James Thomas Rook Jr.

In good times, and bad times, in times easy and times hard, I have relied on the JW-Archive as a sounding board for many things, and appreciate the forbearance when I have ranted and raved about all sorts of things, even from the Librarian, who often deleted my posts, with cause. I have come to the conclusion that logic and reason is not the end-all that I had aspired to, and that all things being considered, it would have been better for me to be "Brother Watchtower", than the man I have become. I am 73 years old, and I probably do not have time to change .... realistically, but for 14 billion years I did not exist, and I don't remember it bothering me any. My Wife Susan, and my sons and daughter will fulfill whatever unfulfilled dreams I had, as the stars I could reach ... were just starfish on the beach. With whatever time I have left, it is going to be my life's challenge, so I bid each of you so long, and hope you stay closer to Jehovah than I did. ....and like Forest Gump said "... and that's all I am going to say about that." Goodby.

I realize all to well that I should NEVER be granted immortality, as one of the Anointed of God, and my chief value as a human is to set a bad example that should NOT be emulated. Perhaps that is why all three of my children turned out so well ....they had my example of what they did not want to turn out like. I do like to discuss philosophy, common sense, practical efficiencies, but consider myself a "theologian" ... nah. The "dark side of the Force, Luke ..." is unfortunately, very strong within me. If I had not been associated with Jehovah's Witnesses my whole adult life, I probably would have been rightfully executed many, many years ago, and Civilization would have been a lot safer.

It's a good thing God created a physical Universe as available Real Estate for the sons and daughters of DNA ... or the Universe would have never been created ... and WE WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN BORN Only DNA has the ability to make "something new" .... and we should be appreciative that it is God's good pleasure to create and nurture, and create an environment ( currently a 30 billion or so diameter light year in diameter Universe), and to infuse in us a burning, insatiable curiosity about all things in this Universe ... and a hunger to explore .... and to "boldly go where no man has gone before". Do I want to be a heavenly angel, and never taste ice cold Welsh's grape juice, again... and never sail across an endless sea of stars, forever learning about how this Universe works ... or never pioneer an entirely new planet, somewhere out there in the galaxy, blasting a gap in a mountain pass to get my Conestoga wagon through, with my wife, my animals and a pack of dogs following happily behind. to the lush green valley beyond? NO As far as I am concerned, it is the static creations of angelic life that are second class citizens. But then again, different strokes, for different folks ...., ... and it is not in the slightest what we want ... it is all about what Jehovah wants.

I agree with the principle for the Governing Body the same as what Jesus said for the scribes and Pharisees, of his day.. (Matthew 23:2, 3) . . .“The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the seat of Moses. 3 Therefore, all the things they tell you, do and observe, . . Although I have many points of disagreement with the Governing Body, looking back on my 73 years, half of which were wasted or will be wasted in the natural consequences of self-destructive works, or the consequences thereof, I realize the absolute truth of this scripture.

I see, Space Merchant, that you feel very strongly about that ....

It has been my observation that WE ALL have OCD, about things that we feel strongly about ... It's similar to the old joke, QUESTION: "What is a cult?" ANSWER: "It's the church down the street from YOUR church."

I have often thought .... that in case of Global Thermonuclear War, that my response would be to get a cooler of beer, a lawn chair, and sit out in the middle of the street, and watch the show. Not the same as "praying for death", but not the "normal" response.

If anybody accuses me of "tolerating" any real or perceived errors or imaginary evils done by the Governing Body, I will respond in this way: Currently, there is no one on Earth that can depose the Governing Body, and because that is true, all things must be endured. The sole tool any JW has is voting with their feet, or wallet. There is a difference between "toleration", and endurance. There is ONLY one excuse for rebellion. If you win.

I think it was Robert A. Heinlein that once said something like " A Committee is a life form with at least six legs,... and no brain".

Ever notice that you NEVER see a picture of Elizabeth Taylor and Ernest Borgnine in the same picture? Coincidence? I think NOT!

.... Finding the correct balance of words, tone, and emphasis is often very difficult when your wife asks "Do you think I look fat?'

Is it in the Bible the saying "Know thyself"? If someone needs help .... call the FBI. They have the files.

I had a good friend once tell me, and I realized it might be true, "You are not crazy enough to be put away ... but if you ever got in, they might not let you go!".