Thinking of conversion - what say ye? - 2005/03/19 06:56Folks
I am thinking of joining JWs after a lengthy period of study and reflection. I have been a lover of jesus and the scripture my whole life and have found the insight provided to me by those JWs that visit me and Watchtower magazine have given me a new and powerful perspective upon God's Word. That said, there is something lingering that prevents me from making a committment. In fine, I just ask WHY I need to join this organization to partake of what is obviously available to all through God's word. I also ask myself what is the purpose for the existence of Watchtower beyond perpetuating itself through evangelism. The JWs I know are fine, good people but no more or less good than many non-JWs I know. I understand that Watchtower sees membership as a pre-requisite to salvation but, despite the obvious strong teaching they provide on many topics, I disagree. Since "you shall be known by your fruits", what is the fruitage that shows Watchtower is the only way. I would appreciate any thoughts or comments on this.
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Phi
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Re:Thinking of conversion - what say ye? - 2005/03/19 07:28Hi thdurand. Welcome!
Well, I am sure you will get several very varied responses to your questions. I was raised as a JW and remained one all my life, until last year when I ceased attending meetings. I have never felt stronger spiritually since leaving. I think you hit the nail on the head when you said:
Thatsaid, there is something lingering that prevents me from making a committment. In fine, I just ask WHY I need to join this organization to partake of what is obviously available to all through God's word.
Why indeed? My answer would be you certainly dont need to join any organization and that salvation is not to be found in association with just one particular Christian organization. A very full spiritual life and relationship with God and His Son is open to those who do not belong to an organization, even more so, IMHO. You may well find good association among Witnesses, but the price you will pay for that is giving up your freedom to think for yourself and to express those thoughts. The WT requires strict obedience to it's teachers and their teachings and will not tolerate 'independent thinking' or freedom of speech regarding belief among its members (that may not be apparent to someone who is simply studying). I found that I could not agree with a great deal of those teachings, nor could I tolerate any longer not speaking openly about what I believed to be the truth.
My opinion and advice would be, take the teachings that you have found valuble from your time of studying with the JW's, and remain as you are. 'Gather together' in free association with loving, faithful, Christians wherever you find them, in whatever setting you choose.
I hope you can prayerfully reach a decision that you feel comfortable with.
Very Much Philia
Phi.
Post edited by: Phi, at: 2005/03/19 08:30
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Phi
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Re:Thinking of conversion - what say ye? - 2005/03/19 07:50PS. My personal reasons for ceasing to attend the meeting were my discovery of the facts about the history of the WT org (which it keeps well hidden), It's secret 10 year alliance with the UN, the myth that the "faithful and discreet slave" (the anointed remnant) is the source of "spiritual food", the faulty interpretation of prophesy and the suppression of Christian freedom. To name but a few. If these issues are unknown to you I'd suggest that investigate them carefully before making your decision.
I'm sorry to be the bearer of such bad tidings, But I felt I ought to be honest.
Philia.
Phi.
Post edited by: Phi, at: 2005/03/19 08:27
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Shaihulud
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Re:Thinking of conversion - what say ye? - 2005/03/19 10:21Hi thdurand and welcome.
I am sure you have enjoyed your studies with Jw's. There is many valuable truths that you have learned. As Phi said there are many things wrong with the organization. I give you some warning about certain websites. Most sites are out to completely destroy the faith of Jw's. This is not one of them. Take what you have learned to heart and any questions you have on any Jw teachings we will be glad to answer. We don't have all the answers either but we try to find them
My advice is to pray hard about your decision and take your time making it. Don't be afraid to ask the people you study with the hard qeustions. Put it on them and make them answer. Now is the time you can get away with asking anything because you are just studying. So ask away and be diligent to pray.
Post edited by: shaihulud, at: 2005/03/19 10:22
Post edited by: shaihulud, at: 2005/03/19 10:22
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polemotheos
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Re:Thinking of conversion - what say ye? - 2005/03/19 11:08thdurand wrote: Folks
I am thinking of joining JWs after a lengthy period of study and reflection. I have been a lover of jesus and the scripture my whole life and have found the insight provided to me by those JWs that visit me and Watchtower magazine have given me a new and powerful perspective upon God's Word. That said, there is something lingering that prevents me from making a committment. In fine, I just ask WHY I need to join this organization to partake of what is obviously available to all through God's word. I also ask myself what is the purpose for the existence of Watchtower beyond perpetuating itself through evangelism. The JWs I know are fine, good people but no more or less good than many non-JWs I know. I understand that Watchtower sees membership as a pre-requisite to salvation but, despite the obvious strong teaching they provide on many topics, I disagree. Since "you shall be known by your fruits", what is the fruitage that shows Watchtower is the only way. I would appreciate any thoughts or comments on this. You seem to qualify for baptism. If you live some where close to sacramento california I would be willing to baptize you if need be. Lots of love and peace to you, MarsYour Peace, Surrender, In You, YHVH Re-connect Co-operative
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Phi
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Posts: 278
Re:Thinking of conversion - what say ye? - 2005/03/20 02:12How refreshingly 1st centuryesque that sounded Mars. (welcome back BTW, you were missed for a bit there)
The JW's would rebaptise someone as a JW, but a one time Christian baptism (one without the JW 'questions') is all the the Bible requires. Perhaps thdurand is already baptised?
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