Srecko Sostar

According to law here, and in many European countries if not all:

The owner may pluck the veins and roots of other people's trees and other vegetation from his land, as well as cut off the branches of other people's trees and part of the trunk in the air above his property and keep them for himself, or use these parts of other people's trees..... If he decides to suffer branches in his airspace, he is entitled to the fruits that the branches bear, as well as to the fruits that fall on his land.

Tree roots are a strong force and can damage installations or other things that are underground. If another neighbor was setting up installations, and the tree had already been in the neighboring yard before, he might or should have predicted that roots might be a problem in the future. Whether the plumbing could have been installed elsewhere or not is hard to say now. It depends on the regulations and other conditions at that location.

It often happens that plants, larger or smaller, are planted too close to the border. Many people who plant plants while they are still young do not leave enough room to grow. After a few years the plant spreads in its natural growth and becomes a maintenance problem. Ignorance of how big the plant will be when it reaches its full size contributes to the problem for both parties. There are also those who plant trees along the border and do not really care about the consequences of such planting. There are also wild trees that are left to grow.
Trees and plants are a very valuable thing, but they must be controlled in urban areas, especially between two neighbors.

20 hours ago, Melinda Mills said:

https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/bible-about-pandemics-disease/#link0

 

Thanks for link.

 My very first reaction when i saw question and answer was this:

Bible didn't foretell that blood transfusion is the thing that will cause problem for JW members. Bible didn't foretell that blood transfusion is part of Last Days Signs or fulfillment of some past prediction/prophecy  for the future. :))  

1 hour ago, Melinda Mills said:

All authority has been given me in heaven and in earth.

In connection with "authority" is Revelation 6, too. It is notable that Lamb made decision to open "seven seals". Each of this "seals" brings devastation to Earth and people. I would understand that Lamb action is connected with his free will and determination to "conquer all his enemies". For example, "war in heaven between devil and Michael" is not caused by merely for the reason of  some prophecy needs to be fulfilled, or because God has seen the future. No, war is because this two camps can't stand each other, they decided to win or loose the battle. They are rivals and only one can rule the World. Each of them poses a problem to the other. 

If you want to explain almost all of this and some other things in question of faith and hope, in question of good and evil, than you need to consider another fact/possibility: 

14 hours ago, Melinda Mills said:

Jehovah is prophesying about

Bible not made any quotations (as i know) about God's ability to see future before Adam, Eve and satan came to existence and before they made problem. We have WTJWorg interpretations about this dilemma. They explained: Sometimes God decides to see the future, and sometimes He does not want to see the future. :))) In next perception about God we have idea how God always know what action will cause good outcome and what action will end badly. But, His knowledge is not only about other persons or things, but also and firstly about Him. This is one of thing that make Him above all, exalted in power and wisdom. 

Well, the existence of the idea that God knew, even before He created angels and human, that there would be a rebellion (and all about that), is neither impossible nor blasphemous. 

This would mean, that things don’t have to be explained just with the idea of prophecy, as if it’s some definite or indeterminate event that will happen because we could see into the future, like we’re watching TV.
In the case of God, He is not just a neutral and/or helpless observer of the future. He is the initiator of the event and knows very well what will happen. He has all the algorithms and combinations.

For example, the Bible says nothing about the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil" in the heavenly realms, which would be a test of obedience and faith for the angels. But Adam and Eve were subjected to a test. Is there a real difference between the free will of an angels and a human ??  And for both we believe they were perfectly created. 

All in all we know little. So, to tell, to teach; God saw future and uttered the prophecy, is not enough. 

This sort of questions are in group of answers similar to this. According to WTJWorg teaching/interpretation is this:

What Causes Variety in Races?

When the sperm cell from a man unites with the egg cell of a woman, a new human life is conceived even though the parents are of different races. Yet within that very small cell are thousands of genes, the transmitters of hereditary traits. These traits reflect characteristics seen in the parents or other ancestors.

The genetic makeup of the first man, Adam, was such that extensive variety could develop among his offspring—in such things as skin color, hair color and texture, body size and facial characteristics. This variety was increased by language and geographical differences.

Concerning geographical isolation the Encyclopedia Americana explains: “When lands inhabited by two or more populations are separated by seas, mountain ranges, deserts, or other obstacles to travel, the members of these populations are perforce confined to their respective territories. . . . races will be separated by gene frequency gaps corresponding to the geographical boundaries. . . . this condition is approached in Africa, where the Sahara Desert forms a boundary between the European (white) and the African (Negro) races. The Sahara is very sparsely inhabited and difficult for man to traverse; it constitutes an isolating agent of long standing.”

Thus genetics, language and geographical barriers help to explain why distinctive racial groups appear in all parts of the earth. - https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101982086

Here, article explains how God made basis, predisposition for (everything) future races variety. In other words, He planed races. Well, if Adam and Eve were made as "perfect" human and if climate of Earth was made to be "perfect" forever, why God made so many possibilities in variations, not only in animals and human, but about Earth too.  For reason that processes can be initiated that will completely change climatic conditions and that all this can develop, evolve and arise in diversity. This could arouse in us the idea that God had in mind not only plan A, but also plan B, C ....

If you, as believer, want to find cause for everything that exist, you will always get to God-Creator. And if something make you confused, you can always find consolation in this interpretation: God is source of good, and bad things exist because he allowed it. :))

20 hours ago, César Chávez said:

If misinterpreting scripture is the best you got Srecko, I can't imagine any justification to respond. Think about the words: "ask" and "demand" to help you with Bible understanding.

Every interpretation may go in two directions. :)) We saw that already in WTJWorg. My interpretations or understanding are not obligated to accept and not obligated to obey. You are free to "question" me and my thoughts. :)) ..... because you are "created in the image of God". 

The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.  For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God - 1 Cor 2

Asking questions, with or without faith, doubts, caution, or to provoke it is not something unknown to God or to human. Why you see problem in that?

The problem is not in the question but in the answer.

5 minutes ago, César Chávez said:

man questioning GOD

Why, O Lord, do you stand far away? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble? Psalm 10

But who are you, O man, to answer back to God? Will what is molded say to its molder, “Why have you made me like this?” - Romans 9

O Lord, how long shall I cry for help, and you will not hear? Or cry to you “Violence!” and you will not save? Habakkuk 1

Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: “Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. Job 38

Jesus answered them, “I also will ask you one question, and if you tell me the answer, then I also will tell you by what authority I do these things. Mat 21

Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin? Luke 1

19 minutes ago, César Chávez said:

You submitted, man has a right to question God in the same way you say man has a right to question man. 

So God created mankind in his own image,
    in the image of God he created them;
    male and female he created them

20 hours ago, César Chávez said:

Then you stand in the side of atheism. Any Religious person does NOT have the "authority" to question God. James 1:5-6 

Does that mean, Jesus should have questioned God’s motive?

Bible give example that anyone is entitled to ask all sort of questions even those kind that question motive of person. God allowed satan to ask this:  "Does Job fear God for nothing?" In this question God didn't see any reason to punish devil for asking not only about Job motives but motives of God Himself. Further events show that God participated fully in conversation with devil and they both gave ideas or way how such questions could be, should be answered.

If you or anyone have doubt, interest, are curious about someone or something,  a question may be asked.

31 minutes ago, César Chávez said:

Once again, was that before or after Christ?

Also, you didn't answer the question, when did man get the "authority" to question God?

Before or after Christ, is that matter? People lived even before the coming of Christ. Israel lived before, too, and were under Law of God. And that Law regulate war actions of Israel.

What is meaning of your question? 

About second question. People don't need "to get the authority" for direct questions towards anyone, even god. It is obtained by birth. :))

3 hours ago, Srecko Sostar said:

In old Bible times of Israel's kings, taxes are used for wars. In the name of God. Was that ok or not, i don't know, but this is just comment on your interesting question. :))

 

Tax in Bible vocabulary have few meanings:

1- Mandatory, compulsory labor for king/kingdom. 

2- Payment given to the kingdom as recognition that the subjects recognize their domination by the kingdom is called, "offering."

3- King Solomon levied the Tenth-Tax on the residents which was a regular tax to pay for his expenses.'

4- The people of Israel recognized silver and gold products only as war-booty (not products that should be used for trading)

5- To pay for the great building expenditures, Solomon imposed an additional tax on the residents aside from the Tenth-Tax, which was used to pay for Temple and Palace expenses.

6- Solomon began to charge a tax from the traders who entered his country, Trade Tax.

7- Later kings of Judea abolished the three additional methods of creating revenues; the special additions to existing taxes, sale of state property, and compulsory labor.

8-  At first, the tax was only collected from agricultural property. Beginning in Solomon's time, taxes were collected from the trade.

9- Revenues for support of the Priests and Levies, also a need to conduct Temple repairs from time to time.

....and many other 

David's and Solomon' fiscal policies are interesting. One is king of War and other was king of Peace. 

For instance, when Solomon formed his 12 districts for the purposes of taxation and supplying the needs of his court, he did not include Judah (1 Kings 4). Judah apparently had tax-free status.

https://repository.jmls.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1180&context=facpubs

6 hours ago, TrueTomHarley said:

We’re not enemies. You’re abrasive, but that doesn’t make us enemies. 

I like this perspective about people's relations. It is true how our character can bring difficulties or easy time with different individuals. In general, and same is in JW congregations.

9 hours ago, César Chávez said:

On 10/20/2020 at 2:02 PM, TrueTomHarley said:

Don’t misunderstand. This is not a reproof to anyone.

Oh! I understand what your rebuke is. With or without a meaning.  Funny how ex-JWs can get away with it,

We, ex JWs worked very hard to get this status :))) 

9 hours ago, César Chávez said:

By this view, would it be okay by God to tax and have that money used for war?

In old Bible times of Israel's kings, taxes are used for wars. In the name of God. Was that ok or not, i don't know, but this is just comment on your interesting question. :))

4 minutes ago, Emma Rose said:

Ok, do JW's consider you an apostate?

1. To Society Watch Tower, Watchtower and corporations

2. To Jehovah's Witnesses and all assemblies

3. To all whom this concern

Declaration on termination of membership to a religious community of Jehovah's Witnesses

I was baptized in 1977 at the age of 17, then a minor. But, in good faith I answered the following two questions just before baptism, which is symbolized my dedication to God in terms of the beliefs of Jehovah's Witnesses religion.

At that time (before the change of June 1 1985) questions have read as follows;

1. Have you repented of your sins and converted, recognizing yourself before Jehovah God as a condemned sinner who needs salvation, and have you acknowledged to him that this salvation proceeds from him, the Father, through his Son Jesus Christ?

2. On the basis of this faith in God and in his provision for salvation, have you dedicated yourself unreservedly to God to do his will henceforth as he reveals it to you through Jesus Christ and through the Bible under the enlightening power of the holy spirit?

Since I have over decades closely followed the changes in various aspects of activity of this religion, I noticed some frequent collisions (1 John 4:1; 1 Th 5:21). It is visible in: a) the content of the various interpretations; b) in the theory and practice of action in everyday life issues. Overview of many historical aspects of the spiritual heritage, which the organization has, since its inception in the 19th century, left to its members-followers, and wants to cover it up, revise and incorrect display, is astounding. Who wants to drink a water from a cup in which there is a single drop of dangerous substances?

The purpose of my statement is not to explain doctrine and practices of society and the board of directors, who are disturbed my conscience and reasoning within the love, faith, knowledge and understanding that I feel and I have to God and Jesus Christ and to the people, so I will taxatively single out only a few of them (Rom 14:4). These are obvious example, on the one hand, theological acrobatics from the main church body of Jehovah's Witnesses, and on the other hand, their dishonesty and practice in which one they are learns, and other they are works;

1) Confusing conceptions about their own identity (Who shared spiritual food? One servant, all 144 000, a composite body or the governing body ...,)

2) Pragmatism in changing dogmatic interpretations before the change was "firmly biblical established", such as a series of explanations about the "generation" ...,

3) Speculation about the meaning of biblical statements and how they should be understood. More than once the revised interpretation were in style of YES-NO-YES-NO; then this year's "changed approach to the interpretation of reports from the Word of God" ...,

4) Switching of responsibility from the governing body and their representatives on the ordinary believers in respect of the decisions and attitudes that members should be carried out, when it becomes apparent that they were endangered spiritually, mentally and literally health of fellow believers (eg, multiple expectations of Armageddon, Malawi and Mexico of the 1970's, questions about blood, juvenile members / Bulgaria /, neutrality ...,)

5) Co-operation and association with political organizations such as the UN and the OSCE.

6) Increasingly open calls for financial donations and contributions to the funds of the corporation.

7) Careless and unkind treatment of victims of pedophilia within the congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses

Regardless of how, as collective or personal, members of the Jehovah's Witnesses will treat me after this letter of resignation, considering the worldwide-known practice of ignoring and avoiding (shunning) that Jehovah's Witnesses apply to all who are outside of their religion ("worldly" people, dissociated and disfellowshipped) - I with fully conscious and reason declare still this; My relationship with the people / persons in the Jehovah's Witness religion and those who are not, is based on the words of Jesus; "Love your neighbor as yourself"; "Love those who hate you"; "Whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them."

I expecting from you, that any kind of information which is stored anywhere, in connection with me and has my full name, such as personal files, or any other files you immediately destroy!

Zagreb, July 27/2015 Srećko Šoštar -------------

Verified by notary public

How do you feel what JW's think about me after reading this? :))

1 hour ago, Emma Rose said:

Are you considered an apostate?

In relation to what, to whom? :))

Perhaps the question should be: Do JWs consider me an apostate? :)))

26 minutes ago, Emma Rose said:

I understand that my dedication and baptism identifies me as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization.  A reminder to work with God's spirit-directed organization.  If I call myself one of Jehovah's Witnesses, others will reach the conclusion that I'm associated with Jehovah's organization.

What Is Baptism?

The meaning of baptism

The Bible compares baptism to burial. (Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12) Water baptism symbolizes a person’s dying to his past course of life and beginning a new one as a Christian dedicated to God. Baptism and the steps that lead up to it are God’s arrangement for a person to gain a clean conscience based on his faith in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 3:21) Thus, Jesus taught that his disciples must get baptized.—Matthew 28:19, 20. - https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/what-is-baptism/

Even WTJWorg publication explained what is purpose of baptism and in the same time contradict to themselves. Purpose of baptism for individual is not to show others to what sort of organized religion she/he belongs. Baptism not exist for purpose of registration to particular organization. Baptismal question No. 2 in WTJWorg is not in harmony with own published explanation and not in harmony with Jesus' teachings. 

Question No. 1 Have you repented of your sins, dedicated yourself to Jehovah, and accepted his way of salvation through Jesus Christ? contains elements that can be found in the Bible.

1 hour ago, Emma Rose said:

Have a read of Acts 18:24-26.  Here was Apollos, a Jew, well-versed in the scriptures and although he was speaking and teaching accurately the things about Jesus, he was acquainted only with the baptism of John, so what did Aquila and Priscilla do?  they took him into their company and explained the way of God more accurately to him.

Milk = what all of us learn at the start, Solid Food = what we come to learn over time.

 Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures.  He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John.  He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately. - NIV

Apollos already had accurate teaching/knowledge/faith about Lord. One thing is mentioned here about baptism detail that was different. He was already instructed about Jesus. It would be interesting to see what explanations came from Priscilla and Aquila that are under wording "more adequately".

Again, please consider what WT doing about "the way of God". They intrusively determine what is "the truth" about God and proclaim those who do not accept it with the name “apostates”. Perhaps JW's today need some new Priscilla and Aquila (married couple, aka female and male teachers) in WTJWorg Organization who would be able to explain the way of God, to temporary GB, more adequately/accurately.  

We can speak about two things about wording: 

A) Was it about Priscilla's/ Aquila's ability as a speakers (educated, substantial vocabulary, etc) who know to adequately and sufficiently explain some more details of the topic to listener who already know core/basic teaching and have accurate information about Jesus?

B) Was it about Priscilla's/ Aquila's call/need to correct some wrong believes, ideas, perspective of listener?

... he knew only the baptism of John.

Issue of baptism is interesting if you have knowledge about changes on baptismal questions through WT history. If Apollos learned from this Christian couple that you need to be baptized in The Name of ..., how it is possible that JW candidate is baptized in The Name of Organization instead of Father, Son and HS? 

Question No 2: Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in association with God’s spirit-directed organization?  ....New: ...identifies you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with Jehovah's organization?

Who today need adequate and accurate explanation? :))

3 hours ago, Emma Rose said:

Have to get to you in a while

I am in Zagreb, Croatia, Europe. I believe you are many, many miles/kilometres away .... :))))

11 hours ago, Emma Rose said:

Throughout scripture Jehovah has given instruction, often more appropriate at a certain point in time than another.  I suspect that the term core teachings, covers the basics and anything else may be what is learnt at a time more appropriate than another.  Milk and solid food for example.

¹⁷ Today’s watchman class has likewise had to clarify its views from time to time. Can anyone doubt, though, that Jehovah has blessed the ‘faithful slave’? Besides, viewed in context, are not most of the adjustments that have occurred relatively small? Our basic understanding of the Bible has not changed. Our conviction that we are living in the last days is stronger than ever! -https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1997604

I would like to direct your attention on this paragraph from WT 1997 study edition article. 

On one side you commented how JHVH' and Jesus' instructions are given in different time for different or certain purpose. Can you explain why would be how some "given instruction" in 1st century, be it more appropriate at a certain point of their or our time and some not? I believe how whole set of Jesus' teachings and instructions are good and appropriate for whole and each period of human lifetime. 

But this WT quote give answer why (perhaps you) JW members think differently about this. Because the need to "clarify  own  (watchman class aka GB) views came and coming from the reason they don't teach Jesus' or JHVH' teachings but own human doctrines.  

I guess, we have no need to adjust teachings from Bible, but in WTJWorg example, GB had/have need to adjust own interpretations about own teachings.  

For example, do we need to "adjust" God's teaching (law) about slavery to our time? No, because we don't want slavery today! So, we reject any past law (even if it was divine) that supported slavery. 

We are in position to follow or to not follow teachings and instructions revealed in Bible. 

Quote from WT say: Our basic understanding of the Bible has not changed. Our conviction that we are living in the last days is stronger than ever!

Here we have next thing. Author of article made self conviction how their (and all JW's) "basic understanding" (aka core understanding  /core=basic, central, key, fundamental, elemental, principal/) about something has not changed. And then continue with one basic or core JW teaching -  about "last days".

This Study article put accent on "basic understanding" that JW members strongly believe: Resurrection, Keep on Watch, Everlasting Life, Eternal Future, End is Close at Hand, Put Your Trust in Watchman aka GB.

Also have in mind that this is from the year 1997, that is 83 years after 1914 (Generation Doctrine).

And 13 years after famous WT study article: 1914—The Generation That Will Not Pass Away -https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1984361 

WTJWorg basic doctrine, let say, No 1, according to article: End is Close at Hand, that was based on other basic doctrine, let say, No 2: 1914-The Generation That Will Not Pass Away, ........ are both false, because each supported the other. You are aware of fact how 1914 Generation is replaced with Overlapping Generation. 

According to your understanding what is what in this case?! Milk and solid food or "to call a spade a spade" aka false teachings?

44 minutes ago, Emma Rose said:

Why would we find some of Christ's teachings "less important", that is the sort of thinking that paves the way for going beyond it.

Please, don't be angry at me. Expression "core teachings" is in JW vocabulary and some JW participants here using this terminology to show how JW religion is same as 1st Congregation. With that in mind, logically, JW have teachings, also, that are not "core". In fact, many regulations and instructions inside WTJWorg are men made teachings and instructions, and by that they are, obviously "less important" for your faith, but important for Organization.  

With that in mind, i said "less important" in connection to Christ's teachings, because Religious system of particular church/organization, in our example WT,  lowered the importance of some Jesus’ teachings and replaced them with "more important" human traditions.

4 hours ago, Emma Rose said:

The dust on the scales should not push ahead 2 John 1:9

Part 2.

2 John 1:9 – “Anyone who does not remain in Christ’s teaching but goes beyond it, does not have God. The one who remains in that teaching, this one has both the Father and the Son.”

It would help if you or some other JW member put here a list of Christ's teachings. Start with No. 1 please and take as much numbers you need to show all the teachings of Jesus. You can, if you need, name them as "core teachings", and if you find some Chris't teachings as less important, please put them in second list. 

After that, please make another list of WT past teachings and actual WT teachings. You can also do the same thing, because some JW's claims are, how "core teachings" were and are always the same, despite of "Beliefs Clarified" list by WTJWorg Official web. - https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200277174 , and all publications published till today.

It would be nice if you and other JW members delete that "dust" you speaking about.

After such task done, we all here will be able to compare two entities in 2. John 1:9, aka

Jesus Scale with/vs WTJWorg Scale 

18 minutes ago, Emma Rose said:

The dust on the scales should not push ahead 2 John 1:9

Oh, this explains why religious "knowledge" is in evolution mode, and gives answer on why "light getting brighter" with every new study edition (and GB videos on JWTV) of WT magazine :)) 

18 minutes ago, Emma Rose said:

Jehovah said He would make Solomon rich, ergo, money isn't evil.  Solomon's disobedience led to his downfall, multiplying wives and concubines from the nations, it was those that inclined Solomon's heart to follow their gods, not money.

Poor or rich, inclination of heart can be similar. But when you have money you can afford sooo many things, because, in Solomon case, his riches buy him a plenty of time for his fantasies and pleasures. Imagine working class man/woman try to survive day by day. Yes, he/she can also fall in love out side of marriage or seek pleasure outside moral standards  boundaries of society. But also, in Solomon case, they are "allowed" to have multiplying wives and concubines and to support kings/nobles with am-haaretz work. That was "system error" (organizational error) :)) not just Solomon's error. 

2 hours ago, Witness said:

"But if that wicked slave says in his heart, ‘My master is delayed,’

This is interesting. WT Slave 140 years announcing how end is here, close, before the generation of 1914 passed, just around the corner and similar warnings to own members and to the people in the World. 

How then does inner feeling, inside Slave, of "delay" manifest itself? In "spiritual beating" through doctrines and instructions and inside/outside policies, in administration system, in supporting false expectations, etc. 

Leading a WT organization by its leaders no doubt shows the elements that Jesus described as going to happen among those who claim to be his followers, regardless of the name of a religion and regardless of the specifics within such an organization. While a set of a church’s doctrines is very important in recognizing the direction that religion seeks to go, at least declaratively if not really, this detail of spiritual abuse within the church brings to light the other side of the coin. One’s religion may be theologically closest to “truth,” but the dominance of the “wicked servant” over other servants, and the involvement of such a servant in the “things of this world,” inevitably lead to Jesus ’rejection of such a set system.