Comments on: JW’s: Would you like to know The Truth? http://www.willitchangeyou.com/jws-would-you-like-to-know-the-truth/ The Best in Personal Growth Fri, 30 Jul 2010 10:57:17 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 By: Steve http://www.willitchangeyou.com/jws-would-you-like-to-know-the-truth/comment-page-1/#comment-1209 Steve Tue, 06 Jan 2009 03:36:40 +0000 http://www.willitchangeyou.com/?p=1388#comment-1209 Lots of talk about truth & whether there's one or many. I know what I believe, but setting that to one side, it seems silly to say that lots of different views about the same subject can all be true! Here's a challenge. Ask God for the truth when you don't get something. I'm always amazed at the result of this. I can tell you what I believe if you want, but I think in this case it's best to say ask God. One bit of truth - he is reliable, but it takes some open-ness to hear him. Seems to me that this approach can't be accused of pushing a view onto people. If you think God might have said something, ask again, he doesn't mind. If you're still not sure, ask again. You'll get to a point when you know you don't need to ask again about that subject. I guess I'm speaking mainly to people who believe there is a God, but then again, there are atheists who found God after saying, 'if you are there you're going to have to prove it!'. I realise that might even stretch the definition of an atheist, but this is from their accounts not mine! C S Lewis being a famous one. Hope that's not too off the point, I've just seen the time and it's not good! Lots of talk about truth & whether there’s one or many. I know what I believe, but setting that to one side, it seems silly to say that lots of different views about the same subject can all be true!
Here’s a challenge. Ask God for the truth when you don’t get something. I’m always amazed at the result of this. I can tell you what I believe if you want, but I think in this case it’s best to say ask God. One bit of truth – he is reliable, but it takes some open-ness to hear him. Seems to me that this approach can’t be accused of pushing a view onto people. If you think God might have said something, ask again, he doesn’t mind. If you’re still not sure, ask again. You’ll get to a point when you know you don’t need to ask again about that subject. I guess I’m speaking mainly to people who believe there is a God, but then again, there are atheists who found God after saying, ‘if you are there you’re going to have to prove it!’. I realise that might even stretch the definition of an atheist, but this is from their accounts not mine! C S Lewis being a famous one. Hope that’s not too off the point, I’ve just seen the time and it’s not good!

]]> By: KC http://www.willitchangeyou.com/jws-would-you-like-to-know-the-truth/comment-page-1/#comment-851 KC Tue, 25 Nov 2008 09:09:37 +0000 http://www.willitchangeyou.com/?p=1388#comment-851 We certainatley do make mistakes. I feel with JW they are not about forgiveness. which to me makes no sense because Jesus died for our sins, he forgave our many sins, and the JW makes this event every year a big deal, which is great, but why are they making a deal of it if they cannot apply the principle from Jesus and forgive those instead of shunning others and there families. Its cruel. Thank you for your comments Ross. We certainatley do make mistakes.
I feel with JW they are not about forgiveness. which to me makes no sense because Jesus died for our sins, he forgave our many sins, and the JW makes this event every year a big deal, which is great, but why are they making a deal of it if they cannot apply the principle from Jesus and forgive those instead of shunning others and there families. Its cruel.
Thank you for your comments Ross.

]]> By: Ross http://www.willitchangeyou.com/jws-would-you-like-to-know-the-truth/comment-page-1/#comment-848 Ross Tue, 25 Nov 2008 03:15:41 +0000 http://www.willitchangeyou.com/?p=1388#comment-848 Hi KC, thanks for visiting and taking the time to write such a well thought out comment that's obviously from the heart. It's really interesting to hear from someone who has been around JW's closely as you have. Don't be discouraged by other people's opinions - you have every entitlement to question things, and there is no reason to be ostracized by anyone because of this. Which really leads be back to one of my original points, "isn’t there room somewhere for healthy and open discussion about God, life, religion?" I agree completely with your thoughts on the girl who was pressed too far - having worked with people who have been mistreated like this, my thoughts are that people need help, love, support - not grand inquisitions and revisiting of past hurts. God's love is greater. Regarding people believing what they want - it's a really tough area. I'm really into leaving the nit-picking out of it. If someone grows up as an Anglican, how about you see the common ground rather than criticize them for the differences in your religion!? I'm amazed at the bickering and nit picking that goes on. Why set out to prove that your teachings are the ONLY WAY, as JW's seem to be so intent on doing? (and keeping count!) This seems very wrong to me. You also mention people slipping up - that is the nature of people. I do it, you do it, you're fooling yourself if you think you've never slipped up - we are human! People make mistakes! The good news is, there is always forgiveness. We need to be more accepting and forgiving of other people, and ready to forgive ourselves too. Who are we to judge others? Come on... What a "holier than thou" attitide. Thanks again for your thoughts, I hope you don't get dejected spiritually or otherwise - your concerns are valid, maybe it's time to try another church. All the best. Hi KC, thanks for visiting and taking the time to write such a well thought out comment that’s obviously from the heart. It’s really interesting to hear from someone who has been around JW’s closely as you have. Don’t be discouraged by other people’s opinions – you have every entitlement to question things, and there is no reason to be ostracized by anyone because of this. Which really leads be back to one of my original points, “isn’t there room somewhere for healthy and open discussion about God, life, religion?”

I agree completely with your thoughts on the girl who was pressed too far – having worked with people who have been mistreated like this, my thoughts are that people need help, love, support – not grand inquisitions and revisiting of past hurts. God’s love is greater.

Regarding people believing what they want – it’s a really tough area. I’m really into leaving the nit-picking out of it. If someone grows up as an Anglican, how about you see the common ground rather than criticize them for the differences in your religion!? I’m amazed at the bickering and nit picking that goes on. Why set out to prove that your teachings are the ONLY WAY, as JW’s seem to be so intent on doing? (and keeping count!) This seems very wrong to me.

You also mention people slipping up – that is the nature of people. I do it, you do it, you’re fooling yourself if you think you’ve never slipped up – we are human! People make mistakes! The good news is, there is always forgiveness. We need to be more accepting and forgiving of other people, and ready to forgive ourselves too. Who are we to judge others? Come on… What a “holier than thou” attitide.

Thanks again for your thoughts, I hope you don’t get dejected spiritually or otherwise – your concerns are valid, maybe it’s time to try another church. All the best.

]]> By: KC http://www.willitchangeyou.com/jws-would-you-like-to-know-the-truth/comment-page-1/#comment-846 KC Mon, 24 Nov 2008 12:09:36 +0000 http://www.willitchangeyou.com/?p=1388#comment-846 Been amoung JW for 13mnths, love the indepth study of the Bible, and love the caring people JW are, however all this aside I dont understand a few things. I was told we had to work hard in regards to the ministry because Jehovah gave his only begotton son for our sins. But it was a gift, since when do you have to work to pay for a gift given to you. Secondly I know of a young girl whose past was proded by JW's and the affects on this girls mental state was trmendous, now shes wanting to kill herself, and she feels worthless, because the JW family she was with has abandoned her and placed her in the too hard basket. I dont feel thats very godly like, especially when they are trying to be a image of Jehovah. And thirdly I have always believed everyone has a right to believe what they want to, and each should respect there beliefs, but I have always dissaproved of door knocking to preach. I have always believe God put us on earth to be the very best we can be, be honest obedient to our parents, reliable, etc. I feel there are many unaswered questions. I believe people should love one another unconditionally regardless of transgressions. Just because someone slips up and sleeps with a married person, doesnt mean they should be banned from the meetings, and there own familys to shun them for it. I know a very dear lady whom questioned the WT doctrines, been a JW for 50 yrs didnt believe the WT was loving enough, so her and her hubby left and have been out of the JW for 25 yrs, only just learnt her son whom still was a JW had died a week after he died, and he had been having heart probs for a yr, but because of the ru you were not allowed to talk to the disfellowed ones, she missed saying good bye to her son. Thts wrong, no wonder the JW have the reputation for spliting up familes. I am sorry if this offends anyone, but if you sit down and see logic of some of these commentn line from other x JW etc, and theres some JW that wants out because of the abuse the rules have on women and kids etc. Its wrong Been amoung JW for 13mnths, love the indepth study of the Bible, and love the caring people JW are, however all this aside I dont understand a few things. I was told we had to work hard in regards to the ministry because Jehovah gave his only begotton son for our sins. But it was a gift, since when do you have to work to pay for a gift given to you. Secondly I know of a young girl whose past was proded by JW’s and the affects on this girls mental state was trmendous, now shes wanting to kill herself, and she feels worthless, because the JW family she was with has abandoned her and placed her in the too hard basket. I dont feel thats very godly like, especially when they are trying to be a image of Jehovah. And thirdly I have always believed everyone has a right to believe what they want to, and each should respect there beliefs, but I have always dissaproved of door knocking to preach. I have always believe God put us on earth to be the very best we can be, be honest obedient to our parents, reliable, etc. I feel there are many unaswered questions. I believe people should love one another unconditionally regardless of transgressions. Just because someone slips up and sleeps with a married person, doesnt mean they should be banned from the meetings, and there own familys to shun them for it. I know a very dear lady whom questioned the WT doctrines, been a JW for 50 yrs didnt believe the WT was loving enough, so her and her hubby left and have been out of the JW for 25 yrs, only just learnt her son whom still was a JW had died a week after he died, and he had been having heart probs for a yr, but because of the ru you were not allowed to talk to the disfellowed ones, she missed saying good bye to her son. Thts wrong, no wonder the JW have the reputation for spliting up familes. I am sorry if this offends anyone, but if you sit down and see logic of some of these commentn line from other x JW etc, and theres some JW that wants out because of the abuse the rules have on women and kids etc. Its wrong

]]> By: Ross http://www.willitchangeyou.com/jws-would-you-like-to-know-the-truth/comment-page-1/#comment-722 Ross Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:54:33 +0000 http://www.willitchangeyou.com/?p=1388#comment-722 @Pace - it's funny you should mention that... You know how you look back on situations and always have a response you *wish* you came out with at the time? Well I've thought of several along the lines of what you suggest.. "Yes! I love a good trick!" etc... Would have made for an interesting conversation, I'm sure! @Pace – it’s funny you should mention that… You know how you look back on situations and always have a response you *wish* you came out with at the time? Well I’ve thought of several along the lines of what you suggest.. “Yes! I love a good trick!” etc… Would have made for an interesting conversation, I’m sure!

]]> By: Pace http://www.willitchangeyou.com/jws-would-you-like-to-know-the-truth/comment-page-1/#comment-721 Pace Thu, 20 Nov 2008 15:50:11 +0000 http://www.willitchangeyou.com/?p=1388#comment-721 My question is much sillier than everyone else's. If they asked, "Do you like to be fooled or tricked?" and you answered, "YES! Yes, in fact I do. Have you come with some foolery or trickery? I hope so, because that's the sort of thing I really look forward to!" I can't even imagine what their response would be. <abbr><em>Pace’s last blog post..<a href="http://paceandkyeli.com/2008/11/19/mushy-anniversary-post/" rel="nofollow">Mushy anniversary post. (:</a></abbr></em> My question is much sillier than everyone else’s.

If they asked, “Do you like to be fooled or tricked?” and you answered, “YES! Yes, in fact I do. Have you come with some foolery or trickery? I hope so, because that’s the sort of thing I really look forward to!”

I can’t even imagine what their response would be.

Pace’s last blog post..Mushy anniversary post. (:

]]> By: Peter http://www.willitchangeyou.com/jws-would-you-like-to-know-the-truth/comment-page-1/#comment-678 Peter Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:09:25 +0000 http://www.willitchangeyou.com/?p=1388#comment-678 I guess it is because Jehovah's Witnesses want to focus on answers from the Bible, rather than focusing on their organization. I just saw that the text from the leaflet is now online in a lot of languages for those that want to verify what I wrote above: http://www.watchtower.org/languages.htm I guess it is because Jehovah’s Witnesses want to focus on answers from the Bible, rather than focusing on their organization.

I just saw that the text from the leaflet is now online in a lot of languages for those that want to verify what I wrote above:
http://www.watchtower.org/languages.htm

]]> By: Ross http://www.willitchangeyou.com/jws-would-you-like-to-know-the-truth/comment-page-1/#comment-614 Ross Sun, 16 Nov 2008 14:10:31 +0000 http://www.willitchangeyou.com/?p=1388#comment-614 Hi Peter - I no longer have the leaflet to verify your claims - certainly if "Jehovah's Witnesses" was mentioned, you're probably right in saying it was slotted in on the back page - not on the front, not in the title, not in the main text for some reason. All material I've seen from other places at least reference where they're from in an obvious spot (like the title! or the front page!) - Anglican Church... Catholic Church... Seventh Day Adventists - not this one though! Why would an organisation not want their name on the front page? It raises suspicion to hide it, and that's the point I was making. That's my opinion anyway - thanks for commenting. Hi Peter – I no longer have the leaflet to verify your claims – certainly if “Jehovah’s Witnesses” was mentioned, you’re probably right in saying it was slotted in on the back page – not on the front, not in the title, not in the main text for some reason. All material I’ve seen from other places at least reference where they’re from in an obvious spot (like the title! or the front page!) – Anglican Church… Catholic Church… Seventh Day Adventists – not this one though! Why would an organisation not want their name on the front page? It raises suspicion to hide it, and that’s the point I was making. That’s my opinion anyway – thanks for commenting.

]]> By: Peter http://www.willitchangeyou.com/jws-would-you-like-to-know-the-truth/comment-page-1/#comment-610 Peter Sun, 16 Nov 2008 11:54:59 +0000 http://www.willitchangeyou.com/?p=1388#comment-610 Here is the official statement about the leaflet campaign: http://www.jw-media.org/frames/081028.htm Here is the official statement about the leaflet campaign:
http://www.jw-media.org/frames/081028.htm

]]> By: Peter http://www.willitchangeyou.com/jws-would-you-like-to-know-the-truth/comment-page-1/#comment-609 Peter Sun, 16 Nov 2008 11:44:05 +0000 http://www.willitchangeyou.com/?p=1388#comment-609 It is not true that "nowhere on the leaflet does it mention that the material is presented by the Jehovah’s Witnesses". If you read it through, you will se that the last page mentions Jehovah’s Witnesses two times in the text and one time at the form at the bottom of the page - at least it does in the Danish issue I got. A friend showed me a Portuguese edition, and it was the same. At the bottom of the last page there is even a copyright statement of the Watch Tower society. It is not true that “nowhere on the leaflet does it mention that the material is presented by the Jehovah’s Witnesses”. If you read it through, you will se that the last page mentions Jehovah’s Witnesses two times in the text and one time at the form at the bottom of the page – at least it does in the Danish issue I got. A friend showed me a Portuguese edition, and it was the same. At the bottom of the last page there is even a copyright statement of the Watch Tower society.

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