Posts by Separation of Powers

17

Why must we APPLY for everything?

by Tech49 in

jw
friends

i was thinking about this today, after seeing another thread on the subject of serving in israel, of all places.

there have been many comments on the recent thread, and the ones a little older, about how utterly ridiculous that premise is.. the bigger question is why do i have to apply?

permission?

Separation of Powers

I think I have the answer.....

Last week, at the meeting, a young man got up on stage and gave a talk. He did well. He wasn't MLK or even Anthony Morris III, but he did well. The School Overseer praised him excessively too much in fact. But, I understood why. You see, in our hall, very few of the kids do anything at all. Yes, they attend with their families, but their expressions are of boredom and passive acceptance. This kid, on the other hand, is fully invested and its visible. He is taking that JW road and waiting to see where it will take him. From a secular viewpoint, he has some problems, a little self absorbed and spoiled, with just a little too much sarcasm around the edges. From that secular viewpoint, he would be a below average to average kid on the outside. But here, here is the make believe world, he is "the best" (thank you Nacho Libre).

The "Application" process of the JWs serves to make the average...unique, even special. When you are "approved" then all the boxes have been checked and others can see that you are the kind of witness that other witnesses should be. You have the good housekeeping seal of approval and others wish they can have it as well. It is all part of the indoctrination into the BORG.

22

UNDERSTANDING WHY THE ORGANIZATION is a false idol and a BLASPHEMY

by Terry in

do we understand these three words: worship, idolatry, and blasphemy?.

most christians have a vague notion of worship, idolatry, and blasphemy already, but.

a clear definition is necessary.. we must take care to differentiate, however.. how the words appear in original language and how they are defined today might be at odds.. ____________________.

Separation of Powers

It is hard to place yourself on a throne while you are living on this earth and expect that people will not kiss your ring. Funny how the GB keep telling the R&F that treating the brothers of Jesus is what will gain them salvation......blasphemy indeed!

15

Did you grow weary in "well doing"?

by compound complex in

jw
friends

"and let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

" holman christian standard bible; galations 6:9.. i just now remembered an old wt article about the things that discourage us about our imperfect selves.

one such disappointment in ourselves is that we know we should continue doing good unto others, but we're simply worn out.

Separation of Powers

I dug a lot of wells during droughts.....the plants needed water. I didnt grow too weary. Had a back hoe and drilling rig along with a handful of laborers.

39

OMG! The world is worse than ever! This system can't last! Violence is increasing! Wait, what's that you say?

by sir82 in

jw
friends

if you read jw literature, the world has been progressively getting "worse and worse" since 1914.. is that really the case?.

for a more rational analysis, look here:.

a few highlights:.

Separation of Powers

Yes...exactly.

I have always been amazed at JWs because they put SOOO much emphasis on numbers and statistics. They pride themselves on memorial attendance, hours in the ministry etc. Yet, when you use statistics to make your case they challenge.

I had the same conversation with my brother (hard core JW scary). I mentioned the decrease in major crimes and the increase in social improvements. He said, "Well, you know, the Bible does say that things will get better right before the tribulation."

Cant win

54

How do you overcome this JW excuse?

by EdenOne in

during one of those meetings that took place before my jc, one of the elders, who was a good friend of mine back then and used to come up with a few outlandish personal views about some teachings, attempted to counter one of my arguments like this:.

eden - "well, if the truth doesn't change, why is it that what we teach as 'truth' has changed over the years (several examples given)?

how can we dogmatically claim at any given moment that we have 'the truth' if our teachings keep changing?".

Separation of Powers

This is how I would argue the point....

"Did you know that the ancient Egyptians used to make paste out of dead mice and place it on infected teeth inside their mouths? It was used for toothache pain. Were they wrong to do that?

Did you know that doctors in ancient Iraq used to use sheep liver to diagnose human illness? Was that wrong?

Did you know that doctors in the 18tha nd 19th century used to cut off half of the tongue of people who stuttered in an attempt to stop their stuttering? Do you think that was wise?

You see, you can't argue that something was not wrong just because it was once accepted. Immunizations were rejected by the ORG way back when and people probably died because of that, was that God's will or his light? You can't argue that God "wanted" those people to die...

So, what's the difference with that "belief" and a "belief" where the Bible is the point in question? If the "generation" is not what was once taught but now a series of groups whose live's overlap, then the first understanding was absolutely wrong.

OR- you could simply scratch your head and say, "you are delusional, aren't you?"

28

Governing Body courageously 'Admit their mistakes'

by LogCon in

march 2015 study article learn from the illustration of the talents.

brothers and sisters worldwide will be overjoyed to know that the governing body finally has the.

courage to admit their mistakes .

Separation of Powers

Didnt hear that for the Awake magazine about the kids that gave their lives for a blood doctrine that has been progressively overhauled.

didnt hear that for those that suffered due to an archaic stance against immunization

didnt hear that for those that experienced years of emotional stress in relationships where porneia had not yet been defined and they could not remarry

didnt hear that for.....the list goes on and on

7

Death and perspective

by Separation of Powers in

jw
friends

i realize today, at this moment in time, at this moment, this exact moment in my life the absolute futility of everything.

i sit here, at this desk, in front of this screen, my head is spinning and my mind wanders through all those moments of interaction with someone who has just left this life.

no, he wasn't a family member, he wasn't even a friend really, an acquaintance, a casual work related interaction.

Separation of Powers

@ The redeemer- I hope he will be eulogized by someone who knew him much better than I

@ Nickolas

Thank you for a thought provoking post....your inference in several areas is quite astute. Futility of life and the indelible marks that we leave on others are not mutually exclusive. We are, by are very being, symbiotic...and although we may feel that we are alone and impermeable, our shared experience leaves upon us the marks of others, some more noticeable than others. Like walking across a subway platform with white shoes....you are bound to see some scuffing.

I have experienced many epiphanies in life, some more striking than others, but today, considering the tragic loss of this young man and the impact that it will have on those that truly knew and cared for him in a deeper way than I had the chance to, the realization of the futility of everything is quite impactful. I sit here wondering why I am sitting here wondering. Why do I come to this board? Truly, why do I even care about this "subject" of Jehovah's Witnesses and the foolishness that is this religion? And the effect that it has on everyone here? Why? It is futile to even care about such things as the precarious nature of this life shakes me to my core and I reflect on the waste of effort it all amounts to. That, Nickolas, is an epiphany beyond measure as I realize that I have posted on this site for several months, I have expressed my dismay and anger, my desilusion and contempt. I recognize now, that it only serves, for me, a regurgitation of what I have come to despise, and therefore, quite futile indeed.

As for my belief, I no longer cling to the idea of Christianity as it has been packaged in bubble wrap and sold to the masses, JW's included. It is a visage that serves to distort the principles so aptly defined by the man Jesus or, better still, the legend of the man Jesus. I hold only to that which brings me peace...that internal voice that beckons to be heard.

As for the closet, it confines me no longer.

As for the offense against my intelligence, I can only say that I know not everything, but what I do know....I know.

7

Death and perspective

by Separation of Powers in

jw
friends

i realize today, at this moment in time, at this moment, this exact moment in my life the absolute futility of everything.

i sit here, at this desk, in front of this screen, my head is spinning and my mind wanders through all those moments of interaction with someone who has just left this life.

no, he wasn't a family member, he wasn't even a friend really, an acquaintance, a casual work related interaction.

Separation of Powers

I realize today, at this moment in time, at this moment, this exact moment in my life the absolute futility of everything. I sit here, at this desk, in front of this screen, my head is spinning and my mind wanders through all those moments of interaction with someone who has just left this life. No, he wasn't a family member, he wasn't even a friend really, an acquaintance, a casual work related interaction. He was quirky. He was different. And, although I did not know him that well, I miss him and I will miss him. I do not pray for him, as I do not pray for myself. I mourn him in my heart and with my words, and that is all that I can do. He is a reminder of how our lives are precious and of how distinct we are in our interaction with everyone and everything. This has helped me to again see the reality of this life, how precious, how wonderful, how tenuous....Rest in Peace and know for all eternity that you have left a mark, however faint, however minute, on the lives of so many.

To my fellow readers and posters, live for today....cherish each moment....define this existence by your compassion and kindness....

63

After Six Months of Hiatus, I can tell you the Watchtower is Starting to Crumble Faster than you think!

by SanLuisObispoTruthSeeker in

i took a hiatus from jwn because the wall started to collapse because i lost several people ive known almost my entire life.

these were people i thought would never die, the lies told by the watchtower is unforgivable!

there was a party i attended keeping a low profile while documenting what was said.

Separation of Powers

Just for the record....I do not believe that the JW organization will disappear.....I know many on this forum are hopeful, but I am a realist in that regard. My comments relate to the impact that is being felt and after the Conti case is decided that impact may well be more than you and I could imagine. Financial stability is not assured. The downturn in the world economy decimated many organizations, I believe the request or demand for congregations to hand over their surplus is indicative of two things, 1) the organization is expecting more lawsuits 2) the organization is experiencing financial hardship. This is my opinion, nothing more.

As for its endurance, I believe it will survive because it is run by some very shrewed people....and SOOO many people want to believe in something, particularly those who already have a predisposition to a persecution complex.

The original post addresses what the poster believes...namely that things are disintegrating....I believe that to a great extent. Its is like a landslide and we are seeing it break away. The mountain is underminded by the erosion of love, regard, compassion, integrity...all the things that many of us held so dear as part of this group. I think that the mountain will remain, but what kind of mountain is the question. Mt. Everest is almost 30,000 feet in height. In the US a mountain is typically considered to be a landform that stretches past 1000 ft....in the UK, I believe it is 2000 ft. There is tremendous disparity between what one considers a mountain and the highest form of a mountain. The org may stand as a mountain of a religion for some after all this expected erosion, but it won't be a Mt. Everest.

63

After Six Months of Hiatus, I can tell you the Watchtower is Starting to Crumble Faster than you think!

by SanLuisObispoTruthSeeker in

i took a hiatus from jwn because the wall started to collapse because i lost several people ive known almost my entire life.

these were people i thought would never die, the lies told by the watchtower is unforgivable!

there was a party i attended keeping a low profile while documenting what was said.

Separation of Powers

I could care less what the witnesses say about the Conti case or its repercussions in the congregation.

If the Conti case is successful, the financial implications will be devastating. It will serves to encourage hundreds if not thousands of other victims and the effect will be too much for any organization. That is my position. Congregation members may blame this "wicked system" or "persecution" but an organization of this size cannot adequately function when its financial stability is in peril....