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Originally posted by xEphon
Smallpeeps,
I agree with all your points. Personally, im an agnostic theist, and I always find it amusing when people bash anothers religion thats based on the same core teachings. The problem with the JW's teachings as well as 99% of all religions, is that they preach exclusivity, however, what they all fail to realize is that there is no PURE religion. Thats the first thing you learn in a religion course. Religions are not static. Every one of them has evolved from their original teachings into a form that is suitable for the times. They have all been modified and edited.
People place too much faith in their religion and not enough faith in their God.
**waits for it "But the bible says!..." **
www.chnetwork.org...
The Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses assumes Papal Authority in maintaining exclusivity as to doctrinal interpretation, and the organization prioritizes dogma, doctrine and legalism above love, faith, hope and mercy. This attitude permeates entire congregations and pollutes their effectiveness in executing any Scriptural mandates. I observed politics, gossip, and treachery rampant in many congregations. This comment is not meant as an attack. Despite all of my troubles I still have affection for many Witnesses and truly care about several individuals in particular.
en.wikipedia.org...
Ike enjoyed a close relationship with his mother throughout their lifetimes, and he even used a WatchTower printed Bible for his second Presidential Inauguration. In later years, Eisenhower was baptized, confirmed, and became a communicant in the Presbyterian church in a single ceremony on February 1, 1953, just weeks after his first inauguration as president. In his retirement years, he was a member of the Gettysburg Presbyterian Church [1] in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
rowdyroddy said:
Jehovahs witness's have the freedom to go door to door because god wills it.
i dont remember the last time a catholic knocked on my door proclaiming gods kindom, or a baptist coming to my door or a 7th day adventist..
.or any of the other false relgions mentioned in the bible...accurately described as babylon the great, meaning the world empire of false relgions. Any relgion that does not acknowledge the creator by name and give 100% glory to him is a false relgion. a religion that cheers political leaders and cheers when they go off to wars is a false relgion.
catastrophic_insinuations said:smallpeeps, that's not true...Mormons will send you down the doorknocking path too...
I understand what you are saying about extremists believing that persecution puts better cards in their hands. I think what they fail to realize is that the Christians were burned, impailed, tortured, etc. during the Middle Ages. Joseph Smith and the Latter Day Saints were always being persecuted, and it was actually LEGAL to shoot and kill a Mormon on the spot. Do we remember World War II and the Jews?
Persecution does NOT mean that it is correct, and I know that there are people within the JW's telling you "yes, yes, yes" and people outside of the JW's telling you "no, no, no" but in the end it's all up to you. Don't let the inside or outside forces affect your decision, make it be an inside choice. Don't be fooled by psychology...
Originally posted by xEphon
You know smallpeeps,
As odd as it sounds, your probably giving him more faith by trying to point out how extreme his actions are. I'll admit it, my mother was a JW for a while. They really believe that they have a special calling from God because they are extremist in their faith. AGAIN! I'm not knocking on you if you happen to be a JW. But most people take that stance. Its like this akward cycle. Engage in extreme behavior...get criticised for said behavior...use said criticism as "proof of persecution"...quote bible by saying that the "true" religion will suffer persection...rinse and repeat
But at the same time ignoring all the other facts and issues that may bring your religion into question. Namely, the origins, which of course, is the inherent problem of them all.
Its one thing to have absolute faith in God. Its quite anoter to have absolute faith in a man made religion without question.
Originally posted by catastrophic_insinuations
As far as the LDS Church is concerned. They do not believe in the trinity, but rather the Godhead in which God (Heavenly Father), Jesus Christ, and The Holy Ghost (sometimes called Holy Spirit) are three seperate entities working for the same purpose. Christ is not God, God is not Christ. Christ was the Creator of the world, given the power and direction from God (this part still makes little sense to me). The Holy Ghost does not have a body, so it can dwell within each individual person that received the Gift of the Holy Ghost.
Originally posted by AlwaysLearning
She said it was the most important day of the year for JW's, the day they CELEBRATE the crucifixtion of Jesus Christ!!!!!
Originally posted by Nygdan
Are you saying that they purposely translated the text incorrectly to advance a different theology, or that they were merely inept?
Originally posted by kozmo
What always befuddles them is when I ask, "If only 144,000 of you are going to heaven and you have over 2 million members, what are the rest of you going to do?"
Originally posted by edsinger
it seems that 'someone' helped him 'interpret' the scripture in a way that denies the Christ....John is the most commonly used verse and the other is this one:
John 14:28 "You have heard Me say to you, 'I am going away and coming back to you.' If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, 'I am going to the Father,' for My Father is greater than I.
Originally posted by smallpeeps
Books alone won't get you there.
Originally posted by Brad_cf
John 1v1 is the single scriptuere that can be used to imply that Jesus was Jehovah in the flesh , but it doesnt say anything of the sort
to translate 1v1 as saying "the" God , you first have to believe that Jesus was God in the flesh . because John's wording doesnt allow it