Posts by rebel

9

what is atheism?

by Zep in

i use to think that atheism was a denial of the existence of god, or any divine deity...whatever, take your pick.

however, i now believe this is not the full picture.. atheism is the denial that any proof exists to confirm the existence of god.

it doesn't deny that god may exist, only that there is no proof of his existence, and therefore no reason to believe.

This is an interesting subject. We can't really know 100% if God exists as we would like him to exist. For instance, I am pretty sure that, when you look at creation, it proves there is a creator. Our planet is teeming with life. Look at the creatures on land, sea and air - we don't know a tiny fraction of them. Then there is plant life which seems to go on and on. Yet, we don't seem to have found another planet like ours. The earth is so special. In my mind, that points to a creator.

I would really like to believe in God as he comes across in the Bible (the NT anyway - not too sure about the God of the OT - a bit too violent for my liking) and I like the teachings of Jesus. I used to believe in God (I think - not too sure really as I was pretty mixed up) but now I am not so sure. I find it hard to think that a god of love could allow the world to get into such a state. I am sick of the same people being trampled on by the same people with the big boots - life really stinks at times and it is always the innocent, weak, old, young etc who suffer the most - mainly at the hands of the bully with the biggest gob. Would a loving God really condone this? I believe our creator is powerful and would like to believe he is going to act to cleanse the earth some day but there is no definite proof really - just my thoughts.

xxR

33

Subtle Control Methods

by James2300 in

there have been a few threads on the subject of whether witnesses are a high control group or a cult.

some of the more overt methods of control have been mentioned, such as direct statements in the watchtower, the practice of disfellowshipping, the power elders have, and so on.

the results of these control techniques have also been mentioned; for example, many mention the intimidation, humiliation, fear, and powerlessness they felt either as a witness or while trying to leave.

rebel

Me again,

I hate the way you are always told that Satan is to blame for everything bad that happens to you. I have even heard Satan get the blame for the fact that a brother ran out of petrol on his way to an assembly. Why didn't he just admit he was a divvy and should have checked it himself? Don't they think Satan has anything better to do than drink petrol out of people's cars? Why do they think that they are the only targets of Satan? They blame him (her?) for EVERY stupid little thing that goes wrong in their lives - even though for most of them they are responsible. You are then encouraged to be forever on the lookout for Satan's 'craft acts' - it almost makes you paranoid.

33

Subtle Control Methods

by James2300 in

there have been a few threads on the subject of whether witnesses are a high control group or a cult.

some of the more overt methods of control have been mentioned, such as direct statements in the watchtower, the practice of disfellowshipping, the power elders have, and so on.

the results of these control techniques have also been mentioned; for example, many mention the intimidation, humiliation, fear, and powerlessness they felt either as a witness or while trying to leave.

rebel

Hey Pleasurefix - how true - I wanted to go off the point so many times when studying with someone new, but the good old literature always kept me on track.

James 2300 - what an interesting sunject - thanks for bringing it up.

Also, I hated the fact that you always have to work in pairs - it's as if each of you acts as a policeman to the other. You wouldn't dare say anything out of line because your partner could shop you! I often wanted to work alone but was never allowed.

33

Subtle Control Methods

by James2300 in

there have been a few threads on the subject of whether witnesses are a high control group or a cult.

some of the more overt methods of control have been mentioned, such as direct statements in the watchtower, the practice of disfellowshipping, the power elders have, and so on.

the results of these control techniques have also been mentioned; for example, many mention the intimidation, humiliation, fear, and powerlessness they felt either as a witness or while trying to leave.

rebel

Sorry - me again! This one struck a chord.

I hate the way they discourage you from having association with family members or friends who aren't JWs - not ex-JWs - just those that weren't in 'The Truth' (yuk - I hate that expression). When I think of how I distanced myself from some of my family and old friends - not completely - but I used to avoid meeting them and would keep my association to a minimum. When I did visit them, I used to feel so guilty and make up excuses to leave early as I felt I was being disloyal to Jehovah. What a mug I was.

33

Subtle Control Methods

by James2300 in

there have been a few threads on the subject of whether witnesses are a high control group or a cult.

some of the more overt methods of control have been mentioned, such as direct statements in the watchtower, the practice of disfellowshipping, the power elders have, and so on.

the results of these control techniques have also been mentioned; for example, many mention the intimidation, humiliation, fear, and powerlessness they felt either as a witness or while trying to leave.

rebel

I used to think it was great that every JW throughout the world studied exactly the same material every week - the Watchtower article, the Ministry School, the Book Study etc. Now I realise it was just another means of absolute control.

33

Subtle Control Methods

by James2300 in

there have been a few threads on the subject of whether witnesses are a high control group or a cult.

some of the more overt methods of control have been mentioned, such as direct statements in the watchtower, the practice of disfellowshipping, the power elders have, and so on.

the results of these control techniques have also been mentioned; for example, many mention the intimidation, humiliation, fear, and powerlessness they felt either as a witness or while trying to leave.

rebel

The fact that we can't just preach 'The Good News' ourselves - we have to use the literature provided by the society. They say it is there to make it easier for us to study with people and so we don't put over our own feelings and thoughts which might be incorrect. I think it is another means of control - we should be free just to take the Bible with us and leave all the literature behind.

33

Subtle Control Methods

by James2300 in

there have been a few threads on the subject of whether witnesses are a high control group or a cult.

some of the more overt methods of control have been mentioned, such as direct statements in the watchtower, the practice of disfellowshipping, the power elders have, and so on.

the results of these control techniques have also been mentioned; for example, many mention the intimidation, humiliation, fear, and powerlessness they felt either as a witness or while trying to leave.

rebel

Brothers having to put their jackets on before they go on the platform, act as attendant, carry microphones etc. Even if it is baking hot, they are not allowed to do anything that counts as a 'privilege' without their flaming jackets on! What is that all about?

28

What are Some of Your Favorite Christmas Songs?

by Robdar in

jw
friends

i really love "it came upon a midnight clear" "little drummer boy" and "oh holy night" as classic christmas songs.

here is a link to not only find the lyrics but to hear the music to the songs as well: http://www.xmasfun.com/default.asp.

merry christmas, good friends..... there is so much to be thankful for.

rebel

I love 'Hark, the Herald Angels Sing' and 'Once in Royal David's City'.

I also like the Slade Christmas song 'So Here it is, Merry Christmas'(I think that's what it's called) and I like John Lennon's 'And so it is Christmas' (may have got the title wrong again!)

xxR

6

Another change in JW doctrine?

by Smiles in

.

if the catholic church goes bankrupt, as some media sources suggest may occur... what do you think that would mean for the current jw doctrine on the 'destruction of babylon the great'?

rebel

I can't believe the Catholic Church will ever go bankrupt. Do you have any idea how much welth they have? They are one of the largest religions in the world and are positively rolling in money - look at the Vatican alone - so much gold and jewels - the Queen's gear pales into insignificance. Their followers would always throw enough money at them to bail them out in any situation. All they would have to do is make an announcement during mass that there will be an extra collection (no reason needs to be given) and they would be swamped with dosh. If anyone has ever been to mass and got an eyeful of the collection plate - well! Words fail me - it was always overflowing.

Also, think of all the Catholic countries - they wouldn't let that happen. It has such a big grip on people and I can't see them ever going bankrupt - at least, not in my lifetime.

Just my thoughts as an ex-Catholic

xxR

10

Suicide up during holidays?

by meadow77 in

jw
friends

by denise mann .

webmd medical news .

reviewed by dr. tonja wynn hampton .

rebel

I don't think suicides are higher at this time of year, but marriage break-ups are. Marriage guidance counsellors are apparently swamped over the Christmas break. They say it is because families are all together, on hols from work and school, and just don't get on. Then the in-laws come to visit, and old aunties and uncles creep out of the woodwork. The strain on some marriages is immense, trying to deal with all these alien family members and making out they are having a great time when really, they are hating it. Many are not used to being confined to the house for so long - they want to excape back to the normality of work. It is sad to think that many people can't take being together with their families and would rather seek out their workmates.