Srecko Sostar

4 hours ago, scholar JW said:

WT scholars in our publications

Please, who are WT scholars?

Then, since when have they been operating within WTJWorg?

Who chose them and appointed them to do this kind of work?

On the basis of which credentials were they chosen?

On the other hand, what is even more important (primarily for me) for this and any other assessment of their action comes from the consequences produced by WT scholars. Namely, the entire promenade of various WT scholars has been making theological and doctrinal chaos and commotion for a whole century.

They are dangerous for the spiritual and mental health of believers. So how can they even be trusted?

11 hours ago, George88 said:

You seem to be mixing up behavior and action. Let me give you a clear example. As an advocate, are you here to provide warnings or spread hate? Moreover, what is the significance of ex-witnesses and disgruntled witnesses who share similar thoughts?

My behavior in communication on the forum is subject to subjective (yours or someone else's) judgment because they observe my actions through their individual prism of judgment, which they acquired mainly under the influence of their religious affiliation.

17 minutes ago, Srecko Sostar said:

11 hours ago, George88 said:

While I understand that you are highlighting the significance of a specific example, it is essential to acknowledge that it cannot singularly outweigh the numerous evil acts committed by wicked individuals. Although this circumstance may seem noteworthy, it is crucial to recognize that it does not apply universally.

So now you back off and tone down your previous claim. Thank you.

According to statistics maintained by WTJWorg there are very few countries where JWs are banned compared to the large number of countries where JWs operate freely. According to this factual situation, we can look at the concept and idea that "the whole world hates JWs" differently and more realistically.

11 hours ago, George88 said:

While I understand that you are highlighting the significance of a specific example, it is essential to acknowledge that it cannot singularly outweigh the numerous evil acts committed by wicked individuals. Although this circumstance may seem noteworthy, it is crucial to recognize that it does not apply universally.

So now you back off and tone down your previous claim. Thank you.

1 hour ago, George88 said:

ongoing persecution faced by JWs from millions and governments,

In this "secular" report JWs volunteers say the opposite. That the people around them are nice, that they approach them and that they chat nicely with them, they say Hi to them, (this remind me on GB command how "simple Hello" is forbidden if you are ex-JW), express their appreciation for what JWs do.

Hey, nobody hates you. Here are your brothers and sisters confirming it George! Wake up!

5 hours ago, JW Insider said:

Since I have never said anything about that particular gap between the Babylonian and the Persian empire, who is making the distortion? If it's not me, who were you talking about when you said I was sharing distorted views? Are you saying you have NO examples of views I have distorted, but that you made the claim anyway? 

This is Georg's frequent practice.

9 hours ago, George88 said:

Hoćete li da Srećko pokrene novu raspravu o nedavnim događajima u Houstonu u Texasu? Upravo sam primio e-poruku s informacijama o tome.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/police-shooting-reported-at-joel-osteens-lakewood-megachurch-in-houston/ar-BB1i7DGz

 

Reports, like this unfortunate event, which takes place in the premises of other churches, show that the claim of JWs that the world hates only them has no basis. This event shows that there are people who hate the members of "Babylon the Great" too.

25 minutes ago, George88 said:

You seem to thrive on confrontation and insults, believing that you and everyone here, including apostates like Srecko have the exclusive privilege to do so because of your safety net. I'll leave you to argue with your invisible man in your mirror, lol!

Was Jesus an "apostate" or a "whistleblower"?

apostasy- https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/apostasy

The act of giving up your religious or political beliefs and leaving a religion or a political party.

apostate - https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/apostate

An apostate is someone who has abandoned their religious faith, political loyalties, or principles.

JWs agree with the general view that Jesus founded Christianity, thus a religion distinct from the Jewish religion. This would mean that Jesus belongs to the category of apostates and more. Not only did he abandon the religion of his fathers, but he founded another, the opposite of the one to which he belonged.

whistleblower - https://www.whistleblowers.org/what-is-a-whistleblower/

On the simplest level, a whistleblower is someone who reports waste, fraud, abuse, corruption, or dangers to public health and safety to someone who is in the position to rectify the wrongdoing. A whistleblower typically works inside of the organization where the wrongdoing is taking place; however, being an agency or company “insider” is not essential to serving as a whistleblower. What matters is that the individual discloses information about wrongdoing that otherwise would not be known.  

Because of his constant criticism of the religious leaders and the revelation of their hypocrisy and the injustices they inflicted on the people, Jesus would also be included under this category because of his actions.

1 hour ago, George88 said:

Those leaders presume to place themselves above God's law, much like many modern religions neglect to uphold God's laws. Srecko, the key is to identify religions that prioritize the preservation of God's laws and commands without distorting their narrative. Can you provide an example?

6 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said:

Matt 23: ² “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. ³ So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

1 hour ago, Manuel Boyet Enicola said:

whole nation was rejected by God and replaced with Christianity

Yes, that's learning at WTJWorg. But is it true?
Jesus nowhere stated that he was introducing/establishing a new religion. Jesus never called his activities and the gathering of individuals who followed him by any name, a title that would separate them from Judaism. He did not call himself and the apostles with title - "Christians". This was done by some other people who the Bible does not claim were Christians, Jesus' followers, nor were they inspired when they invented the name for Jesus' disciples.

Also we have this claim in Romans 11:

1 I ask, then, has God rejected his people? By no means! For I myself am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham,[a] a member of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected his people whom he foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he appeals to God against Israel?

On 2/8/2024 at 4:32 PM, George88 said:

What makes a procedural sanction to compel discovery such a significant issue, Srecko? Or are you simply interpreting the term "sanction" to have a meaningful impact on you? The disputed facts can be found in Attachment 1-25.

If we rule out the JWs "persecution syndrome", how everyone in the world is against them and wants to destroy them, then we are left with the fact that the religious leaders aka GB are responsible for why the JWs are disgraced in court and in front of the public, due to the fact that they acted against the law, and now bear sanctions because of their bad decisions.

On 2/8/2024 at 4:10 PM, George88 said:

Have any of the rejected religions truly followed Christ's teachings, as Christ intended?

Who knows Jesus' intention? Or God's intention? Who knows their thoughts?

On 2/8/2024 at 4:10 PM, George88 said:

Did Jesus accept the teachings of the Pharisees when He was baptized? Please provide a scriptural rebuttal, not just a reference to the Watchtower.

Matt 23: ² “The teachers of the law and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. ³ So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

According to this Jesus' words, Jewish priesthood, clergy spoke the truth and interpreted the Scriptures correctly. 

From this factual situation, can we assert that the Jewish religion is a true religion, but that it is being corrupted by religious leaders?
We could claim that this applies to every present-day religion in the same way, right? They teach everyone to be good and honest. But, as in the time of Jesus, the blame lies with the religious leaders. The conclusion is self-evident. If, by some miracle, we accept that every dogma in the WTJWorg is correct, then we are left with hypocritical religious leaders who exist in every religion, whose actions should not be imitated.

13 hours ago, JW Insider said:

For $2.99 anyone can have Knorr on their pizza!

Maybe Knorr had shares in that company? lol

12 hours ago, Many Miles said:

And what is the following if not judaization?

https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1983290

In relation to the question of using human donor blood for transfusion medicine, every bit of the answer given to the question asked demands acquiescence to Judaic law since nowhere else in holy script do we find anything remotely addressing human donor blood. There is no extra-Judaic scriptural text remotely addressing human donor blood, let alone allogenic transplantation of such blood. It was Judaistic teachers Paul warned about who insisted on invoking provisions of Judaic law that no worshiper of God outside Jews had ever been held to for their worship to be accepted by God. Cornelius was no more required to bow to demands of circumcision than he was required to bow to abstain from "any sort of blood" as required under Judaic law. Cornelius need only abstain from the sort of blood God had stipulated prior to Judaic law, namely the sort of blood spelled out to Noah after the flood, which was not human donor blood.

It should be noted that in this article, "Reader's Questions", there are only 6 quotations from the NT, and for which, the authors of the article, defending their positions on the issue of blood, look for support in 28 quotations from the OT.
This is not an insignificant matter, because it indicates the existence of a parallel religion that is "true", which is the Jewish religion. JWs reject every religion that exists today, or has existed for these 2 thousand years, as wrong, false.
I already pointed out in a comment on another topic, that Jesus never publicly renounced his Jewish religion. He was born as a Jew and he died as a Jew. He was baptized in the Jordan, that's right, but he didn't leave his religious background. He did not go to the synagogue and announced that he was leaving the Jewish faith. He did not write a letter asking the priests to delete him from the genealogy and list of religious members. He did not tell others or ask them that they should renounce the Jewish faith in order to be baptized in water or in the spirit.

The exact opposite of this is the practice of WTJWorg, which requires proof that a candidate for baptism has manifested himself by his public rejection of his former religion.

On 2/7/2024 at 4:40 AM, Juan Rivera said:

Paul’s main concern in the letter of Galatia is the infiltration of the Judaizers.

Infiltration of Judaism? No, we can't judge it like that. Without Judaism there is no "true religion", because it is the "true religion" for all those who believe in Abraham and Jesus.

The problem arises later, in corruption. And every religion, even the "true" one, is subject to corruption and eventually becomes corrupt, whether we like it or not.

3 hours ago, Juan Rivera said:

What if the Watchtower went into apostasy?

 https://michaeljfelker.com/2013/01/18/what-if-the-watchtower-went-into-apostasy/

quote, obviously fom WTJWorg publication:

The WT is considered to be like the eyeglass that helps one understand the true teachings from God’s word. It is however, recognized as fallible. The scriptures, as far as they are translated properly, reflect the perfect word of God and the Bible is well known to be our primary textbook. It is infallible and takes full precedent in any understanding, teaching or practice. Therefore, with the Bible at the helm, your above contrived scenario is not an issue.

JWs are on a spiritual merry-go-round, or "death train", I think that's what the Amusement Park type of ride is called.
They are caught in the trap of a religious hierarchy where, in theory, according to Geoffrey Jackson, they have the right to recognize false teaching, but in reality they must not question it because they will be excommunicated as apostates.
A complete breakdown of the system in which the mental health of believers is put at risk. But that is why the established system of manipulation is very well guarded.

36 minutes ago, George88 said:

it's essential to have a deep understanding of the legal aspects, which you may not possess.

I don't run away from my ignorance. But that is also the reason why I express my opinion on a Forum, and not at a University. lol

40 minutes ago, George88 said:

Once again, who do you think you are to state that religion is incapable of interpreting scripture per God's laws? Once again, your arrogance is evident in your disregard for others.

My disagreement (and supposed activism) towards JWs is much less intense and completely free of, without fanaticism, compared to JWs stubborn claim that all other religions are false and therefore will be destroyed soon, and that the JW religion is the only true one in this world.

52 minutes ago, George88 said:

How foolish it is for a government to go to such extremes as changing its laws to justify violating the rights of certain religions! If you don't comprehend this, take a thorough look at their laws and see which specific law Norway's constitution was violated by in the case of commerce. Educate yourself before making nonsensical posts.

Funny. For decades GB has done violence to the rights of those members who wanted to have a beard. GB, as direct representatives of "Kingdom Government", violated "Bible Constitution". lol
So, every "government" is unjust. Why should we be surprised on that fact?

2 hours ago, George88 said:

Why do you think it's up to churches to decide how to apply theology when you continually instruct the Watchtower on what to do? Your contradictory assertions are quite perplexing.

... lol.... I am not instructing anyone what kind of theology should be applied. I just have a critical review of the state of affairs at WTJWorg.

The interpretations carried out by religious communities belongs to their freedom of thought and freedom of religion. This is something that JWs strongly advocate for in human rights courts. They file lawsuits if they feel threatened in their quest to freely interpret the Bible. So WTJWorg is very assertive in seeking its religious rights and freedoms.

2 hours ago, George88 said:

To clarify, you initially mentioned that churches should be able to determine how they practice theology, but now you seem to imply that the Norwegian government has the authority to interfere in that decision. In order to eliminate this confusion and properly apply your theory, consider whether it is the Watchtower or the Bible itself that prohibits homosexual acts.

That right (to punish lawbreakers*) belongs to them based on Romans, chapter 13. JWs interpret this scripture in such way.

*lawbreakers,  violators of the secular laws in particular country (not violators of laws made by WTJWorg interpretations of Bible text)

9 hours ago, George88 said:

Who do you think pays the kingdom hall bills, the government, lol!

What motivates JWs to sue Norway? Well, money, right?

9 hours ago, George88 said:

In addition to the expansion of spreading the good news globally, the Watchtower should consider investing* in other areas that align with its mission.

Do you justify that a "humanitarian organization" deals with investing?

*the bolding is mine

9 hours ago, George88 said:

Should sincere Christians support Christian sects, such as the Vatican, that endorse "same-sex unions" simply due to their parishioners' contributions to the needy?

It is a matter of theology and the choice of a church how it will deal with such questions. Whether a certain worldview or theological interpretation is accepted by believers and those who are not, or whether the doctrine needs to be critically reexamined, is a matter of our perception and position on an issue. WTJWorg also has unacceptable theology on some subjects, so by the same standard should JWs be restricted because of that, or?

The Norwegian government is doing just that. It is unacceptable to them that former members are being ignored in the organized way that WTJWorg is doing. The Catholic Church has no such practice. That is why they are not in court.
JWs have similar/same practices as Mormons when it comes to homosexuals. JWs allow someone in the congregation to be homosexual, but they are not allowed to practice their sexual needs.

9 hours ago, George88 said:

It's time you started proving your lies.

I don't remember anywhere claiming that GB members take donation money and put it into their private accounts. If you have proof that I claimed that, please show it.

4 hours ago, Juan Rivera said:

Any unity or society established by men is natural.

If I understand correctly, we have this situation:

1. WTJWorg ("only true Christian Congregation") is a "supernatural organization" because it was established by Jesus, who came from "Heaven".
2. Every other religion, political creation, and commercial system is also a "supernatural organization" because, according to WTJWorg theology, their "father" is Satan. Satan is also from "Heaven".
 

The result: there is almost nothing "normally natural" on Earth.
Should we laugh at all this or should we cry?

2 hours ago, George88 said:

These organizations require extra funds from their followers in order to create a certain appearance of benevolence. The Watchtower requests donations from its members to sustain worship and avoid being equated with the Pharisees. Just as a reminder, other Christian denominations allocate some of these donated funds to "compensate" their clergy.

WTJWorg has affiliate organizations all over the world. The smallest of them are called by the name - congregation. Congregations are part of, under the administration of a national body registered in a particular country. Shortened, colloquial name - Betel. Each such religious registered body receives a certain amount of money from its state and thus has financial support for its activities. It may also have some other financial benefits, such as exemption from tax on purchases and the like.

In addition to donations from its own membership and government money, WTJWorg buys, sells and builds real estate. So organization (GB) is also involved in the real estate business. I guess that's what Jesus recommended. lol
Furthermore, WTJWor goes so far as to sue the state if it wants to be denied its "annual appanage."

 

5 hours ago, Pudgy said:

….. there is NO WAY to get around that fact.

Everything is possible with Georg. lol

58 minutes ago, George88 said:

Keep in mind that the Bible serves as the Watchtower's constitution, making it the foundation for everyday Christian life.

Which parts of the Bible are the so-called Constitution for WTJWorg?

Perhaps the one from Matthew 18 where it says that the entire congregation participates in "legal proceedings" against offenders from among their ranks?

Why then does WTJWorg determine guilt/innocence by its own 3-elder procedure? This is a gross violation of the article from the "Constitution".

34 minutes ago, George88 said:

Everyone has the right to express their thoughts and opinions freely. Unfortunately, I have witnessed cases where individuals were silenced in the past for speaking their minds. So, I am curious to know if you have ever spoken out against such censorship since it seems that people often find disgruntled individuals more captivating to listen to.

Is your criticism informed by a deep understanding of the Bible or is it based on a flawed interpretation? Keep in mind that the Bible serves as the Watchtower's constitution, making it the foundation for everyday Christian life. Therefore, any critique of the Watchtower's application of biblical principles is essentially a critique of God's teachings.

Ask yourself this: will God be on your side? If not, why do you think witnesses should support you?

Whose "deception" should be revealed: those who oppose God, or those whose voices are being silenced because people refuse to acknowledge the truth by supporting that deception of flawed individuals who are expressing a false narrative and interpretation to the public?

WTJWorg is a Legal Body, registered under the existing laws of a particular country. They are obliged to work according to something called The Charter.

The thesis with the Bible as if it is the Watchtower's Constitution is a story for naive people. WTJWorg is a company, a so-called humanitarian organization.

Christianity, as a movement or type of worship based on the teachings of Jesus, is not as people today think when speaking about humanitarian organization. Although some teachings of Jesus Christ can be considered to have a humanitarian character, it is still something different from what today falls under the activity of a humanitarian organizations.

Today, humanitarian organizations deal with health, cultural, social, sport and humanitarian services.
In the narrower sense, humanitarian organizations, foundations and citizen associations were created on the idea of philanthropic assistance to people in need, the elderly, the poor, the disabled, widows, children without one or both parents, and the like.

WTJWrg is far from such forms of humanitarian activities. If it helps in any of these things, then it is aimed primarily at his own members, and helping people of other religious affiliations is a big exception and appears only as part of an additional action, by the way/incidentally, when primarily helping his own members is provided.

Does WTJWorg organize public kitchens, or shelters for women victims of violence or for the homeless? Not. So WTJWorg is not that kind of humanitarian organization.
Does WTJWorg run an education program for learning to read and write? Yes, if you study the Bible and JWs publications with them. Otherwise, no.

10 hours ago, Juan Rivera said:

As I have mentioned, the Congregation Jesus established was a new supernatural society capable of growing and adapting within human society, across cultural and linguistic boundaries.

Supernatural society?

If they were to claim that Jesus came from heaven in the form of a human child, this could mean that his birth from a human mother was "supernatural".
If they were to claim that the man Jesus established a new society consisting of human imperfect individuals whom he found living at the same time as him, then I see nothing "supernatural" about it.

This same JWs "supernatural society" does such stupid things that it nullifies all the effects of the "supernatural".