articles:
Watchtower; 8-01-01, p. 14, par. 8:
First, since "oneness" is to be observed, a mature Christian must be in unity and full harmony with fellow believers as far as faith and knowledge are concerned. He does not advocate or insist on personal opinions or harbor private ideas when it comes to Bible understanding. Rather, he has complete confidence in the truth as it is revealed by Jehovah God through his Son, Jesus Christ, and "the faithful and discreet slave." By regularly taking in the spiritual food provided "at the proper time" -- through Christian publications, meetings, assemblies, and conventions -- we can be sure that we maintain "oneness" with fellow Christians in faith and knowledge. -- Matthew 24:45.Watchtower; 1-15-83; pg 22 para 21:
21 How is such independent thinking manifested? A common way is by questioning the counsel that is provided by God's visible organization.Watchtower; 1-15-83; pg 27 para 19:
19 As we study the Bible we learn that Jehovah has always guided his servants in an organized way. And just as in the first century there was only one true Christian organization, so today Jehovah is using only one organization. (Ephesians 4:4, 5; Matthew 24:45-47) Yet there are some who point out that the organization has had to make adjustments before, and so they argue: "This shows that we have to make up our own mind on what to believe." This is independent thinking. Why is it so dangerous?Watchtower; 9-15-89; pg 23 para 13:
13 In the world, there is a tendency to reject leadership. As one lecturer said: "The rising education level has improved the talent pool such that followers have become so critical that they are almost impossible to lead." But a spirit of independent thinking does not prevail in God's organization, and we have sound reasons for confidence in the men taking the lead among us.
SexyTeen:I am not sure but isn't a cult those that follow a man or a teacher, like the Branch Davidians? I believe that Jesus is the head of the congregation.
This is the same EXACT explanation I received when I began studying with the JWs. Do you not realize that this response is drilled into your brain? BTW, most Christian congregations claim to have Jesus as it's head...doesn't necessarily mean that it is so.One question, what rules does the Governing Body impose that are not in the Bible?
-Men can't grow beards.
-Kids cannot attend pep rallys
-The bedroom activities of married couples (ask mom and dad..just kidding)
-IMHO, the celebration (or lack thereof) of holidays has no biblical backing*
-YOU cannot read the bible and meditate on it's meaning without being told what it means...and if you do this and find that it means something different than what they've taught you it means then you are not entitled to voice that opinion without fear of reprimandI know these are just a few but more can't do's can be found here:
http://www.jwfiles.com/jw-cant.htmJust don't do it on Mother's day or Father's day because on those days the scriptural basis goes out the window
Why are these days not allowed? Info on Mother's Day..
http://www.myholidayplace.com/motherhood/mothersday-history.htmlAlso, what is up with Father's Day?? If you can find ANYTHING pagan about this holiday I will send you a dollar . http://www.holidayorigins.com/html/father_s_day.html
I've noticed that most JWs cannot find anything really wrong with days such as Mother's Day, Father's Day, Thanksgiving, Grandparents Day...but do not celebrate them because they are told not to. They grasp for straws at finding something,anything wrong with these holidays so it won't seem as if they are just being controlled.
SexyTeen, please, don't think that I am attacking you. I just want to help. The people here can tell you a lot of things of which you probably are not aware...such as the thing that WillPower told you. In reference to what he said there is a scripture somewhere (I can't think of where) that the NWT has an [] inserted to make it seem as though only the anointed can have communication with God. If someone knows which one I'm talking about, please post it.
Here are several places you can visit to find a different perspective on the Jehovah's Witnesses:
http://www.carm.org
http://www.freeminds.org
http://www.geocities.com/osarsif/index2.htm
http://members.aol.com/beyondjw/dwjw.htm
http://members.aol.com/beyondjw/bj.htmPlease read all info for and against the organization before you are baptised into your religion. I'm sure you probably already know most of the "good" things. I pray that you will make an well-informed and objective decision. Oh, and there are several other links at the bottom of the page.
sadie
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The meeting did not go well.
by Danni init would have taken more much more time to tell it all.
he told us the meeting would began as soon as the other brothers arrived.
danni: i will give you two.
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A need for information.....
by Muddywho ini am not a jw.
i am a nurse, trying to complete an essay on religious ethics and implications in medicine.
i am therefore looking for help in understanding the reasons behind not accepting blood transfusions.
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sadiejive
This may be a bit lengthy but it is right out of their literature. Hope it helps!!
*** w89 3/1 30-1 Questions From Readers ***
Do Jehovah’s Witnesses allow the use of autologous blood (autotransfusion), such as by having their own blood stored and later put back into them?Medical personnel often distinguish between homologous blood (coming from another person) and autologous blood (the patient’s own blood). It is well known that Jehovah’s Witnesses do not accept blood from other humans. But what about using autologous blood, a term used regarding a number of procedures?
Some of those procedures are unacceptable to Christians because of being clearly in conflict with the Bible, but others lead to questions. Of course, at the time the Bible was written, transfusions and other such medical uses of blood were unknown. Yet, God provided directions that enable his servants to decide whether certain medical procedures involving blood might displease him.
God’s determination is that blood represents life and thus is sacred. He commanded that no human should sustain his life by taking in blood. For instance, God stated: “Every moving animal that is alive may serve as food for you. . . . Only flesh with its soul-its blood-you must not eat.” (Genesis 9:3, 4; Leviticus 7:26, 27) According to the Life-Giver, the only acceptable use of blood was in sacrifice: “For the soul of the flesh is in the blood, and I myself have put it upon the altar for you to make atonement for your souls, because it is the blood that makes atonement by the soul in it. That is why I have said to the sons of Israel: ‘No soul of you must eat blood.’”-Leviticus 17:11, 12.
Though Christians are not under the Mosaic Law, the Bible says that it is “necessary” for us to ‘abstain from blood,’ viewing it as sacred. (Acts 15:28, 29) This is understandable, for the sacrifices under the Law foreshadowed Christ’s blood, God’s means by which we can gain everlasting life.-Hebrews 9:11-15, 22.
How was blood to be dealt with under the Law if it was not used in sacrifice? We read that when a hunter killed an animal for food, “he must in that case pour its blood out and cover it with dust.” (Leviticus 17:13, 14; Deuteronomy 12:22-24) So the blood was not to be used for nutrition or otherwise. If taken from a creature and not used in sacrifice, it was to be disposed of on the earth, God’s footstool.-Isaiah 66:1; compare Ezekiel 24:7, 8.
This clearly rules out one common use of autologous blood-preoperative collection, storage, and later infusion of a patient’s own blood. In such procedure, this is what is done: Prior to elective surgery, some units of a person’s whole blood are banked or the red cells are separated, frozen, and stored. Then if it seems that the patient needs blood during or following surgery, his own stored blood can be returned to him. Current anxieties about blood-borne diseases have made this use of autologous blood popular. Jehovah’s Witnesses, though, DO NOT accept this procedure. We have long appreciated that such stored blood certainly is no longer part of the person. It has been completely removed from him, so it should be disposed of in line with God’s Law: “You should pour it out upon the ground as water.”-Deuteronomy 12:24.
In a somewhat different process, autologous blood can be diverted from a patient to a hemodialysis device (artificial kidney) or a heart-lung pump. The blood flows out through a tube to the artificial organ that pumps and filters (or oxygenates) it, and then it returns to the patient’s circulatory system. Some Christians have permitted this if the equipment is not primed with stored blood. They have viewed the external tubing as elongating their circulatory system so that blood might pass through an artificial organ. They have felt that the blood in this closed circuit was still part of them and did not need to be ‘poured out.’
What, though, if the flow of such autologous blood stopped briefly, such as if a heart-lung machine is shut down while the surgeon checks the integrity of coronary-bypass grafts?
Actually, the Biblical emphasis is not on the issue of continuous flow. Even aside from surgery, a person’s heart might stop briefly and then resume. His circulatory system would not have to be emptied and his blood disposed of just because blood flow had stopped during the cardiac arrest. Hence, a Christian having to decide whether to permit his blood to be diverted through some external device ought to focus, not primarily on whether a brief interruption in flow might occur, but on whether he conscientiously felt that the diverted blood would still be part of his circulatory system.-Galatians 6:5.
What about induced hemodilution? Some surgeons believe that it is advantageous for a patient’s blood to be diluted during surgery. Thus, at the start of an operation, they direct some blood to storage bags outside a patient’s body and replace such with nonblood fluids; later, the blood is allowed to flow from the bags back to the patient. Since Christians do not let their blood be stored, some physicians have adapted this procedure, arranging the equipment in a circuit that is constantly linked to the patient’s circulatory system. Some Christians have accepted this, others have refused. Again, each individual must decide whether he would consider the blood diverted in such a hemodilution circuit to be similar to that flowing through a heart/lung machine, or he would think of it as blood that left him and therefore should be disposed of.
A final example of autologous blood use involves recovering and reusing blood during surgery. Equipment is used to aspirate blood from the wound, pump it out through a filter (to remove clots or debris) or a centrifuge (to eliminate fluids), and then direct it back into the patient. Many Christians have been very concerned whether in such salvage there might be any brief interruption of blood flow. Yet, as mentioned, a more Biblical concern is whether the blood escaping into a surgical wound is still part of the person. Does the fact that the blood has flowed from his circulatory system into the wound mean that it should be ‘poured out,’ like the blood mentioned at Leviticus 17:13? If an individual believes so, he would probably refuse to permit such blood salvage. Yet, another Christian (who also would not let blood flow from him, be stored for some time, and later be put back into him) might conclude that a circuit with recovery from a surgical site and ongoing reinfusion would not violate his trained conscience.
As we can see, there is a growing variety of equipment or techniques involving autologous blood. We cannot and should not try to comment on each variation. When faced with a question in this area, each Christian is responsible to obtain details from medical personnel and then make a personal decision.
Though much has been said here about medical aspects, what is of greatest importance are the religious issues. As a Christian resolves any doubts or questions about medical processes involving blood, what should predominate should be that he displays faith, that he respects God’s command to ‘abstain from blood,’ and that he maintains a good conscience. Why? Because the most fundamental way in which lives can be saved with blood is not through medical technology but through the saving power of Christ’s blood. The apostle Paul wrote: “By means of him we have the release by ransom through the blood of that one.” (Ephesians 1:7; Revelation 7:14, 17) While modern medicine might be able to help us extend our lives for a time, we certainly would not want to extend our present life by doing anything that would violate our Christian conscience or would displease our Life-Giver.-Matthew 16:25; 1 Timothy 1:18, 19.
[Footnotes]*** w90 6/1 30-1 Questions From Readers ***
Do Jehovah’s Witnesses accept injections of a blood fraction, such as immune globulin or albumin?Some do, believing that the Scriptures do not clearly rule out accepting an injection of a small fraction, or component, taken from blood.
The Creator first laid upon all mankind the obligation to avoid taking in blood: “Every moving animal that is alive may serve as food for you . . . Only flesh with its soul-its blood-you must not eat.” (Genesis 9:3, 4) Blood was sacred and so could be used only in sacrifice. If not used in that way, it was to be disposed of on the ground.-Leviticus 17:13, 14; Deuteronomy 12:15, 16.
This was no mere temporary restriction for Jews. The need to abstain from blood was restated for Christians. (Acts 21:25) Around them in the Roman Empire, God’s law was commonly broken, since people ate food made with blood. It was also broken for “medical” reasons; Tertullian reports that some men took in blood thinking that it could cure epilepsy. ‘They quaffed with greedy thirst the blood of criminals slain in the arena.’ He added: “Blush for your vile ways before the Christians, who have not even the blood of animals at their meals.” Jehovah’s Witnesses today are just as determined not to violate God’s law, no matter how common it is for others to eat food made with blood. In the 1940’s, blood transfusions came into widespread use, and the Witnesses saw that obeying God required that they also avoid blood transfusions, even if doctors urged these.
At first, most transfusions were of whole blood. Later, researchers began to separate blood into its primary components, for doctors concluded that a certain patient might not need all major parts of blood. If they gave him only one component, it would be less risky for him, and the doctors could get more use out of the blood available.
Human blood can be separated into dark cellular material and a yellowish fluid (plasma, or serum). The cellular part (45 percent by volume) is made up of what are commonly called red cells, white cells, and platelets. The other 55 percent is the plasma. This is 90 percent water, but it carries small amounts of many proteins, hormones, salts, and enzymes. Today, much of the donated blood is separated into the primary components. One patient may be given a transfusion of plasma (perhaps FFP, fresh frozen plasma) to treat shock. But an anemic patient might be given packed red cells, that is, red cells that had been stored and then put in a fluid and transfused. Platelets and white cells are also transfused but less commonly.
In Bible times men had not devised such techniques for using these components. God simply commanded: ‘Abstain from blood.’ (Acts 15:28, 29) But why should anyone think that it would make a difference whether the blood was whole or had been separated into these components? Though some men drank blood, Christians refused even if it meant death. Do you think that they would have responded differently if someone had collected blood, allowed it to separate, and then offered them just the plasma or just the clotted part, perhaps in blood sausage? No, indeed! Hence, Jehovah’s Witnesses do not accept transfusions of whole blood or of its primary components (red cells, white cells, platelets, or plasma) used to accomplish a similar purpose.
As the question suggests, though, scientists have learned about specialized blood fractions and how to employ such. A common issue involves the plasma proteins-globulins, albumin, and fibrinogen. Likely, the most widespread therapeutic use of such is injecting immune globulin. Why is that done?
Your body can produce antibodies against certain diseases, giving you active immunity. This is the basis for advance inoculation with a vaccine (toxoid) against polio, mumps, rubella (measles), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and typhoid fever. However, if someone has recently been exposed to certain serious diseases, physicians may recommend an injection of a serum (antitoxin) to give him immediate passive immunity. Until recently such injections have been made by extracting immune globulin, which contains antibodies, from a person already immune. The passive immunity gained from the injection is not permanent, for the injected antibodies pass out of his system in time.
In view of the command to ‘abstain from blood,’ some Christians have felt that they should not accept an immune globulin (protein) injection, even though it was only a blood fraction. Their stand is clear and simple-no blood component in any form or amount.
Others have felt that a serum (antitoxin), such as immune globulin, containing only a tiny fraction of a donor’s blood plasma and used to bolster their defense against disease, is not the same as a life-sustaining blood transfusion. So their consciences may not forbid them to take immune globulin or similar fractions. They may conclude that for them the decision will rest primarily on whether they are willing to accept any health risks involved in an injection made from others’ blood.
It is significant that the blood system of a pregnant woman is separate from that of the fetus in her womb; their blood types are often different. The mother does not pass her blood into the fetus. Formed elements (cells) from the mother’s blood do not cross the placental barrier into the fetus’ blood, nor does the plasma as such. In fact, if by some injury the mother’s and the fetus’ blood mingle, health problems can later develop (Rh or ABO incompatibility). However, some substances from the plasma cross into the fetus’ circulation. Do plasma proteins, such as immune globulin and albumin? Yes, some do.
A pregnant woman has an active mechanism by which some immune globulin moves from the mother’s blood to the fetus’. Because this natural movement of antibodies into the fetus occurs in all pregnancies, babies are born with a degree of normal protective immunity to certain infections.
It is similar with albumin, which doctors may prescribe as a treatment for shock or certain other conditions. Researchers have proved that albumin from the plasma is also transported, though less efficiently, across the placenta from a mother into her fetus.
That some protein fractions from the plasma do move naturally into the blood system of another individual (the fetus) may be another consideration when a Christian is deciding whether he will accept immune globulin, albumin, or similar injections of plasma fractions. One person may feel that he in good conscience can; another may conclude that he cannot. Each must resolve the matter personally before God.
[Footnotes]
With recombinant DNA, or genetic-engineering, techniques, scientists are developing similar products that are not made from blood.
One example is Rh immune globulin, which doctors may recommend when there is Rh incompatibility between a woman and her fetus. Another is Factor VIII, which is given to hemophiliacs.
Evidence shows that nonblood volume replacement fluids (such as hetastarch [HES]) can be used effectively to treat shock and other conditions for which an albumin solution might have been used previously. -
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WT CD ROM
by TR injust wondering if someone here has the cd, and if they'll burn it for me or get me a copy.
i'll pay all expenses.
email me if you like.. thanks,.
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sadiejive
I have the 99 CD. I don't know how to burn it either. Sorry.
sadie
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PUBLISHERS
by Frenchy injehovahs witnesses are under a grand and multi-faceted illusion that has been fabricated and is being maintained by the society.
one such facet of that great illusion is that jws are actually proclaiming gods kingdom and teaching people the truth about god and jesus.
it was only a few years ago (hey, im not the brightest candle on the cake!
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How much can I take????
by patio34 ini don't know how much more of this i can take here in southern california!!!.
it's 72 degrees and sunny----again!!!.
signed,.
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sadiejive
Angharad:
Don't feel bad...I got your joke. That joke kind of made me think of that film with Michael Douglas in it, Falling Down. He goes berserk while sitting in traffic one day. Pretty good flick.Patio:
I wish it were 75 degrees here. I'm covered up and still cold. It was warm here yesterday but today, it's cold again. One day it's like Spring and the next is like the dead of winter. Talk about going nuts . Never know how to dress, kids stay sick with colds, you stay sick with colds...ahhh, I long for spring. California Dreamin' here...sadie
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Are You Vegetarian Or Not?
by ladonna inwith all the "food" "fluff" larc has started, it has made me wonder how many here are vegetarian or meat eaters.. i like my meat in winter, but only in very small amounts.. summertime i go completely vegetarian and relish fruits and vegetables.. how about you??.
ana.
manners require time, and nothing is more vulgar than haste.
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sadiejive
My tastes are simple: I like FOOD!!!
Oh this post reminds me of a (tasteless) joke that I heard once. No offense to the vegetarians here.
Here goes...What do you call a vegetarian with diarrhea?
A salad shooter!!LOLOLOLOL...sorry, I just couldn't resist!
sadie -
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Tomorrow is D-day
by Danni inokay people i am going to the jehovah's witnesses congregation to talk with the preist or elders.
i have over a dozen questions to ask them, they are short and to the point.
if anyone want to give any last minute advice i am listening.
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sadiejive
Danni,
Good luck finding the answers that you seek. But I assure you, except in EXTREMELY rare cases, they will skirt around the harder questions. Not to be nosy (well maybe a little bit), but.. what were some of the questions you're gonna ask them?
Good luck to you!!
Sadie