Theseus slays Procrustes
The scripture in 1 Corinthians 1:10 is an important Bible verse. This passage teaches us that we need to be united in our brotherly love and belief in Jesus Christ. Here it is in two different translations:
Now I exhort YOU, brothers, through the name of our Lord Jesus Christ that YOU should all speak in agreement, and that there should not be divisions among YOU, but that YOU may be fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought. (1 Corinthians 1:10 NWT)
Now I entreat you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, to cultivate a spirit of harmony–all of you–and that there be no divisions among you, but rather a perfect union through your having one mind and one judgment. (1 Corinthians 1:10 Weymouth New Testament)
Tags: procrustes, unity
As a person who has suffered from much resentment sense learning The Truth About the Truth (TTATT). I have needed to put tools into place in order to get over it. For me, it hasn’t been easy. I believed with all my heart that I would not grow old in this system and now that is where I find myself. Growing old and unprepared to support my wife and myself through old age. As much as I hate to admit it, I realize that ultimately the blame lies with me. I could have heeded the warnings about those who claim the end is close and warnings about false prophets from Christ but I didn’t. I also ignored the Watchtowers prophetic record especially when people at the door would mention it to me. (See previous article: “A Review of the Society’s Prophetic Record”
Nelson Mandela once said, “Resentment is like drinking poison and then hoping it will kill your enemies.” I find that true in my case except I don’t literally want to kill my enemies. Resentment is actually a poison for me. No matter how much poison I take, it has no effect on my “enemies.” If anything, it only gives them more power over me. I find myself letting them rent space in my head for free. These people are my close family who still are Jehovah’s Witnesses. One family member especially can put me over the edge if I am not careful. My day can be going fine and then a short conversation with them over the phone could have a devastating effect. These resentments are deep and even though I try to suppress them, they can surface without warning and cripple me if I am not prepared. That is why I am trying to understand my resentments and remove them before they destroy me.
What are the effects of resentment? At answers.com I found this article helpful:
I came across a fascinating (but too short!) biography of a brother who used to post on a well known JW forum. He went far in the organization, reached many goals and milestones, but like many of us, realized that things weren’t lining up with the Scriptures. The apostle Paul had this to say about his journey:
I was making greater progress in Ju′da·ism than many of my own age in my race, as I was far more zealous for the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called [me] through his undeserved kindness, thought good 16 to reveal his Son in connection with me, that I might declare the good news about him to the nations, I did not go at once into conference with flesh and blood. 17 Neither did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles previous to me, but I went off into Arabia, and I came back again to Damascus. (Galatians 1:14-17, NWT)
The study Bible notes for verses 13-14 give this comment:
Because of my love for Jehovah’s Witnesses (JW’s), it’s easy for me to maintain a positive tone and show kindness toward them on this blog. Also, I do not promote blogs or websites which slander, show maliciousness, bitterness or have an ax to grind – so to speak – with JW’s or the Watchtower organization. Even so, while keeping things positive and trying to help JW’s, I cannot overlook things which I believe must be addressed, even though it may seem negative to some. I must take an honest and open approach in the articles I write, yet show love and kindness while not watering down or avoiding what may seem to be controversial to a loyal JW. I always prayerfully consider these things before I write on this blog or speak to others about the organization.
(Please note this is a guest article By Mark Martin, posted by Greybeard )
Tags: Apostasy, apostates, Jehovah's Witnesses, watchtower
When meeting the Phelps family, Louis Theroux uncovers disturbing cult-like characteristics
It’s time for part two of my article, in which I am discussing the unnerving similarities between the methods of the Westboro Baptist Church, notorious for its picketing of soldiers’ funerals, and those of Jehovah’s Witnesses, by far a more benevolent organization, although still wielding a disproportionate influence over most of our lives.
I would like to stress once more that the documentaries made by Louis Theroux do not discuss Jehovah’s Witnesses or even mention them at all. All of the views expressed in both of my articles on this subject are merely my own, and do not necessarily represent the views of Louis Theroux or the BBC. Furthermore, I do not personally believe that the public preaching work and message of Jehovah’s Witness is anywhere near as overtly hateful, vulgar and offensive as that of the Westboro Baptist Church.
However, I feel it is important to highlight the similarities between these two organizations, because in doing so it helps us to understand how the Watch Tower Society maintains such a powerful grip on our friends and loved ones. It is also hoped that by drawing attention to these documentaries, which may currently be viewed online via YouTube, they may be used as an effective tool in highlighting cult-like characteristics to indoctrinated family members in an indirect and non-confrontational manner.
Tags: cults, faithful and discreet slave, fred phelps, governing body, Jehovah's Witnesses, louis theroux, most hated family in america, watchtower bible and tract society, westboro baptist church
Louis Theroux's encounters with the Phelps family highlight disturbing parallels with methods of the Watch Tower Society
Those of you who live in America will have been familiar for some time with the Westboro Baptist Church, a radical and hateful denomination that feels it is fulfilling its Christian ministry and following in the footsteps of Christ by holding up offensive signs and picketing funerals, most notably those of fallen soldiers. I recently had occasion to re-watch a BBC documentary by fellow-Brit, Louis Theroux, in which he spends time observing the radical group in an effort to find out why they exhibit such hateful behavior whilst describing themselves as ‘Christians’.
Theroux is a quite brilliant documentary filmmaker who excels in drawing out revealing expressions from people through his quiet and unassuming demeanor – occasionally infuriating his interviewees in the process. He’s the only person I know who can say things like “I find that extremely offensive” or “Is it possible you’ve become even more weird?” without even raising his voice or batting an eyelid.
Theroux visited the Westboro Baptist Church (essentially the extended family of the Church pastor, Fred Phelps) across two documentaries. The first, entitled The Most Hated Family In America was shot in 2006, whereas the second, entitled America’s Most Hated Family In Crisis was shot in 2010. The latter film explored the changes that transpired at the church over the four-year period since the initial filming took place.
Tags: cults, disfellowshipping, fred phelps, hate groups, Jehovah's Witnesses, louis theroux, mentally diseased, shirley phelps, shunning, tolerance, watch tower society, westboro baptist church
There is a prayer often recited by people in various types of recovery programs called the Serenity Prayer. Here the short version:
God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.
I have recited this prayer myself many times but I often fail to grasp the meaning of it. Why? Because at times I still try to change the things I cannot change. I have spent countless hours worrying about my family that are still Jehovah’s Witnesses. Wondering “how can I open their eyes to the truth about the truth”? I believe this is a natural phase we all go through. This has been a very difficult time for me and I have not had much serenity ever since I learned “TTATT”. There is another very popular saying among recovery groups and it is, “Let go, Let God”. That one has always hit me hard because I know it is based on scripture… one of my favorites here at Phiippians 4: 6-7, “Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let YOUR petitions be made known to God; and the peace of God that excels all thought will guard YOUR hearts and YOUR mental powers by means of Christ Jesus.”
These two men would be disfellowshipped for apostasy if they refused to accept modern Witness beliefs
I have received a very kind invitation from JJ to contribute to this wonderful website, and it occurred to me that I would be remiss if I were to neglect making some kind of introduction. I then realised that introductions are considerably difficult, if not impossible, when done so anonymously. Like many who frequent this website, and like JJ himself, I am a free-thinking “inactive” publisher. I live in fear of being unmasked as somebody who disagrees with a significant percentage of the teachings of the organization I grew up in and once loved.
Having grown up in the faith, a significant portion of my family are also Witnesses, and I know that if my true feelings were unveiled, I would be deprived of any meaningful interaction with them for the rest of my life. That is a truly awful thought, and almost inconceivable given that I am a grown man living in a 21st Century western society – and yet such is the grip of the Society’s teachings. For this reason, as much as I would love to give my name, and talk in detail about my family and upbringing etc, I must temper my enthusiasm to do so. I know full well that anything that would identify me could potentially be used against me by the kind of people who think that any who disagree with the Governing Body or its teachings are “mentally diseased”.
Here is what I can say:
Tags: anonymous, cedars, russell, rutherford
A brother sent this to me recently and I felt it was worth thinking about:
Recently, a lot of current and former Jehovah’s Witnesses have increased their calls for reform in the governing body of it’s Watchtower and Tract corporations. Many are unsure where these efforts may be headed. Yet there are intriguing parallels to another incorporated religious body; that to outsiders looks like a sister faith to WT’s beliefs. It’s The Worldwide Church of God, founded by Herbert Armstrong!
What that religious group experienced could possibly be a foretelling of some events to soon overtake the Jehovah’s Witness community. As you read through, note how much this sounds like the WT’s history: Armstrong had been successful in the advertising business and stated: “It was a training such as one could never receive in any university or theological seminary.” His long solitary studies in the scriptures (not the Bible Student’s book) gave him the idea that “legalism” was it’s interpretation. Herbert also read Seventh Day Adventist literature, circulated “The Plain Truth” magazine, ran “The World Tomorrow” TV program, and founded “The Ambassador College.” Years later; Armstrong’s son Garner Ted Armstrong, took over the Church. Where-as his father spoke with the authority of “Elijah”, Garner became known for several accounts of sexual misconduct. The Worldwide Church of God disfellowshipped him, and reformed some of it’s cult like beliefs. Today; religious factions based on his teachings, amount to 90% out of a hundred that were formed. Those dedicated to it’s founder, Herbert W. Armstrong formed about fifty splinter groups at that time. Soon there after; Armstrong’s son organized and lead many of these dedicated groups, now know as the International Church of God. This cultic community was setting on top of the world before the reform; after it, their only at half the congregates. As for those dedicated to the Armstrong’s; the son had to step down twice, and are reduced to cable programs in North America. If you noticed many similarities to the splinter groups of Russell and Rutherford’s day, then no doubt the WT&BTS is in fear of the same! Splits are bad for all parties; but for victims of cultic abuse, it’s a major advent for change. It will create a better church, many of them and allot of confusion for the faithful. They will have more options and be freer. Yet these babbling groups will still be parts of false religion, all be it even more confused then ever!” -AwareBeing
When first made aware of this quote I didn’t really believe it. I didn’t want to believe it! If it wasn’t brought to my attention by a good friend, I wouldn’t even have bothered to look it up in the Watchtower Library. Because I know this person to be a serious Christian I did look it up, still not believing this quote could ever have been printed in a serious religious journal. Guess what, the quote below was copied right out of the Watchtower Library. Do you think this is the kind of thing that an organization directed by Jehovah’s Holy Spirit would print? Hardly! While they are not condoning in print the practice they mentioned, after such a statement, most Christians likely would feel compelled to launch into a condemnation of such a practice! To call it what it is, CHILD ABUSE! No, not the spirit led organization of God. They just take the tone that it’s probably not a good idea because it could cause your children to be masturbators in the future. This is a sick example of the Watchtower going places that they NEVER should go in the pages of their magazine. Is this organization spirit directed, you decide. I have…..
*** w73 9/15 p. 568 Breaking Free of Self-Abuse—Why? How? ***
“Did you know, for example, that mothers and fathers who stroke the genitals of their fretful babies to keep them quiet are unwittingly encouraging them to become masturbators later on? Boys and girls may start to play with their private parts during puberty and, not receiving any counsel against this, the first thing they know they are “hooked” on the habit.”
Tags: Child Abuse
Daniel was a servant of God known for integrity. What is integrity? Definition: The quality of being honest and having strong moral principles; moral uprightness.
Wikipedia says this about integrity: Integrity is a concept of consistency of actions, values, methods, measures, principles, expectations, and outcomes. In ethics, integrity is regarded as the honesty and truthfulness or accuracy of one’s actions. Integrity can be regarded as the opposite of hypocrisy,[1] in that it regards internal consistency as a virtue, and suggests that parties holding apparently conflicting values should account for the discrepancy or alter their beliefs.
Integrity is the opposite of duplicity and hypocrisy.
Tags: integrity
We are bombarded with assertions and “proofs” all day long by the media, at school, through television and radio, books, newspapers, etc. The result is that we tend to take things with a grain of salt until we have had a chance to investigate it for ourselves. A common phrase is “Don’t believe everything you hear!” and it is for good reason that it is often repeated. The Bible at 1 John 4:1-3 tells us to “test the inspired expressions” so we can see if they are God’s words or not. Under inspiration, Job said “Does not the ear itself test out words As the palate tastes food?” (Job 12:11) When we read or study any subject, Biblical or not, this principle comes into play. We have to test it out for ourselves. Is the argument logical and reasonable? Does it align with the rest of the Scriptures in the Bible, or contradict it? Does it rely on human interpretation or theory? Is it easy to grasp or is the presentation very complicated? All these questions help us to “taste” the veracity of the claim, and figure out in our own mind if it is from God. With that in mind, a question and answer essay is presented on the topic of the star mentioned in Matthew chapter 2. This may definitely be a new thought to those of you that have been raised as a Witness. Consciously trying to clear our minds of former influences and prejudice’s is always a good way to keep an open mind. Famous author and poet G.K. Chesterton said:
“Merely having an open mind is nothing. The object of opening the mind, as of opening the mouth, is to shut it again on something solid.”
The reasoning below was not easy for me to accept at first. In fact it still isn’t. But does it have the ring of truth? Only you can answer that. The logic to the scenario below is persuasive:
The Watchtower of 2006, 2/15 “Questions From Readers” article asks this: What three dangers was Jesus warning against at Matthew 5:22?
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ warned his followers: “I say to you that everyone who continues wrathful with his brother will be accountable to the court of justice; but whoever addresses his brother with an unspeakable word of contempt will be accountable to the Supreme Court; whereas whoever says, ‘You despicable fool!’ will be liable to the fiery Gehenna.”—Matthew 5:22.
Jesus used things familiar to the Jews—the court of justice, the Supreme Court, and the fiery Gehenna—to convey to them the increasing severity of the punishments for sins of increasing seriousness.
Tags: apostate, mentally diseased
“Blinded By New Light” – A Response to the “Anti-Apostate” WT article of 9/11/2011, found in the July 15, 2011 study copy of the Watchtower. The following song represents a response to the inflammatory rhetoric and Ad Hominem attacks found in the Watchtower. It saddens us that the friends have been misled and revved up to the point that they are ready to attack and pounce on those of us no longer “Captive to the Concept”.
They may hate us…but we still love them and pray for them, as our Lord Jesus taught us. (Matthew 5:44-47)
The title of this article is “Rabbinical Legalism and Bible Study”, and I’m going to get to that first point momentarily. But let’s take the second part of the title first. I have been studying through Ray’s second book, In Search of Christian Freedom. It is superb, logical, and thought inducing over and over again. But to really understand the content and reasoning I have been looking up many of the references, and with a length of some 700+ pages, it’s taking me some time. That’s a lot to study! But whatever we choose to study though, you’ll agree that balance is needed. If we drench ourselves in an obscure passage of Hebrew Scripture and every footnote and cross-reference available for days, and even weeks, is that balanced if we don’t read or study anything else during that time? Or if we delve into speculative Biblical theory on some far out branch of thinking, is that balanced? Some criticize God himself in their writings, or espouse evolution, higher criticism, etc. These questions are asked in a spirit of humility- not to dogmatically say or imply that the answer is always “No.” to all of these questions. It could even be balanced for one person but not another, depending on their maturity and knowledge of the scriptures.
A very sweet lady in her 60s that is trying to reconnect with Christianity said something to me the other day. She said, “I have a study Bible, a nice one, but I don’t know what to study. Or how to study! I stop and read every reference, every footnote as I go along and don’t feel like I am getting anywhere.” Now this woman went to college, has a degree, and is very intelligent. She just hasn’t been to church since she was a girl. So in some ways, spiritually speaking, she is still a “babe, needing milk and not solid food” (Hebrews 5:13) So “deep study” for her is a lot different than deep study for someone else that is farther along in their Christian walk would be.
But on the subject of balance in our Bible study, consider this: Do we make time to simply read a chapter of the Bible each day and reflect on it? When is the last time we read the Sermon on the Mount? How about a chapter or two from the book of John or one of Paul’s letters? Do we know the 66 bible books in order, and can we name the 12 apostles? How many cherished verses have you committed to memory so that you can use them to encourage yourself and also to perhaps share with someone else when they are in need of some positive spiritual upbuilding? If we neglect these important things, then deep study on speculations or philosophies of others could be worthless or even harmful to us. It could be to any Christian man or woman. Or at the very least could it divert us from the real subject and goal of the Scriptures, that is, our Lord Jesus Christ and his saving grace to us through his ransom? He said: “I am the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6) This point is not meant to make or exercise rules over anyone, just to stimulate thinking, and help us to look into the mirror of God’s word.
Tags: legalism, speculation, study
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