Srecko Sostar

Personally, I believe that what Serena stands for in her social projects is truly worthwhile. One of the video I've put out shows that she is socially active in many areas of American community life.
She stands for high school education and university higher education. Includes self in health programs. In charitable actions. She is UNICEF ambassador. Have Philanthropic projects. Helping on Community violence. She is Partnership with Equal Justice Initiative. One have said: "She's talking when others are being quite." She started Annual charity run. She is Ambassador for the Allstate Foundation, a purple plus project for domestic abuse victims.

Basically, first please take look at the links for Serena, and then read the controversial WT articles that actually say how Serena is "meddling in the things of this world". 2. Tim 2: 4 - 4 "No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civil affairs but tries to please his commanding officer."

Not want talking about her motives, because we must look first at person in positive way without prejudice. So, Serena is fine role model in helping people, all people, not only to people of "her flock". :))

It is to long with copy/paste WT articles, but some people wants to see black on white.

1) „What is the theme of the message of Jehovah’s Witnesses? When Jesus gave his preaching commission, he did not instruct his followers to preach social or political reforms, union of Church and State, or any other secular ideology. Instead, he foretold: “This good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations.” (Matthew 24:14) Thus, in obedience to Jesus’ instructions, true Christians today continue to speak to their neighbors about God’s Kingdom—the only government capable of bringing an end to Satan’s wicked system and ushering in a righteous new world.“  - source: https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2012324#h=10

TRUE Christians today do not participate in politics. Why not? Because they follow Jesus’ example. He said about himself: “I am no part of the world.” Regarding his followers, he stated: “You are no part of the world.” (John 15:19; 17:14) Consider some reasons why Christians should not become involved in politics.

2) 1. Human ability is limited. The Bible states that humans have neither the ability nor the right to govern themselves. “It does not belong to man who is walking,” wrote the prophet Jeremiah, “even to direct his step.”—Jeremiah 10:23.

Just as humans were not created to fly successfully on their own strength, so they were not created to rule successfully by themselves. Speaking about the limits of government, historian David Fromkin noted: “Governments are composed of human beings; therefore they are fallible and their prospects are uncertain. They exercise a certain power, but only a limited one.” (The Question of Government) No wonder the Bible warns us not to put our trust in man!—Psalm 146:3. source: https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2012323#h=1

3) We do not lobby, vote in political elections, run for government office, or try to change governments. …Otherwise, how could we have a clean conscience when we preach the good news that only God’s Kingdom can solve mankind’s problems?  source: https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2016288#h=36

4) Reformers are found in almost every society, where they encourage change in an orderly, constitutional manner. Generally, they are not anarchists or revolutionaries, since most reformers stay within the law and refrain from violence. A few reformers occupy influential positions in society and take the initiative in introducing change. Others lobby and prod those in power into taking some action.

Reformers try to get society to rethink its approach on issues. They do not just protest; they have ideas about how to improve things. To draw attention to their concerns, reformers may petition the public, demonstrate in the streets, or seek publicity in the media. Among the worst things that can happen to a reformer is for society to ignore him…..There can be no doubt that Jesus had the ability to bring about reform. As a perfect man, he could have blazed a trail with sweeping changes and innovations. Yet, Christ did not initiate a campaign to rid the world of corrupt officials or dishonest businessmen. He did not lead street protests against injustice, although he himself was to become the innocent victim of an outrageous miscarriage of justice….What Christ had in mind was, not a simple reform, but a complete change in the way mankind’s affairs are governed. This change will be put into effect by the heavenly Kingdom introduced by the Creator of mankind, Jehovah God, and administered by Jesus Christ as King. source: https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/102004202#h=28

 

5) Special appendix on domestic violence with brand new "instructions"

^17 Admittedly, there have been instances where an “unbelieving husband” seems to prove that he is not “agreeable to staying with her.” He might be extremely physically abusive, even to the point that she feels that her health or life is in danger. He might refuse to support her and the family or severely endanger her spirituality. In such cases, some Christians have personally decided that, despite what he might say, the mate is not “agreeable to staying” together and that a separation is necessary. But other Christians in comparably difficult situations have not; they have endured and tried to work at improving matters. Why?

^18 In such a separation, the two are still marriage mates. If they lived apart, each one would face challenges, as mentioned earlier. The apostle Paul gave another reason for staying united. He wrote: “The unbelieving husband is sanctified in relation to his wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified in relation to the brother; otherwise, your children would be unclean, but now they are holy.” (1 Cor. 7:14) Many loyal Christians have remained with an unbelieving mate under very trying circumstances. They can testify that doing so was worthwhile in a special sense when their mate became a true worshipper.—Read 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Pet. 3:1, 2. source: https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/watchtower-study-december-2018/honor-what-god-has-yoked-together/

What would Serena say about this? Here are 2 links.

 

 

https://www.allstatenewsroom.com/news/allstate-foundation-purple-purse-and-serena-williams-launch-national-street-art-campaign-to-make-domestic-violence-and-financial-abuse-visible/

On 8/30/2018 at 4:07 PM, TrueTomHarley said:

Serena says: ‘We’re Jehovah’s Witnesses, so we don’t do that.’

‘Olympia doesn’t celebrate birthdays,’ Serena revealed during the US Open. ‘We’re Jehovah’s Witnesses, so we don’t do that.’ - http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-6107057/This-Serena-Williams-not-celebrate-daughters-1st-birthday.html

I would not go to comment on other details you offer in your post or in MailOnline article what Serena said. That would be vast of time. :)))

But for giving reasons on our acts and choices because of religion affiliation that person have, I can say how "instruction" that was given to me and some others JW brothers who faced with "neutrality issue" aka refuse to accept military service in ex Yugoslavia was this: Brother Miloš Knežević, first elder of Betel in Yugoslavia (Belgrade 1980, before and after this year) told me NOT to tell that i refuse service because i am JW. But because of my "bible trained conscience that tell me do this"!

It looks strange to me, even then (i was 19), to defend my position in this way. But that was not to defend myself but JW YU Betel and JW religion in YU, in other word WT. 

It is funny to hear how Serena said, "my 1 year old daughter not celebrating birthday", but that is the way how mother teaching her children ... and those around them :)))

13 hours ago, JW Insider said:

The article makes it sound as if we should be disappointed that we don't live in a "theocratic" nation

13 hours ago, JW Insider said:

accusing Jehovah’s Witnesses of being a dangerous cult.

It not surprised me that people came to such conclusion about some JW practice and doctrines..

12 hours ago, JW Insider said:

The exJW, if they want to live a Christian life, will still wish to honor their mother and father

Last year i meet my mother on street, first time after my living JW. I said, "Hello mom" . Mom turn her face and she passed by me.

Also my brothers, siblings did the same. 

About what "honor" we talking about? :))

3 hours ago, JW Insider said:

What if a woman who had been disfellowshiped were to attend a congregational meeting

..... this say ...if she are not going to attend cong. meeting then  outcome, solution will be....???  call roadside assistance!

3 hours ago, JW Insider said:

worldly person would instantly make the association that these people do not have love among themselves, a mark of true disciples. What if the worldly person had influence in the community?

Image! External form! And what would other (who had influence) do about!

This kinds of reasons are not fascinating at all. Not to me.

11 hours ago, James Thomas Rook Jr. said:

on and off, with the "light switch"

Yes, this is so obviously on week meetings when DFD coming in congregation for some time. Silently sitting in the back, last line of chairs. Almost no one give him/her a look. And then in some particular day all is the same before meeting. Some half hour later , announcement made from stage and all was so happy, big applause, smiles, hugs.... Who is normal  and who is not normal in this situation?? Smile on request! Switch off! Switch on! And life goes on .....beautiful, virtuous New World!

21 hours ago, Grey Reformer said:

please provide this overwhelming evidence you seem to have, that the Watchtower is not spirit directed

Please, first of all, for my understanding of your position on issue, give me definition what in fact means "to be spirit directed"???

1) How single person is spirit directed?

2) How  group of people is spirit directed?

3) How (in this case Watchtower inc.) Company is spirit directed?

On 8/29/2018 at 6:41 PM, JW Insider said:

what was that about?

not know personally

even when I know someone personally

everyone online is a liar

open with that assumption

sometimes I have my doubts about you

.... or similar quotes, no matter who said it, it is in general use, and not originated by Mr TTH.

Yes, we are living in such atmosphere of human interactions where  suspicion, mistrust, and the possibility of being deceived is the reality of every society on Earth. This is/was present in every particle of time to this day.  

What do you think? Did Jesus  have similar/same thoughts and feelings about 12, and even Judas till the his final betrayal, in that short period of "privately knowing each other"?  And what Jesus decided to make it, to do about it? What are His (public or private or tacit) comments about them? Bible is very, very short about that. Wonder why? Perhaps He was so above  of commenting other this way? Oh, how i I want to be like him! But always miss the goal, intent. Some good thoughts from books of E.M Remarque comes to my mind now.  

It doesn't matter what name some of us put in such context. 

But to continue to be "moron" for some of my readers, this time i will put my signature on letter (as Paul has his) 

hehehe:))))) 

2 Thessalonians 3:17 New International Version (NIV)

17 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand, which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.

3 hours ago, James Thomas Rook Jr. said:

Boeing 767 takes a GB member to a European Assembly in Business Class seating at about $11,000 a ticket.

Do not be so strict about him/them. The man has to get rested and fresh to bring out his speech before an audience. haha

On 6/23/2018 at 9:04 AM, Jesus.defender said:

Were these Ex-Jw's in fact disfellowshipped for truth and knew things that the governing body did not?

No, they had not been dfd for knowing the truth. They had  been DFD for not obeying WT leaders and their explanation what is the truth. "1914 generation" and "generation"  WT explanations versions  from then until today are questionable, and by that to be called "truth" is not recommended. By that DFD members, who had been in disagree with past, old  explanation/s, and  had "advanced explanation" that was later WT put in legal use, are not in benefit in no way.       

7 hours ago, Witness said:

Wt’s version of Revelation is based on a physical battle, which if it were to occur, would be a Satanic diversion of the true spiritual battle that we are warned of throughout the Greek scriptures.

interesting thought!

14 hours ago, Anna said:

Yes, of course, but you seemed certain. In any case, I think your question was related to wondering why some didn't survive Armageddon and others did. Actually to be precise, the scenes are showing the great tribulation which precedes Armageddon. If anyone dies at Armageddon it's because they have been executed by Jesus. But there is possibility that some faithful Christians may die during the great tribulation at the hands of God's enemies.

The end of the basement video was inconclusive on purpose I guess. Some friends suggested that the soldiers didn't "see" the brothers. Others thought that an angel of Jehovah stepped in. In any case, the depiction of paradise showed other characters from preceding videos (which also appeared in the 2018 video), so I don't think seeing those who were in the basement necessarily meant they had died and were resurrected, it could have meant they survived....

yes Anna, as i said all is about "artistic freedom of expression" and about "perceive/observation/sense of spectator" :))

14 hours ago, Anna said:

Luke 21:27

²⁵ “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. ²⁶ People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. ²⁷ At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. ²⁸ When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”

14 hours ago, Anna said:

So although the people in the video were literally seeing Jesus, it won't be literal in reality, because although Jesus is mighty, he cannot be in several places at the same time. So it was their eyes of faith that saw their deliverance coming.  I hope it answers your question.

From verses in Luke, those who will see Jesus in the clouds are named by noun "people". And people that are described in Luke are people who "will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world". Well this is something different then you explained and applied this on symbolic sight of people who have faith in deliverance (as JW group in video showed faith). I think that this two can not be in harmony. Maybe you would like to find some other verses for video or find some other explanation on Luke 21:27.  

Other problem is what sort of "sight" (see) we can talk about - literally, allegorical  or some other intellectual perception and understanding on circumstances in the World. Verse said that people will "see" Him. Because "signs" of all kind ,about Luke was talking, are visible in all accepts of human perception, we can say how "signs" are literal, material, emotional, in connection with body and soul of all people and by that visible, people can "see" it/that. In that way Luke are not spoke in allegorical way. In that way context of Luke chapter 21 are very literal.   

20 hours ago, Anna said:

All spiritual battles must manifest themselves in a physical way eventually.

I can agree whit this. For example; my spiritual battle/s which intensified in the period between 2013 and 2015  have experienced their literal, physical, material finals in a way that I literally came out of the organization. 

Few connections with some of JW who are glad to see me and have some conversation and with few of you on this Forum while we are exchanging comments are the remnants of that past connection.

20 hours ago, Anna said:

For our present day Luke 21:27 is quite applicable: "And then they will see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. But as these things start to occur, stand up straight and lift up your heads, because your deliverance is getting near.” 

Please remind me WHO will see Jesus in the cloud? And HOW they will see Him in the cloud?

23 hours ago, Anna said:

Why do you say that?

I get that impression. In basement video and paradise video i noticed some same faces. I do not know what was intention of film maker, and do not know what their "artistic freedom of expression" want to tell to audience. But suppose that one of intention is that public and every person in public or every who will looking to video, connect some dots and fulfill some space that came while and after somebody watched the video. So, my perception said me that after brutal intrusion of soldiers happened something terrible. Or you think that nothing bad happened to this JW group?  Next video in serial was paradise video. And i saw few actors from  previous video. That gave me perspective how those persons died of violent death in old system and been resurrected in NW.

Just my freedom on how i am experienced the scenes of the film. 

47 minutes ago, Anna said:

And those people didn't look afraid at all,

Yes, you are absolutely right. I went to see video clip ones again. People faces are not showing fear. I noticed that this little JW group assembled in the field because they obviously received some "instruction" to go there and wait. They were been warned in advance what they can expect and what would be the outcome. Because that they are calm, not panic at all. This scene support WT articles about receiving "instructions" that must be obeyed in Armageddon.     

So, yes, their faces not showing fear as in compare to JW group in basement video from 2016, they show fear to some level. And when male part of group stand before women to protect them, looks like bros are ready to fight against black man uniforms.

NOW:

Group in basement 2016 video was obviously died and resurrected in New World. So, does this mean that this (military) attack on JW people was happened before Armageddon?? No, i don't see that from video. It is Armageddon scene.

Because - This year group was also attacked from same kind of (military) people but not died at all. They were saved, by Christ action. 

Question is:  How is possible that one JW  group died in Armageddon and in the same time other JW group is saved from same "enemy" in same global collapse called Armageddon ? 

....according to secular Law he is guilty, no doubt. South Korea need changes by means of democratic voting for new laws. And voting will be done by "worldly" people not JW. Here is the catch No. 22.  Perhaps JW preaching service need to contain message in which "worldly" people will be motivated to vote for legal changes on behalf JW need for "civilian" service. 

another one:

"Based on Bible passages and the model of early Christianity, the Witnesses believe that Christians should abstain from war because they have no right to take human life." - article quote. 

abstain from war  looks so familiar with Bible verse "abstain from blood". And what WT  done with "abstaining"? They fractioned blood and said, "now you can use blood in this elements and forms".   So, JW people have not to abstain from blood fractions.

abstain?   abstain from blood, abstain from alcohol, abstain from fat in food .... abstain, must go to dictionary!  https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/abstain 

to not do something, especially something enjoyable that you think might be bad:

1 hour ago, Witness said:

The scripture’s “day of evil” isn’t what the video portrays at all.  Rather, it involves Satan’s deception of lies; and our desire to either battle against it,

like this :))

2 hours ago, James Thomas Rook Jr. said:

why are all the soldiers wearing "masks"

This soldiers belonging to very very special forces extra trained to deal with pacifists people.... it surprised me that don't see water cannons in action.

....and when filming is over all going to Heineken stored and cooled in last year built basement :)))) 

There are various genres in the film industry. In this video, there are several genres in one. I think, did not watch the whole video, just some parts. As they wait for the "end," these JW people in the video recall some or many moments from their past. In which they have shown their attitude and resisted temptations, remaining faithful to their principle  and so on. Some say that human whole life flashes before the eyes of those who are faced with death. These people in the video are faced with death.

It is funny that hundreds of soldiers surround the twenty civilians in the clearing, on the meadow. Strange military tactics or bad estimates of the commander of the army. Or is it as the WT literature says: "All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether those appear sound from a strategic or human standpoint or not." Seems how similar instructions  existing in army camp too :)))))

The movies exist to make us emotional. And that is ok. It not surprised me how convention people have tears when looks video. All people expecting some spectacular outcome, for movie characters or for those/us who watching. Because  while sitting and looking movie we have projections. We identify with characters, with the main actor, with events. In this video, the director and producer put a couple of comparative main characters. So there is something for everyone. For the old and the young, single and married, for rich and poor ....

We are beings who love fantasy and imagination. Of all kinds. In one moment when i was in prison for neutrality i had imagination too. That wall of jail would broken down as in Jericho and i will walk away :)))) and that was before some 40 years. And walls of that prison still standing and receiving "guests".

It will be nice that God making revolution and "neutralizes" all who are "bad" and those who are not so "bad" (but who are not "good enough"). And new society will growing. And same or similar problem will growing too. Because that is the nature of human, perfect or imperfect not matter. Just opinion :))

3 hours ago, TrueTomHarley said:

children.

My mentioned of children is for purpose of illustration. It is possible to use all other sort of examples too. :)))))   

2 hours ago, TrueTomHarley said:

It is also worth noting that the European Court of Human Rights didn't buy the charge that Jack is spreading,  that Jehovah’s Witnesses break up families. It wrote in 2010:

“It is the resistance and unwillingness of non-religious family members to accept and to respect their religious relative’s freedom to manifest and practice his or her religion that is the source of conflict.”

If people like/want to be neutral and objectively, then both side in some disagreement must accept Court decision, no matter is such gave favor to left or right side of a bench. 

So, when Court decide in favor for JW, all JW community is very happy and interpret decision how JHVH intervene and protect His people. When Court decide opposite of JW community expectation then JW have another interpretation why that happened.

This quote you gave from ECHR showing how that street is two way street. If someone want to use this quote only for JW religion members and not also for other religion or non religion members then all that is in vain.

If your family member (children) want to celebrate birthday and you as JW parent forbid them to express their  freedom to manifest and practice his or her religion  (or wish, or non religion attitude, or atheistic, or worldly ideas)  that is the source of conflict.”

:)) please, do see how every sword have two side

On 8/4/2018 at 11:53 PM, James Thomas Rook Jr. said:

Isn't it interesting if we tell someone that we were talking to God, more than likely we will be perceived as righteously inclined ... whereas if we tell someone that God speaks to us ..... we will be perceived as bat crap crazy?

whereas if we tell someone that God speaks to us ....perhaps because people (in  or out of JWorg) have not faith that this is possible. Or people are smart enough to not believe in such claims if someone would say how that happened to him.

This very interesting thought you present, remind me on similar "problem" for faith, for spiritual life of believers. Miracles mentioned in Bible. People was cured from sickness, resurrected, been feed with food and drink from nowhere,  saved from evil, from illness, from the enemy, from natural and unnatural catastrophe ....

And today believers are sure that "miracles" was been possible in past, in far past - NOT TODAY - because WT explain how miracles ended in one particular moment of one particular day in one particular year in the 1st Century. That was the time, age of last seen miraculous works caused by God. All other that happened after, later was demonic acts or fraud.

And today you are left in conviction how divine miracles are belong in the long past and  will be in some distance day in the future. No one knows when in future. Close future or far future? It doesn't matter. In a future, BUT NOT TODAY. Past time - yes. Future time - yes. Today - no. It can not be today, because God will is to not doing miracles today but in the future ...and in the past. But not today. Today, what You need is faith. And that is miracle. Your faith is Miracle. Not physical demonstration of some supernatural effect. Only Faith you got, you have.

And as You gave interesting example with "communication issue" (between people and God)  that can be problem even among, inside the same group of same religion who are connected in so called religious unity and worship one God JHVH.

If some JW member ever come to idea how God answered on his pray with Divine Voice that would be miracle. With what result? ....will be perceived as bat crap crazy?

To avoid such effect, members will wrap, envelop, pack God's response to them, to such forms/formats that are socially acceptable within the organization (read or listen to life experience in magazines or conventions giving illustration for what i said)

Here said, not reflects the author's point of view.... just freedom of thinking. :)))))

WT teaching said that JW members must avoid any kind of contact with ex JW. Even with family members, especially if they are not living under same roof. For those family members who do living under same roof WT give instruction "how family ties continue" (this is ridiculous,  isn't???:))))))) but "faithful JW family members will not talking about "spiritual things" with unfaithful (DF or DA family member), because Bible said so. And now we have irony situation in Bible events. God and Jesus have spoke with DF/DA angel aka devil. And it was not everyday small talking ("because family ties continue" :))) again ) but they are talking about very important spiritual things. About Job (brother in faith and his situation) or about some Bible principles and verses (Jesus and devil in dessert). 

Well, is there something that makes people feel confused on issue of "shunning" ?? Or am i only, single person in the whole world who don't understand  why would God and Jesus forbidding to JW members talking with ex members when They were not using same WT standard in examples presented in verses down? 

6 One day the heavenly beings^* came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan^* also came among them. ⁷The Lord said to Satan,^* ‘Where have you come from?’ Satan^* answered the Lord, ‘From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.’ ⁸The Lord said to Satan,^* ‘Have you considered my servant Job? ........

4. Then Jesus was led by the spirit up into the wilderness to be tempted+ by the Devil.+ 2  After he had fasted for 40 days and 40 nights, he felt hungry. 3  And the Tempter+ approached and said to him: “If you are a son of God, tell these stones to become loaves of bread.” 4  But he answered: “It is written: ‘Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every word that comes from Jehovah’s*mouth.’”+5  Then the Devil took him along into the holy city,+ and he stationed him on the battlement* of the temple+ 6  and said to him: “If you are a son of God, throw yourself down, for it is written: ‘He will give his angels a command concerning you,’ and, ‘They will carry you on their hands, so that you may not strike your foot against a stone.’”+ 7  Jesus said to him: “Again it is written: ‘You must not put Jehovah* your God to the test.’”+8  Again the Devil took him along to an unusually high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory.+ 9  And he said to him: “All these things I will give you if you fall down and do an act of worship to me.” 10  Then Jesus said to him: “Go away, Satan! For it is written: ‘It is Jehovah* your God you must worship,+ and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.’”+11  Then the Devil left him,+ and look! angels came and began to minister to him.+