Srecko Sostar

Weak moment, of who, for who? Russian government or Russian JW's? What will be "weak moment" in USA or in Europe ...etc? In Russia devil said JW's are "extremists". What attribute US JW's will get from devil? :)))

We living all under hierarchy system. We don't know nothing else, from our born. And we all have "problems", or we facing with issue of "equality" through all life, more or less. In all life fields. Including JWorg "spirituality" that can't escape from same problems. General picture in JW World is how people who are in some "special" service inside Organization, are in such service because they are "deeply spiritual". That means, "spirituality" is proved by manifestations in material matters. Some working and living in Betel, some spending many hours in preaching, some are elders etc. Ordinary JW feels as some blessing or privilege to be in society with such people. Why we personally feels to be "privileged" if we are invited to help in Betel, to have lunch with them? Or to have them as guests in our home, to have conversation with some of such persons? If we are "equal", how people in such religious group can avoid to consider "friendship" with this specific individuals as "privilege"? Or in any other social group, on our work place etc? As @James Thomas Rook Jr. well said we are not "equal", because we all are different and have different characteristic and are different in our "spirituality". Because of age, because of experience, because of our wishes etc. Are we all "equal" before God? I want believe we are. But religious system, even "the best" one in WTJWorg :))), proves members are not equal before men, and by that also not before god who has "representatives" in JWorg priesthood class. Don't forget how "priesthood class" aka elders (many in special services of all kind too) are (have to be) the most "spiritual" individuals, not only in the Organization, but also in whole World. We all know that is not real to expect. This is very good thought. We have to be powerful and unique individuals who contributing to welfare for yourself and all other people in place we are living, and by that to whole World. Thanks @4Jah2me

Perhaps some "clarification" :))), would be good to use; how we are "equal" in our needs and what we may expect from other in interaction with people, and how people have to treat other individuals with respect and as "equal" to them, or even more than "equal" because Bible say "value others above yourselves". According to this words, we are not "equal" in some specific way, but rather, person on one side need to think about person on other side, as more important than himself. If you are of more value or importance than me, we are not "equal". Such understanding or interpretation of verse in Philippians have power to "destroy" artificial hierarchy inside system. But only if both side implement this idea or "principle" from this Bible verse in life. WTJWorg, in this moment (or perhaps will never be), is not ready to work under such principle. And as we see, individuals are not, in general, ready to act according to this "principle" too. Because, if they (WTJWorg) would be ready for that, woman role in Congregation and in JW world at all, would be raised on different, next level.

Yes, i am aware of such idea in some texts. But i am sure how you are aware that, so called, theocratic order, puts female human in lower position (compared with male) based only because of sex belonging. Male JW members are in higher ranking position from start (by born), based only on sex attribute. If some female shows better spiritual and intellectual qualities than some JW male member (brother, MS or elder etc), according to rules you and congregation advocates, she have (it is expected for her) to be submissive, despite the fact that JWorg put published explanation: Did God create a woman so that she would be subordinate to a man? In short, it is not. Well, when woman show disagreement or is disobedient to male rules, doctrines and decisions made inside family or congregation, that will be viewed as Rebellion Against God's Order, and JWorg is ready to dfd her if she is not willing to change attitude. God created female (according to Bible text and JWorg explanation above) in atmosphere and under circumstances that shows us how women's "aspiration" to be Equal to men is so Natural and Positive and Needed. I can't recall some verse where Jesus speaking in favor of male and against women in this issue.

... is the color of slippers matched to the color of tie ? :))

Perhaps the problem lies in our concept of what is the "proper" worship of god. For example, "true" worship of God, within a religious system, would mean that there is nothing that makes that worship questionable. Doctrine, the way the doctrine as whole or particular doctrine is applied, the state of the spiritual heart of the believer toward himself, toward god and toward other people and the relationship of the believer to the world around him as whole. But we can also lay out the theory and the possibility that the "true" worship of God is relative and perhaps does not exist, because people who participate in the worship process have the problem of establishing what is true and what is not, and not just about God and Bible, but about themselves. Also, perhaps people forget possibility how god's opposer have no problem with religion where 50, 68 or 95% of doctrine is "true" but rest is not. Or how members of some religion are most peaceful people in the world but one or few of their's doctrines are "false true". If members of some religion have idea how they have "the truth", but in the same time that "truth", as concept, is under various process of transformations under and because influence of "light", and how content of "pure" truth and doctrine depend on our progress of understanding, than people create specific way of worshiping god. In all that we need answer on: how far true god is ready to go in accepting human worship that is, and we clearly see that, contaminated with human's and devil's influence?

Given the very long time and different religious ideologies, but also different interpretations within the same religious community, one could conclude that a "disgusting thing" exists at all times and in all places. Because of this, people who see and want to react, must constantly be ready to "flee to the mountains".

... perhaps they had economists and environmental non-governmental organizations who worked against fossil fuels and advocated for green technology :))

Preaching of JW are based on, primarily, this: as much worst condition in the world are, the end is nearer. This is win situation for WT. If "preaching" stopped than end is here. If preaching not stopped than this means you have to save more people. If "preaching" stopped but nothing happen than you can wait to hear "clarification". JW will never lose their spirituality and hope, because humankind will continue in this state for very long time, unfortunately. It is good to remind on factual records of Israel history. With or/and without Moses, people of Israel lived and died not too much different than any other nation in history.

I am curious to understand this. from JW page: Did God create a woman so that she would be subordinate to a man? In short, it is not. ..... - https://www.jw.org/hr/biblioteka/casopisi/wp20120901/kako-bog-gleda-na-zene/ subordinate = having less power or a lower position than someone else in a company or an organization -https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/subordinate "Let a woman learn in silence* with full submissiveness." - 1. Tim submissive = showing a willingness to be controlled by other people: - https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/submissive When JW women or other individual not showing submissive position inside "congregational arrangements" than she/he will be rejected if continue in such behavior. Because hierarchical system giving favor to men on position of power. If you not show willingness to obey congregational arrangements than you will be "forced" with various methods to position of subordination. If you still resist, you will be marked, shunned and/or dfd. Words subordinate and submissive are very close in meaning with same final demand and repercussions. In this i see contradictory in WT publications when explaining position of women or other individuals in Bible history and JW congregation.

It can be so for new and coming generations of JW members ( younger in age and who are not so long time in organization). Older members try/tried to cope with issue and found few methods how to deal with wrong faith doctrine. More serious "problem" not gone, and will stay "forever". To give and show trust in GB leaders, because Jesus also trust GB. :)) In some situation it is good to show trust in "authority". For example, here in Croatia and especially in Zagreb after strong earthquake citizens need to show trust and listen to secular authority and medical experts how to deal with two problems. PS As ironic way of look on technology, we can add: "thanks" to devil weapon/invention called web, internet, satan raised JW meetings and preaching on next level, scale - in virtual reality. You can stay at home and spread the word. Perhaps costs for organized preaching, as publisher, pioneer and missioner or for any other special service, will not require, for these reason, donation money in the future :))

"even woman can buy property" .... this sound very patriarchal . Well, this kind of wording, argumentation how EVEN WOMEN can do this or that is so humiliating, and sound as very special privilege for women. It is sad when society of every sort (in this case Old Israel) and in what ever period of time have to put in law, something that must be NATURAL RIGHT for human been, no matter of sex. PS It came to me now, how OWNING something perhaps is NOT NATURAL. No matter is it about owning another human been or piece of land or spring of water or ..... Issue of "Owning" is for further discussion.

Please, explain and show us WHAT Principle in OT supporting slavery, for example. And how that Basic Principle for issue of Slavery, can and may be in use for people today?? Does this Particular Principle (for slavery) in OT is in power nowadays, does it "stand till today" ?? Because Bible Principles are eternal, people say !!??

This character is self-righteous. This way of saying how someone else's accident, illness and death need to exist in order to feed his believes and faith, to feel "right" about religious interpretations he offers as a leader of JW church.

True. Abraham was blessed, not necessary because of "God's blessings",but because of some other circumstances. First he was born and raised in reach family in Ur of the Chaldea. There lived people who worshiped other god, not JHVH. And it seems how their false god also "blessed" people in that city and area. Abraham wealthy originated from this sort of "blessings". Also bear in mind how Abraham support slavery of people around him, but not willing to accept slavery of his family members when "enemies" try to earn money and wealthy in this common trade and custom that was part of system of both societies, theirs and Abraham's. Because of that i don't want to put Abraham or any other human, including me too, in this or any other "elitist" classification. Religious, political, national, social ... etc. elitism is wrong idea. This sort of ideology always ended in hate and suffer for all. About S. Lett. In JWbroadcasting i heard what he said, comment about corona virus. And how he interpret what corona virus is in connection to Bible prophecies and interpretations about "last days". He talking about "final part of final part of last days". He shows Faith. And Abraham showed Faith. Does Faith of this two is the same Faith??

Many of what you said is in place. Western capitalism in US is different than in Europe. And many of us we who live in Europe are blessed by been born and live here. How people making money for living is interesting to discuss. I think how, generally said, the bigger money that some individual making can also can be connected with more people who have less for living. I am going to idealistic sphere, of course, but we can agree how people not need necessary to drive Mercedes, when also exists cheaper cars to buy. Yes, some people can afford to have "holiday property next to sea or mountain". But, if you or any other JW and GB "preaching" how spiritual "things" are what really matters ...than what is a point to have another house, and invest more money to have it, to keep it??? You need to earn more money to buy and to hold second house. In the same time some other people can't afford even basic things for life. System is wrong, we can agree. But we making system to live, and we make decision to have holiday property and with that contribute to injustice, generally. I guess,Abraham and Jacob working hard, but in the same time support slavery and material imbalance of society. Is that "God's blessings"? or just old world system?? :)) What S. Lett supporting? By words and by silence about this and that aspects about material things in own family.

... little confusing for me too.

This belong to next level of Arts@Culture Club :)))

from JWorg: UPDATE | Latest Information Regarding the Coronavirus Outbreak The Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses has provided direction to all branches regarding our spiritual activities during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. On Thursday, March 12, 2020, the Governing Body directed the United States branch to cancel all large spiritual events until May 1, 2020. This direction was shared with all branches so that they can make wise decisions about our activities in harmony with local circumstances. We are fully cooperating with health officials in all nations in an effort to contain the spread of the virus. We recognize that this pandemic is yet another evidence that we are living deep in the last days.—Luke 21:7-13; Revelation 6:8 ...we are living deep in the last days What does this have to mean?? :))

@Joe Derrick Tu sei un uomo .... oppuro una donna?

I try to participate with music in Arts and Culture club. But people are very "neutral". No comments or reaction :)))))

My wife and mother in law stay home tonight. Obviously meeting is canceled, but i think they are listen on tablet or by similar way, now, in her mother apartment. There is no kindergarten, schools and university from tomorrow (Monday). I expect complete quarantine very soon.

I found ironic this situation about canceling JW meetings. First have to say it is good measure because of health. But on other hand all this drill from platform how people must be on every meeting, obey God with assembling together. If you don't come you can missed to receive important life saving information, even if you don't feel alright - physically or spiritually. meetings and preaching service can cure you :)) Well, Bible gave command to not miss meetings, but elders and secular people say, you have to miss :))) Must be satan who is behind all this :)))

I think this is funny :))