Alphonse

It's truly disheartening when someone who is supposed to be a friend of the exclusive group resorts to using profanity in their comments, just like other members claiming to be witnesses. It's quite a ludicrous situation for the public to witness. 
Yet, the "defense" of such a person, continues. 

Let us examine the underlying assumptions inherent in "The Parable of the Lost Son" in Luke 15, as well as the stark contrast presented by Jesus' words in Luke 17, which serve as both admonitions against sin and guiding principles for our Christian responsibilities.
If we simply accept these passages at face value, can we truly comprehend their meaning if the intention is to justify the actions of an unrepentant sinner?
Then we would need to examine the context and purpose of those specific passages. Can we truly compare those passages? If the prodigal son wasted his life and felt regretful enough to say, "I have sinned against heaven and my 'father'" for lacking the wisdom to live a fulfilling life, then who did the lost son truly sin against?
Did the lost son sin against his fellow Christians or the community he was not entrusted to serve or care for? This was the compassion the father felt for a son who had lost his way in life. His sin was what he had done to himself, not others.
What then is the purpose of Jesus in the parable of the prodigal son? It is to communicate the profound message that anyone, without exception, can find a place in the Kingdom of God, as long as they sincerely undergo a genuine metamorphosis and transformation of their life.
Does Luke 17 apply in this case? Absolutely, it does. Only when an individual, despite their imperfections, shows a genuine willingness to repent before God and fellow believers, can they set their lives on the right course and receive forgiveness even if they stumble and sin against others many times. However, is this forgiveness unlimited?
Here is where the confusion stems from: No! While we should forgive our fellow believers for unintentional sins, it does not encompass ongoing intentional sins. Therefore, it does not apply to an unrepentant person who publicly and continuously demonstrates it.
That would be as if secular authority were to give a pedophile a "get out of jail free" card every time that pervert had an urge to act. However, in real life, things don't work that way, and the same goes for bible principles.
In Matthew 11:20-27, Jesus conveyed a powerful message about unrepentant and accountability. However, some individuals choose to disregard Jesus' words in Matthew 18:15-17 because it challenges their interpretation of Christian love and support for an unrepentant soul. They base their argument on defending an incorrigible person.
Luke illuminates the concept of "repentance" as a crucial factor, not the sin itself. This is why Apostle John's words in 1 John 1:9 emphasize the power of confessing our sins. He was not referring to private "repentance." No, a silent approach to repentance only benefits the individual. If someone believes that things should be done in secret to hide them from the public, what is that person actually demonstrating with such behavior? Deception.
While it is commendable to embody Christian love, it is important to avoid displaying misguided emotions, particularly when dealing with individuals who show no remorse.
The Apostle Paul was entrusted with the important task of presenting the distinctions in Christian conduct and ethics to the congregations.
1 Corinthians 5:11 New International Version
11 But now I am writing to you that you must not associate with anyone who claims to be a brother or sister[a] but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or slanderer, a drunkard or swindler. Do not even eat with such people.
Anyone who disregards scripture by ignoring other passages that reflect negatively on the behavior of a group that people happen to like, and by not applying scripture as it was intended, is failing to fulfill their duty to their fellow believers and is showing disrespect to God if they use His name to undermine the true understanding of scripture.
While it is true that a formal education is not necessary for individuals to gain enlightenment from scripture, it is important to note that the Holy Spirit will not manifest in those who mock God by misinterpreting scripture for the sole purpose of satisfying their own limited understanding of Christian compassion, especially when it is misguided.
Therefore, it is crucial to recognize that Luke 15 and 17 are being misrepresented in this context, and it indeed requires a sound understanding of the Bible to comprehend the distinction in how these verses are meant to be conveyed to the public.
It's not meant to be a "get out of jail free" card.

If you believe that someone is challenging you, one simple solution is to choose to ignore them. There's no point in carrying on a discussion that will ultimately lead to nowhere.

I fail to understand how someone without a background in biblical education can criticize those who have formal training and effectively apply their knowledge, while those without such education consistently refuse to apply it accurately.
If Bible scholars are able to discern what certain witnesses here refuse to acknowledge, then their education is far more effectively utilized. Will you now defend the indefensible? Is that your rationale for providing a commentary on compassion and misguided Christian love, merely to defend those in the closed club?
I refuse to engage in a quarrel with someone who is selective in their understanding of the Bible. It's evident that the misrepresentation from those who identify as JWs is clear to anyone outside the closed club. However, what is the true purpose behind your confrontational language?

I fail to see what worldly education has to do with understanding the deeper spiritual things of Jehovah. Wisdom comes from applying Jehovah's principles and reading his word regularly.
A mature Christian can see when someone is misapplying, sidestepping or not seeing a point. No degree needed for that.  Just Jehovah's spirit. 

Correctly positioned, it can be a remarkable phenomenon. Nevertheless, persisting in denial leads to distortion, despite attempts to modify God's words with our own emotions.
Whom do we truly serve with our misguided love - Man or God? This is something that visiting witnesses should deeply ponder upon.
Did God's genuine love for the Israelites stop him from having to punish the nation of Israel due to their numerous unfulfilled promises to obey? An unrepentant person is essentially breaking God's law. How did God handle those who didn't repent?
Who dares to question the divine message in the name of misguided empathy?

Well, I tried to be civil, and this is what I get in return coming from an uneducated engineer.
Danah Zohar Zero Distance Management in the Quantum Age 2022
My study of Heidegger and reflections on the wider relevance of quantum philosophy for new thinking about personal & social sciences I was exploring during my three years of postgraduate studies at Harvard while pursuing a Ph.D. at the Divinity School in Philosophy, Psychology, & Religion. I finally published my first “quantum” book, The Quantum Self , in 1990, offering a new, quantum framework for psychology that could replace Freud’s dominant, mechanistic framework that had been inspired by Newtonian physics. Ironically, and very much to my surprise, it was the publication of that book that began my career as a management thinker. page XXXii
Chapter 8 I Am a Particle and a Wave
The iconic American hero is the lonely cowboy, sitting astride his horse in the midst of a vast prairie and dependent on no one but himself to brave and survive the elements. His modern equivalent is the Superhero, who has special powers that enable him to single-handedly save the world, and the Taylorian CEO is a kind of cowboy or Superhero who bears sole authority and responsibility for running his/her company. Western society is based on this concept of the all-important individual, the “atom of society,” whose power to pursue his/her interests and protect his/her rights through the personal vote is the cornerstone of Western democracy. We have already seen that this sacred individualism is rooted in the atomism of early Greek philosophy and then enshrined as a defining principle of Newtonian physics. Western society is particle-like. page 89
I'm out!

It's satisfying to know that my comments concerning profanity aren't going unnoticed, especially when they come from someone who considers themselves superior without even attempting to contribute intellectually. I suppose it's true what they say, once an animal, always an animal. It seems that with your criminal record, you're destined to remain that way.
This exercise benefits a specific person in the closed club who believes that Christian love is the solution, despite a person's heart being beyond redemption with their public actions and behavior. I would be embarrassed to think this animal was once a JW.

That simply implies that you, as a glorified plumber, do not truly comprehend quantum physics as you pretend to. However, you are indeed right about one thing - your criminal record, which is easily accessible to anyone, will reveal the true nature of your character. That was the intended reference, not the delusional manipulation of words that you employ to divert attention from the fact that you are fundamentally driven by base instincts as an animal at heart, which you continue to display, and people want to continue to defend you for it.
Their vigorous defense of you speaks volumes about their lack of Christian ethics, overshadowing your insignificant existence.
I prefer not to engage in conflict with an uninformed individual, even in this thread that was intriguing, but unfortunately, someone uncouth always manages to spoil it.

You are not in Kansas, anymore.
Your bluster is irrelevant.
 

When you denigrate plumbers and exalt people like yourself, neither your pipes nor your philosophies will hold water.

I wouldn't expect other than a stupid response from you simple plumber, get some real education.

Your response is so vague and nebulous as to be completely useless. Once again you failed to provide a SINGLE FACT to show that I am an apostate.  What’s that … 39 times straight?
*choke*
*gasp!*
*gag*
BLUSTER BLUSTER BLUSTER BLUSTER
But you say “Hey Pudge, tha’s just as nebulous …” to which ol’ Pudge replies “… I submit as solid factual evidence my specific posts on this thread”.
YOUR entire agenda driven philosophy is based on fantasy fog.

This is the reason why I declined your challenge to prove your apostasy, as it only serves to highlight your ignorance about scripture.
To you and most people here, "apostasy" is believed to be simply, a renunciation of one's faith. This view is quite absurd and lacks a full understanding of scripture. It's unfortunate that there are other denominations within the Christian faith that approach this matter with far more intellectual depth.
Apostasy can also encompass the distortion of truth and scripture, including the act of self-interpretation. This is something that is all too frequently practiced here. I encourage you to delve into a book and examine the ancient language to understand why individuals like Aries made their choices.
https://www.gotquestions.org/apostasy.html
If you had understood, you would have applied 1 Timothy 4, 2 Thessalonians 2, and several other texts to address that ignorance instead of questioning how one can prove apostasy. This is a case of deviating from the truth due to personal conviction, just in case you get a headache from critical thinking.


Now, consider this: What is the significance of the enthronement of Christ in heaven in 1914 in relation to the continuation of Christ's memorial until after his kingdom is established on earth as it is in heaven?
This ignorant mindset is a clear demonstration of self-delusion (interpretation) and, consequently, heretical thinking. Do I have any concern if you acknowledge the illustration of your foolishness? Absolutely none. Is this the sole example, James/Pudgy? Not in the slightest.

That's precisely why it's futile to try to reason with a stupid and uncivilized mindset. Your actions only confirm my argument. So, by answering your own question, you have discovered how you perceive yourself.

All those words to say you could not produce one single example of my being an apostate.
That’s 38 times now you choked, more or less.
…. simply Amazing!
 

This topic can also be applied to certain individuals who have lost faith in God.
Too easy. I don't know if you're trying to convince the public or yourself about your bad behavior and associations. If it's yourself you're trying to persuade, you're doing a commendable job. However, I must say that some of us can see right through your deception. You're not alone in that regard.
When it comes to proving your apostate behavior, I don't need to provide evidence as you are doing an excellent job of proving it yourself. Whether you accept it or not, is inconsequential. Therefore, your defense of each other does not matter. We simply need to see this group of people for who they are and what they represent.
The same can be said about your other viewpoints, such as education. However, the relentless pursuit of deflection and shifting the argument towards irrelevant matters, as well as employing deceitful tactics, proves ineffective.
Let me ask you this: How can someone without proper education and lacking skills in a specific field produce a credible and insightful result that presents an accurate depiction of reality?
If you rely solely on guesswork, the result will be nothing more than a guess. Consider the value of thorough research. What use is extensive research if your focus is solely on proving your own point, causing you to overlook a myriad of other possibilities?
Engaging in thorough and comprehensive research is crucial to avoid the pitfalls of subpar investigation, much like the unfortunate missteps taken by COJ. Merely expressing dissatisfaction when results fail to meet expectations is not the path to true learning. Instead, true growth and knowledge acquisition are fostered by delving into a wide array of sources and considering multiple perspectives - an approach akin to that is embraced by the Watchtower.
When you receive an alternative view, you categorically reject it as if you hold the ultimate authority. However, the truth is that you possess no expertise in the area you are presenting arguments on. You have no credentials to back up your claims.
Hence, personal interpretations or opinions serve as feeble justifications for claiming knowledge. Merely having work experience or a degree in one particular field does not entitle one to expertise in all other fields.
I am inclined to agree with Xero that your group should undergo a psychological assessment, as it seems that rather than thinking critically, you are being swayed by a mutual reinforcement of the same ideology with each other.
In my opinion, this way of thinking is flawed as it rejects the concept of independence. If one of you is mistaken based on this mindset, then all of you are equally mistaken since the perception exists. You are reinforcing each other's questionable conclusions, while your conscience complacently allows it.
Explain how a plumber/engineer should be taken seriously despite your current status. What part of your public record is a lie, and how can you convince the public you have been reinstated as a witness given your sad attitude here? What was your mindset in 2020 that makes you expect people to embrace your distorted truths now, when they were dismissed before? In your case, there are numerous aspects that now seem utterly irrelevant and unworthy of discussion.
Once again, I must direct your attention to Xero's comment, as it accurately reflects the image you portray to the public. It appears that Jehovah's Witnesses are perceived as individuals with unstable mental states or as members of a deranged cult, given the actions and behavior displayed by your community. This raises concerns regarding the value of your education and the message you convey. How can such negative perceptions be beneficial in any language?
Ultimately, it's you who is leading yourself astray. You should not be confronting me, but rather confronting yourself. Embracing cognitive truth requires a rational mind.

James/Pudgy has been disfellowshipped, I misspoke about that. However, he is still a friend to the closed club despite this circumstance. The welcome mat is out. Why shouldn't they, since they allow apostates and opposers on this site? Thus, there is truly no difference when it comes to association.
I want to make it clear that I'm not implying that everyone here is a fake witness. I'm specifically talking about those outspoken individuals who constantly promote apostasy. They know who they are from the closed club and this open forum. Sometimes, a couple of more are added to that list. That's the kind of fellowship they really want. It appears that some individuals derive great joy from disparaging the Watchtower and indulging in gossip. I guess that's what they live for. 
 

It’s as if Jesus himself is speaking. What about carpenters? Is your opinion the same for them? 

Boom! Roasted!

It appears that the ignorance being displayed here is coming from you, Tom/Xero. Now you seem to want to act in a disrespectful manner, just like James. Your behavior is truly pathetic.

If you are unable to comprehend the thread, it reflects more on your abilities than on the thread itself. One crucial point to recognize is that Tom's understanding of the GB update #2 was inaccurate. Perhaps even your sad calculator could analyze that and make sense of it.

I don't know whether you just had a seizure, but you're not making sense. You're one step away from talking in word salads.

Yes, you will indeed find the pattern of a Christian life followed by most witnesses, just not in this place.
Their actions alone should be enough to convey their message, without the need for any further claims. I understand that you may have some issues with God and Christ, but rest assured that they will deal with them in due time.
Well, this is just a convoluted way of thinking, since we are living in the 21st century applying Christ's first century teachings. Therefore, what is not true is your way of thinking.
Absolutely! God's Holy Spirit is indeed in charge. Have you ever considered the countless instances in the Bible where God guided and redirected the Israelites and His people? It's truly remarkable how His divine intervention played out!
What part of that don't you understand?
For those who genuinely repent, this is a practical approach. Seeing that Jesus was dining with a Pharisee to make a point, it would be reasonable to expect that someone with a well-informed conscience would be allowed to greet a disfellowshipped individual who shows a sincere desire to return to God. However, Tom's perspective seems to overlook the importance of fellowship in this scenario.
That's precisely why the title is structured that way - as you've just demonstrated. Former witnesses often lack evidence, and are clueless when evidence is presented. It seems they simply enjoy boasting about nonsense, as you just have.
It appears that they possess a superior understanding of evidence and the divine purpose guiding this world, surpassing your comprehension.

I'm not sure what the point of this thread is. Is there a recommendation to do something? Believe something? 
 
This phrase "Why don't former members of Jehovah's Witnesses recognize the impact that other religions have on societies as a whole here?" is weirdly ambiguous.
On the one hand it claims that "former members" have a certain belief in common, namely some ambiguous "[a failure to]  "recognize the impact that other religions have on societies as a whole here"".
I don't know how anyone could know anything consistently true about ex-JW's other than that they are ex-JW's. Their reason for being ex-JW's varies, and how any of the business of being an "ex-JW" could be queried such that one could speak of them as a bloc in holding any given attitude about anything is beyond me.

Then it seems there's some squishy words which we're supposed to imagine flows naturally to "What are you doing about evil in the world?" Implying that some unclearly named others aren't, w/o making an explicit argument. 

Then we're having our attention directed to a case of some nuns who have issues with their hierarchy, and somehow this is supposed to exemplify something, but what that is isn't clear either.

Then SS uses this as an opportunity to express himself, however how any of his expressions can in any way connect with the OP's ambiguous post is beyond me.

Maybe if I passed this through some gematria calculator, it will make more sense.

https://www.gematrix.org/?word=Why+don't+former+members+of+Jehovah's+Witnesses+recognize+the+impact+that+other+religions+have+on+societies+as+a+whole+here%3F
Turns out that phrase has the value of 8957, which is also tellingly the same numeric value as the phrase:
https://www.gematrix.org/?word=stalked by fallen ones then why they hiding in bunkers they must know something you useless eaters on the surface dont know hahahaha