happy birthdayBirthdays have been on my mind a lot lately. Now that we as awake JWs and former JWs know that birthdays aren’t wrong, we can be free to be more “normal” and just enjoy this benign personal holiday for what it is. One great place I found online that demonstrates the extremes the JWs go to regarding birthdays is www.WatchtowerLetters.com. Go there and then click on “More Info”. This site is a great resource! The whole thing started when this JW man James had doubts about a global flood being scientifically possible, and how he wrote the Watchtower Society on this, but ultimately it was the issue of birthdays that got he and his wife cast out. They had faded from the org, then after not attending for quite some time decided to have a birthday party for their little son.  Of course if you were to check JW.org for information on birthdays you will get a skewed view, talking about how two people had their heads chopped off in the Scriptures. Well James points out on his site that dogs are spoken of negatively 40 times in the Bible, and not once in the positive. Does this mean that it would be unscriptural to keep a dog as a pet? This illustrates the ridiculous reasoning used by the WTO quite well.

DFed for Bday

So some publisher got wind of it and informed on them after seeing it on their Facebook. Guess who didn’t have any interest in them, who hadn’t called on them in eons, but suddenly started calling and showing up at their door?? That’s right- The JW police, the elders! So this lovely couple are DFed for celebrating their child’s birthday party- what a travesty of freedom of worship. Well the good news is there was an outstanding write up in the local newspaper about what happened and it is quite illuminating.

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So anyway, I celebrated my birthday recently, we threw a party, had about 20 friends over, and it was a blast. I actually felt normal. It felt so natural to just do what normal people do. There is no shame in it! It’s healthy in fact, as some psychological studies have actually shown that celebrating your birthday boosts your esteem and mental image.

So onto Christmas, aka Jesus’ birthday…That’s a harder one for us Strugglers. As dissident Witnesses or even former Witnesses this still has the pagan tinge of the bogeyman on it. And I admit that I still have some reservations myself. But the point that I am getting out of enjoying my Christian freedom is that each of us must decide for ourselves is it is something we want to participate in. It shouldn’t be based on the fallacious reasoning given to it by the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society of New York Incorporated, a man-made organization.

And what is pagan anyway according to them?

• Weddings practices like throwing rice? Pagan!

• Birthdays? Pagan! (of course)

• Toasting at a meal? Pagan!

And then Christmas… super double chili dog Pagan! (You’ll get that joke if you ever served at  any New York Bethel branches)

 

But wait:

Wind chimes?                                              A little bit Pagan, but a conscience matter says the WT!

Exchanging rings at your wedding?         A little bit Pagan, but a conscience matter says the WT!

Pinatas?                                                        A little bit Pagan, but a conscience matter says the WT!

 

What did Russell, the WT Society’s first president think about Christmas?  Here is what appeared in the 1904 December issue:

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“Even though Christmas is not the real anniversary of our Lord’s birth, but more properly the annunciation day or the date of his human begetting (Luke 1:28), nevertheless, since the celebration of our Lord’s birth is not a matter of divine appointment or injunction, but merely a tribute of respect to him, it is not necessary for us to quibble particularly about the date. We may as well join with the civilized world in celebrating the grand event on the day which the majority celebrate – “Christmas day.”” Watch Tower Magazine 1904 Dec 1 p.364

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Ultimately we have to decide which chains we want to break, and which ones we want to wear a little bit longer. Just do it based on what you feel, and on what prayer and introspection tell you- not what some grinches in upstate New York have decided!

If you would like to watch my latest YouTube video on this topic, as well as an audio reading from the excellent book “The Story” on the birth of Christ, the link and video are below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hrjkG2nAJL8

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REFERENCES (Some quotations have been condensed for brevity)

 

*** Watchtower 1961 5/15 p. 320 Q.F.R. ***

• We are an engaged couple that expect to get married soon and we would like to know if it would be proper for Witnesses to have one of the popular wedding marches played and to throw rice after the bridal party.—J. B., United States.

If one desires to have music at a wedding, it would seem to be more fitting to have Kingdom songs at a theocratic wedding than one of the popular wedding marches, which have pagan or mythological backgrounds. However, Kingdom music should not be used for dancing.  As for throwing rice, The Encyclopædia Britannica, 1959 edition, Volume 4, page 122, states: “The throwing of rice, a very ancient custom but later than the wheat, is symbolical of the wish that the bridal may be fruitful.” Since this is of pagan origin and, in effect, an invoking of magic, a performing of a rite in the hope of beneficial results, it should be avoided by Christians.

 

*** Watchtower  2007 2/15 p. 30 Q.F.R. ***

• The Bible does not mention toasting, so why do Jehovah’s Witnesses avoid sharing in toasts?

Toasting with a glass of wine is a long-standing and widespread practice. Sometimes those toasting clink their glasses together. The person offering the toast usually requests or wishes someone happiness, good health, a long life, or the like. Others sharing in the toast may voice their agreement or raise their glasses and drink some wine. For many, this seems a harmless custom or social grace, but there are good reasons why Jehovah’s Witnesses do not share in toasting… The 1995 International Handbook on Alcohol and Culture says: “[Toasting] is probably a secular vestige of ancient sacrificial libations in which a sacred liquid was offered to the gods” Many people today who share in toasts may not think that they are requesting response or blessing from some god, but neither can they explain why they lift their wine glasses heavenward. Nevertheless, the fact that they do not think the matter through is no reason for true Christians to feel obliged to imitate their gestures.

 

*** Awake 1990 6/8 p. 23 Hold That Sneeze? ***

“Bless You!” In many lands it is a custom for those standing nearby to say “bless you” to the person who sneezes. Where did such a custom originate? According to the book How Did It Begin? by R. Brasch, some ancients believed that when a man sneezed, he was nearest to death. Brasch adds: “The fear was based on an erroneous but widely held notion. Man’s soul was considered to be the essence of life. The fact that dead men never breathed led to the fallacious deduction that his soul must be breath. . . . It is thus not surprising that from the earliest days people learned to respond to a sneeze with apprehension and the fervent wish to the sneezer that God may help and bless him and preserve his life. Somehow in medieval times this early origin of the custom must have been forgotten because it was Pope Gregory the Great who was credited with having introduced the saying ‘God bless you,’ to anyone who sneezed.”

 

*** Awake 2003 9/22 pp. 22-23 The Piñata—An Ancient Tradition ***

The Aztecs celebrated the birthday of Huitzilopochtli, their god of the sun and war, by placing a clay pot on a pole in his temple at the end of the year. The pot was adorned with colorful feathers and filled with tiny treasures. It was then broken with a stick, and the treasures that spilled out became an offering to the god’s image. The Maya also played a game in which blindfolded participants hit a clay pot suspended by a string…for many people in Mexico, the piñata has lost its religious significance and is considered by most to be just harmless fun. In fact, piñatas are used in Mexico on many festive occasions, not just for birthdays.  When considering whether to include a piñata at a social gathering, Christians should be sensitive to the consciences of others. (1 Corinthians 10:31-33) A main concern is, not what the practice meant hundreds of years ago, but how it is viewed today in your area. Understandably, opinions may vary from one place to another. Hence, it is wise to avoid turning such matters into big issues. (1 Corinthians 10:24.)

 

*** Awake 2004 7/8 p. 30 From Our Readers ***

Piñatas  I read with interest the article “The Piñata—An Ancient Tradition.” (September 22, 2003) It left me with some questions. The ties to false religion are well-documented. But the article seemed to take the position that as long as it doesn’t bother someone’s conscience, it is OK. What about birthdays and holidays such as Christmas?  -S. W., United States

“Awake!” responds: Christians refrain from any celebrations or customs that continue to involve false religious beliefs or activities that violate Bible principles. For example, the Bible definitely puts birthday celebrations in a bad light. (Genesis 40:20; Matthew 14:6-10) However, if it is very obvious that a custom has no current false religious significance and involves no violation of Bible principles, each Christian must make a personal decision as to whether he will follow such a custom.

 

Watch Tower Magazine 1904 Dec 1 p.364

Even though Christmas is not the real anniversary of our Lord’s birth, but more properly the annunciation day or the date of his human begetting (Luke 1:28), nevertheless, since the celebration of our Lord’s birth is not a matter of divine appointment or injunction, but merely a tribute of respect to him, it is not necessary for us to quibble particularly about the date. We may as well join with the civilized world in celebrating the grand event on the day which the majority celebrate – “Christmas day.”

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50 Comments on My Birthday, Jesus’ Birthday, and What’s Really Pagan

  1. Tom says:

    Yeah, I enjoy my birthdays now, just like when I was a kid, before I learned it was “wrong” (at least THEY said it was).

    btw the links on that site, watchtowerletters.com include one with a guy who claims Jesus was a fabrication and never existed and has a ton of links to support his assertions. But I found his “evidence” lacking in honesty and integrity. Just thought you might want to know that.

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    • JJ says:

      Thanks Tom. The information on WatchtowerLetters is what I wanted to point out in my article, as it fit really well.

      Other links from that site, especially that one, would not be endorsed by me!

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  2. Londo says:

    Happy Birthday, Brother!

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  3. that quiet girl says:

    Happy Birthday! Funny, I just recently celebrated mine too, on November 30th. It felt amazing to have someone sing the song to me and actually use MY name! Brought me to tears. I’m glad you enjoyed yours too.

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  4. C M aka "Fidel" says:

    Happy bday Eric and may Jah bless you with many more i too last month celebrated my bday with my new friends we went out of town and had a great time and i felt normal n my self esteem went up so much i posted the pics on fb and for those well wishers i commented on every one of their postings to thank them and i am actually wishing the elders would call me into the room in the back i am now awake i am now free. Thank you all of you brothers helping us strugglers…..yoir brother and friend “fidel”

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  5. danielB says:

    Very good article JJ . This is a reasoning that especially gets me :

    “Piñatas I read with interest the article “The Piñata—An Ancient Tradition.” (September 22, 2003) It left me with some questions. The ties to false religion are well-documented. But the article seemed to take the position that as long as it doesn’t bother someone’s conscience, it is OK. What about birthdays and holidays such as Christmas? -S. W., United States”

    “Awake!” responds: “Christians refrain from any celebrations or customs that continue to involve false religious beliefs or activities that violate Bible principles. For example, the Bible definitely puts birthday celebrations in a bad light. (Genesis 40:20; Matthew 14:6-10) However, if it is very obvious that a custom has no current false religious significance and involves no violation of Bible principles, each Christian must make a personal decision as to whether he will follow such a custom.”

    Actually the Bible NOWHERE puts the celebrating of a birthday in a bad light , and as you refer , no more than having a Labrador Retriever or even a Pit Bull ! An objective view of so many statements the WTS is an awakening call to how full of it they are !

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  6. man oh man says:

    Great article! Awesome video! Really enjoyed your Bible reading. Thanks for continuing to let your light shine.

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  7. whateverhappenedtome says:

    this is very timely, celebrations has been playing inside my mind lately too…

    especially this Christmas..and then birthdays. and my jw friend who recently got married.
    i want to be honest…the stigma is so strong inside of me. i still can’t see why it is okay to celebrate these holidays. even if i’ve awakened to the TATT, i dont think i’d be comfortable with celebrating them myself..but i no longer consider others doing it committing sins, i just think it is an individual choice to make as dictated by his conscience. besides how can i miss something i never had?
    but i do agree with the points made by JJ, very logical and it shows how the publications have some inconsistencies, that to me it seems like they just pick and choose as they please and impose it on others.good WT references!

    there is also one bible account that comes to mind. The story of Job. It seems like his sons and daughters were celebrating birthdays when they were struck by satan to death…it seems like they regularly do such celebrations that after each, Job would offer burnt offerings if in case they sinned against God. What are your thoughts? if such celebrations were purely normal, why would Job feel guilty about it?

    obviously, my mind is still divided on this subject. Like my experience this weekend. My childhood friend got married, to an unbaptized person who is currently studying with the jws. as expected no one from the cong. attended their wedding (except me) because even though he is already decided to be a jw and has been studying for a couple of years, since he is not baptized yet, still he is not considered a believer. so anyway, i did go(but without letting anyone know) with a mind thinking that the two are simply just doing the right thing, to get married once and for all, without any immorality involved (as they claim and as i believe of them). so at the wedding reception, were all non-jws, mostly Catholics so any jw can just expect a lot of pagan activities took place. The couple has no control what their guests would do. There was a toast, throwing of bride’s bouquet,pinning of money(bills only) on the newly wed’s clothing as they dance in front of the crowd for goodluck, and guests giving speeches with superstitious flavor.
    to be honest, i felt a pinch inside and was somewhat feeling frustrated for being part of the whole gathering.of course i still wanted to go bcause it’s my bestfriend’s wedding plus i’m now an awakened person so i thought i would feel fine after having attended a civil wedding for the first time. now i want to clear my mind from all of it and ignore that little feelings of guilt.

    here i go again. confused and not sure about what’s right and wrong..it’s very exhausting you know. i even feel like a foolm because the unbaptized groom is now somewhat confused because he doesn’t understand why i can go, and the others can’t, even the couple handling bible study with him, makes me feel a bad influence to them, a violator of the org’s directives.
    i even feel like going back to the meetings and see one more sign to tell me if i should support the org or continue to be a fader…

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    • JJ says:

      whateverhappenedtome

      I couldn’t agree with Andrew more- it’s up to our own conscience to decide based on our reading of the scriptures.

      But if I may say, I feel that perhaps a lot of the discomfort you are experiencing is the WT’s superimposed “conscience” of what they say is right and wrong.

      This is part of the mind control that they exert over attenders at the KH. This is why fading and ceasing attendance helps so much, and as time goes by their false reasoning fades from your mind.

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      • whateverhappenedtome says:

        hi JJ,

        its really difficult, getting rid of wt-trained conscience and replace it with a real bible-trained one… how i wish i will reach to a point where i make choices and decisions based on my scriptural understanding with the help of the holy spirit..and not because of the stigma placed on things by men who pick and choose and impose obedience in exchange of family relationships.

        earlier i was told that i am spiritually sick because i am doubting the holy spirit because i am doubting the gb..so how can your questioning the gb equate to doubting the holy spirit and God?… its waking me up even more….

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        • JJ says:

          The accusation that you are “spiritually sick” is really just code for the judmentalism and close-mindedness of the JW group culture. If a person does not talk like them, using Jehovah over and over and over, or does not believe everything that the WT says they are immediately suspect.

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  8. andrew says:

    Hi whateverhappenedtome,
    It’s normal at first to be torn up inside about deciding what we should do or not. As a JW it’s pretty easy, you just do and believe what the Society tells you to do and believe. When you wake up you realize it’s not just a matter of mindlessly following what the Watchtower says.

    If you feel uncomfortable celebrating birthdays or Christmas I would recommend that you don’t do it. Later you may feel differently or you may not. God does not ruthlessly look at our lives looking for little things so that he may condemn us. He reads hearts. The Watchtower has impressed upon our mind the thought that our Father is a God that demands “pure worship” and is ready and willing to condemn us for anything. We need to abandon that concept of God.

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  9. Freethinkerinjah says:

    Great article JJ,
    The point I got from the article and all the points is excercizing our personal discernment in regards to conscience matters. I was thinking of christ’s example in this, when Christ did nothing of his own initive, but relied on his father for direction and discernment. Also Christ tried to point humans to relying on his heavenly father.
    2 Tim 2:7 Give constant thought to what I am saying, the Lord will really give you discernment in all things.
    Phil 1:9 and this is what I continue praying that your love may abound yet more and more with accurate knowledge and full discernment.
    There are tons of scriptures about discernment listed in the WT’s own comprehensive Concordance, and no where do I get the Idea to rely on Elders, GB or any religious organization for our excercizing personal discernment in matters of conscience . We cannot rely soley on Jehovah and have discernment, if we don’t cut the “apron strings” to mommy.
    So, personally for me , in prayer, I allow Jehovah to give me the discernment I need in regards to things such as birthdays etc, and I don’t judge others in regards their traditions, and I have no problem with quietly respecting others in this regard. Also I have the freedom to decide what I will or will not do, not because some man-based organization tries to exercise their own conscience over me.
    And yes it took awhile to be clear of the dictates of others, and now I do things in the service of Love not law.
    Happy birthday!

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  10. BeenMislead says:

    Having some be a conscience matter, and others like birthdays, be a disfellowshiping offense is not right and not logical!!
    It is just more examples of their (the GBs) Pharisaical rules.

    What Scripture and/or Bible principle indicates that someone should be disfellowshiped for celebrating birthdays?

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  11. danielB says:

    When I was a child , I really enjoyed having a good Christmas-time at home with my family . This was long before I became a “Jehovah Witness” ; (On behalf of “Jehovah’s Witnesses” I mean to say , one of Jehovah’s Witnesses , but I know they are disturbed if I say “a Jehovah Witness”, so I hope to get attention from this from them) .

    Now though , I am a witness of Yehoweh , and a witness of Yeshua . And this is why I will give honor to Yehoweh’s Son Yeshua this season , and I will have some celebration of the Son of God’s birth here on Earth , come December 25th . He was born in the fall season , it seems sure , after the sheep were brought into folds , perhaps in early October . But this is the time of the year when the mass populace thinks more of the birth of Jesus . And so I will give gifts and promote love , and speak to friends and aquaintances about my big brother Yeshua (Jesus) .

    Should I be excommunicated from God’s true congregation of saints for this ? Well that’s up to you , my brothers and sisters in Christ . . .

    Would I be disfellowshipped from a congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses for celebrating the birth of our big brother Jesus if I were a member of their organization ? Most definitely I would .

    And why ? It is because of the Jehovah Witness doctrine of ‘FORBIDDEN BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS that are steeped in PAGANDOM’ !

    Somehow , along the way in JW history , they got off-track and began super-imposing upon the consciences of their brotherhood , so that birthdays became illegal .

    Birthdays are not a major concern on my calendar each year . But as Brother Andrew suggested , “God does not ruthlessly look at our lives looking for little things so that he may condemn us.”

    How true brother . . . how true .

    ( I put a sign out in my front yard on Main Street in Canyonville each year that says : “JESUS . . . Celebrate his birth” ) . . as a remembrance of this gift from God .

    How many of Jehovah’s Witnesses have the balls to treat Christmas in such a way ? Or how many of Jehovah’s Witnesses would give special honor to the Son in late-September / early October ? I think none of them at all .

    Your brother in Christ .

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  12. danielB says:

    . . . And when Nican 14 comes around this coming year , how many of Yehoweh’s witnesses will celebrate the death and resurrection of our Master Yeshua ? . . . Will so many just “observe” ? Or will many more step forward and partake of the sacrements / “emblems” that identify them as brothers and sisters in Christ this springtime ? I hope that the words we are speaking here on “the struggle” bring many more forward this coming memorial season , because we must have courage to be counted with Christ . . .

    On every occasion , give glory to God in Christ .

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  13. Penelope says:

    Witnesses also like to point out that they do not observe birthday celebrations because early christians did not, but that’s another faulty line of reasoning. To my knowledge, first century christians did not celebrate wedding anniversaries or baby showers either (what is a baby shower?? A birthday celebrated in advance!!); yet JW’s feel that these celebrations are perfectly okay.

    I’d also like to mention that, according to the scriptures, the “origin” or background of a particular observance, practice or object is not necessarily the deciding factor as to whether it’s permissible or not. The apostle Paul made this perfectly clear at 1Corinthians 8:4-13; 10:18-33. Here he tells the congregation that it is okay to eat meat sacrified to idols (sold in the meat market) unless it’s “disclosed” that the animal has been used in a pagan ritual. And even then abstaining would only be necessary if eating results in improper worship and/or spiritual issues for gentiles with weak consciences (1Corinthians 8:7-9; 10:25-33). In fact, Paul states that it’s never an object in itself that offends God, it’s the USE of it in improper worship that incites him to jealously (1 Corinthians 10:19,20).

    So rather than the origin/background of a particular observance, practice or object, what’s critical is HOW we observe it, what we choose to use it for (in the case of an object), and whether or not our choices have a negative impact on the consciences of others in connection to their spirituality and/or acceptible worship of God. Hence, there is nothing wrong with celebrating a birthday (why, the angels celebrated the birth of Christ!), eating birthday cake, wearing wedding rings (it is widely believed they are of pagan origin), enjoying wind chimes, exchanging valentines day cards, clinking glasses, performing yoga exercises, etc. so long as these things do not involve worship/religious observance (which would include spiritistic practices) AND so long as the conscience of another person is not affected negatively with regard to their spirituality and/or proper worship of God.

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    • Chris says:

      Well reasoned comments Penelope,
      But I can’t help but think/feel that,if we use the example of the Jews in Babylon,then the degree of contamination of the spirit occurs when we celebrate things that are dripping with Pagan practices. Our conscience is not always a perfect guide is it. It can be distorted by false reasoning and our own hearts. Perhaps if Christmas was a simple respectful occasion on a date closer to the assumed time of Jesus birth then I would feel better about it. The fact is that Christmas is a sickly expression of consumption,excess and materialism. It has no relevance to Jesus birth and his personality as we have come to know it. How could we be party to these things?
      I what way do acknowledging Santa Claus, Christmas trees, Angels or most of the other aspects of this celebration have ANYTHING to do with Christians? Have we become so bold that,in recognizing the corruption of the WTS, we adopt an anything goes attitude as long as our consciences aren’t offended.
      As with many religious dictates down thru the ‘Christian’ age, just because the WTS says its wrong doesn’t mean that it is automatically right. Surely Christmas is one of those things where our discernment has to be applied? This is the very thing that Paul had to contend against with the expansion of the early congregation into Gentile lands. Was his inspired reasoning wrong?
      Wake up brothers and sisters!

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  14. danielB says:

    Exactly , Penelope .

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  15. Freethinkerinjah says:

    Spot on article!

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  16. Ruth says:

    “Is it really faulty reasoning when Jesus said we are to be NO part of this world then?
    Did angels sing to the shepherds outside of Bethlehem?
    Perhaps, but the Bible doesn’t specifically say that the angels sang or celebrated the birth of Christ. It says that first an angel appeared and spoke, and then appeared “a multitude of the heavenly host praising God” (Luke 2:13).
    So who was held in high esteem here! It was Almighty God.

    To try and get around the seriousness of pagan celebrations mixed in with Christianity comparing it to eating is not what Paul was getting at.

    1 Corth 10: 21 says We cannot partake of the table of demons and the table of the living God.
    What part of being No part of the world do we not understand here. Being clean and undefiled do we not understand here.
    For new ones coming to Christ from this pagan world with weak consciences shouldn’t we be sensitive and gracious not thinking of ourselves but others coming before us.
    “Even if it means we could do everything with a clean conscience but considering others and offending them would have to be our great importance.

    SO called Christianity has brought in a new word called legalism. If one sees the seriousness of being no part of the world they are frowned upon as Over reacting. ————————————–
    A FEW QUIDE LINES.
    True worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.! YES! YES, YES. John 4

    Would it help my witness to Yeshua 1 Corth 9:9-22.
    Am l motivated by desire to help others know Yeshua.
    Is what i am saying the best course of action 1 Corthians 10:23_33
    Am l thinking about myself or others.1Corth 10:24
    Am l acting in love or selfishness 1Corth10:28-31
    Do my actions glorify God. 1Corth 10-31
    will l cause someone to fall! We one need to cause only one to sin. 1Corth10-32
    Sis Ruth.

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  17. Freethinkerinjah says:

    I appreciate the sound scriptural reasonings again Ruth. thank you.

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  18. Ruth says:

    No lm the one who should say thank you . l love what you say. “Many are the ones that Shine with goodness and kindness. Chris l enjoy your thoughts as well.

    “Yeshua is now more to us than we ever realised he could be. lm sure you would agree Freethinkerinjah!
    He extends his hand as a true loving Shephard would. “When he sees one of his sheep in trouble he is not far away.
    John 14:27 says
    Remain in me and l will remain in you. A branch cannot bare fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain on the vine. he goes on to say that we who stay in the vine he will make us produce more fruit.

    Also, its funny how the Watchtower say if we leave them we are no longer lovers of YHWY? If only they could see our hearts and hear our prayers. See how hungry we are to get so close to him.

    No more barriers! No more exhaustion! The wall has been broken down. No longer can any man made church or organisation take away the “Kingdom of God from our hearts.
    l love the scripture where Yeshua says to us. John 14:27 “Peace l leave with you. My peace l give unto you. Not as the world giveth. “Let not your heart be troubled nor be afraid.

    He says he chose us! and ordained us. How wonderful is that. No man has done that! No man can take our Fathers love from us. “We are now hand in hand with tue love”
    sis csaba

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  19. Freethinkerinjah says:

    “also, it’s funny how the watchtower say if we leave them we are no longer lovers of YHWH”
    Wow, Ruth that basically was the loaded gun held to my heart as a threat so many times, that used to be my worst nightmare! Jehovah must have known how a fear-based thought like that would affect me in such a hurtful way, so keeping with the saying, you draw near what you fear, I was put in that situation to leave the organization out of conscious reasons, and I was told that I don’t have a relationship with Jehovah, I was turning my back on Jehovah and basically I was bird food, and I almost belived that and was ready to throw in the towel. But Jehovah proved those Elders wrong, and saved me from a false teaching. Yes, I am free also of all fear, and after dying to my attachment to the GB, I gained a spritiual relationship with Jah and Christ and got a life. I want to tell everybody, ditch the golden calf idol and get the real deal!
    Thank you Ruth, for another great share. You are on a roll girl! Jah bless!

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  20. danielB says:

    We come into servitude to that which we fear . Our fear belongs to our Maker .

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  21. man oh man says:

    (1 Corinthians 10:31) 31 Therefore, whether YOU are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory. . .

    Paul shows that his counsel applies in other parts of life….

    When it comes to which table we are partaking we should consider and ask ourselves who is setting that table. Christmas is not commanded but that does not exclude it from everyone’s conscience. To each his own. Each person must decide for himself. Some persons may have no knowledge at all about what is pagan and what is not. Some do and their choices should be respected.

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  22. Ruth says:

    “Is it really faulty reasoning when Yeshua said we are to be NO part of this world then?
    Or is it serioiusly a good thought? Being obedient. “Many are called but only few will be chosen.
    Should we be man pleases? Worried about what our peers may think?
    Well lets reason this out and make up your own mind. After all, the Father gives you a free will to choose.
    ——————–

    Sometimes tradition is acceptable and perhaps even pleasing in the sight of Yahweh. But other times it is not acceptable and can even be hated by Him.

    The issue of traditions transgressing the commandment of Yahweh was a key teaching of Yeshua the Messiah:

    Matt 15:1 Then the scribes and Pharisees who were from Jerusalem came to Yeshua saying, 2 “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.”

    I hear people ask me this, “Why do you not celebrate Christmas (transgress the traditions of our elders)?” Nowhere in the pages of scripture do we find a command to keep the celebration of Christmas. Nowhere in the pages of scripture do we find an example of any disciple keeping Christmas. It was never celebrated by believers in Messiah until sometime after 300AD. The reality is, the only time Christmas is even mentioned in the pages of scripture is to declare how wrong it is to practice something like this.

    So likewise, my answer to this kind of question would be:

    Matt 15:3 – He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of Elohim because of your tradition?

    He didn’t like the traditions of the Scribes and Pharisees because they transgressed Yahweh’s clear commandments. As I will share, Christmas is also transgressing the commandment of Yahweh in favor of tradition. But first, notice that He goes on to say:

    Matt 15:7 – “Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 8 `These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with [their] lips, But their heart is far from Me. 9 And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ ”

    So a tradition can honor him with the lips, but actually be a vain thing that displeases Him. Christmas is honoring with the lips but it is actually one of many vain traditions that have become a doctrine and commandment of men.

    It is a tradition of men because there is no verse in the bible that tells us that we are to celebrate the birth nor the resurrection of Yeshua the Messiah—let alone in a way that imitates paganism and idolatry!

    So yes, I do believe we must question these traditions that have been handed down to this generation even though few dare to. Many Christians speak against the Catholic traditions of Lent, Ash Wednesday, etc. but fail to recognize that the same types of pagan elements exist in the celebration of Christmas and Easter. So how did the Christmas observance get its start?

    Origin of Christmas

    The following is a quote from the 2000 Encyclopædia Britannica, Volume 11 ; page 390.

    “During the later periods of Roman history, sun worship gained in importance and ultimately led to what has been called a ‘solar monotheism.’ Nearly all the gods of the period were possessed of Solar qualities, and both Christ and Mithra acquired the traits of solar deities. The feast of Sol and Victus (open unconquered Sun) on December 25th was celebrated with great joy, and eventually this date was taken over by the Christians as Christmas, the birthday of Christ.”
    Notice how it says “both Christ and Mithra acquired the traits of solar deities?” Pardon me, but do any alarm bells go off here?

    The Christians were apparently trying to get more converts so they tried to make the Messiah more like the idols found in sun worship—all under the guise of making Him more attractive to pagans.

    They even brought various elements of the December 25th “feast of the unconquered sun” into their worship by saying that December 25th was actually the Messiah’s birthday, which was simply not true. This is the origin of Christmas and this is why we have various pagan-rooted traditions accompanying this holiday.

    When it comes to things like this, the real question for me is “who converted who?” Do we imitate the world to bring the world to the Messiah? Absolutely not. You don’t win the world by imitating the world; you win the world by imitating Yahushua the Messiah!

    It seems to me that true believers should be teaching the unbelievers the true way of Yahweh rather than the unbelievers teaching believers these pagan customs and practices. But these Christians not only learned these heathen ways, they also incorporated them into their worship.

    When Paul was writing to the Ephesians, a group of believers who were surrounded by idol worship, he said:

    Ephesians 5:11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.

    So we shouldn’t be trying to copy idolatrous feasts. Rather, we should be exposing them for the fraud and lie that they are. Creating a new lie by saying the the Messiah was born on Dec. 25th, the birthday of various sun gods, is preposterous. One of the last things our Savior would ever want is to “acquire the traits of solar deities.”

    So when was His birthday? We can learn by studying the timing of the priestly course of Zacharias (Luke 1:5), John the Baptist’s father, and adding six months to that time period (Luke 1:24-26). This would place Yeshua the Messiah’s birth in either the spring or fall. The scriptures do not supply us with an exact date of birth, but it certainly was not in the winter.

    We know the date of His death (on Passover). Scripture does tell us the time of many other important events in biblical history such as the founding of the temple (first day of the biblical year), the timing of the Exodus from Egypt (also on Passover), the date that the flood began and many other events. But the date of the Messiah’s birth? Scripture is silent.

    To me this speaks volumes. Even though Yeshua could look into the future and know that there would be billions of people who wanted to celebrate His birthday, He never told us when it was. If He wanted us to celebrate His birthday, He surely would have told us when it was.

    I realize that today, Christmas is a very popular holiday. However, as is often the case, what is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular. We can’t follow the masses if the masses are wrong. We should have no fellowship with those things, rather we should reprove them.

    Christmas means ‘mass for Christ,’ but the name of the holiday is much newer than the holiday itself. The customs associated with Christmas, in one form or another, have been celebrated for literally thousands of years. ‘Christmas’ is just a new name for an old holiday.

    So there is no doubt that the customs that are associated with Christmas, as well as the idea of a deity being born on December 25th are of pagan origin. One need only look to an encyclopedia or even many local newspapers in the 12th month of the year to find this truth so I don’t need to spend much time establishing that. The real issue is whether or not we should walk in these customs.

    You may wonder what is so bad about it. You may say, “Oh but what about the children? They would feel left out if I didn’t celebrate Christmas.” But what should we be teaching our children? Truth or lies? Conformity to the world when the world is wrong or a rejection of worldly things that are rooted in idolatry?

    The truth is that the Messiah was not born on December 25th. December 25th is the birthday of numerous pagan idols. Why would we want to put the holy Son of Yahweh in with them? He is holy, which means “set apart.” He is not like them at all! And He doesn’t want to be associated with them or the customs of those who worship them.

    In fact, the pagan customs associated with Christmas are clearly condemned in the scriptures. Here is one of them:

    Jeremiah 10:1-4 – Hear the word which Yahweh speaks to you, O house of Israel. 2 Thus says Yahweh: “Do not learn the way of the Gentiles; Do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, For the Gentiles are dismayed at them. 3 For the customs of the peoples are futile; For one cuts a tree from the forest, The work of the hands of the workman, with the ax. 4 They decorate it with silver and gold; They fasten it with nails and hammers so that it will not topple.

    First of all, Yahweh is telling us in this verse “Do not learn the way of the Gentiles” Don’t even learn it, let alone practice it and incorporate it into the worship of Yahweh! After all, shouldn’t the roots of our worship be in the scriptures, rather than paganism?
    Secondly, it says that the Gentiles were dismayed at the signs of heaven. History tells us that when the sun began to go further away from the earth and the days grew shorter in the winter, the sun worshipping Gentiles were “dismayed”, and feared that the sun would not return. So they held certain festivals just after the time of the Winter Solstice when it did begin to return. This return of the sun is why December 25th is the birthday of so many solar deities/gods.

    One of the customs the pagans had was to decorate a tree that they had cut down and fasten it so that would not topple. The evergreen tree seemed to not be bothered by the winter so it would have been a logical choice. We see this same copycat custom existing even today–called the Christmas tree.

    Yahweh tells us not to learn the way of the heathen. And here He even goes so far as describe a custom that is a way of the heathen. Since He tells us that this is a heathen custom and He clearly condemned the practice of it, shouldn’t we avoid it? How can we delight in something that He despises? The placing of gifts under the tree is much like the heathen who offered various gifts to their idols, and then kneeling before the tree to receive them back again.

    Think about it though—if this had never been done before, have you ever wondered why in the world someone would do something as strange as cut down a tree and put it in their house and then decorate it with all different types of ornaments? Not only is it odd, it is a custom that is clearly condemned in the scriptures. We don’t need a prophet to come and tell us today that this custom is wrong. Jeremiah said so a long time ago!

    This is one of many other such customs, including the gift giving. Why on earth would we give each other gifts when it’s supposed to be the Messiah’s birthday? It isn’t our birthday, is it?

    All of this has led to ridiculous commercialism, with various “Black Friday”sales in corporate America. But “Black Friday” sales are only a smokescreen. It may be the day when corporate America goes in the black, but most other Americans end up going in the red.

    Because of this, credit card companies will get even richer and the poor man even poorer. All to buy gifts for people on a birthday that is neither theirs or the Messiah’s.

    Santa Claus

    All over the world, Santa Claus is God to the children of the world (move the n to the end of Santa). Others say ‘Father Christmas’.

    Parents purposely and deliberately lie to their children and tell them that they should fear Santa Claus because “he knows if you’ve been bad or good”. These same parents also lie to their children about the Easter Bunny and Tooth Fairy. Then they wonder why their children become liars and don’t believe the Messiah is real later on in life.

    This is clearly a total abomination to Yahweh. You don’t have to look very far in the word of Yahweh to find out how much he loathes idolatry and lies. Yahweh is the only true Mighty One!

    Our children look to us and believe every word we say. Don’t they deserve the truth? How abominable it is for a believer to teach their children to fear Santa Claus and in so doing creep an idol into the conscience of a child!

    Lies, lies everything is lies

    The very foundation of the Christmas holiday is a lie. The Messiah was not born December 25th. He did not ask us to celebrate his birthday. He did not say to set up a tree in our house and decorate it and our houses with anything. Santa Claus does not exist. He doesn’t have reindeer that fly and he isn’t going to come down anyone’s chimney on December 25th and leave any gifts. Everything is a lie. Is Yahweh the originator of this holiday? Or is it the father of lies? Yahushua condemned the leaders of that generation for teaching lies:

    John 8:44 – “You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.

    If satan is the father of lies, and this observance of Christmas is marked with all kinds of lies, who is the author of this ‘holiday?’ It seems to me that with all the lies and the pagan roots, satan’s fingerprints are all over this observance.

    It’s high time that we forsake these lies and abide in the truth! Let’s forsake this foolish practice of yoking the Messiah (who said “I am the TRUTH”) together with lies, for He has nothing to do with lies.

    Revelation 22:14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. 5 But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.

    If we want to practice a lie, we need only celebrate Christmas and we will be doing just that. But if we want to abide in the truth, we will avoid all lies.

    The book of Revelation also predicts a future time when those who hate Yahweh rejoice at the death of His two witnesses, for they will make merry and have a gift exchange:

    Revelation 11:9 And they of the people and kindreds and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three days and an half, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves.10 And those who dwell on the earth will rejoice over them, make merry, and send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwell on the earth.

    Sound familiar? I don’t know for sure, but it sounds a lot like one day the two witnesses will die and the whole world will rejoice that they can keep Christmas again. I think it’s time we make sure we are on the side of truth and righteousness.

    Mixed worship condemned in scripture

    Not only is it wrong to practice these lying traditions, it is also a sin to take these traditions of pagans and try apply them to the worship of Yahweh. Proof of this is in how Yahweh dealt with the children of Israel when they were about to enter into the promised land:

    Deut 12:29 – “When Yahweh your Elohim cuts off from before you the nations which you go to dispossess, and you displace them and dwell in their land,
    30 “take heed to yourself that you are not ensnared to follow them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire after their gods, saying, `How did these nations serve their gods? I also will do likewise.’

    Notice that it doesn’t say, “Let us serve their elohim (gods)” but “HOW did these nations serve their elohim/gods”

    31 “You shall not worship Yahweh your Elohim in that way; for every abomination to Yahweh which He hates they have done to their gods; for they burn even their sons and daughters in the fire to their gods. 32 “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it.

    “You shall not worship Yahweh your Elohim in that way.” Do not worship Yahweh in that way, the way of the heathen! Don’t take heathen customs and try to honor Him with it. He is not honored by them. Do not add to His commandments and do not take away from His commandments.
    Both Christmas and Easter take pagan festivals and traditions and apply them to the worship of Yahweh. This is clearly condemned here.

    Think about it, would it be right to take a Satanic holiday that Satanists have invented and then incorporate that holiday along with its customs into the worship of Yahweh? Surely not. We need to realize that all paganism is Satanism. Satan is the one behind all pagan worship. And whatever god the idolaters worship, they are actually worshipping Satan.

    1 Corinthians 10:20 – Rather, that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to demons and not to Elohim, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons.

    Now consider this next verse:

    1Cor 10:21 – You cannot drink the cup of Yahweh and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of Yahweh’s table and of the table of demons.

    We cannot mix the profane with the holy, and we cannot mix lies with truth, and we cannot mix the table of Yahweh with the table of demons. We must choose one, or the other.

    Which table will you choose?
    This is from a jewish christian.

    csaba

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    • Dear Ruth, I really appreciate the effort you put into clearly setting forth the Bible’s view of Christmas on Dec 23, 2012. At the close you properly stressed the need for Christians to be no part of that observance, saying

      “Think about it, would it be right to take a Satanic holiday
      that Satanists have invented and then incorporate that holiday
      along with its customs into the worship of Yahweh? Surely not.
      We need to realize that all paganism is Satanism. Satan is the
      one behind all pagan worship. And whatever god the idolaters
      worship, they are actually worshipping Satan. [As] 1 Corin-
      thians 10:20 [shows] ‘the things which the Gentiles sacrifice
      they sacrifice to demons and not to Elohim, and I do not want
      you to have fellowship with demons.’

      Now consider this next verse: 1Cor 10:21 –
      ‘You cannot drink the cup of Yahweh and the cup of demons; you
      cannot partake of Yahweh’s table and of the table of demons.’

      We cannot mix the profane with the holy, and we cannot mix
      lies with truth, and we cannot mix the table of Yahweh with
      the table of demons. We must choose one, or the other.

      Which table will you choose? This is from a jewish christian.”

      Well said, Sister Ruth! I wish you lived nearby so we could readily share findings in the Scriptures about what Christians should believe (verbally–I’m an aged non-typist). If you wish, I’ll email you three subjects I sent the Wt to consider (years ago–they never even acknowledged them). I think they are encourageing to serious Bible students. Let me know at dpcookski@gmail.com …… dudley

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    • Buddhagan says:

      “We need to realize that all paganism is Satanism. Satan is the one behind all pagan worship.”

      Untrue. Pagans do not believe in the Christian devil known as Satan. Satanism is the black sheep of Christianity. Paganism has been around longer than either Judaism or Christianity. If anything, *our* holidays have been taken and changed for the benefit of the majority religions.

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  23. man oh man says:

    For another mans opinion I enjoyed this article: http://www.orlutheran.com/html/chrmas_pagan1.html

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    • Chris says:

      I read that other mans opinion. What a complete load of whimsical nonsense. The man is clearly deluded if he thinks what he promotes as evidence has any credible framework at all. Why is everyone suddenly an apologist for christmas. We condemn the WTS for using misleading statistics and quotes and yet we pander to these experts who are just as badly deceived in Satan’s own twisted way.
      Or have we forgotten about him as well?
      Whats next- that Satan is just a poor misunderstood angel who deserves our christian love and compassion?
      Wake Up Brothers and Sisters

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      • man oh man says:

        Wouldn’t we have to go back in time and see for ourselves the truth about all of this pagan stuff? We can’t and it seems that no proof for either side exist. Mostly opinions. Your welcome to yours!

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      • Hello Brother Chris,
        I really appreciate your comment of Dec 24:
        “Why is everyone suddenly an apologist for christmas…Whats
        next- that Satan is just a poor misunderstood angel who
        deserves our christian love and compassion?
        Wake Up Brothers and Sisters” [!!]
        I think our ex-JW brothers and sisters should not think their oft-mentioned ‘freedom from the Wt’s tyranny’ as equivalent to being ‘free’ from the teachings of God’s word. Even the “freedom of the children of God” (Ro 8:21 NWT) does not include that, we learn from what happened when “sons of God” reached out for such freedom in Noah’s day! (Genesis 6:2; Jude 1:6)

        Although it seems counter intuitive, God given freedom depends upon SUBMISSION to the word of God. Only by accepting God’s truth do we escape from error (John 8:31-32)and it’s author, Satan (John 8:44). There is no ‘freedom’ from God’s truth, even for God (Hebrews 6:18). — dudley (1/30/13)

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  24. Freethinkerinjah says:

    There is a saying I learned in AA and Alanon, progress not perfection, and more shall be revealed.
    One does not have to know all to come into Jehovah’s love, but continuing to Ask Jehovah for understanding the truth in regards to traditions etc, will in time be revealed. It is differant for each person and Jehovah knows how to accomplish this with each individual in his due time. It’s called Devine time, not man’s time.
    The most important thing is love and and service for spirit not ego. Also we can encourage others and support them in the learning of truth, But Jehovah will guide each ones heart in refining the truth in each individual. Everyone has their own higher power. And real trust In God, can be shown in trusting , Jehovah will complete each ones training as Jehovah sees fit. This is so , that each one of us only have to work on ourselves, and by living by example , we become the living wittness.

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  25. Freethinkerinjah says:

    Yes, I agree Daniel , fear does lead to servitude. It is a formable prison, which induced me to fear everything, and drown out the love that Jehovah had for me. I feel fear of the negative type is satan’s favorite tool, because “fear” creates slavery.
    That’s why I appreciate this site, because of so many shares, it is breaking down the walls of fear. The truth about the truth sets many free, including me. Take care, your sis in the truth, freethinkerinjah

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  26. whateverhappenedtome says:

    hi everyone sis and bros..
    i find it kinda weird because since yesterday this song Oh holy night keeps playing in my head…and during the day i was humming it, sometimes unconsciously and then id snap myself realizing its a xmas song….so on my way home, i went through the lyrics in my mind..and then looked up the entire wordings online..then i realize how beautiful the words are! and then i think to myself..regardless of the fact that the song is played during xmas, the lyrics just simply describe the birth of jesus and all that..so its not all that bad. if u just sing it and not think about the false date dec.25, just a mere reminder that a child was born as also stated in matthew…if i sing it some other time of the year, would it be so bad? i think now, it wouldn’t be….i love music, even singing at the KH with those songs gives me joy…and there are also other non denominational christian songs which lyrics imreally appreciate..but u see, we are somewhat trained to be allergic with others’ religious songs, even if the wordings are plainly based on the bible or bible story…

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  27. FutureMan says:

    Hi all, it has been a while since I have posted on this site.

    May I share with you how God may feel about our celebrations here on earth?

    We can really get to know God, through using Jesus as the template as he was created or generated in the expressed image of God as a Creator Son of his and even in his human form he showed the true attributes of God, the Father.

    When Jesus came down to earth incarnated as a man, he did not go about criticizing the various traditions and celebrations that were the norm of those times.

    Yes he did have something to say about how some were using certain traditions to control their fellow brothers especially the Pharisees.

    Now from my perspective the Jewish nation as a rule did not celebrate their own birthdays, but observed various days of observances such as the Passover, the Sabbath day etc.

    The same went for the Jewish Christians since they were not in the habit of celebrating Birthdays as a Jew and they would not have done this as a Christian.

    However the gentile Christians, Greeks, Romans, etc those who were not proselyte Jews most likely would have since this was not forbidden specifically and even the apostle Paul stated that these ones should not be judged if they observed these observances and I would assume as long it was not specifically an observance to a pagan God and such.

    Now when it comes to the Christmas celebration, well let us say that it is suppose to be celebrating the birth of Christ albeit being on the wrong day as someone commented previously, Jesus birth was more likely before October sometime. From one source I read, it could have being towards the end of August 7 B.C.

    No harm in celebrating the birth of Christ in the normal sense, however a few pagan traditions have been added to it that makes some dismiss it as being proper for Christians to observe and the fact that it is observed at the end of the Roman celebration for (Saturnalia) after the 23rd and “The renewal of light and the coming of the new year was celebrated in the later Roman Empire at the Dies Natalis of Sol Invictus, the “Birthday of the Unconquerable Sun,” on December 25.
    The popularity of Saturnalia continued into the 3rd and 4th centuries AD, and as the Roman Empire came under Christian rule, some of its customs may have influenced the seasonal celebrations surrounding Christmas and the New Year.” (quoted) from Wikipedia.

    But in any-case many sincere Christians think that they are observing the birth of God’s Son and they should not be condemned because of this as most of them are unsure or ignorant of the fact that this was not the day that Jesus was born.

    However what is most important is how they pay heed to Jesus teachings of the Kingdom and observe his sayings.

    The most notable being love for God the Father and our fellow man, particularly those who are related to us in the same faith.

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  28. Penelope says:

    i didn’t have a chance to read all of Ruth’s posts,but what I did read smacked of pharisaicalness.

    job was a man who was blameless and upright in god’s eyes and yet the scriptures tell us that his seven sons held banquets “at the house of each on his own day; and they sent and invited their sisters to eat and drink with them.” (job 1:4) it is obvious from the account that these “banquets” were some kind of celebration – the WTO says definitely not birthdays, but that’s not the point. job and his family observed an annual tradition that was clearly not sanctioned by God (keep in mind that job lived during the time when Moses recieved the Law at Mt. Sinai). So then, is it wrong to observe an annual tradition, custom, celebration, etc. today just because the early Christians did not or because the scriptures do not specifically tell us to? and do we automatically become part of the world rather than “no part of the world” (John 17:16) by doing so? God’s word says NO.

    ruth’s statement regarding the angels and jesus birth begs the question: if christ had not been born on that night, would the angels still
    have appeared to the shepherds in the fields at that time? of course not…”the angel said to them: ‘have no fear, for, look! I am declaring to YOU good news of a great joy that all the people will have, because there was born to YOU today a Savior, who is Christ the Lord…'” Clearly, the angels were rejoicing, celebrating the birth of the Lord. this being the case, is it reasonable to draw the conclusion that we displease our heavenly Father when we choose to commemorate the special day that our children were brought into this world??

    and with regard to the comments on 1corinthians 10:21, it is important to read it in context, not through the dark lenses of the Watchtower society! Paul says that an idol is “nothing” and food offered to idols is “nothing” (1Corin. 8:4, 8; 10:19, 20, 28,29). so it’s clear that he was discussing the actual “act” of sacrificing, contrasting a sacrifice to God and a sacrifice to idols (which he equated to a sacrifice to demons). this was a very important matter back then because many gentiles were former idol worshippers who had been accustomed to pagan rituals that involved animal sacrifices. Paul didnt want them to think that Christians also engaged in these practices or acts, and so he gave a lot of counsel regarding the weak consciences of these individuals, as they could easily draw wrong conclusions if they happened to see a Christian eating meat that they (a gentile) knew had been part of a pagan ritual.

    now I am in no way an advocate of “anything goes” and in fact, I choose not to celebrate Xmas, Easter, or halloween for my own reasons. nevertheless, i have noticed a lot of scripture twisting here in order to uphold the WT society’s faulty views with regard to certain traditions and holidays. let’s stop being JW Pharisees and remind ourselves of what is most important to our God: the heart. love covers over a multitude of sins (1peter 4:8) not the giving of the tenth of the mint and the dill (Luke 11:40-42).

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  29. Ruth says:

    Penelope

    Guess you never read the end of my post.

    Here goes. Quote Ruth. Which table will you choose?
    This is from a jewish christian. “Read this at the very end”

    Quote: Ruth wrote this part.
    “Is it really faulty reasoning when Yeshua said we are to be NO part of this world then?
    Or is it serioiusly a good thought? Being obedient. “Many are called but only few will be chosen.
    Should we be man pleases? Worried about what our peers may think?
    Well lets reason this out and make up your own mind. After all, the Father gives you a free will to choose.

    Say what you like Penelope! l stand by what l put up. “Even though mind you, a Jewish man who has come to Christ wrote it. “You said”
    it is important to read it in context, not through the dark lenses of the Watchtower society!
    Sorry this man would not have a clue about the W/Tower society. In actual fact he makes quite a lot
    of sence.

    Quote you once again.
    didn’t have a chance to read all of Ruth’s posts,but what I did read smacked of pharisaicalness.

    Thats your opinion. l have been called many things. But never that one. Thanks for being so encouraging though.
    Ruth

    R

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  30. Unchained says:

    My personal opinion that most holidays / celebrations are over commercialised…and there are many things we do today that were done by pagans anyway…
    While Jesus said the truth will set you free, the WTBS has continued to enslave millions with manmade pharisaic rules and legalism.
    I don’t believe anyone or any organisation should have any right to impose their conscience on others…and imposing harsh unchristian punishment for those who disagree.
    each one wlll render an account of himself as an individual before God.

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  31. Reader says:

    Maybe the WT have overstated pagan origins of some customs and practices of this world.
    Reason on Revelation 18 v 4 ignore and the penalty is v 6,7.
    Or have they understated it?
    http://www.yahweh-immanuel.inf.....20her.html
    Serve a Christian life and throw it away on simple disobedience!
    B

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  32. Reader says:

    Sorry last one was a bit short; I should explain more.

    The needed research for my website project has taken several years looking into, pagan faiths and customs. Mainly the archeology and traditions still hanging on; baptized into the church!

    [which is partly but misleadingly true, in that, occult connections were removed but not the full rite structure.]

    For all the faults of WT they are near spot on about Babylon. Not every intrusion can be proved, so a little over cautious approach is wisest.

    Candles at a birthday party so innocent? The pagan use of fire is quite common; where there is a symbol reversal with Jehovah’s symbol. Fire is the route to salvation in many pagan systems and may root into the flaming sword which blocked the way to the “tree of life”. Jehovah’s salvation symbol = water.

    Lets toast the occasion, its not the drink its the cup! Probably used as an exchange emblem for the fruit the Mother goddess Eve gave Adam. Remember the waving of a cup is in essence a ‘wave offering’.

    So the tradition bereft of memories of ‘pagan why’ is practiced because “its traditional”. Pagan faiths did sacrifice their infant children so a birthday with offering could be something to celebrate?

    Much more on my website or in Hislop’s Two Babylon’s

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    • JJ says:

      Reader I respect your studies and your Christian conscience. Thank you for sharing your faith and reasoning on what is or isn’t pagan on the blog.

      I would ask this question to clarify:

      Are you in full agreement then with the Watchtower theology on nearly all celebrations and holidays being “bad” and therefore unsuitable for true Christians? If the answer is yes, then in what way are you any different from them, that condemn billions to die at Armageddon as unbelievers?

      If you are not in full agreement with the WT, then would you agree that it is a conscience matter as Paul said:

      “Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.” (New International Version)

      Also how do you explain this verse:

      Roman 14:5 One [man] judges one day as above another; another [man] judges one day as others; let each one be convinced in his own mind.

      Allowing people to decide for themselves what is or is not “pagan” or unacceptable to God is a core value that we as free Christians cherish. Those that want to start making lists of rules are the ones that kill God’s Grace and the sacrifice his Son made for our sins.

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  33. Reader says:

    Dear JJ;
    fair points;
    “Are you in full agreement then with the Watchtower theology”…
    Oh so…many times I have wished, but from around 16yrs [60+ now] that has regrettably not been the case. I remember when at a London assembly; 1975 was announced and I thought what a stupid thing to say! [I should have said irresponsible but I was younger then.]

    “on nearly all celebrations and holidays being “bad”
    As I ceased about 15yrs ago perhaps near what you now call “faded”, I am not actually up to date on what they say. I attend once a year as per J’s command. The break was the saddest time of my life excepting for the direct lie of one Elder.
    But I see no reason to tear down things which are not wrong or confuse the congregation.
    My Dad who remained fully in till he died , had always taught me to see the good in all people and to recognize the many shades of grey betwixt good and bad.

    Conscience matters, we that is; all Christendom have had the work of Hislop for 150yrs for definition of Babylonian[ish]
    Although I understood Hislop the Babylon book made little sense except where it more clearly copied Hislop.

    Bible study and prayer have not been changed by my life direction. I publish on the web; how to CALCULATE the 666, not just say it means this, the 1335 days or years well I found the ships of Kittim and have been able to web publish “Daniel Eleven Hyperlinked”, for readers to work from. [1914 has problems]

    I was baptized with the pre-WT oath, I walked out and therefore continue as best I can to witness, the Internet providing a means.

    I think this;
    Many obsess about rapture others of a new world, not enough attention is paid to Revelation 18 a believer can loose all by not getting out & its nastyx2. Get past the fall of Babylon and then lets sort out some of the finer details. All claiming in Christ should obey this.

    If you put “Daniel Eleven Hyperlinked” into Google you should get the article, more solid that the Adventist 1914

    So if any wish the pleasantries of old pagan relict rites, think carefully on it.

    I did not escape WT I walked out for reasons, as they say in the World “don’t’ throw the baby out with the bathwater”, some who escape will want all sorts of freedoms.

    Jehovah gives Laws and directions, I will dispute WT they are men as we, but not Jehovah’s words.

    B

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  34. JJ says:

    Brother Reader

    Thank you for your wisdom and experience you have seen more than many of us.

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  35. jimmyG says:

    Notice this question and answer in the Australian Royal Commission between Angus Stewart (lawyer) and Geoffrey Jackson (GB member):

    “Q (Stewart): So, for example, if they [a Jehovah’s Witness] had become inactive or sought to fade without formally disassociating, and the elders came to visit and found them celebrating Christmas or a birthday, they would be found to be in transgression of the rules, would they not?

    A (Jackson): That is not my understanding. But again, as I said, it is not my field, that goes into policy with regard to those type of things, but from my personal experience, that’s not the case.”

    Looking at the example in this post and others many of us are aware of where JWs have been disfellowshipped for having ‘pagan’ celebrations, Jackson is just outright lying here.
    A number of times during his testimony Jackson used expressions such as “it’s not my field” or similar. Here is a man, one of only 7 in the whole world, who claim as a group that they act as God’s spokesman on earth, who make and enforce religious doctrine and policies on 8 million people, expects us to believe that certain matters are ‘not his field’!
    Such egregious equivocation on his part appears to me to be his ‘get out of jail free’ card. If he is ever questioned on the testimony he gave, he will say something like ‘I did qualify my statement that it’s not my field of expertise and so I was expressing an opinion based on my own practical experience’.

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  36. frank says:

    Well spotted, Jimmy.There’s a psalm somewhere that says, ‘with those who hide who they are I will not come in.’

    I was listening to the bullying tones of Anondude’s trial-by-fire. How different the tones when ‘righteousness’ is being debated with cold logic by those who are better researchers than those under examination! The logic-holes in Jackson’s GB eisegesis one can drive a lorry through.

    The idea that ‘true’ Christians must be RELATIVELY subject to Caesar is an interpretive add-on (Romans 13). There was no reason not to reveal the full extent of WT child-‘protection’ policy. Firstly, because they boast of its superiority to Satan’s world and secondly, as they admit – it is not ‘perfect’ (what a silly word in this case – the policy is seriously and dangerously lacking in anything other than ancient-world-thinking).

    Thanks for keeping the home-fires burning, Jimmy G. Keep commenting. Most interesting revelations!

    Frank

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