Can JW Television (digital news) be trusted?

[Srecko Sostar]

On 8/9/2023 at 6:07 PM, Errikos Tsiamis said:

While it is not necessary to engage in spiritual discussions with former members, it is important for the public to understand the nature and extent of deception, exaggeration, and falsehoods propagated by these individuals who have been expelled from the group.

Former members who have been dismissed from a spiritual group often harbor negative sentiments and may distort the truth. Their motives for spreading misinformation can range from personal grievances to seeking retaliation against the group. Therefore, it is crucial to approach their claims with caution, skepticism, and critical thinking. By gaining awareness of the potential biases and agendas of these individuals, the general public can make informed decisions about the information they encounter. 

It is important to consider multiple perspectives, consult credible sources, and apply discernment when evaluating any claims made by former members. It is also essential to recognize that spiritual matters are deeply personal and subjective experiences. Different individuals may interpret and understand spirituality in different ways. What may be true or meaningful for one person may not resonate with another. Hence, it is crucial to respect the diversity of beliefs and experiences within spiritual communities. 

The path of the Watchtower is a spiritual journey that entails faithfully obeying God and following the teachings and example of Jesus Christ. Watchtower adherents strive to uphold both divine laws, as dictated in the sacred scriptures, and human laws, which are necessary for maintaining order and justice in society. The foundation of this path lies in the sincere devotion and allegiance to God. Watchtower believers seek to develop a deep and personal relationship with the divine, recognizing that God's guidance and authority are paramount in their lives. They are committed to adhering to God's commandments, acknowledging His sovereignty, and realizing that His will should always take precedence. 

Furthermore, walking in the footsteps of Jesus plays a crucial role in the Watchtower philosophy. Jesus, as the perfect embodiment of divine love and wisdom, serves as an exemplar for Watchtower followers. They strive to emulate His teachings, His compassion, and His selflessness. By following Jesus' path, Watchtower adherents aim to deepen their spiritual connection with God and positively impact their relationships with others. In addition to obedience to divine laws, Watchtower followers recognize the importance of respecting and abiding by human laws. They understand that these laws are necessary for maintaining societal order, justice, and the well-being of all individuals. Watchtower adherents strive to be law-abiding citizens, contributing positively to their communities and respecting the governments and institutions that have been established.

Ultimately, the path of the Watchtower encompasses a commitment to faithfully obey both divine and human laws, while following the example of Jesus. It is a journey of seeking spiritual growth, deepening one's relationship with God, and striving to live a life that reflects the principles of love, justice, and harmony.

The lack of regard from former members may seemingly hold no consequence. When it comes to the members of a closed club who choose to support an individual who has been disfellowshipped, their actions are a matter of their own personal relationship with God.
 

The way you describe and defend the Watchtower opens the door to the conclusion that you are not a member of the JW Church, but an advocate or apologist of a JW aka Watchtower religion. 

[Srecko Sostar]

On 8/9/2023 at 10:11 PM, TrueTomHarley said:

That many? That’s worth addressing.

Out of context. 

On 8/9/2023 at 10:11 PM, TrueTomHarley said:

1) Because the complainers against anything always outnumber and are more vocal than those satisfied. It is a basic law of human nature and is seen everywhere.

Excessive description. The majority is silent and suffers, that's why the bad ones succeed.

On 8/9/2023 at 10:11 PM, TrueTomHarley said:

2) Because of the thought expressed at Psalm 130:3. “If errors were what you watch, O Jah, O Jehovah, who could stand?” Watching errors is the modus operendi of today’s culture, typified in its media. Nobody stands as their enemies magnify, enhance, and even concoct evil reports—see it play out on the internet with any public figure. Of course, in addition, to those of a different agenda, everything is an error.

Some say that there is a saying, You learn from mistakes. Then why is it a problem to indicate "errors"? "Errors" brought us to where we are now.

On 8/9/2023 at 10:11 PM, TrueTomHarley said:

3) Because of the sentiment expressed at John 15:18-19. “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world … on this account the world hates you”.  (John 15:18-19) Of course, just because you are hated does not mean you as a group are Christ’s followers. However, any group NOT universally hated (and the list is not that long) is automatically disqualified from consideration.

‘No part of the world’ will sink you every time in the eyes of those who embrace the world.

Who hates you here? Criticism of your theology is a platform to feel hated?

On 8/9/2023 at 10:11 PM, TrueTomHarley said:

Though I was once active in this open club, I have not been for some time, deferring to the GB’s wishes. (also because it does little good—I have never known any opponent to change) I can’t say I ‘watch’ the contents exJWs provide, for I am invariably put off by how pedantic and boring they are, but through reading I do try to keep up. This is along the lines of Anna, who had a teenaged son and didn’t want to find him one day stumbled by something he had come across and herself powerless to help him because she had no idea what he had come across.

Your choice in this contradicts what you are taught in KH. Some in WTJWorg would call your activity "disobedience to God's authority as manifested through GB and elders". But as far as I'm concerned it's better to know more about your religion than less.

 

[Pudgy]

I agree, but here’s the rub, Bub ….. if in some way we screw up our own lives, we of course will have to pay the price, but if the Governing Body sets a doctrine under pain of disfellowshipping  that screws up our life, we by following bad advice, of course STILL screw up our lives, and pay the price …. but they pay no price whatsoever, because everybody’s forbidden to talk about it..

THEY never miss a meal, dress like a homeless person, sleep in bitter cold, and live in quiet desperation of deep poverty and with rotten teeth and no money to fix them.

They are waited on hand and foot, with Rolex watches, heavy gold pinky rings, fine high quality clothing, beautiful and comfortable surroundings, adoring throngs of friends, almost infinite free labor, all possible because they bathe in an unending waterfall of free money.

[Pudgy]

By comparison, Jesus did not even have a change of clothes, and had no place to lay his head. 

Can you imagine Jesus with a big suitcase, dragging it around Galilee?

[Srecko Sostar]

5 hours ago, Errikos Tsiamis said:

Dialogue plays a key role in addressing diverse perspectives and promoting understanding, but it is important to ensure that arguments about religion are represented accurately and respectfully. When discussing matters related to religious beliefs, it is essential to approach the topic with care and avoid misrepresenting others' viewpoints.

Sometimes, individuals who have left a religious group or have been disfellowshipped may hold personal opinions that differ from the official stance of the religious organization. It is crucial to recognize that these individuals may approach scripture from their own perspective and interpretations, which can lead to differences in understanding.
 

Different religions or religious groups, large and small, have different views and opinions on theological issues. What is a religion but a system run by leading individuals or united groups, like GB. This actually means that it is about one's own individual or group perspectives and interpretations. Everyone, with more or less success, can refer to the Bible, the Koran, Mao Tse Tung or President Tito.
So, what are the crucial things when it comes to current, future and former members of a religion? These are all performances and litanies religiously and intellectually colored with attempts to exalt one's spirituality. 

Some of them shout about victory and success at the same time, but always and only  remain individuals who are ultimately lost and often in suffering. Man ends his life in his own or other people's illusions.

What do you and/or the Watchtower actually have to offer, when all this has long been invented?

[Pudgy]

1 hour ago, Errikos Tsiamis said:

In all my experience, I have never come across a single instance where Jesus or God provided erroneous guidance in scripture. I have complete confidence in the Watchtower's adherence to the Bible, as it serves as their guiding constitution.  The misrepresentation perhaps stems from our own interpretation and attitude.

Hence, we must take full responsibility for the failures we experience in life without placing the blame on others.
 

 

 

So…. tell me about how Jesus instructed his Apostles about “Overlapping Generations”.

[Pudgy]

5 hours ago, Pudgy said:

 

 

So…. tell me about how Jesus instructed his Apostles about “Overlapping Generations”.

Everything else is garbage.

[Srecko Sostar]

11 hours ago, Errikos Tsiamis said:

Given that Jesus and the apostles were the ones who crafted the New Testament without knowledge of future events, it stands to reason that their understanding would have been incredibly comprehensive.

It is important to approach the interpretation of Bible verses with careful study and consideration of the context in which they were written. Matthew 24:34 can indeed be a challenging verse to understand. In this particular verse, Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, this generation will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened."Different interpretations exist regarding the meaning of "this generation" in this context. 

I notice a possible problem. You are stating that Jesus had no knowledge of future events, while Jesus is making a claim about the generation in which he says what will happen to it.

Furthermore, Jesus nowhere claims that the future is not unknown to him, he only stated that he knows nothing about "the day and the hour".
But from the further text you wrote about scholars and theologians and "generation", they seem to know more than Jesus, so they are ready to harass their members with spiritual interpretations.

[Pudgy]

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Please consider these as a two thousand word reply.

 

[Srecko Sostar]

1 hour ago, Pudgy said:

A picture is worth a thousand words.

Please consider these as a two thousand word reply.

 

Of course, Jesus did not tell us that his faithful slave would produce perfect spiritual food. (The Watchtower February 2017 study edition pg. 26 par. 12)

This could mean;
- that Jesus does not send perfect spiritual food from his heavenly throne
- that GB improvises his interpretations and instructions relying on his own intelligence

What does this mean for JW members? It means that they are led by blind leaders. This in turn means that Jesus' conclusion about blind religious leaders leading their sheep is being fulfilled. In this way, we arrive at the result that the JW sheep may not be the sheep of Jesus but are under the rule of the GB. So they are not in Jesus' fold but Watchtower's.

[Pudgy]

…. there is a third explanation, which I believe in, is that Jehovah God allows a great deal of crap in human interactions, and he realizes that’s the best we can do.

I cite  as an example what Jehovah tolerated in ancient Israel before it reached a certain threshold and he clouded up and rained all over everybody, so to speak.

Much in the same way if we had an aquarium full of pet hamsters running on the little wheels, and climbing the ladders, and running through the toilet paper tubes and chewing on them, as long as they’re going in the right direction, he pretty much doesn’t care what they believe.

The reason he insists on pure theology is it’s almost impossible to be good little hamsters, and happy, if we believe the wrong things.

[Pudgy]

Rather than the vague, meaningless “word salad”  that is worthy of a Kamala Harris, ET, and sounds very profound and scholarly…. but isn’t …. how about commenting specifically on the illustrations that illustrate the complete absurdity that what the Apostles understood from Jesus was OVERLAPPING generations?

Hmmmmmm?