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HollyW

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  1. Upvote
    HollyW got a reaction from Srecko Sostar in Shelly, 40s, Northeast US   
    Doesn't the WTS teach using appropriate terms depending on your audience?  Obviously the girl whose story Jay Witness posted was not talking to JWs so she used terms her audience would understand.  Christians and others outside the WTS don't realize JWs believe they all are going to hell (Sheol, Hades) (except the 144,000) and saying she was afraid she wouldn't be resurrected wouldn't have meant much to non-JWs.
    How can you and Anna strain at this gnat and overlook the child who was doubly abused, first by the rapist and then by her parents!
  2. Like
    HollyW got a reaction from Srecko Sostar in Shelly, 40s, Northeast US   
    Ben, Anna, no compassion for a sixteen year old forced to marry her rapist and have his child?  Shouldn't he have been disfellowshipped for what he had done to her?  You're reflecting the attitudes of her parents who sound they were only concerned about the father's standing in the congregation and not the well-being of their daughter.
  3. Haha
    HollyW got a reaction from James Thomas Rook Jr. in Shelly, 40s, Northeast US   
    This is what I mean, Ben.  Your immediate reaction is to doubt the victim's story.  It's her story, she's the one who told it, not Jay Witness.  Jay linked to where the victim's story is.  
    I truly do not understand how someone who was abused as a child could react as you have to Shelley's experience. Wouldn't you have wanted your story to be accepted as being true and wanted compassion and understanding instead of accusations of lying and slander; instead you took judgmental attitude, nitpicking about a word she used, which turns out to be the exact word she should have used taking her audience into consideration.
  4. Like
    HollyW got a reaction from Srecko Sostar in Is the brochure "Return to Jehovah" missing something?   
    Martha having been a JW before her 40 year period of being inactive as a JW from 1974 to 2014 (or pick any 40 year period prior to January 2015), Martha would have still believed the truth was that organ transplants were cannibalism and were prone to causing personality changes.  This ‘truth’ didn’t change until 1980, and by 1989 organ transplants were being commended as having helped people.
    Blood transfusions-----even of the component parts of blood----were a disfellowshipping offense back when Martha became inactive.  She’ll find that now the truth has changed again and blood transfusions are acceptable as long as the whole blood is broken down into fractions.  Also that violating the WTS ban on blood does not bring disfellowshipping but disassociation (a distinction without a difference since the punishment is the same for both: shunning.)
  5. Like
    HollyW got a reaction from Srecko Sostar in Is the brochure "Return to Jehovah" missing something?   
    What seems to me to be missing from the brochure is any mention of those returning being disciplined. Why is that?
    Martha's story stood out because of the length of time she was an inactive JW, and because her sins were of the gross kind to the WTS: politics, birthdays, churches.  But no mention of the elders sitting down and talking to her to determine what her sins were for those 40 years, how many times she had committed those sins, and which ones, if any,she was still practicing. The brochure's recounting of Martha's experience gives the impression that after having confessed her sins to Jehovah and evidently been forgiven by him, she returned to the meetings and was welcomed back with open arms.
    Is that the correct message the WTS is trying to convey?
    We both know "return to Jehovah" means "return to the WTS", don't we.
  6. Upvote
    HollyW got a reaction from James Thomas Rook Jr. in Should a JW utilize the services of a hospital sponsored or owned by another religion?   
    From what I've seen in the WTS publications, it's fine as long as the hospital respects the medical beliefs of JWs.
    And, really, until the WTS sponsors and owns its own hospital, what other choice do JWs have.
  7. Like
    HollyW got a reaction from Srecko Sostar in Jehovah’s Witnesses refuse to change two-witness rule because ‘that’s our stand’   
    I can hardly believe a JW would say this about child abuse, not to mention using as an example partaking of Jesus' body and blood, a command the majority of JWs disobey anyway: "Take eat, this is my body.  Drink...this is my blood of the covenant."
    Your point being that a law requiring child abuse be reported to law enforcement goes against Jehovah's standards that there has to be two witnesses (other than the victim and the abuser).  Talk about straining at a gnat.
  8. Like
    HollyW got a reaction from lentaylor71 in Governing Body claim of infallibility.   
    Thank you!  
    From the quotes in my OP, it's obvious that the men on the GB don't have to ever claim they are infallible because JWs already treat them as though they are---and that's because they've been told to (as the quoted material shows).  
    In essence, then, the leaders of the WTS have accorded themselves the advantages of being infallible while skirting the responsibilities that come with it.  
    Bottom line: If the men on the Governing Body were to come right out and say they are infallible, they would not lay claim to anything different than what they've already laid claim to.  In short: nothing would change for JWs.
  9. Like
    HollyW got a reaction from Shiwiii in What do you think about "Judge" Rutherford?   
    Ahem you two......he closed the door of heaven in their faces:
     “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites, because you shut off the kingdom of heaven from people; for you do not enter in yourselves, nor do you allow those who are entering to go in."  Matthew 23:13
    And the way he did it was not to even address it to THEM.  No, he had invented a class of earthly hopers a few years before whom he called the Jonadabs and at the convention he had them stand up and then pointing them he pronounced that THEY were the great crowd.
    Is it any wonder everyone was speechless?!  He had just ripped a heavenly hope away from a great crowd who had remained seated when he asked those with an earthly hope to stand up.
  10. Like
    HollyW got a reaction from Shiwiii in What do you think about "Judge" Rutherford?   
    He proved that the pen is mightier than the sword by writing the great crowd out of heaven and shutting the door in their faces without even a struggle or a whimper.  I've read there was just a hushed silence.  Even Michael didn't have it that easy throwing the devil out of heaven.....and he needed help to do it.  Rutherford threw the great crowd out single-handed.
  11. Upvote
    HollyW got a reaction from Micah Ong in JW's in Malawi vs. Mexico: Why the Disparity?   
    Do you know of any JWs in Malawi who did view the matter [of buying a political card] as simply complying with what "Caesar” requires, since no acts or expressions of worship are involved?  This is information I was not aware of.  What is your source?
  12. Upvote
    HollyW got a reaction from Micah Ong in JW's in Malawi vs. Mexico: Why the Disparity?   
    Perhaps the same view expressed in a letter sent to Chilean JWs regarding flying the national flag at Kingdom Halls could have been sent to Malawi JWs facing more than just fines for non-compliance?  This is from that letter: Some may view the matter as simply complying with what "Caesar” requires, since no acts or expressions of worship are involved. (Matthew 22:21; Romans 13:7)    
     
  13. Upvote
    HollyW got a reaction from Micah Ong in JW's in Malawi vs. Mexico: Why the Disparity?   
    We should be able to discuss these things honestly and not pretend JWs don't go by what the WTS tells them they can and can't do.  However, if that seems bothersome to you, ok.
  14. Like
    HollyW reacted to Ann O'Maly in Did Stephen pray to Jesus? Acts 7:59   
    However, the context and wording of the passage in the other letter - the second one to the Corinthians - strongly suggests Paul was addressing Jesus. Let's take another look:
    Three times I begged the Lord [which Lord?] about this, that it would depart from me.  But he said to me: “My undeserved kindness [which Lord's 'undeserved kindness'? But cp. Acts 15:11; Rom. 1:7; 16:20; 2 Cor. 8:9; etc. - 'undeserved kindness' can derive from Jesus as well as from God]  is sufficient for you, for my power [which Lord's power?] is being made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly, then, I will boast about my weaknesses, in order that the power of the Christ [ahh, Paul clarifies that he means the Lord Christ] may remain over me like a tent.  So I take pleasure in weaknesses, in insults, in times of need, in persecutions and difficulties, for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am powerful.
    Well, I'm of the opinion that it's the translator's job to translate what's there - not to interpolate. Yes, the NWT should have put the replacement 'Jehovah' as a footnote rather than into the main text. 
    Regarding the parallel phrasing Stephen used:
    Jesus cried out, "Father, into your hands I entrust my spirit." (Luke 23:46) Stephen similarly cried out, "“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Seeing as Stephen was clearly addressing Jesus here, it's most natural that he'd continue addressing him when, a moment later, he says, "Lord, do not charge this sin against them."
     
  15. Like
    HollyW reacted to The Librarian in Revelation Climax commentary   
    Albert Schroeder
    The Book of Revelation, Its Grand Climax At Hand
    About illustrations in Revelation Climax Book
    Fall 1988

    Your browser does not support the HTML5 audio tag.
  16. Like
    HollyW reacted to The Librarian in Revelation Climax commentary   
    Revelation; It's Grand Climax at Hand! - 2006 version

    1988_Revelation--It's Grand Climax At Hand! (2).pdf
     
    2006 - Revelation book Adjustments.pdf
    1989_The_Watchtower_Societys_end_of_world_prediction_1989.doc
     
  17. Upvote
    HollyW got a reaction from The Librarian in Revelation Climax commentary   
    Is this book out of date then?
  18. Upvote
    HollyW got a reaction from The Librarian in Revelation Climax commentary   
    Has the Revelation Climax book been updated or replaced recently?
  19. Upvote
    HollyW reacted to HollyW in Revelation Climax commentary   
    Thanks, Ann.  That's helpful.
  20. Like
    HollyW reacted to Ann O'Maly in Early Christians Believed in the Trinity   
    I know they alluded to it. Your quote brings that out very well. I'd forgotten that one. Good to see you here again 
  21. Upvote
    HollyW reacted to Ann O'Maly in Early Christians Believed in the Trinity   
    Just a quick FYI and for your additional research due to it being off topic.
    Bible Students also bought Liberty Bonds from the government during WWI and Watchtower officially approved of it, although it emphasized it was a conscience matter for individual BSs. This position contributed to the 'Stand Fasts' splinter group being formed 
    Sources:
    https://ia601406.us.archive.org/23/items/WatchtowerLibrary/magazines/w/w1918_E.pdf - See May 15, p. 152-153 [R6257] and June 1, top of p. 168-169 [R6268].
    Prior view of breaking neutrality:
    w64 2/1 p. 80 par. 8 The Comely Feet of the Messengers 
    "Because of not then properly understanding a Christian’s strict neutrality toward political conflicts of earth and not understanding the matter of relative subjection to the earthly “higher powers,” the remnant was brought into bondage to Great Babylon."
    Present view (links with @HollyW's earlier WT quote):
    w16 November pp. 26-30
    "Not everything the Bible Students did during the period between 1914 and 1919 was in harmony with Scriptural principles. Although they were sincere, the brothers did not always have a proper view of subjection to the secular governments. (Rom. 13:1) Therefore, as a group, they were not always neutral with regard to the war effort. For example, when the president of the United States decreed that May 30, 1918, would be set aside as a day of prayer for peace, The Watch Tower urged the Bible Students to join in the observance. Some brothers purchased bonds to provide financial assistance to the war effort, and a few even went into the trenches with guns and bayonets. However, it would be a mistake to conclude that the Bible Students were first taken into captivity to Babylon the Great because they needed correction and discipline. On the contrary, they understood their obligation to separate themselves from false religion, and during World War I, the break with that world empire was almost complete. - Read Luke 12:47, 48." - https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2016844
     
  22. Like
    HollyW got a reaction from Ann O'Maly in Early Christians Believed in the Trinity   
    The winning side, of course.  During WWI whose side did your church pray for?
    "In accordance with the resolution of Congress of April 2nd, and with the proclamation of the president of the United States of May 11, it is suggested that the Lord's people everywhere make May 30th a day of prayer and supplication. ... As says the spirit through the Apostle Paul: "I exhort, therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour." (I Timothy 2:1-3) Let there be praise and thanks-giving to God for the promised glorious outcome of the war, the breaking of the shackles of autocracy, the freeing of the captives (Isaiah 61:1) and the making of the world safe for the common people--blessings all assured by the Word of God to the people of this country and of the whole world of mankind." Watchtower 1918 Jun 1 p.174
  23. Like
    HollyW got a reaction from Cos in Early Christians Believed in the Trinity   
    The letter to Hitler would have been WW2.  The quote I posted is WW1 and they do single out the USA where they say "to the people of this country", and though that's followed by "and of the whole world of mankind", they didn't mention another specific country.  But if their prayers were for countries that didn't win the war, one might wonder what country would that be.
  24. Like
    HollyW got a reaction from Cos in Early Christians Believed in the Trinity   
    If our minds cannot fully comprehend something, is that a sound reason for rejecting it?  No, of course not, there are many things that seem a mystery at times to us.  For instance, how about Time?  We don't reject the idea of time because there are aspects of it that we do not fully comprehend.  Or maybe Space. There seems to be no end to it but we don't reject the idea of space.
    So, too, with the Trinity.  Just because you don't fully comprehend that the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are separate persons who are the only true God, that is not a sound reason for rejecting.
    Consider the opening words of the Bible: In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.  Do JWs consider God in this verse to be only the Father?  No, of course not, because they believe the Father created the heavens and the earth through the Son and by the Holy Spirit.  IOW "God created the heavens an the earth."
    In Genesis 1:26 God went on to say: “Let us make man in our image, according to our likeness..."  JWs view God in this verse to be the Father, and he is speaking to the Son, and "our" refers to both the Father and the Son.  So does "God" in verse 27 "God proceeded to create the man in his image, in God’s image he created him"....Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, all referred to as God.
     
  25. Upvote
    HollyW got a reaction from Cos in Early Christians Believed in the Trinity   
    The winning side, of course.  During WWI whose side did your church pray for?
    "In accordance with the resolution of Congress of April 2nd, and with the proclamation of the president of the United States of May 11, it is suggested that the Lord's people everywhere make May 30th a day of prayer and supplication. ... As says the spirit through the Apostle Paul: "I exhort, therefore, that first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour." (I Timothy 2:1-3) Let there be praise and thanks-giving to God for the promised glorious outcome of the war, the breaking of the shackles of autocracy, the freeing of the captives (Isaiah 61:1) and the making of the world safe for the common people--blessings all assured by the Word of God to the people of this country and of the whole world of mankind." Watchtower 1918 Jun 1 p.174
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