Srecko Sostar

Definition of equal (Entry 1 of 3) 1a(1): of the same measure, quantity, amount, or number as another (2): identical in mathematical value or logical denotation : EQUIVALENT b: like in quality, nature, or status c: like for each member of a group, class, or society provide equal employment opportunities 2: regarding or affecting all objects in the same way : IMPARTIAL 3: free from extremes: such as a: tranquil in mind or mood b: not showing variation in appearance, structure, or proportion 4a: capable of meeting the requirements of a situation or a task b: SUITABLE bored with work not equal to his abilities It seems how Paul speaking about economic or financial equality. This is, for sure, sort of social involvement, activity inside one specific group or society that existing inside human society as such. This is sort of socioeconomic conceptual influence on congregations. Perhaps something new for those period. Later we can see similar attempts to achieve such a status for the society of a people, a nation in a country. French revolution and later Communist Revolution sought to achieve equality for their people. And not only in economic status, but in many others - about education, gender, health, race etc. We would call that today - human rights. Well, Paul's social activism perhaps brought some results in those days. What sort of social activism is today inside WTJWorg? GB solicit or makes petition for donations of all kind. Publicly known reason is, as they say, for "Kingdom interests". What is well known is this. Donation money, it is not used so that brothers in an assembly can pay rent, electricity or water expenses, buy their children books for school, and so on. Using donation money or money that WTJWorg collect in other ways (stocks, real estate sales etc) are not intended for poor members for reason to became less poor or equal to brothers who are materially rich, as Paul imagined for Christian congregation in 1st century. Charity status of WT and all WT entities or sister companies are for reason to not pay taxes and to receive money from state (where law of country provide such privileges). Is there a way for GB to turn Paul’s imagination into reality today?

1. To Society Watch Tower, Watchtower and corporations 2. To Jehovah's Witnesses and all assemblies 3. To all whom this concern Declaration on termination of membership to a religious community of Jehovah's Witnesses I was baptized in 1977 at the age of 17, then a minor. But, in good faith I answered the following two questions just before baptism, which is symbolized my dedication to God in terms of the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses religion. At that time (before the change of June 1 1985) questions have read as follows; Have you repented of your sins and converted, recognizing yourself before Jehovah God as a condemned sinner who needs salvation, and have you acknowledged to him that this salvation proceeds from him, the Father, through his Son Jesus Christ? On the basis of this faith in God and in his provision for salvation, have you dedicated yourself unreservedly to God to do his will henceforth as he reveals it to you through Jesus Christ and through the Bible under the enlightening power of the holy spirit? Since I have over decades closely followed the changes in various aspects of activity of this religion, I noticed some frequent collisions (1 John 4:1; 1 Th 5:21). It is visible in: a) the content of the various interpretations; b) in the theory and practice of action in everyday life issues. Overview of many historical aspects of the spiritual heritage, which the organization has, since its inception in the 19th century, left to its members-followers, and wants to cover it up, revise and incorrect display, is astounding. Who wants to drink a water from a cup in which there is a single drop of dangerous substances? The purpose of my statement is not to explain doctrine and practices of society and the board of directors, who are disturbed my conscience and reasoning within the love, faith, knowledge and understanding that I feel and I have to God and Jesus Christ and to the people, so I will taxatively single out only a few of them (Rom 14:4). These are obvious example, on the one hand, theological acrobatics from the main church body of Jehovah's Witnesses, and on the other hand, their dishonesty and practice in which one they are learns, and other they are works; 1) Confusing conceptions about their own identity (Who shared spiritual food? One servant, all 144 000, a composite body or the governing body ...,) 2) Pragmatism in changing dogmatic interpretations before the change was "firmly biblical established", such as a series of explanations about the "generation" ..., 3) Speculation about the meaning of biblical statements and how they should be understood. More than once the revised interpretation were in style of YES-NO-YES-NO; then this year's "changed approach to the interpretation of reports from the Word of God" ..., 4) Switching of responsibility from the governing body and their representatives on the ordinary believers in respect of the decisions and attitudes that members should be carried out, when it becomes apparent that they were endangered spiritually, mentally and literally health of fellow believers (eg, multiple expectations of Armageddon, Malawi and Mexico of the 1970's, questions about blood, juvenile members / Bulgaria /, neutrality ...,) 5) Co-operation and association with political organizations such as the UN and the OSCE. 6) Increasingly open calls for financial donations and contributions to the funds of the corporation. 7) Careless and unkind treatment of victims of pedophilia within the congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses Regardless of how, as collective or personal, members of the Jehovah's Witnesses will treat me after this letter of resignation, considering the worldwide-known practice of ignoring and avoiding (shunning) that Jehovah's Witnesses apply to all who are outside of their religion ("worldly" people, dissociated and disfellowshipped) - I with fully conscious and reason declare still this; My relationship with the people / persons in the Jehovah's Witness religion and those who are not, is based on the words of Jesus; "Love your neighbor as yourself"; "Love those who hate you"; "Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them." I expecting from you, that any kind of information which is stored anywhere, in connection with me and has my full name, such as personal files, or any other files you immediately destroy! Zagreb, July 27/2015 Srećko Šoštar ------------- Verified by notary public How do you feel what JW's think about me after reading this? :))

In relation to what, to whom? :)) Perhaps the question should be: Do JWs consider me an apostate? :)))

What Is Baptism? The meaning of baptism The Bible compares baptism to burial. (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12) Water baptism symbolizes a person’s dying to his past course of life and beginning a new one as a Christian dedicated to God. Baptism and the steps that lead up to it are God’s arrangement for a person to gain a clean conscience based on his faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 3:21) Thus, Jesus taught that his disciples must get baptized.—Matthew 28:19, 20. - https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/what-is-baptism/ Even WTJWorg publication explained what is purpose of baptism and in the same time contradict to themselves. Purpose of baptism for individual is not to show others to what sort of organized religion she/he belongs. Baptism not exist for purpose of registration to particular organization. Baptismal question No. 2 in WTJWorg is not in harmony with own published explanation and not in harmony with Jesus' teachings. Question No. 1 Have you repented of your sins, dedicated yourself to Jehovah, and accepted his way of salvation through Jesus Christ? contains elements that can be found in the Bible.

Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. - NIV Apollos already had accurate teaching/knowledge/faith about Lord. One thing is mentioned here about baptism detail that was different. He was already instructed about Jesus. It would be interesting to see what explanations came from Priscilla and Aquila that are under wording "more adequately". Again, please consider what WT doing about "the way of God". They intrusively determine what is "the truth" about God and proclaim those who do not accept it with the name “apostates”. Perhaps JW's today need some new Priscilla and Aquila (married couple, aka female and male teachers) in WTJWorg Organization who would be able to explain the way of God, to temporary GB, more adequately/accurately. We can speak about two things about wording: adverb: adequately: A) to a satisfactory or acceptable extent. B) to a sufficient degree or extent adverb: accurately: A) in a way that is correct, exact, and without any mistakes B) without mistakes or errors A) Was it about Priscilla's/ Aquila's ability as a speakers (educated, substantial vocabulary, etc) who know to adequately and sufficiently explain some more details of the topic to listener who already know core/basic teaching and have accurate information about Jesus? B) Was it about Priscilla's/ Aquila's call/need to correct some wrong believes, ideas, perspective of listener? ... he knew only the baptism of John. Issue of baptism is interesting if you have knowledge about changes on baptismal questions through WT history. If Apollos learned from this Christian couple that you need to be baptized in The Name of ..., how it is possible that JW candidate is baptized in The Name of Organization instead of Father, Son and HS? Question No 2: Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization? ....New: ...identifies you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with Jehovah's organization? Who today need adequate and accurate explanation? :))

I am in Zagreb, Croatia, Europe. I believe you are many, many miles/kilometres away .... :))))

17 Today’s watchman class has likewise had to clarify its views from time to time. Can anyone doubt, though, that Jehovah has blessed the ‘faithful slave’? Besides, viewed in context, are not most of the adjustments that have occurred relatively small? Our basic understanding of the Bible has not changed. Our conviction that we are living in the last days is stronger than ever! -https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1997604 I would like to direct your attention on this paragraph from WT 1997 study edition article. On one side you commented how JHVH' and Jesus' instructions are given in different time for different or certain purpose. Can you explain why would be how some "given instruction" in 1st century, be it more appropriate at a certain point of their or our time and some not? I believe how whole set of Jesus' teachings and instructions are good and appropriate for whole and each period of human lifetime. But this WT quote give answer why (perhaps you) JW members think differently about this. Because the need to "clarify own (watchman class aka GB) views came and coming from the reason they don't teach Jesus' or JHVH' teachings but own human doctrines. I guess, we have no need to adjust teachings from Bible, but in WTJWorg example, GB had/have need to adjust own interpretations about own teachings. For example, do we need to "adjust" God's teaching (law) about slavery to our time? No, because we don't want slavery today! So, we reject any past law (even if it was divine) that supported slavery. We are in position to follow or to not follow teachings and instructions revealed in Bible. Quote from WT say: Our basic understanding of the Bible has not changed. Our conviction that we are living in the last days is stronger than ever! Here we have next thing. Author of article made self conviction how their (and all JW's) "basic understanding" (aka core understanding /core=basic, central, key, fundamental, elemental, principal/) about something has not changed. And then continue with one basic or core JW teaching - about "last days". This Study article put accent on "basic understanding" that JW members strongly believe: Resurrection, Keep on Watch, Everlasting Life, Eternal Future, End is Close at Hand, Put Your Trust in Watchman aka GB. Also have in mind that this is from the year 1997, that is 83 years after 1914 (Generation Doctrine). And 13 years after famous WT study article: 1914—The Generation That Will Not Pass Away -https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1984361 WTJWorg basic doctrine, let say, No 1, according to article: End is Close at Hand, that was based on other basic doctrine, let say, No 2: 1914-The Generation That Will Not Pass Away, ........ are both false, because each supported the other. You are aware of fact how 1914 Generation is replaced with Overlapping Generation. According to your understanding what is what in this case?! Milk and solid food or "to call a spade a spade" aka false teachings?

Please, don't be angry at me. Expression "core teachings" is in JW vocabulary and some JW participants here using this terminology to show how JW religion is same as 1st Congregation. With that in mind, logically, JW have teachings, also, that are not "core". In fact, many regulations and instructions inside WTJWorg are men made teachings and instructions, and by that they are, obviously "less important" for your faith, but important for Organization. With that in mind, i said "less important" in connection to Christ's teachings, because Religious system of particular church/organization, in our example WT, lowered the importance of some Jesus’ teachings and replaced them with "more important" human traditions.

Part 2. 2 John 1:9 – “Anyone who does not remain in Christ’s teaching but goes beyond it, does not have God. The one who remains in that teaching, this one has both the Father and the Son.” It would help if you or some other JW member put here a list of Christ's teachings. Start with No. 1 please and take as much numbers you need to show all the teachings of Jesus. You can, if you need, name them as "core teachings", and if you find some Chris't teachings as less important, please put them in second list. After that, please make another list of WT past teachings and actual WT teachings. You can also do the same thing, because some JW's claims are, how "core teachings" were and are always the same, despite of "Beliefs Clarified" list by WTJWorg Official web. - https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200277174 , and all publications published till today. It would be nice if you and other JW members delete that "dust" you speaking about. After such task done, we all here will be able to compare two entities in 2. John 1:9, aka Jesus Scale with/vs WTJWorg Scale

Oh, this explains why religious "knowledge" is in evolution mode, and gives answer on why "light getting brighter" with every new study edition (and GB videos on JWTV) of WT magazine :))

Poor or rich, inclination of heart can be similar. But when you have money you can afford sooo many things, because, in Solomon case, his riches buy him a plenty of time for his fantasies and pleasures. Imagine working class man/woman try to survive day by day. Yes, he/she can also fall in love out side of marriage or seek pleasure outside moral standards boundaries of society. But also, in Solomon case, they are "allowed" to have multiplying wives and concubines and to support kings/nobles with am-haaretz work. That was "system error" (organizational error) :)) not just Solomon's error.

This is interesting. WT Slave 140 years announcing how end is here, close, before the generation of 1914 passed, just around the corner and similar warnings to own members and to the people in the World. How then does inner feeling, inside Slave, of "delay" manifest itself? In "spiritual beating" through doctrines and instructions and inside/outside policies, in administration system, in supporting false expectations, etc. Leading a WT organization by its leaders no doubt shows the elements that Jesus described as going to happen among those who claim to be his followers, regardless of the name of a religion and regardless of the specifics within such an organization. While a set of a church’s doctrines is very important in recognizing the direction that religion seeks to go, at least declaratively if not really, this detail of spiritual abuse within the church brings to light the other side of the coin. One’s religion may be theologically closest to “truth,” but the dominance of the “wicked servant” over other servants, and the involvement of such a servant in the “things of this world,” inevitably lead to Jesus ’rejection of such a set system.

In searching for meaning of "despicable fool" i found this: Watchtower 2006 2/15, Questions From Readers What three dangers was Jesus warning against at Matthew 5:22 ? .... What, then, did the expression “despicable fool” signify? The word used here sounded similar to a Hebrew term that means “rebellious,” or “mutinous.” It designates a person as morally worthless, an apostate and a rebel against God. So the person addressing his fellow as a “despicable fool” is as much as saying that his brother should receive a punishment fit for a rebel against God, everlasting destruction. From God’s standpoint, the one uttering such a condemnation against another could merit that severe sentence—everlasting destruction—himself.—Deuteronomy 19:17-19. Consequently, Jesus was setting a higher standard for his followers than that found in the principles behind the Mosaic Law. While people believed that a murderer would be “accountable to the court of justice,” Jesus went further. He taught that his followers should avoid even harboring animosity against their brothers.—Matthew 5:21, 22. - https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2006127 ... and one comment 9 years ago from fading JW who noticed the connection: Calling someone an “apostate”, “empty well” or “mentally diseased” among other things as they did in the 2011 9/11 Watchtower Study is the same as calling them a “despicable fool”. They clearly established that in their above comments. Even if it were true Jesus made no allowance for such judgmental harsh words. They are bitter because God has not made the words of these “servants” come true. Isaiah 44:26 , “the One making the word of his servant come true, and the One that carries out completely the counsel of his own messengers.”

Agree!

I am sure how he had some ideas (interpretations) about it :))

I am not sure could we say how that was "rape". We can talk about incest or sexual relationships between close kin. In biblical terminology, rape can only be committed by a man, over another man or woman, or over a minor (in today’s conception on who is considered as minor). This is very important thought. Considering the biblical text and its writers from this aspect, brings at least two possibilities. First is, that no biblical writer can be objected to for the content and manner of his writing about events. They (writers) were "inspired" to describe the event in just such a way, inspired way, and the inspiration came from a higher source, as believers believe. Well, the Spirit "wanted", that particular text should have been written that way and in no other way. Is there someone who are delegated and entitled to "correct" what Spirit chooses to be written? From this aspect, we need to "accept" the feelings of writers, because they had a "right" to feel the way they did. Also, if Spirit "allowed" them to have, not only specific and private feelings but also specific and private "understanding" and own perception about events they described (under "inspiration" too) than it is not simple solution to "confront" particular standpoints of various bible writers because we have problem today to understand their reasoning and feelings, and than adapt their views to our today's doctrines and viewpoints. That would mean, to force the use of those, particular biblical passages that, allegedly, "support" current understanding about something. Second is, what is actually meant by the phrase “everything written is inspired by God”? because as you said: I have noticed that sometimes the Bible writer is not corrected and is allowed to write what he actually feels. And here we can continue with serious JW's doctrine-interpretation mentioned before: "God allowed ....", because this belief would also support possibility how God allowed that corrupted ideas or incorrectly described events find their place within the Bible and in various translations. After reading Bible text describing some past events in Israel nation/organization , it shows how this possibility is reality.

But he said to her: “You are talking like one of the senseless women. Should we accept only what is good from the true God and not accept also what is bad?”+ In all of this, Job did not sin with his lips.+ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: I hope nobody suggesting how there is "contradiction" in this two statements :))

Thanks Anna, i also wish to agree in your way of reasoning how all good things are from God. We need to believe in such reasoning. God bears responsibility in how He using His free will. And we are small, to question His free will. But if His servant Job, (under inspiration ?), said how all good and bad is from God, and how Moses or Solomon, under inspiration, wrote this same quote, than we are coming to some perspectives about issue. Should we accept only what is good from the true God and not accept also what is bad?”k In all of this, Job did not sin with his lips.l Here we have "naked truth", out of any interpretations. Pure and simple understanding of one old faithful servant, and nobody corrected his statement, ever. Nor his "three friends", nor Moses or Solomon, neither "spirit" who was involved in producing this information to Moses or Solomon, or any other Bible writer after Moses and Solomon. Conclusion of Job statement was certified with claim: In all of this, Job did not sin with his lips. This should means how Job did not sin in understanding how all good or bad coming from God. Do JW's want to believe how Job didn't know about satan and demons and Adam and Eve and all essential things about "right and wrong", "truth and lie"? It is not unacceptable to say how in his case, bad did come from God through devil. Because, for if God had not allowed evil, evil would not have touched Job, no matter how much efforts satan would put in his attempts. It could be that there are two kinds of God’s permission for evil to exist. General permission that affects all humankind (people formed after Adam and Eve fail) and specific, private motivated permission for evil, as in example with Job. I said, Private Motivated, because of specific way how God and devil directed the course of their conversation about Job. It turns out they were competing over who was more right. :))

There is a substantial difference between Jehovah 'withdrawing' his protection and Satan then testing Job ... In this explanation i see another need to ask this: Did JHVH "withdraw" his protection on Eve and then on Adam to make it possible for devil to "seduce and test" them with The Fruit? you, chafing against it is not going to make it go away No matter of what you or me will/would say about it, will not make thing go away I am tested constantly by the arch-enemy and his minions Bible also say how: "No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind." Well, i am really not sure what "testing arch-enemy and his minions" putting on you. he provides both rain and sun for all Whether it includes too much heat sometimes and too much rain sometimes? God is God, and we are down on Earth.

Then Jehovah said to Satan: “Look! Everything that he has is in your hand.*(under your control) Here we can see how JHVH gave power of control, intentionally, to person who will use this power of control to, intentionally, doing harm to innocent person. Would you do the same? Would you let your loving person to be under control of criminal person? Would you hand over your power to someone who is evil? Knowing in advance that he will be free to do evil because you have decided to be so? Should we accept only what is good from the true God and not accept also what is bad?”k In all of this, Job did not sin with his lips.l It seems how Job made good conclusion and understanding when he said how good and bad coming from god JHVH. Of course, we have theological problem, because some other Bible verses speaking otherwise. Perhaps this is not closely connected to "food boxes", in first sight,...... but as in Job example: Who is the "source of distribution"? And who is "channel for distribution"? in broader sense. :))

Perhaps @TrueTomHarley have idea how to answer on this. Don't ask me, i am not "inventor" of such phrase. :)

Happy birthday, anniversary or what other name this day of your have :))

...or people can decide to not buy cars and go by foot :)) so they will not have problem with parking cars on wrong places. This mantra about "core teachings". What is the real meaning of that phrase? What this have to do with JW's spiritual and real position inside WT Corporative Religion System? Do you obligated to listen and believe in some doctrines and/but not to others that are less "core"? Does your "unity" depend only on "core teachings" or on all doctrines that are "unique" only to JW Religion? How you make choices and decisions that some teachings are core and other are not? What about "to be faithful in small and large things"? What GB doing in Warwick? :)) Russell, Rutherford and similar "fathers" ? Or today's "fathers"? Does this time "of not to be afraid" is passed or will come in the future? WT Lawyers and other Representatives"will be brought before kings and rulers for My name's sake", and give false, mislead and semi-true testimonies and claims. Where GB beg for favor? UN, OSCE, Human Rights Institutions, Courts, Ambassadors, Secular Presidents ..., etc?

Terrible things.

3) We do not lobby, vote in political elections, run for government office, or try to change governments. …Otherwise, how could we have a clean conscience when we preach the good news that only God’s Kingdom can solve mankind’s problems? source: https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2016288#h=36 lobby verb [ I or T ] UK /ˈlɒb.i/ US /ˈlɑː.bi/ C2 to try to persuade a politician, the government, or an official group that a particular thing should or should not happen, or that a law should be changed: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/lobby Recent example how WT Company and JW members participated in "lobbying" was writing letters to Russian Government and their politicians. - https://www.theworldnewsmedia.org/topic/70001-is-writing-letters-to-the-russian-authorities-lobbying-or-preaching/